DJI today launched the Osmo Action 6, introducing the industry’s first variable aperture action camera (f/2.0 to f/4.0) paired with a 1/1.1-inch square CMOS sensor featuring 2.4μm fused large pixels. DJI claims that the camera delivers up to 13.5 stops of dynamic range, records 4K Custom mode at 3840×3840 up to 60fps and 4K/120fps in 4:3, and includes 10-bit D-Log M color, dual OLED touchscreens with 1000 nit peak brightness, IP68 waterproofing to 20m, and 50GB built-in storage. Available now with shipping starting today.
The Osmo Action 6 represents DJI’s most ambitious action camera to date, introducing hardware capabilities previously unseen in the segment. The mechanically variable aperture system fundamentally changes how action cameras handle varying lighting conditions, while the larger sensor positions this camera to compete as a B-camera or specialized rig option for professional productions.
The Osmo Action evolution – and our previous reviews
CineD has extensively covered and reviewed DJI’s action camera evolution since the original Osmo Action in 2019. We tested the modular Action 2 in 2021, the Action 3 in 2022, and crowned the Osmo Action 4 the “new king of action cameras” in 2023 with its 1/1.3-inch sensor and 10-bit D-Log M implementation. Most recently, we reviewed the Action 5 Pro in 2024, which maintained the 1/1.3-inch sensor but initially struggled with bitrate limitations before firmware updates addressed the issues. The Action 6’s jump to a 1/1.1-inch sensor and variable aperture represents the most significant hardware upgrade in the lineup’s history.
DJI Osmo Action 6. Image credit: DJIIndustry-first variable aperture system
The defining feature of the Osmo Action 6 is its mechanically variable aperture, a genuine first for action cameras. The system operates across four modes: Auto, Fixed (f/2.8), Starburst (f/4.0), and Large Aperture (f/2.0). In Auto mode, the aperture continuously adjusts between f/2.0 and f/4.0 based on lighting conditions, with five selectable aperture ranges available.
Fixed mode locks at f/2.8 with a 35cm minimum focus distance. Starburst mode operates at f/4.0 with 20cm minimum focus distance for six-point starburst effects from point light sources. Large Aperture mode, available in SuperNight or with the Macro Lens, opens to f/2.0 for maximum low-light sensitivity and shallow depth-of-field effects.
An industry first: The DJI Osmo Action 6 is an action camera with mechanical variable aperture, f/2.0-f/4.0. Image credit: DJINew 1/1.1-inch square sensor architecture
DJI equipped the Action 6 with a 1/1.1-inch square CMOS sensor featuring 2.4μm fused large pixels. The square aspect ratio enables 4K Custom recording (3840×3840) while maintaining sufficient sensor area for traditional 16:9 and 4:3 capture.
The sensor and 4nm image processor deliver up to 13.5 stops of dynamic range. When paired with the f/2.0 aperture, DJI claims up to a 0.5-stop advantage in low-light image quality compared to competitors. ISO ranges extend to 25600 in standard video modes and 51200 in SuperNight mode, with photo mode reaching ISO 25600. The 1/1.1-inch sensor maintains the compact 72.8×47.2×33.1mm body dimensions and 149g weight.
Recording formats and frame rates
The Action 6 supports extensive recording formats and frame rates. The 4K Custom mode records at 3840×3840 up to 60fps, allowing flexible cropping to 16:9, 9:16, or other aspect ratios in post-production without resolution loss.
Standard 4K recording extends to 120fps in 4:3 (3840×2880), 16:9 (3840×2160), and 9:16 vertical formats. At 2.7K resolution, frame rates reach 120fps across all aspect ratios. For high-speed capture, 1080p recording reaches 240fps, enabling 8x slow-motion playback.
The camera uses H.265/HEVC compression at bitrates up to 120Mbps in MP4 containers. Still images capture in JPEG or RAW at 7168×5376 pixels (38MP). The 64GB built-in storage provides 50GB available space, expandable to 1TB via microSD card (UHS-I U3 A2 V30 recommended).
SuperNight and low-light performance
SuperNight mode now supports recording up to 4K/60fps with AI-powered noise reduction. The mode operates in 16:9 format at 4K, 2.7K, and 1080p resolutions across 24-60fps. When active, users can select between Large Aperture (f/2.0), Fixed (f/2.8), or Starburst (f/4.0) modes.
The combination of f/2.0 aperture, larger sensor with 2.4μm pixels, and AI noise reduction maintains full 4K capture in extreme low-light conditions. The built-in color temperature sensor actively detects light flickering and color temperature shifts, enabling accurate white balance when transitioning between environments, such as moving from underwater to surface.
Color science and professional workflows
The Action 6 records 10-bit color in both Standard and D-Log M modes. The D-Log M implementation uses the Rec.2020 color space, expanding dynamic range and preserving highlight and shadow detail for color grading workflows. Real-time color preview allows operators to monitor color grading effects during recording.
The camera includes six film tone presets: CC (cool tones), NC (classic negative film), TR (natural skin tones), WT (warm architectural tones), FE (cinematic depth), and NV (amber-tinted vintage look). Each preset offers intensity adjustment from 0-100%, defaulting to 50%. The built-in timecode functionality enables quick multi-camera synchronization in post-production software.
2.5-inch display at the back of the Action 6. Image credit: DJIPortrait mode and advanced image features
Portrait Mode intelligently detects and prioritizes subjects while optimizing exposure for true-to-life skin tones. The system maintains well-balanced subject brightness with smooth exposure transitions when faces appear or disappear. Skin tones remain natural without oversaturation, and the mode preserves fine texture while avoiding excessive smoothing in backlit or nighttime shots.
The Natural Wide field of view reduces vertical distortion while maintaining broad perspective, delivering more natural-looking footage for travel vlogs and everyday content. The 2x Lossless Zoom allows users to zoom up to 2x without compromising 4K quality. This feature is unavailable in 38MP/34MP photo mode, SuperNight, Subject Tracking, Slow Motion, or Timelapse modes.
Stabilization and horizon leveling
DJI’s stabilization suite includes RockSteady 3.0 for standard electronic stabilization, RockSteady 3.0+ with increased crop for enhanced stability, HorizonBalancing for shake elimination within ±45° of level, and HorizonSteady for full 360° roll axis stabilization up to 4K/60fps.
The 155° ultra-wide field of view maintains expansive perspective even with stabilization active. HorizonSteady and HorizonBalancing require 16:9 format recording at 60fps or lower for 1080p, 2.7K, 4K 16:9, and 4K Custom modes. Stabilization does not operate in Slow Motion or Timelapse modes.
Subject tracking and intelligent framing
The 4nm processor enables machine learning-based subject detection and tracking. Subject Centering analyzes footage to maintain centered framing through post-processing cropping. Operators can manually select subjects for active tracking during recording.
Subject Tracking supports 2.7K and 1080p recording in 16:9 and 9:16 formats from 24-60fps, providing automatic reframing for multiple aspect ratio deliverables. The feature is unavailable with the Macro Lens accessory or in higher frame rate modes.
Display and interface design
The Action 6 features dual OLED touchscreens: a 1.46-inch 342×342 front display and a 2.5-inch 400×712 rear display. Both screens support touch control with tempered glass construction and anti-fingerprint coating. The rear screen achieves 800 nits typical brightness and 1000 nits peak brightness.
Both displays support 100% DCI-P3 color space. The OLED technology enables always-on display functionality, showing recording time and status information even when screens are nominally off. The hydrophobic screen coating enables reliable operation with wet hands.
Waterproofing and durability
The Action 6 achieves IP68 waterproofing with 20m depth rating without external case. The waterproofing requires closing the battery compartment and USB-C port covers, and tightening the glass lens cover before submersion. The optional Waterproof Case extends depth rating to 60m.
The sensor, certified to EN13319 standards, records diving depth and duration in real time. The camera can automatically start or stop recording based on water pressure detection at 1m depth.
The Osmo Action 6 is waterproof up to 20m deep without an external case. Image credit: DJI
Operating temperature extends from -20°C to 45°C, with 167 minutes recording time at -20°C (tested at 1080p/24fps). At 25°C, the 1950mAh battery provides up to 240 minutes recording (1080p/24fps with RockSteady enabled). Fast charging reaches 80% in 22 minutes and 100% in 52 minutes using a PD 3.0 charger with 30W or above output.
Connectivity and OsmoAudio ecosystem
Wi-Fi 6.0 support enables 80MB/s wireless transfer speeds, while USB 3.1 connectivity achieves 300MB/s. The camera supports direct USB-C to USB-C data transfer to smartphones and tablets without requiring the Mimo app. DisplayPort transmission enables 1080p or 4K livestreaming while recording internally.
Through the OsmoAudio ecosystem, the Action 6 wirelessly connects to two DJI Mic 2, Mic 3, or Mic Mini transmitters simultaneously without receivers, maintaining waterproofing while enabling dual-channel audio. The three built-in microphones record ambient sound with wind noise reduction algorithms ensuring clear voice recording.
DJI Mic 2, Mic 3 and Mic Mini transmitters can connect to the Osmo Action 6 without a receiver. Image credit: DJI
The camera supports audio input from third-party Bluetooth headsets including AirPods, SENA, Cardo, and AiRide. GPS Bluetooth remote controllers can wake the camera, trigger recording, mark highlights, and control up to 16 cameras in Multi-Camera Control mode.
Macro lens and FOV boost accessories
The optional Macro Lens (sold separately) reduces minimum focus distance from 35cm to 11cm, with manual focus adjustment from 11-75cm. The camera automatically detects the lens and sets aperture to f/2.0, enabling shallow depth-of-field effects. Focus peaking is available through the Mimo app. When attached, underwater use is not supported, though the assembly remains splash-resistant.
Macro lens attached to the DJI Osmo Action 6. Image credit: DJI
The FOV Boost Lens (sold separately) expands field of view to 182°, increasing width by 26% and height by 24%. The new version supports automatic detection and activation. With the lens attached, the camera maintains 5m waterproofing but Slow Motion is unavailable.
FOV Boost Lens for the Osmo Action 6 increases the field of view to 182°. Image credit: DJIAdvanced features and workflow tools
Pre-Recording captures footage from 5 seconds to 5 minutes prior to pressing record, ensuring spontaneous moments are captured. The camera supports 32x super slow-motion by recording at 1080p/240fps and using 4x frame interpolation to achieve 960fps equivalent playback.
Gesture Control enables hands-free recording start and stop from 2m distance, including operation with five-finger gloves. Voice Control supports English and Mandarin. Custom modes C1-C5 store parameter combinations accessible via Quick Switch button.
DJI Mimo app integration
The DJI Mimo app provides extensive post-processing capabilities. The AI Editor automatically identifies footage highlights and pairs them with templates. Vivid Underwater mode restores true-to-life underwater colors. The Invisible Selfie Stick feature removes selfie sticks from footage using machine learning, now supporting multiple sports scenarios and slow-motion video.
Live Photos extracts still frames from video clips, with support for saving as Live Photos on compatible smartphones (iPhone, Xiaomi, OPPO, vivo, Samsung). Nine professional filters provide stylized looks. The Cross-Transfer Alliance enables direct Wi-Fi transfer to compatible smartphones without routing through Mimo.
Sports data tracking integration supports importing workout data from Apple Watch, Garmin, and third-party FIT files from iGPSPORT, Suunto, and Magene. GPS activity data, speed, tilt, acceleration, and trajectory can be overlaid on footage.
Pricing and availability of the DJI Osmo Action 6
The DJI Osmo Action 6 is available now from store.dji.com and authorized retailers, with shipping starting today. Pricing has been announced for European, UK, and Australian markets.
The Standard Combo (329 GBP, from 379 EUR, 669 AUD) includes the camera body, one Osmo Action Extreme Battery Plus (1950mAh), Osmo Dual-Direction Quick-Release Adapter Mount, Osmo Action Curved Adhesive Base, Osmo Locking Screw, USB-C to USB-C PD Cable, and Osmo Action Anti-Slip Pad.
What’s contained in the DJI Osmo Action 6 Adventure Combo. Image credit: DJI
The Adventure Combo (415 GBP, from 479 EUR, 839 AUD) adds two additional batteries (three total), one additional Quick-Release Adapter Mount, one additional Locking Screw, the Osmo Multifunctional Battery Case 3, and the Osmo 1.5m Extension Rod.
Osmo Multifunctional Battery Case 3. Image credit: DJI
Regarding US availability, a DJI spokesperson stated that the Osmo Action 6 will not be officially available in the US market through official websites following the global launch. According to the company, “DJI remains committed to the U.S. market and is optimizing our strategy to best serve our customers amidst evolving local conditions.”
DJI offers dedicated accessories sold separately, including Macro Lens, FOV Boost Lens, Glass Lens Cover, ND Filter Set, Dual-Direction Battery Handle, Dual-Direction 360° Wrist Strap, Dual-Direction Mini Handlebar Mount, Waterproof Case, 1.5m Extension Rod Kit, Flat Adhesive Base Kit, Road Cycling Accessory Kit, and Diving Accessory Kit.
Optional ND filter set for the DJI Osmo Action 6. Image credit: DJI
DJI Care Refresh protection plans are available: 1-Year Plan (up to two replacements) and 2-Year Plan (up to four replacements), covering accidental damage with official warranty and free shipping.
The Osmo Action 6 represents a substantial evolution in action camera capabilities, introducing variable aperture control and significantly larger sensor technology to a segment that has remained relatively stagnant in image quality development. With pricing starting at 329 GBP for the Standard Combo and 415 GBP for the Adventure Combo, DJI positions this as a premium offering targeting professional and prosumer markets.
How do you see the variable aperture system changing action camera workflows, particularly for professional applications? Will the 10-bit D-Log M recording and 1/1.1-inch sensor make the Action 6 viable as a B-camera for cinema productions? At this price point, does the Action 6 represent compelling value compared to alternatives? Don’t hesitate to let us know in the comments below!