DJI Osmo Action 4 Long-Term Review: A Reliable Companion for Adventure Filming

DJI Osmo Action 4 (Amazon) https://amzn.to/45TajuP

Released in August 2023, the DJI Osmo Action 4 has become a go-to action camera for adventurers, vloggers, and content creators seeking a compact, rugged, and versatile tool to capture their experiences. After over a year of extensive use in diverse environments—from hiking trails and urban streets to underwater dives and snowy slopes—this long-term review dives into the camera’s performance, strengths, and limitations. Aimed at beginners and seasoned users alike, this review covers the hardware, software, real-world usability, and whether the Osmo Action 4 remains a worthy investment in 2025.

Unboxing and Initial Setup: What You Get

The DJI Osmo Action 4 comes in two main packages: the Standard Combo and the Adventure Combo. I opted for the Adventure Combo, which includes the camera, a 1770mAh battery, a protective frame, a quick-release adapter mount, a flat adhesive mount, a 1.5m extension rod, two additional batteries, and a multifunctional battery case that doubles as a charging hub and power bank. The setup process is straightforward, even for beginners who’ve never flown a drone or used an action camera before.

Unboxing: The camera arrives in a compact box with all components neatly organized. The Adventure Combo’s extras, like the extension rod and battery case, immediately stand out as thoughtful additions for extended shoots.
Charging and Battery Installation: Charge the battery using the included USB-C cable (takes about 49 minutes for a full charge). Insert the battery and a microSD card (up to 512GB supported) into the clearly marked, water-sealed compartments.
App Setup: Download the DJI Mimo app (available for iOS and Android) to activate the camera and update firmware. The app guides you through pairing via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, which takes about 5 minutes.
First Power-On: The 1.4-inch front touchscreen and 2.25-inch rear touchscreen make initial navigation intuitive. A quick tutorial in the app walks you through basic settings, like choosing between 4K/30fps or 1080p/60fps.

For beginners, the process feels welcoming, with minimal technical jargon. The only hiccup I encountered was an occasional app connection issue, requiring a restart to pair the camera, but firmware updates over the year have mostly resolved this.

Hardware: Design and Durability

The Osmo Action 4’s design is nearly identical to its predecessor, the Action 3, with a compact, lightweight body (145g, 70.5 x 44.2 x 32.8mm) that fits comfortably in your hand or pocket. Its rugged build is a standout feature, with class-leading waterproofing to 18 meters without a case and drop resistance that survived several accidental tumbles during my hikes. The dual touchscreens (1.4-inch front, 2.25-inch rear) are bright and responsive, even in direct sunlight, though I recommend adding screen protectors to guard against scratches during rough use.

The magnetic quick-release mount is a game-changer, allowing seamless transitions between landscape and portrait orientations for social media content. However, the mount’s tight latch can be tricky to remove with larger fingers, and I occasionally needed to double-check the “click” to ensure it was secure. The lens, with a 155° field of view and f/2.8 aperture, comes with a replaceable protector, which I swapped for an ND filter during bright daylight shoots to control exposure.

Over a year of use, the camera has held up remarkably well. I’ve submerged it in saltwater, exposed it to dust on trails, and used it in -10°C weather without issues. The battery doors and USB-C port seals remain tight, maintaining waterproofing, though I noticed slight wear on the lens protector after heavy use, which was easily replaced.

Software: Features and Usability

The Osmo Action 4’s software, controlled via the DJI Mimo app or the camera’s touchscreens, is beginner-friendly yet robust enough for advanced users. The app offers remote control, live preview, and easy file transfers, though it can be sluggish on older smartphones. Key software features include:

Video Modes: Up to 4K/120fps for smooth slow-motion, with 1080p/240fps for 8x slow-motion. The 10-bit D-Log M color profile is a boon for color grading, offering richer dynamic range.
Stabilization: RockSteady 3.0+ delivers gimbal-like smoothness, even during intense activities like mountain biking or running. HorizonSteady keeps the frame level up to 45° tilt, though it crops the image slightly.
Intelligent Features: Timelapse, hyperlapse, and quick-switch modes (photo, video, timelapse) are accessible with a single button press. The app also supports livestreaming via Wi-Fi.
Bluetooth Audio: Post-launch firmware updates enabled Bluetooth pairing with the DJI Mic 2, a game-changer for vloggers. Audio quality is crisp, though I experienced minor interference when filming near other drones.

For beginners, the auto mode (4K/30fps, standard FOV, auto exposure) produces excellent results with minimal setup. I used custom settings (4K/30fps, RockSteady on, -2 sharpness, -1 noise reduction) for travel videos, which balanced detail and natural colors. The learning curve is gentle, with on-screen prompts guiding you through settings, but advanced users may find the manual controls (e.g., limited shutter speed options) slightly restrictive.

Performance: Image and Video Quality

The Osmo Action 4’s 1/1.3-inch CMOS sensor (10MP) is its biggest upgrade over the Action 3, offering superior low-light performance compared to competitors like the GoPro Hero 11 Black. In daylight, footage is crisp and vibrant, with the 155° field of view capturing expansive scenes. The larger sensor shines in low-light conditions—think evening hikes or dimly lit indoor shots—where it retains more detail in shadows and highlights than its predecessor. However, in bright sunlight, the GoPro’s 5.3K resolution slightly edges out the Action 4’s 4K in terms of sharpness.

Stabilization is a highlight. I filmed while running on uneven trails, and the RockSteady 3.0+ kept footage buttery smooth, with minimal cropping. HorizonSteady worked well for keeping shots level during dynamic movements, though it struggled slightly with large foreground objects obstructing the horizon. The D-Log M mode, paired with post-processing in Adobe Premiere, allowed for professional-grade color grading, making it ideal for creators who edit extensively.

Photography, however, is not the Action 4’s strength. The 10MP stills (3648 x 2736) are decent for casual snapshots but lack the detail of a smartphone or mirrorless camera. I rarely used the camera for photos, as my phone consistently outperformed it.

Real-World Use: Adventures and Challenges

Over the past year, I’ve used the Osmo Action 4 in various scenarios: hiking in Armenia’s mountains, vlogging in Morocco’s medinas, and capturing underwater footage while snorkeling. The camera’s compact size made it easy to carry in a sling bag, and its discreet design didn’t attract attention in crowded places. The Adventure Combo’s extension rod was invaluable for drone-like perspectives, though I wished it had a record button for easier control at full extension.

Battery life is solid, averaging 90–120 minutes of 4K/30fps recording per battery. The charging case, which holds three batteries and doubles as a power bank, was a lifesaver during multi-day trips without access to outlets. However, I noticed overheating warnings after 15–20 minutes of continuous 4K/120fps recording in warm weather (around 30°C), which paused filming until the camera cooled down. This was a minor annoyance but manageable by using shorter clips.

The quick-release mount’s versatility shone during car-mounted shots for a YouTube channel, where I used suction mounts to capture high-speed driving footage. The camera’s durability held up against vibrations and occasional debris, and the DJI Mimo app’s remote control feature made starting/stopping recordings convenient from inside the vehicle.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

Excellent Low-Light Performance: The 1/1.3-inch sensor captures detailed footage in challenging lighting, outpacing many competitors.
Rugged and Compact: Waterproof to 18m, drop-resistant, and easy to carry, it’s ideal for travel and adventure.
Superb Stabilization: RockSteady 3.0+ and HorizonSteady deliver smooth, professional-grade footage.
Versatile Accessories: The Adventure Combo’s extension rod and battery case enhance usability for long shoots.
Beginner-Friendly: Intuitive interface and auto modes make it accessible for first-time users.
Bluetooth Audio Support: DJI Mic 2 integration simplifies vlogging with clear audio.

Cons:

Limited Photo Quality: 10MP stills can’t compete with smartphones or dedicated cameras.
Overheating at High Frame Rates: Continuous 4K/120fps recording triggers warnings after 15–20 minutes.
App Connectivity Issues: The DJI Mimo app occasionally lags or disconnects, especially on older devices.
No 5.3K Resolution: Lags behind GoPro Hero