The Osmo Action 4 works well for fishing. It's waterproof to 18 m (59 ft) without a case, so rain, spray and dunking a fish back in the water won't hurt it. A neck or chest mount captures your hands, reel and the fight from your point of view. An extension pole gets clean underwater shots of the release. Shoot 4K/60 so you can pull still frames of the catch later.
Mounts that work on the water
- Hanging neck mount: DJI's Osmo Action 4 Fishing Combo includes one. It sits on your chest without a strap around your back, so it's quick to put on over a life jacket or waders.
- Chest strap: steadier than a neck mount when you're casting hard or wading.
- Clamp or rail mount on a boat: set it and forget it to film the whole crew. Point it where the action happens, usually toward the stern or the side you fight fish on.
- Extension pole: the Osmo 1.5 m Extension Rod reaches under the surface for releases and gets you in the frame for trophy shots.
- Tether everything. A camera that drops off a boat in deep water is hard to get back. Use a lanyard or a floating grip with your mounts.
Settings for fishing
| Shot | Suggested setting |
|---|---|
| The fight and landing | 4K, 60 fps, RockSteady on |
| Grabbing a photo of the catch | 4K/60, then export a frame, or take a photo |
| The release, slow motion | 4K or 2.7K at 120 fps (no electronic stabilization) |
| All-day boat footage | 1080p or 2.7K at 30 fps to save battery and card space |
| Color | Normal for posting straight away, D-Log M if you grade |
Glare. Midday sun on water blows out highlights. Point the camera slightly down at the action instead of at the bright sky, and keep the sun behind you when you can.
Underwater. Water absorbs red light, so clips a few feet down look blue-green. Stay shallow, film in good light, and correct color in editing if you need to.
Sound. The Action 4 has three built-in mics. Wind on open water can overpower them. For narration, link one DJI Mic transmitter directly to the camera, such as the DJI Mic Mini, and keep it under your jacket collar out of the wind.
Waterproofing and saltwater care
DJI rates the Action 4 to 18 m without a case and to 60 m with its Waterproof Case. Before each trip:
- Close the battery and USB-C covers firmly.
- Tighten the glass lens cover.
- Check the seals for sand, salt or fishing line.
After saltwater use, rinse the camera with fresh water, let it dry with the covers closed, and only then open it to charge or swap the battery. Salt crystals can damage seals over time. DJI also says not to use it in hot springs or with corrosive liquids.
Battery for a long day
DJI rates the Action 4 at up to 160 minutes (1080p/24, screens and Wi-Fi off). A full day on the water needs spares. The Osmo Action Extreme Battery Plus (1950 mAh) works with the Action 4 after a firmware update. Record the fight and the catch, not hours of waiting, and you'll get through most trips on two batteries.
Fishing with a drone too
Many anglers pair an action camera with a drone for aerial shots of the boat or to carry bait past the surf. If that's your plan, read our drone fishing for beginners guide.
Want even longer battery life and built-in storage? Compare in Osmo Action 5 Pro vs Action 4. Otherwise, get the Osmo Action 4 or browse all Osmo cameras.
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