It looks like DJI is going the GoPro route when it comes to their competing action cam. As in, they’re doing a yearly refresh to make sure they keep at pace with what the market has to offer. So less than a year after launching their last-gen Action 3, they’re immediately following up with the DJI Osmo Action 4.
What can you expect from this newest iteration? The most notable improvement here is the new camera sensor, which is even larger than the previous model’s (which, in turn, is already bigger than the GoPro’s camera sensor). Specifically, it uses a 1/1.3 inch sensor compared to the 1/1.7 inch sensor on its predecessor, both of which trump the GoPro Hero’s much smaller 1/1.9 incher. As with any camera with a larger sensor, it allows for improved light capture, which should enable better performance in darker, low-light conditions.
The DJI Osmo Action 4 pairs that large sensor with an f/2.8 aperture wide lens (155 degree FOV), allowing it to capture 4K video at 120 fps in normal shooting mode, which it records in 10-bit D-Log M for higher dynamic range, giving you more flexibility for color correction during post-production. It also boasts an advanced color temperature sensor that allows it to reproduce true-to-life ones in any setting, making this especially great for low-light and underwater footage. Sadly, it doesn’t get the same 5.3K at 60 fps that the Hero 11 Black offers.
The RockSteady 3.0 digital image stabilization eliminates camera shake even at 4K 120 fps, allowing your videos to look smooth and fluid, while 360º HorizonSteady corrects accidental horizontal tilts, so you don’t get that dizzying quality that afflicts some of the busier action videos. While DJI didn’t quite match up GoPro’s GPS integration yet, it does come with an optional GPS Bluetooth Remote Controller, a wrist-strapped remote with a built-in GPS to let you insert GPS metadata in your recordings.
The DJI Osmo Action 4 has a design similar to the last-generation model, with dual touchscreens (smaller one in front, bigger one in the back), a record button on top, and a power button on the side. Both the microSD and battery slots are accessible from the right side, so that’s the side you will be fiddling on during long recording sessions. It uses the same 1770mWh battery as its predecessor, too, which is rated for 150 minutes of recording time, all while charging to 80 percent in just 18 minutes. Do note, the microSD card is especially necessary (it supports up to 512GB), as the action cam has no built-in storage.
The camera is waterproof, of course, with the ability to submerge at up to 18 meters on its own. You can also use the outfit’s waterproof case to let it survive even greater depths of 60 meters. Other features include three microphones for audio recording, a magnetic locking system for attaching accessories, DJI’s Invisitick mode which uses AI to make your selfie stick invisible, Wi-Fi livestreaming, quick-switching between five preprogrammed modes, and voice control.
The DJI Osmo Action 4 is available now, priced starting at $399.
