GoPro Hero 12 Black vs DJI Osmo Action 3/4

GoPro Hero 12 Black or DJI Osmo Action 3 camera, which one is the best? I compare them back to back and focus on three important features, picture quality, audio quality and image stabilization. I think the GoPro may have a slight edge in picture quality but the POV on the OA3 is better. For audio the GoPro is slightly better but only because it has the media mod mic added to it. I will give the edge to the OA 3 in image stabilization. The DJI mounting system is far better than the GoPro, the touch screen is better and switching from horizontal to vertical filming is easier on the OA3. Another key factor is reliability and this is where the DJI camera is way ahead of the GoPro. The GoPro still has a lot of the same problems it has had for the last several years such as overheating and date and time not saving.
I will be sticking with the DJI camera mostly because it is just way more user friendly.
* Please note I will not discuss locations publicly in the comments section.
/ pnwenduro
/ pnwenduro

[@ktmers]

DJI picture seems sharper and the sound seems clearer on the DJI. Either way, beautiful scenery and awesome trail!

[@PNWEnduro]

Interesting you think the DJI has the edge in audio even though the GP has the Media mod upgrade.

[@alangolightly9850]

Gopro W

[@alangolightly9850]

Not a gp fan. Hero 11 mini not so great.

[@WASemiHardEnduro]

One thing to note for dirt bikers specifically: the GoPro has “labs” firmware that unlocks a ton of customizable settings. Min/max shutter speed is very helpful for trail riding as it helps stabilization.

[@sherco300se]

Very obvious which was which. The DJI has a very annoying pinch effect where the fender looks very pointy. The GoPro looks more natural and pleasing to the eye. Audio is more muffled with the DJI. The Dango gripper mount is also an awesome option for the GoPro to be able to remove and attach easily. I think the colour is also better on the GoPro. Actual image quality on both are really good.

[@Coal-Creek-Rider]

DJI seemed to have a bluer filter to its lens which was more pleasing to view. The audio levels and quality seemed good for both.

[@SANDS78]

Camera B looks the best to me. So GoPro ftw.

[@SANDS78]

Just to add-- they both look great, same with the stabilization.

[@adegreen2731]

I notice in one of your more recent comments that you’ve now reverted back to GoPro. I moved over to DJI OA4 after watching many influencer / paid for KZbin comparisons. After looking at my own OA4 footage I returned the cameR and got a GP11. No one seemed to mention what I’m guessing is a compression issue with the OA3/4. If you look at road texture, grass texture, snow and the clouds, all the detail is gone / smoothed out. Grass often looks solid, roads look smooth where there’s grit, clouds look mushy and hills in the background looked like they’d been painted at times. Unfortunately something that’s often glossed over on the many influencer reviews. Am now happy with my GoPro 11. I’ve even bount the DJI mounting bracket to replace the GoPro’s so best of both worlds. (Plus GPS with the 11)

[@PNWEnduro]

Comments here seem to be about 60/40 in favor of the GP. I really wanted the DJI to work out as it's easier to use and possibly more reliable (although my first one was faulty). In the end, two things with the DJI were dealbreakers, the lens, wide view is not wide enough and ultra wide has a bad fisheye effect. Also there is no good option for audio where the media mod on the GP works excellent and is reasonably priced. I try show honest and unbiased reviews, a lot of camera reviews out there are just paid advertisements unfortunately.

[@PNWEnduro]

Update: now getting into winter and the lighting on the trails is not as good there is no contest, the GoPro stabilization is absolutely awful in less than ideal lighting.

[@BethePandaGames]

Camera B gotta be the GoPro. Camera A being the DJI is going to be better for the low light since it has a bigger sensor. Would be nice to see a low light comparison video as well. That’s where the DJI will rain superior.

[@lostinpa-dadenduro7555]

I’m watching on iPad Pro 11 using EarPods. Audio: A has more upper midrange and treble. Sounds very good and clear. Better than B. B sounds muffled. Color: A has more of a “cooler” tone to it. B, warmer and punchier colors. Clarity: A is not quite as sharp as B. Light and Dark Forest: I think A handles the light and dark patches in the forest better. Stabilization: A not quite as good as B, but splitting hairs. Depth: A seems to translate the steepness of terrain better than B. Not as flat looking. I think I prefer camera A overall and the audio is better. I do like camera B’s clarity and color tone. However, that stuff can totally be sharpened or changed to taste in the editing software so it’s no big deal. I ride in the forest too so handling the image when there’s spotlights of sun coming through the leaves and dark spots is always the most challenging thing to me. I think A did better with that. They are real close though, and no one should feel bummed about having either.

[@PNWEnduro]

Excellent summary I completely agree about the DJI handling the changes in light better.

[@lostinpa-dadenduro7555]

@@PNWEnduro. I got my Action 4 in. I think I have decent settings. Testing in the woods tomorrow. I’ll report back.

[@jesseneil746]

I picked camera B. Of course I really couldn't tell much difference between the two and I'm defiantly not a camera expert.

[@ridgerunnersmc1414]

Dji is way better. I like the picture and it definitely pics up the sound a lot better. The sound is way more crisp in your video. I will be purchasing a DJI!

[@PNWEnduro]

Thanks for the feedback. I’m liking the DJI better because it’s more user friendly, I have the newer model now, Osmo Action 4 and will be trying it out this weekend.

[@WilsonMotoGarage]

wish you could do this type of comparison with insta360 ace pro seems yours is the most honest comparison ive come across thanks for the content.

[@PNWEnduro]

Thanks. Unfortunately a lot of the popular action camera reviews are just paid advertisements these days. As far as the Ace Pro, I'd try it but I'm not willing to pay CAD $615 + taxes for one. It's a little behind with only 8 bit color and the flip screen would be more of a hinderance for helmet cam filming.

[@RJvidmoto]

Great comparison.

[@kamilsaleh6049]

The A camera which is DJI I guess gave the sharpest image possible and for someone who relies on post production results I think it's a better choice, the colors and sound can be corrected although they both have good colors but sharpness and good image quality are what to look for.

[@ridersride1]

for Moto DJI seems to be better at the processing the light to dark better. The Gpro colors look a bit brighter but DJI for the win,.

[@PNWEnduro]

Thanks for the feedback.

[@codygrams]

Camera-A is the clear winner IMO.

[@BjorkOffroad]

I was so confused as camera A sounded much more clear. Was your media mod activated correctly? I watch your videos on the tv via firestick and I thought both cameras visually looked pretty good. The stabilization on the GP is more “locked in”, where the DJI definitely moves more, but doesn’t have the harsh shake. DJI makes you feel like you are going faster, but it does get fatiguing IMO. Thanks for doing this comparison. I appreciate the work that goes into it.

[@PNWEnduro]

I checked the media mod was working when I started the ride (you can see the green bars on the back screen) I do find the media mod doesn't fit on the GP12 as well as it did on my 9 or 11, it may be because of the softer rubber like material on the front of the GP12. For stabilization, I did notice one spot in the darker forest where the GP12 struggled. Also, thanks, I like to hear when people take the time to watch my content on a bigger screen!

[@wednesdar452]

Camera B is absurdly superior... have not watched to see which is which yet. A is blurry and has a phony/floaty image stabilization that looks artificial. The color is far, far superior on camera B as well.

[@PNWEnduro]

I feel the GoPro has a bit better image quality but I would not say vastly superior. Stabilization I like both but the GoPro suffers in low light situations. GoPro has a bit of an unfair advantage with audio because I’m using the media mod. I now have the OA4 camera because I lost the OA3 in the mountains, the OA4 should be an improvement over what you see in this video. Thanks for your feedback.

[@wednesdar452]

@@PNWEnduro For me, the GoPro didn't blur objects in the peripheral, whereas the DJI blurred them about halfway to the rider, creating a weird sea-sickening sensation. Both are clear straight ahead, which is obviously where you're looking as a rider, but I felt the gopro was easier to watch as a viewer also interested in foliage and scenery. I also liked its color more, especially in the low light, but the other looked oversaturated in the sun too. Have had the 4T Sherco in the past and currently have the 2T.... Love how they sound no matter which camera!! Enjoying the channel and will continue to watch whichever camera you pick, thanks!!

[@goodley9817]

Hey Greg I totally prefer Camera B the GoPro the stabilization is Rick solid while camera A seems to rock back and forth it really does I thought it looked fish bowly too

[@PNWEnduro]

Thanks for the feedback.

[@Coastal-rsidedown]

Great comparison. When did you film this?

[@PNWEnduro]

October 8.

[@whatagit600]

Audio is way better on the GoPro as well as brightness. The other is decent for sure. But I’ll keep my GoPro

[@SM-yq9ig]

Cam B for sure

[@shawnburgwald114]

What do you use for the wind screen things on the DJI?

[@PNWEnduro]

Just cheap stick on ones from Amazon.

[@IdahoDualSport208]

DJI has a fish eye effect and the color hue is imbalanced. It seems decent for this type of application where you could be riding in low light areas and not needing fine details - but the GP definitely outperforms it in terms of cinematography ability. Glad to see good competition for the GP though, will only help boost more performance from both sides 👌🏻

[@PNWEnduro]

The OA4 will be closer to the GP in terms of picture quality. I agree the GP looks a little sharper but is it worth dealing with the issues that plague the GP product?

[@IdahoDualSport208]

@@PNWEnduroyeah there’s always a trade off. I personally have never had a failure with GP, but I have hated previous years battery life. I now run my camera off external power so that fixes my complaint, but if their warranty sucked that could change my mind if I had dealt with the same issues you did, too.

[@PNWEnduro]

I'm trying to get specific footage for both YT and IG now so the ability to rotate the DJI in a few seconds is a huge advantage for me. Next ride will be with the new DJI OA4 as I lost the OA3 in the mountains last ride.

[@IdahoDualSport208]

@@PNWEndurodang! That’s another good idea for them to consider - being able to track a device if dropped or lost.

[@brianq103]

@@PNWEnduro the OA4 video I have seen has been incredible! The first time I've seen video that you could see how steep the terrain was! Good luck! I hope you get the same results!

[@voiceman9884]

The DJI will take nearly any lav mic with a USB-C type connector, or you can get an adapter to convert from TRS to USB-C, which is cheap. Don't need to buy the DJI wireless mic system, which isn't a great option for us dirt bikers with the camera on our helmets or chest mounts and bouncing around.

[@PNWEnduro]

I did try one and the audio was awful. From other reviews I’ve seen other mics don’t work well with the DJI.

[@KoltFin]

The GP colors seemed more real and audio was more balanced(?). The dji looked good but it felt like it made things less detailed when they rushed by. I did like the FOV better. Did you have both cameras at the same angle?

[@PNWEnduro]

They are both on a chin mount at the same angle, DJI has a wider fov than the GoPro. DJI set on ultra wide which is the widest setting. GoPro set on superview which is the second widest option. Hyperview on the GoPro looks weird imo.

[@joaofranca4996]

Hi. I came to you video by searching for this exactly comparision. I'm very leaned to DJI Action 4. But i have afraid of this magnetic mounting on the dirtbike use, i mean, motocross or enduro or even hard enduro. Do you think it's reliable? I cannot stop thinking that i will loose the camera when i start to move or when the trails start to be with a lot of bumps. That's the only factor i didn't buy the Osmo action 4 until now.

[@PNWEnduro]

It's not just a magnet, it also clips into place and is very secure if you clip it in properly. I did end up losing one but I'm sure I didn't clip it in correctly when switching between vertical and horizontal filming. That being said, I don't recommend the DJI anymore, I'm back on the GoPro Hero 12. Despite how user friendly the DJI is I can't get over a few things about it. First the FOV, wide is not wide enough and ultra wide has a bad fisheye effect. Also the audio is not nearly as good as the GoPro paired with the media mod. I'm not willing to spend another $400 on the DJI mic setup. Keep in mind if you buy the DJI, you cannot return it for any reason, unless you buy from Amazon, they take anything back.

[@WASemiHardEnduro]

GoPro has a bit better dynamic range. DJI’s wide view is too wide - easily fixable in post, but if you don’t, then it’s too distorted IMO. DJI Action 4 (I know you have the 3) is better in some low-light situations, but honestly both suck in real low-light. On darker trails, for what we do, I think they’re both pretty equivalent. The GoPro stabilization is definitely better.

[@PNWEnduro]

I have the DJI OA4 now, lost the 3 in the mountains last ride at one of your riding spots. The GoPro may look a little better but is it worth dealing with the issues that they continue to have?

[@WASemiHardEnduro]

@@PNWEnduro I quite literally have not had a single issue with my 10 or my 12. Not even a single one. My 7 was buggy. Sounds like you’re having issue with DJI as well. 🤷‍♂️

[@PNWEnduro]

I’ve had issues with every GoPro I’ve owned, including the 12 on its very first use. The DJI is so much easier to use especially when you are filming for KZbin and Instagram as well as doing helmet and tripod shots.

[@WASemiHardEnduro]

I know people have issues, but every single one? That sounds like an issue with your chosen memory cards… or maybe you just have insanely bad luck! 😅 The 9 and 7 were known to be buggy. The DJI mount is quicker for sure if you’re swapping cameras often. Otherwise, how do you find it better for KZbin/insta? Both are pretty straightforward to film with. For 3rd person shots, product reviews, or basically anything not 1st person POV, a mirrorless puts both to shame.

[@PNWEnduro]

With the DJI magnetic clip on system I can rotate the camera between horizontal and vertical in a few seconds, I love this about the DJI. Same with switching it to a tripod. I don’t have the budget for a standalone 3rd person camera. I know you can film vertical and horizontal with the GoPro without rotating but you need to go into the touchscreen to switch presets.

[@oldshiny3012]

At end of day it all comes down to reliability, because if it ain't recording its a useless paper weight whether its got the best quality vision and audio or not. The comparison is between how reliable they are , which one is going to give you less hassle and peace of mind compared to the other

[@PNWEnduro]

100%. It's no contest, the DJI just works while the GP12 already has some of the classic GP issues on it's first use.

[@oldshiny3012]

@@PNWEnduro seems gopro already made the decision for you

[@dirtfreek]

I picked camera A as the early winner once you cut in camera B. At times it was difficult to tell visually however the sound was terrible on camera B all the way through. For me, camera A is the winner but I'd be happy either way as my current camera has zero image stabilization and it can be tough to watch playback on rough trails.

[@briansunderland8644]

DJI looks more crisp and clear compared to the GoPro. My choice would be the DJI

[@PNWEnduro]

Thanks for the feedback. This video has left me with more questions than answers as the opinions seem to be split 60/40 in favor of the GoPro.

[@jasonseifert2801]

If you don’t mind me asking, what settings do you use? I just got an action 4 and I found my video to be somewhat pixelated. Thanks

[@PNWEnduro]

4K 60FPS Rocksteady EIS low light priority on.

[@jasonseifert2801]

@@PNWEnduro awesome thanks

[@eprohoda]

PPnw!splendid dji~🙂

[@justinphone4305]

How are you mounting your camera? to you helmet? On top, visor, face, or where? Your pictures are amazing!

[@PNWEnduro]

I use the ProShot chin mount.

[@justinphone4305]

Thank you

[@west1686]

Unbiased opinion formed before knowing what was what. The dji seemed almost unwatchable. The image stabilization was significantly worse. The trees seemed like they were swaying back and forth slowly. Then in the low foliage sections the dji had weird motion blur towards the edges of the frame. Kind of like I was in a warp tunnel in space (lol)

[@west1686]

The go pro seemed to handle the sun spots in the trail better. The dji appeared as white spots. The dji seemed to have more vibrant colors.

[@PNWEnduro]

Thanks for the feedback. Interesting how split peoples preferences are, seems to be about 60/40 in favor of the GP.

[@west1686]

@@PNWEnduro love the videos keep them coming

[@TheDirk604]

I prefer the Gopro image, but the DJI audio

[@PNWEnduro]

I’m finding it interesting people prefer the dji audio even though the GoPro had the upgraded audio with the media mod.

[@culdpotato]

Camera a I choose so a was that and b was that brand lol thx for the vid really helpful

[@Drake01MS]

So… which camera is which?

[@PNWEnduro]

Somebody didn’t watch the whole video…

[@Drake01MS]

@@PNWEnduro I saw all the video, but my English is not the best, sorry, can you say it?

[@PNWEnduro]

Camera A is the DJI camera B is the GoPro.

[@BagnalOffroad]

So do you not use a microphone in your helmet for these videos?

[@PNWEnduro]

No, never have.

[@BagnalOffroad]

@@PNWEnduro that’s cool I never thought the audio quality would be that clear without one.

[@edsteward7717]

I didn't have any issue with audio on either. Both had video issues here & there. Really need to watch it all side by side. Then flip a coin? 😂

[@PNWEnduro]

User experience is a big factor, DJI wins this hands down. I want to like the GoPro but it's just not reliable.

[@franciscoandrade1781]

Go pro the one I have sounds be more muffed

[@PNWEnduro]

Are you using the media mod? It’s a significant improvement in audio quality.

[@franciscoandrade1781]

@@PNWEnduro no

[@lostinpa-dadenduro7555]

Can I post a link to a test clip I made with the Action 4? Want some feedback. 😀

[@PNWEnduro]

Sure. Any comments with links will get flagged so I’ll have to approve it before it gets published.

[@lostinpa-dadenduro7555]

@@PNWEnduro Ok here are the details. First I thought I had rock steady on, but I didn’t Lol. But I’m more interested in feedback on my color, lens and slight EQ I did to sound. Location: Central PA Forest, mounted on helmet peak with magnet mount, mostly cloudy day, slight breeze. Camera: DJI Osmo Action 4 Settings: 2.7k-60 fps, Wide lens, 4.3 aspect ratio Color Profile: Normal Pro settings: EV -0.3 Shutter: 1/200-1/8000 (semi auto mode) ISO: 100-3200 Color Temp: 5000k Sharpness: 0 Noise Reduction: -1 Audio: Stereo, Noise Reduction On, - no muff or sponge yet. Edited on iPad Pro using LumaFusion I added some more vibrancy, hopefully not too much. Boosted 80Hz and 150Hz, cut some midrange round 640Hz and 1.5KHz

[@lostinpa-dadenduro7555]

@@PNWEnduro Video link: kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZpWYp56lqKuapbcsi=Ej7Gad2fHRrcVO5t

[@PNWEnduro]

Picture clarity and colors look great, audio is good. Stabilization turned off so can't comment on that. Why do you film in 4:3 ?

[@lostinpa-dadenduro7555]

@@PNWEnduro Thanks for checking on it. I like the increased up and down screen real estate of 4:3 versus 16:9. I go back and forth with myself about it, but this year I’ve mainly done 4:3. On my next outing I’m going to try the Osmo on 16:9 and see how it goes.

[@oddo35]

gopro 👍🏻

[@ste_t]

GoPro won for me. The dji initially looked great but after a while it was obvious that the GoPro was sharper and more full of detail. I think the contrast and colour on the dji is just ramped up which makes it initially look sharp. I liked the field of view on the dji. I noticed particularly when you were in the trees that the dji seemed to struggle processing and the footage had a stutter at times like it was lagging. GoPro was 100% smooth the whole time. Also where the hell do you live. I need to emigrate there 😁

[@PNWEnduro]

I thought the DJI had better stabilization. The GP struggled in the darker forest section. I agree the GP image is sharper but I still don't think I can deal with the issues that have still not been fixed on this latest model. Next ride I'll be using the new OA4 camera as I lost the OA3 in the mountains last ride.

[@mikeburnett6222]

I first must say that I have a Go-Pro 11, but I'm always looking for somethiing better. I also know that every indivigual sees differently, simpley because we are all different! That being said, I personally thought that the Go-Pro was better everywhere except the hill clime. In that instance the color was washed outed,making it ver bright and white. Every where else, I thought the Go-Pro was much clearer, and sharper. Stabelization was equal. That's my opinion, but I don't think it's even with 2 cents! 😀

[@DukeNC]

DJI for the win!

[@hillquestdualsport]

Great real world use comparison. I prefer the video of Cam B but the sound of Cam A. My guess is Cam B is the Go Pro.

[@motocatfish]

DJI had better moto sounds. GP moto seemed muffled. Sharpness seemed scene dependent?!? I thought DJI was sharper in a couple of scenes, but GP was sharper in other scenes. Weird. You got me thinkin' about the DJI. Thanks for the comparison! :-)

[@PNWEnduro]

Hmm, I thought the GP had better bike sounds. I'll be using the new Osmo Action 4 next ride as I foolishly lost the OA3 in the mountains last ride.

[@whiskeythrottledave]

Camara 1 DJI had a sharper picture I think.

[@SlipperySalamanders]

I felt like the stabilization and audio on the DJI was much better. I'm not sure if it's a setting on the lense but I felt like it looked a bit more fish eye for lack of a better term. The front fender on your bike looked really thin and watching the footage threw me off a bit. I think the picture quality on both looked excellent.

[@PNWEnduro]

The DJI has a wider field of view than the GoPro which is good but may cause the fisheye effect a bit too.

[@lacemi]

For me, camara B is better, I prefer best color than others performance because Then are enough in both cameras. Camara A have a blue filter color or red filter color, I dont like camara A, maybe AO4 are better

[@P4ddyC4ke]

Man they are very close. DJI image seems to have a slight edge on adjusting to light changes and pixelization on the fringes. There are nuanced differences in contrast and color balance/handling, but that could be tuned to someone's liking post production if wanted. I'm assuming your samples are without any editing on those lines. I thought the audio was comparable, as well as the image stabilization. The edges of the DJI image on this stabilization has a bit more of a tunneling effect, but I actually like it, especially at 4K. It makes it feel more like the terrain is rushing past. If memory serves me on some of your previous videos, the biggest difference that you didn't mention here was that the GoPro shuts off after 30 minutes or so where the DJI will run through its whole battery. This lends the DJI better for hare scrambles and races requiring longer shoot times. I think the GoPro shuts down due to heat build up. Please correct me if I'm wrong on this, or if GoPro has fixed these issues. For now, I've stuck with my GoPro 9. If/when it dies, I'll likely go with the DJI. Thank you for a great review!

[@PNWEnduro]

I don’t do any image editing after filming, just don’t have the time for that. I do like how the DJI makes me “look” faster lol. I never had any overheating issues with a GoPro but I think that’s because I’m always moving and I don’t film in 5k. The dji battery lasts significantly longer which of course is key if you are using it for racing.

[@bakingwithsuzanne]

The GoPro image is much easier to look at; it seems a lot brighter. The DJI has darker images and is more difficult to watch and pick out details on. Could this difference be just a setting; can one adjust the DJI image to appear more likek that on the GoPro? I have no idea.

[@PNWEnduro]

There are several settings you can change on both cameras but in my experience they just make the overall picture worse. Turning up the iso can make it brighter but at the same time it will be a more grainy image.

[@whatagit600]

I like the GoPro better.