DJI unveiled Osmo Action 6, a variable aperture action camera with a new square sensor
By ForGeeks
DJI has released its third action camera in the last four months — the Osmo Action 6. The new product is a GoPro competitor and features — variable aperture, which is unusual for this class of camera. In addition, the camera has a new square sensor, similar to the one used in the Osmo 360, which makes it easier to later crop to vertical and horizontal formats for social media.
The camera has a new square sensor, similar to the one used in the Osmo 360, which makes it easier to crop to vertical and horizontal formats for social networks.
This time DJI has moved away from a fixed f/2.8 setting: the Osmo Action 6 offers a variable aperture of f/2.0-4.0.This offers several advantages:
- at f/2.0, the camera lets in twice as much light, improving shooting in the dark and reducing blur;
- the ability to blur the background more;
- in bright sunlight, you can close the aperture to f/4.0 to slow down the shutter speed and get a more natural look.
There’s no full manual control over the aperture, though: the user can choose only a fixed f/2.8 or trust the auto mode with different aperture ranges. If desired, f/4.0 can be fixed for a «stellar» effect on bright light sources.
The camera features a new 1/1.1″ (9.8 × 9.8 mm) square sensor. The resolution remains the same, but new formats are now available:
- shooting 3840×3840 square video at 60 fps;
- 4:3 4K (3840×2880) up to 120 fps;
- standard 4K 120 fps and 4K 60 fps in SuperNight mode;
The sensor is larger than the Osmo Action 5 (1/1.3″) and GoPro 13 (1/1.9″), which improves performance in the dark. DJI claims a dynamic range of 13.5 stops, support for 10-bit video and a D-LogM profile.
The camera has a 13.5 stop dynamic range, 10-bit video support and a D-LogM profile.
The camera offers six «film» Film Tone modes, 2× lossless-zoom, portrait mode and subject tracking. Natural Wide mode widens the angle of view without distortion in the corners. Optional accessories include a macro nozzle and a FOV Boost lens that increases the field of view to 182°.
Accessories available include a macro nozzle and a FOV Boost lens that increases the field of view to 182°.
According to initial tests, low-light video is noticeably cleaner and more color accurate, while SuperNight performance is improved with faster shutter speeds and better stabilization.
- Built-in memory increased to 50GB (microSD slot available);
- water protection up to 20 meters without a box and up to 60 meters in a protective case;
- support for gesture control;
- extreme Battery Plus battery life: up to 4 hours at 1080p and up to 2 hours at 4K;
- updated Quick-Release mount with double-snap mechanism, compatible with previous accessories;
In the US, the camera won’t appear in the official DJI store, but will be sold through Amazon, B&H and other marketplaces. In Europe, the Osmo Action 6 is already available:
- €379 — standard kit with one battery;
- €479 — Adventure Combo kit with three batteries and Battery Case 3.
