Unveiling DJI’s Upgraded Osmo Action 4 Camera: Bigger Sensor, Steeper Price

Within a year of releasing the Action 3, DJI has debuted the enhanced Osmo Action 4, equipped with a superior camera that thrives in low light conditions. Its new 1/1.3-inch sensor (shared with the Mavic 3 Pro, Mini 3 Pro, and Air 3 drones) is an upgrade from the previous 1/1.7-inch and outperforms the 1/1.9-inch sensor of the GoPro Hero 11. The addition of D-Log M ensures a remarkable dynamic range, significantly exceeding the capabilities of the Action 3.

Despite these improvements, many aspects of the Action 4 remain consistent with its predecessor. The 155-degree field of view and f/2.8 aperture persist, with the video recording quality topping at 4K 120p (10-bit HDR) under normal conditions. However, photo resolution has declined in comparison to the Action 3 (3,648 x 2,736 versus 4,000 x 3,000), as has the max 4:3 video quality (3,840 x 2,880 against 4,096 x 3,072). Meanwhile, the GoPro Hero 11 boasts 5.3K video at up to 60 fps, 4K at 120 fps, and 2.7K at up to 240 fps.

Gallery: A Closer Look at DJI’s Osmo Action 4 Camera and its Larger Sensor | 16 Photos
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The exterior design of the Action 4 mirrors that of the Action 3, including a record button on the top and power button on the side. The right side holds the battery compartment/micro SD slot, while the USB-C port is on the left (from the front view). The same 1770 mWh battery provides 150 minutes of recording time, requiring only 18 minutes of charging to reach 80 percent. A microSD card is necessary, as the Action 4 lacks built-in storage.

In line with its predecessor, the Action 4 employs DJI’s innovative magnetic locking system, doing away with the need for a case when attaching accessories. It also remains compatible with all GoPro mount accessories, supplemented by a host of DJI’s own accessories such as a chest strap mount, helmet chin mount, 60m waterproof case, bike seat rail mount, neck mount, mini handlebar mount, the Osmo Action 360° Wrist Strap, and a new wrist remote to operate the Action 4.

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Now, the Action 4 can withstand water up to 18m or 59 feet (2m deeper than the previous model) or up to 60m (208 feet) with the waterproof case. The 1.4-inch 320×320 front screen and 2.25-inch 360×640 rear display are retained, each peaking at 750 nits to ensure visibility even on bright days. The Action 4 is equipped with three microphones and advanced wind noise reduction software, making for excellent audio recording in such a compact device.

The latest DJI stabilization technology, Rocksteady 3.0 and Rocksteady 3.0+, has been included to combat camera shake in all directions up to the maximum 4K/60fps. Other features include HorizonSteady, ensuring a level horizon regardless of camera rotation (2.7K max), and HorizonBalancing, which adjusts tilt horizontally within ±45°, facilitating stabilized recording at 4K/60fps.

Prior to operating the Action 4, activation through DJI’s smartphone app is required. The app also enables viewing, transferring of footage, and live-streaming via WiFi.

Gallery: Sample Images Captured with the DJI Action 4 | 7 Photos
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DJI’s decision to introduce a camera so akin to the previous model, within less than a year, has sparked questions. However, negative reviews of the Action 3’s mediocre low-light image quality and inadequate stabilization may provide an explanation. The Action 4 addresses these issues, promising noticeable enhancements.

New features in the Action 4 include rapid-switching between five custom modes, voice prompts about the current mode, voice control, an improved InvisiStick that digitally conceals the selfie stick, support for external mics, and more. Furthermore, DJI offers the LightCut app, which wirelessly connects to the Action 4, allowing quick previews and auto-editing without transferring footage from the camera.

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After briefly testing the Action 4, I found that the image quality with the new sensor was significantly improved. While the Action 3 suffered from pixelation and blocky artifacts in low light, the Action 4 largely eradicates these issues. This leads to superior performance in challenging lighting conditions, such as during overcast mountain bike rides or underwater filming. The GoPro Hero 11, with its noise well managed for a relatively small sensor, is now closely matched by the Action 4 in low-light performance.

Although the RockSteady stabilization still lags behind that of the Hero 11 and the Insta360 X3 action camera, opting for a slightly higher zoom with RockSteady+ brings the Action 4’s stabilization very close to these competitors.

Gallery: Press Images of the DJI Action 4 Camera | 11 Photos
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Despite the price hike from $329 for the Action 3 to $399 for the Action 4, it remains an appealing choice for content creators seeking high-quality footage or for those wishing to pair their video with DJI’s drones and other products. However, this increased cost positions it as a harder sell against the similarly priced GoPro Hero 11.

For those starting from ground zero, the Adventure Combo at $499 presents a much better deal. It includes the camera, three batteries, the Horizontal-Vertical ProtectiveFrame, a quick-release adapter mount, a mini quick-release mount, a curved adhesive base, two locking screws, a USB-C cable, the multifunction battery case, a 1.5 extension rod, an action lens hood, and an anti-slip pad.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about DJI Osmo Action 4 Camera

More about DJI Osmo Action 4 Camera

• DJI’s Official Website
• Review of DJI Osmo Action 3
• GoPro Hero 11 Official Product Page
• DJI Osmo Action vs GoPro Hero comparison
• Understanding Sensor Size in Photography
• Introduction to DJI’s Rocksteady Stabilization