DJI Osmo Action 3 - Focus Problem Fixed??

[@gwb11]

Had considered the DJI O A 3 some weeks ago until I started seeing the reviews with the focus problems. Yours aleviated my fears about the problem not being fixed and I've oredered one. Thanks for the reviews and update!

[@felipeherrera1089]

How did you go with the focus? Is still an issue?

[@SpeedDemonExpress]

Just got mine. Looks like it works fine.

[@angelhagan4445]

Very good footage! I'm convinced it's the best choice for a cinematic action camera.

[@doodieman4009]

Glad I made the decision to get the Action 3. I don't regret the purchase even if it had some kinks at the beginning. I'm pretty confident in DJI's ability to fix issues post-release.

[@TheChapin333]

Definitely better after firmware update, looks ok to me but I only use for personal use

[@DemonViewLLC]

Hmmmm still looks kinda soft in the foreground and sharper in the background. 2:26, the bushes on the right are in perfect focus, even the leaves in the background are sharp and clear. Your hat, face and hair though are very soft looking. I think a side by side with the Hero 11 would have been a good test, but yeah, still looks soft. Actually, looking at the bottom of your jacket, the zipper itself looks fine and in focus, but as you pan up and look at the zipper above your sling back, that's soft and out of focus. So maybe it's not a dept thing as much as a "Center of image" focus? Almost like a round shaped blur in the middle of the lens, slight, but noticeable. 5:10 after the firmware update, things do look a lot sharper. Your woolen hat for instance, you can make out the knit a lot better. 5:25 you can make out the teeth of the zipper above your sling bag, so that is a noticeable improvement.

[@chikinito]

Firmware update made it look a lot sharper. It looks good now.

[@muzaffarteja]

definitely better after firmware update.

[@robbiewilliams3137]

Looks pretty good. I love the fact that DJI in general goes the distance when it comes to addressing concerns and issues. This is the same with the DJI Mini 3 Pro signal issues. After the firmware update everything works much better. Consistent performance improvements as well.

[@kevin.itruth6880]

I've spent the last month watching endless videos of the DJI Action 3. I want to love it because of the clever design, accessories and no signs of overheating but between the focus issue, poor dynamic range, poor exposure shifts and terrible compression artifacts during actual action (ie. running, biking, even walking in the woods around trees and branches etc.) I decided to sit this one out. It looks great when you're just standing still or casually walking but any type of action the image falls apart too much for me.

[@npc2255]

Totally impressive! It's good how DJI actually acts on the issues.

[@furistasTedis]

I have GoPro 10 at first I was happy and for the last 6 months it just makes me angrier and angrier every day… I think if gopro will carry on the path they are on now, they gonna go busted. The price range is stupid too. You can buy action 3 and external mic frontiers price of GoPro 11. I will crash my GoPro will get a new one, I will sell it and will buy an action sono 3 😂 well that’s my plan

[@xxsilver_gamingxx389]

@@furistasTedisupdate ?

[@furistasTedis]

@@xxsilver_gamingxx389 nothing helps even GoPro doesn’t know what to do

[@xxsilver_gamingxx389]

@@furistasTedis should I get the dji action 3 over the hero 11 ?

[@furistasTedis]

@@xxsilver_gamingxx389 that’s a good question to which I have no answer but I would say if you want GoPro go for 12 or action 4. I’m using action 3 at the moment and I couldn’t be happier

[@jasonwilson2886]

I think it looks great! plus with the price being cheaper. may not be as good picture as GP 11 but more reliable.

[@simplyawesomephoto]

It looks sharp as long as there isn't much movement. When there is movement, it seems to be softer during the movement but sharpen right back up when the movement stops. I have tried three different Action 3 cameras and they all had the same soft/sharp effect during movement. I compared my Action 2 to the Action 3 side by side in editing software and, although the firmware has sharpened the image, it still is not as sharp as my Action 2 when both were in 4k/30 mode.

[@hey9784]

I honestly did not notice any soft focus issues as I don't use Action3 footage professionally. After the firmware update man was I wrong! The difference is very noticeable, definitely better the last updates. Good job DJI on this one. Footage looks far better now!

[@mikewazowski2040]

Best and most practical action camera for me!

[@davidbarancyk565]

Purchased the Osmo Action 3 at Xmas time, 2023. Haven’t noticed a “focus” problem. Video quality is beautiful. My only complaint … the AI editor won’t work. I keep getting a “network error” message …. Any way to fix this problem …..

[@timeintheoutdoors]

I think it is better. I have this camera and really like it. Works every time you take it out without freezing. Thanks for the video as always. Believe it or not I use and shoot with the Action 2 and have found many uses for that camera as well. It just got a very bad release due to the over heating issue. Would love to see those two side by side.

[@juliuscaesar8801]

Oh wow. Amazing! I’ve been waiting to buy until the fix. Looks like the fix is in! The rock study is amazing. Thank you for your honest assessment.

[@bobjohnson6341]

Good video. Thanks. Image quality is Day and Night different. I have researched this camera extensively. Issue was with hardware. New units have this issue fixed. Some great additional enhancements in the firmware. Invisible selfie stick on snow. Lower price. RELIABLE. Hero 11 is defeated, in my opinion.

[@MJMCHRONICLES]

Love it. Thank you for doing an update. I ordered a new one, I am sick of GoPro.

[@inkinen]

Software update can't and didn't mend flaws in the hardware. Returned mine and bought insta360.

[@etjulien]

The focus seems to be good. However, it's blowing out the clouds and puts you in the shadows. The new firmware did improve the overall image quality, though. Thank you for the review. Happy New Year Martin and Suzi!!

[@MrJameric]

I definitely noticed the difference.

[@realMDizzy]

Hmmm... After update you're holding the camera much further than the before update shots. Then at the end when you do hold it a bit closer it still doesn't look tack sharp though it does look a little bit better. I still don't know what to think of this I really want to get it but don't want an out of focus shot.

[@ntchi]

The Osmo Action 3 has the same problem as the Pixel 7 pro selfie camera. They are fixed focal lengths, thus, to achieve infinity focus, they had to calibrate it at the manufacturing stage. But there's a minimum focus distance. Below 50-70cm you won't have optimal focus. No firmware update can fix this, this is a hardware design of the lens. If they do increase sharpness to "cheat" it's at the detriment of further objects, will be oversharpened.

[@umaxfitness]

You are helping me getting the most out of my DJI Action 3. I haven't checked yet if you have a video about indoor use.

[@harrishuntTV]

I bought after the update and I'd guarantee value for money. Definitely a whole lot better than paying more for a GoPro

[@kamransaeed904]

It's good to see DJI have released much better batch of cameras with no focus issues, DJI rocksteady plus crops a lot of image but definitely has the best stabilisation, the latest firmware update has changed the game, DJI OA3 seems to perform much better in colder conditions compared to hero 11 black.

[@bikefax8177]

Warmer condition as well. I shoot 60 min no battery heating.

[@FlowJunkie65]

Significant difference/improvement in focus/clarity with the update, but I also heard in other YT videos that DJI's first batch of the Action 3 had this problem and that subsequent batches do NOT have this problem. So, I'm wondering if DJI did any additional tweaks, other than the user-available update(s), to fix this and/or other related problems that would warrant returning your unit for one from a newer batch?

[@stefpix]

I watched on an iPad. After the update it looks quite oversharpened. Look at the artifacts in the trees behind the garbage containers at 03:26 when you are sitting on the bench. DJI should allow lowering the sharpening. The usability of this camera appears great in the field to change settings quickly, but I suspect the GoPro image quality is one step above

[@davefink2326]

I also watched on an iPad and had an identical impression. Also I think motion looks staccato, rather than fluid.

[@lt.jameswilliams4021]

Great detailed video. Appears to be better yet still soft. I may be biased because I'm m on my 4th Osmo Action 3 replacement and still feel it is not right. It would be awesome if you can take a snapshot of the back of the box from 12" away in standard (Dewarp) mode and share. I have compared the same shot to a GoPro Hero 5. The Hero 5 is way sharper than the Action 3. Currently going back and forth with DJI and now they told me the soft image/focus is "This phenomenon is normal. Replacement will not solve it. This camera is NOT designed for close-up photography at all. Any further repair/replacement regarding the "close-up focus issue" should not be honored, since it's NOT a product defect. Funny thing is, 12"/.3m/3cm is their min camera to subject distance that should be in focus!! Love the camera but am losing faith.

[@sun-man]

"This camera is NOT designed for close-up photography at all" Indeed. Apparently they can't design a fixed focus system that keeps the nearby and distant objects all in good focus at the same time. So this camera is really not good for vlogging, but may be okay for action footage.

[@thedlix5741]

How dif you fixed it?, what did you do to fixed it? How can we do it?

[@nsangwaallenngwira1062]

Massive improvements

[@MrSteviej893]

Before the firmware update, it still seemed to have a soft focus issue as the background was sharper; after the update the foreground was improved.

[@Kiev-in-3-days]

Many videos proved that is not the case. They just added sharpness.

[@xxsilver_gamingxx389]

@@Kiev-in-3-daysso it hasn’t been fixed ?

[@Kiev-in-3-days]

@@xxsilver_gamingxx389 Now I honestly don't now.

[@BibleReaderKids]

hello susie, what is your conclusion on this video? I think it is still soft focus, I bought an osmo action 3 and just got the replacement unit and still testing it I think mine still has soft focus

[@inukaka3741]

The later batch are also having focus issue. My unit is manufacture date: 2022/11 Nov batch with latest firmware. Still having focus problem. I did a comparison between my Pocket 2. Clearly out of focus. I had upload the photos and video to google drive. Also contacted my local DJI Service center. They advised me to send back to them today. So, I will send out tomorrow.

[@crisalida2008]

exactly like me

[@ftk-alt]

i recently bought the nov batch (adventure combo) and update to the latest firmware. no softness so far aside it cant focus too near. and yes after checking many reviewers review, it is almost confirm that nov batch have no issues with the soft focus. Plus with the firmware update it has sharpen the video quality alot as seen on your video.

[@EricKristyAdventures]

Great job! We're glad we've waited and didn't jump on either camera. We keep getting pulled over to DJI

[@calvary1808farm]

Thanks for trying this again! Looks good to my “poor” eyes! I passed on this camera after you first review but now it’s back on my list!

[@kiIIingxspree]

Totally unrelated to this video but man your skin is flawless! ❤

[@paullawrence8572]

So now Suzi this or go pro 11? Happy new year to you & your family too!🥂

[@BulliKid]

What microphone is used for this video??

[@shep64]

Looks awesome! Thanks!

[@Twizzforsberg]

Have they done any updates for low light? Seen lot of bad videos

[@BorderRambler]

After 3 cameras returned I finally got a camera that worked with camera no 4 😂 , yours is much improved after the update which what we all wanted 👍 the battery is really much better than my GoPro 10 which kept telling my battery was low at 95% when used in cold conditions the other day 😂. I’m glad you gave dji another go 📷👍

[@herbertnavarrete6788]

Got to take it while snowboarding and Im telling you it's your best choice of action camera for motion-heavy sports.

[@kai64]

I just saw a video from 2 weeks ago on another KZbin addressing this issue. He emphasized that the issue is still there. I bought the new one hoping that newer batch wouldn’t have this issue but it’s still there. The firmware update seems only enhanced the sharpness rather than fixing the focus itself.

[@Gemini_Connect]

It’s a tricky problem to pinpoint because not every camera has this problem. There are a lot of OA3 videos on YT without any focus problems, so it really seems like luck of the draw if you get a faulty unit or not. Personally, I find the focus still a touch soft, but I think it is better than the first unit I had.

[@kai64]

@@Gemini_Connect I agree. Especially for average people, it’s hard to tell if it’s out of focus or not without comparing side by side with another device.

[@tailwhipolaf]

Not sure if you have the Osmos Action, does that one have usb webcam hook up. I was told the Action 3 does. Thanks for your help

[@cols721]

Focus looks good can read Patagonia on your jacket. My 4th replacement camera manufactured November 22 is giving me much better results than previous camera's 👍

[@TheChapin333]

The rock steady didn’t seemed jerky when filming from the front

[@goggutube]

Thanks, I've been waiting for your opinion, more understandable for the common camera peeps! Regarding normal cameras, as P&S camera's are overrun by phone camera's, I still wanted a camera camera. Based on yours and all the reviews, even by this amateur, GoPro 11 still has better colors, shadows, sharpness. But owning the GoPro 8, freezing, overheating, since I'm not an action guy, can't handle the unfriendliness. Action 3 looks like the common person, user friendly, better action camera to have. Glad they fixed the issues. Can't wait to get one now. Thanks again for reviewing the updated version!

[@kiIIingxspree]

I gotta hurry up and make a decision about either getting a dji 3 or GoPro 11!

[@TheNitpicker]

Imo there's a second issue that almost needs critical fixing as much as the focus and that's the blown out highlights especially when it comes to the sky. You barely ever see clouds unless you point straight at them. But it seems to be a general dji things since my dji pocket 2 is the same, just as the action 2. That's the one reason why I got a Gopro 11 after all instead. Colors, brightness exposure and such are just way better and more natural. The footage can be used straight out of camera. I can't say the same about the Pocket 2 especially when it comes to skin tones which look straight up terrible, especially in artifical lighting situations

[@girlsontheloose1]

Yeah, I have to agree. The color and range is SOOOO much better on GP. In fact, GP is 1000 x better except for the freeze and liquify issues. Damn, I wish they would fix them. I just bought the Action 3 and am completely underwhelmed.

[@alexy5410]

Looks better with Rocksteady. + Rocksteady blo2s out the highlights!

[@LinainCape]

Thanks for the information...I am about to buy the DJI Action 3...I am still not sure if they have fixed the focus issues?

[@jericholaw]

Looks much better after the update. What's the manufacturing date on the box for your new camera?

[@nomad0714]

@Jericho Law, @2:57, Suzi mentioned Nov/Dec production date.

[@crisalida2008]

Mine was produced 12/2022 and still same issue. After upgrading firmware only my eyes were a bit focused, not my face. So I returned 3 days later since I got it

[@augustojosevideosdiversos8220]

Eu estou querendo comprar uma Agora fiquei mais animado

[@MarkoMarkolovic]

Do you think I could use this camera to record over my desk for iPad demonstration videos? or would you recommend a different camera? Thanks for all of the awesome work you do.

[@JamPlace]

Firmware or not, in my case, it was a lens adjustment issue. I have 3 of them and I did return all 3 for repair and one of them 3 times. All are now OK and beats all other brands. The codec is better in this cam and Insta360 dans gopro. I shoot long time video and the splitted files are joined without any sync problem as for Insta360. Don't ever buy Gopro if you plan to record for a long time (more than 10 mins) because there is ramdon 0 to 2 frames overlap between files which is a pain in the neck in post. Also Gopro file naming convention is not convenient for multiple session recording. Cheers

[@CampfireFusion]

Well said bro

[@castandspear]

where you able to return and get replacements from DJI easily?

[@herdnaxela35]

I really liked the videos much better than the last time you can see that there is an excellent improvement in quality a question does this only have to do with an update or is it a new series of dji action 3 that came out thank you and continuations of excellent videos

[@Tommyr]

Update made a difference for use. I've been holding off getting this camera until they stop sending out bad batches.

[@dongee1664]

I've just seen this video after seeing the previous one that pointed out the focus problem. That original video put me off buying and as I see that the problem is rectified can I suggest that the first video is taken off as it is no longer a fair representation of the camera. Your videos are very good and I hope you may consider this.

[@bayern1806]

The background is sharper than the foreground. Nothing was fixed, just the overall sharpness was increased to fool you

[@dongee1664]

@@bayern1806 Fooled us did it?

[@samfielding2659]

Massive difference from the before to after firmware update!

[@paul_herts]

I’m watching on an iPad and comparing the close ups at the beginning and the end it seems that sharpening has been increased; certainly not seeing any improvement in near focus but if this is a fixed focus lens it would be impossible to change the focus without physically adjusting the lens.

[@aayoub1]

Looks much better, especially after updating firmware. The ultra wide looks great with steady+ on. I am a big fan of dji, and I am still using Action 1 after returning my action 3. I think Dji can do much better with image quality, and this is why I will wait for the next action 4, which I am sure will be a much improved action cam. For now, this new one has looked much better than your first one, but I am sure Dji can do much better.

[@crisalida2008]

Absolutely agree with you. I returned Action 3 48hours since I got it. Big problem focusing face, after updating firmware only my eyes were on focus, not my face

[@ArcticExploring]

Your new camera e really good, I always look at background that is that is most important. My new camera is from November and do look good, but doesn't have good daylight to test it on.

[@Guider12]

When is coming new Dji poket3 😮?

[@keithvlogs1]

definately alot sharper... It likes it shifted focus to the front.

[@hazelsabitian3518]

are you using microphone or it is the built in mic?

[@donstravelsandrants.]

It looks perfect. 👍😊

[@HarRy-gc7nz]

Looks a bit better. Could you please check the manufactoring date on the box. It's on a the bottom right corner of the white S/N-sticker.

[@nomad0714]

@H. Arri, @2:57, Suzi mentioned Nov/Dec production date.

[@texaslonestarrider]

Looks Good!

[@MikhaelJames]

Would love to see a new side by side comparing the color science and dynamic range of the revised dji vs the go pro

[@Gemini_Connect]

Working on it!

[@aussieexpat]

Looks great

[@MrJafar]

Unfortunately, it is a hardware issue (lens sensor distance is not correct). And it can't be fixed with software updates!

[@RussOniPhone]

I just purchased the DJI Action 3 and it is a used open box, didn’t the firmware fix the focus issues or was it when the camera was made? How can I tell other than how well it focuses?

[@timothylinn]

I definitely think IQ has improved. More detail. Fine details may look a little crunchy. IDK. I’m curious about the long term stability of your HERO11. The lack of reliability of your previous GoPros was one reason you originally expressed a preference for the DJI. Has reliability been an issue with the 11?

[@Gemini_Connect]

So far, the Hero 11 has been nearly flawless. Just a couple of freezes, but nowhere near as bad as previous GoPro models.

[@เคโรเคโร๊ะปี้]

I got it from Amazon today. After eight months of release. Amazon still sent me batch 9/2022. I asked dji support he said the problem is fixed with firmware. I should return it. or test it first.

[@Gemini_Connect]

Definitely test it and see if it looks good to you.

[@เคโรเคโร๊ะปี้]

@@Gemini_Connecti returned to amz. And order second from online bestbuy I got 9/22 again. Why they have only this batch. And I can’t find it in physical store. I try to search to find out this issue is from HW or SW. and DJI support told me focus issue have resolved just update firmware. I tested it. It’s seem look good but if zoom still little bit soft at my face. What do you think? it’s normal or faulty?

[@exploringwithwarrior]

Do you have to download the new firmware

[@My_everydaylife.]

How will I know the manufacture date on the action 3 if I am buying it from Amazon cause I don’t want to have that focus issue

[@Mee-de7vn]

it's on the side of the box - 2023/x ( x= the month and may be in Chinese ) for example

[@OnlyJRMYDAVE]

Rocksteady and rocksteady plus, it seems it has a little bit of difference. I wish dji include a vertical stabilizer. With rocksteady+ the up and down movement while running still very obvious. About the focus it seems like older gopro model. Its still not sharp or just like iphone 5 or 6 video.

[@BOTG_Adventures]

Whats difference between rocksteady and rocksteady+ I cant tell difference.

[@Gemini_Connect]

Supposed to be slightly better stabilization with +.

[@nnicov]

So, when was your camera made? November or December batch??

[@crisalida2008]

Mine december 2022. Bought it last week and today it was returned to Amazon

[@whiskeywine101]

I'm looking at probably getting this over the GoPro Hero 11. I was watching your videos about how you said it's a great version with no glitches but my copy freezes alot

[@vinaypatihal]

Hi, can you please try to shoot the video in osmo action 3, night view, and upload it? I have gone through so many youtube videos but i am not satisfied. Because still users are complaining about autofocus and night moto vlogs.

[@kiIIingxspree]

Idk if I can tell any difference tbh I think I could tell on your old video where it was soft but not on the new camera and not between the b&a.

[@nayyarakids6420]

6:10 = 4k 60 fps enhanced image on?? enhanced image on can use only until 4k 30 fps.. because my action 3 like that.. 😁

[@alrozanski8352]

Firmware seems to improved the camera

[@spirittravels.]

looks fine. Isnt this exactly the same image quality as the Action 2 though?

[@Gemini_Connect]

I haven’t compared the OA3 to the 2 yet.

[@spirittravels.]

@@Gemini_Connect please do. That would be great 👍

[@skylarzenone]

What tripod did you use with this camera?

[@loganz]

Hey Suzy, do you recommend this camera for light vlogging duty for family vacations? I had a gopro hero 8 before and it was a little cumbersome so I sold it. I don't think i'll be doing anything extreme with it, or doing mics or anything, just a selfie stick and the camera.

[@RonaldBrown59]

The focus looks better, but still not as good as the Hero 11. Thanks for testing a newer version of the Action 3 out. I think I will pass on the Action 3 and wait for the Action 4, which could arrived about nine months from now. Great video, and thanks for sharing.

[@xxsilver_gamingxx389]

Update ?

[@mnb3566]

Can the software/firmware be updated on one of the early release cameras or do you need to purchase a newly issued camera? Thank you, I appreciate your videos!

[@Gemini_Connect]

Firmware update is available for all cameras

[@theinfinitryda]

It’s better but the background still looks more in focus than you are

[@jaimecosta2966]

I have no experience with action cameras but I wasn't happy and I have returned my osmo action 3 combo build sep 23.. You footage looks excellent what built date do you have in the box .. I am contemplating wether I should try out osmo action 3 again or get the Gopro 10 combo I have about three months to decide price here in Portugal his about the same..

[@jcagaspar]

Estou na mesma, passados 2 meses por qual câmera se decidiu?

[@aashiktrading6743]

Mam did you tell me plz what is the camera manufacturing date

[@corei51]

2:56 nov/december

[@onnie1968]

100% better nice and clear now :)

[@jakeraptor1346]

I absolutely hate the fisheye effect. Can this camera shoot decent standard normal footage

[@firemanjon]

Did you purchase this directly from dji ? Is that the best option ? I've heard of people still getting older batch cameras from Amazon so I'm hesitant on buying just yet.

[@HEYMANWITHJAYMAN]

I really want to know can the camera zoom while recording & is it a 4x zoom? I use a dji pocket 2 & like the zoom feature but am thinking i may want to get an action 3 if its able to zoom while recording.