DJI Osmo Action 6, complete test: opening onto the future

With the DJI Osmo Action 6, the world’s leading drone manufacturer signs off a new generation that discreetly drops the “Pro” designation… but not its ambition. And with good reason: this action camera introduces a variable-aperture sensor, a first for an action camera. Should we fall for this novelty? What concrete improvements over the 5 Pro? Is this the camera you need for your next adventure? All the answers in this article.

DJI Osmo Action 6: What you need to know

No time (or laziness 😅 ) to read it all? Here are the key points to remember about the DJI Osmo Action 6 👇

• 📏 Virtually unchanged design, with a slight increase in volume but similar weight to the previous version
• 📺 Two responsive touchscreens, including one on the front for selfie framing
• 💾 50GB usable internal storage, with the option of adding a microSD card up to 1TB
• 💧 Still waterproof up to 20 meters without housing, like the 5 Pro
• 📷 New 1/1.3″ sensor with variable aperture f/2.0-f/4.0, for a more natural image and slight background blur
• 🌤️ Excellent daylight rendering, with rich colors and detail
• 🌙 Improved low-light performance, especially in dark or contrasty areas
• 🎬 All the 5 Pro’s main photo and video modes are here: time-lapse, pre-recording, Super Night, subject tracking, etc.
• 🎙️ Compatible with DJI Mic Mini, DJI Mic 2 and DJI Mic 3 microphones, without add-on module
• 🔋 Up to 240 minutes of autonomy depending on settings
• 📦 S tandard pack at €379, identical to the launch price of the previous version
• 🎁 S everal themed bundles available (Adventure, Vlog, Snorkeling…), with dedicated accessories, from €407.99 to €511

📌 DJI marks a significant evolution with this action camera, driven by two new features never before seen in its class: a larger sensor and variable aperture.

DJI Osmo Action 6 : Design

Dimensions (L x W x H)	72.8 × 47.2 × 33.1 mm
Weight	149 g
Touchscreens	Front screen: 1.46 inches Rear screen: 2.5 inches
Operating temperature	-20 to 45° C
Waterproofing	20 meters
Storage	64 GB internal memory microSD card (up to 1 TB)

Visually, the DJI Osmo Action 6 retains the appearance of previous models, but gains a little in volume, particularly in width and height. With dimensions of 72.8 × 47.2 × 33.1 mm, it takes up around 2 mm on each axis, but remains a compact, easy-to-carry action camera. And what’s more, it weighs in at just 149 g – quite a feat when you consider that it features a larger sensor.

The two touchscreens – 1.46″ on the front and 2.5″ on the rear – are as sharp, bright and sunlight-readable as ever. As with the Action 5 Pro, both are touch-sensitive, which is not always the case with the competition. The protective lens remains removable (it unscrews), making it easy to replace in the event of too violent an impact or to attach a filter.

There have been a few minor design changes . The two side covers now open via a double horizontal and vertical movement, a more secure system that limits accidental opening. The protective frame included on previous models has disappeared, demonstrating DJI’s commitment to a more robust, self-contained body.

Last but not least, the DJI Osmo Action 6 ticks all the boxes when it comes to durability: waterproof up to 20 meters without housing and operating temperature range from -20°C to +45°C – perfect for outdoor sessions in all seasons.

But the real bonus is the storage: 64 GB of internal memory, with around 50 GB available, a clear improvement on the previous generation. This is a real asset for fast filming when your microSD card is left at home, or as a backup solution. And if need be, the Action 6 also accepts cards up to 1 TB.

DJI Osmo Action 6: Autonomy

Battery	Li-ion 1S 1950 mAh
Autonomy	240 minutes

The Osmo Action 6 uses exactly the same 1950 mAh Li-ion 1S battery as the 5 Pro. Good news: this battery is also compatible with several of the brand’s other models, such as the Osmo Action 3, 4 and DJI Osmo 360, a real plus if you already own one of these cameras.

DJI claims a battery life of up to 240 minutes, a rather impressive figure on paper. In practice, the actual time will obviously depend on the shooting mode, resolution and other settings, but it’s still a very comfortable figure for a camera of this format.

When it comes to recharging, the Osmo Action 6 benefits from an efficient fast charge: around 50% in 10 minutes, providing up to 1.5 hours of express autonomy. 80% is reached in 22 minutes, and a full charge takes around 52 minutes.

DJI Osmo Action 6 : Features

Photo modes	Single shot, Self-timer, Burst
Video modes	Slow motion, Timelapse, Hyperlapse, Subject tracking, SuperNight, Pre-recording, Loop recording
Number of microphones	3
Audio recording	48 kHz 16 bits; AAC

Photo and video modes

Like the 5 Pro, the DJI Osmo Action 6 offers all the classic photo and video modes: single shot, self-timer, burst, timelapse, hyperlapse, pre-recording or loop recording. Nothing new there.

There’s also the Subject Tracking mode, already present on the Action 5 Pro, which automatically crops the image (crop 4K to 2.7K) to keep the subject centered in the frame. A handy feature when shooting solo or in vlog mode.

The only real novelty is the slow-motion mode, which now lets you shoot at up to 960 frames per second in 1080p. This super slow motion offers spectacular effects, perfect for capturing the fastest action with fluidity.

Last but not least, the camera still offers voice control (in English or Chinese) and gesture control, making it easy to start recording without using your hands.

Audio and microphone compatibility

On the audio side, the Action 6 is equipped with three microphones and records in 48 kHz / 16-bit AAC, which is about average for a camera of this size.

Best of all, it’s compatible with OsmoAudio accessories, including the DJI Mic Mini, Mic 2 and Mic 3, without the need for an external receiver module. Up to two microphones can be connected simultaneously via Bluetooth, a real plus for filming light interviews or making two-voice content.

DJI Osmo Action 6 : Image

Sensor	1/1.1-inch CMOS
Objective	Aperture: f/2.0 to f/4.0 FOV: 155° Focusing range: 0.2 m to infinity
Maximum photo resolution	38 MP
Maximum video resolution	4K up to 120 fps 2.7K up to 120 fps 1080p up to 240 fps
ISO range	Photo: 100 to 25600 Video: 100 to 51200
Photo formats	JPEG, RAW
Video formats	MP4 (HEVC)
Digital zoom	Photo: 2x max Video: 2x max
Stabilization	RockSteady 3.0 RockSteady 3.0+ HorizonBalancing HorizonSteady
Max. bit rate	120 Mb/s
Color profiles	Normal (10 bits) D-Log M (10 bits)

New sensor and variable aperture

This is one of the biggest changes in the Osmo Action 6: its 1/1.1-inch CMOS sensor, almost the size of a 1-inch sensor, unheard of on an action camera. This larger sensor captures more light, with better overall rendering, especially in difficult conditions.

Another major technical advance is the arrival of a variable aperture from f/2.0 to f/4.0, a first for a camera of this type. In practical terms, this means :

• avoid overexposure to direct sunlight, without an ND filter
• maintain a more realistic shutter speed, for smooth rendering at 24 or 30 fps
• create a slight background blur, especially in close-ups, thanks to focus reduced to 20 cm

In terms of definition, the photo section climbs to 38 MP, leaving plenty of room for cropping or quality prints. On the video front, we’re on the same footing as the Action 5, with 4K at up to 120 fps, 2.7K at up to 120 fps, and 1080p at up to 240 fps. That’s more than enough for most uses, but we might have hoped for a small leap forward this year. GoPro is already up to 5.3K, and Insta360 has models going up to 8K, which allows more freedom for lossless cropping in post-production.

Image quality

In full light, image quality is excellent: rendering is detailed, sharp and balanced, with natural colorimetry and a good level of contrast. According to user feedback, the image remains faithful to the scene, without excessive saturation or overly aggressive processing. The large sensor plays a key role here, capturing more visual information than most competing cameras.

In low light, there’s a real improvement over the Action 5 Pro. Grain remains discreet, even in dark areas, and internal processing manages to preserve detail without over-smoothing the image. In some cases, sharpness seems a little forced, probably as a result of noise reduction, but overall rendering remains consistent. The SuperNight mode, usable up to 4K/60, further enhances night-time performance.

In terms of color profiles, the Action 6 retains the advantage of 10-bit recording, with two options:

• a Normal mode, now accompanied by six presets for adjusting color temperatures like Instagram filters, to easily vary the mood.
• a more neutral D-Log M profile, perfect for post-production calibration.

DJI Osmo Action 6: Packs and prices

Standard Pack	379 €	See on Amazon
Packs with accessories	From €407.99 to €511

The Osmo Action 6 is being launched at the same price as the Action 5 Pro, with a standard package priced at €379.

This basic package includes :

• the camera,
• a battery
• a bi-directional, quick-release installation bracket,
• a curved adhesive base,
• a fixing screw,
• USB-C cable,
• and non-slip glides.

DJI also offers several themed bundles for specific uses, with prices ranging from €407.99 to €511.

They include the standard pack accessories, plus equipment adapted to the targeted activity. Examples include:

• the Adventure bundle, which includes three batteries, a multifunctional charging box and a 1.5-meter extension bar,
• the Vlog bundle, including a two-way battery handle and a DJI Mic Mini transmitter,
• the Snorkeling & Apnea bundle, which adds a waterproof housing and a diving handle,
• or the Moto & VTT bundle, equipped with a chest harness for filming on the move.

Conclusion DJI Osmo Action 6: the action camera you need?

DJI doesn’t shake up the codes, but it does take an important step forward . Between the arrival of a 1/1.1″ sensor and a variable aperture – two unprecedented innovations on an action camera – the Osmo Action 6 gains in versatility, light control and image quality, especially in low light. The 50 GB of usable internal storage is also a real plus for filming without a microSD card in case of unforeseen circumstances.

All in all, a fine update that pushes action cameras into a new, more ambitious generation. With the introduction of variable-aperture optics in this compact format, DJI is perhaps marking an important turning point for the future of this type of camera.

I already have the Osmo Action 5 Pro, do I need to buy the DJI Osmo Action 6?

If you already use the Action 5 Pro on a daily basis, are satisfied with its rendering and shoot mostly in good light, you can largely stick with it. The difference in quality is real, but not enormous, and doesn’t necessarily justify a new purchase if you don’t need it. specific.

On the other hand, if you’re aiming for thebest possible low-light rendering, or if you’re sensitive to the slightly greater depth of field provided by the new variable aperture, then the Action 6 may be worth your while, especially if you shoot a lot in manual mode or are looking for a more cinematic image.

💡 Also read
➡️ Want to compare with the previous generation? Check out our full review of the DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro.