DJI Osmo Action 4 has been significantly upgraded over the Action 3 – especially the sensor and lens. Not only is the size of the lens larger, but the sensor is also closer to the 1-inch. With the D-Log M color mode, Action 4 has a wider range of post-production and color correction, which can better produce professional videos.
DJI Osmo Action 4 specs and features:
- 1/1.3-inch CMOS sensor
- 18 meters water resistance
- Support D-Log M color mode
- Manually adjust the image
- Gyroscope data export
- $399 – Check latest price on Amazon US, Amazon Germany or other Amazon countries
Compared with DJI Osmo Action 3, what is the improvement of DJI Osmo Action 4?
1. 1/1.3-inch CMOS sensor. The sensor of DJI Osmo Action 3 is 1/1.7-inch, while the sensor of DJI Osmo Action 4 has been increased to 1/1.3-inch – infinitely close to the size specification of 1-inch sensor, so the advantage brought is the improvement of image quality. The equivalent size of a single pixel of Action 4 reaches 2.4μm, which is the same as the pixel size of a 1-inch sensor. Therefore, it can make its picture quality performance in sports scenes and low-light scenes more pure, and the dynamic range performance in high-light ratio environments is also better. That is to say, in a large light ratio and indoor environment, videos with better details and picture quality can be obtained.
So, why not use 1-inch sensor directly? Because of the physical limitations of action camera size and optical depth of field, 1-inch sensors are not suitable.
Also, Action 4 redesigned the optical lens, its lens size is larger than DJI Osmo Action 3, and the aperture is F2.8 – which means it has a better amount of light. Therefore, it has better dynamic range and details during the day, and better low-light image quality performance at night.
2. D-Log M color mode. The D-Log M color mode has been used in many DJI consumer drones – this mode was also developed for professional photography. With the blessing of D-Log M color mode, DJI Osmo Action 4 can get better dynamic range when shooting in scenes with large light ratio or multi-color. The post-stage color correction space is also wider, which can better restore the real viewing experience and color performance of the shooting scene. At the same time, the 10bit color depth can make the color transition smoother and avoid gaps in the later stage of color correction. In the DJI Mimo APP, it can automatically identify whether it is a video in D-Log M color mode – if it is, you can directly apply a stylized LUT to achieve a better picture.
3. 18 meters waterproof. The waterproof depth of DJI Osmo Action 3 reaches 16 meters, and it was also the world’s first consumer-grade action camera that supports 16 meters of water resistance. Now, DJI Osmo Action 4 has been upgraded again, with a waterproof depth of 18 meters – once again becoming the strongest waterproof performance among the action cameras currently on sale. Therefore, for diving users, they can explore with more confidence. In addition, the underwater color restoration function has been added, which can realize underwater color restoration through the DJI Mimo APP – restore transparent, natural, and real underwater colors, and show more picture details.
4. Stereo sound is better and more transparent. DJI Osmo Action 4 has designed 3 microphones to form an array microphone – supporting single-channel and dual-channel switching. At the same time, it has an anti-wind noise mode, which can greatly reduce environmental noise.
5. GPS bluetooth remote control and dashboard function. DJI Osmo Action 4 comes with a mini Bluetooth remote that can record various information while exercising – and can be added to the video to make the video more professional. With the GPS bluetooth remote control, you can add speed, inclination, acceleration, trajectory and other information to the video material through the DJI Mimo APP.
6. Gyroscope data. DJI Osmo Action 4 support the export of gyroscope data. Support post-stabilization via Gyroflow, providing more stabilization options.
7. Image adjustment. DJI Osmo Action 4 supports users to manually set the picture sharpness and denoising intensity. According to different environments and different shooting styles, users can make dynamic adjustments.
Of course, there are also playability upgrades. Now the accessories ecosystem of DJI Osmo Action 4 is more complete and comprehensive. Such as cycling, diving, fishing, rock climbing, locomotive, Vlog and other scene applications. As long as you have needs, you can find accessories that match Action 4.
Appearance Design: Exquisite Workmanship, Magnetic Quick Release is Still Convenient
The overall appearance of the DJI Osmo Action 4 is basically the same as that of the DJI Osmo Action 3, with only some minor design differences. The camera size and weight are almost the same, and all accessories can be used in common – especially the matching magnetic accessories. The overall performance and detail processing of Action 4 are still in place, and the quality is guaranteed.
Compared with Osmo Action 3, the front model logo of DJI Osmo Action 4 is clearly distinguishable – especially the word “4” turns red. As mentioned above, the size of the Action 4 lens is larger than that of the previous generation, and the main performance configuration is printed on the lens protective cover. Such as 1/1.3-inch sensor, F2.8 aperture, FOV 155°. The size of the screen on the back is basically the same as that of Osmo Action 3 – the screen-to-body ratio is large and the viewing experience is very good.
DJI Osmo Action 4 continues the connection method of magnetic suction + bayonet. The design of the magnetic part is different from the previous generation, but the size specifications are exactly the same – so the accessories of the DJI Osmo Action 3 can be used directly. The connection method of magnetic suction + buckle is very convenient – both installation and removal are completed in 1 second, and the experience is very good.
DJI Osmo Action 4 is still a dual-screen design. The front and rear screens are all color screens with high resolution, and the display effect is delicate and clear. At the same time, the screen support touch operation. The front screen also has an AF protective coating design, which can better protect the screen.
The surrounding design of DJI Osmo Action 4 is very simple, mainly including buttons, interfaces, battery compartment and card slot. Especially the QS button is very convenient for daily shooting – it can quickly switch pictures, videos, slow-motion videos, static time-lapse, motion time-lapse and playback, etc.
DJI Osmo Action 4 has designed a vertical protection frame, the same as the previous generation. With the protective frame, we can connect magnetic accessories when shooting vertically. In addition, Action 4 can achieve lossless vertical shooting – that is, when we hold the sports camera vertically, we can directly enter the vertical shooting mode. The operating system will also follow the steering when in vertical shooting mode, and the recorded video performance and specifications are not any different from horizontal shooting.
In addition, DJI Osmo Action 4 also has a function – it can remove the selfie stick when shooting sports such as skiing and skateboarding, and this function has been optimized compared to the previous generation. Users can use the DJI Mimo APP to remove the selfie stick, and this is the first time to bring the selfie stick remove function in non-skiing scenes. At the same time, it also support the removal of the selfie stick locally on the mobile phone.
Picture Quality: The sensor is upgraded, and the overall picture quality is significantly improved
For DJI Osmo Action 4, the biggest improvement is definitely the sensor upgrade to 1/1.3-inch – this is where users are very concerned.
The lens of DJI Osmo Action 4 also has a new design – the size of the lens is larger, and the intuitive change brought about is better picture quality performance – especially better low-light picture quality performance. Whether shooting horizontally or vertically, there is the same improvement.
DJI Osmo Action 4 supports horizontal and vertical 4K 60P video specifications. For users, the Action 4’s straight-out video has a very good quality performance – the details are recorded clearly and completely, and the color reproduction is also very accurate. Due to the improvement of the sensor, the performance of low-light picture quality has also been significantly upgraded. If you are a professional user, Action 4 supports D-Log M color mode, and the dynamic range performance and color correction ability in post-production are very good.
DJI Osmo Action 4 has a 155-degree lens viewing angle, which can accommodate more content for close-range shooting – it can also bring a strong visual impact in sports scenes. Especially for first-person perspective videos and selfie videos, the demand for wide viewing angles is very obvious. Therefore, Action 4 can also easily meet the needs of users for shooting Vlog videos and selfie videos.
In terms of slow-motion video, Action 4 support 4K 120P video shooting. After slowing down five times in post-production, you can still get smooth and clear videos – very useful for recording slow-motion videos in high-speed motion. In practical applications, slow-motion video, as an important video processing method, can help users bring many excellent picture senses.
Stability: Improved Stability in Low-light
DJI Osmo Action 4 supports four stabilization modes – RockSteady 3.0, RockSteady 3.0+, HorizonBalancing and HorizonSteady. In Osmo Action 3, these four stabilization modes have been very powerful. The Action 4 has optimized the stable performance of low-light shooting.
Through actual test, in a well-lit environment, the stabilization ability of Action 4 has improved compared with the previous generation. In low-light environments, the stability of Action 4 has been greatly improved. Compared with Osmo Action 3, there are certain optimizations.
DJI Osmo Action 4 also has HorizonBalancing and HorizonSteady functions. This is also one of the advantages of DJI action cameras in terms of stabilization capabilities. Through actual experience, HorizonSteady is very practical, especially now that it has the ability of 360° HorizonSteady, which has a better stabilization effect for shooting parkour. The difference between HorizonSteady and RockSteady 3.0 – mainly whether to keep the horizon level.
With the optimized and stable performance of DJI Osmo Action 4, we can use this action camera to shoot more intense sports with more confidence. Such as off-road riding, parkour, surfing, skateboarding and so on.
Currently the Strongest: 18 Meters Waterproof
The lens and screen of the DJI Osmo Action 4 have a hydrophobic design and will not hang water droplets. It also supports 18-meter waterproof ability, which is improved compared with the previous generation’s waterproof performance. At the same time, Action 4 is also the most waterproof action camera currently on the market.
With Action 4’s better low-light image quality performance, color reproduction ability and low-light stability performance, the underwater video quality obtained will be even better. After shooting, you can use the DJI Mimo APP to restore underwater colors, restore transparent, natural, and real underwater colors, and show more picture details.
Cold-Resistant Battery and Fast Charging
The battery specifications of the DJI Osmo Action 4 remain the same as the previous generation. That is to say, users of DJI Osmo Action 3 can use the previous battery directly on Action 4. The capacity of the battery is 1770mAh, which brings long battery life – an obvious advantage in the current action camera market.
The battery of DJI Osmo Action 4 can achieve 160 minutes of recording time (25°C indoor, recording specification 1080p/24fps, RockSteady 3.0 turned on, Wi-Fi turned off), which can meet the battery life requirements of sports users when shooting in low temperature and normal temperature scenes.
At the same time, the battery also has the characteristics of cold resistance, and the operating environment temperature can be between -20°C and 45°C – it can easily handle skiing in winter and surfing in summer. In an environment of -20°C, the battery of Action 4 can achieve 150 minutes of recording time (under laboratory conditions at -20°C, recording specification 1080p/24fps, RockSteady 3.0 turned on, Wi-Fi turned off).
In the Adventure Combo version, DJI Osmo Action 4 also has a multifunctional battery storage case – the storage case can hold three batteries. It takes 56 minutes to charge the three batteries to 80%, and it takes 2 hours to fully charge them all. The storage case can also realize external power supply, that is to say, it can be used as an emergency mobile power supply – and can also store two memory cards at the same time. Also, the battery support fast charging. With the 30W charger, it can be charged to 80% in 18 minutes, and it only takes 50 minutes to fully charge (single battery).
Conclusion
DJI Osmo Action 4 is suitable for a wide range of people. In addition to friends who like to record sports, outdoor live broadcast users, Vlog users, self-media, and variety show workers can use Action 4 to meet the needs of recording videos in daily work. Of course, the price of DJI Osmo Action 4 still has a very obvious advantage – after the upgrade, its cost performance is even more prominent.
Check DJI Osmo Action 4 price:
- Check latest price on Amazon US
- Check latest price on Amazon Germany
- Check latest price on other Amazon countries
