‘My mirrorless camera didn’t get a look in’ – the DJI Osmo Action 4 was my ultimate vacation camera, and it just dropped to a record-low price

As TechRadar's Cameras Editor, I've tested just about every kind of camera you can imagine, spanning the last 15 years. And it was a vacation three years ago when I truly came to appreciate an action camera — specifically, in that case, the DJI Osmo Action 4.

I was testing the 4K action camera during a family trip to the coast, and it proved to be the ultimate tool for capturing our memories, whether that was messing around in the swimming pool, hiking in the woods, kayaking or jumping into the ocean from towering rocks.

The Osmo Action 4 shot crisp 4K video, punchy 10MP stills, stabilized camera shake with ease for smooth clips, and held up to regular submerging thanks to its 18m waterproofing (no additional case needed).

It has since been updated with the pricier Osmo Action 5 Pro and Osmo Action 6. While both offer new features, they're not all that different — and if value for money is your priority, the Osmo Action 4 is easily the best option.

That's because you can now pick up the Osmo Action 4 for $199 at Amazon, a record-low price in the Amazon Big Spring Sale. Compared to its original price in 2023, that's around half off.

• View the full Amazon Big Spring Sale

Today's best Osmo Action deals in the US

Based on specs, the Osmo Action 4 might not be the best action camera on the market any more, but it's not far off from the performance of the latest models from GoPro, Insta360 and DJI. It's also more than enough camera for adventurous family vacations.

I've happily let my kids adopt that camera as their own. It can withstand rough treatment, and with its simple UI, it's a doddle for them to operate. As such, we have way more footage from our vacation than if it was just me behind the camera.

I had plans back on that vacation in 2023 to shoot some pro-quality photos and video with my $3,000 mirrorless camera, but the truth is that model it never got a look in. The action camera, on the other hand, went with us everywhere, including sandy beaches.

If you're looking for a camera that can go places you wouldn't dream of taking your phone or big camera, then an action camera is the ticket, and the Osmo Action 4 is the top value pick of the lot.

More of today's best Amazon Big Spring Sale deals

• Amazon Devices: Fire Sticks, Echo & tablets from $18
• Apple: MacBooks, AirPods, AirTags & iPads from $17
• Beauty: 50% off toothbrushes & hair tools
• Cheap TVs: smart TVs from $69.99
• Easter: gifts under $50 for all ages
• Headphones: 50% off Beats, Bose & Samsung
• Laptops: Apple, HP & Dell from $199
• Patio: outdoor furniture, rugs & decor from $19.99
• Toys: 57% off Lego, Tonies & board games
• Vacuums: Dyson, Shark & Bissell from $34