DJI Osmo Action 3 - Focus Problem Fixed??

After buying and returning my first DJI Osmo Action 3 due to a soft focus issue, I'm giving it a second try. Is this new batch of Action 3 cameras any better, and did the firmware fix the focus issue? Let me know what you think.

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[chikinito]

Firmware update made it look a lot sharper. It looks good now.

[DemonViewLLC]

Hmmmm still looks kinda soft in the foreground and sharper in the background. 2:26, the bushes on the right are in perfect focus, even the leaves in the background are sharp and clear. Your hat, face and hair though are very soft looking. I think a side by side with the Hero 11 would have been a good test, but yeah, still looks soft. Actually, looking at the bottom of your jacket, the zipper itself looks fine and in focus, but as you pan up and look at the zipper above your sling back, that's soft and out of focus. So maybe it's not a dept thing as much as a "Center of image" focus? Almost like a round shaped blur in the middle of the lens, slight, but noticeable. 5:10 after the firmware update, things do look a lot sharper. Your woolen hat for instance, you can make out the knit a lot better. 5:25 you can make out the teeth of the zipper above your sling bag, so that is a noticeable improvement.

[kevin.itruth]

I've spent the last month watching endless videos of the DJI Action 3. I want to love it because of the clever design, accessories and no signs of overheating but between the focus issue, poor dynamic range, poor exposure shifts and terrible compression artifacts during actual action (ie. running, biking, even walking in the woods around trees and branches etc.) I decided to sit this one out. It looks great when you're just standing still or casually walking but any type of action the image falls apart too much for me.

[doodieman]

Glad I made the decision to get the Action 3. I don't regret the purchase even if it had some kinks at the beginning. I'm pretty confident in DJI's ability to fix issues post-release.

[gwb]

Had considered the DJI O A 3 some weeks ago until I started seeing the reviews with the focus problems. Yours aleviated my fears about the problem not being fixed and I've oredered one. Thanks for the reviews and update!

[robbiewilliams]

Looks pretty good. I love the fact that DJI in general goes the distance when it comes to addressing concerns and issues. This is the same with the DJI Mini 3 Pro signal issues. After the firmware update everything works much better. Consistent performance improvements as well.

[simplyawesomephoto]

It looks sharp as long as there isn't much movement. When there is movement, it seems to be softer during the movement but sharpen right back up when the movement stops. I have tried three different Action 3 cameras and they all had the same soft/sharp effect during movement. I compared my Action 2 to the Action 3 side by side in editing software and, although the firmware has sharpened the image, it still is not as sharp as my Action 2 when both were in 4k/30 mode.

[hey]

I honestly did not notice any soft focus issues as I don't use Action3 footage professionally. After the firmware update man was I wrong! The difference is very noticeable, definitely better the last updates. Good job DJI on this one. Footage looks far better now!

[SpeedDemonExpress]

Just got mine. Looks like it works fine.

[angelhagan]

Very good footage! I'm convinced it's the best choice for a cinematic action camera.

[jasonwilson]

I think it looks great! plus with the price being cheaper. may not be as good picture as GP 11 but more reliable.

[lt.jameswilliams]

Great detailed video. Appears to be better yet still soft. I may be biased because I'm m on my 4th Osmo Action 3 replacement and still feel it is not right. It would be awesome if you can take a snapshot of the back of the box from 12" away in standard (Dewarp) mode and share. I have compared the same shot to a GoPro Hero 5. The Hero 5 is way sharper than the Action 3. Currently going back and forth with DJI and now they told me the soft image/focus is "This phenomenon is normal. Replacement will not solve it. This camera is NOT designed for close-up photography at all. Any further repair/replacement regarding the "close-up focus issue" should not be honored, since it's NOT a product defect. Funny thing is, 12"/.3m/3cm is their min camera to subject distance that should be in focus!! Love the camera but am losing faith.

[harrishuntTV]

I bought after the update and I'd guarantee value for money. Definitely a whole lot better than paying more for a GoPro

[bobjohnson]

Good video. Thanks. Image quality is Day and Night different. I have researched this camera extensively. Issue was with hardware. New units have this issue fixed. Some great additional enhancements in the firmware. Invisible selfie stick on snow. Lower price. RELIABLE. Hero 11 is defeated, in my opinion.

[kai]

I just saw a video from 2 weeks ago on another YouTube addressing this issue. He emphasized that the issue is still there. I bought the new one hoping that newer batch wouldn’t have this issue but it’s still there. The firmware update seems only enhanced the sharpness rather than fixing the focus itself.

[umaxfitness]

You are helping me getting the most out of my DJI Action 3. I haven't checked yet if you have a video about indoor use.

[etjulien]

The focus seems to be good. However, it's blowing out the clouds and puts you in the shadows. The new firmware did improve the overall image quality, though. Thank you for the review. Happy New Year Martin and Suzi!!

[stefpix]

I watched on an iPad. After the update it looks quite oversharpened. Look at the artifacts in the trees behind the garbage containers at 03:26 when you are sitting on the bench.

DJI should allow lowering the sharpening. The usability of this camera appears great in the field to change settings quickly, but I suspect the GoPro image quality is one step above

[MrSteviej]

Before the firmware update, it still seemed to have a soft focus issue as the background was sharper; after the update the foreground was improved.

[realMDizzy]

Hmmm... After update you're holding the camera much further than the before update shots. Then at the end when you do hold it a bit closer it still doesn't look tack sharp though it does look a little bit better. I still don't know what to think of this I really want to get it but don't want an out of focus shot.