DJI Osmo Action 4 Action Camera 4K/120fps Review: The New King of Low-Light Action?

I remember a trip a few years back, scrambling to the summit of a mountain just as the sun began to dip below the horizon. The sky was an impossible canvas of orange, purple, and deep indigo. I fumbled for my action camera at the time—a well-regarded model—and hit record, convinced I was capturing gold. Later that evening, huddled over my laptop, my heart sank. The footage was a grainy, noisy mess. The vibrant colours were washed out, the deep shadows were crushed into a uniform black, and the entire magical moment was lost to the limitations of a tiny sensor. It’s a frustration many of us know all too well: the action camera that excels in broad daylight becomes nearly useless the moment the lighting is less than perfect. This is the precise problem that haunts vloggers, adventurers, and memory-makers, turning potentially epic shots into digital disappointments.

What to Consider Before Buying an Action Camera

An action camera is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for capturing life’s most dynamic moments from a first-person perspective. It’s your rugged, go-anywhere companion for everything from scuba diving and mountain biking to documenting family holidays and creating compelling vlogs. The primary benefit is its ability to record high-quality, stabilized video in environments where a traditional camera or smartphone would be too fragile, bulky, or impractical. Without one, you risk missing the shot entirely or, worse, damaging your more expensive gear.

The ideal customer for this type of product is someone facing the need to capture high-octane activities or travel in challenging conditions. This includes athletes, outdoor enthusiasts, travel vloggers, and even parents who want a durable camera to film their kids’ adventures. However, it might not be suitable for those who primarily need cinematic depth of field, optical zoom, or studio-level photography capabilities. For that, a DSLR or mirrorless camera would be a better, albeit less portable and durable, alternative. For creators looking to capture every angle at once, a 360 camera might also be a more fitting choice.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Image Sensor & Performance: This is the heart of the camera. A larger sensor, like the 1/1.3-inch sensor in the DJI Osmo Action 4 Action Camera 4K/120fps, can capture more light. This directly translates to better performance in low-light situations (dusk, underwater, indoors), reduced noise, and superior dynamic range. Don’t just look at resolution (4K); consider the sensor size and colour science (e.g., 10-bit colour) for a true measure of performance.
• Durability & Waterproofing: An action camera must be able to take a beating. Look for its native waterproof depth (without a case) and its operational temperature range. For extreme cold or deep dives, you need a camera built to withstand the elements. The materials should feel robust, not like cheap plastic, ensuring it can survive the inevitable bumps and drops.
• Stabilization & Field of View: Shaky footage is unusable footage. Modern action cameras use sophisticated electronic image stabilization (EIS) to produce smooth, gimbal-like video. Test how well the stabilization holds up during intense motion, like running or cycling. Also, consider the field of view (FOV); a wide 155-degree angle is great for capturing immersive action, but ensure there are options to reduce it for a more standard look.
• Battery Life & Ease of Use: A camera is useless if its battery is dead. Check the battery’s capacity (measured in mAh) and its rated recording time, especially in cold weather. Fast-charging capabilities are a huge plus. The user interface, both on the camera’s touchscreens and in its companion app, should be intuitive and responsive, allowing you to change settings quickly on the fly.

Considering these factors will help you choose a camera that not only captures beautiful images but also seamlessly integrates into your adventurous lifestyle.

While the DJI Osmo Action 4 Action Camera 4K/120fps is an excellent choice, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:

First Impressions: Premium, Practical, and Ready for Action

Unboxing the DJI Osmo Action 4 Essential Combo, the first thing that struck me was the signature DJI build quality. It feels dense, solid, and exceptionally well-made. The textured plastic casing, as one user rightly pointed out, is not slippery when wet—a small but crucial detail. The dual front and rear touchscreens are bright, crisp, and surprisingly responsive, a clear upgrade from some older action cams I’ve used.

The star of the show, even before turning it on, is the magnetic quick-release system. The satisfyingly strong magnetic “thunk” as the camera snaps into its protective frame or mounts gives you immense confidence. Swapping between a helmet mount and a selfie stick, or switching from horizontal to vertical orientation for social media content, takes mere seconds. This is a game-changer compared to the tedious process of unscrewing traditional mounts. The Essential Combo includes the camera, one Extreme Battery, the horizontal-vertical protective frame, a quick-release adapter mount, a locking screw, a lens hood, and a USB-C cable. It’s a lean package, but it contains everything you need to start shooting immediately. It immediately feels like a serious tool designed for a fast and efficient workflow, which you can explore in full detail on its product page.

Deep Dive: Putting the DJI Osmo Action 4 to the Test

An action camera’s worth is proven in the field, not on a spec sheet. We took the DJI Osmo Action 4 Action Camera 4K/120fps through a series of demanding scenarios—from dusky trail runs and murky pond dives to fast-paced vlogging—to see if its performance lives up to its impressive promises.

Image Quality: The 1/1.3-Inch Sensor is a Low-Light Revolution

Let’s be blunt: the single biggest reason to choose the DJI Osmo Action 4 Action Camera 4K/120fps over its rivals is its image quality, driven by that massive 1/1.3-inch CMOS sensor. For years, the Achilles’ heel of action cameras has been their performance once the sun starts to set. We found this camera completely changes that narrative. During a sunset hike, where my old cameras produced that familiar noisy mush, the Action 4 delivered clean, vibrant, and remarkably detailed 4K footage. The f/2.8 aperture, combined with the large sensor, drinks in light, preserving the rich colours of the sky and pulling detail out of the deepening shadows. Several users confirm this, with one stating the video quality is “impeccable” and “very adaptive” across different lighting scenarios, and another praising its “natural colour under the water.”

For professional users and serious hobbyists, the inclusion of 10-bit D-Log M color is a monumental feature. Shooting in this flat profile captures over a billion colours and provides enormous dynamic range, giving you incredible flexibility when colour grading your footage. We were able to push and pull the colours in our test clips dramatically without them falling apart, matching footage from our larger cinema cameras with surprising ease. This is a pro-level feature that elevates the camera far beyond a simple point-and-shoot device. It’s true, as one user noted, that you need decent lighting to get the absolute best from 10-bit colour, but even in standard mode, the colour science is fantastic. The ability to capture buttery-smooth slow-motion at 4K/120fps is the icing on the cake, allowing you to turn any fast action into a cinematic spectacle. This is, without a doubt, a feature that truly sets it apart from the competition.

Built for Adventure: Usability, Durability, and Mounting

A camera’s image quality is irrelevant if it’s a pain to use in the field. DJI has clearly poured immense thought into the Action 4’s physical design and user experience. The magnetic quick-release mounting system is, simply put, the best mounting solution on any action camera we’ve tested. The speed at which we could move the camera from a chest harness to a tripod to the included horizontal-vertical protective frame was a revelation. It holds the camera with a vice-like grip, confirmed by a user who noted the “mounts are super secure.” This system eliminates the single biggest frustration of the traditional “finger” mounts.

The camera’s ruggedness is equally impressive. It’s rated waterproof down to 18 meters (59 feet) without any additional housing, which we tested in a local lake with no issues. The hydro-phobic coating on the touchscreens works well, allowing for operation even when wet. Its ability to operate down to -20°C (-4°F) is a huge bonus for winter sports enthusiasts. However, it’s crucial to add a note of caution here, prompted by a user’s negative experience. They reported their unit failed after use in saltwater without a case. While the camera is rated waterproof, saltwater is exceptionally corrosive. For any serious or prolonged underwater use, especially in the sea, we would strongly echo the advice to invest in a dedicated dive housing to protect your investment. The camera’s durability is a key selling point, and for most uses it’s bomb-proof, but extreme environments warrant extreme protection.

Performance Under Pressure: Battery, Heat Management, and Software

Real-world performance is a delicate balance of power, endurance, and stability. The included 1770mAh Extreme Battery is a strong performer, particularly in the cold, where other camera batteries often falter. We were impressed with its longevity, consistently getting over an hour of 4K/60fps recording. What’s even more impressive is its fast-charging capability. As one thrilled user reported, it charged from “41% to 97% in 10 minutes,” which essentially means with a portable power bank, you can achieve near-continuous shooting.

However, no high-performance camera is without its challenges, and heat is a major one. When recording at the highest settings (like 4K/60fps or 4K/120fps) for extended periods, especially in hot, static environments, the camera can overheat. One user noted this happened while filming in Turkey during the summer. This is a physical limitation of packing so much power into a tiny, sealed body. While we found it performed better than many competitors—one reviewer was “impressed it didn’t overheat in 42-degree weather” where their previous GoPros had failed—it’s something to be aware of. For long, stationary recordings, ensuring some airflow or taking short breaks can help mitigate this.

The software experience is a point of contention. On one hand, the DJI Mimo app is powerful, offering robust editing tools that rival paid services. On the other, the mandatory activation process, which requires downloading a large app and granting it numerous permissions, was described by one user as “absolutely horrific.” Others reported sporadic connectivity issues. In our testing, the app connection was stable, but we agree that a forced online activation for a piece of hardware you own is an unwelcome industry trend. The on-camera UI, however, is excellent—fast, logical, and easy to navigate with simple swipes.

What Other Users Are Saying

After analyzing dozens of user reports, a clear consensus emerges. The overwhelming majority of owners are thrilled with the DJI Osmo Action 4 Action Camera 4K/120fps, frequently citing its image quality as “far superior to the competitors.” Many long-time GoPro users have made the switch and expressed their delight, stating, “wish I had done this a few years ago.” The low-light performance is a recurring theme of praise, with one user calling it “brilliant” and better than the GoPro Hero 12 in dark conditions.

However, the feedback isn’t universally perfect. The most common complaints centre on the software and setup. Several users found the forced DJI Mimo app activation to be intrusive and frustrating. One noted, “You have to download a 700mb app… and give it all kinds of ridiculous permissions so that you can activate YOUR OWN CAMERA.” There are also isolated but important reports of hardware issues under extreme stress, such as the previously mentioned saltwater failure and overheating during prolonged 4K recording in hot climates. Finally, a few buyers were confused by the “Essential Combo” name, expecting more accessories than were included, highlighting the importance of carefully reading the “in the box” list before purchasing.

How Does the DJI Osmo Action 4 Compare to the Alternatives?

While the DJI Osmo Action 4 operates at the premium end of the market, there are many other options available, particularly for those with a tighter budget. Here’s how it stacks up against three popular alternatives.

1. AKASO Brave 7 Action Camera Floating Grip Bundle

The AKASO Brave 7 is a fantastic mid-range option that offers features once reserved for high-end cameras, like a front-facing screen and native 4K recording. Its main advantage is value; this bundle comes packed with accessories, including a floating hand grip and extra batteries, for a fraction of the DJI’s cost. However, the trade-off comes in performance. Its smaller sensor can’t compete with the DJI Osmo Action 4 Action Camera 4K/120fps in low light, its image stabilization is less advanced, and it lacks professional features like 10-bit colour. It’s an excellent choice for casual users, beginners, or anyone prioritizing accessories and value over absolute best-in-class image quality.

2. WOLFANG GA100 4K Action Camera EIS

The WOLFANG GA100 represents the entry-level budget category. It’s an incredibly affordable way to get into 4K action videography, and it comes with a generous accessory kit. It’s a great pick for a first action camera, for kids, or for situations where you wouldn’t want to risk a more expensive device. When compared directly to the DJI Osmo Action 4 Action Camera 4K/120fps, the differences are stark. The video quality, particularly in challenging light, stabilization effectiveness, and overall build quality are on completely different levels. The WOLFANG is a functional tool for capturing memories on a budget, whereas the DJI is a prosumer device for creating high-quality content.

3. AKASO EK7000 4K Action Camera

The AKASO EK7000 is a legendary budget action camera that has been a best-seller for years due to its rock-bottom price. It shoots 4K at 30fps but lacks many modern features like electronic image stabilization and a touchscreen. It relies on a separate waterproof housing for any water-based activities. While it can capture decent footage in bright daylight, it struggles significantly in any other condition. This camera is for the absolute most budget-conscious buyer. For anyone serious about video quality, stabilization, and ease of use, the investment in the DJI Osmo Action 4 Action Camera 4K/120fps provides a vastly superior experience and end result.

Final Verdict: Our Definitive Recommendation

After extensive testing and analysis, our verdict is clear: the DJI Osmo Action 4 Action Camera 4K/120fps is a phenomenal piece of kit and a top contender for the best all-around action camera on the market. Its masterstroke is the 1/1.3-inch sensor, which delivers a leap in image quality—especially in low light—that competitors struggle to match. Combined with its pro-grade 10-bit colour, fantastic stabilization, and supremely intelligent magnetic mounting system, it’s a creative powerhouse for vloggers, filmmakers, and adventurers alike.

It’s not without its flaws. The mandatory app activation is an annoyance, and it can run hot under extreme, prolonged use. But these are minor quibbles in an otherwise stellar package. If you are a creator who values image fidelity above all else and frequently shoots in varied or challenging lighting conditions, the Action 4 is not just a good choice; it’s arguably the best choice. It’s a rugged, reliable tool that consistently delivers beautiful footage, letting you focus on the action, not the limitations of your gear. If you’re ready to elevate your action footage and leave grainy, low-light video in the past, we wholeheartedly recommend you check the latest price and secure your DJI Osmo Action 4 today.