DJI Osmo Action 5 is the best underwater action camera - shot from Kusu Island Resort, Halmahera

Dives: October 27 - November 1, 2024

In a remote region of Indonesia, between Raja Ampat and Suliwesi, is a place called #Halmahera. Most people have never heard of this place. The region hosts one of the last pristine coral reefs in the world. With it comes the largest marine biodiversity and bio mass. Healthy coral untouched by global warming, immense density of fish, and beautiful diverse corals make this place magical. A true wonder that must be seen in person.

The footage was taken mostly with a DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro for the reef scenes and a GoPro 13 for the 4 or 5 macro clips all taken in six days of diving. Diving and accommodations at Kusu Island Resort are world class.

Why is the Osmo Action 5 the best underwater action camera? Central to underwater video is white balance whether using or not using video lights. The camera's automatic white balance is more accurate under any sunny, cloudy, shallow, deep conditions. This means the colors are also very accurate, there's no reddish sand, greenish water unless those are the real conditions. In addition, the camera will last 4 dives on a charge (if you don't spend time reviewing photos and videos in between dives). The GoPro 13 is a great camera but its automatic white balance is unpredictable (sometimes great, sometimes off). The battery life on the GoPro 13 is about 2 dives and it takes longer to write data to memory, meaning if you want to perform back to back scenes, you will be more impeded than on the Osmo Action 5. The GoPro 13 has better up close focusing making it better for macro. Fitted with a Backscatter lens magnification is even better, still not suited for super macro.

For most divers, it's my belief that more shareable video wouls be created via the Osmo Action 5 vs GoPro 13.

This is part one of a three part series where I dive 3 resorts in Halmahera back to back. Please subscribe and enjoy some of the best reefs anywhere.

Let me know if you have any questions.