DJI Osmo Action 4 Released – Larger Sensor, 4K 120fps, 10-Bit Color

Camera News

by Jakub HanAugust 2^nd, 2023

DJI Osmo Action 4 brings a new larger 1/1.3” CMOS sensor capable of 4K 4:3 video in up to 60fps or 4K 16:9 in up to 120fps. The camera can record in DJI’s D-Log M profile (H.265) with 10-bit color. Along with numerous accessories and smart features, the Osmo Action is available now for $399.

The action camera market is currently divided between US-based GoPro and two manufacturers from China – DJI and Insta360. Of course, I am simplifying here a bit, but I think these three companies are really the (only) three key players that matter in the world of action cameras. Last year, my colleague Gunther compared the GoPro HERO11 and the DJI Osmo Action 3 in a review.

While we still wait for a new generation of GoPro cameras (that usually come out in September), DJI just launched the new Osmo Action 4. Let’s take a look at what is new.

DJI Osmo Action 4 – larger image sensor, up to 4K 120fps

Perhaps the most notable improvement from the previous Osmo Action 3 is the new 1/1.3” CMOS image sensor with a 4:3 aspect ratio. Oddly, there is no information about the sensor’s pixel count, and the maximum photo resolution is only 3648×2736 (roughly 10MP) available in JPEG or RAW format. The camera is capable of the following video resolutions and framerates:

• 4K (4:3) 3840×2880 available in 24, 25, 30, 48, 50, and 60 fps
• 4K UHD (16:9) 3840×2160 available in 24, 25, 30, 48, 50, 60, 100, and 120 fps
• 2.7K (4:3) 2688×2016 available in 24, 25, 30, 48, 50, and 60 fps
• 2.7K (16:9) 2688×1512 available in 24, 25, 30, 48, 50, 60, 100, and 120 fps
• FullHD (16:9) 1920×1080 available in 24, 25, 30, 48, 50, 60, 100, 120, 200, and 240 fps

The lens features a fixed f/2.8 aperture with a 155° ultra-wide FOV (up to 4K 60fps with the stabilization turned off). The Osmo Action 4 features 360° HorizonSteady stabilization mode for horizon-balanced shots and/or RockSteady 3.0/3.0+ for FPV footage.

On top of standard 8-bit color modes, the camera can capture footage in DJI’s D-Log M picture profile in HEVC codec with 10-bit 4:2:0 color. The video bitrate is limited to a maximum of 130Mbps.

Like previous DJI action cameras, the Osmo Action 4 again sports a color temperature sensor for a better automatic white balance setting.

Camera body, battery, audio

The camera body weighs 145g and the design is similar to the previous Osmo Action 3. It has two touchscreens – rear 2.25” 640×360 and front 1.4” 320×320 display. The camera does not have any internal storage and supports microSD cards with up to 512GB capacity.

DJI offers a charging case for three batteries for the new Osmo Action 4. The company claims the camera can record up to 2.5 hours with the new 1770mAh battery (tested by DJI in 1080p 24fps with RockSteady on; Wi-Fi, and screen off). The batteries also support fast charging.

According to DJI, the camera’s battery is freeze-resistant and should provide up to 150 minutes of recording time in temperatures as low as -20°C / -4°F (tested by DJI in 1080p 24fps with RockSteady on; Wi-Fi, and screen off).

DJI claims that both screens, as well as the front lens element, are hydrophobic thanks to AF coating.

Although audio quality is not the main focus of action cameras, the Osmo Action 4 features three microphones with built-in noise reduction. Furthermore, the camera is compatible with the DJI Mic (via the USB-C port), and external mics via an optional 3.5mm to Type-C adapter.

Water resistance, other features

The Osmo Action also features a Wi-Fi live streaming capability and a USB-C power delivery while filming.

When it comes to water resistance, according to DJI, the camera body itself (with all the covers closed and the lens front element fully tightened) can withstand depths of up to 18 meters. The optional waterproof case provides an IP68 waterproof rating (until 60m depth). DJI recommends using the case for long-term underwater shooting as well as in environments with high water impact pressure. DJI further warns not to use the camera in hot springs or extreme underwater environments, or let it come into contact with corrosive or unknown liquids.

The Osmo Action 4 has SnapShot Button & Quick Switch Button for immediate recording and instant mode switching. Quick switching between five custom modes allows users to save their frequently used custom settings and switch between modes on the fly with the Quick Switch button and voice prompts. Voice prompts can also inform users of current modes without needing to unmount the camera. The Voice Control feature recognizes voice commands (currently in Mandarin Chinese or English only) to control the camera.

Accessories

The camera again features DJI’s magnetic quick-release design to switch between horizontal and vertical mounting (this requires the horizontal-vertical protective frame).

Additional accessories available for the new Osmo Action 4 include:

• Osmo Action Chest Strap Mount
• Osmo Action Helmet Chin Mount
• Osmo Action 60m Waterproof Case
• DJI Floating Handle
• Osmo Action Adhesive Base Kit
• Osmo Action Bike Seat Rail Mount
• Osmo Action Mini Handlebar Mount
• Osmo Action 360° Wrist Strap
• Osmo Action GPS Bluetooth Remote Controller
• Osmo Action Mini Extension Rod
• Osmo Backpack Strap Mount
• Osmo Action Multifunctional Battery Case
• Osmo Action Hanging Neck Mount

It seems that DJI will also offer a three-piece ND filter set (ND8, ND16, and ND32) for the camera, but there is no information about its availability yet.

LightCut app for automatic editing

DJI’s LightCut app can automatically connect the phone to the camera via Wi-Fi and auto-edit a video without the need to transfer the footage. There are various story templates and editing tools that can help automatically edit up to 4K 60fps resulting videos.

Price and availability

DJI Osmo Action 4 is available today and there are two different configurations:

• Osmo Action 4 Standard Combo retails for $399 (around €429 with VAT in Europe) and includes the camera, one battery, horizontal-vertical protective frame, quick-release adapter mount, curved adhesive base, locking screw, a Type-C to Type-C PD cable, lens hood, and an anti-slip pad.
• Osmo Action 4 Adventure Combo retails for $499 (around €529 with VAT in Europe) and includes the camera, three batteries, horizontal-vertical protective frame, quick-release adapter mount, quick-release adapter mount, curved adhesive base, two locking screws, a Type-C to Type-C PD cable, multifunctional battery case, 1.5m extension rod, lens hood, and one anti-slip pad.

Many accessories can be purchased separately as well.

What do you think about the new DJI Osmo Action 4? Is DJI going to take some action camera market share from GoPro? Are you using one of DJI’s action cameras for your work? Let us know in the comments section underneath the article.