Is It Still Blurry? New Firmware - DJI Osmo Action 3 - Side by Side w/ Hero 11 - 4k

Has the new firmware helped DJI's latest attempt to dethrone GoPro? In short, NO. The Osmo Action 3 is a great action camera. I love so many things about it. The front touch screen, the magnetic base, flat multi charger. But, and that's a big BUT, the camera is not focused properly. I have watched several videos on this topic. I even linked a couple below that I reference in my video. I am going to return this camera. Hopefully DJI do some kind of fix or recall of these cameras. I will be the first in line if and when they do.
Referenced video links below:
Worth It or Not? : • Action 3 Focus Issue P...
Rush Media: • DJI Osmo Action 3 Majo...
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#dji #djiaction3 #newfirmware

[@kelalamusic9258]

This is a bad issue on DJI's part. Rushing products out to the market place like this will only damage their reputation. I've alway been a fan of GoPro products, and this issue with DJO only reinforces that. I recall when I purchased the first OSMO Pocket. It had an issue with focusing. Yes, the firmware update did rectify it. Personally, I think DJI should stick to what they do best . . . drones. Excellent video.

[@christopherjordan8472]

I’m enjoying my Osmo Action 3 a lot. Not everyone has the focus issue for some reason. Solid stabilization and features are making you film with much ease while having an adventure.

[@uosocal]

Good to hear your camera is working. I love the A3. I hope a fix is coming.

[@matsebarumi6894]

Yes true. There are tons of advantages in practical use for action compared to gopro. No more freeze, empty battery, overheating. Fast unmounting/mounting while filming. Faster boot. Fast reload battery. Smaller size. Yes footage could be slightly better, but it's still fine. What I don't like is not the focus issue. It's there's no negative gain for external mic.

[@stefpix]

sneaky firmware update injects a placebo of digital sharpening that worsens the problem. That grass is so sharpened it looks like some cheap action cam from 2015. Probably not even the infinity is really in focus. Maybe the lens is too close to the sensor, or the focus is past the infinity. Sneaky DJI.

[@Tallguysrc]

thanks for being open and honest (DJI loves to rush S@%T out before they test stuff this has happened now like 6 times) they send their stuff to all these influencers who honestly just pump out fanboy videos saying it's the best OMG greatest camera I have owned and then people follow them over the cliff like lemmings and buy stuff that should not be sold, funny also there are 365 days in a year what are the odds they would release this on the same day as GoPro come on! Again thanks for your honest review.

[@uosocal]

The supposed influencers are just garbage. They have no idea on how to use 99% of the items they review. Even the one person I trust for honest tech reviews kind of glanced over this flaw. Thank you for the kind words. I try my best to just show my results without any bias.

[@Tallguysrc]

@@uosocal no problem thanks again

[@davefink2326]

@@uosocal I'm guessing those influencers are all under NDA specifically regarding the focus issue, which is likely limited to a specific production run and defined by a serial number range. We'll see if that's what it turns out to be, but it's customary for companies to stay quiet about such things and simply deal with disgruntled customers one-by-one . . the few that actually detect a problem and want to return the camera

[@uosocal]

I hope the problem isn't across all the units. I would gladly buy another camera if DJI admitted to a specific run being problematic. I've watched several of those videos, even Action 2 vids, and they all seem soft.

[@MTBraging]

Great breakdown and solid , honest opinion .

[@jaysun070476]

Loaded up a raw image into lightroom and the sharpness was allready set to 50 on a scale 0 to 100 thats ridiculous i would never turn sharpness up that high along with that de noise and smoothness was allready cranked up high. What are they trying to hide? Its suppose to be a raw image.

[@gabrielnorman7764]

I’d still choose Osmo Action 3. Maybe I’m just done with gopro at this point. DJI’s much more reliable I think. Plus they’re known to fix issues.

[@cl0rox]

Exactly that. Whenever I contact GoPro Support for an issue I end up disappointed. They literally don't know shit. They're clueless.

[@uosocal]

My experiences with DJI has always been great. They approved my return of the A3 within a day, emailed me a return tracking number, and even called me to make sure I received everything.

[@AskIveSolar]

Watched the video and wanted to drop a comment. I was thinking about this cam but not seriously, I wonder if they will try to make hardware improvements on the next batch.

[@uosocal]

I hope so. I'll be the first in line to purchase.

[@TheRoute.]

For people like me that mainly record in wilderness areas I prefer battery life and durability. I mount My cameras outside the car and GoPro overheats quick compared to Even cheap akaso cameras.

[@T4nkcommander]

I've never had my gopros overheat outside my vehicle* even in 110F temps, even at the highest resolutions other cameras can only dream of doing. I have had them overheat in the sun on the interior dash, but that's for lack of airflow. *OK, there was a 112F day that I had it mounted behind the cab so it got no airflow. Still lasted awhile.

[@uosocal]

I've been using them for years, and maybe once or twice one over heated. I don't tend to run them for more than 10 minutes at a time.

[@TheRoute.]

Guys I work In the hottest place in USA death valley national park and GoPro overheats in 10mins or less.

[@uosocal]

Are you stationery, or moving around?

[@TheRoute.]

@@uosocal I drive around! I love the GoPro clear videos but only thing it can't take the Death

[@f52023]

Thank you for sharing.If you add the GoPro overheating problem,GoPro is a failure

[@uosocal]

I never have problems with the Hero 11 overheating. I use it mainly for MTB. I usually shut it off after each run, but sometimes forget.

[@fishycomics]

I may have to go buy the hero 100 but not when I own the Hero 10, DJI lost my business till a new product and correctly marked on the box trouble free

[@matsebarumi6894]

Its time that a +2 Diapter is buyable made for action3 for to put it over. Probably will come from a third company, not from Dji. Just wait a few days

[@uosocal]

That would be great. Probably be on Amazon in the next couple of weeks.

[@droneview-Berlin]

Wait, you are making a video of the DJI OA3 while GoPro is one of your supporters? Seriously? Also the different sharpness levels of GoPro are software settings as well and do the exact same thing as the DJI.

[@uosocal]

All of the footage in this video is raw, straight off the SD card. I'm just sharing my honest results with both of these cameras.

[@hqcariello]

The videos I’ve seen from users complaining about the out of focus issue , are really bad. It’s really noticeable. From my iPad , your camera seems just fine . I certainly don’t have the issue neither .

[@DutchinBrazil]

Same for me, I shot some 4k footage as well on my channel, there is an issue but it affects some cameras differently, i keep mine and take DJI care as a backup, waiting for the 10 bit update

[@realMDizzy]

Oh nice so it doesn't plague every camera? I wasn't sure because so many people have this problem I thought it was all of the cameras. So it's like a lottery? Guess you gotta get lucky or do an RMA!!!

[@christianehart1699]

Look at 3:42 at the video, there you see how the OA3 is Out of Focus and unsharp. Check out the Hills (Background) and the bushes (Foreground). Some people including myself are seeing this, some people not...From my point of view all OA3 have that Hardware Issue, therefore I send my one back, for such money I expect more quality, I hope they will fix it with a new Revision, because all the rest of the cam would be so perfect. Of course it also depend if you watch it on Tablet, Monitor or on TV - And dont take it personally...

[@hqcariello]

@@christianehart1699 one must be happy with his camera for sure. I like mine for what I use and what provides for me. I also like my Gopro 11.

[@CAMTechChris]

If you were to actually purchase an A3 and try it yourself against a Hero 10 or 11 you would definitely see the difference.

[@TJLlagas]

I don't see any focus issue in your video, am I right?

[@uosocal]

It's there. Watch in 4k. My face and beard have much more detail on the Hero 11.

[@MainJet158]

Your face and beard, OMG

[@londenard]

Is it really a surprise that a $500 camera is better than a $300 camera?

[@uosocal]

I guess not.

[@londenard]

@@uosocal Sometimes I just marvel at how hard we are on these devices. There are plenty of reviews bashing the GoPro as well. I personally think this is similar to comparing two TVs, both look awesome viewed individually but side by side you can pick out differences. I can guarantee you that outside of the KZbin reviewer space, there are thousands of people that have purchased the Action 3 and are completely satisfied.

[@londenard]

@MONO Hmm... well that's not everyone's opinion but okay if you say so. I guess you should all go out and buy the GoPro Hero 11 then, cool.

[@Leo.SKDXL05]

I purchased my A3 from B&H in downtown Manhattan manufacturing 9/22...focus was soft, not horrible...updated to the newest firmware and didn't really notice a meaningful difference. Tried calling DJI to open up a ticket but 4 phone calls and two emails later they have yet to open a ticket...this was 5 days ago...today to recorded a time lapse of my last ride with the 9/22 to return it to B&H...asked them to check inventory for an 11/22 manufacturing date A3 and less than five minutes later the sales person returned with one! Haven't taken it out for a test run but I'm optimistic.

[@RandumbTech]

How in 2022 does a camera get released with this kind of fatal flaw? All is does is bolster GoPro’s sales.

[@uosocal]

Very bad quality control. DJI has been hit and miss. Everytime they rush something, they screw up.

[@DavidBeechfieldBrownArt]

Yes because it’s a hardware issue not software.

[@CAMTechChris]

I returned my A3 earlier this week and kep my Hero 11 the difference in video quality is night and day. I was actually willing to tolerate a bit of lower video quality from the A3 to be able to enjoy a few of the benefits. However, the A3 was just plain bad. DJI should have never released this thing.

[@nokkieg1]

wow thats total bs... i think shes just fine.. i do know about the issue. i have seen it on a 4k monitor , on YT or FB you wont even notice.

[@CAMTechChris]

@@nokkieg1 BS?? That's nice. It may be bs for you, but not for me and many others that actually prefer quality video. The Hero 11 video quality is objectively better with less digital sharpening, better dynamic range control and no silly out of focus issue due to (most likely) poor or rushed lens calibration at the factory. It's not all about how it looks on KZbin or Facebook, there actually is such a thing as watching video content on bigger screens and that's where the difference will really show. This was a rush job by DJI so they could announce this thing same day as the Hero 11 was announced. GoPro is not with our flaws either but image quality is not one of them.

[@uosocal]

Nicely put.

[@nokkieg1]

@@CAMTechChris No the BS, is on "the difference in video quality is night and day","the A3 was just plain bad" that's not true.. Its not a bad camera at all, I own the GP10, and its a nice camera, but the image quality of the OSMO action 3 is way better. So if you say its plain bad, that means the Gopro10 is even worse.. Now the gopro10 is the first gopro that halfway delivers what gopro has been selling for years. I had a ton of gopros, and they all where giving me headaches. Now the GP11 all review footage you see is in prefect lighting conditions, once those conditions are gone the image quality drops. The OA3 gets worse also, but its still a good image.. I shot in so/so overhang conditions, going through mud pits in a forest with changing light conditions, that's just the environment i am in.. Both the GP10 and the OA3 gave good image quality, but the OA3's was better.. And we do like the motion blur , as the Gopro Image gives the idea that you stand still its too sharp.. The OA3 gives the impression of speed well.. Now thats what i use it for.. I don't use it to film the fam in the backyard on a sunny day.. There the Gp11 may be better. But DJI has always improved their products over time, if you owned DJI products as you probably do, you know that.. i have not tried the new firmware yet, but i am sure it will be better than it was before, DJI has not let me down yet, and gopro, has just always been a let down in the end..

[@nokkieg1]

@@CAMTechChris One more comment here. The DJI moto community asked for motion blur as it was lacking on the OA1 , we asked for this form factor to return. Now i can't speak on the lens and if it was rushed or not. But what is in the OA3 is exactly what the DJI community asked for.. to a T. We did not want fancy new features, we asked for an upgrade of the OA1 that had a higher bitrate, motion blur, did 4K@60FPS and had a wider FOV. And i love that DJI listened to their buyers. And I hated the Action 2... i really do not like anything about that camera. If there was something i did not like on the OA3, i would say that.

[@paularckless7254]

The DJI OSMO Action 3 does not overheat and has great battery life, these are 2 things i can get with action cameras that cost less than £100, as for image quality i have seen better on cameras for less than £100 i have a Go Pro 10 and use it next to an Apeman 80 the comparison is like comparing the Action 3 against the Go Pro, my Apeman 80 images look as good as the DJI 3 and it only cost me £40.

[@shelby5723]

Same issue, thanks for sharing 👍

[@swaggyswag147]

Tbh I think the videos shown j in this video are very comparable, not sure if it’s because I’m watching on my iPad, will view on my monitor later though

[@uosocal]

It's really noticeable at higher resolution.

[@WORTHITORNOT]

Found your video via copyright notice lol. Thanks for the shoutout and link to my video. Unfortunately it's my opinion that DJI can not fix this focus issue via firmware as the lens calibration/distance from the sensor it too far out to ever be corrected with firmware. In my test this new firmware just added sharpening and in your side by side video the focus still looks soft with a lot of sharpening added and you can see how bad it's still out of focus when you look at the distant mountains @04:05

[@uosocal]

I also watched a couple of Action 2 reviews. Last year KZbin was comparing that model with the Hero 10. The A2 image looks soft, just like the A3.

[@AlexandreeSantoss]

@@uosocal mine doesn’t it looks actually better than the Hero 10 in my experience. Loving my Dji Action 2, much better than the Action 3.

[@jamesbrown4107]

the crux of it is they're both poor but the Action is less money, so.....

[@codybrucewilliams]

if dji files a lawsuit against their optics provider, that will tell the story right there. Looks like i will be waiting until version 4.

[@rolliseventeen]

Will not happen. Its just a mounting or quality control problem. Not all cams have this problem.

[@bjmaston]

You’re quite literally sponsored by GoPro. LOL

[@uosocal]

Doesn't mean I'm wrong. The A3 image is just too soft.

[@bjmaston]

@@uosocal Haha. Brilliant value, Sir.

[@dougmorato]

Big fail from DJI. That update just made things even worse (super processed/over sharpened image). GoPro colors and dynamic range are waaay better as well. It’s really a pity since A3 had a lot of potential. Great stabilization, wider FoV, smaller, better battery life, and a much better price range.

[@uosocal]

Completely agree.

[@danielk7111]

Yep. Color, too much whites, and one guy on YT (Danny Black) tested low light with stabilization off and it was darker(than the 11) but he said (watching on my phone) the A3 image was sharper in low low light. I’ve noticed flaring, blown out whites that’s discouraging as well.

[@rogueFactor]

insta360 even has a sharpness setting i don' get why DJI wouldn't add this software feature. great video.

[@nokkieg1]

because you can do it in post.

[@rogueFactor]

@@nokkieg1 anybody can do it in post. Why make the creator go an extra step?

[@nokkieg1]

@@rogueFactor everyone does it in post.. i dont even look at the image from the camera..

[@rogueFactor]

@@nokkieg1 The only camera I don't have to do it in post with is the Insta360 RS.

[@nokkieg1]

insta360rs i dont have ,😂

[@KabirWorld]

Just Pause the video at 04:00 and try to find the Spikes in A3 while you can easily count the same on GoPro Hero 11's footage.

[@KungPowEnterFist]

This is just another horrible action camera camera out of DJI. Competition is good for the consumer, but this is not competition. Gopro has an insurmountable lead here. It does look like the DJI OA3 has finally gotten OA line to Hero 5B level in terms of IQ, though, so there is that. In 2015 I would have been impressed. Anyway, shout out to all the fake accounts chiming in on how Gopro's overheat, buggy, lost video files, yada, yada, yada. DJI to the moon, baby!

[@anonimouse7018]

I've been trying to decide which one to buy. I guess I'm skipping dji. Focus issue is clearly not fixed, and it looked like they're just pretending to have fixed the issue. Even if dji is cheaper, i wouldn't settle for a substandard product.

[@rolf2473]

Yeah, I've send it back, waiting for refund. Too bad, it was a nice camera.

[@davidhansen4927]

I just bought mine and am waiting for it in the mail. I have the hero 10 and am fed up with the crashing, over heating, constant "corrupted file" messages. I only use the camera for a motorcycle helmet cam so I don't think the focus issue will a problem for me but I also hope I get one without the issue entirely. The battery life and lack of crashing is what sold me.

[@uosocal]

It is great for that.

[@KungPowEnterFist]

This is a you problem. I got the Hero 10 at launch and have put hundreds of hours/clips on it and not one crash, overheat in a real world use, corrupted files, lost video clips, or whatever other made up nonsense you are claiming. Maybe spend more than $3 on the memory card next time.

[@davidhansen4927]

@@KungPowEnterFist I have Sandisk 256g card....

[@ArcticExploring]

Your copy looks sharp enough, not like our others that still is have a blurry camera. I have done so many tests about it.

[@uosocal]

I love everything about this camera. The three main things I look for in videos is: image quality, sound, and stabilization. A product has to hit all three things for me.

[@helder4u]

are you calling the wind-screens deadcats, why?

[@LCARSADV]

Mine was out of focus, quality was really bad. Sent it back

[@vijay9669]

I am very disappointed about this action camera.I have heating issues when I am taking 4K 100FPS video.

[@uosocal]

I didn't have a chance to do much testing at 120fps. That's good to know. Thanks

[@ChristopherCina]

Sent my Action 3 back for a replacement, hoping the unit I get back doesn't have the focus issue.

[@uosocal]

Please let me know if the new unit is fixed. Thanks

[@ChristopherCina]

@@uosocal Will do!

[@PapaVic9758]

Does the obvious quick hack seem like somebody needs to make a screw-on diopter for the Action 3?

[@uosocal]

I'm sure someone is already making it. Probably part of an ND filter pack.

[@Hkmughalgaming]

The footage of Action 3 looks good, Audio sounds much better than the Go Pro. Some KZbinrs haven't reported any defocusing issues maybe you have one of the faulty cameras.

[@JoeInMemphis]

I have two different series GoPro cameras, owning those two cameras is what pushed me to get the Action 3. I now have a camera that doesn't overheat and shut itself down, prematurely run out of power, or freeze the video but continue recording the audio. When I push the button, I get video on the memory card, which to me is much more important than a softness issue that I will never notice unless I am viewing footage side by side. I am thoroughly pleased with my Action 3, and will never go back to a platform that continues to put new model cameras out with the same issues, specifically overheating and freezing the video, I can't trust a camera like that. EDIT: After looking through the comments I see where some have sharpness issues and some seem to be just fine, after showing friends the unedited uncompressed video from mine it seems that I got one that is just fine. What's the chances...

[@uosocal]

I love the A3. Everything other than the focus is as good if not better than Gopro. Awesome that you got a good one.

[@rockel83]

Returned my Action 3 this afternoon. Tried to make some recordings without the protection glass before returning it today. But it doesn't makes much of a difference, I heven have the feeling it's even worst without. DJI missed the ship here...

[@osomax]

Good job !!

[@AlexandreeSantoss]

I bought myself a Dji Action 2 and sent the Action 3 back, I found the quality on the Action 2 superior! Also, I have no problems with overheating issues here in Germany, so it’s the perfect Action camera, also, it was super cheap!

[@uosocal]

I thought about doing that myself. The A2 looks like it would fit under my visor really well.

[@AlexandreeSantoss]

@@uosocal it’s honestly an amazing camera, apart from the overheating issues some people experience, have not experienced those myself, maybe because I’ve got the magnetic case attached to it. I have the Screen Combo one, and LOVE IT!

[@uosocal]

If I can find one really cheap, I might try it out.

[@AlexandreeSantoss]

@@uosocal here in Germany I bought it for €299, down from €519. With Screen Combo and Magnetic Case ☺️

[@Andrea-ig3iq]

@@AlexandreeSantoss Hello, I'm considering buying an Action 2 dual screen at 199 euros, compared to an Action 3 at 349 euros; Do you think Action 2 is better? Thank you

[@ericvaughan11]

I to returned mine, software update didn’t help. I got GoPro 11 and now I’m glad this happened, because after seeing the GoPro footage it is far better then OA3. I don’t mean just sharpness but dynamic range, colors, flare and resolution beats it in every way. The OA3 didn’t handle high contrast scenes well at all. GoPro 11 looks great on high contrast scenes. I hope DJI does right thing and recalls all these for the poor people who missed the return window.

[@uosocal]

The Hero 11 is definitely a better camera. The Auto settings of the A3 were not great. I did one test in manual mode with nd filters, and the image was a little bit better. I hope DJI does something for the masses, but I doubt it.

[@npthien]

Gopro 11 with the details up to 10 bit color so it should not compare the one with 8 bit color in OA3.

[@markthomas8018]

I will wait a few months for another update before deciding between buying this over the Go Pro 11.

[@emeraldsoundproductions]

I have an Action 3 and have zero issues with it focusing properly.

[@uosocal]

That is good news. At least that means there's a chance this problem is fixable.

[@darkmistico]

but what about the go pro 11 overheating problem.... i like better a camera that can RECORD... not malfunction because its hot

[@uosocal]

The only time my Hero 11 over heated was indoors doing a timelapse. Outside it was fine.

[@T4nkcommander]

Gopro only overheats at high res settings no other camera has. With decent airflow it'll handle super hot days no problem - with no airflow mine will overheat after about 20 minutes in direct sun inside a dive case, assuming ambient temp is 80f+.

[@MainJet158]

The DJI video quality all the way up to the 2:20 mark is perfect. I don't know what happens when you went to the split screen but the DJI side looks flat. It's not the camera but the creation of the side by side video. I've watched several of these comparison videos and I find them annoying because they are not using the action camera to make an action video. If I wanted or needed a vlog camera or something to stare at statues I would buy something better suited for that.

[@uosocal]

Check out my first video. I have it side by side on my mountain bike.

[@MainJet158]

I watched the first video and once again the vlog portion in the beginning looks great! I don't know if you are color grading or sharpening but hopefully it's straight out of camera. The side by footage also looks great! Is the image better with the GoPro? slightly but when the action is moving they are both good. When I watch action videos I want to see the event and not dwell on the perfection of the camera. I have an Action 3 and the ease of use is worth a lot. I'm going racing this weekend and I hope the sun is out because that's when action camera footage looks it's best. So far I'm stoked with Action 3.

[@uosocal]

The A3 footage isn't bad by itself. It's just slightly off. Once I saw the difference, it was all I could see.

[@freddiestemple8997]

It's hard to focus on the focus issue of the Action3 when there's so much that must be improved on the Hero 11 more than the Action 3

[@uosocal]

What are some of the problems you are having with the Hero 11? Other than not connecting to my Samsung phone sometimes, I haven't had many issues.

[@samer820]

Yeah Hero 11 has overheating issue, short battery, thermal runaway (auto shutoff) while Action 3 has so much better all these and better user experience.... if the focus issue has been fixed I would go with Action 3 without hesitation I guess.