The launch of the new DJI Osmo 360 has sent ripples through the action camera world—and for good reason. With its industry-first square HDR sensor, 8K video at 50fps, and impressive low-light capabilities, this camera could be the turning point underwater 360° content creators have been waiting for.
The Problem with Current 360 Cameras Underwater
Until now, popular 360 cameras like the Insta360 X3, X4, and GoPro Max have promised immersive footage but often fall short once submerged. Many users report disappointing underwater results—soft focus, colour distortion, and noisy shadows that make the footage feel murky and flat. These issues typically stem from smaller sensors and insufficient low-light optimisation, which struggle in the diffuse, shadow-heavy conditions underwater.
Enter the DJI Osmo 360
DJI has taken a bold step forward with the Osmo 360, incorporating dual 1/1.3-inch sensors with an f/1.9 aperture, allowing significantly more light in than the competition. According to Tom’s Guide, this results in noticeably better clarity, especially in low-light environments like those encountered underwater.
The sensors use an innovative square HDR design, which offers up to 13.5 stops of dynamic range and larger 2.4μm-equivalent pixels—ideal for capturing detail and colour in dim, shifting light. TV Technology explains that this design increases usable light-capture surface area by up to 25%, a major advantage for underwater scenarios where lighting can’t be controlled.
Spec Showdown: DJI vs Insta360 vs GoPro
In a side-by-side breakdown by ThreeSixtyCameras, the Osmo 360 outperforms Insta360’s flagship X5 across several categories: video resolution, colour depth, sensor size, and low-light performance.
Meanwhile, users of the GoPro Max—which hasn’t seen a major upgrade in years—have long voiced frustration about its limited underwater use, mostly due to its older sensor design and lower video resolution.
With 8K at 50fps, 5.7K at 100fps, and in-camera stitching, the Osmo 360 sets a new benchmark. The 360° video looks cinematic, sharp, and stable—something that has been elusive in underwater content until now.
Underwater Footage, Reimagined
While many creators have used 360 cameras on land or aerial rigs for immersive storytelling, few have ventured into underwater 360° production due to hardware limitations. The DJI Osmo 360 changes that equation.
With proper housing and mounting, the potential is enormous:
- Coral reef fly-throughs in full 360
- Immersive marine wildlife encounters
- Ocean exploration and documentation in high fidelity
- Tourism and educational content with unmatched perspective
As noted in TechRadar’s review, the Osmo 360 isn’t just a camera – it’s a tool that could reshape how creators capture the underwater world.
Final Thoughts
While it’s still early days and full underwater footage examples are just starting to surface, the Osmo 360 already shows signs of being a major step forward. DJI has raised the bar not only for 360 filmmaking in general, but specifically for those capturing content in low-light, underwater environments – a field that has long needed better tools.
If you’ve been waiting for a camera that can bring your underwater 360 vision to life, this might be the one to watch.