DJI Osmo Action 4 in 2026: Is This Camera Still Worth Buying?

There’s a reason the DJI Osmo Action 4 still appears on so many shopping carts in 2026: it does the one thing action cameras often struggle with — low‑light filming — and does it really well. When you’re out shooting at dusk or inside a forest canopy, the larger sensor makes a visible difference, keeping this 2023 model competitive against newer rivals like the GoPro Hero 12 and DJI’s own Action 5 Pro.

Release date: August 2023 ·
Sensor size: 1/1.3-inch CMOS ·
Max video resolution: 4K at 120fps, 130Mbps ·
Battery life: Up to 160 minutes (1080p) ·
Waterproof depth: 18 m (without housing) ·
Color mode: 10-bit D-Log M

The table below groups the core specifications users reference most when comparing action cameras.

Is the Osmo Action 4 any good?

Build quality and durability

The Action 4 feels solid in the hand, with a robust frame that’s been tested in extreme conditions. It’s built to survive falls, submersion, and freezing temperatures, making it a reliable companion for outdoor filming. According to DJI’s official specs, the camera is waterproof to 18 metres without any housing, and it operates down to -20°C. One rider from Bennetts UK (motorcycle insurance and review team) noted that the build quality and low‑light performance made switching from a GoPro an easy decision.

Video and photo quality

The 1/1.3-inch CMOS sensor captures more light than many action cameras, resulting in cleaner footage when the sun drops. The camera records 4K video up to 120 frames per second at a bitrate of 130Mbps, and the 10‑bit D‑Log M colour profile gives editors room to grade in post. Digital Camera World (action camera testing) found that in daylight the output is practically indistinguishable from the GoPro Hero 12, but in low light the DJI holds its stability better — albeit with a slightly grainier texture.

Ease of use and software features

• The front and rear touchscreens are responsive, and the menus are intuitive (DJI user manual).
• RockSteady 3.0 stabilisation smooths out shakes without cropping heavily (DJI feature page).
• A dedicated low‑light enhancement button sits outside Pro mode, making it easy to switch when conditions dim (YouTube – GoPro vs DJI detailed comparison).

The implication: riders and hikers shooting in mixed light get more usable frames from the Action 4 than from most similarly priced rivals.

Is the DJI Osmo Action 4 worth it in 2026?

With newer models on the market, the question of value is central. The Action 4 was launched in August 2023, and three years later it still holds up because of its sensor advantage and DJI’s continued firmware support.

Value proposition against newer models

• Retail price has dropped $50–100 below launch, often landing around $299 for the Standard Combo (DJI Buy page).
• The Action 5 Pro costs roughly 30% more, offering a larger sensor and faster charging, but the same video specs at 4K/120fps (DJI Action 5 Pro specs).
• GoPro Hero 12 is similarly priced but lacks the waterproof depth and low‑light sensitivity of the Action 4 (GoPro Hero 12 tech specs).

Longevity and software support

DJI has issued several firmware updates since launch, adding features like horizontal‑vertical lock and improved stabilisation. The DJI downloads page shows updates as recently as late 2025, signalling continued support. Battery replacement is possible, and spare parts are widely available through DJI’s store.

Current price and deals

As of early 2026, the Adventure Combo (with two extra batteries, a charging hub, and the quick‑release mount) sells for about $349. Standard Combo starts at $299. These prices undercut the GoPro Hero 12 Adventure Bundle by roughly $50–70, making the Action 4 a strong budget choice for creators who prioritise low‑light performance.

The pattern: the Action 4’s sensor advantage stretches its relevance well past the typical two-year replacement cycle.

How old is the DJI Action 4?

Exact release date

DJI officially launched the Osmo Action 4 on 14 September 2023, according to the DJI product page. The GoPro Hero 12 arrived just six days later, on 20 September 2023 (GoPro news announcement).

How it compares to the newer Action 5 Pro and GoPro Hero 12

• The Action 4 is now over two years old, but its core specs remain competitive.
• The Action 5 Pro (late 2024) bumps the sensor and adds 3‑axis stabilisation, yet the Action 4 still matches it in 4K/120fps video quality (DJI Action 5 Pro specs).
• GoPro Hero 12 shares the same release window and age, making both cameras equally “old” on paper – but the DJI’s sensor edge keeps it fresher for night shooting.

What this means: age matters less when the core imaging hardware still outperforms newer competitors in critical scenarios.

How does the Action 4 compare to GoPro?

Three differences define the matchup: sensor size, waterproofing, and video resolution limits. Here’s how the numbers stack up.

Low-light and stabilization comparison

The larger sensor on the Action 4 directly translates to better low‑light performance. Digital Camera World’s side‑by‑side test confirmed that the DJI remains more stable in dim conditions, though the GoPro produces sharper footage. FintasticFilms (diving reviewer) observed that underwater, the Action 4’s sensor advantage is even more pronounced, with better colour retention and less noise.

The catch: resolution numbers alone don’t capture the real-world advantage of usable low-light footage.

What is the difference between Osmo 4 and 5?

DJI released the Action 5 Pro in late 2024 as a premium step‑up. The chart below highlights where the two differ and where they stay the same.

The Action 5 Pro brings faster charging, a larger sensor, and upgraded stabilisation, but the video recording capabilities at 4K/120fps are identical. For most users, the Action 4 still provides 90% of the performance at a 25–30% lower price.

The implication: the Action 4 remains the rational pick for buyers who prioritize value over marginal sensor gains.

Upsides and downsides

The trade-offs are clear: you lose high-resolution and HDR options but gain reliable low-light performance and deeper waterproofing.

Clarity: what we know and what remains uncertain

What’s confirmed

• 1/1.3-inch CMOS sensor and 4K/120fps recording (DJI Specs)
• Waterproof to 18m without housing (DJI Specs)
• Deep-freeze resistant to -20°C (DJI Specs)
• Launched August 2023, still actively supported (DJI Official)

What’s unclear

• Long‑term battery degradation over multiple years of heavy use
• How many future firmware updates DJI will deliver
• Availability of spare parts in 2026 beyond official channels (DJI Accessories page)

Buyers should weigh the confirmed specs against the open questions about long-term support for a three-year-old device.

What riders and creators are saying

The low‑light performance and build quality of the DJI Action 4 made switching from a GoPro an easy decision. It handles dusk rides and forest trails better than anything I’ve used before.

— Bennetts UK review team, motorcycle insurance and test specialists

Underwater, the Action 4’s larger sensor gives it a clear edge. Colours stay rich and the footage is noticeably more stable than the Hero 12.

— FintasticFilms, diving and action camera reviewer

Both sources converge on the same verdict: the sensor advantage translates to real-world gains in challenging environments.

Summary

The DJI Osmo Action 4 is not the newest action camera on the shelf, but its larger 1/1.3-inch sensor gives it a lasting advantage in the conditions where most of us actually shoot: low light, variable weather, and underwater. For a rider or diver buying in 2026, the choice is clear: spend the extra on an Action 5 Pro if fast charging and the absolute latest sensor matter, or grab the Action 4 and put the saved budget toward a spare battery and a bigger memory card.