Real Talk on DJI Action 4: Unfiltered Review - Must-Watch before Purchasing

Welcome to DJI Action 4's Honest Review! In this unfiltered and must-watch video, I dive deep into the pros and cons of the DJI Action 4. Whether you're an adrenaline junkie or a casual filmmaker, I've got you covered. Join me as I share my unbiased thoughts and experiences to help you make an informed decision before purchasing DJI Action 4.😊
🧌[timestamps]🧌.
00:00 Intro
00:20 DJI Action 4 Specs
01:07 Set Ranges
01:35 Favorite Specs
02:11 Why Auto
02:50 Issue One
03:49 Positives
04:33 Ace Pro vs DJI Action 4
04:52 Jitters
05:15 DJI Care
05:57 Battery Life Issue
06:20 Should you buy?
06:45 Going back
👍Throughout this review, we'll discuss the camera's image quality, stabilization capabilities, user-friendly features, and its suitability for various activities. 🚀
🔍Discover if the DJI Action 4 lives up to the hype and if it's truly worth investing your hard-earned money. My goal is to provide you with genuine insights, ensuring that you receive honest information that doesn't sugarcoat any drawbacks or overlook any outstanding features. And there are drawbacks. I delve into the camera's specifications, examining its performance in different lighting conditions, challenging environments, and unique shooting scenarios. By the end of this video, you'll have a comprehensive understanding of the DJI Action 4 and its suitability for your specific needs. 🔍
⚠️Stay tuned for an authentic and unbiased review of the DJI Action 4. Arm yourself with the knowledge you need before making your purchasing decision. ⚠️
Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit that notification bell, so you never miss any of our future content.
#DJIAction4Review #UnfilteredReview #MustWatch #RealTalk #KZbinReview #DJIAction4

[@10212405del]

the 2.5hrs battery life that dji advertised is in 1080p

[@troletti]

I pretty much get 140 minutes of HD use out of it when I tested on boats in warm weather. I’m actually happy with the battery life!

[@PrestonGladd]

The average viewer wont spot the jitter your referring to. I didn't until I went back and watched it 10 times specifically looking for it. If you have good content and good audio, no one will care about your micro jitters.

[@HillPhantom]

Yea I think that's a fair point, I ended up getting another and it was actually worse. I still think DJI has a bit of quality control issue with the 4. I think, others will notice it more than you think, will they care, doubtful. Will I care, yes, and I have just a weird mental thing I can't look past it, but I get im in the minority. But yes, I too believe you can shoot on 480 black and white camera if you have good content and a good story no doubt.

[@tollbar5468]

@@HillPhantom I've seen a few YT reviews of the A4 and it seems to float my boat - but - nearly all comment on this jitter which I can see and find really irritating. Out of interest: Does the Pocket 3 display this jittering too?

[@HillPhantom]

@@tollbar5468 I prefer the Action 4, eagerly awaiting the Action 5! To answer your question, no, one of the beautiful things is the P3 is mechanically stabilized via the built in gimbal so you wont have those micro jitters. One reason for those micro jitters is bc action cameras are digitally stabilized instead of mechanically like the p3. Now there is a tradeoff, bc all gimbals are only 3 axis stabilization you will get some "bounce" when using it, for example when you are walking. So you do have to adapt a bit the way you walk, typically known as the ninja walk or just heel to toe walking smoothly. But even then it is small and you can use post stabilization to get rid of those if needed either with gyro data or crop stabilization. But, you CAN NOT get the micro jitters out with any post stabilization. Of course it can't go where action cameras can, so depending on what you are doing, I can honestly say, the P3 is well worth the hype and is 100% my favorite camera of 2023 and I imagine 2024. I will have my full review of it the p3 soon. Use case is still king, so you might be in a situation where I am, dealing with micro jitters until hopefully the next gen action cameras get better. Else, I know lots of people who actually put action cameras on gimbals, and just nix the internal digital stabilization of the action camera. Cheers!

[@tollbar5468]

@@HillPhantom Thank you for your reply. Yes, I can see what you mean between electronic and mechanical stabilization - never thought of that - very good point!

[@TechTeacherMax]

I've had some battery drain issues with the out of box battery on the new DJI OA4. Averaging just about an hour on 4k recording with many on and off cycles. While in the Philippines, I decided to drop by a DJI store and pick up a new battery. It made all the difference! The battery life with same usage was almost double. The overnight slight battery drain all but disappeared. I haven't experienced the jitter that you have seen. The night quality shooting was improved with some slight modifications (turning off Rocksteady). It's a great Vlog camera - despite it's minor issues.

[@HillPhantom]

Totally agree, I have had two now, sadly I think they suffer from quality control at least in the A4 department. Glad it got better, I do like the camera, just kina waiting on the 5

[@CharlieVN]

I had to rewatch that micro jitter segment like 5 times to spot it, and it seems like dropped frames, have you tried a formatting of the sd card? While sd's with a v30 rating should promise 30mbps continuous until full, I wouldnt trust a half full card either. I would reimport the files using another adapter as well to rule that out, a bad adapter can drop data upon import, seen that before.

[@HillPhantom]

All great suggestions all that I also tried. They are certainly slight. I'm probably gonna get another just to see what happens. I love the way it looks! Impressed just overly picky. Lol.

[@troletti]

I think the jitter has been resolved a month ago with the latest firmware. My issue which carried over from the Action 3 is the inability to maintain horizon when subjected to certain engine vibrations

[@HillPhantom]

That's interesting I had not heard that on both accounts! I can see how perhaps some vibrations may cause that issue. Sorry to hear that!

[@troletti]

@@HillPhantom A simple search online and it's everywhere from DJI Forum to REDDIT...

[@TravelingAhn]

Hello my friend, so I watched the whole thing. The first thing I would say is that you live in a pretty cold environment which is not going to give you the ideal stated battery life (but I'm sure you know that). The micro jitters is a thing, but regarding the other action camera's...can anyone truly avoid that particular issue (Go Pro, Insta?) You have every right to be concerned and I appreciate you giving us the down low on this, especially for those who have similar concerns. I really enjoy your takes as well! However, if I were you I feel that your pros outweigh the cons. Did you have the adventure combo where they gave you 3 batteries instead of 1? That helps my battery anxiety issues 😂 Anyways, just throwing in my 2 cents worth.

[@HillPhantom]

Hi Ahn! I would agree with the battery but it was never below -2 C or 27F. As a snowboarder and living in Montana I have not had these issues with any other camera, well I did with the InstaGo1 and 2, they would not shoot eve at 0C like at all. But to be honest my X3 and GoPro have no issues in the cold. My worries is its cold A LOT here when I need a camera. I guess I was just taken back that less then 60, in a battery that can handle over 2x that, or so they say lol. If I did keep it, or get it again, I will def need a bag full of batteries, changing it every hour, is kina a pain tho. Sad to see it go, I LOVE the image a video out of this thing mate, dominates INSTA and the GoPRO IMO. Appreciate you watching and commenting, means alot. Cheers.

[@pandero93]

Hi there. I recently got the Action 4 for vlogging. What Im most concerned about is the right shutter speed. What do you think is the best shutter speed to vlogg during the day, and the one to vlogg at nigh? Thank you. Cheers!

[@HillPhantom]

Howdy! So I would not worry about it to much and just keep it on auto shutter with threshold set. Meaning you can lock it so your shutter speed does not go below 1/200th both for night and day. THis way you can lock in your framerate and let the shutter and ISO stay on auto for both day and night. I would also consider locking the ISO not to go over lets say 3500 ( cant recall the levels on the Action 4) and at night you could bump that ISO up or shot in low light mode. Hope that helps. Idea here is lock shutter, and put thresholds on auto iso and auto shutter.

[@pandero93]

@@HillPhantom Really helpful. Thanks a lot!

[@HillPhantom]

@@pandero93 you are very welcome. The ranges I set I think around 1 minute into the video, the only one you have to play with is the ISO, remember you want to keep it as LOW as you can, so bright sun cap it at like 200 or even 100, overcast below 3200 for ISO and dark I would not push it to MAx 12000 unless you have too and its super dark, try to stay around 6400 even though that will introduce some noise people are ok with it when its dark out if you are like vlogging in my opinion.

[@shadowraptor1417]

hello my friend i want to ask you about the size of it does it fit to a pocket jeans or do it pop up in a weird way if you could assure me with a 1-minute video about this i would be appreciative

[@HillPhantom]

Sadly I sent it back. I would say it all depends on if you wear tight jeans or not. I would imagine it would pop up a bit in the front jean pocket.

[@mponde8107]

Great review. I have been going back and forth between the Action 4 hero 12 and the ACE pro. I was leaning towards the action 4 or the ace pro, purely for underwater video. Your ACE pro review raised some issues, which pushed me away from that camera. Based on your experience which would you recommend between the three? Appreciate any help as I feel most KZbinrs are sponsored when it comes to these reviews. Thanks

[@HillPhantom]

Glad I could help and thank you so very much for the watches and the comment. So I am doing another review of the Action 4. I got sent another but it has issues. So here is my take, if you get a good DJI Action 4, its TOP DOG by far. But may I ask, how do you use it now, or want to use it in the future. Also do you edit and color grade?

[@mponde8107]

@@HillPhantom thank you for your speedy reply. So I am planning on using it this summer for underwater shots free diving etc. I will be colour grading footage to match my Sony A7iv and Air 2s drone, I just needed an action cam for underwater footage. I see a lot of people still use Go pro for all the underwater shots, but KZbin has really been hammering go pro since the 12 came out. This will also be my first action cam I should note, whether that makes any difference? Thanks

[@HillPhantom]

@@mponde8107 so, just my personal take. I shoot on Sony A7C, Avata, and the Pocket 3 mainly. However, the reason I wanted the DJI Action 4 is the D Log. You are in the same situation as me, Sony S-log and then DJI D log and I think they match up nicely in post. In regards to underwater I have heard really good things about the Ace Pro, like really good things for underwater, like no filter needed good. The GoPro, you 100% need a filter and waiting a minute to have it turn on, and dealing with freezes, its a no go for me. The DJI I don't know much about for underwater but my take, if its d-log with 10 BIT I can make it look like whatever I want in post via color grading. Thats the issue with Insta, NOT 10 bit, so color breaks down in post. I find the DJI easy to use as well, so if this is your first, and you have a DJI with the AIR (tho that may shoot in d cinne), I think you go with the Action 4 WITH dji care. I honestly got two bad cameras from them so just be careful and test it out when you get it as you only have 14 days for full return. I am suspect of the quality control but in love with the video quality and image /color it produces. Honestly its normal color profile is dope too if you are lazy at times like me and dont want to color grade.

[@mponde8107]

@@HillPhantom yes so this was my dilemma I watched a couple underwater videos on the ace pro and heard some really good things on it for underwater. The 8k and low light performance would have been a bonus. But like you say, no log and no 10 bit recording was a bit of an off put. I think I will end up purchasing the action 4 as it’s shoots the same D-log profile as my Air 2s, which I can then match to slog 3 footage. Really appreciate your help and advice

[@HillPhantom]

@@mponde8107 oh snap, IDK Air 2 was D-log, yea man no brainer, but there is also a guy I know that does ALOT underwater is very knowledgable about the ACEPro he has a different view than me of the camera but knows his stuff and is scuba diver, he loves the ACE under water...his channel is @MiyagisRant Not to muddy waters but worth hearing his take about underwater stuff for sure with the ACE, I take his word is like, BA when it comes to underwater. But all mute if you intend to use it sometimes underwater, IMO, as above water, it shines!

[@StikBot41]

I’ve herd about problems about people not wanting to register their camera therefore returning it but I don’t exactly understand and I want to know that do you have to register it everytime you open it? or just one time.

[@HillPhantom]

Just one time.

[@StikBot41]

@@HillPhantom thanks for the information!

[@motambay9414]

Battery is superb if you are in 1080/50 fps it pass through about 2hrs in most of my experienced

[@HillPhantom]

I can believe that, I also live in a very cold climate so that does not help the battery or any battery :)

[@daily_dose_of_nothingness]

I bought it, the camera is great compare to the one i have EKEN H9R...

[@motambay9414]

I'm sorry hearing that but I don't usually use the 2k or 4k.. 1080/50fps is still ok and work will.

[@HillPhantom]

Right on! I love the color and video quality of the camera. Really eager to see the Action 5

[@tommyli8726]

well, maybe should record in 60 fps. enough frames to smooth out the footages when panning left or right. 24 or 30 fps always look choppy when moving.

[@HillPhantom]

Yea this is in 60 and 120. This is how I got the slow motion. It's happening in all framerates

[@NishaanAhmed]

The micro jitters are real. I have seen this in many DJI products, as well as insta products. I see this in my Air2s. When i started out i noticed these and tried different things to minimize the jitters. Unfortunately these wont go. But, the thing is, in a fast paced action scene, nobody would notice these, at least i havent seen anyone identify these, speaking from working professionally for the last 3 years with these.

[@mysteryport]

DJI Optimized Action 4's image processing algorithm in their latest v01.04 firmware. I wish you had this action cam so we could see that upgraded image quality 😕.

[@HillPhantom]

Me too! I am hoping we see Action 5 this summer!

[@roninr8199]

I am currently using go pro 8. Since we are already 5 months passed since action 4 launched any idea what dji action 5 could offer? Will they put 1 inch sensor from pocket 3?

[@HillPhantom]

Very tough to say but I think those are good guesses. Gotta figure a flip up screen I would assume, and I think the 1 inch sensor has to also be on his way. I am guessing that will be the case mate.

[@sanchitgoyal2282]

Hello, So what is the recording that you got with 4k60fps with a single battery ???

[@HillPhantom]

There are few in sixty. The pull through is 120 and one of the pans is 60. I tested the pan in all 30, 60, and 120, same issue sadly.

[@sanchitgoyal2282]

@@HillPhantom sorry I didnt understand.... what is the recording time you get in 4k60fps with single battery (Am not so fluent in english please write in simple english please) ?

[@HillPhantom]

1 hour and it was 24 degrees or -4 c. Your English is great 👍 .

[@sanchitgoyal2282]

@@HillPhantom Thank you so much sir for your response!! So, 1 hour with a single battery and that too when shooting in 4k60fps..hmm.... so with 3 batteries I would get approx 3 hours...🤔

[@HillPhantom]

@@sanchitgoyal2282 I suspect it is the cold that reduces the battery time. I would say in normal temperatures you will get closer to 2 hours per battery. I have a new one coming and I'll go a test again as well.

[@eprohoda]

how’s everything going?!you created breathtaking ~;))

[@HillPhantom]

Thank you so much. I am fine how are you?

[@lumixS5M2]

We come to a point, these type action camera having not more in it. Better will not be. I use Canon APS-C, Lumix Full Frame and point and shoot video use GoPro 11 during Daytime + Action 4 in low light. These action cam all "jitter". Also some formats not possible nor accepting in several edit Software i tested. For now i use CapCut who not the best but it handle all formats very well for very simple way edit.

[@HillPhantom]

Yea, I am seeing every action camera has issues sadly.

[@achillesmjb]

Bought and returned the DJI Action 4 the next day. Requires "Activation" from DJI. Why would a camera require activation? I understand a cellphone or drone but a camera? Called DJI and was told it was to keep track of active v. inactive phones! Huh? I asked if they can deactivate a lost phone to which the said yes. So this means users are being followed by DJI.

[@HillPhantom]

I am not 100% tinfoil but, I have been saying for years, DJI got us good, low altitude maps, ...the world is a scary place for sure. Lots of folks turned off by the activation. I figure, if they want me, come get me...garrrrrrrr.....

[@rf2720]

So l just the Action 4. Exact same issues. It does have some nice features but poor battery life and movement or the wavy distortion makes me consider returning it . Thank got the honest review .?

[@HillPhantom]

Oh no sorry to hear that! Hoping we get some fixes in the the Action 5! Cheers and thank you!

[@kamimcmmm]

Yeah I think action 4 and here12 are still not mature enough to be reliable. Returned them both, waitin for the next gen. Rush products.

[@rf2720]

@@HillPhantom Maybe DJI will update firmware soon. It is a nice addition to my other camera. Keep up the vids. Thx

[@HillPhantom]

@@rf2720 Ty so much means a ton, hard work doing them but a labor of love.

[@ioandragulescu6063]

I can't see those jitters.... but maybe it's my untrained eye :). About battery life, last time I got 1h38 minutes filming almost constantly at 4k@50fps. That's on a motorcycle at 7 degC air temp so the camera was probably going below 0 at riding speeds. I plan to shoot in the future at 4k@30 fps and with spring and summer coming up I would assume I would get around 2 hours and for my case that is perfect since I take brakes every 1 to 2 hours and I have 3 spare batteries with me, charging constantly in my tank bag.

[@HillPhantom]

Yea they are tough to notice, and sadly once you do, you can't unsee them lol. I think if you got a good one, I do believe DJI has a quality control issue with these cameras, there is nothing better on the market for sure! What kind of bike you got mate?

[@ioandragulescu6063]

@@HillPhantom I still think it's my eye not catching it but anyways, I recently switched from a 2019 v strom 650 to a 2023 v strom 1050 non DE, or road edition as they call it and I couldn't be happier :)

[@HillPhantom]

@@ioandragulescu6063 dang thats a jump in CC's too! Very nice!

[@maze400]

I bet it has to do with stabilization, try to pan with stabilization turned off, i bet the "micro jitter" goes away. And let me know.

[@HillPhantom]

Yea, I think its two fold stabilization and the way it deal with light. I returned it sadly but I do wonder if I turned off stabilization and did something like gyro flow in post would it be better as well. But to be fair all action cameras at this time suffer from this, I just think DJI is the worst with the micro jitters as compared to GoPro and Insta. I guess my whole deal is, I don't want to have too turn of stabilization, this is kinda why you buy action cameras you know. But agree with you fully, I bet it would help greatly!

[@lumixS5M2]

Osmo Action 4, Notice it seem not possible to go live on KZbin after l long story with DJI.

[@HillPhantom]

I have not heard that. Thanks for that information!

[@nignatovskiy9901]

Why would you not test it at speed to see how the jitters are would of been important to know

[@HillPhantom]

I did and I mentioned that in the first review I believe :). I ran it through speeds on the first camera I got.

[@CitizenJane-]

Firstly, thank-you. Your review was excellent. I saw the 'jitters' as a 'wave' effect, especially over one of the buildings, but interpretations aside, that's a bad fault. I'm shopping around for my 4th digital camera. It seems obvious to me that ALL action cameras have faults and the Perfect one does not exist. But these software failures are a real concern. I was wondering too, is that protective glass lens on the front, the one that can be unscrewed, is that a design fault? That thing will get covered in micro scratches real quick. I know you can buy a soft plastic cover, but I would expect the lens to be something you protect at all times. Thanks for reading this far, and g'day from Tasmania, Australia.

[@HillPhantom]

Cheers Jane and thank you so very much! I would say you are spot on, no perfect action camera. The front lens does screw off, so you could easily replace if needed. I know its not an action camera per say, but I love my DJI Pocket 3. Again thank you so much for taking time for the comment, means so very much to me.

[@NowFilmz]

Shame you couldn't test a replacement. That would have been valuable here.

[@HillPhantom]

I did and it had same micro jitters sadly :(

[@NowFilmz]

@@HillPhantom Thank you for confirming. I anticipated this might be the case, unfortunately. Still, good for DJI to give you the opportunity to swap. Perhaps the OA4 (and other action cams) are overhyped online. They seem to lack capabilities when it's not a bright sunny day (not just poorly lit environments). Buying this to use on rainy days (instead of OP3) needs to consider the low light drawbacks. No amount of jitter is acceptable imho. Having 4K footage with jitters is like a Ferrari with wooden wheels. I realise the technology needs to evolve. Good things are coming.

[@nickthinkpainting1978]

Of course there issues they all have them. I’ll keep my GoPro 9 it has issues but overall it works good takes good videos and still photos…

[@HillPhantom]

Totally agree and found this out testing them all. Why I am waiting on next gen but for now its my GoPro9 too! I feel you are in the same club as me. There was ZERO reason to upgrade to any GoPro past 9 lol. Now that our 9's are 100 years old and like mine prob beat up , its time. But every "time" I come back to my old beat up girl, the 9 still serves me well too mate!

[@roucoupse]

I had noticed the annoying micro jitters with mine too and battery life isn't as great as everybody says. As soon as the screen is lit, even in 30% brightness, the battery drops real fast. The same when you fiddle with the camera (buttons, touchscreen, play/pause...) whatever recording or not. I would say in normal use you may get 110mn (about 1.5 hour instead of the 2.5) from 100% to 0% (around 1% drop every 60 to 80sec). 100% to 99% takes a lot longer than the other percentages. Nevertheless I think you can achieve 2.5h from 100% to 0% with 1080p30rs but with in one single shot with the screens turned off. A few disappointments with this camera but the color quality is one of the best from all the action cams on the market.

[@richardpalmer4594]

Those micro jitters are an unfortunate way of life with action cams and drones. Mostly happening with panning. Although with drones, as well as action cams, a lot of practice and excellent technique can smooth many of them out. But still they are there. Beginners can minimize jitters with less panning, but then your footage looks much less interesting. I've seen plenty of jitters in high end pro documentaries, wildlife and nature vids, etc. Having said this, the jitters drive me nuts and I hate them.

[@HillPhantom]

LOL. I feel that so much and agree. I look at my footage and I am like gross, look at that, and folks who aren't really in the game are like, ummmm what are you talking about? But then again I am like that in life, if anything in my office is out of place, I can't even work. FML lol.

[@richardpalmer4594]

Awesome response, thank you. @@HillPhantom

[@timoklap]

What are you talking about, it has 10bit also in normal mode. And the 2,5h record time is not in 4k. Compeared to gopro its so much ahead on batterylife time

[@HillPhantom]

Not sure I follow, Insta 360 Ace does not have 10 bit, and I say throughout that the DJI has 10 big. And with all due respect I got an hour, in the cold, shooting all different kinds of framrates. Didn't say it was better or worse than lagger GoPro. Why not watch the entire review, ZERO clue where you think I said GoPro didnt have 10 bit either. Better luck next time :)

[@HillPhantom]

Stated at 4:14 ROFL. And then again for good measure we discuss it at like 1:20, but did not mention both 10 bit for normal and log until 4:14. :)

[@panna_elianna]

I had massive issues with transcoding, as soon I downloaded content on phone or laptop in anything above 1080/50 fps it just didn't play video, just audio. Kept freezing and I wasn't able to edit even the low quality video, not even trim it. I tried many things to solve the problem but after 3 days of brainstorming I just gave up and send it back. May give one more shoot hoping that it was just faulty model that I had but really put me off.

[@HillPhantom]

Oh wow yes does sound like a faulty unit. I've found the quality control with the action line up very suspect

[@kamimcmmm]

I also returned my action 4, I had a lot of issues importing the footages into iPad, or playback them on TV via sad card slot, IMPOSSIBLE! My other high res action cams doing it flawlessly.

[@HillPhantom]

Interesting didn't try the IPAD, I wonder if I will have same issue with the pocket 3

[@Pinkymangar597]

Finally someone not sponsoring and really talking honestly ❤

[@HillPhantom]

So very kind and nice of you to say!

[@Yoyomanmanholla]

lol. No one will see the micro jitters when watching these videos on a phone

[@HillPhantom]

Yup. And sadly not everyone watches on phones. But your right many people do!