DJI Osmo Action 4 Review: Worth It in 2026 vs GoPro & Action 5

The DJI Osmo Action 4, launched in 2023, still holds its own against newer rivals — and in 2026, it’s become the budget-conscious creator’s quiet favourite. The question isn’t just whether it’s any good; it’s whether the price drop makes it the smarter buy over a GoPro Hero 12 or even DJI’s own Action 5 Pro.

Sensor Size: 1/1.3-inch CMOS · Max Video Resolution: 4K/120fps · Color Profile: 10-bit D-Log M · Field of View: 155° · Waterproof Depth: up to 18m without case

Key specifications for the DJI Osmo Action 4 position it competitively against newer rivals in the 2026 action camera market.

Is the DJI Osmo Action 4 any good?

The DJI Osmo Action 4 earned its reputation on one standout feature: the 1/1.3-inch CMOS sensor that punches above its price class. According to Maison du Drone (specialist drone and action camera retailer), this larger sensor translates directly to superior low-light performance compared to the GoPro Hero 12’s 1/1.9-inch chip. In practice, testers at Digital Camera World found Action 4 footage remains more stable in dim conditions, even if it picks up more grain.

Key features and performance

The camera records at 4K/120fps — matching the high frame rates action shooters need for smooth slow-motion — and supports 10-bit D-Log M color for post-production colour grading flexibility. Its RockSteady 3.0 stabilization system, paired with HorizonSteady, keeps footage level even during aggressive handling. Battery capacity sits at 1770 mAh, delivering up to 160 minutes of recording per charge — a figure that holds up well against competitors.

Pros and cons

What this means: the Action 4 excels where it counts most for action shooters, but photographers and those needing maximum resolution will feel the limitation.

User reviews

Across retailer listings and owner communities, the Action 4 earns consistent praise for its rugged build and cold-weather reliability. The -20°C to 45°C operating range makes it a favourite among winter sports videographers who found earlier models faltering in freezing conditions.

How old is the DJI Osmo Action 4?

DJI launched the Osmo Action 4 in August 2023, placing it nearly three years behind the current market curve as of 2026. Despite its age, the camera hasn’t stagnated — firmware updates have kept stabilisation algorithms current, and DJI continues selling it alongside the Action 5 Pro as a value tier.

Release date and lifecycle

The Action 4 replaced the Action 3, inheriting its quick-release mounting system while upgrading the sensor and adding D-Log M colour support. DJI then released the Action 5 Pro in late 2024 with a larger 1/1.9-inch sensor and 1950 mAh battery — the most significant hardware jump in the line.

Relevance in 2026

For buyers prioritising budget over bleeding-edge specs, the Action 4 remains competitive. Its 4K/120fps recording, 10-bit colour, and deep waterproofing hold up against much newer rivals. The Maison du Drone comparison notes that in bright daylight, both Action 4 and GoPro Hero 12 produce “gimbal-smooth action footage when handheld” — suggesting the older hardware still competes where it matters most.

The implication: age alone doesn’t diminish the Action 4’s value proposition when core features remain competitive with newer releases.

DJI Osmo Action 4 vs GoPro

The Action 4 versus GoPro rivalry is the comparison every action camera buyer weighs. The Hero 12 Black launched around the same time as Action 4 and offers 5.3K/60fps recording — a resolution advantage on paper — but the two cameras diverge sharply in practice.

Vs GoPro Hero 12

GoPro’s Hero 12 Black maxes out at 5.3K/60fps with a 1720 mAh Enduro battery, according to Shotkit (camera gear specialist). At 5.3K/60fps, battery life drops to around 70 minutes. The Action 4, by contrast, delivers 4K/120fps and runs up to 160 minutes at standard settings — more than double the runtime at comparable quality levels.

Vs GoPro 11

The Hero 11 Black shares much of the Hero 12’s sensor architecture and 27 MP photo resolution. Against it, the Action 4’s superior bitrate (130 Mbps versus roughly 100 Mbps) and 10-bit D-Log M give it a clear edge for creators who colour-grade footage.

Key differences

The comparison table reveals a trade-off pattern worth examining side by side.

For helmet-mounted action sports, the Action 4’s 155° field of view also captures more of the surrounding environment.

The implication: if you’re shooting underwater or in cold, dark conditions, the Action 4’s sensor advantage is decisive. If maximum photo resolution and 5.3K video matter more, GoPro Hero 12 wins on paper — but only on paper.

“The larger sensor on the Action 4 translates directly to superior low-light performance,” according to Maison du Drone, a specialist drone and action camera retailer.

What is the difference between Osmo Action 4 and 5?

DJI released the Action 5 Pro with meaningful hardware upgrades that change the value proposition for anyone deciding between generations. The differences aren’t cosmetic — they affect real-world footage quality and battery endurance.

Sensor and video upgrades

The Action 5 Pro bumps the sensor to 1/1.9-inch, matching GoPro Hero 12’s size. According to Versus (product comparison platform), the larger sensor enables 40 MP photo resolution versus Action 4’s 10 MP. Low-light performance improves further, though the Action 4 already leads its original competition.

Battery and features

Battery capacity jumps to 1950 mAh — roughly 10% larger than Action 4’s 1770 mAh cell. Versus reports the Action 5 Pro delivers 1.5 hours longer battery life than the GoPro Hero 12 Black, implying similar gains over Action 4. Newer features include improved subject tracking and a larger touch display.

Worth upgrading?

For existing Action 4 owners, the upgrade logic is narrow: only if photo resolution or extended battery life are essential to your workflow. Current Action 4 users rarely cite image quality complaints — the 10 MP limitation primarily affects those who print large-format or crop heavily.

The pattern: the Action 5 Pro’s hardware gains are substantial, but the Action 4 remains capable enough that most shooters won’t notice the difference in daily use.

DJI Osmo Action 4 combos and accessories

DJI sells the Action 4 in pre-configured bundles rather than loose units — a strategy that bundles essentials at better per-item pricing. Understanding what’s included helps buyers avoid paying twice for accessories they already own.

Adventure Combo

The Adventure Combo includes two batteries, a protective frame, a quick-release adapter, and a USB-C charging cable. The quick-release mounting system works with a wide range of third-party helmets, handlebars, and flat mounts — all using the same clip mechanism DJI introduced with the Action 3.

Essential Combo

The Essential Combo drops to a single battery and removes the protective frame, adding only the quick-release adapter. For buyers who already own mounts from previous DJI cameras, this bundle often represents better value.

Stick and helmet mount

Third-party accessories are widely available in Ireland through electronics retailers and online marketplaces. The Action 4’s standard mounting interface fits most GoPro-compatible mounts, giving buyers a broad ecosystem of selfie sticks, chest straps, and suction mounts to choose from.

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The DJI Osmo Action 4’s larger 1/1.3-inch sensor delivers superior low-light performance over the GoPro Hero 12, as this detailed comparison confirms in real-world tests.

Frequently asked questions

For creators in Ireland weighing their options in 2026, the DJI Osmo Action 4 remains the sharpest value in its class: a capable low-light performer with rugged waterproofing and professional colour grading at a price point that newer rivals struggle to undercut. The upgrade path to Action 5 Pro exists — but it’s a luxury, not a necessity.