DJI’s new Osmo Nano action camera, priced at R9500, offers superior features like a larger image sensor, higher frame-rate recording, and longer battery life compared to competitors like the Insta360 GO 3S and GoPro Hero 4K, making it a compelling choice in the compact camera market. Picture: DJI
Image: DJI
DJI released yet another product in their small camera range with its Osmo Nano earlier this week.
Already a big player in the wearable POV (Point of View) niche, this latest addition is seemingly set to do battle with the Insta360 GO 3S and GoPro action cameras.
The Osmo Nano, which starts at around R9,500 for the 64GB model, features a detachable camera that can clip onto your hat or shirt for stunning first-person footage. The 3S retails for around R11,500, while the 2024 entry-level GoPro Hero 4K comes in at the most affordable at R5,000. The GoPro, however, does not have a detachable camera.
This, of course, is almost exactly what the 3S does, but at a lower cost. These two, though, are two of the smallest action cameras available on the market in 2025.
In fact, the detachable camera elements on both cameras are just about identical.
The Osmo Nano, though, is slightly bigger at 53g compared to the 39g of the Go 3S. However, that’s not a difference that’s at all noticeable, even when attached to a hat or shirt.
The 3S, though, came out in 2024 already, and the big difference between the two cameras is how the detachable camera ‘clips into’ the main body.
The 3S calls the main body its Action Pod, while the Nano refers to it as the Vision Dock.
The 3S clips into the main camera body in a section specifically designed for it to look into place as part of the entire surface area.
Meanwhile, the Nano clips on magnetically on top of the main body, which adds to the overall size of the gadget— although it’s still extremely small.
The main body of the Nano also functions as an external display for the camera and remote control within five metres.
The win has to go to the Nano, though, as it has a bigger image sensor which allows for better dynamic range, meaning it performs better in all lighting conditions.
With that image sensor, the Nano also boasts a higher frame-rate recording at 4K with its 60 frames per second (FPS) compared to the 30 of the 3S. The Nano can even go up to 120 FPS in 4K slow motion mode.
There’s also a big difference in battery life; the standalone battery time for the 3S is just 38 minutes, while the Nano is almost three times longer at 90 minutes.
When both are docked, the Nano lasts for 140 minutes, while the Nano boasts an impressive 200 minutes. The Nano can also fast charge to 80% battery in 20 minutes.
Ultimately, it’s not a difficult decision to go with the Nano, which boasts improved features and a lower price.