DJI Osmo Action 3 - WTF is going on with the focus? (Footage + Pocket 2 Comparison)

[@johannesdoerr]

Decided to give it a second chance - returning this one and getting a new one. Let’s see! Expect my update on the topic in a couple of days 🤨

[@WaqManVR]

Pretty sure everyone is seeing the same thing so returning it wont help.

[@insighteins1317]

Bin gespannt. Ich werde mit dem nächsten Kauf etwas warten. DJI muss da was machen sonst schaden sie sich selbst mehr als wenn sie garkeine Kamera rausgebracht hätten!.

[@DustyFingersRC]

Glad I have seen this. I was about to buy one but will wait it out to see what happens. So many good features that it is a shame it fails when the pocket 2 got it right.

[@vatosgym]

I have noticed a similar issue with the original OA. After using it extensively for 2 years (shot over 500 videos), it looks like it randomly gives soft/blurry focus on close objects. Another thig are surfaces with reflection - chrome polish, still water, glass buildings, etc. - they are always in focus and super sharp, very eye pleasing. I have always wondered why this happens and can't they figure out a way to transfer this effect onto all or at least the closest subject? Anyway, I am not getting the 3 as I don't think the advantages over the original one are noticeable. As a photo professional my opinion is that the action camera market is artificially limited and that in today's reality this generation of cams should have way better image quality and low light performance. My 2 year old drone has better sensor size and capabilities than OA3 and GP11, that says a lot 🙂 All the best with you channel and keep up the good work!

[@ArcticExploring]

Thank you for this. I am one of the people from the forum (Johansenfoto) and I think we all have bad cameraes like you mention and not sure how they can fix it. Pocket 2 is just sharp, and actually a really good camera for vlogging.

[@IDOLCAM1]

You can't really compare the Action Cam with Pocket Gimbal for sharpness and quality. 1-Action cam uses EIS, 20% of the image sensor is cropped. This means an action cam can only have 80% of the quality of a pocket gimbal with the same sensor. 2- the focus of the pocket gimbal will focus at exactly where you want it to be for sharper images, while action cams are general focus. Lenses could be a factor as well. Choose the right camera for the right purpose.

[@johannesdoerr]

You are right in general, but if you turn off stabilization and use extra wide, quality should be comparable, although focal length and aperture differ. Applications for both cameras are different definitely, which makes me somehow want to have both cameras - if there was no focus issue on the action 3.

[@IDOLCAM1]

@@johannesdoerr Early production units usually have higher chance of bugs and imperfections. The later production units are usually better.

[@taklayagelensermest]

@@IDOLCAM1 jibber jabberin of you with no plausible approach but why

[@fabimesizae]

Thanks for your video. I find it unacceptable that DJI sells video equipment with such poor quality. Any smartphone works best. DJI AVATA has a similar problem, not so important, and still doesn't have 10-bit support. It is unacceptable. Thank you

[@davefink2326]

I worked for a major camcorder manufacture in the pre-Internet days. At that time, any top manufacturer would quickly and quietly train its dealer network how to deal wih quality failures and satisfy customers in a quiet way. Those days are gone. Now, the big brands contract out the manufacturing to side companies, rush to ship the product, and let end user purchasers assume the quality control task (to the extent consumers are able to do that).

[@derekm.]

Thanks for posting this. Just received mine and you're right. Mine does the same thing. (Along with the voice commands not working). I notice that none of the "bigger" channels are mentioning this. Thanks for the honesty. Going back to Hero 10.

[@johannesdoerr]

This is the second time that I noticed big YT channels don't point out a major problem. First one was battery life of the Canon R5 C, nobody talked about it pre-release, but it was a deal breaker for so many people when it came out.

[@fdsaffff]

where's the problem? the shots at end look all in focus

[@marvinmcdonald6617]

I don’t have this issue or haven’t noticed just yet. Might need to double check. I’m loving my Osmo Action 3 so far.

[@johannesdoerr]

Lucky you!

[@dennisolof9994]

Nice that people are catching this error so early with this new camera. With any luck DJI will notice this and stop production to investigate. As said in this video there is one thing if there are bugs and other software problem but hardware faults must be fixed on the production line. Lets hope this issue gets investigated an solved. You can see it in the last part of the video, the text and other things is just not sharp as it seems to be a tiny bit out of focus.

[@THE-RIVER-RAT]

Think you have been unlucky, the one I have has no problems, in fact it's the best cam I have ever owned,

[@johannesdoerr]

Good to know, maybe I just need a replacement

[@zooooooooooooooooooooooooo9533]

I wasn't able to notice this when I was using the Action3 but in any case that's something that can be fixed with a firmware update. Thanks for sharing this info. I hope DJI will look into this!

[@thefiwstwowmgetssnappedeaw849]

I’m still excited to get the Osmo Action 3 but thanks for mentioning this. Now DJI will work on this issue and fix it with a firmware update. Looking forward!

[@FilmMission]

Looks like the Osmo 3 is not over sharpening in camera which is great. Most other actions cams including pocket2 over sharpen - U can over sharpen in post but can't undo sharpening. - To me that's a plus. Thanks

[@comedired]

This has been a known issue in the Chinese market, and DJI has been rolling individual firmware updates to the action 3 that has reported the problem. Some say this update can fix it, others say not too big of a difference. Maybe try contact DJI customer support!

[@oddballmedia]

Beta firmware is not working. Mine is still far from focus 😕

[@johannesdoerr]

Really, it's a big issue in China? Where can I find information about this?

[@Brian-ly9xm]

Wouldn’t want to disregard how good the rest of the Osmo Action 3’s features are. I’ll wait for a firmware update.

[@stevenojobs7492]

Like with all new tech products, there's a lot of tweaking that needs to be done at first update. Best to wait for the update notice.

[@taevy12]

My action 3 is fine. Maybe I am noob and can't the difference lol

[@johannesdoerr]

Lucky you, in both cases 😂 those cameras should bring us joy!

[@timlane4944]

@@johannesdoerr I can still only view what I record in the mimmo app, as I have no computer yet. Do you think If mine is like some say I could pick up on it with since it's only on my phone screen? Or would need to watch on a bigger monitor?

[@delasse3178]

Does the Action 2 have this? I recently got one and think it looks great, but I haven't done too much work or editing with it yet. I think I see what you mean with the footage. Also, that said... lot of Pocket 2 lovers on here. But don't ya know it really seems like the purists liked the Pocket 1 more because of the color/cinematic look, better tracking, and so on. I am so excited about the pocket 3, I've never owned either versions but am really impressed with my Action 2 thusfar.

[@LocTran-ws2ip]

Mine is totally out of focus. Video is very soft. I will have to return it immediately. Moreover, low light performance is terrible, so much noise, color changed.

[@EndlessEnt]

Does this problem happen the same as gopro11?

[@johannesdoerr]

Not, as far as I know. I don’t have a GoPro

[@EspenJohan]

Yeah it seem to be a problem, is it possible for dji to fix it. Im gonna wait.

[@johannesdoerr]

Yes me too. Make sure to contact DJI, otherwise nothing will happen

[@TonyHobbs]

Hello Please watch my last two videos in peak district it was fully on dji action 3 then compare to my previous videos using gopro. I'm in process of returning action 3 as it was soft and poor low light imo. Good luck 👍

[@swaggyswag147]

yeah just checked ur vids out, the most recent one is out of focus compared to 3rd latest video which looks like glasses have been put on

[@johannesdoerr]

I watched your videos - YES, there is a HUGE difference in my opinion. Thanks for sharing.

[@Zodism13]

Johannes hi! As a result, what to buy for creative videography and travel Action 3 or Pocket2? Or Action2? All osmo action heats up?

[@johannesdoerr]

I think I would use the pocket 2 for this (amzn.to/3d2KKlt), or wait a couple of weeks for the pocket 3. I would say this even if there was no focus issue with the action 3. The pocket cameras have a longer focal length and auto focus (not fixed focus).

[@mkagame5807]

Any updates? Just about to buy this camera

[@johannesdoerr]

As far as I know, the issues have been fixed. I however have the Action 4 now and would recommend that over the 3.

[@Tallguysrc]

Years ago I bought the Osmo pocket it was the worst camera I owned due to the autofocus jumping in and out, I returned it thinking it was bad and after 3 exchanges (thank you Best Buy) I just returned it and said enough, Now I see the Osmo action doing the same stuff, DJI is known for rushing stuff to market and using the people who buy them as a beta team. no thanks I will stick with my GoPro

[@DJISupportGlobal]

Hello, there. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience caused. We have forwarded your video and advice to our related departments. To let us better verify the issue, would you mind telling us your case number？Looking forward to your reply.

[@johannesdoerr]

Great to hear from you! What exactly do you mean with case number? I was in contact with the DJI support twice about this and provided example footage, but I did not write down a number. I also checked my mails in case there was a email after the chat, but there wasn't.

[@spirittravels.]

Is this problem common to action 3 only? What about Action 2? Same camera basically. It could be the H.265 coding. Try H.264 instead.

[@johannesdoerr]

I think the Action 3 only does H.264, and that's what I use normally for youtube videos. After exporting this project from Davinci Resolve however, the artifacts in the DJI footage were really bad, so I tried H.265, which looked better. Don't know what was going on. To really see the issue, you have to look at the original footage, there are quite some examples in the mentioned forum thread. The thread also has a comparison between Action 2 and Action 3, difference is significant!

[@spirittravels.]

@@johannesdoerr OK thanks. You will need to contact DJI to return the Camera. Maybe the manufacturing process wasn't right or something. I've got an Action 2, and the image quality is OK, but nowhere near as sharp as my Pixel smartphone, which is probably over sharpened anyway. Honestly the image quality of most Action cameras is average . The pocket 2 will look better as it's free from EIS processing, and is using a standard lens, instead of a fisheye lens. Cheers.

[@spirittravels.]

@@stephjant6461 I think the reason it's not as sharp as the Pocket 2, is because of the EIS, and also fisheye lens stretching out the image. That's why it looks more detailed on wide compared to "normal", which is cropped in on the sensor, thereby explaining less image clarity? I must admit the image quality is OK on the Action 2, but could be more crisp to cater for my usual tastes: But I'm used to Pixel 3a smartphone 4k which is usually even sharper than a Pocket 2, or oversharp. Then again, the Action 2 does have better fov for vlogging, and hyperlapse is much better on it. I also think the Action 2 has better image quality compared to the Sony x3000 in side by side tests, so I'm still quite happy with that, even though it's not perfect. I think a used one can be fantastic value for money, and the image quality is decent enough, as even the go pros don't look that much better, in the end. In fact no Action camera is as detailed as the Pocket 2, except perhaps the go pros when recording in 5.3 k.

[@spirittravels.]

@@stephjant6461 Yes. More likely to be lens stretch. I think the Action 2, Action 3, has the same sensor as the Pocket 2. The only difference is the lens and EIS. But I could be wrong. Is the Action 2 that much worse than the Pocket 2, though? Roos videos tested them together, and He said he found himself using the Action 2 more in some scenarios over the Pocket 2, and I would tend to think He is a reputed source. Other utube videos on the Action 2 seem pretty good. I do notice the face could be sharper, but the rest seems In focus??

[@spirittravels.]

@@stephjant6461 Good point. I almost bought one, but got a used Action 2 much cheaper. Actually I'm happy enough with the trade off with image quality, which I think is good enough. The Action 2 offers much more flexibility than the Pocket 2 and does better hyperlapses. The digital lenses are less hassle than magnetic extra wide attachment, etc. Plus, there isn't a need to buy loads of additional stuff also for Bluetooth, etc etc...

[@TonyHobbs]

DJI reached out but just confirmed my return request and noted my issue.

[@johannesdoerr]

I will contact them after the weekend and will see, what they say... probably the same.

[@TonyHobbs]

@@johannesdoerr a friend on KZbin border Rambler is in similar boat he outside the 14 days refund window. Luckily I caught it in time. Just! If these are unusable then 14 days should be removed....unfit for purpose? I'm going to do a little video on this topic soon. Fingers crossed for you. Keep eye on comments on my peak district videos too as one or two comments on this might happen

[@oddballmedia]

Just got mine. It is out of focus. And beta firmware is not working 😕

[@johannesdoerr]

Where did you get the beta firmware?

[@oddballmedia]

@@johannesdoerr Dji engineers gave it via App. But it is crab, my Action3 is more unsharp now

[@johannesdoerr]

@@oddballmedia but you were in contact with the support, or how come you get beta firmwares on your mimo app?

[@Craig-MItchell]

Thanks, I wondered if it was just me, now I know 😏

[@pajamieshp]

Hei suomesta! Minulla on ollut tuo kamera kolme päivää käytössä ja todella surkea on videoiden laatu, valoa puuttuu ja syvyys vaikutelma myös huono. Palautan varmasti. Minun kanavalta löydät koe videoni. Dji kamerasta Iphoneen en saa kortilta siirrettyä kuin vain sovelluksella ja se on hidasta. Applen tuotteet sanoo kortin olevan tyhjä.

[@johannesdoerr]

Don't speak your language, but an image is worth a thousand words anyway. :-) Your footage looks similar to mine. I'm wondering if only European models have that problem? However, I watched another review which was from the US I think, so maybe it's not...

[@pajamieshp]

@@johannesdoerr so I've had the same new camera in use for four days. doesn't work very well at all and I'm going to return it like you the picture quality is absolutely terrible and copying pictures from the card to Apple products is almost impossible

That really makes me think of if i have the same issue with my new unit. I just made some tests and comparison between OA1 and OA3. I cant really say about focus. Could you maybe comment on it ? Tests start on 11:20 in my channel. Many thanks if you check.

[@johannesdoerr]

Looking at your footage, Action 1 seems a little bit sharper to me. They are close but I notice it when I look at your forehead.

@@johannesdoerr many thanks for your concern. I hope that DJI address and fix this issue with the new fw update.

[@realmf85]

Ich hab dasselbe Problem. Gestern kam die Kamera an, allerdings ist nichts so wirklich scharf. Nur im Ultra Wide Modus ist das Bild akzeptabel. Aber dann brauch ich nicht so eine Kamera, die ansonsten sehr geil ist. Spiele schon mit dem Gedanken, sie zurück zu DJI zu schicken. Man ist halt doch nur Beta-Tester. 😳

[@johannesdoerr]

Auf jeden Fall DJI auf das Problem aufmerksam machen. Ich weiß nicht, wie viele Rücksendungen ich sonst machen muss, bis ein gutes Modell dabei ist. Wäre schon gut, wenn DJI sagen würde, welche Modelle betroffen sind, und eine Umtauschaktion anbieten würde.

[@realmf85]

@@johannesdoerr Ich hab mich kurzerhand dazu entschieden, sie zurückzuschicken. Die Pocket 2 oder die neue 3 (die im November kommen soll) ist wahrscheinlich sowieso die bessere Lösung für meine Zwecke. Die haben ja auch einen Fokus-Tracking Mode.

[@johannesdoerr]

Ja, auf die Pocket 3 bin ich mega gespannt!

[@mahditakach3284]

Im Deutschland GOPro hero 11 mit Accessoires ist für 450 euros (Abo inkl.) und dass action 3 ist fur 360 euros. Wenn Sie den Preis für das Zubehör vom Gesamtpreis für beide abziehen, kommen Sie auf 295 für gorpo ohne Abo und 315 für action 3 allein.Auch mit abo wird der preis 25 euro unterschied sein. deshalb habe ich die hero 11 viel bessere bildqualität und einfacher für vetical und horizontale videos.

[@rickaguilar1833]

Old old old video! Get the new firmware update now Dec, 02,2022!

[@rolliseventeen]

Hallo Johannes, mit welcher Auflösung und welchem Exportformat arbeitest du in diesem Video? Ich seh es nicht, aber hier diskutieren wir in und her ohne es zu wissen: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iGK3aJ2JfrCCbJo&lc=UgzEtHhjIhndMXYvhyJ4AaABAg.9iQnDNiid6q9iS5TCQZS4k Ich bin der Meinung manche Kameras haben ein Problem, Martin seine hat keins und er meinte auch im Video, daß die Probleme auf Layer 8 liegen ;-) ich seh das nicht so.

[@johannesdoerr]

Die Videos sind mit den KZbin-Standardeinstellungen von Davinci Resolve in 4K exportiert (auch in 4K aufgenommen). Was auf jeden Fall stimmt: KZbin ramponiert die Videos extrem, besonders bei KZbinrn mit wenig subscribers soweit ich weiß. Aber ich habe mein Footage ja lokal vorliegen und kann es daran bewerten: Meine Kamera war qualitativ definitiv zu schlecht, ich bin mir sicher dass aus ihr nicht so gutes Material rausgekommen wäre wie in dem von dir erwähnten Video. Ich habe sie zurückgegeben. DJI hätte zwar offenbar repariert, aber die Action 3 ist auch aus anderen Gründen nicht so gut für mich geeignet wegen Fixed Focus und schlechter Low-Light performance. Falls einem das nicht so wichtig ist, dann ist es sicherlich ne tolle Kamera. Am besten selbst ausprobieren :-)

[@rolliseventeen]

@@johannesdoerr Danke für die Antwort. Hätte sie zum FPV fliegen genommen, starte aber jetzt erst mal mit einer kleineren und arbeite mich in davinci ein. Arbeite jede Tag mit Kameras, aber eben nur in der Industrie. bissel was anderes, aber probleme mit Fokus kannte ich nicht.... :-)

[@rickaguilar1833]

I havent had this unsubstantiated claim with my osmo action 3! Maybe you got a lemon?

[@graphguy]

I wonder if all the 'focus' whiners understand that all action cameras are fixed focus lens cameras....

[@johannesdoerr]

To be fair: this is not really communicated by the manufacturers, is it?

[@graphguy]

@@johannesdoerr unequivocally...YES

[@drfunkmaster]

DJI should stick with drones.

[@johannesdoerr]

and gimbals. I have to say that I’m generally satisfied with DJI