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DJI Osmo Action 4 Review
The DJI Osmo Action 4 is a rugged 4K action camera with a larger 1/1.3-inch sensor, excellent low-light performance, and a user-friendly touchscreen. It's a top choice for vloggers and adventurers, though it may be overkill for casual users.
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The DJI Osmo Action 4 is a superb action camera that delivers excellent 4K video with strong stabilization and a larger sensor for better low-light shots. Its user-friendly interface and long battery life make it a great choice for vloggers and outdoor enthusiasts. However, if you already own an Action 3 or don't need the low-light boost, you might not find enough incentive to upgrade. For most buyers, it's a worthy investment, though GoPro's ecosystem may appeal to those who prioritize accessory compatibility.
How it scores
The good and the annoying
- Excellent 4K video with a larger 1/1.3-inch sensor for better low-light performance
- RockSteady 3.0 stabilization is smooth and reliable
- Intuitive touchscreen and easy-to-navigate menu
- Long battery life, especially with the recommended settings
- Durable and waterproof up to 18 meters without a case
- No GPS built-in (requires a remote or phone)
- Some users report occasional overheating during long 4K recording
- Accessory ecosystem is not as extensive as GoPro's
- The front screen is small and not touch-sensitive
The DJI Osmo Action 4 is a versatile action camera that has quickly become a favorite among content creators and outdoor enthusiasts. With its larger 1/1.3-inch sensor, it delivers impressive 4K video even in challenging lighting. Our editorial team compared specifications, buyer feedback, and key decision factors to give you an honest review.
Design and Build Quality
The Action 4 maintains a similar design to its predecessor, the Action 3, with a rugged, square body that feels solid in hand. It is waterproof up to 18 meters without a case, making it ideal for snorkeling and water sports. The camera features a front color touchscreen for easy framing and a rear touchscreen for menu navigation. Both are responsive and bright, even in direct sunlight.
The build quality is excellent, with a durable metal body and protective lens cover. The lens is made of Gorilla Glass, which resists scratches and impacts. The camera comes with a standard mounting system that is compatible with GoPro mounts, though you may need an adapter for some accessories.
Performance and Image Quality
The standout feature of the Action 4 is its 1/1.3-inch sensor, which is larger than the sensors in most action cameras. This allows for better light capture, resulting in clearer and more detailed footage, especially in low-light conditions. The camera supports 4K recording at up to 120fps, 2.7K at 120fps, and 1080p at 240fps, giving you plenty of options for slow-motion captures.
Color science is another strong point. DJI's natural color profile produces vibrant yet realistic tones, which many users prefer over the more saturated look of GoPro. The RockSteady 3.0 stabilization is outstanding, keeping footage smooth even during intense activities like mountain biking or running. HorizonSteady, which locks the horizon up to 360 degrees, is a great tool for vloggers who want perfectly level shots.
Ease of Use and User Interface
The Action 4 is incredibly easy to use, even for beginners. The touchscreen interface is intuitive, with swipe gestures to switch modes and access settings. The quick switch button on the side allows you to toggle between video, photo, and slow-motion modes instantly. The DJI Mimo app is user-friendly and offers wireless control, live preview, and easy editing tools.
The front screen is smaller than the rear, but it's sufficient for framing selfies and vlogs. It does not support touch input, which is a minor inconvenience but not a deal-breaker. The camera also supports voice control, making it hands-free for simple commands like "start recording" or "take photo."
Battery Life and Storage
The Action 4 uses a removable 1770mAh battery, which is rated for about 160 minutes of recording at 1080p/30fps. In real-world use, you can expect around 80-90 minutes of continuous 4K recording, which is competitive with other action cameras. The battery charges quickly via USB-C, and DJI offers a dual-battery charging hub for extended shoots.
Storage is via microSD card, and the camera supports cards up to 1TB. It also has built-in memory of 130MB, which is not enough for significant recording but can be used for temporary storage or updates. We recommend investing in a high-speed microSD card (UHS-I or UHS-II) to ensure smooth 4K recording.
Common Buyer Complaints
While the Action 4 receives high praise, some users have reported issues. The most common complaint is overheating during prolonged 4K recording, especially in warm environments. DJI has released firmware updates to address this, but it's still a factor to consider. Another issue is the lack of GPS, which is a feature some users expect in a premium action camera. However, you can use the DJI Mimo app to add GPS data to your videos, though it's not as seamless as built-in GPS.
Some users also find the accessory ecosystem less extensive than GoPro's, though DJI's own mounts and accessories are high quality. The front screen's small size and lack of touch capability are minor annoyances, but they don't detract significantly from the overall experience.
Value and Comparison
The DJI Osmo Action 4 is priced competitively, making it a strong value for the features it offers. It directly competes with the GoPro Hero 12 Black and the Insta360 Ace Pro. The Action 4 excels in low-light performance and ease of use, while the GoPro offers built-in GPS and a wider range of accessories. The Insta360 Ace Pro has a unique 8K option and a flip-up screen, but it's more expensive. Ultimately, the Action 4 is a top choice for most users, especially those who prioritize image quality and simplicity.
Who Should Buy the DJI Osmo Action 4?
If you are a vlogger, traveler, or adventure enthusiast who wants a reliable, high-quality action camera with excellent stabilization and low-light performance, the Action 4 is a great fit. It's also a solid choice for beginners due to its user-friendly interface.
Who Should Skip It?
If you already own an Action 3 and are happy with its performance, the upgrade may not be necessary. Also, if you rely heavily on GPS features or need a vast accessory ecosystem, you might prefer the GoPro Hero 12 Black.
Final Verdict
The DJI Osmo Action 4 is a fantastic action camera that sets a new standard for image quality and usability. Its larger sensor, superb stabilization, and intuitive controls make it a joy to use. While it has a few minor drawbacks, they are easily outweighed by its strengths. For most buyers, the Action 4 is a worthy investment that will capture your adventures in stunning detail.
Specs that matter
| Sensor | 1/1.3-inch CMOS |
| Video resolution | Up to 4K/120fps, 2.7K/120fps, 1080p/240fps |
| Photo resolution | 10 MP (still photo from video), 12 MP (single photo) |
| Stabilization | RockSteady 3.0 and HorizonSteady (up to 360° horizon lock) |
| Waterproof depth | 18 meters (59 feet) without a case |
| Battery capacity | 1770 mAh (removable) |
You want an action camera with excellent low-light video, superb stabilization, and a user-friendly interface for vlogging or adventure filming.
You already own a DJI Osmo Action 3 and don't need the improved sensor, or you prefer a camera with a larger accessory ecosystem like GoPro.
Questions before you buy
Does the DJI Osmo Action 4 have GPS?
No, the Action 4 does not have built-in GPS. You can use the DJI Mimo app or a remote to add GPS data, but it's not as seamless as GoPro's built-in GPS.
Can the DJI Osmo Action 4 be used as a webcam?
Yes, the Action 4 can be used as a webcam via USB-C connection. It works with DJI's webcam software, and you can use it for streaming or video calls.
How does the DJI Osmo Action 4 compare to the GoPro Hero 12 Black?
The Action 4 offers a larger sensor for better low-light performance and a more intuitive touchscreen. GoPro has a wider range of mounts and accessories, plus built-in GPS. Both are excellent, but the Action 4 is often preferred for vlogging due to its front screen and color quality.
Is the DJI Osmo Action 4 worth the upgrade from the Action 3?
If you frequently shoot in low light or want better image quality, yes. The Action 4's larger sensor is a significant improvement. Otherwise, the Action 3 still performs well, and the upgrade may not be necessary.
Does the DJI Osmo Action 4 overheat?
Some users have reported overheating during extended 4K recording, especially in hot environments. DJI has released firmware updates to mitigate this, but it's still a consideration for long recording sessions.
