• Categories
• Tips & Inspiration
• Reviews
• News
• Events
• Features
• Buying Guides
• Competitions

DJI Osmo Action 4 Review

Having just completed an Air 3 review and drone comparison, DJI caught us off guard us with the launch of their fourth generation Osmo Action camera. This model arrives in two familiar combo kits to choose between, with the Osmo Action 4 Standard Combo and Action 4 Adventure Combo, alongside a flurry of compatible action cam accessories.

Our DJI Osmo Action 4 review explores key features, upgrades and video capabilities, with a Combo comparison and takes a look at the best accessories from the line-up, in order to help you decide, which is the best one for your adrenalin fuelled content.

DJI Osmo Action 4 release date and price

Having released DJI Osmo Action 4 on the 02 August 2023, the biggest question is how much does DJI Osmo Action 4 camera cost? The DJI Osmo Action 4 Camera Standard Combo costs £379.00, while the additional accessories in Osmo Action 4 Camera Adventure Combo bump the price to £469.00.

This compares quite favourably vs £309.00 for the Action 3 Standard Combo and £399.00 for the equivalent previous generation Adventure kit. Let’s discover what upgrades the newer model offers and whether it is worth buying the newer Osmo Action.

What are the new DJI Osmo Action 4 camera features?

On the surface the two generations are virtually identical, so what separates Osmo Action 4 vs Osmo Action 3? The biggest upgrade is a larger 1/1.3-inch CMOS sensor (up from 1/1.7-inch), which allows you to capture superior image quality in low light environments. Other updates include:

• 18m waterproof (vs 16m) without needing an optional Osmo Action Camera Waterproof case (60m waterproof)
• Improved audio fidelity from the three internal mics
• The camera takes larger microSD cards up to 512 GB (vs 256 GB)

The 2.4μm-equivalent pixel size with a larger surface area will help record more data, more accurately with finer details and lower noise levels when lighting is dim. This alone will tempt some action creators to the newer model, with the additional dive depth and higher card capacities adding icing to the cake.

What video resolutions does Osmo Action 4 support?

DJI has loaded Osmo Action 4 with a range of video settings to suit different requirements, all of which are recorded in MP4 (H.264/HEVC) format. Video settings include 4K/60fps and 8x slow mo 1080p/240fps videos.

• 4K (4:3): 3840x2880@24/25/30/48/50/60fps
• 4K (16:9): 3840x2160@100/120fps
• 4K (16:9): 3840x2160@24/25/30/48/50/60fps
• 2.7K (4:3): 2688x2016@24/25/30/48/50/60fps
• 2.7K (16:9): 2688x1512@100/120fps
• 2.7K (16:9): 2688x1512@24/25/30/48/50/60fps
• 1080p (16:9): 1920x1080@100/120/200/240fps
• 1080p (16:9): 1920x1080@24/25/30/48/50/60fps

Movies can be recorded with DJI’s universal wide dynamic range 10-bit and D-Log M colour profile, which is also employed by many of their drones. This allows you to colour grade footage and achieve a more precise style, whilst retaining more highlight and shadow information.

When using the built-in timecode function that exports within metadata you can synchronise footage from multiple cameras, drones, DJI Mic and other devices.

Which stabilisation features does DJI Osmo Action 4 offer?

Just like its predecessor, DJI Osmo Action 4 includes RockSteady 3.0 and HorizonSteady, which help to keep your clips stable and straight. RockSteady is an Electronic Image Stabilisation (EIS) technology, which crops unsteady images, after which multiple frames are overlaid and combined into a single sharp, clear, and accurately exposed frame.

This means video clips are incredibly stable, regardless of whether you’re rocking gnarly waves, skiing black runs or simply walking along a path while vlogging. although it’s worth noting that the 155° FOV supports up to 4K/60fps video recording and requires stabilisation to be turned off.

HorizonSteady supports 1080p@24/25/30/48/50/60fps and 2.7K (16:9)@24/25/30/48/50/60fps, where it will correct shakes for any horizontal rotation (360°) and lock onto a levelled horizon. Naturally you can shoot in portrait or horizontal modes for different social channels by using the included Horizontal-Vertical Protective Frame, or one of the mount accessories, if you have any.

How can you control the Osmo Action 4 camera?

There are several ways to control DJI Osmo Action 4, which is designed to be quick and easy to operate in the field for any level of user.

1. Via smartphone with the free DJI Mimo app, which allows you to adjust settings and shooting modes, sync photos and videos, and to edit and share images and footage
2. The front and rear screens support touch control and you can skip between the two with a simple and intuitive swipe. The dual screens can also be used simultaneously whenever needed
3. Osmo Action 4 also supports voice commands for true hands-free operation such as start and stop recording, take photo and shut down
4. A physical shutter/record button on the top of the camera lets you snap a photo and start/stop video recording
5. PRO mode can be selected to manually control speed, ISO, and other camera parameters for more advanced users

What’s included jn the two DJI Osmo Action 4 Combos?

There are two accessories included in the Adventure Combo, which are essential for capturing more distant selfie-style videos and for charging additional batteries. Conveniently, the battery charger intelligently fast charges three Osmo Action Extreme Batteries, and will act as a power bank for other devices when batteries are installed.

If you capture videos of your adventures on a regular basis, intend to travel, or simply want to shoot for longer, the Adventure Combo is definitely the way to go. Osmo Action 4 features an upgraded InvisiStick function, which somewhat incredibly removes any sign of the Extension rod during the editing process. This gives your videos a completely different viewpoint with the subject smaller in the frame to complement POV scenes and mix up content.

Which DJI Action camera to choose?

With the release of Osmo Action 4, DJI has a range of three action cameras to choose between, which offer different capabilities for content creators. All are incredibly lightweight, portable and capable action cameras to document your adventures, but the newest Action 4 just nudges ahead.

Best DJI Osmo Action 4 Camera accessories?

Along with brand new accessories, some of your existing Action 3 accessories will be compatible with the DJI Osmo Action 4, thanks to the cameras being all but identical. Some of the best accessories to add for your content include these:

• DJI Osmo Backpack Strap Mount – Perfect for hikes and walks with your pack
• DJI Osmo Action ND Filter Kit – Essential to slow the shutter speed during brighter conditions
• DJI Osmo Action Surfing Tether Kit – Can be used for a surf board, snow board or similar
• DJI Osmo Action Bike Seat Rail Mount – Fits most bike seat rail sizes
• DJI Osmo Action Curved Base Kit – Mount the camera to almost any helmet
• DJI Osmo Action Mini Extension Rod – Smaller than the 1.5m rod, but just as useful thanks to folding away into the palm of your hand
• DJI Osmo Action Mini Handlebar Mount - Made for all cyclists
• DJI Osmo Action 3.5mm Audio Adapter – Add any external video microphone for pro-audio
• DJI Osmo Action 4 Glass Lens Cover – Spare or replacement
• DJI Osmo Action Road Cycling Accessories Kit – a mini combo, which includes all of the cycle accessories in one, plus a 360º Wrist Strap

DJI Apps

DJI makes it incredibly easy to capture and edit immersive, exhilarating and pro-looking content with the Osmo Action 4 camera. Once you’ve captured your clips the LightCut App comes into its own, through the powerful ability to automatically recognise elements and make recommendations accordingly.

You don’t even need to download videos onto your phone if you’re connected to WiFi, simply choose the appropriate template and with the press of a button the app does all of the editing work remotely. The results can be spectacular, with brilliant 4K/60fps videos outputted, ready for you to share.

The fourth generation DJI Osmo 4 is an incremental update, which adds a larger sensor and tweaks some of the camera’s capabilities. If you do activities which take you into low light this is a worthwhile upgrade, which allows you to capture footage in all sorts of hot, frozen and dusty environments, above and below water. It’s an easy camera to control and records smooth, level footage, which can be edited with just a simple tap of a button if you choose.

The hardest decision is whether to buy the DJI Osmo Action 4 Camera Standard Combo or add the extra charger and 1.5m extension rod in the Osmo Action 4 Camera Adventure Combo. Don’t forget to consider which are the perfect action camera accessories to complement your purchase, and you can even grab a free quote to sell a camera that you no longer use, and offset the cost.

Share this post:

By Nick Dautlich on 02/08/2023