The Osmo Action 4 is the best low-light and best vlog-friendly action camera at this price tier. The 1/1.3" sensor pulls noticeably cleaner footage in dim conditions than the GoPro Hero 12 Black's smaller sensor, and the dual touchscreens make it the obvious choice for selfie-style work. The 18m waterproof rating beats every other pick here — useful for snorkeling, kayaking, and beach use. Trade-offs are a lower max resolution (4K vs 5.3K) and a thinner third-party accessory ecosystem.
Strengths
- +1/1.3-inch sensor — best low-light performance in this round-up
- +Front AND rear touchscreens — best for selfies and vlogging
- +4K/120fps slow motion with the larger sensor
- +Up to 150-min battery life that works down to -20°C
- +Waterproof to 18 m (60 ft) without a housing — deepest in this lineup
Watch-outs
- −Maxes out at 4K (no 5.3K like the Hero 12 Black)
- −DJI Mimo app has fewer editing features than GoPro Quik
- −Magnetic mounting system requires DJI-specific adapters
- −Smaller ecosystem of third-party accessories than GoPro
How it compares
Best low-light pick. Beats the GoPro Hero 12 Black, GoPro Hero 11 Black Mini, AKASO Brave 7, and Insta360 X3 on dim-light sensor performance and selfie-friendly front touchscreen. Loses to the Hero 12 Black on max resolution and stabilization smoothness. Deeper waterproof rating than any other pick in this round-up.
Who this is for
At a glance: vloggers, dive enthusiasts, and night shooters who need a front touchscreen and the best low-light sensor at this price.
Why you’d buy the DJI Osmo Action 4
- 1/1.3-inch sensor — best low-light performance in this round-up.
- Front AND rear touchscreens — best for selfies and vlogging.
- 4K/120fps slow motion with the larger sensor.
Why you’d skip it
- Maxes out at 4K (no 5.3K like the Hero 12 Black).
- DJI Mimo app has fewer editing features than GoPro Quik.
- Magnetic mounting system requires DJI-specific adapters.
Rating sources
Our 4.6 score is the average of these published ratings. More about methodology.
