Yes. DJI rates the Osmo Action 4 waterproof to 18 m (59 ft) without a case. That covers swimming, snorkeling, surfing and rain. For deeper diving, DJI's Waterproof Case takes it to 60 m (197 ft). The bare rating only holds if the battery cover, the USB-C cover and the glass lens cover are all properly closed before it gets wet.
Before it touches water
DJI's specs say to close these three before entering water:
- Battery compartment cover. Fully closed and latched. Check the seal for sand, hair or salt crust first.
- USB-C port cover. Shut and flush. An open or half-closed port cover is the most common way water gets in.
- Glass lens cover. Screwed on tight, with no cracks.
Wipe the seals with a soft cloth if they look dirty. One grain of sand on a rubber seal can let water past.
When to use the Waterproof Case
DJI recommends the case for long underwater recording or strong water pressure, even within 18 m. Use it for:
- Scuba diving, especially below 18 m.
- Long sessions underwater, such as a full dive.
- High-speed water impact: jet skis, wakeboarding falls, cliff jumps. A hard hit into water briefly adds pressure.
- Rough surf where the camera will be slammed by waves repeatedly.
For snorkeling, swimming laps or a day at the pool, the bare camera is fine.
Where not to use it
DJI warns against using the camera in hot springs or extreme underwater environments. Also avoid chlorine-heavy hot tubs and saunas, where heat and steam are hard on seals. The Action 4 is rated to work from -20° to 45° C (-4° to 113° F).
After salt water or a pool
- Rinse the camera in fresh water with the covers still closed.
- Dry the outside with a soft cloth.
- Open the battery cover only once the camera is dry, and let it air dry fully.
- Check the seals before the next dive.
Salt left to dry on the seals gets crusty and can stop them from closing fully.
Sound and touch underwater
Expect muffled audio when the camera is under water; that's normal. Touchscreens don't work reliably under water, so set your mode and settings before you go in. For dives, start recording at the surface rather than counting on the buttons at depth.
Action 4 vs Action 5 Pro in water
| Osmo Action 4 | Osmo Action 5 Pro | |
|---|---|---|
| Depth without case | 18 m | 20 m |
| Depth with Waterproof Case | 60 m | 60 m |
| Battery | 1770 mAh | 1950 mAh |
The Osmo Action 5 Pro goes a little deeper without a case. Details in Osmo Action 5 Pro waterproof depth and the full Action 5 Pro vs Action 4 comparison.
Batteries in the cold and wet
Water sports drain batteries fast, especially in cold water. Bring spares. The Osmo Multifunctional Battery Case 3 holds and charges three Action batteries and two microSD cards in one small case.
Shop the DJI Osmo Action 4, from $263, or compare more in best waterproof camera.
Related guides
- How deep can the Osmo Action 5 Pro go? Waterproof rating explained
- Osmo Action Extreme Battery Plus: compatibility and runtime
- Diving and snorkeling with the Osmo Action 5 Pro (case, settings)
- Is the Osmo Action 5 Pro worth it? Specs, weight and who it's for
- Osmo Action 5 Pro battery life and recording time
- Osmo Action 5 Pro lenses, FOV and ND filters
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