Depth of focus problem with action camera

Current plan is to take my DJI Action 4 camera on the upcoming trip to India. There is, however, a problem with a fixed-focus camera compared with variable-focus. Action 4 is the former, Pocket 3 is automatic variable focus. The problem is depth of focus, also known as depth of field.

I posted about these two cameras here:

• Seduced by the camera hype — October 23, 2026

When vlogging, if want to have oneself in the video, the camera has to be held at arms length. Any closer, and the face becomes blurred. If desired to have a closer head and shoulders video, that's a problem, as the camera has a wide-angle lens -- on the Action 4 it is 155 degrees. Yesterday I recorded a video, and set digital zoom to x1.9, to get a bit closer-in. However, still not satisfactory.

The Pocket 3 handles close-in videos very well, so scores a big tick in that regard. For the Action 4, anything closer than 0.4 meters starts to get out of focus.

Well, I could take both Action 4 and Pocket 3 with me. Main problem with doing that is only taking a carry-on bag, no check-in luggage. Not sure if can fit both.

Did some research; it seems that it might work to attach a lens that moves the depth of focus slightly closer. That will mean that distant objects will become slightly out-of-focus. These guys have tested this solution:

"DJI Action 4 Minimum Focus Distance Fixed"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=05prkya08kk

"Add This To Make The DJI Action 4 Or 5 Into A Great Blogging Camera For Close Up Performance"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TMsHn1qZpnU

OK, an adapter is required, and there are threaded lenses available, originally designed for use with SLR cameras. One video explained that 49mm lenses are the maximum size that should be used with the Action 4 (so that it will sit flat on a surface). Right, so first, an adapter is required; I have ordered this one:

"ULUZ 49mm Filter Holder For DJI Osmo Action 6 / Action 5 Pro / Action 4 Camera"
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005010693033532.html

Now for a suitable 49mm macro lens. It seems that one has to be careful, as Action 4 macro lenses are designed for very close-up focus, like about 2 - 4 inches. Don't want that type, want a SLR macro lens that will bring the focus a little bit closer; it seems a diopter +2 rating is suitable. I ordered this set:

"Macro Close Up Lens +1+2+4+10 Filter Kit 37/39/40.5/43/49/55/58/67mm For Canon Nikon Sony Cameras"
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005007211803311.html

...hopefully, these are ok with the adapter.

This is going to be a very interesting experiment. Hopefully this gear will arrive before leave for India.  

Tags: nomad