DJI’s New Action Camera Widens Lead Over GoPro
▼ Summary
– The DJI Osmo Action 6 introduces advanced controls like variable aperture, allowing users to adjust background blur and light intake, unlike typical set-and-forget action cameras.
– It features a new 1/1.1-inch square sensor that enables easier cropping for different aspect ratios and improved low-light shooting with modes like SuperNight at 4K and 60 fps.
– The camera offers enhanced features including 13.5 stops of dynamic range, 4K recording at 120 fps, and 1080p slow motion at 240 fps, along with 50GB of internal storage.
– Due to U.S. policies and allegations against DJI’s ties to China, the Osmo Action 6 will not be available for sale in the U.S. market immediately via official channels.
– DJI’s Osmo Nano is aimed at traditional action cam users with a simpler, magnetic design, contrasting with the Action 6’s focus on advanced videographers.
For those seeking an action camera that moves beyond simple point-and-shoot functionality, DJI’s new Osmo Action 6 introduces a level of creative control previously unseen in the rugged camera category. Rather than simplifying its operation for the casual user, DJI has equipped this model with a variable aperture, a feature that directly challenges the established dominance of competitors like GoPro. This significant upgrade allows videographers to manipulate background blur and light intake, fundamentally changing the visual output of action footage. However, potential buyers in the United States should note that due to ongoing trade restrictions, this advanced camera will not be immediately available through official channels.
Having been previewed at IFA 2025, the Osmo Action 6 retains a familiar physical design nearly identical to its predecessor, the Action 5 Pro. It features the same dual touchscreens and prominent circular lens housing. The true evolution lies internally, starting with a new 1/1.1-inch square sensor. This sensor’s unique shape offers greater flexibility for cropping video into various aspect ratios without a significant loss in quality, a benefit recently popularized by smartphone cameras. This design choice signals a clear intent to appeal to creators who are serious about their craft.
The headline innovation is the variable aperture, which can be adjusted from f/2.0 to f/4.0. This replaces the fixed aperture found on nearly all other action cameras. At its widest setting (f/2.0), the lens admits more light, which is a boon for low-light recording. The camera also includes a dedicated SuperNight mode capable of 4K video at 60 frames per second. A wider aperture also creates a shallower depth of field, allowing users to isolate a subject with pleasing background blur, or bokeh. For automated operation, an “Auto” mode will intelligently select the aperture setting. A specialized “Starburst” mode is also included for capturing striking light trails from stars or cityscapes at night.
Similar to the 2024 GoPro Hero 13 Black, the Osmo Action 6 supports various lens attachments. Users can opt for a Macro Lens for detailed close-ups or a FOV Boost Lens that expands the field of view from 155 degrees to an ultra-wide 182 degrees. This gives content creators, including those focused on social media platforms, the tools to diversify their shooting style.
In terms of video performance, the Osmo Action 6 provides 13.5 stops of dynamic range and can record at up to 4K resolution and 120 fps. While this maximum resolution is lower than the 5.3K offered by the latest GoPro, DJI’s camera excels in slow-motion capture, achieving 240 fps at 1080p. To handle the resulting video files, the device includes a generous 50GB of internal storage, supplementing whatever microSD card is installed, with support for cards up to 1TB.
DJI’s product strategy appears to be bifurcating its action camera lineup. The sophisticated Osmo Action 6 is aimed squarely at experienced videographers, while the newer, more compact Osmo Nano caters to the traditional user seeking simplicity. The magnetic Nano, reminiscent of the Insta360 Go Ultra, offers easy mounting on a variety of surfaces.
Despite its advanced feature set, the Osmo Action 6’s launch is shadowed by geopolitical issues. DJI has confirmed that the camera will not be available for immediate sale in the U.S. market via its official stores. The company has not provided a timeline for its potential stateside release. This situation mirrors the hold-up for other recent DJI products, including the Mini 5 Pro and Neo 2 drones, as well as the DJI Romo robovac. Ongoing U.S. government concerns regarding national security and the company’s Chinese ties have led to blocked imports and the threat of further sanctions from the Federal Communications Commission.
(Source: Gizmodo)
