DJI Action 4 Vs GoPro 12 - Real World Footage Comparison

[@gavanconroy8453]

The dji4 is pretty good. I used it walking around in Japan a month ago. In 32 deg C and 95% humidity, the battery was lasting 2hrs with no overheating issues. This blew me away considering there was no cooling. Have had it back in Australia on the gravel bike and it’s been excellent in cooler weather, secure with the connectors and it looks good in mixed light. I went back and forth for a couple of weeks on the choice, but the dji has been flawless.

[@numje4story678]

Can I use DJI Action 4 Indoor also?

[@Coaster_Crazy]

The audio on the Action 4 is amazing

[@jaredlash5002]

The scene in your kitchen at 2:47 was very interesting. The DJI looked like the blue light was more pronounced, whereas the GoPro looked more dominated by the orange light. It would be interesting to know which one was truer to real life.

[@ricktoth7418]

Thanks Francis, I actually thought the DJI was better image quality and brighter in the lower light. Great job of going through the features and the comparison!

[@markjthomson]

and I think the close sound quality was better. Far off sound quality when Jimmy was speaking wasn't much different between the 2 IMHO.

[@numje4story678]

Can I use DJI Action 4 Indoor also?

[@jam6875]

DJI seems better in every aspect

[@breckr1121]

I just got my action 3 and it’s way better than my gopro.

[@tubularmonkeymaniac]

@@breckr1121 Which gopro? Is it Black?

[@bradipouomo]

Clear winner, maybe needed a third camera so the go pro didnt look as bad

[@felipeflores779]

But doesn't the dji not have hdr which one has better video quality?

[@Perceivedshift]

@@felipeflores779 Action 4 has HDR at the sensor level, not in software so an HDR settings is not needed. As per DJI FAQ

[@fennec13]

Interesting comparison ! Gotta say, the DJI audio sounds crisper and clearer imo, and the Video was brighter ! Since they seem pretty competative in price ( an you could maybe find a coupon on one of them) I'd definitely try to find a decent deal on the DJI if I was in the market for one of these !

[@numje4story678]

Can I use DJI Action 4 Indoor also?

[@markl2815]

The dji also doesn’t have the “brain freeze” problems of GoPros. In my experience it also deals with temperature extremes better. Importent if in hot summer of skiing etc

[@DerIngenieur2013]

Well done! Yesterday i ordered my Action 4 :D Because since years i use DJI drones and i am very happy with it!

[@_NoName...]

Go Pro owner here. From the comparison made in this video, definitely DJI 4 beats Gopro 12. If it would be a matter of buying one of this 2 cameras today, I would go for DJI all the way. Thanks for the video.

[@jollygoodvelo]

Thanks Francis, great review. I moved over to the Action 4 from GoPro when it came out and I’m loving it.

[@whatelsewouldyoudo]

Yay! Can't wait for mine. Just bought a DJIA4

[@BikepackingAdventures]

Moved from GoPro Hero 6 to DJI Action 4 and the difference is like night and day and is really helping my videos look a lot more professional. Francis, you should look up the HoverAir X1 drone as well, its making big waves especially in cycling vlogs. I've been using it in the Peak District recently whilst out wildc-amping and the results have been amazing - a drone that fits in your jersey pocket!

[@_NoName...]

Not a fair comparison, if you would have moved from Hero 6 to12 It would have been like night and day as well. Having said this, upgrading your camera to DJI 4 instead of gopro 12 was a wise choice from what we have seen in this video.

[@BikepackingAdventures]

@_NoName... I agree. I had previously just bought second hand cameras so it was great leap forward.

[@FlowJunkie65]

Excellent side-by-side concerning these 2 action cameras' practical functions. Due to my GoPro Hero 7 Black's wonkiness, and how flawlessly my original DJI Osmo Action has performed, I've permanently switched to DJI and have never looked back. Looking forward to acquiring an Osmo Action 4 if/when I upgrade.

[@paulchin4094]

Thanks for the detailed review mate. It seems DJI has many advantages hence, is the clear winner!

[@DemonicAnimatronic]

I have two of the original Osmo action and have loved it, DJI makes some truly high end filming products and I think the image on the new ones and audio is better than the current GoPro. Now, Gopro generally comes out with a new model a lot more frequently, but usually only minor improvements and I still don't think they have fixed the overheating issues they have had. Gopro really set the standard for small, all in one, cameras but they have just gotten too expensive for their use even if they offer more features now. I just wish the DJI had a way of getting an HDMI signal out for livestreams and things, then it would be amazing. Great video!

[@justsomedude7556]

For the nominal cost in the big scheme of things, these cameras are amazing and blow my mind when I think back to what was available just 10 yrs ago.

[@brianmcginley7215]

excellent video guys. Action4 image seems better, nicer skintones, bit more pop and vibrance, GoPro looks a bit murky. Also Action4 on-board condenser mics is MUCH nicer than the GoPro. That's the most obvious difference. Plus....larger sensor than Action3 and larger sensor always nicer for lowlight and inherently shallower depth-of-field.

[@DanielAx]

One big advantage is the 8:7 aspect ratio on the GoPro, which allows for better cropping of horizontal and vertical video from the same file.

[@ChinCycling]

Wow the DJI looks super impressive

[@17cream]

I was tempted with OA4 but went with the GoPro12. Concerns with jitter on DJI in dappled light put me off. Otherwise both great

[@johnvaughan7362]

Great comparison. Thank you. The only thing I would have liked added is the weight and potentially a quick discussion on the accessories. Well done and thanks!

[@II-nb6ko]

The Gopro had much better dynamic range and exposure when you have a bright cloudy sky behind a darker foreground. You can't undo the overexposure on the DJI but you can certainly fix the underexposure on the gopro. With that said, GoPro has issues with their firmware and they still can't get it right. I have so many overheating issues and "not enough power" warnings since the Hero 4 that the Hero 11 is going to be the last GoPro I ever buy.

[@Jfaram064]

I have been bouncing between GoPro/ Dji /insta for my cycling for a while. I’ve gone with the dji today after watching this among a few other videos. I just think for the bike the video and stability looked better but the magnetic clip would allow to swap between the bars, chest, shoulder and helmet mounts to give better panoramics while riding.

[@cpt_4meric4]

Somehow in this video I find the DJI to be much more vibrant and better in image quality. In tons of other reviews though it was the gopro that looked looked better. It almost feels like the labels for the footage of the cameras are switched? Am I the only one noticing this?

[@al4xs]

Yes. That's exactly what I thought. This is the only video I preferred the dji footage.

[@PeterSmithCA]

I was thinking on a new action camera for Christmas. I think you just made me decide on the DJI. Will keep an eye out for black friday!

[@BikepackingAdventures]

You won't be disappointed!

[@trentpuskorius]

I just got a DJI action 4 and I couldn’t be more pleased / I also have a DJI mini 4 pro drone & it’s also incredible.

[@Piercybach]

The DJI might seem like it looks nicer, but when editing and colouring, the flatter the image is, the easier it is to work with. The highlight rolloff on the DJI was harsh and blown out, whilst on the GoPro they were smooth and had plenty of room to work with. Plus the saturation was through the roof on the DJI. BUT... A Big But. If you want to film and not mess around with any shots afterwards, use them straight out the box. DJI is ready to go.

[@Anon__User]

This. The GoPro image is clearly better, but most people simply don't understand what constitutes a better image, thats why TV's are calibrated horribly as stock and most displays are horrendously blue.

[@CycletheNation]

Well, from what you said yesterday, I think I'm sold on the DJI, especially as it'll stay waterproof with a wireless mic - something that lets the GoPro down massively due to the need to have a media mod.

[@SuperNeilB]

Great comparison and the DJI looked and sounded better in your videos. I would have to go for the Gopro though as you can get waterproof housing for both....the Gopro is rated to 60m the DJI only to 45m and some of the wrecks in Scapa Flow are down at 45m. I don't just ride bikes.....

[@ARCHONFella]

which is better in hot weather? which dies quicker?

[@crankgreenwatts]

Really cool Francis .. Yeah I also think the DJI was better and provided a better overall reflection on the surroundings 👍

[@apang11]

Thank you for a comprehensive comparison.

[@lucasbrunelle]

A concise comparison to the point

[@zzzzBadBoyzzzz]

I've been a producing sports video work for approximately 15 years with my now old Panasonic AG-AC160A, and now my son has shown an interest in producing action camera videography while doing activities like: airsoft, skiing, bike riding, fishing etc... With that being said, for his birthday I'm in the market for a new video camera, I have watched countless videos comparing the DJI Action 4 & GoPro Hero 12. IMO Gopro has put together the best overall system. Gopro's Bluetooth audio adds many real benefits and options to filming action camera footage. I've heard many people praise the quick change ability of the DJI, although that system looks a little flimsy to me, especially when considering the hash environments (E.g., high vibration, high impact, etc.) action cameras are designed for. I would think that the solid secure design of the GoPro mount would be much more rigid, vs the quick change convenience of DJI's magnetic mount. Regardless the quick change is a moot point, Gopro 12 has that 1/4-20 thread, and quick change camera shoe setups are abundantly available if needed. Overall, right out of the box, I do prefer the quick and easy high qualty imagery that the GoPro Hero 12 produces, again that new Bluetooth audio option, with audio voice commands too. What a benfit that will be when filming action scenes. Plus all the benefits of having that GoPro Subscription. No-questions-asked camera replacement, "Unlimited cloud backup👍, automatic uploading to the cloud when charging, Up to 50% off of product offered at GoPro .com, $100 off your next GoPro upon renewal of subscription; as a whole, Gopro has a much better system. And I pesonally, if at all possible prefer not to financially support nor reward the Chinese Communist Party's global technology theft network. DJI is directly associated with the CCP's military machine, and as such the CCP is using DJI products to destabilize the freeworld. DJI equipment is funneled via the CCP into the hands terrorists networks such as Iran's: Hesbola & Hamas... as well as the Russian military too. DJI's equipment is sanctioned vis the CCP to slaughter both the Ukrainian and Israeli people! The Department of Defense (DOD) position is that systems produced by Da Jiang Innovations (DJI) pose potential threats to national security. I know my comments here won't sit well with the DJI action camera community, although when considering the all the facts, GoPro is my pick☝️

[@xxsilver_gamingxx389]

Are you saying don’t buy dji (what I got from your comment but I may be wrong

[@zzzzBadBoyzzzz]

@xxsilver_gamingxx389 I chose not to buy DJI. Overall, Gopro is a better system. Plus DJI is controlled by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and Chinese PLA. That's why the US government has put restrictions on DJI products and App.

[@allidsarebusy]

@@xxsilver_gamingxx389 No, he's just brainwashed beyond hope.

[@Anon__User]

"Includes paid promotion" from who? I feel it's important to state in a VS review, just so we know it's not from one of the competing parties...

[@benkku625]

"Thanks to DJI and GoPro for supplying both of these cameras" ...

[@grahambell9831]

Foe me, It's DJI for the win 🏆. Top in-depth review Francis, nice one 👍

[@ibrid2die]

dji is the winner for me

[@mvboutdoors]

My only issue with the action 4 is that FOV is too wide. Linear mode on GoPro 12 gets you 4k but only 2.7k on the Action 4. This makes standard recording on the 4 look way worse.

[@Risayogi]

DJI has this new gimbal-stabilized Osmo Pocket 3. It would be interesting if you could make a riding video using this and compare it with electronic-stabilized action cameras. As well as practicality of bringing Pocket 3 vs action cams on the bike.

[@kpizzle1985]

I love my Hero10... when it works. Currently on my third one, hoping this one lasts but I doubt it will.

[@andreweeley5095]

I've been a professional commercial photographer for 40+ years and imo it's the DJI everytime.

[@TomashGhzegovsky]

Thanks for the thorough feature comparison Francis, but I would have loved if you also mentioned the software part. I was quite excited about getting the DJI, but was very quickly put off by the fact that I got locked out and couldn't use my camera without sideloading some dubious software on my phone, that is not available from Play Store. As an engineer working in the security field this is a massive red flag 🚩(pun intended) and absolute no-go...

[@joffb2000]

The GoPro is awesome for cycling especially off road but it sucks for surfing in the North Sea down Whitley bay,,, mine always freezes and the lack of hydrophobic coating on the lens ruins a lot of footage with water drops

[@northumbr1an]

Another fabulous informative video Francis how’s about a test on lights ie value/brightness/battery just with the cold dark nights and mornings 💡 🤙🏼

[@DanEscapes]

I've been using the DJI osmo action 1 still to this day since it first came out. Realluy love the look of the new 4 especially with the wide field of view. Thats one thing I did not like about the 1st Gen it was too cropped in and when I had it on my chest mount you couldn't see much. I'm also interested in pairing the new action cam with the new pocket 3, looks really good for vlogging and could be a good option at replacing my mirrorless camera. Great video and thanks for comparing the two for cycling.

[@8rk]

I think I prefer GoPro's image quality. It seems to have more dynamic range. DJI kinda washes out the bring areas. Skies seem all white. Go pro retains details and differentiates clouds and sky better. Small difference but it's there. Audio DJI is laughably better. Mounting I prefer DJI by a large margin. All else is a wash for me.If I bought one right now I'd probably go DJI just cause quick and easy mounting comes first for me in action cameras. As long as you capture what you're doing in pretty good quality, the small differences are not that significant to me anymore.

[@Coaster_Crazy]

At the moment as of 08/01/2024 DJI have a sale on and the Action 4 standard combo is £289

[@Tommyr]

The action 4 has a MUCH better image. It's brighter as well. Low light is better as well, more natural looking colors. Any reports of focusing issues? I passed on the action 3 due to all the focus problems.

[@malcontent_1]

The default dynamic range results on the DJI is much better & probably more usable with less initial editing.

[@felipesilveira3785]

Thank you, decided to buy the DJI!

[@emmabird9745]

The DGI looks better, better picture , better low light. Battery life? You were out shooting with Jimmy? How long? What i would want to know is how often I need to change batteries when I'm out for a ride.

[@hkayztheoldguy]

top review video...I've got a DJI P4P best drone for my purposes...I've had a gut full of GoPro issues...Hero 8...it works but after two fried batteries and other nuisance issues...it's a Osmo Action 4 for my next investment.

[@markj.a351]

Would I need to buy a new chest mount etc if I bought a DJI? That magnetic clip is a huge selling point for me.

[@savedgesurvive]

I like gopro a lot. But I really like that wide angle view from the DJI

[@ncc1107]

Seeing that side by side mount makes me wonder if we can get Cade in 3D 😂

[@whixamako1140]

Dji action 4 absolutely and definitely the winner. Sound better image quality much better. Much more premium built. Thats why i bought 1 standard kit

[@bigearedmouse17]

My Go Pro journey, Hero 4 Silver, Hero 7 Black, Hero 10 DJI Action 3.

[@juniorjunior9118]

I've noticed about the wide angle of go pro12 and it is super distorted like you were filtered it with fish eye. I think DJI OSMO ACTION 4 got the 5 points for the wide angle

[@Techwonderland]

Looks and sounds like the DJI won every comparison. I was trying to listen carefully to make sure even though the GoPro audio was quieter that it sounded the same, but it actually sounded pretty muffled, overall like a high-end rolloff was enabled. From what I saw in your review, the DJI looks to win, hands-down.

[@pohorachspetom]

Very nice comparison dude to be honest. I have been using GoPro since the 9th version and yesterday I purchased the DJI Osmo action 4 to see the real difference between these 2 competitors. Unfortunately, I experience the problem with charging the batteries via DJI charging case included in the adventure combo. After charging one battery is full second one is on 84 % and the last one has 13%. This really annoys me so much :(.

[@Bikepacking]

Got 2 dji action 4 .. the only thing that matters is which one locks up the answer is go pro

[@adamfeatherstone4045]

DJI a clear winner on both image and audio, interesting you didn’t cover the impact of low light or ND filters, particularly when on a bike and trying to get video to look realistic, on stabilisation

[@markthomas8018]

I'm expecting my DJI Action 4 this afternoon, but already thinking about sending it back because it does not have HDMI out.

[@JCleggy]

Tbh I don’t have easy access to a DJI where I live, and the Hero 12 was on sale for $350 after taxes. Maybe I’d pick the DJI over the GoPro if they were both on the shelf in front of me, but I have no regrets grabbing the Hero.

[@petertreadway]

Really informative video, guys, thanks. The difference in image quality is fairly stark, so I guess the money DJI paid for Hasselblad was with it! The DJI seems much lighter and clearer, and dare I say it, slightly sharper too! I film my videos on a GP Hero9 and have been fairly happy with it over the last 9 months. That said, I shoot pretty much everything in 1080, as I tried shooting a day's video in 4K once and it absolutely devoured the batteries! It's a real trade off though, as shooting in 1080 does leave you wanting in the crop department! I'll definitely be looking at the newest DJI iteration when I come to upgrade the camera now though. Cheers for the great comparisons.

[@DavidTiber-g7r]

The side-by-side was brilliant. The DJI definitely showed the subject better in low light, but did wash out the background to get there.

[@arturaszaleskis8907]

What about overheating test?

[@krissche1863]

Seems DJI made a rival that even takes the cake in most, if not all, cases. But it is close.

[@TurnbuckleTrivia]

Excellent consumer journalism! Also… I can feel my credit card straining the longer I watch this

[@MTBstuart]

My friend just got the dji and it's awesome, i have an insta360 one rs and i want to sell it and get the dji although his fell off the magnetic latch, not sure if it had engaged properly but it could be a problem

[@youjean83]

I've been watching quite a few reviews on these action cams now, and every single influencer said the same. Unfortunately, the GoPro Hero 12 loses against the DJI by a landslide, to make it short. If GoPro wants to sell its action cams, they need to be much cheaper at around ~200 bucks or sit on top of their cams.

[@Ashbridg3s]

Was going to be looking into action cameras for the new year. Are you going to do best of the best action cameras video? Maybe like bracket style knock out style.

[@Darrenmccall74]

Yeah DJI looks impressive to me I still use a Hero 7 black but if I went for one now be DJI

[@BikepackingAdventures]

I jumped from the Hero 6 a handful of weeks ago and the difference is huge. I really struggled on the Hero 6 filming in low light situations such as inside a tent - the DJI really shines and the audio is fantastic. Sound-wise go for the action 3 windshield its far better than Francis' suggestion here, not only better sound but protects you camera from the elements.

[@PaulTheFoody]

@Cade_Media .. some people making video saying in 4k 60fps and 4k120 fps front screen not working is it true ??

[@Anon__User]

Yep, another huge con to the action 4 that is always omitted...

[@zaneroberts832]

DJI I believe is better in every aspect as well, I have had several of there drones and their cameras in general are outstanding.

[@theaprum1]

I love the content and presentation, really well done.

[@mikea7174]

This video just made my day, boss. Cheers!

[@JPatteri]

DJI seems the winner! btw, when is the review of the RYET carbon wheels coming out?

[@BUILDYBUNCH]

Great review. THANK YOU

[@gliding_soaring]

Can you use DJI connected to the USB C poer supply and film longer?

[@jensenhealey907efi]

Francis, it would have been very useful to know if external microphones work reliably with either camera and what sort of accessories or settings are needed to enable that. For instance if I want to use a remote lapel mic with a separate transmitter and receiver, is this supported by either camera? I have an older GoPro Hero 4 Black and I have not been able to get external mics to function with that camera at all so because of this I am looking at buying a newer camera to replace that older camera to get external microphones to function.

[@Bogarts420]

Go Pro 12 is $105 cheaper than the Action 4. Is the $105 difference worth it for the action 4. Going to be for Ski/Snowboard, Sports, Fitness and travel

[@JeremyDawesJezweb]

DJI looks great, the sound is way better. Does it have software that can take the video and automatically make it short and interesting to watch 😅

[@rwarpig6687]

Thank you. Very informative.

[@OutdoorGentleman]

As a mountain biker, GoPro. Road bikers not even close to mountain bikes as far as needing stabilization. About the magnet, you can buy a $15 dólar and it works just like DIJ.

[@shikaze66]

Between the better low loght and WAY better audio on the DJI, to me, the DJI is the clear winner. Gopro is better on some niche usage, but for the majority of people, I recon the DJI would be more useful.

[@bigrat6099]

Can I use GoPro accessories with the dji action 4?

[@abedfo88]

I think the DJI looks and sounds better overall. The gopro footage looked very warm and washed out, and on my tv there was a noticeable drop off in audio quality. Though this literally splitting hairs as they are both fantastic.

[@BikepackingAdventures]

Personally I wouldn't say that's splitting hairs - the colours on the Action 4 are quite noticeably richer as is the audio output especially in noisy environments.

[@wsbygt]

After expending considerable money on 3 GoPro´s I had it with the brand. No real Windows support with capable software and the battery is a Sh!T3 show. My last experience during a MotoGP event I threw a gopro11 into the sofa when realised that the last 2 videos during a paddock party weren´t recorded because the battery when from 20% to dead without any reason. Mind that i set the quality to extend the battery with lcd turned off, no sound, basic led activity and tweaked 2K quality just for about 20 short videos... new battery with over 90% charge. FU gopro, only good for accessories and promo thats it.

[@SwimBikeRunStu]

Looks like i need to.mov3 away from go pro. Dji looks great.

[@tommy.unfiltered]

Which one transfers files faster to the computer?

[@markjthomson]

Good comparison, and both do well but I think if I was to spend money and just buy one, the DJI is my choice.

[@thomaspeiffer7414]

Very interesting comparison, I wished I had it before 😂 Just a question, I am always scared of using it without the protective case when riding but it makes it less practicle and slightly lower quality. Do you advice using it or the camera is strong enough ?

[@staniley884]

Can i use my gopro volta on action 4? With full control😊s?

[@TomL2025]

I am wondering if the DJI Osmo 4 has the same Battery , Battery case and extension rod as the OSMO action 3?

[@eprohoda]

How are you??~good dji. Cade,

[@ermice]

Yo - give us DJI Osmo Pocket 3 for bike review. It seems to have quite good footage as for the size.

[@adnancerimovic6387]

What about the Insta360 Ace Pro?

[@mahanmoshir]

wow..sound was so much better with DJI, a question: is DJI magnet strong enough to keep the camera attached in case of a crash? Greetings

[@Cade_Media]

Yes you have to press two little release buttons on each side of the clip for it to come off. Unlikely to happen in a crash

[@BikepackingAdventures]

I had a similar concern when my Action 4 arrived a few weeks ago - it will take a couple of attempts for you to know its connected - but it's absolute rock solid. For me I love it for the fact I can move from ProStandard grill mount (mouth) to the GoPro selfie-stick with ease - don't even have to stop pedalling which for me is so important when your riding all day in an ultra - time is of the essence.

[@BenFos1983]

Interested to know what the dual mount is called as I’m looking for something to mount my light & a camera on the front of my bike 😊