Only video I’ve seen today suggesting bit rates seem to be sub par, some review videos definitely look jittery with artifacting viewed on 4k to.



I’ll be watching for some further news the OA4 bit rate was decent enough.

Official specs page states 100mbs https://www.dji.com/uk/osmo-action-5-pro/specs

Deal breaker or not?

I think 100 Mbps is sufficient for 4K recording. There was also a Day 1 firmware update that optimized video - not sure if this video was using it.

ryguyMN Posted at 9-19 08:59
I think 100 Mbps is sufficient for 4K recording. There was also a Day 1 firmware update that optimized video - not sure if this video was using it.

Whilst 100mbs might be good enough the reviewer comments it’s shown as 60mbs in the metadata it needs further investigation on resolution & frame rates quite a few videos today just don’t look good on big screen.  I’ll be taking a much closer look when the camera arrives but in the meantime it would be useful for anyone with a copy to offer comment after the firmware update.

OA4 uses highest bitrate when shooting in 10 bit and 60 fps if I remember right.

BaynhamPhoto Posted at 9-19 09:18
Whilst 100mbs might be good enough the reviewer comments it’s shown as 60mbs in the metadata it needs further investigation on resolution & frame rates quite a few videos today just don’t look good on big screen.  I’ll be taking a much closer look when the camera arrives but in the meantime it would be useful for anyone with a copy to offer comment after the firmware update.

Interesting. I wonder if that was a deliberate decision with the internal storage now on these units.

action5pro 4nm chip greatly increases encode efficiency: using less bitrate without sacrificing image quality. (Technically good enough Signal-to-Noise Ratio compare to video raw )

For a same level encoding chip and algorithm, bitrate increasing does help with detail, but details stop to gain as bitrate reaches the saturation point.  
chip and encoding algorithm improvement will lower the saturation point birate, just like action5pro does.

You are welcome to test sophisticated scenarios like trees leafs. 100Mbps H265 is sufficient.

DJI-ytao Posted at 9-19 20:44
action5pro 4nm chip greatly increases encode efficiency: using less bitrate without sacrificing image quality. (Technically good enough Signal-to-Noise Ratio compare to video raw )

For a same level encoding chip and algorithm, bitrate increasing does help with detail, but details stop to gain as bitrate reaches the saturation point.  

Well depends on the framerate. At 120fps, 100mbit kinda low. the reason why I love gopro with labs firmware I can change the bitrate safely to 170mbit, which gives it a bit more room when using high framerates. I gotta say around 150mbit, should be the minimum.

reedfpv Posted at 9-19 22:29
Well depends on the framerate. At 120fps, 100mbit kinda low. the reason why I love gopro with labs firmware I can change the bitrate safely to 170mbit, which gives it a bit more room when using high framerates. I gotta say around 150mbit, should be the minimum.

each soc and decoding algorithm varies.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/High_Efficiency_Video_Coding

encoding efficiency is a key feature in action5pro for R&D encoding team. if u find any sensoria bitrate not enough, plz set up a thread and upload the footage , we will arrange a FW to deal with it.

Internal storage can be easily faster than SD cards, and is less expensive. I doubt the bitrate question is related to this. But why caring about bitrate if the images and rushes quality is ok? It’s all a matter what ISP can deliver. And OA5 will be more tolerant with a slower SD.

Release time will always bring out those who believe its important to try disproving what is in the specs negative videos attract many clicks and even if no proof is found a simple way of twisting something to make your point and confuse others is acceptable to those who post these videos. If you’re sceptical you will choose to believe, if what you are looking for has the viewing quality you like and desire then this will be good enough.
The truth probably is that like all camera and tech companies they will stretch the specs as much as is legally within the bounds of the law. There is very little or no chance they will leave themselves open to challenges or being sued, so they will be equipped with all the answers. And while its almost become a sport to try and disprove specs almost nothing will ever change, there is a lot to be said for those who look at something and are pleased without someone always telling them their opinions don’t matter.

Hallmark007 Posted at 9-20 05:06
Release time will always bring out those who believe its important to try disproving what is in the specs negative videos attract many clicks and even if no proof is found a simple way of twisting something to make your point and confuse others is acceptable to those who post these videos. If you’re sceptical you will choose to believe, if what you are looking for has the viewing quality you like and desire then this will be good enough.
The truth probably is that like all camera and tech companies they will stretch the specs as much as is legally within the bounds of the law. There is very little or no chance they will leave themselves open to challenges or being sued, so they will be equipped with all the answers. And while its almost become a sport to try and disprove specs almost nothing will ever change, there is a lot to be said for those who look at something and are pleased without someone always telling them their opinions don’t matter.

As long as the footage coming out of the camera is ok I’m fine with it but early videos do show some artefacts, jitter & even the guy who edited the release video mentioned some odd movement seen during editing.   One of cameras is here so as soon as I’ve got it updated i’ll be trying various settings out, on a major plus at all my 3 & 4 accessories don’t need changed & the remote works with it.

BaynhamPhoto Posted at 9-20 05:46
As long as the footage coming out of the camera is ok I’m fine with it but early videos do show some artefacts, jitter & even the guy who edited the release video mentioned some odd movement seen during editing.   One of cameras is here so as soon as I’ve got it updated i’ll be trying various settings out, on a major plus at all my 3 & 4 accessories don’t need changed & the remote works with it.

Good luck with it, most dji cameras have some flaws in the beginning even the O3 but fixes come fairly quickly. Mine arriving on the 25th

Hallmark007 Posted at 9-20 07:32
Good luck with it, most dji cameras have some flaws in the beginning even the O3 but fixes come fairly quickly. Mine arriving on the 25th

Yeah hoping for a good experience hope your delivery is on time  

DJI-ytao Posted at 9-19 20:44
action5pro 4nm chip greatly increases encode efficiency: using less bitrate without sacrificing image quality. (Technically good enough Signal-to-Noise Ratio compare to video raw )

For a same level encoding chip and algorithm, bitrate increasing does help with detail, but details stop to gain as bitrate reaches the saturation point.  

Thanks for explaining. Could you please confirm that Action 5 pro is able to shoot 100Mbps in 4k 30fps? Some sources tell it's only 60MBps, that's why I'm not convinced.
Thanks!

DJI-ytao Posted at 9-19 20:44
action5pro 4nm chip greatly increases encode efficiency: using less bitrate without sacrificing image quality. (Technically good enough Signal-to-Noise Ratio compare to video raw )

For a same level encoding chip and algorithm, bitrate increasing does help with detail, but details stop to gain as bitrate reaches the saturation point.  

Here is a not so complex frame. The system doesn't let me upload the original because of size, the uploaded frame was resizied to 1080 and exported as JPEG using GIMP. Snips were taken using from the original frame that was taken using VLC from the original file generated by the camera. Artifacts are very easy to spot when the video is playback on a TV with native 4k.

Setting used: 4k 30, RS, -0.3 EV, 100-3200 ISO, Normal 10 bit, -1 Sharpness

peloncr Posted at 9-21 11:08
Here is a not so complex frame. The system doesn't let me upload the original because of size, the uploaded frame was resizied to 1080 and exported as JPEG using GIMP. Snips were taken using from the original frame that was taken using VLC from the original file generated by the camera. Artifacts are very easy to spot when the video is playback on a TV with native 4k.

Setting used: 4k 30, RS, -0.3 EV, 100-3200 ISO, Normal 10 bit, -1 Sharpness

Hi peloncr
action5pro enhances image texture by default.
there is a setting on the right side: image adjustment-> texture set -2 will get a more natural look.(to get the very minimal enhanced look:  dlogm+texture -2  )

the default setting mainly considers those directly post on social media platform, texture enhancement will get a better result after those platforms encode the video again and again.

DJI-ytao Posted at 9-21 22:26
Hi peloncr
action5pro enhances image texture by default.
there is a setting on the right side: image adjustment-> texture set -2 will get a more natural look.(to get the very minimal enhanced look:  dlogm+texture -2  )

Thank you Dji-ytao. That’s really good to know. Do you know whether that setting is a sharpness or noise reduction setting?

Iancraig10 Posted at 9-21 23:32
Thank you Dji-ytao. That’s really good to know. Do you know whether that setting is a sharpness or noise reduction setting?

yes it is the sharpeness& noise setting on Action4.
since Action 5pro combines sharpness and texture enhancement, the "sharpness" get replaced by "texture"

DJI-ytao Posted at 9-22 00:14
yes it is the sharpeness& noise setting on Action4.
since Action 5pro combines sharpness and texture enhancement, the "sharpness" get replaced by "texture"

OK. That’s really useful to know. Thank you.

Wouldn't it be nice of DJI to allow users to choose a higher bitrate? The camera is called PRO and that alone would be a good reason. When working with stronger colorgrading, a higher bitrate helps to prevent the image from breaking up. The camera otherwise looks amazing, but I stopped my purchase because of the bitrate.

limbi Posted at 9-22 03:06
Wouldn't it be nice of DJI to allow users to choose a higher bitrate? The camera is called PRO and that alone would be a good reason. When working with stronger colorgrading, a higher bitrate helps to prevent the image from breaking up. The camera otherwise looks amazing, but I stopped my purchase because of the bitrate.

Good move. I think I may return mine.

I'm really disappointed in the standard color (8 and 10 bit) on mine. Dlog-M is ok but sometimes I do not want to have to grade or it's not convenient to do it when away.  The auto HDR look is so bad. My original Osmo Action 1 has better looking video.

I would definitely wait a bit to purchase and see if the issue a firmware update to correct image issues.

DJI-ytao Posted at 9-21 22:26
Hi peloncr
action5pro enhances image texture by default.
there is a setting on the right side: image adjustment-> texture set -2 will get a more natural look.(to get the very minimal enhanced look:  dlogm+texture -2  )

Hi, today I tried your recommended settings. With textures at -2 the mosquito noise was greatly reduced near cables, however when looking closely or in a big screen (TV) the compression is still easy to spot on. I hope that DJI adds a high bitrate option because the image is actually pretty good for being at 60Mbs so at 100Mbs it will very impressive I assume.

Settings used : 4k 30 RS, Ultra wide, -0.3 EV, 100-3200 ISO, Dlogm no recovery, -2 Texture 0 Noise. Color not graded.

Frame.


Snip 1.

Snip 2.

Snip 3.

Snip 4.

Hi Thanks for the suggestion.
Our original intention is to get smaller file and save customers' efforts when transferring footage from SD card/internal  storage to PC/ hard disk.

We appreciative your opinion and will provide a high bitrate option in Action5pro next firmware update.
Thanks for your effort.

DJI-ytao Posted at 9-22 19:33
Hi Thanks for the suggestion.
Our original intention is to get smaller file and save customers' efforts when transferring footage from SD card/internal  storage to PC/ hard disk.

Glad to read there will be an update with higher bitrates. I was about to return my Action 5 Pro because of the obvious low bitrate compression artifacts when watching on a 75 inch 4K screen.

BTW, trying to get rid of compression artifacts with 3rd party software like Topaz Video AI takes >20x longer than transfer speeds to the PC and makes the PC run a lot hotter.

DJI-ytao Posted at 9-22 19:33
Hi Thanks for the suggestion.
Our original intention is to get smaller file and save customers' efforts when transferring footage from SD card/internal  storage to PC/ hard disk.

Is that official statement from DJI?


I was on the edge of buying DJI Osmo Action 5PRO, but when I read about low bitrate videos, and saw some footage, where in some frames, colors are washed (I guess, it is because software trying to expose low light spots), I'm hesitating...

DJI-ytao Posted at 9-22 19:33
Hi Thanks for the suggestion.
Our original intention is to get smaller file and save customers' efforts when transferring footage from SD card/internal  storage to PC/ hard disk.

Ok, mine is arriving today... knowing it I'm confident I'll keep it
Have my fate back on DJI to deliver what users want.

PS: Now we just need up to 20 or 30s shutter speed on osmo pocket 3 and everything will be perfect )

Get mine today. Super long transfer speed over USB and And the cover to the usb fell off when I was going to disconnect. Can't put it back on.

DJI-ytao Posted at 9-22 19:33
Hi Thanks for the suggestion.
Our original intention is to get smaller file and save customers' efforts when transferring footage from SD card/internal  storage to PC/ hard disk.

Thanks for allowing us to have the higher bit rate option!

DJI-ytao Posted at 9-22 19:33
Hi Thanks for the suggestion.
Our original intention is to get smaller file and save customers' efforts when transferring footage from SD card/internal  storage to PC/ hard disk.

Thank you for that change. I too felt that the bit rate is a bit low on the Action 5.

Another thing that might be considered …

In the auto ISO options, the Action 5 starts at 100 - 800.
In the Action 4, the first option is 100 - 200, then 100 - 400, 100-800, etc.

Those lower ones allow us to fix the iso at the lowest settings in auto whereas the Action 5 starts at 100-800.

Could the lower options be reinstated?

On the current Action 5, my first impression is that we are being pushed into a slightly low bit rate and a slightly higher ISO which isn't great for quality. The Action 5 seems to want to use high shutter speeds so it doesn't seem keen to choose lower ISO's!

I'm more inclined to use the Action 4 with a better bit rate and lower ISO choice in auto mode.

Not only bitrate - I shot in 120fps internal memory then MicroSD when full - bit rate was still rubbish and also I could not edit in LumaFusion at all - I had a right dig at them for sub par software only to discover it was the Action 5 Pro videos causing it.  Mac Folder actions ,right click encode selected - to 4k re-jigs the video so now I can at least edit them.   I am really not seeing how this Action 5 get's it's pro name at the moment, the action 4 seems to be better.

djiuser_uTTzYY0U3hCQ Posted at 9-23 08:04
Not only bitrate - I shot in 120fps internal memory then MicroSD when full - bit rate was still rubbish and also I could not edit in LumaFusion at all - I had a right dig at them for sub par software only to discover it was the Action 5 Pro videos causing it.  Mac Folder actions ,right click encode selected - to 4k re-jigs the video so now I can at least edit them.   I am really not seeing how this Action 5 get's it's pro name at the moment, the action 4 seems to be better. [view_image]

I think the ‘pro’ assumption is an exaggeration as well in all honesty. I too am veering back to the 4 after playing with the 5 for the afternoon.

It almost seems like they have tried to cut it down to make it run cooler and faster but in the process, have hit some of the key quality things.

The choice of ISO has been altered so that in lower light, it will try to jump to high ISO’s so you have to go into manual mode in order to fix it. Previously, I could use say, 100 - 200, or 100 - 400  ISO which gave just one or two stops leeway and kept the quality high. Now, 100 -800 is the lowest setting.

It also seems to like faster shutter speeds …… hello jitter in low frame rates!

The bit rate is significantly lower than the 4 but so far, I haven’t seen much in the way of breakup on detailed stuff.

Sharpening on the night mode is way too high and can’t be lowered.

The HDR seems to be a bit overdone so there is a strange look to highlights sometimes. In bright sun, my face looks 'flat' as though I have pancake on.

It gives an initially impressive picture on the screen, but at the expense of picture quality in some conditions.

So at the moment, for me, I think I might be reverting back to the 4 because I think it’s a better camera at the moment and wait to see if any updates sort out the weird things on the 5! They normally send out good updates so it'll probably be improved.

If anything, instead of being a 'pro' type camera, it feels like a point and shoot camera for beginners......

Some initial thoughts for future firmware -

Put sharpening into night mode so we can take it down.
A switch to turn off HDR would be nice.
Bring back the Action 4 choice of ISO's in automatic mode.
Try to get the camera to choose less fast shutter speeds if we want them.
It needs a higher bit rate mode.

Mine is going into a case and the Action 4 will continue for me unless there are some updates for this that address those things.

BaynhamPhoto Posted at 9-19 08:24
Official specs page states 100mbs https://www.dji.com/uk/osmo-action-5-pro/specs

Deal breaker or not?

It's a deal breaker for me.  I use screen grabs for photos and the ones I get from my recently purchased Action 5 are garbage.

I've done this for years with my DJI drones and Pockets without issue!

If a firmware upgrade doesn't fix this I'll be selling mine :-(

These are 100% crops (not zoomed in) from 4K@60p
The low bitrate makes the images often fall completely apart. What remains looks effectively worse than high bitrate 1080p.

It's ironic how a Pro labeled cam gets the highest compression artifacts. I hope the next firmware update will fix this or I'll sell mine.

With the original firmware there was an option for "sharpness" which allowed us to actually disable sharpening when setting it to -2. With the current firmware this option was replaced by "texture". But even at -2 the image is still being sharpened. It can't be disabled like before.

Please give us back the option to disable sharpening. This would help with compression artifacts too.

DJI-ytao Posted at 9-22 19:33
Hi Thanks for the suggestion.
Our original intention is to get smaller file and save customers' efforts when transferring footage from SD card/internal  storage to PC/ hard disk.

Nice that's great to hear, can't wait to test it

DJI-ytao Posted at 9-22 19:33
Hi Thanks for the suggestion.
Our original intention is to get smaller file and save customers' efforts when transferring footage from SD card/internal  storage to PC/ hard disk.

As someone that bought the Action 5 Pro as their first action cam, I really appreciate this!

Not going to lie, I was kind of bummed by the image quality the Action 5 Pro put out, even in D-Log 10-bit. The compression artifacts were especially noticeable during movement (not even fast movement).

When can we expect this next firmware update? I'd rather not use my camera seriously before the update.

DJI-ytao Posted at 9-21 22:26
Hi peloncr
action5pro enhances image texture by default.
there is a setting on the right side: image adjustment-> texture set -2 will get a more natural look.(to get the very minimal enhanced look:  dlogm+texture -2  )

Looking forward to this update and subsequent updated reviews, it should be #1 priority over anything else that was planned. I had mine in cart when I noticed the bitrate comparisons and was shocked. 4K30 at 4:3 having over 50% less bitrate than OA4 and even 40% less bitrate than Action 2 is a huge deal breaker. Compressions obviously can't be that good.

Iancraig10 Posted at 9-23 09:20
I think the ‘pro’ assumption is an exaggeration as well in all honesty. I too am veering back to the 4 after playing with the 5 for the afternoon.

It almost seems like they have tried to cut it down to make it run cooler and faster but in the process, have hit some of the key quality things.

Spot on! Thank you.

Steve Benton Posted at 9-24 07:26
Spot on! Thank you.

Thanks Steve. It’s quite cathartic to be so open on a DJI forum!!!