DJI Osmo Action 3 - Why I'm Sending It Back

The DJI Osmo Action 3 is a great action camera and it has some true advantages over the GoPro Hero 11 Black. However, my camera has a soft focus issue, and I'm not keeping it.

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▶ OTHER VIDEOS ABOUT ACTION 3 FOCUS ISSUE

Tamara Gabriel - Action 3 Focus Tests -

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[RonaldBrown]

If my video is not in focus 100% of the time, nothing else matters. I hope they get this resolved soon, and if they fix it in the new units, they still have to take care of all early buyers who have the bad units. Great video Suzi, and thanks for getting this important information out there.

[ChristopherCina]

I had the same soft focus, sent my unit back and got a replacement without the issue. I'd been waiting for this camera for a while and was bummed when I realized the issue, do not want to give GoPro any money so glad it all got worked out.

[gssg]

Although I do not use DJI cameras, I extensively use their Gimbal stabilizers. DJI is very responsive to support requests and they do, in fact, listen to their end users: The addition of a balancing knob on the RS3 Pro's tilt axis is a good example of said listening. I would (assuming you haven't) bring the issue up with DJI support. I give them 4-1/2 stars.

[WORTHITORNOT]

Hey, thanks for the shoutout. I had such high hopes for the Action 3 but I still believe that the lens was not focused correctly to the sensor which makes it a hardware issue. I'm happy to see they (DJI) pulled all the A3 from Amazon so hopefully the new batches will have this soft focus issue fixed. For me personally, I will wait until after the new year to give it another try.

[TNRVG]

From what I've read the lens was not screwed in properly. If the camera was built after October then its been corrected. The build dates are on the outside of the box. It would be nice if more than one person confirmed this.

[glasgowharleyrider]

Thanks for feedback, I’m still buying one in January and take the chance, GP overheating issue put me off them forever

[Moto_Blog]

I renewed my equipment and was faced with a choice: DJI or GoPro. To make no mistake, I've seen a lot of videos about these two cameras. Mostly comparison videos. In the end I settled on the Hero11, although the Hero 9 has audio issues. Although the camera is frozen. Although this device is much more expensive than the Action 3. I didn't take the decision lightly - but maybe I made the right choice. Thank you for your assistance in making this decision.

[ArcticExploring]

I sent mine back today for fix or getting a new one.
What we found out on DJI forum is that all cameras made August 2022 have the issue, and it seems like those you got new camera made in October 2022 is good (September probably too).
My favorite camera is still my OA1, but it is soft with dewarp, but good enough without it.

My Gopro 10 have not only the freezing issue, but also it can't handle the cold weather here (even in summer). And it doesn't even last long enough when I'm making snow plowing videos.
So I can't wait for getting a sharp OA3 since the battery last a long time and it can actually handle the cold.

It's sad that you guys got a bad copy when you bought it, but hope you guys will try it out later to compare it.

[diceman]

I returned my action 3 as well. Even with no image stabilization and directly comparing it to the hero 11 using a test paper, the hero 11 is way way more sharp.

[CAMTechChris]

I loved everything about my new Action 3 except the image quality. I was even willing to accept slightly less image quality on the A3 vs the my Hero 11 just so I could take advantage of the longer battery life, the usbc mic connection (I love my DJI wireless mic!!) and the magnetic connection. But bottom line for me was the fact that the image quality was just too poor and I also felt like DJI just rushed the A3 to the market and neglected quality control. The 10-14-22 firmware did nothing to help my A3. I sort of felt taken advantage of by DJI! I returned my A3 about three weeks ago and kept the Hero 11. GoPro image quality is second to none.

By the way, a few weeks ago I dropped my Hero 10 and cracked the screen. I quickly purchased the $49 subscription, then called GoPro told them what I had done and the replaced my 10 and waived the $99 fee. I just today received the brand new 10 in the mail. GoPro has amazing customer support. Turned me into a fanboy. If DJI gets their act together with the Action 3 I will probably buy another one. Let’s hope they do!

[alexdan-]

I moved from GoPro 7 black to DJI Action (1) because gopro stacks unexpectadly especially via cold weather. DJI Action 1 works perfectly. However it doesnt have function of horizon stabilization. So, I decided to purchase DJI Action 3 for my solo hiking videos. Thank you for your honest review, I probably now will wait a little of the DJI Action 3 cameras with the software fix of this focus issue. Because blured videos it is not what I want to bring from my solo trips.

[DanEscapes]

I love the ease of use from my first action 1 and was thinking of the upgrade. Love being able to plug in audio via usbc and not have to buy the media mod. Also the quick connect is so useful when transferring to different mounts. Hopefully they have fixed the issue in the newer cams, I’m also waiting for the dji pocket 3 hopefully comes out soon!

[DavidBeechfieldBrownArt]

They have corrected the hardware focus issue and will replace affected cameras. Tamara Gabriel has had her camera replaced and it has no issues.

[SuperSleepyPixel]

Your kid is so adorable!! It’s not surprising to me that you guys released this video. Your previous video promoting DJI seemed a bit premature. DJI might have some good features but the GoPro is still better overall. The Insta360 is a powerful camera but I just wish it had more pixels and a clear image. Having focusing issue on a action camera is a huge flaw. It sucks that the current users who are stuck with the bad DJI might not find any remedy. My first GoPro was the 10 so I don’t have much action camera experience and I really like the 8:7 Full Frame on the 11. I really like the use of Magnets, but GoPro will never change its current design. Thanks for the update!

[Craig-Mitchell]

I loved the physical user experience, way more pleasant than GoPro, though mine had a focus and stabilisation issue, so I sent the unit back. Getting the new one in a few days 🤞🏼

[jaco_oosthuizen]

I love my GoPro Hero 10 and I have never had any issues. I record in 2.7K and it seems to be the sweet spot. Just use a good quality memory card...

[xpaul]

I guess all those buggy camera will go somewhere here in Asia where it is nearly impossible to get a replacement for defective gadgets.

[Lourd.have.Mercy]

I returned mine too. I prefer my gopro's Got the insta 360x3 as well. But kudos to dji return process. It was very smooth and got all my money back very quickly with No fuzz.

[mygiguser]

Mine was oof, and i returned it. Got a new one from BestBuy and it is perfect. Just so tired of GoPro needing so much battery, and you never know if it really records.

[SefaDrums]

Thank you for this honest unbiased feedback. You are truly appreciated 🙌🏼❤️