4 minute read
With a variable aperture range of f/2.0 to f/4.0 and a 1/1.1-inch square CMOS sensor, the new DJI Osmo Action 6 definitely moves the action camera goal posts.
The hints from the DJI trailers were enough to make us say that no one should rush into any purchase decisions last week when we published our look at the best action cameras of 2025 so far. And first released in China a few days later and now available worldwide, the DJI Osmo Action 6 confirms what we all thought: on paper, this really raises the bar of what you can do with an action camera.
The DJI Osmo Action 6 is the first DJI action camera with a variable aperture and a 1/1.1-inch square sensor. What's more, it adds all that at the same price as the (now heavily discounted) Action 5 did when it was released a year ago, starting from $349 / £329 / €379 for the standard combo.
Variable Aperture
Simon Wyndham is in the middle of putting together his review of the new camera, and in the meantime sent us these shots so you can see the sort of picture quality you can get out of it.
The headline is, of course, the new variable aperture (which Simon explains more about here). The maximum aperture of f/2.0 simply allows more light to enter the shot and improves the image quality in low-light settings. Given the primacy of ease of use when it comes to action cameras, there's also an Auto mode that offers adaptive aperture range options. DJI says the aperture adjusts automatically within each range to achieve clear results across various scenes, "from low-light night shots to bright, detailed landscapes."
A shallow depth of field can be achieved by using the separate Macro Lens accessory which reduces the minimum focus distance from 35 cm to just 11 cm. For wide shots, another sold separately accessory, the Osmo Action 6 FOV Boost Lens sees the camera automatically switch to FOV Boost mode, expanding the native 155° field of view to 182°, ideal for truly immersive, edge-to-edge POV action shots.
1/1.1-inch Square Sensor
The new 1/1.1-inch CMOS sensor with 2.4 μm fused large pixels delivers up to 13.5 stops of dynamic range. It also supports video recording up to 4K120 in 4:3 ratio. Max still photo resolution is 7168×5376, approximately 38 MP.
That larger sensor, larger aperture, and new noise reduction technology, enables it to capture detailed video up to 4K60 in low-light conditions. DJI also says that 10-bit D-Log M color system preserves highlight and shadow detail for greater flexibility in post‑production. Osmo Action 6 also provides an on‑screen D‑Log M preview for real‑time color and exposure monitoring.
The new 4K Custom mode allows users to shoot first and crop later in post-production to frame video, making it possible to share creative videos across different social media platforms as long as you've got your framing right in the first place.
The chip also enables some interesting slo-mo trickery. Already capable of 4K120 recording, it can intelligently generate up to 32x Super Slow Motion playback at 1080p. By interpolating frames recorded at 1080p240, the Osmo Action 6 achieves a slowdown effect equivalent to 960fps when played back at 1080p30. This is going to provide some great effects as long as you're prepared to pay the price of stepping down the resolution.
Assists and More
Interestingly, the phrase 'AI' is not mentioned once in the DJI Osmo Action 6 press release, which has to be some kind of record for a new camera in 2025. It's obviously used in some of the following automatic assists though, which will let users extract the most from the camera with the least amount of pain and suffering to get there.
- RockSteady 3.0/RockSteady 3.0+, HorizonBalancing and HorizonSteady stabilization modes reduce camera shake, correct tilts to maintain the horizon level within ±45°, and eliminates roll axis shakes within 360° to maintain a level horizon while ensuring 4K60 shooting
- 2x Lossless Zoom allows users to zoom in up to 2x without compromising 4K quality
- Natural Wide FOV keeps a broad perspective while reducing vertical distortion
- Film Tone customizes footage with a selection of six built-in film tones
- Portrait Mode intelligently detects and prioritizes the subject while optimizing exposure for true-to-life skin tones
- Subject Centering and Tracking intelligently tracks the subject to keep them center frame
OsmoAudio
The Osmo Action 6 supports direct connection with up to two DJI microphone transmitters (compatible with Mic 2, Mic 3, or Mic Mini). The dual connection allows creators to record two different sources – making it possible to capture a two-person conversation, or ambient noise such as engine sounds and a voice-over. The camera also has a built-in three-mic array which, coupled with intelligent noise reduction algorithms, should ensure decent audio in most conditions.
Built for Action
The camera has an IP68 waterproof rating, and is waterproof up to 20 meters without a case, and up to 60 meters with the waterproof case.
It features a 1950 mAh battery which boasts an up to 4-hour battery life, and can be fast-charged to 80% in just 22 minutes. 50GB of built in storage is augmented by up to 1 TB of microSD storage. It will function at anything down to -20°C / -4°F and up to 45°C / 113°F.
It weighs 149 g / 4.26 oz and is 72.8×47.2×33.1 mm / 2.87x1.86x1.3 in (L×W×H).
Price and Availability
The DJI Osmo Action 6 is available to order from store.dji.com and authorized retail partners, with shipping starting today, in the following configurations:
Osmo Action 6 Standard Combo – $379 / £329/ €379
- Includes Osmo Action 6, Osmo Action Extreme Battery Plus (1950 mAh), Osmo Dual-Direction Quick-Release Adapter Mount, Osmo Action Curved Adhesive Base, Osmo Locking Screw, USB-C to USB-C PD Cable, Osmo Action Anti-Slip Pad
Osmo Action 6 Adventure Combo – $479 / £415 / €479
- Includes everything in the Standard Combo, plus two additional Osmo Action Extreme Battery Plus, one additional Osmo Dual-Direction Quick-Release Adapter Mount, one additional Osmo Locking Screw, the Osmo Multifunctional Battery Case 3, and Osmo 1.5m Extension Rod
There's also an extensive range of dedicated accessories sold separately. See store.dji.com for details and prices.
- Osmo Action 6 Macro Lens
- Osmo Action 6 FOV Boost Lens
- Osmo Action 6 Glass Lens Cover
- Osmo Action 6 ND Filter Set
- Osmo Action Dual-Direction Battery Handle
- Osmo Action Dual-Direction 360° Wrist Strap
- Osmo Action Dual-Direction Mini Handlebar Mount
- Osmo Action 6 Waterproof Case
- Osmo Multifunctional Battery Case 3
- Osmo 1.5m Extension Rod Kit (Dual-Direction Quick-Release)
- Osmo Flat Adhesive Base Kit (Dual-Direction Quick-Release)
- Osmo Road Cycling Accessory Kit (Dual-Direction Quick-Release)
- Osmo Action 6 Diving Accessory Kit
Tags: Action cameras DJI Osmo Action 6
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