DJI has made a name for itself in the action camera market, known for delivering top-tier performance, cutting-edge technology, and rugged durability. The DJI Action 4 was highly regarded for its versatility, stabilization, and image quality. With the release of the DJI Action 5, many enthusiasts are curious about the improvements and differences between the two models. This article dives deep into how the DJI Action 5 stacks up against the DJI Action 4, helping you decide which one is right for your adventures.
1. Design and Build
DJI Action 4:
The DJI Action 4 features a sleek, compact design that’s easy to handle, whether you’re attaching it to a helmet, bike, or hand grip. Its durable construction is shockproof and waterproof (up to 16 meters without an external case), making it an excellent companion for rugged outdoor activities.
DJI Action 5:
While the Action 5 maintains the same compact form factor, it has enhanced durability. The camera is now waterproof up to 18 meters without a case, offering an improvement for those into deep-water diving. Additionally, the materials feel more premium, with better grip and resistance to scratches, improving its ruggedness in more extreme environments.
Key Difference: The Action 5 has slightly better waterproofing and overall durability, making it more versatile in harsh environments.
2. Video and Image Quality
DJI Action 4:
The DJI Action 4 delivers impressive video quality with 4K at 60fps and a 12MP sensor. It offers excellent low-light performance thanks to its large 1/1.3-inch sensor and HDR mode. The RockSteady 3.0 stabilization technology also ensures smooth footage, even in high-motion scenes.
DJI Action 5:
The Action 5 takes video quality to the next level with 4K at 120fps, giving users more flexibility in creating slow-motion footage. It also features a 16MP sensor for enhanced image clarity and dynamic range. The low-light performance has been further refined, with improvements in sensor technology that enhance color accuracy and contrast. RockSteady 4.0 has been introduced, offering even smoother stabilization.
Key Difference: The DJI Action 5 offers higher frame rates (120fps) at 4K and better image quality with its 16MP sensor, particularly excelling in low-light conditions.
3. Stabilization Technology
DJI Action 4:
RockSteady 3.0 was already a game-changer when it came to stabilization. The 4K videos looked buttery smooth, even during extreme activities like snowboarding, biking, or surfing. HorizonSteady allowed the camera to maintain a level horizon, even with significant tilts.
DJI Action 5:
The RockSteady 4.0 system is an evolutionary improvement. It not only smoothens out more jitter and shakes but also works better in low-light conditions, where stabilization can sometimes struggle. HorizonSteady has been improved as well, allowing for an even more reliable horizontal lock when the camera tilts up to 60 degrees.
Key Difference: The DJI Action 5 introduces even smoother stabilization with RockSteady 4.0, making it better for action-packed footage and low-light conditions.
4. Battery Life
DJI Action 4:
Battery life on the Action 4 was impressive, lasting up to 160 minutes in standard recording modes. The camera also supports fast charging, allowing you to go from 0% to 80% in just about 18 minutes.
DJI Action 5:
The Action 5 retains a similar battery capacity, with some optimization improvements allowing it to edge out the Action 4 in longevity by about 10–15%. It still supports fast charging, but it can now reach 100% charge in around 20 minutes, making it even more convenient for on-the-go shoots.
Key Difference: Slightly better battery life and charging optimization in the DJI Action 5, but the difference is not drastic.
5. User Interface and Features
DJI Action 4:
The touchscreen interface on the Action 4 is user-friendly, and the menus are easy to navigate. Features like QuickSwitch allow users to swap between shooting modes with a single press, and voice control ensures hands-free operation in busy environments.
DJI Action 5:
The Action 5 introduces a more refined interface, with faster response times and better touch sensitivity. DJI has added a customizable Quick Menu, making it easier for users to access their favorite shooting modes. Voice control is now more accurate and responsive in different noise environments, and the Action 5 introduces a “gesture control” feature, enabling users to take photos or start recording with simple hand movements.
Key Difference: The DJI Action 5 brings a smoother, more customizable interface with added gesture controls, improving user experience.
6. Connectivity and Accessories
DJI Action 4:
The Action 4 supports Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, enabling quick sharing and remote control via the DJI Mimo app. It also has a variety of accessories like magnetic mounts, waterproof cases, and additional batteries.
DJI Action 5:
The Action 5 enhances connectivity, offering faster wireless transfer speeds and improved integration with DJI’s cloud storage solutions. It is backward-compatible with most Action 4 accessories but introduces some new ones, like a more secure magnetic mount and a diving lens filter kit for enhanced underwater footage.
Key Difference: The DJI Action 5 has better wireless speeds and additional accessories to improve shooting experiences, particularly for professional use.
7. Price
DJI Action 4:
At launch, the Action 4 was competitively priced for the features it offered, making it a favorite among adventure enthusiasts and semi-professional filmmakers alike.
DJI Action 5:
The Action 5 is slightly more expensive, reflecting its upgraded features, but it still sits within the mid-to-high price range of action cameras.
Key Difference: The DJI Action 5 is priced higher due to its enhanced features, but the difference may be worth it for those seeking top-of-the-line performance.
Conclusion: Which One to Choose?
• Choose DJI Action 4 if you’re looking for a reliable, durable action camera with great image quality and stabilization for a slightly lower cost. It remains a solid option for most adventure enthusiasts.
• Choose DJI Action 5 if you need the latest and greatest in action camera technology, including improved video resolution, stabilization, and low-light performance. The new gesture controls and additional accessories also make it a more future-proof choice for professional users.
Both cameras are excellent, but the Action 5 pushes the boundaries of what an action camera can do, making it a top choice for anyone serious about capturing high-quality footage in extreme conditions.
