dji osmo action 4k camera review

The world of action cameras has always been about capturing life’s most thrilling moments with unparalleled clarity and stability. From extreme sports to everyday adventures, these compact powerhouses are designed to go where no smartphone can. For years, one brand dominated this space, setting the benchmark for what an action camera could be. Then, in 2019, a new contender entered the arena, promising to shake things up with innovative features and DJI’s renowned expertise in imaging technology: the DJI Osmo Action 4K camera. It wasn’t just another action camera; it was a statement.

When the DJI Osmo Action 4K camera first hit the market, it immediately caught the eye of adventurers, vloggers, and content creators. Its dual-screen design was a game-changer, offering a versatility previously unseen in its class. Coupled with DJI’s highly acclaimed RockSteady stabilization, it promised silky-smooth footage even in the most chaotic scenarios. But does it stand the test of time? Is it still a relevant and powerful tool for capturing your adventures in stunning 4K? This comprehensive DJI Osmo Action 4K camera review will dive deep into every aspect of this impressive device, helping you decide if it’s the right companion for your next escapade.

In this review, we’ll explore everything from its robust design and revolutionary dual-screen setup to its exceptional image and video quality, groundbreaking stabilization, and overall user experience. We’ll provide actionable insights, discuss its strengths and weaknesses, and offer a candid look at how it stacks up against the competition. Whether you’re a seasoned action cam enthusiast or a newcomer looking for your first robust camera, buckle up – this detailed Osmo Action 4K review is designed to equip you with all the information you need.

Quick Answers to Common Questions

How’s the video quality and stabilization for the DJI Osmo Action 4K camera?

The DJI Osmo Action 4K camera truly shines with its crisp 4K footage and incredible RockSteady stabilization, making your action shots super smooth. You’ll be impressed by the vibrant colors and clear details captured, even in fast-paced scenarios.

Is the DJI Osmo Action 4K camera waterproof right out of the box?

Absolutely! The DJI Osmo Action 4K camera is built tough and waterproof down to 11 meters (36 feet) without any extra housing, perfect for your aquatic adventures. This makes it a ready-to-go companion for swimming, surfing, or diving straight away.

How user-friendly is the DJI Osmo Action 4K camera, especially with its dual screens?

The DJI Osmo Action 4K camera offers fantastic usability thanks to its innovative front and rear color screens, making vlogging and framing shots incredibly easy. Switching between them is seamless, ensuring you always get the perfect angle.

What kind of battery life can I expect from the DJI Osmo Action 4K camera?

You’ll find the DJI Osmo Action 4K camera offers decent battery life, typically lasting around 60-90 minutes when recording in 4K with RockSteady active. For longer sessions, carrying a spare battery or power bank is always a good idea.

Does the DJI Osmo Action 4K camera perform well in low-light conditions?

For your DJI Osmo Action 4K camera review, note that its low-light performance is generally adequate but not its strongest feature compared to bright conditions. It performs best with good lighting, so plan for extra illumination if shooting in dimmer environments.

Unboxing the Adventure: First Impressions and Design

Upon first glance, the DJI Osmo Action 4K camera exudes a sense of rugged capability. It’s a device clearly built for the outdoors, ready to withstand the rigors of adventure. The moment you hold it, you appreciate the solid, premium feel of its construction. Unlike some competitors that feel a bit plasticky, the Osmo Action boasts a durable, slightly rubberized finish that not only enhances grip but also adds to its shock resistance. This is an action camera that feels confident in your hand, inspiring trust before you even press record.

Built to Endure: Design and Build Quality

The core philosophy behind the Osmo Action’s design is durability and practicality. It’s an all-in-one unit designed to minimize the need for external casings for basic waterproofing. The camera is natively waterproof down to an impressive 11 meters (36 feet) without any additional housing, making it ideal for snorkeling, swimming, or handling unexpected splashes. For deeper dives, a dedicated waterproof case extends this capability significantly. The lens cover is replaceable, a thoughtful feature that protects the crucial optics and allows for easy swapping if scratched or for using ND filters. The battery door and USB-C/microSD card slot are sealed with robust gaskets, ensuring water stays out. The physical buttons – power, record, and a quick switch button (QS) – are tactile and responsive, making operation easy even with gloves or wet hands. This robust build makes the DJI Osmo Action 4K camera a reliable partner for any challenging environment.

Dual Screens, Dual Possibilities

Perhaps the most revolutionary design element of the original DJI Osmo Action 4K camera was its innovative dual-screen setup. While common on action cameras today, DJI was among the first to bring a vibrant, full-color front screen to the market, and it changed the game for vloggers and self-shooters. The rear screen is a crisp 2.25-inch touchscreen display, offering intuitive menu navigation and a clear view of your shots. But it’s the 1.4-inch front screen that truly stands out. This smaller display allows you to perfectly frame yourself when shooting vlogs, selfies, or simply checking your composition without having to guess. Switching between the screens is seamless, either by a quick tap on the QS button or a simple gesture on the rear screen. This dual-screen functionality elevates the Osmo Action 4K from just an action camera to a versatile vlogging and content creation tool, greatly enhancing its usability in diverse scenarios.

Capturing Brilliance: Image and Video Quality

At the heart of any camera review lies its ability to capture stunning visuals, and the DJI Osmo Action 4K camera doesn’t disappoint. Equipped with a 1/2.3-inch CMOS sensor and a wide f/2.8 lens, it’s engineered to deliver high-quality footage and photographs across a range of conditions. DJI, known for its exceptional drone cameras, brought much of that imaging prowess into this compact form factor, aiming to provide a rich and detailed visual experience.

4K UHD and Beyond: Resolution and Frame Rates

The “4K” in DJI Osmo Action 4K camera review is not just a marketing buzzword; it’s a testament to its capability. The camera can record video at a maximum resolution of 4K (3840×2160) at a buttery-smooth 60 frames per second (fps). This high frame rate at 4K is crucial for capturing fast-paced action with incredible detail and the ability to extract high-quality stills from your footage. For those who love slow-motion, the Osmo Action truly shines, offering up to 8x slow motion at 1080p (240fps) and 4x slow motion at 1080p (120fps). This flexibility allows creators to add dramatic flair to their action sequences. The camera also supports a high bitrate of up to 100 Mbps, ensuring that even complex scenes with lots of motion retain fine detail without excessive compression artifacts. Furthermore, DJI included a D-Cinelike color profile, giving professional users more latitude in post-production color grading, similar to what you’d find in DJI’s drone cameras. This level of control is invaluable for matching footage from other cameras or achieving a specific cinematic look with the Osmo Action 4K.

Photo Prowess: Stills Photography

While primarily a video camera, the DJI Osmo Action 4K camera is no slouch in the stills department. It captures 12-megapixel photos, which are more than sufficient for social media, prints, or sharing with friends and family. A significant advantage is its ability to shoot in RAW format (DNG), providing photographers with greater flexibility for editing and recovering detail in highlights and shadows compared to standard JPEGs. The camera offers various photo modes, including single shot, burst shooting, timed shot, and exposure bracketing (AEB), which helps in challenging lighting conditions by capturing multiple exposures to create a perfectly exposed image. For creative shots, it also features a built-in timelapse mode, allowing you to compress hours of activity into captivating short videos. The combination of decent resolution, RAW support, and versatile photo modes makes the Osmo Action 4K a capable tool for capturing static moments as well as dynamic action.

Low Light Performance: Pushing the Limits

Low light performance is often the Achilles’ heel for action cameras due to their small sensors. The DJI Osmo Action 4K camera, while not a low-light champion, performs commendably for its class. In well-lit conditions, the footage is vibrant and detailed. As light levels drop, noise and grain inevitably become more apparent. However, DJI’s image processing algorithms do a decent job of managing this, preventing the footage from becoming completely unusable. For static low-light shots, the manual controls allow you to adjust ISO and shutter speed to get the best possible exposure. For video, maintaining higher frame rates in low light can introduce more noise, so sometimes dropping to 30fps or even 24fps can yield cleaner results. While it won’t replace a dedicated mirrorless camera for night shoots, for an action camera of its generation, the DJI Osmo Action 4K camera offers acceptable performance, especially for capturing dusk-to-dawn adventures or well-lit indoor scenes.

Stabilization Station: RockSteady

One of the most critical features for any action camera is its image stabilization. Without it, even the most epic footage can be rendered unwatchable by jarring shakes and bumps. This is where the DJI Osmo Action 4K camera truly differentiated itself upon launch, introducing a technology that rivaled (and in some cases, surpassed) the competition: RockSteady.

The Power of RockSteady EIS

RockSteady is DJI’s proprietary Electronic Image Stabilization (EIS) technology, and it’s nothing short of phenomenal. Unlike traditional optical image stabilization (OIS), EIS uses software algorithms to detect and correct camera shake by analyzing the image data. What sets RockSteady apart is its advanced algorithms that predict motion and adjust the frame in real-time. This results in incredibly smooth, gimbal-like footage, even when you’re running, cycling over rough terrain, or engaging in high-impact sports. Imagine skateboarding down a bumpy road, cycling through a forest trail, or skiing down a mogul run – RockSteady works tirelessly in the background to iron out the jitters, delivering footage that looks as if it were shot on a professional rig. This capability is active across a wide range of resolutions and frame rates, including 4K/60fps, which is a significant achievement and a major selling point of the DJI Osmo Action 4K camera. Many users and reviewers at the time lauded RockSteady as being on par with, or even better than, the stabilization offered by its closest competitor, making it a standout feature for this action camera 4K.

Practical Tips for Smooth Footage

While RockSteady is incredibly effective, understanding how to best utilize it can further enhance your footage. Here are some actionable tips:

• Understand its Limitations: While powerful, EIS works by cropping the image slightly. This means your field of view will be slightly narrower when RockSteady is active. Plan your shots accordingly.
• Use it for High-Motion: RockSteady is designed for dynamic, action-packed scenarios. For static shots or slow pans where stabilization isn’t critical, you might consider turning it off to maximize your field of view.
• Combine with Good Technique: Even with excellent stabilization, mindful camera handling helps. Try to keep your movements as fluid as possible, and avoid jerky motions. This gives RockSteady less work to do, resulting in even smoother output.
• Test in Different Scenarios: Experiment with different activities – running, biking, hiking – to see how RockSteady performs. You’ll quickly learn its strengths and how to get the most out of your Osmo Action 4K camera.
• Consider Mounting Options: A stable mount contributes greatly to stable footage. Whether it’s a chest mount, helmet mount, or handlebar mount, ensure it’s securely fastened to minimize extraneous vibrations.

Powering Your Adventures: Battery Life and Usability

An action camera is only as good as its battery life and how easy it is to use in the heat of the moment. The DJI Osmo Action 4K camera aims to strike a balance between power efficiency and user-friendliness, ensuring you can capture your adventures without constant worry or fumbling through menus.

Endurance Test: Battery Performance

The DJI Osmo Action 4K camera comes with a 1300 mAh removable battery. In real-world usage, battery life can vary significantly depending on the recording resolution, frame rate, and whether features like RockSteady and Wi-Fi are active. On average, you can expect the following approximate recording times:

• 4K/60fps (with RockSteady): Around 60-70 minutes
• 1080p/30fps (with RockSteady): Around 120-130 minutes

These figures are respectable for an action camera of its generation, though intensive use of the front screen or continuous Wi-Fi connection will naturally reduce these times. The fact that the battery is user-replaceable is a huge advantage, allowing adventurers to carry multiple charged batteries for extended shooting sessions. Charging the battery from empty to full typically takes about 90 minutes. For prolonged shooting, especially if you’re out in the wilderness, investing in extra batteries and a multi-battery charging hub is a highly recommended accessory for any Osmo Action 4K owner.

Interface and User Experience

DJI has put considerable effort into making the DJI Osmo Action 4K camera intuitive to operate. The rear 2.25-inch touchscreen is bright and responsive, offering a clean, icon-driven interface. Swiping gestures allow for quick access to different modes (video, photo, slow-mo, timelapse) and settings. A major highlight is the ‘Quick Switch’ (QS) button, strategically placed on the side of the camera. This button allows you to instantly toggle between frequently used modes, making it incredibly easy to switch from, say, 4K video to a photo or a custom profile, without navigating through menus. This is invaluable when action happens fast. Additionally, the Osmo Action features voice control, allowing you to start/stop recording or take photos with simple commands, which is particularly useful when your hands are full or the camera is mounted out of reach. Connecting to the DJI Mimo app via Wi-Fi further enhances the user experience, providing remote control, live view, and easy access to footage for editing and sharing. This comprehensive approach to usability makes the Osmo Action 4K a joy to operate for both beginners and experienced users.

Audio Quality: Hearing is Believing

While action cameras are primarily visual tools, audio plays a crucial role in storytelling. The DJI Osmo Action 4K camera features two built-in microphones designed to capture decent audio, especially in quieter environments. It includes wind noise reduction algorithms, which help mitigate some of the harshness often found in windy outdoor recordings, a common challenge for action cameras. For casual vlogging or capturing ambient sounds, the built-in mics are adequate. However, for professional-grade audio or clearer dialogue, especially in noisy environments, an external microphone adapter (sold separately) allows you to connect a higher-quality external mic. This flexibility ensures that whether you’re simply documenting a trip or producing a polished video, the DJI Osmo Action 4K camera can meet your audio needs with the right setup.

The Osmo Action Ecosystem: Accessories and Comparison

No action camera is an island; its versatility is often amplified by a robust ecosystem of accessories. The DJI Osmo Action 4K camera benefits from DJI’s extensive experience in accessories, offering a wide array of tools to enhance your shooting experience. Furthermore, understanding its position relative to competitors helps solidify its value proposition.

Essential Accessories for Your Kit

To truly unlock the potential of your DJI Osmo Action 4K camera, a few key accessories are highly recommended:

• Protective Frame: While the camera is rugged, a protective frame offers additional mounting points and extra protection against drops and impacts. Many third-party mounts are compatible with the standard action camera mounting system.
• Waterproof Case: For diving deeper than 11 meters (36 feet) or for added peace of mind in extreme water sports, a dedicated waterproof housing is essential.
• Spare Batteries and Charging Hub: As discussed, extra batteries are crucial for extended shooting. A multi-battery charging hub streamlines the charging process.
• ND Filters: Neutral Density (ND) filters are invaluable for videographers. They reduce the amount of light entering the lens without affecting color, allowing you to use slower shutter speeds in bright conditions for a more cinematic motion blur.
• Mounting Kit: A versatile kit with various mounts (helmet, chest, handlebar, sticky mounts) will ensure you can attach your Osmo Action 4K to almost anything, capturing unique perspectives.
• External Microphone Adapter: For serious content creators and vloggers who prioritize audio quality, this adapter is a must-have to connect a lavalier or shotgun microphone.

These accessories enhance the functionality and longevity of your DJI Osmo Action 4K camera, making it a more versatile tool for all your adventures.

DJI Osmo Action vs. The Competition

When the DJI Osmo Action 4K camera was released, its primary competitor was the GoPro Hero 7 Black, and later, the Hero 8 Black. Here’s a quick comparison of its key differentiators:

• Dual Screens: The Osmo Action’s front screen was a significant advantage over the Hero 7 Black, which lacked a front-facing live-view display. The Hero 8 Black later incorporated a similar idea with its Mod system, but the Osmo Action had it integrated from the start.
• RockSteady vs. HyperSmooth: Both DJI’s RockSteady and GoPro’s HyperSmooth were revolutionary stabilization technologies. Many reviews found them to be highly competitive, with some even favoring RockSteady for its slightly smoother feel in certain scenarios.
• Removable Lens Cover: The Osmo Action featured a removable lens cover, making it easy to replace if scratched and to attach ND filters directly. The Hero 8 Black had an integrated, non-removable lens, which some found less convenient.
• Color Profiles: DJI’s D-Cinelike offered a flat profile for greater post-production flexibility, appealing to more advanced users.
• Price Point: Often, the DJI Osmo Action 4K camera was introduced at a more competitive price point than its GoPro counterparts, offering similar, if not superior, features for less investment, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious adventurers looking for a top-tier action camera 4K.

Data Table: Key Specifications at a Glance

For a quick overview, here are some of the critical specifications of the DJI Osmo Action 4K camera:

Feature	Specification
Sensor	1/2.3″ CMOS, 12MP
Lens	FOV: 145°, f/2.8
Video Resolution (Max)	4K (3840×2160) @ 60fps
Slow Motion	8x (1080p @ 240fps)
Video Bitrate (Max)	100 Mbps
Image Stabilization	RockSteady EIS
Waterproofing	11m (36ft) without case
Screens	Front: 1.4″ (300 ppi, 750 cd/m²) Rear: 2.25″ (325 ppi, 750 cd/m²)
Battery Capacity	1300 mAh (Removable)
Dimensions	65 × 42 × 35 mm
Weight	124 g

This data illustrates the robust capabilities packed into the compact form factor of the DJI Osmo Action 4K camera.

After a thorough exploration in this DJI Osmo Action 4K camera review, it’s clear that this device remains a formidable contender in the action camera market, even years after its initial release. It arrived as a breath of fresh air, challenging the status quo with its groundbreaking dual-screen design and the truly exceptional RockSteady stabilization. These two features alone provide immense value, making it an incredibly versatile tool for adventurers, vloggers, and casual users alike who demand high-quality, stable footage.

Its ability to capture stunning 4K/60fps video, coupled with excellent slow-motion capabilities and the flexibility of RAW photos, positions the Osmo Action 4K as more than just a simple point-and-shoot. The robust, waterproof design ensures it can handle almost anything you throw at it, making it a reliable companion for diving, skiing, biking, or simply capturing family moments. While battery life is on par with competitors, the removable battery system offers practical solutions for extended adventures. The intuitive user interface and quick switch button further enhance its usability, ensuring you never miss a critical shot.

In conclusion, for anyone seeking a high-performance action camera 4K that balances innovative features with robust build quality and impressive image stabilization, the DJI Osmo Action 4K camera is an outstanding choice. It’s a testament to DJI’s engineering prowess, offering a compelling blend of functionality and value. If you’re looking to capture your world in dynamic, cinematic detail without breaking the bank, this camera continues to be a top recommendation. It’s not just a camera; it’s a gateway to reliving your most thrilling memories with unparalleled clarity and smoothness.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the DJI Osmo Action 4K camera perform in terms of video quality and stabilization?

The DJI Osmo Action delivers excellent 4K video footage, offering crisp details and vibrant colors in various lighting conditions. Its RockSteady electronic image stabilization is highly effective, smoothing out even very shaky movements for professional-looking shots without a gimbal.

What kind of battery life can I expect from the DJI Osmo Action 4K camera?

You can typically expect around 60-90 minutes of continuous 4K recording, depending on settings like frame rate, Wi-Fi usage, and whether RockSteady is active. For extended shoots or demanding environments, carrying spare batteries is highly recommended.

Is the DJI Osmo Action 4K camera waterproof and durable for adventurous use?

Absolutely, the DJI Osmo Action is built for adventure and is waterproof down to 11 meters (36 feet) without any additional housing, making it ready for most water activities. Its robust construction ensures it can withstand rough handling and various challenging environments with ease.

How well does the DJI Osmo Action perform in low-light conditions?

While performing admirably in well-lit environments, like most action cameras, the DJI Osmo Action’s low-light performance is decent but not exceptional. You may notice some noise and a reduction in detail in very dim settings, though it still captures usable footage for casual use.

What are the standout features of the DJI Osmo Action, particularly its dual screens?

A key standout feature of the DJI Osmo Action is its innovative dual-screen design, including a full-color front screen perfect for vlogging and selfies. This makes framing shots much easier when you’re in front of the camera, greatly enhancing the user experience for content creators.

How does the DJI Osmo Action 4K camera compare to other action cameras on the market?

The DJI Osmo Action 4K camera is a strong contender, often praised for its excellent RockSteady stabilization and practical front-facing screen, giving it an edge for vloggers. It offers competitive image quality and a robust feature set, making it a great value alternative to some higher-priced options in the action camera segment.