DJI Osmo Action 4 review: Is it a reliable action camera?

Released as the successor to the well-received Osmo Action series, the DJI Osmo Action 4 builds on its predecessors’ strengths while incorporating several innovative upgrades. With a focus on delivering high-quality footage in various environments, this action camera is equipped to handle anything from underwater adventures to high-speed sports.

In this review, we will delve into the various aspects of the DJI Osmo Action 4, covering its design, features, performance, and overall value. We aim to provide you valuable information about the reliability of DJI Osmo Action 4 and how it compares to its rivals in the field of action cameras.

Design and Build Quality

Sturdy and refined 

The first impression of the DJI Osmo Action 4 is its robust build and elegant design. The camera is constructed with high-quality materials that ensure durability while maintaining a sleek and modern aesthetic. The body is predominantly made of a durable, lightweight metal alloy that can withstand harsh conditions, making it an ideal companion for extreme sports and adventurous activities.

Compact and portable

Despite its sturdy build, the Osmo Action 4 is remarkably compact and portable. Its dimensions and weight make it easy to carry in a pocket or mount on various surfaces without adding significant bulk. This portability is a crucial factor for users who need to travel light and move quickly, ensuring that the camera is always ready to capture the moment.

Waterproof and dustproof

One of the standout features of the Osmo Action 4 is its enhanced waterproof capability. It can be submerged up to 11 meters without any additional housing, making it perfect for underwater exploration and filming in wet conditions.  The camera is dustproof, ensuring reliable performance in sandy or dusty environments. This combination of waterproof and dustproof features significantly enhances the camera’s versatility and reliability.

Display and User Interface

Dual screens

The DJI Osmo Action 4 features a dual-screen design, with a front-facing screen for selfies and vlogging, and a rear touch screen for more traditional shooting. The front screen is particularly useful for vloggers and solo adventurers, as it allows them to frame their shots accurately without needing to check the rear display constantly. Both screens are bright, with high resolution and excellent color reproduction, making it easy to review footage and navigate the settings even in bright sunlight.

Intuitive touch interface

The touch interface on the rear screen is highly responsive and intuitive. Navigating through the menus and settings is straightforward, with clear icons and a logical layout. The user interface (UI) is designed to minimize the learning curve, ensuring that even those new to action cameras can quickly master the device’s functions. This ease of use is a significant advantage for capturing spontaneous moments without staggering through complex settings.

Performance and Image Quality

High-resolution imaging

The DJI Osmo Action 4 excels in delivering high-resolution images and videos. It supports 4K video recording at 60 frames per second (fps), providing crisp and detailed footage. The camera also offers various resolution and frame rate options, including 1080p at up to 240fps for super slow-motion effects. The versatility in resolution settings allows users to choose the best configuration for their specific needs, whether it’s capturing fast-paced action or creating cinematic slow-motion scenes.

Advanced image stabilization

One of the key selling points of the Osmo Action 4 is its advanced image stabilization technology. DJI’s RockSteady 3.0 combines electronic and optical image stabilization to produce smooth and stable footage even in the most challenging conditions. This stabilization is crucial for action shots, where movement and vibrations can easily ruin the quality of the video. With RockSteady 3.0, users can be confident that their footage will remain clear and stable, enhancing the overall viewing experience.

Superior low-light performance

The Osmo Action 4 is equipped with a larger sensor and improved lens, which significantly enhances its low-light performance. This capability is essential for capturing high-quality footage in dimly lit environments, such as during dawn or dusk, or in indoor settings with limited lighting. The camera’s low-light performance is further complemented by its wide dynamic range, which helps retain detail in both the shadows and highlights, resulting in well-balanced and visually appealing images.

Audio Quality

Built-in microphones

The DJI Osmo Action 4 features dual built-in microphones that capture clear and natural sound. The microphones are strategically placed to reduce wind noise and capture audio from multiple directions. This setup is particularly beneficial for vlogging and on-the-go filming, where high-quality audio is as important as video quality.

External Microphone Support

For those who require even better audio quality, the Osmo Action 4 supports external microphones through a dedicated adapter. This feature is invaluable for professional content creators and vloggers who need top-tier audio to match their high-quality video. By using an external microphone, users can significantly improve the clarity and richness of their audio recordings, ensuring a more immersive and professional result.

Battery Life and Charging

Long-lasting battery

The Osmo Action 4’s battery life lives up to expectations, which is a major concern for action cameras. The camera’s high-capacity battery allows for longer recording sessions. While specifics like usage and settings can affect the battery life, a full charge typically allows the Osmo Action 4 to record continuously for 150 minutes (2.5 hours). Having a longer battery life is great for long trips or when there isn’t always a place to plug in.

Fast charging

In addition to its improved battery life, the Osmo Action 4 supports fast charging, allowing users to quickly recharge their camera and get back to shooting. The fast-charging capability is a significant convenience, especially for those who are always on the move and need to maximize their shooting time. With a short charging period, you can ensure that their camera is always ready to capture the next adventure.

Connectivity and Storage

Wireless connectivity

The Osmo Action 4 provides a variety of wireless connectivity options, such as Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. These capabilities facilitate the effortless transfer of footage and remote operation of the camera by facilitating a seamless connection to smartphones and other devices. The DJI Mimo app, which offers supplementary features and controls to improve the photography experience, is also dependent on wireless connectivity.

Storage options

The camera can save data on microSD cards, and it is compatible with high-capacity cards that offer enough room for hours of high-definition video. During extended shoots, you won’t have to worry about running out of storage space because to the availability of large-capacity microSD cards. Modern microSD cards read and write quickly, which contributes to seamless and effective recording and playback.

Software and Features

DJI Mimo app

The DJI Mimo app is an integral part of the Osmo Action 4 experience. The app offers a range of features and controls that enhance the camera’s functionality. Users can easily transfer footage, edit videos, and control the camera remotely using their smartphone. The app also provides access to advanced settings and shooting modes, enabling users to customize their shooting experience to their preferences.

Creative shooting modes

The Osmo Action 4 includes several creative shooting modes that cater to different filming needs. These modes include:

Time-Lapse: Ideal for capturing slow changes over time, such as sunsets or bustling city scenes.
Hyperlapse: Combines time-lapse with movement, creating dynamic and engaging footage.
Slow Motion: Captures high-speed action in stunning detail, perfect for sports and fast-paced activities.
HDR Video: Enhances dynamic range, providing better detail and color accuracy in high-contrast scenes.

These creative modes add versatility to the Osmo Action 4, allowing users to experiment with different filming techniques and produce a variety of content styles.

Durability and Reliability

Extreme condition performance

The DJI Osmo Action 4 is designed to perform reliably in extreme conditions. Its rugged construction and advanced sealing techniques ensure that it can withstand harsh environments, including extreme temperatures, moisture, and physical impact. This durability makes it a dependable choice for adventurers who need a camera that can keep up with their demanding activities.

Dependable electronics

The Osmo Action 4 continues DJI’s tradition of producing high-quality electronics. The interior parts of the camera are built to last a long time with dependable operation. Without having to worry about faults or technological problems, you can anticipate consistent performance. This dependability is necessary to capture significant moments without glitches or failures.

Comparison with Competitors

GoPro Hero series

The DJI Osmo Action 4 is often compared to the GoPro Hero series, particularly the GoPro Hero 10 Black. Both cameras have strong build quality, sophisticated stabilization, and high-resolution video. But the Osmo Action 4 stands out thanks to its dual-screen layout, which makes it easier for lone explorers and vloggers to operate. Furthermore, the Osmo Action 4 has an advantage in some situations due to its improved waterproof capabilities and superior low-light performance.

Insta360 ONE R

The Insta360 ONE RS, another rival, is renowned for its 360-degree shooting capabilities and modular architecture. The Osmo Action 4 delivers a more direct and user-friendly experience, even though the Insta360 ONE RS has unique capabilities. The Osmo Action 4 is a great option for people who value dependability and simplicity of use over customization because of its fixed design, sophisticated stabilization, and high-resolution imagery.

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Must read: GoPro Hero 12: A New Frontier in Adventure and Technology

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Available Combo Packages

DJI offers a range of combo packages for the Osmo Action 4, designed to enhance the user experience and provide additional value. These bundles typically include a selection of essential accessories that cater to various shooting needs and environments. Commonly found items in these combo packages are additional batteries, battery charging hubs, protective cases, and a variety of mounts and adapters.

For instance, the Surfing Combo offers extended filming capabilities for those long days of recording. Moreover, the battery charging hub ensures that you’re never out of power, allowing simultaneous charging of multiple batteries. The waterproof case included in some packages provides added protection, making it perfect for underwater diving and extreme weather conditions.

These carefully chosen sets not only save users the trouble of looking for separate extras, but also offer a cheap way to get the most out of the Osmo Action 4 right out of the box. These packages are great for both experienced professionals and eager amateurs. They make sure that you have everything you need to get the perfect shot, no matter where your adventures take you.

How does the DJI Osmo Action 4 differ from previous models?

When comparing the DJI Osmo Action 4 to its predecessors, several key improvements and new features stand out, underscoring DJI’s commitment to innovation and user experience. First and foremost, the Osmo Action 4 boasts an upgraded sensor, delivering higher image quality with increased sharpness, better low-light performance, and richer colors. This sensor enhancement is particularly beneficial for creators who often work in varied lighting conditions.

The Osmo Action 4 introduces advanced stabilization technology that surpasses the previous models. This results in smoother, more stable footage, even during high-motion activities such as mountain biking or snowboarding. The improved stabilization algorithm ensures that every shot remains steady, providing professional-grade results with minimal effort.

Battery life has also seen a significant boost in the Osmo Action 4. With longer recording times and more efficient power management, users can now capture more footage without frequent interruptions for battery changes or recharges. This is further complemented by the inclusion of features like the battery charging hub in various combo packages, enhancing the shooting experience and convenience.

Another notable difference is the enhanced waterproofing capabilities. While previous models were robust in their own right, the Osmo Action 4 takes it a step further by offering deeper waterproofing without the need for an additional housing. This makes the camera more versatile and reliable for underwater adventures and extreme weather conditions.

Lastly, the user interface and connectivity options have been updated, offering a more intuitive experience. With faster Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connections, transferring files and controlling the camera remotely has become more seamless, allowing for greater creative flexibility and efficiency.

Does Bigger Sensor Matter?

The size of the sensor in a camera is a critical factor that significantly impacts image quality. A larger sensor allows for more light to be captured, which is particularly advantageous in low-light conditions or scenes with high dynamic range. This results in clearer, more detailed footage with less noise.

The bigger sensor enhances the camera’s depth of field, enabling a more pronounced background blur (bokeh) for a professional look in certain shots, elevating the overall production value of their content.

Sensor Comparison

When comparing the DJI Osmo Action 4 sensor to other models in the market, several key differences stand out. The Osmo Action 4 is equipped with a 1/2.3-inch sensor, which is similar to those found in many other action cameras, including the GoPro HERO series. 

In contrast, the GoPro HERO9 and HERO10 Black models feature a slightly larger 1/2-inch sensor. This marginal size increase can contribute to better low-light performance and greater dynamic range, giving these models a slight edge in image quality. Meanwhile, the Insta360 ONE R uses a modular approach, allowing users to switch between a 1-inch sensor module for superior image quality and other sensor sizes for specific use cases.

Regardless of these variations, the Osmo Action 4’s sensor is brilliant at capturing detailed, colorful film, and the RockSteady Stabilization guarantees fluid cuts and minimal detail loss. Its performance is optimized for bright, well-lit settings, allowing for clear, colorful photos. Users may experience a minor performance dip in low-light settings when contrasted with devices using bigger sensors. Considering its sturdy build and user-friendly features, the Osmo Action 4 provides a competitive sensing experience that is competitive with its competitors.

Is It Worth Buying?

A versatile and reliable action camera

Excellent picture quality, stability, and long-term reliability are just a few of the many ways in which the DJI Osmo Action 4 stands out as an exceptional action camera. Both novice and expert users will find it to be an ideal option thanks to its sturdy construction, comprehensive functionality, and user-friendly design.  

Value for money

Considering its range of features and performance capabilities, the Osmo Action 4 offers excellent value for money. It competes effectively with other leading action cameras on the market, providing a comprehensive package that meets the needs of a wide audience. The camera’s durability, coupled with its advanced imaging and stabilization technologies, ensures that users are investing in a product that will serve them well for years to come.

The range of available combo packages further enhances its value, providing essential accessories that extend battery life, protect the camera in extreme conditions, and offer mounting solutions for various filming scenarios. Cost-effectiveness is another key advantage, as these bundles save you from the additional expenses of purchasing accessories separately.

The Bottom Line

In conclusion, the DJI Osmo Action 4 stands out as one of the best action cameras available today. Its combination of high-resolution video, superior stabilization, and user-friendly design make it a top choice for capturing life’s adventures. While the competition is fierce, the Osmo Action 4 stands out with its unique strengths and value proposition.

The Osmo Action 4 is a reliable and dependable instrument that will assist you in the rapid creation of stunning content, whether you are diving underwater, climbing mountains, or simply documenting your daily activities. Should you be shopping for a new action camera, the DJI Osmo Action 4 is surely worth giving some thought.

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Frequently Asked Questions: (FAQs)

How can I update the firmware on my DJI Osmo Action 4?

Firmware updates can be done through the DJI Mimo app. Connect your camera to the app and follow the prompts to download and install the latest firmware updates.

What should I do if my DJI Osmo Action 4 isn’t turning on?

First, ensure the battery is charged. If the camera still doesn’t turn on, try resetting it by holding down the power button for several seconds. If the issue persists, contact DJI support for further assistance.

Can the DJI Osmo Action 4 be used for live streaming?

Yes, the Osmo Action 4 supports live streaming via the DJI Mimo app, allowing you to broadcast your adventures in real-time.

Can I download DJI Mimo app through the Google Play Store?

No.  As an update,  Google Play no longer features the DJI Mimo app because of a compatibility issue across platforms.  Nonetheless, you can still download the app through DJI Apple App Store and the official website of DJI at dji.com.