DJI Osmo Action 4, DJI Mic 2 and a lav mic – Review
DJI Osmo Action 4, DJI Mic 2 and a lav mic – Review
DJI Osmo Action 4: DJI is fast becoming a name to watch out for in the action camera market despite being more known for their drones. Where other competitors, namely GoPro, have dominated for so long it is great to finally see another company become a worthy challenger. When I first decided to pick up an action camera for helmet point of view footage whilst riding, research and reviews pushed me in the direction of the DJI Osmo Action 3. I hit the ground running with this camera, also grabbing their original external mic system and this camera became my go to, used daily, and worth every penny. I loved it and it felt like it just got better with my own understanding of how to utilise it. When DJI announced and brought out a successor model in the Action 4, I was keen to get my hands on it.
Looking at the specifications between these two cameras and the external chassis, you would be forgiven for thinking there is not much difference. Both cameras are the same dimensions, 70.5×44.2×32.8mm and weighing 145g, meaning any size specific cases you might have for the Action 3, will fit the Action 4. There is a change in colour of the shutter/record button, orange on the Action 3 and red on Action 4. I found the button on the Action 4 more sensitive and a lot easier to press which is a huge bonus when you are riding a motorcycle, wearing gloves, doing stop/start recording as you ride. The similarities continue in the front and rear screens, 1.4 inch front and 2.25 inch rear. Both cameras shoot 4K/60fps in 4:3 and 4K/120fps in 16:9, both have rocksteady image stabilisation, and both have the same battery capacity and much more. So, what IS different?
DJI Osmo Action 4 Standard Combo
DJI Osmo Action 4 Standard Combo - 4K/120fps Waterproof Action Camera with a 1/1.3-Inch Sensor, Stunning Low-Light Imaging, 10-bit & D-Log M Color Performance, Long-Lasting 160 Mins, Outdoor Camera
Whilst there are some small changes, the main difference is the sensor size. The Action 3 has a 1/1.3″ CMOS sensor, and the Action 4 has a 1/1.7″ CMOS sensor, which is bigger with noticeable improvements in low light footage. This was one of the first things I noticed when using the Action 4, the increase in sensor size makes a clear difference not only in low light footage, but by being clearer and sharper out of the box than the Action 3. The low light capabilities of the Action 4 are perfect for those times you are riding home from a bike night and the sun is setting. One of the first footage tests of the Action 4 was a sunset ride home and I was impressed by the results.
The second main difference to me is that DJI brought out a DJI Mic 2, another successor to their original external mic set up. The DJI 2 boasts Bluetooth connectivity which is a game changer for bikers filming content or footage whilst riding. The original DJI mic requires a receiver to be connected to the Action 3 camera for the external transmitters to be used. The Action 4 allows for direct Bluetooth connectivity for the DJI 2 Mic whereas the Action 3 does not. This significantly reduces the set up and required wiring or accessories to utilise the external mic set up when riding. It is so easy to set up as well, you pair the transmitters to the camera one time and then the camera automatically connects to them when both are turned on. This then becomes an easy turn on, press record and off you go set up. This is a game changer for moto vloggers, youtubers and your average hobby rider who just enjoys capturing their beautiful exhaust tones or their voice.
Overall, what are my thoughts on the Action 4 compared to the Action 3? It is difficult because the issue here ironically is that DJI has produced two amazing cameras. The Action 3 is a powerhouse and more than capable in its own right. Its successor was always going to struggle to top that, and I think the better approach to view the newer model is that it has offered minor but powerful and significant tweaks that can be game changing depending on your use and needs. The Action 4 is worth the upgrade from the Action 3 for its larger sensor, if you use the camera in low light and the overall image quality is improved due to the sensor’s capability with light but the Action 3 is more than good enough that the difference is not groundbreaking. The Bluetooth connectivity of the DJI 2 system is also a big difference that alone will have people jumping from the Action 3 to the 4.
And if you are completely new without a camera and trying to decide between the two, I think you honestly cannot go wrong with either one. The outcome is two great highly capable cameras, and the decision will be dictated purely by how you want to use the cameras. Naturally, I would recommend the Action 4 if your budget allows for it and you utilise sound as much as video but honestly, I would also recommend the Action 3. Answer is, buy one of them because they are both high quality cameras and you will be a winner either way.
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