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DJI

Osmo Action 4

1/1.3-inch sensor action camera with 10-bit D-Log M and strong stabilization.

$299

Launch price

Released Aug 2023

vs

Sony

ZV-1

The original Sony vlogging compact with a 1-inch stacked sensor, 24–70mm f/1.8–2.8 ZEISS lens, Real-time Eye AF, and side-flip screen.

$749

Launch price

Released May 2020

Osmo Action 4 is 3.2 years newer.

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Wins

7categories

Osmo Action 4

Sports & ActionTravel

Wins

4categories

ZV-1

Sports & Action

2 categories tied

TL;DR — Key differences

Osmo Action 4 wins 3 categories·ZV-1 wins 2 categories
  • BZV-1 has higher AF points / zones (315 vs 0)
  • AOsmo Action 4 has higher IBIS effectiveness (6 stops vs 0 stops)
  • BZV-1 has higher Burst (mechanical) (24 fps vs 6 fps)
  • AOsmo Action 4 has higher 4K max frame rate (120 fps vs 30 fps)
  • AOsmo Action 4 has higher Battery life (CIPA) (640 shots vs 260 shots)

Key specs at a glance

Osmo Action 4ZV-1
Resolution10 MP20.1 MP
Sensor1/1.3-inch13.2 × 8.8 mm
ISO max12,80012,800
Burst15 fps24 fps
4K120 fps30 fps
IBISNoNo
Weight145 g294 g
Battery640 shots260 shots

Size and weight, to scale

Osmo Action 4

71 × 44 × 33 mm

145 g (0.32 lb / 5.11 oz)

Credit card shown to scale as a size reference (ISO 7810, 85.6 × 54 mm)

Credit card

85.6 × 54 mm

for scale

ZV-1

106 × 60 × 44 mm

294 g (0.65 lb / 10.37 oz)

Osmo Action 4 is 35mm narrower, 16mm shorter, and 11mm thinner than ZV-1.

Osmo Action 4 is 149 g lighter than ZV-1.

Depth (front-to-back): 33mm Osmo Action 4 · 44mm ZV-1

Sensor size, to scale

ZV-1

13.2 × 8.8 mm · 1″

116 mm² area

Use-case scoring

Which one for what?

Algorithmic scores from verified specs · 10 = best in class

Use caseOsmo Action 4ZV-1
Portrait
1.0Limited
3.0Limited✓ wins
Sports & Action
8.5Excellent✓ wins
6.5Good
Video & Hybrid
4.5Fair✓ wins
3.5Limited
Landscape
1.5Limited✓ wins
0.0Limited
Travel
7.0Good✓ wins
3.5Limited
Wildlife
4.5Fair✓ wins
4.0Fair
Vlogging
4.0Fair
5.0Fair✓ wins

Why pick one over the other

Reasons to choose

Osmo Action 4

  • Codecs

    Adds H.264, HEVC

  • IBIS effectiveness

    6 stops vs 0 stops — higher is better

  • Stabilization modes

    Adds RockSteady, HorizonBalancing, HorizonSteady

  • Dimensions (W×H×D mm)

    Adds 70.5, 44.2, 32.8

  • Card types

    Adds microSD

  • 4K max frame rate

    120 fps vs 30 fps — higher is better

  • Battery life (CIPA)

    640 shots vs 260 shots — higher is better

  • Weight

    145 g vs 294 g — lower is better

Reasons to choose

ZV-1

  • AF points / zones

    315 vs 0 — higher is better

  • Subject recognition

    Adds Human, Animal

  • Codecs

    Adds XAVC S, AVCHD

  • Dimensions (W×H×D mm)

    Adds 105.5, 60, 43.5

  • Card types

    Adds SD UHS-I, Memory Stick Duo

  • Burst (mechanical)

    24 fps vs 6 fps — higher is better

  • Resolution

    20.1 MP vs 10 MP — higher is better

  • AA filter

    Only ZV-1 supports it

Both cameras share

  • ISO max (native)Both 12,800
  • Card slotsBoth 1
  • TouchscreenBoth support touchscreen
  • Wi-FiBoth support wi-fi
  • BluetoothBoth support bluetooth

Pros & cons at a glance

Editorially curated highlights and trade-offs.

Osmo Action 4

Pros

  • 10-bit D-Log M
  • Good low light for action cam
  • Affordable

Cons

  • Superseded by Action 5 Pro
  • Fixed lens

ZV-1

Pros

  • 1-inch stacked Exmor RS sensor with DRAM
  • 24–70mm f/1.8–2.8 ZEISS zoom
  • Real-time Eye AF and Product Showcase
  • Side vari-angle LCD for vlogging
  • 4K oversampled video and HFR slow-mo

Cons

  • Fixed 24–70mm zoom (no telephoto reach)
  • No built-in ND filter (unlike ZV-1 II)
  • No EVF
  • Short battery life for long shoots

Decided which one is right for you?

Compare live prices for the Osmo Action 4 and ZV-1 at major authorized retailers.

Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, Cameraegg earns from qualifying purchases. Cameraegg may also earn commission from B&H links, at no extra cost to you.

Full specifications

= category winner

Osmo Action 4
ZV-1
Resolution
10 MP
20.1 MP2× more
Sensor type
1/1.3-inch CMOS
1.0-type Exmor RS CMOS (stacked, with DRAM)
Sensor size
1/1.3-inch
13.2 × 8.8 mm
AA filter
Yes
Osmo Action 4
ZV-1
Aperture
f/2.8
f/1.8–2.8
Focal length (35mm equiv.)
24–70 mm
Field of view
155 °
Osmo Action 4
ZV-1
Processor
Image processor
BIONZ X
Osmo Action 4
ZV-1
ISO min (native)
100−25 less
125
ISO max (native)
12,800
12,800
ISO max (expanded)
12,800
12,800
Osmo Action 4
ZV-1
Shutter type
Electronic shutter
Mechanical + Electronic
Max mechanical speed
1/8000 sec
1/2000 sec
Max electronic speed
1/8000 sec
1/32000 sec

Frequently asked

Quick answers generated from verified specs.

Which is better for travel, Osmo Action 4 or ZV-1?

Osmo Action 4 scores 7.0/10 versus 3.5/10 for ZV-1 — 145g — ultralight for all-day carry.

What's the resolution difference between the Osmo Action 4 and ZV-1?

Osmo Action 4 is 10 MP and ZV-1 is 20.1 MP, so the ZV-1 captures more detail for cropping and large prints.

How does stabilization compare between the Osmo Action 4 and ZV-1?

Osmo Action 4 uses Electronic image stabilization (electronic), while ZV-1 uses Optical SteadyShot + Active electronic (electronic).

Which shoots faster bursts — the Osmo Action 4 or the ZV-1?

Osmo Action 4 reaches 15 fps electronic. ZV-1 reaches 24 fps electronic.

What's the weight difference between the Osmo Action 4 and ZV-1?

Osmo Action 4 weighs 145 g and ZV-1 weighs 294 g, so the Osmo Action 4 is 149 g lighter.

Do the Osmo Action 4 and ZV-1 record 4K video?

Osmo Action 4: 4K up to 120p. ZV-1: 4K up to 30p.

Are the Osmo Action 4 and ZV-1 weather sealed?

Osmo Action 4: Yes. ZV-1: No.

Which has better battery life?

Rated battery life is 640 shots (CIPA) for the Osmo Action 4 and 260 shots for the ZV-1, giving the Osmo Action 4 the edge.

How much does each cost?

Osmo Action 4 launched at $299 and ZV-1 at $749. The Osmo Action 4 is $450 less.

Can't decide between two? Compare a third camera.

Add any camera to get a three-way Osmo Action 4 vs ZV-1 vs X comparison.

Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed June 2026.