DJI Osmo Action 6 Launches in China With World’s First Variable Aperture Action Camera

DJI has released the Osmo Action 6 in China today, featuring the world’s first variable aperture lens in an action camera alongside a larger sensor and substantial performance upgrades. The launch comes five days ahead of the camera’s scheduled global announcement on November 18, 2025.

The DJI Osmo Action 6 introduces an industry-first f/2.0-f/4.0 variable aperture system paired with a new 1/1.1-inch square CMOS sensor—marking a significant leap beyond the fixed f/2.8 aperture standard that has defined action cameras for years. This combination promises DSLR-level creative control in a rugged action camera body.

Revolutionary Variable Aperture Technology

The Osmo Action 6’s variable aperture represents a breakthrough for action camera technology. According to DJI’s official product page, the “appropriate aperture mode can be selected according to the shooting needs of various scenes.” This mechanical iris adjustment allows creators to control depth of field naturally and manage exposure without relying on ND filters—capabilities previously limited to much larger cameras.

Most action cameras, including the GoPro Hero 13 and previous DJI models, use fixed f/2.8 apertures. The Osmo Action 6’s f/2.0 wide opening gathers twice as much light as f/2.8, dramatically improving low-light performance. At f/4.0, the narrower aperture provides greater depth of field for bright conditions without requiring external filters.

The 1/1.1-inch sensor—larger than the Action 5 Pro’s 1/1.3-inch sensor—features a square format designed to accommodate both horizontal and vertical video aspect ratios. This provides greater flexibility during post-production editing and native support for social media vertical formats.

Professional Video Capabilities and Performance Features

The Action 6 captures 4K video at up to 120 frames per second with full-spectrum high dynamic range video recording at 4K/60fps. A new SuperNight mode extends ISO sensitivity up to 51200 for extreme low-light shooting, while the camera supports multiple resolution and frame rate combinations including 2.7K and 1080p formats.

DJI has introduced a “4K Free Cut” mode that allows shooting first and cropping later, with the ability to select different aspect ratios including 4:3, 16:9, and 9:16 vertical formats during post-production. The camera records to both 50GB of built-in storage and supports microSD cards up to 1TB capacity (1,024 GB).

Image stabilization uses RockSteady 3.0+ technology with HorizonBalancing and HorizonSteady modes. Electronic image stabilization operates across all video modes, though some advanced stabilization features have frame rate limitations at higher resolutions.

Extended Battery Life and Cold Weather Operation

The Osmo Action 6 uses a 1,950 mAh Li-ion battery rated for 240 minutes of operation under laboratory conditions at 25°C (77°F) while recording 1080p/24fps video. DJI emphasizes the camera’s cold-resistant design, stating it “can be shot in a stable environment from -20°C to 45°C, whether it is cold or hot, you can create with peace of mind.”

Fast charging via USB-C PD 3.0 protocol reaches approximately 52 minutes for a full charge using a 30W or higher power adapter. An optional extended battery accessory provides 4,900 mAh capacity for prolonged shooting sessions.

Audio Innovation and Dual Screen Design

The OsmoAudio direct microphone connection system represents a major audio upgrade. The camera supports direct connection to two DJI microphone transmitters simultaneously without requiring a receiver, enabling dual-source audio recording. Three built-in microphones provide stereo recording with 48 kHz 16-bit AAC audio format.

Dual OLED touchscreens include a 1.46-inch front display (331 ppi, 342×342 resolution) and a 2.5-inch rear screen (326 ppi, 400×712 resolution). Both screens deliver 800 cd/m² maximum brightness with 1,000 cd/m² peak brightness capability, ensuring visibility in bright sunlight.

Rugged Build and Enhanced Connectivity

The camera maintains 20 meters (65.6 feet) waterproof rating without additional housing, extending to 60 meters (196.8 feet) with the optional waterproof shell accessory. The body measures 72.8×47.2×33.1 mm (2.87×1.86×1.30 inches) and weighs 149 grams (5.26 ounces)—slightly heavier than the Action 5 Pro’s 146 grams.

Connectivity upgrades include Wi-Fi 6 (802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax) supporting transfer speeds up to 80MB/s, and Bluetooth 5.1 BLE protocol. The camera operates across three frequency bands: 2.400-2.4835 GHz, 5.150-5.250 GHz, and 5.725-5.850 GHz.

Pricing and Global Availability

Chinese pricing starts at ¥2,998 (approximately $415 USD) for the standard set, which includes the camera, 1,950 mAh battery, two-way quick-disassembly adapter, and USB-C fast-charging cable. Multiple bundle options are available:

• Osmo Action 6 full combo: From ¥3,698 (~$512 USD)
• Motorcycle & Mountain Bike Ride Set: From ¥3,466 (~$480 USD)
• Walking Set: From ¥3,296 (~$456 USD)
• Road Car Ride Set: From ¥3,397 (~$470 USD)

Leaked US pricing suggests the standard combo will retail around $379-399 when it launches globally on November 18, 2025 at 12 PM GMT (7 AM ET). DJI has confirmed US market availability through a dedicated American landing page—a stark contrast to recent drone products like the Mini 5 Pro and Mavic 4 Pro that lack official US distribution.

DroneXL’s Take

The Osmo Action 6’s variable aperture is genuinely revolutionary for action cameras. After covering the Action 5 Pro launch and Action 4’s long-term performance, this represents the biggest technological leap we’ve seen in the action camera category since large sensors arrived.

Variable aperture solves a persistent problem for action camera users: bright conditions require ND filters, while low-light demands wide-open apertures. No competitor—not GoPro, not Insta360—has cracked this challenge. The mechanical iris gives creators genuine exposure control without the hassle of filter management or the image quality compromises of electronic ND simulation.

The timing is strategic. As we reported on November 4, DJI secured US market access for the Osmo Action 6 while its drone products remain entangled in regulatory challenges. Action cameras navigate different regulatory pathways than drones, allowing DJI to maintain its American consumer electronics presence even as the December 23, 2025 FCC deadline looms for drone products.

The square sensor format shows DJI thinking beyond traditional action camera use cases. Social media creators shooting vertical content no longer sacrifice resolution—they’re working with native sensor area rather than cropped video. This positions the Action 6 to compete not just against GoPro’s Hero 13 Black, but also against smartphone creators who might consider a dedicated action camera.

We’ve seen DJI’s camera technology flow between product lines before. The Action 4’s low-light improvements eventually influenced the Osmo Pocket series, and sensor developments often migrate to DJI’s compact drones. Will variable aperture technology appear in a future Osmo Pocket 4 or even miniaturized for drone applications? The technology exists now—it’s a matter of when, not if.

The $379-399 US pricing (if leaks prove accurate) positions the Action 6 aggressively against GoPro’s $399 Hero 13 Black. With superior sensor technology, genuine aperture control, and 50GB built-in storage, DJI is offering more capability at similar or lower pricing. The action camera market just got significantly more competitive.

What do you think bout these latest DJI rumors and drone news? Share your thoughts in the comments below.