- Osmo Action 6 features a 1/1.1-inch sensor and adjustable aperture
- It is waterproof up to 20 m without a case
- Prices start at £329 / AU$669 and US pre-orders start at $379
After being rumored for months and teased by its makers a few weeks ago, the DJI Osmo Action 6 is finally official. And DJI’s latest flagship action camera – replacing the excellent Osmo Action 5 Pro that I reviewed just over a year ago – packs some interesting technology.
Perhaps the most notable new feature is the variable aperture, as explained in our in-depth review of the Osmo Action 6. DJI claims it’s the first action camera to offer one, and while I have to admit it was never something I thought GoPros and the like were asking for, I’m quietly intrigued by the possibilities.
The aperture has a range of f/2.0 to f/4.0, and DJI suggests this allows the camera to perform in a range of lighting conditions. It can of course be set to auto setting if you just want to focus on other matters.
The other key feature is the new 1/1.1-inch square format CMOS sensor with 2.4 μm pixels. I say new, but we’ve seen it before in the DJI Osmo 360, and its size, shape, and sensitivity are all impressive. This should mean better low-light performance and dynamic range (DJI claims it can offer up to 13.5 stops of the latter) while also supporting a “shoot now, crop later” approach that means you can shoot a video and then crop it differently for different social media platforms later.
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The Osmo Action 6 also features 10-bit D-Log M recording, 4K capture at up to 120 fps, 4K up to 60 fps in SuperNight mode in low light, 2x lossless zoom, and RockSteady 3.0+ image stabilization with HorizonSteady 360º horizon leveling.
There’s 50GB of onboard storage as well as a microSD slot, up to 4 hours of battery life (with a fast charge from 0-80% in 22 minutes), and a rugged, cold-resistant build with IP68 water protection. The camera is designed for diving use up to 20m depth without additional protection, and up to 60m depth with the optional dive case.
The return of macro
A wide range of optional accessories are launching alongside the Osmo Action 6, including ND filters, charging cases, stands and a new macro lens. This add-on lens reduces the minimum focusing distance from 35cm to 11cm, allowing vloggers to film close-ups of objects (including their own faces). I’d say 35cm seems like a long minimum focusing distance for a camera of this type, and I’m very interested to see how well suited the camera is for vlogging without the Macro Lens add-on.
The DJI Osmo Action 6 is available to order now, with the Combo Standard (which includes the camera, a battery, a quick-release mount, a curved adhesive base, a screw lock, a USB-C cable and a non-slip pad) priced at $379 / £329 / AU$669 and the Combo Adventure (which includes the above plus two additional batteries, an additional quick-release mount, an additional screw lock, a battery box and a 1.5m extension rod) priced at $479. / £415 / AU$839 (B&H Photo is up for pre-order in the US).
With the largest sensor size, variable aperture, and DJI’s excellent waterproofing, it might just be one of the best action cameras available.
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