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DJI Osmo Nano Review – Tiny Size, Big Performance

MOTORCYCLE NEWS

MOTORCYCLE TECH

MOTORCYCLE REVIEWS

DATE: 23/09/2025

The DJI Osmo Nano is DJI’s latest entry into the world of compact action cameras, following in the footsteps of the Action 2 but with several key improvements. With its modular magnetic design, tiny form factor, and impressive specifications, the Nano is clearly positioned as a direct competitor to cameras like the Insta360 Go series. But does it live up to the hype? Let’s dive into the good, the bad, and whether it’s worth buying.

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The DJI OSMO NANO seems in directo competition with the INSTA360 Go Series

DJI OSMO NANO 64GB £239

DJI OSMO NANO 128GB £259

Both cameras and accessories are at Amazon.co.uk

Design and Build

At first glance, the Osmo Nano is strikingly small—about the size of a thumb. It features a modular design with the camera unit magnetically snapping onto the “multi-functional vision dock” (essentially a screen and control unit). The OLED screen measures 1.96 inches and can be attached in two orientations, making it easy to switch between vlogging and forward-facing shots.

The camera itself is lightweight at just 52g, and the rear magnets open up versatile mounting options. It can be worn with the included magnetic necklace for POV shots, attached to a cap mount, or simply fixed onto metal surfaces for quick tripod-like setups. Its discreet size makes it particularly appealing for vloggers who want to capture content without drawing attention.

The Camera is incredibly small and versatile

Camera Performance

Despite its small size, the Osmo Nano packs serious imaging power. It sports a 1/1.3” sensor with 13.5 stops of dynamic range, capable of recording 4K at 60fps and even 4K at 120fps slow motion.

Color options include:

Normal Profile – Processed, vibrant footage that’s beginner-friendly.
D-Log M – A flat, 10-bit color profile that preserves highlights and shadows for professional grading.

Both profiles support 10-bit recording, though DJI cleverly allows 8-bit in Normal mode to reduce heat during long shoots—an important consideration for such a small body.

Image quality is excellent, and comparable to DJI’s Action 5 Pro. Lowering the sharpness setting to –2 is recommended for a more natural look, as the default processing can be overly sharp.

A Great Choice for Motovlogging

For riders, the Osmo Nano has huge potential. Its featherweight size and strong magnetic mounts make it easy to fix onto a helmet, chest rig, or even directly onto a bike for dynamic POV shots. The included necklace mount provides a natural rider’s-eye view, while the cap mount doubles as a helmet visor mount with almost no added weight.

Paired with DJI’s wireless mic system, it becomes an excellent setup for motovlogging—capturing crisp rider commentary without messy cables. The ability to swap between wide scenic shots and immersive POV angles makes the Nano an ideal companion for documenting rides, touring trips, or city commutes. And because it’s so discreet, it avoids the bulky “action camera block” look that often sticks out on helmets.

Practical Use and Accessories

The Nano’s modular system shines in real-world scenarios. The detachable screen doubles as a wireless monitor, allowing you to frame shots even when the camera is mounted on your chest, hat, or vehicle. Accessories like the cap mount and necklace make POV shooting effortless, while compatibility with existing DJI Action and Osmo 360 magnetic mounts adds flexibility.

Audio is another strong point. The Osmo Nano integrates seamlessly with the DJI Mic 3, Mic 2, and Mic Mini, providing reliable wireless audio without cables. Pairing is almost instant, which is a huge advantage for run-and-gun filming.

Storage and Battery Life

The Osmo Nano comes in 64GB or 128GB versions, both with an SD card slot. For most users, the 64GB model plus a large SD card is the most cost-effective option.

Battery performance varies depending on configuration:

Camera only: Around 45 minutes in 4K (60fps).
With vision dock: Up to ~2 hours in 4K.
Fast charging: 80% charge in just 20 minutes.

This is solid performance, though heavy 4K recording does drain the battery quicker than DJI’s quoted figures.

Overheating and Reliability

One of the biggest concerns with compact cameras is overheating—something the Action 2 notoriously struggled with. Thankfully, the Osmo Nano performs much better. Even when used in hot conditions (up to 38°C), it became warm but never shut down or displayed overheating warnings. This reliability alone is a huge step forward.

Waterproofing

The camera module is waterproof down to 10m, making it suitable for swimming and snorkeling. However, the vision dock is only splashproof, meaning you can’t take it underwater. This limitation reduces usability for water sports unless DJI releases an optional dive case.

Quirks and Limitations

While impressive, the Nano isn’t perfect:

You can only review footage when the camera is attached to the dock—unlike Insta360, which allows playback on the camera module alone.
When paired with DJI’s wireless audio, the detached dock loses its video feed, meaning it can’t be used as a wireless monitor simultaneously. Hopefully this can be resolved with a firmware update.
For vloggers who frequently switch between showing themselves and their surroundings, the detaching and reattaching process can feel clunky compared to gimbal-style cameras like the DJI Pocket 3.

Verdict

The DJI Osmo Nano is a fantastic ultra-compact action camera that balances portability with professional-grade features. With excellent image quality, flexible mounting options, reliable heat management, and seamless audio integration, it stands out as one of the best small action cameras on the market.

It does have some quirks—limited waterproofing, playback restrictions, and the occasional inconvenience when vlogging—but these are outweighed by the Nano’s strengths. For travelers, vloggers, and creators who want discreet yet powerful filming capabilities, the Osmo Nano is a brilliant option.

Recommended for anyone looking for a pocket-sized action camera that doesn’t compromise on quality.