DJI Osmo Action 4: A Worthy Competitor to GoPro

DJI has released the latest version of its action camera, the Osmo Action 4, which is a great alternative to GoPro. While it may look similar to its predecessor, the improvements under the hood make it stand out. One of the major upgrades is the new, larger sensor that enhances low-light performance and supports professional settings like Log video capture.

The Action 4 retains the magnetic mount system of the previous model, but with the improved sensor, it surpasses the GoPro in terms of versatility and ease of movement from one mount to another.

Released just before the new GoPro Hero 12, the Osmo Action 4 proves to be a formidable competition. Although I will have a comprehensive review of the Hero 12 soon, for now, let’s focus on where the Hero 12 excels and where the Action 4 outshines it.

One of the key highlights of the Action 4 is its new 1/1.3-inch sensor, which promises better low-light image capture. However, the results from this larger sensor were a bit mixed. In a side-by-side comparison of footage shot at sunrise, the GoPro seemed to offer better exposure. To achieve a similar look with the DJI camera, I had to resort to manual settings, which is not ideal for most action-packed scenarios where convenience is crucial. However, in dark conditions, like shooting around a campfire, the Osmo Action 4 outperformed the Hero 12. It captured more detail in the shadows and showcased superior color rendering, especially in challenging situations with a mix of firelight and electric light.

Overall, the Osmo Action 4 and GoPro Hero 12 have their strong suits in different scenarios. It’s worth mentioning that low-light performance should not be the sole factor in decision-making. While DJI’s sensor is an improvement, small sensors like these rarely excel in night-time shooting. In daylight, both cameras offer similar performance.

As someone who prefers shooting Log video and applying color grading in post-production, I appreciate that the Action 4 can shoot in 10-bit D-Log M. This feature provides higher dynamic range footage, allowing more flexibility for color correction during editing. In comparison, the Hero 11 lacks true Log recording support, while the Hero 12 does have this feature, further complicating the buying decision.

The design of the Osmo Action 4 remains largely unchanged from the Action 3. However, there is one notable difference: the lens-protector thread size has changed, making the lens protectors and filters incompatible with the new model. On a positive note, the Action 4 addresses a design flaw from its predecessor by permanently affixing the rubber ring that used to fall off frequently.

Source: DJI Osmo Action 4 Review: Finally, a Worthy GoPro Competitor