As a digital nomad and travel photographer, capturing high-quality footage in various environments is crucial for documenting my adventures. As I was shopping around for action cams to record POV’s and hiking adventures, I only had one requirement, low light capability. Due to small sensors, low light is an issue for the majority of action cams, even the more expensive ones. Regardless, I wanted one that would do a pretty descent job in low light with minor tweaks.
The DJI Osmo Action 4 has become an essential part of my gear collection, providing a robust and versatile solution for video recording. In this review, I will cover its low light capabilities, video features, and integration with the DJI Mic 2, highlighting its performance in different scenarios.
Weight: 5.1 oz
4K Video: Up to 120p
1080 Video: Up to 240p
Video Format: MP4
Connectivity: Bluetooth, WiFi
Battery Life: Up to 3 hrs
Sensor Type: CMOS
Sensor: 1/1.3″
Stabilization: Digital
Waterproof Depth: 59 ft
The DJI Osmo Action 4 continues the rugged and durable design of its predecessors. It feels solid in hand, with a rubberized exterior that offers excellent grip. The camera is waterproof up to 18 meters (59 feet) without additional housing, making it suitable for underwater adventures and extreme weather conditions. The dual-screen design, with a front-facing screen, is particularly useful for vloggers and solo travelers who need to frame themselves accurately.
One of the standout features of the Osmo Action 4 is its impressive low light performance. Equipped with a 1/1.3-inch sensor and a wide f/2.8 aperture, this action camera excels in dimly lit environments. During my travels, I often find myself in situations where lighting is less than ideal, whether it’s capturing a sunset hike or exploring a city at night. The Osmo Action 4 handles these scenarios with ease.
The camera’s larger sensor size allows for more light intake, resulting in clearer and more detailed footage in low light conditions. The Low-Light Mode feature enhances this capability further, allowing for long exposure shots and time-lapse videos that capture the beauty of nighttime landscapes.
The DJI Osmo Action 4 is packed with video features that cater to both amateur and professional videographers. It supports 4K video recording at 60 frames per second (fps), providing stunning clarity and smoothness. For slow-motion enthusiasts, it can shoot 4K at 120 fps and 1080p at 240fps, allowing for dramatic and detailed slow-motion sequences.
One of the most significant upgrades in the Osmo Action 4 is the RockSteady 3.0 stabilization technology. This feature ensures that footage remains stable and jitter-free, even during high-intensity activities like biking or running. I tested this feature while hiking the South Canon Trail. The resulting video was incredibly smooth, with no noticeable shake or jitter, despite the constant motion.
Another noteworthy feature is the customizable Quick Switch button, allowing users to switch between different modes and settings quickly. This is especially handy when transitioning between different filming scenarios, such as filming a timelapse or slow-motion video.
Audio quality is just as important as video quality, especially for vloggers and content creators who rely on clear and crisp sound to engage their audience. The DJI Osmo Action 4 seamlessly integrates with the DJI Mic 2, providing an excellent audio solution for various recording scenarios.
The DJI Mic 2 is a compact and wireless microphone system that pairs effortlessly with the Osmo Action 4. It offers a range of up to 250 meters (820 feet), ensuring reliable audio capture even at a distance. The setup process is straightforward, with the camera connecting to the microphone’s transmitter via bluetooth.
In my experience, the DJI Mic 2 significantly enhances the audio quality of the Osmo Action 4. It captures clear and natural sound, with minimal background noise, making it ideal for interviews, vlogging, and narration.
Battery life is another crucial aspect for travelers and outdoor enthusiasts. The DJI Osmo Action 4 features a removable 1300mAh battery that provides approximately 2.5 hours of continuous recording. For extended shoots, carrying spare batteries is recommended, but the camera’s battery life is sufficient for most day-to-day activities.
Connectivity options include Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, enabling easy file transfers and remote control via the DJI Mimo app. The app provides additional features and settings, making it a valuable tool for getting the most out of the Osmo Action 4. I also suggest using the LightCut app for creating quick and professional looking reels.
The DJI Osmo Action 4 has other features that I enjoy using as well:
The DJI Osmo Action 4 is a formidable action camera that excels in various aspects, from its impressive low light capability to its advanced video features and seamless integration with the DJI Mic 2. Its rugged design, excellent stabilization, and versatile shooting modes make it a reliable companion for any adventure. Whether you’re a professional content creator or an enthusiastic traveler, the Osmo Action 4 offers the tools you need to capture stunning and immersive footage in any environment.
Digital Nomad, adventurer, and travel photographer exploring and documenting the world's most beautiful places.
