A larger sensor, better performance in low light conditions and the introduction of Log recordings.
We could summarize the news in this way DJI Osmo Action 4.
News which – we will tell you right away – are not enough to completely outclass the competition, but it is clear that GoPro is no longer the undisputed leader in the category.
But before explaining why it is good to tell you how this action camera is made.
The DJI Osmo Action 4 review
No need to go around it: aesthetically nothing changes.
The design has remained unchanged and extremely similar to the competition: a black rectangle, with the lens on the front, due display LCD a colori – both touchscreens -, the record button positioned on top and the power button to the left which also allows you to change mode.
We then have two doors on the sides: one for access to USB-C connector, needed for charging, and one for extracting and possibly changing the battery. Among other things, there is a bundle – l’Adventure Combo – which includes a case for charging batteries, case that contains 3 batteries. What’s the plus?
Let’s not forget that the frame of this Osmo Action 4 is made of metal and that is drop resistant and naturally, to water – up to 18 meters without the case.
And yes, we find the magnetic attachment system that makes your life easier when mounting accessories.
Ok but how does it behave on the field?
Ultimately it is the most important question.
In our opinion there are two aspects that matter in everyday use: how easy it is to use and how it records.
The use is very easy, just like on the previous model: the displays are responsive, the icons are very simple to interpret, the parameters are very clear and there are also voice commands.
More you can decide which modes are shown pressing the left button, called Quick Shift; this means that if there are modes that you don’t use often, like Slow Motion or Timelapse, you can eliminate them.
DJI Osmo Action 4 translates two formats, 16:9 and 4:3and you have the option to record up to 4K e up to 240 fps. Obviously you can have different combinations of format, resolution and frames per second, keeping in mind that there are limitations. For example, you only get 240 fps with 1080p while 4K in 4:3 locks you at 60 fps.
It’s nothing new and we can’t even consider it a con, especially considering that this action camera still offers great versatility and boasts a good ability to adapt to any situation.
Basically, it doesn’t matter whether you’re shooting a short film, whether you need to take your holiday footage home, whether you’re doing an extreme sport or whether you’ve decided to take up vlogging: there is a combination of settings that will definitely meet your needs.
Also keep in mind that we finally have the ability to use The D-Log M profile has 10 bit, which means you can then color correct in post-production. Perfect if you want to harmonize the shot with that of other cameras (or the drone) or give a particular mood to the footage.
The clips you take home with the 1/1.3″ sensor are definitely interesting, with vivid colors and good detail quality. It performs quite well even in difficult lighting conditions, maintaining greater detail in the shadows and still providing good color rendering.
Well, you won’t find incredible differences with the GoPro on the video front, while they become a bit more evident when you take photos, with the RAW of the GoPro Hero 12 being more detailed and with a greater dynamic range.
Remember, however, that we are still talking about photographs and very few people use an action cam to take shots home.
Stabilization is passed with flying colors and yes, you can decide the viewing angle by selecting Standard (15mm equivalent), Wide (12mm) and Ultra Wide (11mm). In short, in line with the competition which however sports GoPro Max among the accessories to have an even wider FOV (field of view).
How DJI Osmo Action 4 is better
If you’re here, there’s a good chance you’re wondering whether or not DJI Osmo Action 4 is right for you, whether it’s better or worse than GoPro Hero 12.
Let’s start from an important assumption: It depends on your needs.
There are elements that we liked in both products.
Let’s start with DJI Osmo Action 4 which undoubtedly has quite a few points in its favour.
The first is the dual touchscreen display.
It may seem trivial but if you record vlogs, like us, the fact of changing the settings on the fly without changing the shot, using the front screen, is a great convenience which allows you to save time and be quicker when needed.
The second aspect is the mounting system, with the magnetic plate which, also in this case, helps you speed up operations without giving up anything since the camera remains firmly connected.
Battery life also goes in favor of Osmo Action 4, even without the case and additional batteries of the Adventure Combo. The reasons, however, are not limited to the fact that the performances are slightly better than the competition. In addition we also have a better cooling system that allows the action cam not to overheat even after long periods of use, so you are sure to bring home the result; secondly, the door that hides the battery is, in our opinion, significantly more accessible than its counterpart, without threatening its ability to resist water.
Then we have one last plus: compatibility with DJI Mic.
This means you can connect DJI microphones via USB-C and have perfect audio, effortlessly since it’s all plug and play.
If you vlog, it’s an incredibly useful combination.
How is GoPro Hero 12 better?
Although DJI Osmo Action 4 performs great, GoPro Hero 12 is more versatile in terms of recording and formats.
It is true that many will limit themselves to shooting in 4K at 60 fps, but it is also true that there are people with different and perhaps very specific needs, which means they could benefit from shooting in 5.3K at 60 fps offered by GoPro Hero 12.
The latter also allows you to take it home 24 megapixel shots versus 10 megapixels of Osmo Action 4, not to mention that – as explained above – RAW are better and more workable.
From its then GoPro also has a generally more intuitive interface, cleaner. Sure, Osmo Action 4 has the customizable Quick Shift button, but the competition’s UI is more welcoming, especially for someone new to the game.
The DJI Osmo Action 4 review: conclusions
We liked DJI Osmo Action 4 very much.
It has two touch screens, has a magnetic mounting system, records in Log, has good battery life and pairs with DJI Mic. All elements that make it an excellent choice, especially if you want to use it for vlogs or in any case to also record speech.
This doesn’t mean it has definitively won the battle with the GoPro Hero 12, which is still an excellent action camera with excellent image quality and excellent stabilization.
However, DJI is playing its cards well and its features also include the possibility of using multiple products of the brand together, which is no small thing.
