Got to use my Osmo Action for a few days now, definitely impressed. Upgrading from a Hero3+ from years ago, got to say action cams has really come a long way.
I must start with the Rocksteady feature-- the stabilization results of the video footage is so seamless. It's surprising how well it produces results electronically. Let's talk about other image stabilizing technologies that are in the industry right now-- example a mechanical IBIS you find in mirrorless cameras. IBIS sometimes causes image warping because the camera sensor is shifting from countering your hand movement. Not only that, IBIS just stabilizes your image marginally, you'd still need a gimbal to really get a steady image. Another example is when you're stabilizing a normal video footage in post with a video editing software like iMovie or Final Cut Pro X, your image will sometimes suffer from warping or even vibration blur from the user's footsteps. You DO NOT GET ANY OF THESE ISSUES in the Osmo Action and its Rocksteady feature. You just get a stable video clip, EVERY TIME. I'm such a big fan of this stabilization technology. It keeps its small form factor without needing a bulky gimbal to pack around. It just works.
Next feature that is a big upgrade from the old Hero3 is that the Osmo Action has a screen. A very large screen for that matter. The Hero3 didn't have that and I'd always have the guess what's in the frame of what I'm recording. Not only does it have a screen, it has a second screen in the front of the camera that you can switch to. Pretty ideal for vloggers and taking selfies (pretty sure that's the main point of the design), but there are tons of scenarios where that front screen will come in handy for you to monitor what's in frame wherever you're mounting this thing. I do wish there was a function to have both screens to be turned on at the same time, that way the subject can see what I'm seeing. Maybe in a firmware update in the future?
Listing some other features that I like, there is a D-Cinelike picture profile that makes the image somewhat "flatter" for better editing and do some color grading. Variety of frame rates, this thing records up to 60fps at 4K and 240fps at 1080P allowing you to do some incredible slow motion video. With all of its capabilities, I can really see how people can find more opportunities to use a device like this. I know when I was still using the old Hero3, I would take it along with me with my travels and would use my main mirrorless camera and only use the Hero3 if I'm capturing images near water since action cameras are water proof. So sometimes it just remains in my bag and never gets used. With the Osmo Action and its smooth hand held shots, I'll be using it all the time! Excited to take this along on a trip. Have fun with this awesome piece of technology, guys!
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