DJI Osmo 360 - Unboxing - First Impressions & Hands-On Walk Test

Get Fit Over 40 Tech & Gear Reviews

I’ve been reorganizing my mobile video recording gear lately to see where I can eliminate clutter without sacrificing quality or flexibility. Between the modular DJI Osmo Nano for ultra-compact shooting and my older Insta360 X4 for full 360-degree framing, carrying multiple dedicated cameras on every trip, trail ride, or EUC outing has started to feel redundant.

Enter the DJI Osmo 360 (Gen 1). While the updated Gen 2 has started surfacing in select overseas markets, the original Osmo 360 delivers the core imaging foundation, native 8K 360 video, large 1/1.1-inch square sensors, and tight integration with the DJI audio and mounting ecosystem, at a price point that makes a lot of sense today.

Here is a breakdown of what comes in the box, how the hardware stacks up, and my initial field testing impressions.

Hardware & Spec Comparison

Feature / Metric	DJI Osmo 360 (Gen 1)	DJI Osmo Nano	Insta360 X4
Primary Video	8K at up to 50fps (360°) / 4K Single-Lens	4K 60fps (Flat)	8K 30fps (360°)
Form Factor	Dual-lens 360 slab	Modular detachable screen + head	Dual-lens 360 slab
Mounting Compatibility	DJI Magnetic Quick-Release	DJI Magnetic Quick-Release	Standard 1/4"-20 screw
Direct Mic Pairing	DJI Mic Ecosystem (Direct RX-free)	DJI Mic Direct	Requires Mic Adapter / Bluetooth
Best Used For	Reframing, action, POV & vlogging	Ultra-light POV / hat-mounting	Standard 360 reframing

What’s in the Box?

• DJI Osmo 360 Camera Unit

• 2x Osmo Extreme Batteries

• 1.2m Invisible Selfie Stick with magnetic quick-release mounting adapter

• Protective Silicone Lens Cap (essential for bulbous dual-lenses)

• Soft Protective Storage Pouch

• Microfiber Lens Cleaning Cloth

• USB-C to USB-C Charging & Data Cable

First Impressions & Build Quality

• Shared Mounting Ecosystem: One of the best surprises right out of the box is that the Osmo 360 uses the exact same magnetic quick-release latching mechanism as the Osmo Nano and Action series. Any existing hat clips, chest mounts, or GoPro-style conversion adapters work instantly.

• Direct Audio Pairing: Because it connects natively to the DJI Mic transmitters without an external receiver hanging off the side, it keeps the physical profile completely clean on the stick.

• Screen & Handling: The display area is comparable in footprint to the Nano's module, offering clear menu navigation and live framing previews. The included silicone boot fits snugly over both convex lenses to protect them from scratches when laying the camera flat.

Field Test: Walk & Framing Breakdown

Taking the Osmo 360 out for a walking test through mixed lighting, from harsh late-afternoon sun to dense shaded woods and into the studio, revealed several practical takeaways:

• Arm & Stick Positioning: Holding the invisible selfie stick at arm's length (about 3 feet out, level with the nose or chin) delivers the most natural perspective without warping your proportions. Extending the 1.2m pole fully creates a sweeping drone-like view that is great for dynamic landscape captures, though it can feel excessive for standard walking vlogs.

• Single-Lens Action Mode: Switching from 360 to single-lens flat recording lets you use the camera exactly like a traditional action camera, eliminating post-production reframing time and saving storage space.

• Lighting Transitions: The larger square sensor design managed dynamic range well when moving between high-contrast direct sunlight and shaded trails, holding details in the shadows without severe clipping in the sky.

The Bottom Line

If you are already invested in DJI’s ecosystem (drones, DJI Mics, magnetic mounts) and want a single device that covers both wide-angle action cam duty and complete 360 reframing, the DJI Osmo 360 is a streamlined, capable all-in-one solution.

Get Pro Quality Stabilized Video and Audio with Your Phone

If you're a content creator, vlogger, or someone over 40 looking to level up your mobile video game without diving into complicated gear, this setup is a game changer.

I recently used a powerful combo that turns my everyday smartphone into a legit video production tool. In my case, I used:

• 📱 Galaxy S24 Ultra

• 🌀 Hohem iSteady V3 Ultra Gimbal

• 🎤 DJI Mic Mini Wireless Microphone

The result? Incredibly smooth video and clean, professional audio, all from a compact, mobile-friendly setup. Whether you're making content for YouTube, Instagram, or just want high-quality videos for personal use, this kind of setup makes it easy.

🔧 Gear Breakdown

Here’s what I used, and why it works:

1. Galaxy S24 Ultra (or Any Modern Higher End Smartphone)

While I used Samsung’s flagship, newer iPhones and other high-end Androids are also more than capable of capturing stunning video. The key is having a solid camera sensor and manual control options when needed.

2. Hohem iSteady V3 Ultra Gimbal (or Similar)

This 3-axis gimbal helps smooth out walking shots, pans, and handheld movement. You don’t need to use this exact model either, brands like DJI, Insta360, and Zhiyun all offer great options depending on your budget and phone type.

3. DJI Mic 2 Mini (or Any Quality Wireless Mic System)

Clean audio can make or break your video. A solid wireless microphone system—like the DJI Mini I used can dramatically improve sound quality. But there are other good options out there too. The point is, if your audio is clear and consistent, everything else looks more polished.

🎬 What You Can Expect

This was my first time putting this exact setup to real use, and I was impressed by how seamlessly everything worked together. The stabilization from the gimbal combined with the high-resolution camera and clean wireless audio elevated the footage noticeably.

And the best part? It's all lightweight, easy to set up, and portable enough to take anywhere.

💡 A Flexible Formula

Here’s the winning recipe, customize it based on your existing gear and budget:

• A modern smartphone (Samsung, iPhone, Pixel, etc.)

• A 3-axis gimbal (Hohem, DJI, Insta360, Zhiyun…)

• A wireless mic system (DJI, Rode, Hollyland, etc.)

This isn’t about brand loyalty. It’s about using the right categories of gear to maximize your phone’s potential. Pairing stabilization with good audio and sharp video gives you pro-level content without the hassle of a full camera rig.

🧠 Final Thoughts

You don’t need a $2,000 camera or complicated editing suite to shoot professional-looking video. With the right accessories, your phone becomes a powerful content creation tool that fits in your pocket.

✅ Clean audio
✅ Smooth stabilized footage
✅ Lightweight, portable, and affordable

🎥 Watch my first-look YouTube video here in 2D or 3D:

Watch 2D Version

Watch 3D Version

• Buy DJI Mic Mini
• Buy the Hohem iSteady V3 Ultra
• Buy the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra

DJI Osmo Nano Initial Thoughts and Sample Videos

I recently got my hands on the new DJI Osmo Nano, and after spending some time testing it out in different situations, I can say this tiny camera really packs a punch. I’ve already made a video walking through my initial thoughts and showing real-world footage in a variety of scenarios, but I wanted to share a more detailed breakdown here for those who prefer reading over watching.

First Impressions:

The DJI Osmo Nano immediately impressed me with its versatility. It’s small, lightweight, and incredibly easy to mount almost anywhere thanks to its built-in magnets and wide range of mounting accessories. Whether you want to use it as a vlogging camera, an action camera, or simply set it up in a fixed location to capture a workout, the Nano makes it possible without any hassle.

Because of its size, I found myself experimenting with shots I normally wouldn’t attempt with bulkier cameras. The fact that DJI includes more mounting options right in the box also makes it a better out-of-the-box experience compared to competitors.

Key Specifications:

Here are a few of the core specs that make the Osmo Nano worth looking at:

•  Sensor & Video Quality: Shoots up to 4K 120fps resolution with support for 10-bit color and D-Log mode for those who like to do post-production color grading.
•  Stabilization: Built-in stabilization ensures smooth footage, whether you’re running, biking, or holding it by hand.
• Compact Modular Design: Ultra-lightweight and magnetic design allows for easy mounting on helmets, bikes, cars, or even fitness equipment.
• Connectivity: Works seamlessly with DJI Accessories and Mimo App for quick editing, transferring, and sharing.

DJI Osmo Nano vs. Insta360 Go Ultra:

Naturally, the Osmo Nano invites comparisons to the Insta360 Go Ultra, another tiny action-style camera in the same category. Both cameras share the same core idea—modular small size, portability, and creative mounting options. But here’s where DJI pulls ahead:

• Price: The Osmo Nano comes in at a significantly lower price point, making it a more accessible option for creators and fitness enthusiasts who don’t want to overspend.
• Accessories: DJI includes more mounting gear straight out of the box, whereas Insta360 tends to sell many of its best mounts separately.
• Color Grading Options: The addition of 10-bit color and D-Log gives creators more flexibility when editing footage—something that will matter to those who care about professional-looking results.

Why It Fits My Lifestyle Content:

For me, the real selling point of the DJI Osmo Nano is that it fits seamlessly into what I do on GetFitOver40. Whether I’m filming workouts, capturing lifestyle content, or shooting B-roll outdoors, the Nano can go places a traditional camera can’t. I can stick it to gym equipment, clip it to my shirt, or mount it on a bike—all in seconds.

This freedom not only makes filming easier but also opens up more creative opportunities. For anyone looking to document their fitness journey, create content on the go, or just capture high-quality memories, the Osmo Nano offers a lot of value.

Final Thoughts:

The DJI Osmo Nano may be small, but don’t let its size fool you. It’s powerful, flexible, and comes with everything you need to start shooting right away. Compared to competitors like the Insta360 Go Ultra, it delivers better value with more included accessories, robust color options, and an attractive price point.

If you’re looking for a compact camera that works as both a vlogging tool and an action cam, the Osmo Nano is definitely worth a serious look. I’ll be using it a lot more in upcoming content, and I can already tell it’s going to become a regular part of my filming setup. 

• Buy the DJI Osmo Nano!

Want to see it in action? Check out my full video review where I put the DJI Osmo Nano to the test in a variety of real-world situations.