The DJI Osmo Action 6 has just added a standout feature to “Action Cams” that will change the way you view these devices and open up the device to a lot more people to use. In most cameras of this type you get a fixed lens, a tiny sensor, and you hope the software can save your shaky footage from looking like a grainy mess once the sun goes down. With the release of the Osmo Action 6, the tech giant has effectively taken the “action camera” label and given it a massive, professional grade shake up.
I’ve spent some time looking at what this new unit brings to the table, and it feels less like a minor iteration and more like a total rethink of what we should expect from a device that fits in the palm of your hand.
Breaking the Aperture Ceiling
Variable aperture is the new standard. If you aren’t a camera nerd, here is the short version: most action cameras have a “one size fits all” lens. The Osmo Action 6 introduces a range of f/2.0 to f/4.0.
This is a massive win for anyone tired of the “flat” look. Usually, action cameras make everything from ten centimetres to ten kilometres away look equally sharp. By opening up to f/2.0, your face stays crisp while the background softens into a lovely, professional-looking blur. It also means the camera can physically adapt to light. Whether you are filming a sunset or using the “Starburst” mode to turn city lights into sparkling points of interest, the Action 6 handles it with a cinematic flair we haven’t seen in this category before.
A Sensor That Thinks Outside the Box
DJI has moved away from traditional dimensions with an all-new 1/1.1-inch square sensor. This isn’t just about the impressive 13.5 stops of dynamic range; it is about the “shoot now, crop later” philosophy.
Because the sensor is square, the new 4K Custom mode captures a massive amount of vertical and horizontal data simultaneously. You no longer have to decide between filming for YouTube or TikTok while you’re mid-descent. You just hit record, and you can frame the shot for whatever platform you want during post-production. It’s a huge win for anyone who finds fiddling with mounts mid-adventure a bit of a chore.
Smarter Tech for the “Pro” Look
Beyond the hardware, the Osmo Action 6 is doing a lot of heavy lifting behind the scenes. The RockSteady 3.0+ and HorizonSteady systems are basically like having a tiny, invisible robot holding your camera perfectly level. Even if you’re doing a full 360-degree roll, the horizon stays flat.
Then there’s the 2x Lossless Zoom, which allows you to get closer to the action without the usual pixelated mess. For the vloggers, Portrait Mode and Subject Centring work in tandem to make sure you stay the star of the show, automatically optimising skin tones and keeping you dead-centre of the frame. Plus, with six built-in Film Tones, you can give your footage a specific “mood” before you even start editing.
The End of the “Card Full” Panic
We have all been there: you get to your location, the light is hitting the subject perfectly, you hit record, and… nothing. The dreaded “SD Card Full” message is the ultimate mood killer. DJI has packed the Osmo Action 6 with 50GB of built-in storage. It is a brilliant safety net that means even if you leave your memory card in your laptop, you can still capture hours of high-bitrate footage.
The Modular Toolkit and the Adventure Combo
If you are serious about it, the Adventure Combo ($839 AUD) is the way to go. While the Standard Combo gets you in the door at $669, the Adventure version adds two extra Extreme Battery Plus units and a Multifunctional Battery Case. Given that a single battery can last 4 hours and charges to 80% in just 22 minutes, having three on hand essentially means you can film from sunrise to sunset without ever touching a wall socket.
The accessories further bridge the gap to professional cinematography. The FOV Boost Lens snaps on to widen your perspective to a staggering 182°, while my personal favourite, the Macro Lens allows for crisp close-ups as near as 11cm which is perfect for those creamy, blurred-background shots of your gear or travel finds.
The Verdict
At $669 AUD for the Standard Combo and $839 for the impressive Aventure combo, it is actually a reasonable price when compared to the competition. The Osmo Action 6 is a serious tool for creators who are tired of the limitations of traditional action cams. Whether it’s the variable aperture or the clever square sensor, DJI has delivered a device that feels like it was designed by people who actually use these cameras every day.
