DJI Osmo Action 4 vs 5 Pro: Key Upgrades
Naila Syifa
Updated September 2024
DJI unveiled the latest addition to its action camera lineup, the Osmo Action 5 Pro. The name '5 Pro' instead of just a standard '5' makes me wonder if the new capabilities and improvements over the previous DJI Osmo Action 4 model are that immense. Aren't you curious as well? Let's see how the Osmo Action 5 Pro stacks up against its predecessor!
Key Takeaways
The new features and capabilities introduced by the Osmo Action 5 Pro are many – larger OLED screen, 20m waterproofing, upgraded sensor for improved low light performance, 32x slow motion, 10-bit HLG, subject tracking capability, DJI OsmoAudio connectivity ecosystem, depth and altitude gauge, internal storage, and 4-hour runtime. These enhancements make the Osmo Action 5 Pro a significant upgrade over the Action 4, catering to the needs of content creators and adventure enthusiasts alike.
DJI Osmo Action 4
True Action Camera
✓ 4K Video + 10 MP Photo
✓ 1/1.3” CMOS Sensor
✓ 10-bit D-Log M
✓ Waterproof to 18m
DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro
High-Performing Action Camera
✓ 4K Video + 40 MP Photo
✓ Next-Gen 1/1.3” CMOS
✓ Dual OLED Touchscreen
✓ Air Pressure and Water Pressure Gauge
#1 Price
DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro
DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro was launched at US$349, which is surprisingly lower than the launch price of the Osmo Action 4 at US$399.
However, the DJI Osmo Action 4 now retails at US$299 for the Standard Combo model, making it a more budget-friendly option that can save you some money.
#2 Design & Display
DJI Osmo Action 4
DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro still maintains the overall appearance and build of its predecessor Osmo Action 4, including the compact design that measures just 70.5 x 44.2 x 32.8 mm.
What the Action 5 Pro newly adds is the OLED touchscreen that replaces the LCD on the Action 4, which makes the display more vibrant, responsive, and bright with a peak brightness of up to 1000 nits.
The screen-to-body ratio also increases by 16%, providing a larger viewing area for the user. To get you a better idea of the size difference, the Action 5 Pro features a 1.46" front display and 2.5" rear display while the Action 4 has a 1.4" front display and 2.25" rear display.
Both models feature a magnetic quick-release system for easy mounting and are waterproof, allowing for underwater filming without additional housing. The difference is that the Action 5 Pro is waterproof up to 20 meters, an improvement over the Action 4's 18-meter waterproofing.
#3 Video & Photo
DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro
Maximum video resolution didn't see an upgrade from the previous model, as both the DJI Osmo Action 4 and Action 5 Pro can record 4K videos at up to 120 frames per second. However, the maximum photo resolution has been increased by 4x, offering roughly 40 MP photo capabilities compared to the 10 MP of the Osmo Action 4.
In addition, although the sensor size remains unchanged at 1/1.3" for both models, the upgraded sensor on the Action 5 Pro now features an equivalent pixel size of 2.4 μm and a high dynamic range of 13.5 stops, which is 1.5 stops higher than the Osmo Action 4.
There is also a new 4nm high-performance chip on the Osmo Action 5 Pro, which makes low-light performance much improved compared to the Osmo Action 4. Use the SuperNight mode and you'll be able to capture clear, detailed footage even in extreme low light.
DJI Osmo Action 4
Another improvement that the DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro offers is the 32x super slow motion as compared to the 8x slow motion in the Osmo Action 4. However, there's a caveat here. The Osmo Action 5 Pro does not directly record 32x slow motion, but it takes 8x slow motion video at 1080p/240 fps then performs 4x frame interpolation to generate slow-motion videos at up to 960fps, equivalent to 32x.
Both the DJI Osmo Action 4 and 5 Pro support 10-bit D-Log M, which provides a wider dynamic range and more flexibility for color grading in post-production. The Osmo Action 5 Pro also adds support for 10-bit HLG for a wide dynamic range and color gamut displayed on HDR-compatible devices.
DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro also offers subject tracking capability. But how an action camera without a gimbal can track a moving subject? Unlike a gimbal which can physically pan/tilt/roll the camera to follow the subject, the DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro utilizes digital zoom and crop to make it as if the camera is tracking the subject. While this is far from the tracking capabilities of a gimbal, it can still be a useful feature for creating more dynamic videos where the subject is moving within the frame.
#4 Audio
DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro with DJI Mic 2
Both the Osmo Action 4 and 5 Pro are equipped with 3 built-in microphones with wind noise reduction, which allow for clear audio capture even in windy conditions.
They both support external microphone connection via a USB-C to 3.5mm cable as well as Bluetooth connection to the DJI Mic 2, but the Osmo Action 5 Pro has an advantage with the DJI OsmoAudio connectivity ecosystem. It allows dual DJI Mic direct connection and a high digital sampling rate of up to 48kHz, providing enhanced audio quality.
In addition, Audio Backup can be enabled to automatically record ambient sound with the built-in microphone and save it as a separate .wav file. This can add a layer of authenticity to the video.
#5 Features
Timecode
Both the Osmo Action 4 and Osmo Action 5 Pro share a range of additional features beyond the primary video and photo capabilities, such as voice control, live streaming, webcam support, timecode, sports data integration from compatible external devices, and various editing tools in DJI Mimo app.
What makes the Osmo Action 5 Pro particularly stand out is its air pressure and water pressure gauge, meaning that it can gauge depth and altitude for underwater and high-altitude activities like hiking. The data is displayed in real-time while shooting and can also be added later to the video with the DJI Mim app.
DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro also offers 47 GB internal storage, which can be expanded with a microSD card up to 1 TB. The Osmo Action 4 only supports a microSD card up to 512 GB and doesn't come with internal storage.
#6 Battery Life
DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro
Powered by a 1950mAh Li-ion battery, the Osmo Action 5 Pro can last for up to 240 minutes when recording at 1080p/24 fps. The camera can be used while charging and 15 minutes of charging can provide up to 120 minutes of recording time.
Meanwhile, the Osmo Action 4 offers a 1770mAh battery, which is rated for 160 minutes of runtime at 1080p/24 fps. Fast charging is also supported, allowing the battery to be recharged from 0 to 80% in just 18 minutes.
DJI Osmo Action 4 vs 5 Pro
Final Thoughts
DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro
The DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro's larger OLED screen, upgraded sensor, and improved low-light performance make it a compelling choice for those seeking enhanced image and video quality. The addition of 32x super slow motion, 10-bit HLG support, and real-time depth/altitude data further differentiate it from its predecessor. While the Osmo Action 4 remains a more affordable option, the Action 5 Pro's feature set and performance enhancements may justify the slightly higher price tag for those who demand the best from their action camera.
If you would like to read more about Action Camera, check out our other relevant guides here:
DJI Osmo Action 3 vs DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro
DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro vs DJI Osmo Pocket 3
DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro vs GoPro Hero 13
DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro vs GoPro Hero 12
DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro vs Insta360 Ace Pro
DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro vs Insta360 X4
DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro vs Insta360 X3
Author
Naila Syifa
Content Manager at Synced. She crafts insightful content on the latest trends in technology, consumer electronics, and smart home gadgets.
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