DJI Osmo Action 4 vs DJI Osmo Action 2

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Overview of the DJI Osmo Action 4

DJI Osmo Action 4☆☆☆☆☆★★★★★DJI Osmo Action 4
DJI's 2023 premium action camera: 4K120fps video
The DJI Osmo Action 4 is DJI's 2023 premium action camera and features 4K120fps video, over 3 hours of run time at full HD in a very rugged package. It has since been replaced by the DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro.
  • Pros
  • 59ft / 18m waterproof without case
  • Freeze-proof
  • Excellent image stabilization
  • Cons
  • Only 4K video

Overview of the DJI Osmo Action 2

DJI Osmo Action 2☆☆☆☆☆★★★★★DJI Osmo Action 2
DJI's wearable action camera: 4K video in a modular format
The DJI Osmo Action 2 is an extremely modular action camera which delivers incredible 4K120fps footage while still remaining wearable. Thanks to it's magnetic attachement system, you can mix and match modules to transform it to suit every use case you can imagine. It's successor, the DJI Osmo Action 3, has abandonned this modular design, so the Action 2 remains DJI's current wearable camera.
  • Pros
  • 4K120fps footage
  • Wearable
  • Lightweight
  • Cons
  • SD card only with extra module
  • Modules are not waterproof without case
  • Not freeze-proof
  • Overheating issues

Comparison of the Action 4 vs the Action 2

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Video performance

Only the Action 4 offers HDR video. Both cameras feature slomo video. The two cameras have image stabilization.
DJI Osmo Action 4
DJI Osmo Action 2
4K video at 120fps
Max resolution
4K video at 120fps
4K
HDR video
HDR video unsupported
8x at 1080p
Maximum slow motion
4x at 1080p
RockSteady 3.0+
Stabilization
RockSteady 2.0
Why it matters: A high resolution will give you crisp footage but also allow you to reframe your video without losing too much quality. A higher framerate (fps) will result in smoother video and is important when filming action scenes or fast moving subjects. Image stabilization is a crucial feature for an action camera, as it removes camera shake, vibrations, rotation and other movements that deteriorate your final footage.

Battery life

The Action 4 offers a much larger battery capacity. The Action 4 has a removable battery whereas the Action 2's battery is not removable
DJI Osmo Action 4
DJI Osmo Action 2
1770mAh
Battery capacity
580mAh
Removable
Removable battery
Removable
160min at 1080p
Battery life
70min at 1080p
Feature missing
Battery extension capacity
1300mAh
Feature missing
Battery extension run time
160m at 1080p
Why battery life matters: Nothing worse than running out of battery just before capturing the best footage of the day! A long battery life is reassuring and convenient when shooting footage outdoors where options to charge are limited. Even the use of a power bank can be tedious or simply impossible like when filming watersports. Having removable batteries allows battery swapping on the go which further extends your runtime.

Storage

Only the Action 2 features built-in storage. Both the Action 4 and the Action 2 support SD cards. The Action 4 supports a lot more storage than the Action 2.
DJI Osmo Action 4
DJI Osmo Action 2
No built-in storage
Built-in storage
32GB or 128GB
microSD
Storage format
microSD
512GB
Maximun storage supported
256GB
Why storage matters: High quality footage can quickly take up lots of space and insufficient storage can soon be frustrating. Having a large amount of storage and the possiblity to extend it or swap SD cards while on a outing will ensure you will always be able to capture the footage you want. However, smaller, wearable action cameras often rely on built-in storage because of their small size.

Weight and size

The Action 2 is a lot more compact than the Action 4. The Action 2 is a lot lighter than the Action 4.
DJI Osmo Action 4
DJI Osmo Action 2
2.78in x 1.74in x 1.29in / 70.5mm x 44.2mm x 32.8mm
Dimensions
1.54in x 1.54in x 0.88in / 39mm x 39mm x 22.3mm
5.11oz / 145g
Weight
1.98oz / 56g
Why size and weight matter: Weight is important for action cameras because we often mount them on helmets, or hold them at the end of a selfie stick while moving. Therefore a heavier camera can be difficult or uncomfortable to film with. Weight is even more crucial for certain sports like road cycling or running.

Waterproofing and usage conditions

The Action 4 is a lot more waterproof. Both the Action 4 and the Action 2 are waterproof to 197ft / 60m with a diving case. The Action 4 beats the Action 2 in high heat conditions.
DJI Osmo Action 4
DJI Osmo Action 2
59ft / 18m
Waterproof
33ft / 10m
197ft / 60m
Waterproof with diving case
197ft / 60m
-4°F / -20°C
Min operating temperature
32°F / 0°C
113°F / 45°C
Max operating temperature
104°F / 40°C
Why it matters: Most action cameras are waterproof for accidental splashing or use above water, but if you plan on Snorkeling or Scuba Diving, we recommend choosing a camera which offers a diving case and always using it for underwater footage. If you plan on filming Snowboarding, Skiing or other wintersports in extremely cold conditions, you should pick a camera that is rated for those temperatures, most cameras are only rated down to 14°F / -10°C. Many action cameras are prone to overheating, even in ordinary conditions, so if you plan on filming in hot environments, you should choose a camera that can function at high temperatures.

Camera and sensor technology

The Action 4 and the Action 2 both feature a similar resolution. Both feature a 155° field of view. Both cameras feature 130Mbps bit rate video.
DJI Osmo Action 4
DJI Osmo Action 2
10MP
Pixels
12MP
155°
Field of view
155°
130Mbps
Video bite rate
130Mbps
Why it matters: A higher amount of pixels will offer better quality footage and higher resolution photos. A higher field of view means that the camera captures over a wider angle and therefore more action can be seen in the final footage. Some cameras require accessories to enable the maximum FOV. A higher bitrate at a similar resolution will offer higher quality video.

Camera settings

The Action 4's 100-12800 ISO range is far superior to Action 2's. Both cameras have the same exposure compensation adjustments.
DJI Osmo Action 4
DJI Osmo Action 2
100-12800
ISO range
100-6400
+/-4
Exposure Compensation
+/-4
Why these settings matter: The ISO range and exposure compensation settings will mostly allow you to tweak your action camera for low light situations.

DJI Osmo Action 4 versus DJI Osmo Action 2 specifications

NameDJI Osmo Action 4DJI Osmo Action 2
Year of release20232021
Width2.78in / 70.5mm1.54in / 39mm
Height1.74in / 44.2mm1.54in / 39mm
Depth1.29in / 32.8mm0.88in / 22.3mm
Weight5.11oz / 145g1.98oz / 56g
Waterproof59ft / 18m33ft / 10m
Waterproof with diving case197ft / 60m197ft / 60m
Min operating temperature-4°F / -20°C32°F / 0°C
Max operating temperature113°F / 45°C104°F / 40°C
Battery capacity1770mAh580mAh
Removable batteryYesNo
Battery life160min at 1080p70min at 1080p
Charging time49min-
Battery extension capacity-1300mAh
Battery extension run time-160m at 1080p
Battery extension charging time-90min
Battery extension weight-2.26oz / 64g
Built-in storage-32GB
128GB
Storage formatmicroSDmicroSD
Storage rating requiredV30 or UHS-3V30 or UHS-3
Maximun storage supported512GB256GB
Field of view155°155°
Sensor1/1.3"1/1.7"
Pixels10MP12MP
ApertureF2.8F2.8
ISO range100-12800100-6400
Color Depth10bit8bit
Video bite rate130Mbps130Mbps
Exposure Compensation+/-4+/-4
360-degree videoNoNo
4K video120fps120fps
2.7K video120fps120fps
1080p video240fps240fps
Slow motion at 4K44
Maximum slow motion8x at 1080p4x at 1080p
HDR video4K-
StabilizationRockSteady 3.0+RockSteady 2.0
Video formatH.264 (MP4)H.264 (MP4)
Live streamingNoNo
Timelapse modeYesYes
Starlapse modeYesYes
Timeshift modeYesYes
Loop recording modeYesYes
Subject trackingNoNo
Photo burst modeNoNo
RAW format supportedYesYes
Microphones31 (3 with Module)
Stereo audioYesYes
Noise reductionYesYes
Audio formataacaac
Wifi802.11 a/b/g/n/ac802.11 a/b/g/n/ac
BluetoothBLE 5.0BLE 5.0
USBType-C USBType-C USB
GPS integratedNoNo
GPS pairingGPS remote-
Voice commandsYesYes