Review: DJI Osmo Action 4

DJI is present in many markets. They make great drones, which we recently took to the skies, but also microphones, gimbals and cameras. It is in this last category that I started working with DJI Osmo Action 4: A stunning action camera with a host of great features that will appeal to adventurers and vloggers alike.

Yes, we all have a fancy camera attached to a phone in our pockets these days, but when your focus is on video recording, you have to look further. DJI’s Osmo brand action cameras basically go to extremes: a camera for your ski helmet or on your backpack while climbing a mountain. As a camera in your car and in your hand during your most impressive trips. The DJI Osmo Action 4 has been very successful at this!

Strong enough for the job

Action cameras have seen an impressive evolution in recent years and the DJI Osmo Action 4 is no exception to this trend. All specifications are here! From 4K video at 120 fps, a 155-degree field of view, RockSteady and HorizonSteady stabilization, a 10-bit D-Log M color profile, and up to 2 hours of battery life, this camera is a true flagship product. What’s great is that the camera can also be adjusted freely and can set different levels for its wide-angle lens. Do you want to see everything or the wider picture with minimal distortion? It’s not difficult with this Action Cam. However, the DJI Osmo Action 4 is not only suitable for extreme athletes, but also provides an excellent solution for vloggers who want to create content for platforms such as YouTube, Instagram And TikTok. The auto-rotate function adds more flexibility.

Open the box and accessories

When you unbox the DJI Osmo Action 4, you’ll discover the camera and a range of accessories. The Adventure Combo package, which I received, is recommended because it contains not only the action camera, but also several useful accessories such as a protective frame, extendable selfie stick, lens protectors, and three different quick-release adapters, one of which attaches to a special dashboard There are three batteries and an external charging case that can also act as a power bank. As with drones, we know that batteries can run out quickly, especially when shooting for longer periods, so we offer a charging pack that allows you to charge three batteries at the same time. DJI has clearly thought about the needs of users and offers a complete set for various situations. It is not included, but it is useful for attaching a camera cover to your backpack so you can easily shoot while exploring the most beautiful cities.

Design and materials

At first glance, the DJI Osmo Action 4 looks similar to its predecessor, but that’s where the similarities end. The Action 2’s modular design has been ditched in favor of the excellent magnetic attachment system for accessories. This system is not only convenient, but has become more stable and secure with this generation. Once the camera is mounted on its mount, it will not wobble or loosen unless you choose to do so. The compact size of 70.5 x 44.2 x 32.8mm and weight of 145g makes the camera easy to use. This model retains the dual touchscreens of the previous generation, which is useful for vloggers. The 2.25-inch rear screen and 1.4-inch front screen are intuitive and offer flexibility when capturing content. However, it is important to note that the external microphones can be difficult when using the camera vertically with the selfie stick, due to the position of the jack next to the USB-C port. Another positive aspect of the design is the replaceable lens cap, which is easy to remove and provides high-quality protection without affecting image quality. Although the system is effective, a protection system made of stronger materials would make the camera better. All your videos easily move to the SD card and can be recovered from it without software on any regular computer.

Powerful specifications for amazing results

Although the DJI Osmo Action 4 lacks some features offered by competitors, it excels in intuitive controls and stability. The camera has a 1/1.3-inch sensor with a large aperture of f/2.8 and a wide angle of 155 degrees, which results in stunning images. The video recording modes available are impressive and offer versatility for different applications. The stabilization modes are a highlight that I’ve been able to use repeatedly. For example, RockSteady 3.0 eliminates vibrations while HorizonSteady keeps the horizon stable, even with a 360-degree rotation. Horizon Balancing technology maintains the horizon line even at an incline of up to 45 degrees. These features, combined with RockSteady’s amazing stabilization, make this camera ideal for vloggers and action enthusiasts. But beautiful beach sunsets also look brilliant with the DJI Osmo Action 4.

User experience and image quality

The DJI Osmo Action 4 stands out from traditional action cameras with its versatility. In addition to the usual action sports, this camera is ideal for vloggers who want to create horizontal or vertical content. Image quality in good light is impressive, although dynamic range is somewhat limited. The new sensor works well in night shots, making it possible to take still photos without a tripod. Improved dynamic range control ensures natural images, even in difficult situations. RockSteady stabilization exceeds expectations and ensures smooth videos in almost any situation. The built-in microphones work better than many competitors, although an external microphone may still be required for optimal sound. However, the system menu can be confusing and less experienced users may have difficulty accessing advanced features.

Battery life and charging

I previously mentioned the package that contains an extra battery and charging base which is essential. The DJI Osmo Action 4 offers approximately 2 hours of battery life, depending on the ambient temperature. The overheating issue that often affects action cameras is well addressed and rarely limits the use of the camera. The charging system included in my package is excellent and offers the option to charge three batteries at once. Fast charging ensures that you can recharge up to 18% of the battery capacity within 80 minutes, allowing you to record at least 90 minutes of movie. DJI Osmo Action 4 is available in two bundles, Standard Combo for €429 and Adventure Combo for €529 Both include a set of accessories.

Conclusion

Bottom line, the DJI Osmo Action 4 offers a great mix of features and flexibility for a variety of users from adventure athletes to vloggers. With excellent image stabilization, intuitive controls, and long battery life, this action camera exceeds expectations. The ability to create horizontal and vertical content, coupled with a convenient magnetic mounting system for accessories, makes the DJI Osmo Action 4 a valuable choice for content creators. Although it has some minor drawbacks, such as limited dynamic range and a sometimes confusing menu, overall this camera offers excellent value for money and is a valuable addition to the world of action cameras.

Sander Nordic