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Dog Days of Summer: DPReview Editors' photo challenge showcase
DPReview Editors’ Choice photo challenge: top picks
For our most recent Editors’ Choice photo challenge, themed ‘The Dog Days of Summer’, we asked readers to share pictures showing how they embraced summer’s hot, sweltering days. After submissions closed last week, our editors spent several days carefully reviewing all the entries and collectively selected our favorites.
With over 300 entries to choose from, our task was challenging, and we were reminded of how much talent exists within our DPReview community. Numerous photos could have made the cut – many more than we can present here – but we had to whittle it down to a manageable number.
On that note, we present our top 20 picks from this Editors’ Choice photo challenge. And if we didn’t get to feature your photo this time around, watch for our next photo challenge!
Sunset smile
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Photographer: luka3rd
Description: My daughter enjoying the last sun rays on one of the summer evenings. It was taken in the village of Nea Skioni in Greece during our vacation in June of this year.
Equipment: Canon EOS R6 Mark II and Canon RF 50mm F1.8 STM
I think someone’s watching…
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Description: Friends pose for a shot during a much needed hot summer dip in the Burrard Inlet (Vancouver, BC), with Bowen Island in the distance.
Equipment: Canon AE-1 Program and Canon FD 50mm F1.4
A parade for the love of clay
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Photographer: mikolaj_szary
Description: For years, I have been traveling during the Summer to Bolesławiec, a Polish city in Lower Silesia, where clay has been made for centuries. I go there whenever there is the annual ceramic festival, which takes place for several days. The most picturesque part of those days is a procession of people getting painted with clay, who are dressed in unique costumes. Everyone takes part in this parade. Creativity counts. I took this photo during this year’s parade on a hot Saturday afternoon.
Equipment: Canon EOS 50D and Canon EF 24-70mm F4L IS USM
High altitude hiking
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Photographer: NZ Scott
Description: On the Mestia-Ushguli Trail, Georgia.
Equipment: Sony RX100 VII
Dog days of summer
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Photographer: TimJoeBill
Description: I saw this dog enjoying the view from a camper van on the coast in Highland, Scotland, on a rare warm and sultry August day.
Equipment: Leica SL2-S and Leica Summilux-M 50mm F1.4 ASPH
Untitled
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Photographer: Battery_Kinzie
Description: Taken on Lake Zürich, in Strandbad Tiefenbrunnen. It was a boiling hot day. This photo was taken at 20:16, and it was still warm enough that a cooling dip in (or dive into) the lake was an attractive proposition.
Equipment: Sony a6000
Ladies in Castelluccio
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Photographer: Andrea Beneventi
Description: The traditional flowering of lentils in Castelluccio di Norcia.
Equipment: Canon EOS 700D
Dock jump sunset
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Photographer: owenleve
Description: Oliver Dock jumping at sunset. Donner Lake. Truckee, California. Enjoying the dog days of summer. Taken standing chest-deep in the lake.
Equipment: Nikon Z9 and Nikkor Z 14-30mm F4.5
Chillin’ in the middle of the river
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Photographer: Dondog
Description: Happy day in Chesterfield Gorge, Massachusetts.
Equipment: Canon EOS 5D Mark III and Canon EF 40mm F2.8 STM
Untitled
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Photographer: Ab S
Description: Mietze enjoying sun warmth (like only a cat can).
Equipment: Sony RX10 IV
Fishing at sunrise
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Photographer: kodakrome
Description: Fishing at sunrise on a warm August morning. Garden City Beach, South Carolina.
Equipment: Canon EOS R8 and Canon RF 600mm F11 IS STM
Fair winner
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Photographer: JeffryzPhoto
Description: Summer means county or state fairs, this being the San Diego County Fair. A girl proudly takes home her prize.
Equipment: Fujifilm X-T4 and Fujifilm XF 16mm F1.4 R WR
Launch into summer
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Photographer: Orangutaan
Description: A friend poses for a shot during a much needed hot summer dip in the Burrard Inlet (Vancouver, BC), with Bowen Island in the distance.
Equipment: Canon AE-1 Program and Canon FD 50mm F1.4
The trampoline
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Photographer: mcxxrr
Description: Taken in Rhodes. Loved all that was happening on the stairs and the boy discussing the far boat with the girl.
Equipment: OM System OM-D E-M1 Mark ii and Olympus M.Zuiko ED 12-100m F4 IS Pro
Admiring the sunset
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Photographer: CanmorePat
Description: A Rocky Mountain goat admires the sunset in his home in the Selkirk Mountains of British Columbia.
Equipment: Sony a6600 and Sony 18-35mm F3.5-5.6 OSS
The joys of summer
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Photographer: Albert kings
Description: My daughter celebrating the little but most memorable things.
Equipment: Apple iPhone X
Where’d it go?
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Photographer: ULprof
Description: In a late afternoon golf tournament my son was playing in, I snapped this picture of all the kids looking off into the sunset as they desperately tried to track where their golf balls went.
Equipment: Sony a7R IV and Sony 70-200mm F2.8 G SSM II
4th of July pool time!
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Photographer: AlexeyV
Description: lol party for 4th of July, my son showing off his jumping skills.
Equipment: Fujifilm X100VI
The golden wings of summer glow
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Photographer: Ritam Melgunov
Description: The egret flying up in the sunset glow. Captured at the end of August specifically for the Challenge. Surroundings of Gatchina, Leningrad region, Russia. My poem: How nice ‘tis to be a bird! A waft — and you are awing! A bird has no debt or deed, He can simply fly and sing— How nice ‘tis to be a bird! O freedom! O breadth! O flight! No bond, no care, no curb— Just soar to the happy height!— A bird speaks no hurting word Nor lies — a bird lives a dream— How nice ‘tis to be a bird! Oh, yes! I would fly with him!
Equipment: Canon EOS R7
Find your beach
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Photographer: rshoub
Description: We were late getting off to the beach, but that didn’t stop our granddaughter from getting a head start. Here she is on a blanket of sun coming through the skylight onto the floor of our Rhode Island summer rental cottage.
Equipment: Sony RX10
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The X100 didn’t hit the shelves until early 2011 but it generated interest from the moment it was announced.
Photo: Andy Westlake |
As part of our twenty-fifth anniversary, we’re looking back at some of the most significant cameras launched during that period. Without question, the Fujifilm FinePix X100, announced fourteen years ago today, is one of those cameras.
It wasn’t the first large-sensor fixed lens compact: that honor goes to Sigma’s DP1, which squeezed one of its 20.7 x 13.8 mm Foveon chips into a small, minimalist body, but it was the first to really catch the collective photography imagination.
Back in 2010, the first Mirrorless cameras were arriving, so you could buy a Panasonic GF1 with the company’s 20mm F1.7 lens or an Olympus PEN, also with the Panasonic 20mm F1.7 if you had any sense. But those were the only options if you wanted a small camera with good image quality. Both were, at that point, very obviously a technology and lens system that was still developing.
Beyond these you only really had two choices: you could buy a DSLR if you wanted a Four Thirds sensor or anything larger, or an enthusiast compact based around a Type 1/1.7 chip (7.4 x 5.6mm), which was, at best, one-fifth of the size. Maybe a Type 2/3 (8.8 x 6.6mm) if you were really lucky, but that’s still a two-stop difference compared with the smallest-sensor DSLR, simply because the sensor is no better than 1/4 the size. But even the smallest DSLRs weren’t particularly small, especially once you put a lens on them.
Read about the subsequent history of the Fujifilm X100 series
With its APS-C sensor and F2 lens, the X100 had an immediate image quality benefit over any existing compact camera, and its self-contained nature meant it made more sense as a second camera for DSLR owners who didn’t want to have a foot in two lens mounts by becoming a Mirrorless early adopter.
Then there were its looks. These may not play a part in the end images (though the “is that a film camera?” response from bystanders wasn’t a bad way to raise the idea of taking their photo), but they made the camera look and feel a bit special. And who ever said photography is a pursuit based on cold rationality?
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This is probably what people mean when they refer to ‘classic styling.’
Photo: Andy Westlake |
So the X100 had appeal on multiple levels: it was one of the smallest cameras to offer such high image quality, it would work alongside other systems without complicating your commitments, it looked good and took really good-looking photos.
It was also, at launch, recognizably a work in progress. Our original review had a page dedicated to bugs and odd behaviors, many of which got ironed-out over a series of firmware updates. It was slow, it was quirky and yet it caused an awful lot of photographers to fall in love with it.
I still have my original X100 and will sometimes still use it (which probably wouldn’t have been the case were it not for the significant improvement in autofocus that came nearly three years after its original launch). After fourteen years it really shows its age, and my experience is somewhat spoiled by having spent a considerable amount of time shooting with its five successor models.
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The X100 (Rear) has long ago been superseded but its most recent descendent, the X100 VI (Front) is still very much in demand.
Photo: Richard Butler |
We’ve seen many attempts by other manufacturers in this space: Leica’s APS-C X series pre-dated the X100 but seems to have been superseded by the full-frame Q models, while the 28mm equiv Nikon Coolpix A and X70 and XF10 from Fujifilm seem to have fallen by the wayside. Only Ricoh’s move of its much-loved GR premium compacts to APS-C seems to have had anything like the longevity of the X100 series. And, while there’s plenty of skepticism from people who aren’t 35mm equiv fans and those put off by its recent five minutes of fame on TikTok, the X100 started a series that’s still very much in demand, fourteen years later.
| Image: Hasselblad |
Hasselblad has announced a limited edition of the X2D 100C called the Earth Explorer. It comes as a kit that includes a ‘Tundra Brown’ version of the medium format camera, a 55m F2.5 lens, limited-edition camera strap, UV filter, two batteries, and a charging dock.
The company says the camera’s color was inspired by “the resilient ecosystem of the Nordic tundra,” but it’s not the only thing that’ll differentiate the limited edition version from the regular X2D. The camera will also have a different startup screen that displays an icon of mountains, and the four-digit serial number will be engraved on the side of the body. Hasselblad says it’ll only be selling 1,000 units worldwide.
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Both the camera and the strap are laser-engraved.
Image: Hasselblad |
The strap is also limited edition and is made from ‘eco-friendly recycled plastics’ and ‘high-tech, soft, skin-friendly fabric.’ Like the camera, it will have the ‘Earth Explorer’ branding engraved on the inside of the strap.
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The Earth Explorer logo on the box will also display when you boot up the camera.
Image: Hasselblad |
Getting the limited edition won’t come cheap. If you were to assemble a similar kit with the regular versions of Hasselblad’s products, it’d cost a touch over $12,000 US. The Earth Explorer kit, meanwhile, comes in at $13,999 or €14,999 in Europe. The company says it’s available ‘online and at selected retail stores worldwide.’
Hasselblad Unveils the X2D 100C Earth Explorer Limited Edition, An Exclusive Kit for Adventurous Photographers
The Limited Edition Includes a Hasselblad X2D 100C Camera Body, XCD 55V Lens and Accessories
The Hasselblad X2D 100C Earth Explorer Limited Edition is a unique kit designed for photographers who explore and capture the beauty of Earth’s natural landscapes. Limited to 1,000 units worldwide, this exclusive edition combines the exceptional features of the Hasselblad X2D 100C with a Tundra Brown exterior, a color inspired by the Nordic landscapes.
Tundra Brown, a hue native to Hasselblad’s homeland, stands out among the captivating spectrum of colours found in the natural world. Daring adventurers search out unique colours like this, venturing into extreme environments with courage and determination, capturing the extraordinary with unwavering dedication. Utilizing the Hasselblad Natural Colour Solution (HNCS), they accurately depict the shades of the Nordic tundra and other landscapes, inviting a broader audience to admire nature’s allure and distinct hues.
Embark and Discover with the Explorer Kit
Designed to honour the spirit of exploration and inspire the creative journey, the kit includes the Hasselblad X2D 100C Earth Explorer Limited Edition camera body, an XCD 2,5/55V lens, a limited-edition camera strap, UV filter, X System battery charging hub, and two X System batteries. These accessories provide users everything they need to embark on their next great adventure right away.
Nature’s Palette – Tundra Brown
Inspired by the resilient ecosystem of the Nordic tundra, where life thrives in harsh conditions, the Tundra Brown colour embodies the spirit of perseverance that Hasselblad aims to convey with the Earth Explorer Limited Edition. The colour melds the grey-green of the arctic vegetation with the deep brown of the soil, reinforcing the minimalist elegance of the camera’s metal body.
Exclusive Features and Design
Each kit features a laser-engraved “Earth Explorer” and a unique serial number from 0001 to 1000 on the side of the camera body, ensuring a one-of-a-kind identity. The unique “Earth Explorer” start-up screen heralds the start of an extraordinary creative journey whenever the camera is turned on.
The exterior of the kit’s limited-edition strap is made from eco-friendly recycled plastics interlaced with traditional weaving techniques. The interior uses high-tech, soft, skin-friendly fabric for outstanding performance, lightweight comfort, and easy maintenance. It features hand-embroidered “Hasselblad” text on its exterior and a precision laser-engraved “Earth Explorer” on the interior.
The Hasselblad X2D 100C Earth Explorer Limited Edition is priced at USD $13,999 / EUR €14,999 and is available to purchase online and at selected retail stores worldwide. For more information, visit www.hasselblad.com.
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The latest trick for the Osmo Action series is subject-centering.
Image: DJI |
DJI has announced a new action camera, the Osmo Action 5 Pro. The announcement comes hot on the heels of GoPro’s recent unveiling of its new flagship camera, the Hero13 Black.
The Osmo Action 5 Pro can record 4:3 4K at 120fps, something the Action 4 could only achieve at 16:9. The company also says the camera has ‘excellent low-light performance,’ with the ability to shoot up to 4K 60fps in low light.
There’s also a separate ‘SuperNight’ mode, which shoots up to 4K/30 footage at 16:9. The company says the mode uses ‘AI noise reduction algorithms’ to ‘overcome the darkness in extremely low-light environments.’
The camera now has a subject tracking mode, which works similarly to modes we’ve seen in vlogging-focused cameras from DJI and Sony. The camera can detect a subject and keep them centered in the frame, adjusting the composition as they move. Because this mode involves cropping in, it’s unsurprising it’s only available at resolutions up to 2.7K.
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| DJI says the Osmo Action 5 Pro uses a ‘next-gen’ sensor. |
The Action 5 Pro is built around a 40MP Type 1/1.3 (10 x 7.5mm) sensor with 2.4 μm pixels. While it’s the same size as the sensor in the Osmo Action 4 – albeit with nearly four times the resolution – it’s substantially larger than the Type 1/1.9 (6.3 x 5.5mm) sensor GoPro has been using for the past few years. DJI also claims its sensor can capture up to 13.5 stops of dynamic range.
In front of the sensor is an F2.8 lens with a 155-degree field of view. DJI says the lens can focus as close as 35cm (approx. 14″), slightly closer than the Osmo Action 4 could.
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The Osmo Action 5 Pro is waterproof to 20m (65.5ft) without a case.
Images: DJI |
DJI also claims the Action 5 Pro will last substantially longer than its predecessor. Not only is its battery physically larger – 7.5Wh versus 6.8Wh – but its processor is also now built on a more efficient 4nm process. The company says it’ll be good for ‘up to 4 hours of continuous use’ and that it can even ‘reliably record video for up to 3.6 hours’ in temperatures down to -20°C (-4°F). The Action 5 Pro also has quick charging, with the company saying you should be able to get up to two hours of recording time with only 15 minutes of charging.
The Action 5 Pro now includes 47GB of onboard storage, which can be expanded with a microSD card. You can offload footage from it via Wi-Fi 6 or USB; like its predecessor, the Wi-Fi connection can also be used for live streaming.
The dual screens on the Action 5 Pro are a little larger and brighter than the previous generation’s. The Action 4 had a 3.6cm (1.4″) front screen and a 5.7cm (2.25″) rear screen, which both run at around 750 nits. The Action 5 Pro’s front screen is now 3.7cm (1.46″) with a max brightness of 800 nits, and the rear screen is 6.4cm (2.5″) with a peak brightness of 1,000 nits, which should make it a bit easier to see in harsh sunlight.
The Osmo Action 5 Pro is available today. The standard kit* will cost $349, while an ‘Adventure Combo’ will cost $449 and includes a mini quick-release adapter mount, battery case, and 1.5m extension rod.
* The standard kit includes the Osmo Action 5 Pro, a battery, a protective frame, quick release adapter mount, curved adhesive base, locking screen, USB type C to C cable, a rubber lens protector, glass lens cover, and anti-slip pad.
DJI Advances Action Camera Industry with Osmo Action 5 Pro’s Revolutionary Image Quality
DJI delivers action camera with industry-first professional features, including a groundbreaking 13.5-stop for both an exceptional high dynamic range and excellent low-light performance
September 19 – DJI, the global leader in civilian drones and creative camera technology, today unveils the Osmo Action 5 Pro. The latest generation of DJI’s popular Osmo action camera series delivers several industry-first features rivaling professional cameras. From the 13.5-stop dynamic range and 4-hour battery life to the built-in subject centering and tracking, the Osmo Action 5 Pro sets a new quality standard for action photography, capturing every adventure from the sea to the mountains, whether in the sun or the snow.
“By combining the image quality of a professional camera with the rugged durability of an action camera, we continue to innovate and set new standards for the industry, ” said Paul Pan, Senior Product Line Manager at DJI. “Creators have evolved, becoming more sophisticated in the stories they tell and the moments that they capture. Instead of making incremental improvements, we strive to push the entire action camera category forward and evolve with these creators.”
13.5-stops of dynamic range deliver groundbreaking image quality
Osmo Action 5 Pro features a next-gen 1/1.3” sensor with a 2.4 μm pixel size and a high dynamic range of up to 13.5 stops, making it the first action camera with specs that rival professional cameras. Images can be captured in 10-bit D-Log M and support hybrid log-gamma (HLG) high-brightness displays. It can also shoot high-dynamic, low-light video at 4K/60fps, capturing intricate shadow details without overexposing highlights, thereby enhancing overall image quality. Additionally, SuperNight mode with AI noise reduction algorithms can overcome the darkness in extremely low-light environments to yield cleaner and clearer footage.
Extended 4-hour battery life for longer shoots
Osmo Action 5 Pro delivers up to 4 hours of continuous use with a single battery – a 50 percent improvement from its predecessor. This new innovation is made possible with a lower power consumption 4nm chip, a larger 1950mAh battery, and a proprietary DJI algorithm that optimizes for energy savings. Even in temperatures as low as -20° C (-4°F), the camera can reliably record video for up to 3.6 hours. The industry average for action camera battery life is approximately 2 hours. Moreover, the battery can deliver 2 hours of shooting from a 15-minute charge using the fast-charging DJI 30W USB-C Charger.
Industry’s first built-in subject centering and tracking
Osmo Action 5 Pro is the first action camera to offer built-in subject centering and tracking, allowing creators to shoot without a gimbal. Powered with a high-performance 4nm chip and machine learning algorithms, the camera can intelligently detect a subject’s position and dynamically adjust the composition to keep the subject centered in every frame.
Optimized for underwater photography
Osmo Action 5 Pro offers the industry’s deepest waterproofing depth at 20m without a case. The built-in color temperature sensor captures true-to-life colors under the sea. The camera can also be set to start recording automatically while submerged and to stop after surfacing. It also has a built-in pressure gauge to record underwater depth, duration, and altitude data to ensure the user’s safety. Certified with EN13319, it meets globally recognized standards for diving accessories.
Larger dual OLED high-brightness touchscreens
Osmo Action 5 Pro features larger front and rear tempered glass touchscreens upgraded with OLED high-brightness displays. With an impressive peak brightness of 1000 cd/㎡, daytime shooting becomes easier. In increasing the screen size and narrowing the bezels while retaining the camera body’s size, the screen-to-body ratio increased by 16% from its predecessor.
Compatible with DJI OsmoAudio™ connectivity ecosystem
Osmo Action 5 Pro can connect directly to the DJI Mic 2 Transmitter via Bluetooth, enabling ultra-high-sampling-rate audio recording. This setup provides studio-quality sound while eliminating the need for a receiver. When Built-in Mic Audio Backup is enabled, ambient sounds can be recorded to add a richer layer of authenticity.
Other practical features for enhanced performance
- 47GB Built-in Storage with a further optimized bitrate for smaller file sizes
- High-Speed Transfer up to 80MB/s via Wi-Fi 6.0 or USB 3.0
- Wi-Fi Livestreaming supported for various resolutions
- Timecode allows footage to be quickly synchronized from multiple cameras
- Live photos enable 3-second videos converted into dynamic photos
- Pre-Rec starts recording moments before the official recording starts
- Highlight to quick mark key moments to speed up the editing process
Intelligent shooting and editing with Mimo app
Creators can quickly preview the camera view, adjust settings, and edit their footage by connecting the Osmo Action 5 Pro with the DJI Mimo app via Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. Some new Mimo features include taking live photos and capturing 4K high-resolution frame captures, reproducing D-Log M flat color profiles for more stylized adjustments, and exporting videos in 4K/120fps, 4:3 aspect ratio. Creators can also download photos and videos from their DJI camera in the background, allowing them to continue using their smartphones for other tasks.
Powerful accessories, reliable assistance
A range of dedicated accessories for every adventure can enhance the Osmo Action 5 Pro filming experience. Each is sold separately.
- Osmo Action Multifunctional Charging Handle
- Osmo Action Cold Shoe Expansion Kit
- Osmo Action Helmet Chin Mount
- Osmo Flexible Mount
- Osmo Action GPS Bluetooth Remote Controller
- DJI Mic 2
- Osmo Action Mini Extension Rod
- Osmo Backpack Strap Mount
- Osmo Action Hanging Neck Mount
- Osmo Action Mini Handlebar Mount
- Osmo Action Chest Strap Mount
- Osmo Action 360° Wrist Strap
DJI Care Refresh
DJI Care Refresh, the comprehensive protection plan for DJI products, is now available for Osmo Action 5 Pro. Accidental damage is covered by the replacement service, including natural wear, collisions, and water damage. For a small additional charge, you can have your damaged product replaced if an accident occurs.
DJI Care Refresh (1-Year Plan) includes up to 2 replacements in 1 year. DJI Care Refresh (2 Year Plan) includes up to 4 replacements in 2 years. Other services of DJI Care Refresh include official warranty, international warranty service and free shipping. For a full list of details, please visit: www.dji.com/support/service/djicare-refresh
Price and Availability
Osmo Action 5 Pro is available today from store.dji.com and most authorized retail partners in several configurations.
Osmo Action 5 Pro Standard Combo ($349) includes the Osmo Action 5 Pro, Osmo Action Extreme Battery Plus (1950 mAh), Osmo Action Horizontal-Vertical Protective Frame, Osmo Action Quick-Release Adapter Mount, Osmo Action Curved Adhesive Base, Osmo Locking Screw, Type-C to Type-C PD Cable, Osmo Action 5 Pro Rubber Lens Protector, Osmo Action 5 Pro Glass Lens Cover, and Osmo Action Anti-Slip Pad.
Osmo Action 5 Pro Adventure Combo ($449) includes everything in the Standard Combo, plus the Osmo Action Quick-Release Adapter Mount (mini), Osmo Action Multifunctional Battery Case, and Osmo 1.5m Extension Rod.
For more information: www.dji.com/osmo-action-5-pro
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