DJI Osmo 6 action camera is a good variation on a theme

A variable aperture is a lens that changes its maximum aperture as you zoom in or out — and DJI has built just that into its new Osmo Action 6.

It is the first action camera to have a variable aperture of f/2.0 to f/4.0, breaking out of the traditional fixed‑aperture design of these cameras.

Having a variable aperture means the camera performs better in a wide range of circumstances.

At f/2.0, there is better low-light performance and improved depth of field for creative “background-blur” effects. There are bright, clean images and footage in dim light.

At f/4.0, there is more control in bright conditions. It is a safeguard against overexposure, and helps to achieve more natural motion blur. There’s sharp, fine-focus shots and video in bright light.

In fact, in Auto mode, I can choose from five aperture ranges (with f/2.0–f/4.0 set as the default).

INSIDE THE ACTION CAM

The camera is small, robust and I find it easily intuitive to set up and start using.

There’s an on-off button on the side and a big button on top for taking still images, and starting and stopping video (depending what mode you’re in).

Other instructions are simple through the touch-screen.

In the bottom left corner there’s a camera icon that I can open to access a swipe-across menu for stills, video and other modes.

The arrow on the left lets you access the library of what you’ve taken.

The battery percentage remaining is top-right and bottom-right is a double-tap spot for 1x and 2x zoom.

It’s all very familiar stuff. We are so well educated to these symbols that most won’t need the good start-up guide that shows when you turn the camera on.

It’s almost as if the camera is telling me NOT to overthink it — just press the buttons and get on with taking picture and video.

This is quite a change for me. I’ve always had and used action cameras, particularly for kayaking, boating and motorcycling — and the odd paragliding and snow-sport stories for these pages. But this action camera feels less of a fiddle.

As you read this, I’m away with the Osmo Action 6 on the shakedown voyage of Aurora expedition cruise company’s new ship Douglas Mawson. We will publish a full review of the action camera when I’m back.

CHOOSING YOUR KIT

+ For $669, the Osmo Action 6 Standard Combo has the camera, battery, quick-release adapter mount, curved adhesive base, locking screw, USB-C to USB-C cable, and anti-slip pad.

+ But I have got the $839 Osmo Action 6 Adventure Combo, which I think is a good option. It comes with a 1.5m extension rod and three Extreme Battery Plus units inside a multifunctional battery case. There are also two locking screws, a curved adhesive base, a USB-C 3.1 cable, and two dual-direction quick release adapter mounts.

+ Buy at d1store.com.au or retailers like JB Hi-Fi, Big W, DigiDirect, Camera House and Camera Electronic.

SHOOTING THE FACTS

+ The action camera has a big and all-new 1/1.1-inch square sensor.

+ It will record up to 4K/120fps in 4:3 format — giving good detail in both low light and high‑contrast scenarios.

+ There’s four-hour battery life.

+ The battery is cold-resistant and DJI says there is “stable operation” from -20C to 45C.

+ The camera itself is waterproof to 20 metres’ depth (without a case) — and up to 60 metres with the additional waterproof case that can be bought.

+ For divers, there’s a built-in colour temperature sensor and water pressure gauge.

+ The camera has multiple stabilisation modes. For example, RockSteady 3.0 keeps stills shots steady, and HorizonSteady supports video recording up to 4K/60fps.

+ Audio can be recorded through two DJI microphone transmitters.

+ There are accessory kits — Adventure Combo, Freediving&Snorkelling Combo and Motorcycling&Mountain Cycling Combo.