DJI Osmo Action 4 Review: A Compact Powerhouse for Adventurers and Content Creators
The DJI Osmo Action 4 represents DJI’s dedication to making robust, high-quality action cameras for those who demand versatility, ruggedness, and quality performance. With an upgraded camera sensor, excellent stabilization features, and user-friendly design, the Osmo Action 4 builds on the success of its predecessors while addressing previous limitations. This review dives into the features, strengths, and weaknesses of the Osmo Action 4 to help you decide if it’s the right action camera for you.
Key Features and Specifications
- Camera Sensor: 1/1.3-inch CMOS sensor
- Video Quality: 4K at 120 fps, 2.7K at 120 fps, 1080p at 240 fps
- Stabilization: DJI RockSteady 3.0, HorizonBalancing, and HorizonSteady
- Battery Life: 1770mAh battery for up to 160 minutes
- Waterproofing: Up to 18 meters without additional housing
- Display: Dual touchscreens – 2.25-inch rear and 1.4-inch front
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, USB-C
- Weight: 145 grams
Design and Build Quality
The Osmo Action 4 is a tough, waterproof camera built for outdoor adventurers and athletes. Its build quality is solid, with a rugged design that can withstand extreme conditions. The camera is rated waterproof up to 18 meters (59 feet) without a housing, which is impressive for underwater enthusiasts or divers looking for something that can handle depth without needing additional gear.
One standout feature is the dual touchscreen setup, with a 2.25-inch rear screen and a 1.4-inch front screen. The front screen is especially useful for vloggers, enabling easy framing of shots while recording themselves. Both screens are responsive, bright, and offer an intuitive interface. The front screen’s touch functionality adds to the ease of use, letting you switch settings without constantly needing to check the back of the camera. The camera also caries over the innovative magnetic mount technology from previous models. This makes it child’s play to swap out accessories and mounting plates or different cameras for different use cases.
Camera Quality and Performance
The Osmo Action 4 boasts a 1/1.3-inch CMOS sensor, an upgrade that significantly improves low-light performance. With its wide f/2.8 aperture, it captures impressive detail and clarity, even in dimly lit environments. Colors are vivid but natural, and dynamic range is well-balanced, ensuring that highlights and shadows are represented accurately.
Video quality is a standout, with the Osmo Action 4 capable of shooting 4K video at 120 fps. This high frame rate is ideal for smooth slow-motion shots, which are a big plus for capturing action scenes or cinematic moments. The video is sharp, with accurate colors and minimal distortion, thanks to DJI’s advanced image processing. For those who prefer an even higher frame rate, it can record at 240 fps in 1080p, providing more flexibility in slow-motion editing.
Still images are clear and vibrant, although it’s clear that the Osmo Action 4 is primarily focused on video performance. Photos shot with the camera have good detail and color reproduction, but serious photographers may find the image quality a bit limited compared to a dedicated camera.
Stabilization and Smooth Video Recording
Stabilization is a crucial feature in any action camera, and DJI doesn’t disappoint. The Osmo Action 4 comes equipped with DJI’s RockSteady 3.0, HorizonBalancing, and HorizonSteady stabilization modes. RockSteady 3.0 reduces shake and jitter during movement, delivering smooth, stable footage even in challenging conditions. HorizonBalancing maintains a leveled horizon even if the camera tilts up to 45 degrees, ideal for sports and fast-paced environments.
The HorizonSteady mode is particularly impressive, locking the horizon even if the camera rotates entirely. This is a game-changer for extreme sports enthusiasts or those who want to capture dramatic, stable footage without worrying about keeping the camera perfectly level. The stabilization features make it easy to capture professional-quality video even during intense activities like biking, skiing, or running.
Battery Life and Charging
Battery life on the Osmo Action 4 is another strong point, with a 1770mAh battery that can last up to 160 minutes on a full charge. This is a welcome improvement over previous models, especially for users who plan to shoot long sequences or capture time-lapse videos. The camera also supports fast charging via USB-C, giving you 80% battery in just under 20 minutes of charging, so you can quickly get back to shooting after a short break.
In colder environments, the battery has also shown resilience, performing well even in temperatures as low as -20°C (-4°F). This makes it suitable for capturing winter sports or high-altitude adventures without worrying about the camera shutting down due to battery issues.
User Interface and Ease of Use
DJI has made the Osmo Action 4 intuitive and easy to use, with a simple, accessible interface. The dual screens make it easy to adjust settings, frame shots, and review footage, especially in situations where time is critical. The touchscreens are highly responsive, even when wet, which is an essential feature for water sports or rainy conditions.
Switching between modes is straightforward, and the camera’s customizable buttons allow you to quickly access frequently used settings. The Mimo app, compatible with the Osmo Action 4, also provides additional functionality, including live streaming capabilities and advanced editing tools. This app integration makes it easier for users to manage footage and share it instantly on social media.
Connectivity and Storage
The Osmo Action 4 comes with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth support, allowing it to connect seamlessly with smartphones and other devices. DJI has enhanced its connectivity options, enabling live streaming directly from the camera—a valuable feature for vloggers and content creators who want to broadcast directly to their audience.
One area for improvement is internal storage, as the Osmo Action 4 relies solely on microSD cards for storage. High-speed SD cards are recommended to keep up with 4K recording demands, especially at higher frame rates. Some users may wish for internal storage as a backup, but microSD provides flexible options for upgrading storage capacity as needed.
Drawbacks and Areas for Improvement
Despite its many strengths, the Osmo Action 4 has a few areas that could be improved:
- Limited Zoom Capabilities: While action cameras typically aren’t designed for high zoom, some users might find the Osmo Action 4’s limited zoom range a restriction. A digital zoom option is available but at the cost of image quality, especially at higher levels.
- Dependence on SD Cards: The lack of built-in storage means users have to carry extra SD cards for extended shooting. Although this isn’t a significant drawback, internal storage could be a welcome addition for users who want an added layer of convenience.
- Low-light Photography: Although the Osmo Action 4’s low-light video performance has improved, low-light photography could still use some enhancement. It struggles with grain in particularly dark settings, so those focused on night or low-light photography might find it limiting.
Final Verdict
The DJI Osmo Action 4 is a top-tier action camera that combines excellent video quality, effective stabilization, and user-friendly features into a rugged, compact package. Its dual touchscreen, robust waterproofing, and advanced stabilization options make it one of the best options for adventurers, extreme sports enthusiasts, and vloggers alike. While there are minor limitations, such as limited zoom and low-light photography performance, the Osmo Action 4 excels in what matters most for an action camera: durability, video quality, and ease of use.
For users who prioritize high-quality video and stable footage in a wide range of conditions, the DJI Osmo Action 4 is a superb choice that won’t disappoint. It may not replace a full-featured DSLR or smartphone for every scenario, but when it comes to capturing action-packed moments and delivering professional-quality footage, the Osmo Action 4 is hard to beat. Whether you’re capturing adventures in the mountains, underwater escapades, or everyday moments, the Osmo Action 4 offers a versatile, reliable solution that stands out in the action camera market.
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