- The Osmo Action 6 features a 1/1.1-inch sensor and adjustable aperture
- It’s waterproof to 20m without a case
- Prices start at £329 / AU$669
After being rumored for months and teased by its makers a couple of weeks back, the DJI Osmo Action 6 is finally official. And DJI’s latest flagship action camera – replacing the excellent Osmo Action 5 Pro which I reviewed just over a year ago – is packing some interesting technology.
Perhaps the most head-turning new feature is the variable aperture – as our in-depth Osmo Action 6 review explains. DJI claims that it’s the first action camera to offer one, and while I must confess it’s never been something I thought GoPros and the like were crying out for, I’m quietly intrigued by the possibilities.
The aperture has a range of f/2.0 to f/4.0, and DJI suggests that this allows the camera to function in a whole range of lighting conditions. It can of course be set to automatic adjustment if you just want to concentrate on other matters.
The other key feature is the new 1/1.1-inch square-format CMOS sensor, which has 2.4μm pixels. I say new, but we’ve seen it before in the DJI Osmo 360, and its size, shape and sensitivity are all impressive. It should spell better low light performance and better dynamic range (DJI says it can offer up to 13.5 stops of the latter) while supporting a “shoot now, crop later” approach that means you can shoot one video and then crop it differently for different social media platforms later.
The Osmo Action 6 also features 10-bit D-Log M recording, 4K capture at up to 120fps, 4K at up to 60fps in the low-light SuperNight mode, a 2x lossless zoom and RockSteady 3.0+ image stabilization with HorizonSteady 360º horizon levelling.
There’s 50GB of built-in storage as well as a microSD slot, up to 4-hour battery life (with fast-charging from 0 to 80% in 22 minutes) and a rugged, cold-resistant build with IP68 protection against water. The camera is rated for diving use up to 20m deep without additional protection, and to 60m deep with the optional dive case.
Return of the Macro
A large range of optional accessories are launching alongside the Osmo Action 6, including ND filters, charging cases, mounts and a new Macro Lens. This lens add-on reduces the minimum focus distance from 35cm to 11cm, enabling vloggers to film close-ups of objects (including their own faces). I would say that 35cm seems like a long minimum focus distance for a camera of this type, and am quite interested to see how suitable the camera is for vlogging without the Macro Lens add-on.
The DJI Osmo Action 6 is available to order now, with the Standard Combo (which includes the camera, one battery, one quick-release mount, one curved adhesive base, one locking screw, one USB-C cable and one anti-slip pad) priced at £329 / AU$669 and the Adventure Combo (which includes the above plus two additional batteries, one additional quick-release mount, one additional locking screw, one battery case and one 1.5m extension rod) priced at £415 / AU$839.
With the largest sensor size, variable aperture and DJI’s excellent waterproofing, it could just be one of the best action cameras available.
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