DJI Osmo Action 6 Review: The Action Cam That Forces the Competition to Wake Up

Packed with gadgets, undoubtedly the best.

DJI waited until mid-November 2025 to unveil its new action camera. A calendar in its favour, since its rival, GoPro, paused its annual rhythm by not releasing a Hero 14 — to focus on the GoPro Max 2. Insta360 also did not release a new Ace Pro in 2025. The DJI Osmo Action 6 therefore arrives on a more open action cam market than usual, but the brand does not seem to have rested on its laurels.

On paper, the new features are striking: the arrival of 8K definition, a new 1/1.1-inch sensor adopting a square format, and above all, a real first on this segment with the integration of a variable aperture. After having carried it through France and Spain, on hiking and trail running excursions, here is the complete review of the DJI Osmo Action 6.

After three generations with strictly identical chassis (from the Osmo Action 3 to the Action 5 Pro), DJI gently revises its design. This change is certainly dictated by technique: the new 1/1.1-inch sensor and the variable aperture mechanism had to be housed somewhere. As a result, the Osmo Action 6 puts on a slight weight, mainly in thickness.

It displays dimensions of 72.8 x 47.2 x 33.1 mm against 70.5 x 44.2 x 32.8 mm for the previous generations. On the scale, count 149 g, that is a small weight gain of 3 grams.

We are therefore slowly approaching the size of the GoPro Hero 13 Black (159 g for 71.8 x 50.8 x 33.6 mm), while remaining more compact and lighter than the imposing Insta360 Ace Pro 2, which peaks at 177 grams with its hinged screen.

In any case, we remain on a classic action camera format, with the same feeling of robustness as on the brand's other models. Those who want even smaller formats will turn to the DJI Osmo Nano or the Insta360 Go Ultra.

Button Issues

If the location of the power/Quick Switch button (left edge) and the shutter (on top) does not move, let us insist on what is surely the only negative note of this sub-section, and which is starting to look like a running gag. We have the impression of being the only ones to say it for several years on the Osmo Action range: the buttons are always too hard to press.

While this poses no problem on a daily basis, some uses of action cameras are done with gloves or with hands numbed by cold. In these conditions, the Osmo Action 6 buttons give a hard time — at least more than competitors.

Compartments and Waterproofing

We also find the two secure-opening hatches: the first houses the battery and the microSD slot, while the second protects the USB-C port. This is the opportunity to underline that the internal storage, so practical, is always present with a slightly increased capacity of 50 GB.

Concerning native waterproofing (without a case), it is maintained at 20 metres. It is simple: it is twice as much as what GoPro offers. The pressure gauge is also still present. It allows you to display altitude or depth in real time, but can especially automatically start and stop recording when entering or leaving the water.

Display and Battery

On the display side, DJI capitalises on its excellent achievements. The two OLED touch screens (one front, one back) are still as bright and responsive. They offer that "edge-to-edge" effect that we hope to see arriving one day at GoPro.

Unlike last year, DJI does not increase the battery capacity, which stagnates at 1,950 mAh. Guess what? The change in size of the Action 6 has not prevented the brand from keeping the same battery format. They are therefore perfectly compatible (and vice versa) with those of the Osmo Action 5 Pro, 4, and 3. You can even exchange them with the DJI Osmo 360. Nice gesture, beautiful effort.

Mounting System

Finally, the Osmo Action 6 retains its magnetic quick-release mounting system to switch from one accessory to another (helmet, pole, chest) without screwing anything. Good news this year: the system becomes bidirectional. We can finally clip the camera in both directions, which is particularly practical for turning the lens towards yourself on a bicycle handlebar, for example.

Despite this, GoPro keeps a head start on pure versatility. Where the Hero 13 Black natively integrates three mounting methods (magnetic, 1/4" thread and articulated rods) under its housing, the Osmo Action 6 remains dependent on its magnetic adapter. Pity. We are also waiting for the integration of a GPS chip directly in the camera. GoPro keeps the advantage there too.

If there is one point on which DJI has taken a comfortable lead over GoPro in recent years, it is the responsiveness of its interface. The Osmo Action 6 is no exception and offers an always instantaneous start-up.

Between the moment we press the shutter and the moment the camera starts recording, barely a second passes — the first start-up of the day is longer, but all subsequent ones are almost instantaneous. It is a comfort that we now have difficulty doing without and which can make a big difference in use.

Menu Navigation

Navigation in the menus is identical to what we know on the Action 5 Pro. It is intuitive, swipe gestures respond well, and the menu structure is fairly clear. We will note however the appearance of new settings linked to this year's big new feature: the variable aperture.

Square Sensor Display

On the display side, the square format of the new 1/1.1-inch sensor brings a small modification to the video feedback. DJI offers a default crop, but it is possible to display the entire sensor (in 1:1 mode) to better compose your shots before a future vertical or horizontal crop in post-production.

Quick Switch and Profiles

The Quick Switch button, located on the left edge, allows you to navigate quickly between shooting modes (photo, video, slow motion...), but above all to switch between your own custom profiles.

You can for example configure a "MTB" profile set on 4K 60p in ultra-wide angle with maximum stabilisation, and a more sober "Vlog" profile in 4K 30p with a standard field of view. Practical to adapt your settings on the fly and without ever having to go through the touch screen.

This is the big chunk of this new generation. To try to definitively distance GoPro, DJI has completely revised the hardware score of its Osmo Action 6. There are three big new features.

The Square Sensor

First, DJI abandons the traditional 4/3 ratio to integrate a 1/1.1-inch sensor in square format (1:1). In simple terms, this gives you the ability to film without too much fuss and decide afterwards on the final format, by cropping horizontally (16:9) or vertically (9:16). This new feature will also allow you to film in the orientation you want without necessarily having to rotate the camera.

In other words, for an initial video with the new format, you can export it both in an Instagram stories format, but also in a horizontal YouTube format. DJI therefore joins GoPro on this terrain — with a few details, but the cropping advantage is the same.

We also note the appearance of yet another field of view mode. Called "Natural Wide", it corrects distortions on the edges of the image a little, but without imposing the strong cropping of the classic linear mode. It is a good middle ground.

8K Video

Then, the arrival of 8K, much awaited by some users. At launch, the Osmo Action 6 capped (so to speak) at 4K. It took a recent software update for the camera to unlock 8K recording. We did not have the opportunity to test this new definition. If we logically imagine more details in the image, it is especially the room for manoeuvre offered to crop in the video that will be appreciated.

Be careful with file sizes, of course. Also, count on a frame rate of 24, 25, or 30p. Last detail, the 1:1 ratio is not compatible with this higher definition: the 8K mode necessarily records in 16:9. Classic users really do not need this 8K mode, but GoPro will have no choice but to align with its next camera. Note that the Insta360 Ace Pro 2 also offers an 8K option.

Variable Aperture

Finally, this famous integration of a variable aperture — from f/2.0 to f/4.0. It is a first on an action camera and on paper, the promise is enticing: open at f/2.0 to capture maximum light in dim conditions, and close to f/4.0 to focus very close.

Let us be quite frank: after several days of use, the variable focal aperture is more of a technological showcase than an essential revolution, at least for the general public. When filming classically during the day, the camera automatically adjusts to f/2.8... that is exactly the fixed aperture of the Osmo Action 5 Pro.

This addition is rather aimed at advanced videographers, vloggers, and content creators who take the time to set up their device. To really take advantage of it, you have to switch to Pro mode and lock your aperture manually.

Image Quality Daytime

In broad daylight as you have seen, the overall image quality is unsurprisingly excellent. The colour rendering in normal profile is pleasant, and more advanced videographers can always switch to the D-Log M profile in 10 bits to grade their sequences themselves. GoPro keeps more natural images, but only a side-by-side comparison would allow non-experts to see the difference.

The Osmo Action 6 seems to offer at least the same dynamic range as the Osmo Action 5 Pro. During the tests, it did not let itself be surprised by the outdoor light when filming from the cabin of a car. In undergrowth, we logically notice burnt sky parts, but which are quickly corrected when leaving the woods.

Night Mode Performance

And at night then? The Osmo Action 6 once again offers excellent results for a camera of this size. Coupled with the f/2.0 aperture, the night mode and dedicated processing crush GoPro once again. There is simply no match. DJI widens the gap (alongside Insta360) against GoPro. A gap that was already very wide.

Be careful however with stabilisation in night mode on the Osmo Action 6, which logically degrades in these conditions. Note that night mode is only usable in 16:9 format. It is also frustrating to note that DJI still skips real creative night modes (star trails, light painting), an area that GoPro still dominates today.

As every year, DJI's software stabilisation (called RockSteady) works wonders. The camera handles trail jolts without flinching, delivering a frankly fluid final image. Well, all competitors do that too.

This year, the real software new feature concerns horizon maintenance. On the Action 5 Pro, blocking the horizon at 360 degrees forced you to sacrifice quality by going down to 2.7K definition. On the Osmo Action 6, this is now possible while filming in 4K.

Be careful however with the different functions you activate. I sometimes found myself with a far too aggressive crop. For everyday and sports scenes, prioritise a good old 4K 30 with stabilisation in its RockSteady 3.0 mode.

On the side of additional features, we find the integration of the brand's ecosystem, which allows for example a direct connection between the camera and the DJI Mic 2 or DJI Mic Mini microphones.

Among the less useful functions, DJI offers this year again a subject tracking mode. The camera will digitally crop the image to keep the subject (you or the person you are filming) at the centre of the action. The idea is fun on paper, but it limits the recording to a definition of 2.7K. We also find the classics of the range: pre-recording, loop recording, slow motion, time-lapse, photo modes...

Let us repeat, the DJI Osmo Action 6 still does not offer night effects and still does not integrate native GPS.

DJI has not announced any particular advances on autonomy with its Osmo Action 6. The brand still highlights an autonomy of 240 minutes (4 hours therefore) when filming in 1080p. I did the basic tests on my side by leaving the camera running continuously, without airflow to cool it, but without using the screens. I came across battery life of:

• 160 minutes in 1080p at 30 frames per second
• 112 minutes in 4K at 60 frames per second

This is a little less than the DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro, but it is in the high end for an action camera.

Real-World Testing

The battery of my Osmo Action 6 went from 100% to 83% after 7 hours of hiking, during which I recorded 18 videos for a total of 7 to 8 minutes of footage — that is little, but the technique is precisely to avoid long videos and to favour multiple small recordings.

On a slightly busier day (trail running outing in the morning, then another in the evening), the camera fell from 100% to 65%, with 3 minutes of video in the morning and 13 minutes in the evening.

Charging

Finally, charging is still as fast: just fifty minutes are enough to fully recharge the Osmo Action 6. This is here again a big advantage against GoPro.

The DJI Osmo Action 6 has been available in France since mid-November 2025 and it is on the nerve of the war that DJI continues to strike the hardest. The camera is launched at €379 in its standard pack (which includes the camera, a battery, a magnetic mounting bracket and a screw).

This is the good news of this test: the Chinese manufacturer freezes its prices. The Osmo Action 6 comes out at exactly the same price as the Osmo Action 5 Pro last year.

The GoPro Hero 13 Black and the Insta360 Ace Pro 2 have been launched between €399 and €449. At present, the Osmo Action 6 mechanically establishes itself as the best value for money on the market.

Finally, that is without counting the multiple promotions of the competition: the GoPro Hero 13 Black, the Insta360 Ace Pro 2 (and even the previous DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro) are often around €300, even below this symbolic mark.

As usual, DJI declines its Osmo Action 6 in a so-called "Adventure" pack priced at €479. The latter includes three batteries, the excellent multifunction charging case and a 1.5-metre extension bar. A heavier initial investment, but one that we strongly recommend to action camera novices.

Positive Points

• Superb screens
• 20-metre waterproofing and integrated pressure gauge
• Generous internal storage (50 GB)
• Fluid interface and almost instant start-up
• Square format sensor for cropping in 16:9 or 9:16
• Image quality, day and night
• Superb stabilisation
• Good battery life and very fast charging

Negative Points

• Buttons still too hard to press
• Variable aperture is more of a showcase than a revolution for general public
• No native GPS chip
• Less mounting versatility than GoPro
• No creative night modes (star trails, light painting)