DJI, the company best known for drones and action cameras, is making waves again—this time with rumors of its first-ever 360-degree camera, the Osmo 360. For years, brands like Insta360 and GoPro have owned the spherical camera space. But with a constant stream of leaks, FCC filings, and even a suspiciously fresh sample video, it appears DJI is set to make a serious move. And with Insta360’s X5 raising the bar and GoPro’s Max beginning to look dated, DJI couldn’t have timed its entry better.
The Osmo 360: What the Leaks Are Saying
Design and Build
Early FCC filings and leaks have provided us with a fairly good idea of what to look forward to from the design of the Osmo 360. Unlike the Insta360 X5’s long, wand-like design, DJI appears to be opting for a small, blocky design—about 6.5 centimeters wide and 9 centimeters tall. It has a tiny touchscreen and three buttons on one side, making it have a utilitarian, no-frills look. There’s also a standard tripod mount on the bottom, along with four copper contacts that could be utilized for accessories or charging.
Sensor and Image Quality
What’s generating buzz is what’s on the inside. Various sources indicate dual 1/1.3-inch sensors. That’s only a hair smaller than the X5’s 1/1.28-inch sensors, but still very large for a 360 camera. More advanced sensors generally translate to improved performance in low-light conditions and crisp overall image quality. A leaked sample video, captured in Central Park and attributed to a “Camera X,” indicates that DJI may already have the upper hand. The video featured high levels of detail and cooler, more balanced color compared to the X5. Even though the X5 edges out slightly on paper, DJI’s focus on thermal control and consistent performance could give them the real-world edge.
Battery and Connectivity
The Osmo 360 will reportedly use a 1,950mAh battery—the same one used in DJI’s Osmo Action series. That’s a smart move for current DJI users who want to travel light with interchangeable batteries. On the connectivity side, expect Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.1, along with a microSD slot for storage. The camera will also sync with the DJI Mimo app, which means a familiar interface for those already in the DJI ecosystem.
Distinctive Engineering Options
One of the more intriguing technical decisions DJI seems to have undertaken is sensor placement. Rather than positioning sensors immediately behind every lens, DJI is employing 45-degree mirrors to project light onto sensors placed on the sides of the device. This periscope-style configuration—verified in teardown photos—permits more effective cooling and room for bigger sensors, all within a small footprint for the device. It’s a smart solution that could set the Osmo 360 apart from its competitors.
How It Stacks Up Against Insta360 and GoPro
Insta360’s X5 is the current gold standard with its 8K video and slightly larger sensors. But early footage from DJI’s camera suggests it’s not far behind. If anything, it may even offer better sharpness and dynamic range in challenging environments. GoPro’s Max line, on the other hand, is overdue for a refresh and hasn’t kept up with newer tech. DJI’s entry into this space could be the push the market needs, especially if the Osmo 360 lives up to its promise of improved stitching, better thermal control, and more efficient low-light capture.
Release Rumors and the Road Ahead
Despite the flurry of leaks, DJI hasn’t made anything official yet. Some sources, such as popular leaker Jasper Ellens, have questioned whether the Osmo 360 will even be released, pointing to a scarcity of retailer leaks and potential tariff-related concerns in the US. That being said, Chinese technology website IT Home has recently claimed a potential July 2025 release. The frequency of leaked user manuals, internal documents, and FCC records strongly indicates the camera is well into its development process. There are also rumors of an Osmo Nano—a small, modular camera—and an Osmo Action 6, suggesting a hectic summer for DJI.
Why the Osmo 360 Matters
For real estate shooters, virtual tour masters, or 360-degree creators in general, the Osmo 360 might be a game-changer. Sharper images and improved stitching could translate to less editing time and more time spent creating. Sharing a battery system with the Osmo Action series also makes it easier to use multiple cameras without the hassle of carrying extra gear. And thanks to DJI’s mirrored sensor setup, users may see fewer stitching artifacts and better overall image quality.
As the 360 camera market reaches a crossroads, DJI’s potential entry feels like the shake-up it’s been waiting for. Whether the Osmo 360 becomes the next must-have tool or just forces competitors to step up, one thing is clear—DJI is bringing serious competition to the table.
