DJI Osmo Action 4 camera takes on GoPro with new larger image sensor

Improved action camera gets array of imaging system upgrades to offer pro-grade footage

This competition is now closed

By Tom Law

Published: August 2, 2023 at 2:00 pm

DJI’s Osmo Action 4 action camera features a new image sensor said to improve upon the one in the lower-priced Osmo Action 3.

The brand claims the new camera provides better image quality and easy usability in a reliable package.

The Action 4 sits above the Action 3 and the smaller, modular Action 2 in DJI’s range, which launched in 2019 with the Osmo Action.

DJI says the Action 4 is an advanced-level action camera for enthusiasts and content creators who want the best image quality possible.

The camera features a new 1/1.3in sensor. This is larger than the GoPro Hero 11’s 1/1.7in sensor, and has a bigger equivalent pixel size.

The 10-bit sensor can record 4k footage at up to 120fps according to DJI and is claimed to improve overall image quality.

RockSteady 3.0 technology and 360-degree HorizonSteady stabilisation are designed to keep the image stable and bounce-free. A 155-degree field of view provides a wider image spread than the 148 degrees found on the Hero 11 from GoPro.

If you like getting creative with your shots, the Action 4 also has DJI’s InvisiStick feature. This removes a selfie stick from the footage.

With many riders now experimenting with different ways of shooting compared to the usual chest or helmet cam POV (point of view), this could be a useful feature.

The DJI Osmo Action 4 is available now and is priced at £379/$399.

DJI’s Multifunctional Battery Case is said to be a versatile power bank and charges up to three of the Osmo Action 4’s batteries at once. This can also be used to charge other USB-powered devices.

It’s available separately or as part of the Adventure Combo package, which includes the Osmo Action 4 and a range of accessories for £469/$499.

While there are claimed improvements in image quality over the Osmo Action 4’s predecessor, many of the standout features from the Action 3 remain present.

As before, DJI claims the Action 4 will work in temperatures as low as -20°C and up to 45°C.

If bog snorkelling or water sports are more your thing, the Osmo Action 4 is claimed to be waterproof up to depths of 18 metres, almost double the GoPro Hero 11’s 10m rating.

The camera has a claimed runtime of up to 160 minutes (though DJI has not specified in which mode).

The fast-charging functionality means a battery can be recharged to 80 per cent in 18 minutes according to DJI, while a full charge takes a claimed 50 minutes.

A multi-functional battery case that doubles as a power bank can charge up to three spare batteries at a time.

The Action 4 mounts using DJI’s existing magnetic mounting system.

This is claimed to make it quicker and easier to switch mounts on the go than a thumbwheel mount (as used by GoPro).

It also means the camera accommodates native vertical video because it can be switched from landscape to portrait orientation easily.

There is a cage mount for the camera to provide extra protection. This is also used to mount DJI’s wireless microphone setup, which is sold separately.

The Action 4 features built-in noise reduction and the wireless microphone opens up more options for vlogging or improving your POV audio quality.

The Action 4 retains the dual full-colour touchscreens, enabling you to not only view and frame your footage from either side of the camera, but adjust the settings too – something you can’t do with other action cameras.

MTB presenter

Tom Law is a presenter and writer for the BikeRadar YouTube channel. At a young age, Tom was thrown into the world of cross-country mountain biking by his amateur-racing dad. By the age of 13, he had been bitten by the bug himself. A brief foray into racing led Tom to discover his love of big natural rides and flowing trail centre descents, a very weird appreciation for technical climbs and an interest in the latest bike tech. A self-confessed bike dork, Tom’s near 10 years of experience working in retail – from the shop floor through to website and marketing work – has given him a wide knowledge of all things two wheels. He’s a big fan of mid-travel bikes that can do it all and is seemingly the only person on Earth who actually likes the term ‘downcountry’. When he’s not standing in front of the camera, Tom can be found ripping his Transition Spur around the countryside of North Wales and the Midlands, or daydreaming about cars he’ll never be able to afford or fit a bike in.

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