DJI’s Osmo Action 4: A Worthy GoPro Competitor
The latest version of DJI’s action camera, the Osmo Action 4, may resemble its predecessor, but it boasts several upgrades that position it as a strong competitor to GoPro. With a larger sensor, improved low-light performance, and enhanced support for professional settings like Log video capture, the Action 4 offers a compelling option for action camera enthusiasts.
Magnetic Mount System and Sensor
Despite maintaining the magnetic mount system of the previous model, DJI has managed to improve the sensor in the Action 4. This advancement gives the camera an edge over GoPro in terms of versatility, making it remarkably easy to move from mount to mount.
What’s New
The release of the DJI Osmo Action 4 preceded the launch of the new GoPro Hero 12. While a comprehensive review of the Hero 12 is forthcoming, we can already highlight where each camera excels.
DJI’s announcement emphasizes the newly introduced 1/1.3-inch sensor, which is purported to enhance low-light image capture. Although the larger sensor does enable better light-gathering capability compared to both the previous Action 3 and the new GoPro Hero 12, the results are a mixed bag.
Low-Light Performance
During a side-by-side comparison of footage taken at sunrise, the GoPro delivered superior exposure. To match the look, the DJI camera required manual adjustments, which are not practical in most action-packed scenarios such as hiking, biking, or climbing. However, in low-light conditions—such as shooting around a campfire—the Osmo Action 4 produced significantly better results. It revealed more detail in shadows and rendered colors more accurately than the Hero 12.
It’s important to note that while the Action 4 triumphs in certain scenarios, the Hero 12 outperforms it in others. However, low-light performance shouldn’t be overemphasized. Despite the improvement in DJI’s sensor, no sensor of this size performs exceptionally well at night. In daylight, the performance of both cameras is quite similar.
Professional Settings
For those who prefer shooting in Log video mode and conducting color grading in post-production, the Action 4 offers a notable advantage. It can shoot in 10-bit D-Log M, which results in footage with higher dynamic range. This increased flexibility allows for more comprehensive color correction during editing. In contrast, the Hero 11 lacks true Log recording support. However, the Hero 12 complicates matters by introducing Log recording capabilities.
Design and Compatibility
While the overall design of the Osmo Action 4 remains unchanged compared to the Action 3, there is a crucial difference worth noting. The thread size of the lens protector has been altered, rendering them non-interchangeable between the models. Additionally, filters that rely on the old thread may not be compatible with the new camera. On a positive note, the rubber ring that would frequently come loose on the Action 3 is now permanently affixed to the Action 4.
In conclusion, the DJI Osmo Action 4 serves as a worthy competitor to GoPro, offering significant upgrades including a larger sensor, improved low-light performance, and enhanced support for professional settings. While both cameras have their strengths in specific scenarios, DJI’s action camera emerges as an appealing choice for action enthusiasts who value versatility, performance, and the ability to capture stunning footage in various conditions.