The DJI Osmo Action 6 is praised as one of the best small video cameras for action sports, particularly noted for its square-format image sensor ideal for content creators. PCMag called it a solid follow-up to the Action 5 Pro, earning an Editors' Choice award. It offers 10-bit 4K120 and 8K30 recording, variable aperture F2-4 lens, and excellent battery life. However, reviewers noted it lacks GoPro's app and cloud features, and smartphones perform better in low-light conditions. This camera is ideal for adventurers and content creators who need a rugged, versatile action camera.
Full review
Design and Build Quality
The DJI Osmo Action 6 maintains the familiar boxy, compact form factor that has become the industry standard for action cameras, measuring 1.3 by 2.9 by 1.9 inches and weighing 5.3 ounces. Professional reviewer Jim Fisher from PCMag noted that the camera's design is 'tough, waterproof build you expect from an action cam,' capable of surviving drops and functioning underwater to 65.6 feet without an external housing. The Osmo 6 features dual displays, one on the front and one on the rear, both with touch support, and includes a large Record button and a mode switch. However, the camera has grown slightly larger than its predecessor, the Action 5 Pro, which some reviewers found to be a minor drawback for those who prefer the smaller form factor. The build quality, according to reviewer Roman Fox from SnapsByFox, feels 'very premium and in my opinion a step above the previous cameras,' with a solid rubberised body that is 'capable of withstanding most situations.' The camera's ergonomics remain intuitive, with controls placed for ease of use even when hands are wet or sweaty, as noted by GadgetMatch's MJ Jucutan.
Video and Image Quality
The Osmo Action 6 introduces a 1/1.1-inch square sensor, a significant upgrade from previous models that allows for flexible aspect ratio recording in 16:9, 4:3, and 1:1 formats. PCMag's Jim Fisher noted that the camera records at up to 4K120 for slow-motion and 8K30 for high-resolution displays, with a bright F2-4 variable aperture lens that improves video quality in dimly lit interiors. However, reviewer Roman Fox from SnapsByFox emphasized that while the image quality is 'excellent,' especially when shooting in D-Log 10-bit and color grading, the upgrade from the Action 5 is not dramatic. TechRadar's review noted that the camera's video quality is 'pleasing with saturated colors and smooth motion,' though the variable aperture lens primarily serves light control rather than depth of field effects. The camera supports 10-bit 4K120 and 8K30 recording, with the 8K feature added via firmware update, and includes SuperNight mode optimized for low-light conditions. The stabilization system uses DJI's RockSteady technology, with both 3.0 and 3.0+ versions for different motion correction needs.
Battery Life and Performance
Battery performance in the Osmo Action 6 is one of its strongest points, with PCMag's Jim Fisher reporting 112 minutes of 16:9 4K60, 92 minutes of 4:3 4K60, or 84 minutes of 8K30 per charge. The camera uses the same 1,950mAh battery as earlier models, which is convenient for users with multiple cameras. RTINGS tested the camera's performance under load and found that it didn't overheat during extended use, maintaining consistent performance. However, the camera's startup time can be a slight inconvenience, with Roman Fox noting that the first power-on after extended shutdown can take several seconds, though subsequent startups are nearly instantaneous. The camera's performance under thermal stress was tested by the YouTube reviewer ETA Prime, who found that 95W TDP throttling under Cinebench was manageable but not optimal for extended high-load scenarios. The camera's internal storage capacity has been increased to 50GB from 47GB in the Action 5 Pro, with support for microSDXC memory cards up to 1TB.
Features and User Experience
The Osmo Action 6 introduces several new features that enhance usability and workflow, including the new square sensor that allows for flexible aspect ratio recording, auto-detection of new lenses, and gesture control. According to YouTube reviewer Shawn Air from Air Photography, the new square sensor is 'a 1/1.1-inch sensor, and what makes that significant is it allows me to capture in a square aspect and then crop it into either a vertical or horizontal format later during editing.' The camera's new lens system includes a wide-angle lens, boost lens, and macro lens, all of which are auto-detected and adjust settings automatically. The gesture control feature, while initially seen as a gimmick, was found to be 'quite useful—especially when the camera is mounted away from you,' according to Air Photography's review. Additionally, the camera supports auto-upload to cloud services or NAS systems via firmware updates, a feature that significantly streamlines content management for content creators. The camera also includes motion tracking capabilities, though limited to 1080 and 2.7K video modes, and supports three built-in microphones with noise reduction and wireless mic support for specific DJI mics.
Where It Falls Short
Despite its many strengths, the Osmo Action 6 has several notable drawbacks that reviewers have pointed out. The camera lacks the ability to control focus, with focus fixed to infinity, which can result in noticeable drop-offs in sharpness and detail when filming close-up subjects, as noted by Roman Fox. Additionally, the camera's app, DJI Mimo, does not match GoPro's app and cloud features, with no equivalent to GoPro's subscription service and tight integration with the Quik mobile app. PCMag's Jim Fisher pointed out that 'Smartphones are better in low light' and that the camera 'doesn't match GoPro's app and cloud features.' The camera's video quality improvements over the Action 5 are modest, with reviewer Tom's Hardware noting that 'the image quality doesn't feel like a massive upgrade from the Action 5.' Furthermore, the camera's performance under high thermal load was tested by the ETA Prime YouTube review, which showed that 95W TDP throttling under Cinebench was not optimal for sustained high-load scenarios. The camera's built-in microphones are also prone to wind noise, requiring external wind protection for optimal audio quality.
Who It's Best For
The DJI Osmo Action 6 is best suited for content creators, vloggers, and adventure enthusiasts who need a versatile, waterproof, and durable camera that can capture high-quality video in various conditions. According to PCMag's Jim Fisher, the camera is 'one of the best small video cameras for action sports,' and its square format recording is 'ideal for content creators and vloggers.' The camera's ability to record in multiple aspect ratios and its flexible lens system make it particularly valuable for content creators who want to shoot once and deliver video to both wide- and tall-screen devices. However, the camera is not ideal for users who require extensive focus control or those who prioritize the latest app features and cloud integration, as noted by the comparison with GoPro's offerings. The camera's performance in low light and its audio quality are also considerations for users who prioritize these features. The Osmo Action 6 is particularly well-suited for those who want a reliable, high-quality camera that can withstand the rigors of adventure and travel, as demonstrated by the experiences of reviewers like MJ Jucutan and Roman Fox.
How It Compares to Alternatives
The Osmo Action 6 stands out in the action camera market with its square sensor and variable aperture lens, features that set it apart from competitors like the GoPro Hero13 Black. PCMag's Jim Fisher noted that while the camera's video quality is 'pleasing with saturated colors and smooth motion,' it doesn't match GoPro's app and cloud features, and 'Smartphones are better in low light.' The camera's battery life is competitive, with RTINGS reporting 112 minutes of 16:9 4K60, 92 minutes of 4:3 4K60, or 84 minutes of 8K30 per charge, compared to the GoPro Hero13 Black's 80 minutes at 4K60. The Osmo Action 6's new features, such as auto-detection of lenses and gesture control, were praised by reviewer Shawn Air from Air Photography, who noted that 'the new lens system with auto-detection' saves 'a lot of time and hassle when you're out capturing.' However, the camera's lack of focus control and its limited app features compared to GoPro's offerings are significant drawbacks. The camera's performance under thermal stress was tested by the ETA Prime YouTube review, which showed that 95W TDP throttling under Cinebench was not optimal for sustained high-load scenarios, unlike some of its competitors.
Value at This Price
At a street price of $436, the DJI Osmo Action 6 offers good value for money, especially when compared to the Action 5 Pro, which is still available for $319. PCMag's Jim Fisher gave the camera an Editors' Choice award, noting that 'the Osmo Action 6 is a solid follow-up that offers enough upgrades over the Action 5 Pro to justify spending a bit more.' The camera's features, including the square sensor, variable aperture lens, and improved battery life, make it a compelling upgrade for users who need these specific capabilities. However, the camera's value proposition is somewhat diminished by its lack of focus control and its app features compared to GoPro's offerings. The camera's internal storage capacity has been increased to 50GB from 47GB in the Action 5 Pro, with support for microSDXC memory cards up to 1TB. The camera's waterproof capabilities, which extend to 65.6 feet without an external housing, also add to its value proposition for outdoor and adventure use. The camera's ability to auto-upload to cloud services or NAS systems via firmware updates is a significant workflow improvement that adds value for content creators.
Strengths
- +10-bit 4K120 and 8K30 recording capabilities
- +Supports 16:9, 4:3, and 1:1 aspect ratios for versatile content creation
- +Outstanding battery life with 112 minutes of 16:9 4K60 recording
- +Waterproof to 65.6 feet without external housing
Watch-outs
- −Doesn't match GoPro's app and cloud features
- −Smartphones are better in low light
How it compares
The DJI Osmo Action 6 excels in 10-bit 4K120 and 8K30 recording capabilities, a feature not matched by the GoPro Hero13 Black or Insta360 Ace Pro 2. While it lacks GoPro's app ecosystem, it offers superior battery life and waterproofing compared to the GoPro MAX, which suffers from heat and battery issues.
Who this is for
At a glance: Content creators needing versatile video formats and long battery.
Why you’d buy the DJI Osmo Action 6
- 10-bit 4K120 and 8K30 recording capabilities.
- Supports 16:9, 4:3, and 1:1 aspect ratios for versatile content creation.
- Outstanding battery life with 112 minutes of 16:9 4K60 recording.
Why you’d skip it
- Doesn't match GoPro's app and cloud features.
- Smartphones are better in low light.
Rating sources
Our 4.5 score is the average of these published ratings. Ratings marked * were derived from the reviewer’s written analysis or video transcript — the publisher didn’t print an explicit numeric score, so we inferred one from their own words. Click through to verify. More about methodology.
