DJI Osmo Action 6 Launches With Variable Aperture and 1/1.1-Inch Sensor, But Skips Official US Market

DJI has officially launched the Osmo Action 6, introducing what it calls the first action camera to feature a variable aperture and a revolutionary 1/1.1-inch image sensor. While the specs point to a new king of low-light action videography, the more pressing news for American pilots and content creators is that the flagship camera is not officially available in the US at launch via DJI’s direct web store.

This technical powerhouse arrives at a time of increasing geopolitical tension, becoming the latest in a line of major DJI product announcements to bypass the company’s official US storefront, following similar strategies with recent drone models. For creators needing best-in-class image quality for drone footage and ground-based action, the Osmo Action 6 offers a tempting set of new tools that could reshape the rivalry with GoPro.

Professional-Grade Imaging With Variable Aperture

The Osmo Action 6 delivers a significant leap in image quality, largely thanks to two major upgrades. First is the new 1/1.1-inch square CMOS sensor. This sensor features “fusion large pixels” measuring  2.4 μm, which are significantly larger than most competitors, allowing the camera to capture a higher level of detail and deliver a dynamic range of up to 13.5 stops.

Second, the camera features a variable aperture ranging from f/2.0 to f/4.0. This variable control addresses a persistent challenge for action cameras:

In low-light scenarios, the wide f/2.0 aperture lets in twice as much light as a typical f/2.8 fixed aperture, dramatically improving detail and reducing motion blur.

In bright sunlight, the f/4.0 aperture can be used to achieve lower shutter speeds for more cinematic motion, reducing the need for an ND (Neutral Density) filter.

DJI has also integrated a 4K Custom mode to let creators shoot high-resolution square video, making it easier to re-crop footage for various social media platforms, supporting the “shoot now, crop later” workflow.

Next-Generation Stabilization and Durability

The camera continues DJI’s commitment to rugged performance, starting with its enhanced stabilization suite. The new RockSteady 4.0 stabilization works in tandem with HorizonSteady 3.0. HorizonSteady 3.0 is a massive benefit for extreme sports, as it can maintain a perfectly level horizon even when the camera rotates a full 360-degrees on its axis.

Built for the elements, the Osmo Action 6 is waterproof down to 20 meters (65.6 feet) without any additional housing, more than tripling the depth rating of most competitors. With a waterproof case, that depth extends to 60 meters (197 feet).

The unit can operate in extreme temperatures, down to -20C (-4F), and is paired with a battery that can record for up to four hours, with the ability to charge to 80% in just 22 minutes.

Price and Availability (Excluding the US)

As expected, the DJI Osmo Action 6 is not officially available through DJI’s direct US channels at launch. A DJI spokesperson confirmed the exclusion, stating the company is “optimizing our strategy to best serve our customers amidst evolving local conditions“.

For international buyers, the camera is available in two main packages. The Standard Combo is priced at €379 (approximately $409 USD), and the Adventure Combo is available for €479 (approximately $517 USD), which includes three batteries and the Battery Case 3 charger. In Canada, the official price for the Standard Combo is $389 USD.

Despite the official absence from the DJI store, the camera is still expected to be sold to US customers through third-party resellers like Amazon, Adorama, B&H Photo, and others.

DroneXL’s Take

This latest launch is a bittersweet announcement for the DroneXL audience, particularly those based in the United States. Technically, the Osmo Action 6 is a groundbreaking piece of kit—the variable aperture is a game-changer that gives creators the control of a full-sized camera in a compact action cam body. Combined with the large 1/1.1-inch sensor, it sets a new bar for image quality, especially in the challenging low-light conditions drone pilots often encounter.

However, the real story here is DJI’s increasingly normalized strategy of bypassing the official US market for its flagship releases. We saw this with the just released DJI Neo 2, the DJI Mini 5 Pro and the DJI Mavic 4, and now it has officially come to the imaging product lines. While third-party retailers will likely stock the camera, this policy creates a genuine friction point for US buyers: it complicates warranty claims, introduces price uncertainty, and removes the direct support link to DJI.

For US drone pilots, this is a clear sign that geopolitical pressures are now dictating consumer product availability. The Osmo Action 6 is a revolutionary action camera, but the necessity of acquiring it through non-official channels—or via gray-market imports—is a major hurdle. DJI is sacrificing direct US market engagement, and the consumer pays the price in complexity and peace of mind.

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