If I told you DJI would make a modular action camera, you'd probably think it's just a concept product. But the DJI Action 2 is very real, and features cool modules that expand on its core function. Oh, and it works as a webcam as well. There's a lot to like about the Action 2, but watch out for its starting S$639 price tag.
Quick specs
- 39 x 39 x 22.3mm, 56g
- 1/1.7-inch CMOS sensor, 155 degrees FOV, f/2.8, 12MP still
- 580mAh battery (camera), 1,300mAh (power or touchscreen module)
By itself though, you'll only be able to hold the Action 2 with your hand when shooting. To get the full use, you'll need the accessories it comes with. These magnetic accessories snap on pretty securely thanks to locks at the sides. The cheaper Power Combo comes with the camera, a power module, a magnetic lanyard, a magnetic mount. The more expensive Dual-Screen Combo comes with all that, but replaces the power module with a front touchscreen module and adds a magnetic ball-joint adapter. The ball-joint adapter features a reusable sticky gel that lets you mount the camera on most flat surfaces. The magnetic mount works with most action mounts. Meanwhile, the lanyard is worn under your shirt, so you can clip the camera on your chest. The SD card slot and USB-C port for charging and data are located on the power and touchscreen modules.
Credit: Aloysius Low/Can Buy or Not
Despite being the size of an ice cube, the Action 2 packs 4K optics with support for up to 120fps and 240fps (1080p) slowmo. That makes it perfect for cool action shots when you're planning to do fancy stunts. The touchscreen controls are simple, just swipe up to choose your resolution, or the buttons to zoom or playback video recorded. You can also choose for it to loop record, useful if you're using it as a dashcam and don't intend to save your journey. I do note that if you get the touchscreen module, the touchscreen there feels sluggish compared to the one on the camera module.
Image quality is great, and the built-in software based image stabilization Rocksteady 2.0 and HorizonSteady does a great job in keeping your videos stable. Rocksteady gives you gimbal-like stabilization, while HorizonSteady, only available for 1080p and 2.7K shooting modes, keeps the video level even if you tilt it more than 180 degrees. In fact, you can flip the camera over and the image will still stay leveled. Battery life is maybe around 30 minutes shooting 4K, but you'll run of storage space on the camera module first. You can add more juice by adding hotswapping power or touchscreen modules. Also note that the unit tends to shoot at 5 minute chunks for high resolutions. Wireless transfers of the video files can feel slow. Your best option is to plug it into a PC and copy the files out.
I really enjoyed my time playing around with the DJI Action 2. The modules are a cool way to expand what you can do, and includes macro lenses, waterproof cases, headbands, and wireless microphones. The Power Combo retails for S$639, while the Dual-Screen Combo is S$779. Get it on Shopee or Amazon.
Note: Review unit provided by DJI.
Any purchase you make through our links may generate a commission. It supports our work, but does not dictate our editorial reviews. See our FAQ here.
