Which One Would You Pick? DJI Osmo Action 3 vs Action 2

[@TamaraGabrielUK]

If you need a quick and easy way to colour correct your D-Cinelike footage, check out my D-Cinelike Corrective LUTs geni.us/6KhaZ

[@philsgarage64]

I already bought them months ago 👍🏼😉. They work great !

[@philsgarage64]

By the way, how do you recommand me to use the LUT : straight on the footage then readjust intensity, contrast, Colors, etc … or 1st adjust the base , then apply the LUT (which I usually do, even if I usually need to go back to basic settings after ) and do you recommand to set contrast/saturation or just the basic lighting as the lut boosts the other parameters ? Depending on the luts I use, I don’t always have the same way of working to reach my goal. Thanks.

[@TamaraGabrielUK]

It’s best to get the exposure right before the LUT is applied whether in-camera or in post using vector scopes or histogram. You can boost contrast, saturation, vibrancy if you want after adding a LUT, but that becomes personal preference.

[@philsgarage64]

@@TamaraGabrielUK hi Tamara. Following my comment yesterday, I compared my Action 2&3 today. With nice blue sky & big white puffy clouds , Action 2 is a bit over exposed in the sky compared to Action 3 (all settings similar). To reach an equivalent image, I have to set EV-0,3 on Action 2. But I find that with sky contrast , Action 3 also deserve some correction ( even if I have to correct some under-exposed parts in post… it’s easier than dealing with burned sky !) . So my best rendering (with clear sky) is more EV-0,3 on the Action 3 and -0,7 on Action 2 to give them similar aspect. Would be curious to have your opinion on that . Kind regards

[@EJGentleman]

You give the best and most clear reviews of these tools. I picked the DJI Action 3. As much as I liked the GoPro 11, the Action 3 is going to fit in my kit better, along with my DJI Pocket 2.

[@TamaraGabrielUK]

That’s a good pair 😊

[@sheahill6628]

Excellent video comparison. Would the Action 2 be a good starter camera for someone just beginning to vlog?

[@MJMCHRONICLES]

Love my action 3, thinking about buying a second one. Done with GoPro

[@SuperMixmaster]

The only thing wrong with the Action 2 is the name, there is where the confusion lies. It's not really an ACTION camera. It's really a mini mode/stack cam...etc. Anyhow as far as comparisons both have the same sensors, lens, shutter speed, resolutions etc. From your samples your cameras metering angles are different, so different exposures. Even using the same camera will give different results as shown. But to my eyes the Action 2 appears to expose brighter with more details, Action 3 darker with less details, 7:04 PRINT THAT🖨 and see which photo is better?

[@nealsheldon]

It's the A3 definitely! There's the improved Rocksteady, camera specs and battery system! The camera is benefitting so much from new tech!

[@TamaraGabrielUK]

💯

[@DeanaAndJoe]

You just saved me money! I film a lot of outdoor footage in Canada and was considering picking up an Action 2 as a backup/secondary. Winter in Canada is below 0.

[@explorewithgeoff]

I bought the Action 3 a few weeks ago. Mine doesn't have the focus issue. In fact it's sharper closer up than distant, which suits me well usually. I don't think too much of the quality though to be honest. There is something "cheap" about how it looks, a bit like phone footage, but I'm not sure how to explain it. Also it seems to get noisy quite quickly. I've been spoiled by the amazing quality of my Mini 3 Pro drone, and as the Action 3 is also by DJI but with a larger sensor, I assumed it would be better. Personally I don't think it is. If I put my Action 3 on a gimble I could keep the shutter speed down and turn off digital stabilisation, which I'm sure would help a lot. I may buy a gimble for it at some point when I have the money. Thanks Tamara for all your videos about the Action 3, they helped me decide on which action camera to buy.

[@TamaraGabrielUK]

No problem, I’m glad the videos have been helpful 😊

[@nosakisting271]

If i didn't have the Action 2, I would opt for the Action 3..especially for that HDR mode. The dynamic range on the 3 looks noticeably better than the 2.

[@TamaraGabrielUK]

💯

[@aaroncook-]

They've got both the magnetic system which I like for action cameras but DJI did so much upgrade on the Action 3 batteries, the performance's just plain impressive!

[@TamaraGabrielUK]

💯

[@TheOShow35]

Hahah I love your videos. I used to mainly click on your audio ones. But lately I click on all, I find all your videos relaxing and enjoyable to watch thank you.

[@TamaraGabrielUK]

Thanks so much 😊

[@jankowalski1077]

Love the video! You really make some of the best camera/video content on YT atm in my opinion. And those luts are looking tempting. I have not used the Action 3 but I love my Action 2, even bought a second one... But honestly I am dissapointed that instead of revising the Action 2 and trying to improve upon the modular design, they went back to what essentially is 'DJI's version of GoPro'. It is just such a fun camera to use (and you will get it everywhere... not thatyou should)! I love the magnetic 'pov attachment' I mostly use it to just carry my DJI on me for quick access. The pov shots are nice, but you really need that horizontal balansing on for them to be useful (haven't tried gyroflow yet). With a third party cage, it becomes a proper workhorse for vertical video. For BTS/vertical work I've been running mine in a SmallRig cage on a U grip with the Olympys LS-P4 on the SR cage and I absolutelly love it! But I 100% agree on the durability... I did dropped both my Action 2s multiple times, and they work fine but it is stressful. Buying a screen+lens protection layer is a must (seems cheep but that's another 10 quid on top). Owned a few tough/action cameras in my time. DJI Action 2 does not feel like an action cam, more so like a piece of jewlery. You know it's gonna be fine if you drop it in a glass of water and it is. You know it will survive being accidentally dropped from your pocket's height and it does. But you just feel so wrong anytime it happens. I wonder, does Action 3 use the same app as Action 2? It is my least favourite aspect of the camera (next to it's 'delicate' feel) and I'm surprised to not see many people mentioning it. You have to download it and register your Action 2 (you can use it 5 times without registration but then it locks). It is free, and the vireless operation works suprisingly well, but I still don't like the idea that it isn't optional. I feel like a neccessity to download an app to register your product with should be something I am openly made aware before purchasing the product (ordered both my Action 2s from Amazon and it never stated it there).

[@TamaraGabrielUK]

Yeah, it’s something a lot of people have complained about, as is not obvious before buying one, but yeah the Action 3 uses the Mimo app and needs registering. Also, thank you, I’m glad you’ve been enjoying my videos 😊

[@TheTravelingClatt]

Thanks for the information Tamara! Super useful video!

[@TamaraGabrielUK]

You’re welcome ☺️

[@justourvibees7110]

Hello ,Need your help , today I bought dji osmo action 3 when I transfer my videos to MacBook Air old or I phone 14 video is not streaming well. Sometimes it is too slow or lagging in between, playing like frame to frame kind of, but same video when I uploaded on KZbin, works fine. Do know the problem or should I replace my gadget.

[@ItzSKYVlogs]

Ooooh snap!!!!! Let’s go!!!! I really want to make this video! But still waiting for ya hood action 3😢! Have you noticed that the action 2 is wider than we than the 3? Man I really hope to get an action 3 that’s good!

[@TamaraGabrielUK]

Yeah, Action 2 is slightly wider. What number replacement are you on now?

[@ItzSKYVlogs]

@@TamaraGabrielUK 4 lmao!!!

[@philsgarage64]

@@ItzSKYVlogs The 4th one was the good one for me … it just took 2,5 month of multiple exchanges before they sent me a perfect one (manufactured 11/22. The 3 previous ones were from 07 or 08 and all blury) good luck ! By the way: I love your channel !!

[@TamaraGabrielUK]

😮

[@TradingClubs]

Thanks for your reviews. Love to watch them. I had Action 2, but was really disappointed with the poor quality. Looking to buy something new for vlogging. What will you recommend between Hero 11 and Action 3? (Most important for me video quality)

[@TamaraGabrielUK]

In my opinion the H11 has the better video quality, but A3 has better colours. But I choose the H11 over the A3

[@spirittravels.]

Can you please explain if the video quality was poor quality?or what exactly? Thanks

[@TC_Conner]

Very good comparison Ms. Tamara (you look gorgeous on both! 💜) My first camera of this type was the GoPro 5, and I’ve stuck with GoPro since. My use is strictly for gentle vlogging videos with the only action being me walking. 😎 I’m still very new to vlogging and don’t spend any time at all with color correction or color grading my footage. Perhaps as I progress I’ll add that chore to my workflow. 💜💜

[@TamaraGabrielUK]

Ah nice. I love GoPros. Still blows me away how good the H11 is when vlogging. Buttermilk Falls was a pretty spot btw.

[@Zeclips-]

action 3 for video quality. action 2 for audio quality. That's a big conflict for a vlogger :D (kinda. wind noise isn't so pressured)

[@lynsmith1096]

Good comparison video Tamara I think if I was going to bye 1 it would be the Action 3.

[@TamaraGabrielUK]

Thanks 😊

[@ArcticExploring]

I choose Osmo Action 3 easily over Action 2 since it have most uses + RockSteady 3.0 is just amazing.

[@TamaraGabrielUK]

💯 Action 3 just seems better in general.

[@spirittravels.]

Thanks for this much awaited review. Yes, I agree with your points. But I think the Action 2 still looks good enough. Do you find the wide setting on these cameras is a bit too wide? Making the subject look too small? Some say the go pro has a better wide setting. What do you think? Do you prefer the 3 or the go pro? Cheers.

[@TamaraGabrielUK]

No problem. I actually don’t mind the wide setting on the A2 and A3, I think it just comes down to personal preference. But overall I prefer the H11, but it’s because it fits into my workflow better in terms of camera matching and colour grading. But for simplicity and just being so nice to use, I prefer the A3, that front touchscreen is so handy as well.

[@spirittravels.]

@@TamaraGabrielUK Thanks for the update 👍

[@TamaraGabrielUK]

No worries 😊

[@dayslikethis9788]

Thank you. An excellent review and very helpful 👍

[@TamaraGabrielUK]

My pleasure! I’m glad it was helpful 😊

[@prakashm3807]

Thanks for the detailed review

[@stephond.photography9867]

I’m trying to figure out which one I want. I already have the DJI Pocket 2 for BTS footage but I need something for POV when I’m doing photo walks. I like that the Action 2 is magnetic and smaller but the fact that it blows out the highlights scare me

[@TamaraGabrielUK]

You’d probably be able to get a magnetic snap mount for the Action 3, like you can get for the GoPro. Then you can get the necklace mount for POV. Or you could get a bite mount for the Action 3.

[@stephond.photography9867]

@@TamaraGabrielUK thank you!!!!

[@TamaraGabrielUK]

No problem 😊

[@WeiFinder]

The magnetic necklace mount for the actikn 2 works for the A3, but it even dropped my A2 once so I don't really trust the "through the shirt" solution

[@ethkaz]

Crazy how I think the Action 3 footage looks so crappy next to a Hero 11, but now, seeing the A3 next to the A2, it looks amazing. Makes me think the diff in video quality between the 11 and A3 really wouldn’t matter for the end result once it’s posted to KZbin.

[@WeiFinder]

I find the footage from the A3 better than the GP11 (or even 12)

[@Azzurro650]

Good comparision. I took the Action 3 and now i'm waiting for one without the focus issue. 😛

[@TamaraGabrielUK]

Ah, it sucks that there are still faulty units going out. Hopefully you won’t have to wait too much longer.

[@Azzurro650]

@@TamaraGabrielUK I‘m afraid I have to, because UPS has lost the 📦 package. 🤷🏼😣

[@TamaraGabrielUK]

😥

[@abe5318]

Just wondering, what is your personal choice when it comes to video quality Gopro 11 or OA 3?

[@TamaraGabrielUK]

HERO11

[@abe5318]

@@TamaraGabrielUK Thanks for the straight forward answer! 👍

[@TamaraGabrielUK]

Ha, no worries!

[@isavkov]

Easy choice. And I already did it, I've got Action 3 :))

[@TamaraGabrielUK]

Nice!

[@SkyDomeVIZE]

like the action 3, but wish one can adjust the contrast.

[@TamaraGabrielUK]

You’d have to shoot in D-Cinelike for that control

[@grahambullman]

I bought the action 2 because of the form factor before the 3 was available. Wouldn’t upgrade now as I already have the Insta360 one r/s. 🙂

[@TamaraGabrielUK]

The Insta360 one RS is a great camera too, really good video quality, I wish the audio was as good though.

[@Utoober-yp7mf]

How about w battery life, Action 2 connected to the module, which one wins? Seems like a number of new review videos are finding the action 2 better than the 3.

[@lutzmix]

footage is better with the O2, battery life is better with OA3.

[@prakashm3807]

How much time we can record continuously in action 2 and action 3

[@starrbudd]

Just picked up the Action 2 w/ 2nd screen for $189 inc tax from Buydig (open Box) so I am curious how well it will do for my biking / kayaking. I enjoy the small form factor similar to my previous Gopro Session 5. Thanks for the video.

[@TamaraGabrielUK]

Thanks for watching. If you're gonna be kayaking just be mindful that the screen module isn't waterproof.

[@WeiFinder]

Good tip from Tamara, I jumped in the ocean for a few minutes at the beginning of my 3 month Asia trip with the module attached, and it stopped working almost instantly. Without the module, you can't charge or extract files from the main camera which renders the entire thing useless.

[@aisica]

Is there any compact and tiny camera, like action 2? Do gopro also make something similar? I need that for discrete filming, like interview People on Streets.

[@pictainment]

Insta360 go2

[@philsgarage64]

Hi Tamara, great comparative. I just bought a used Action 2 (in fact it was never used and still in its blister) for 180€ ! Got the Pocket 1&2 the Action 3 (a good serial nb 😉) and needed an even smaller camera for my motorbike videos. Action 3 is far better in every aspect, and more rugged. The only + of OA2 is it’s weight, size (if only using the camera module otherwise it’s worse) and eventually stealth. I didn’t notice the difference of dynamic range you demonstrated . Maybe setting EV -0,3 on Action 2 may avoid to burn the sky and get it closer to the Action 3 image … I’ll try tomorrow with this setting and let you know … great job once again ! Love your channel !

[@TamaraGabrielUK]

Thanks for watching, I’m glad you’re enjoying the videos 😊

[@spirittravels.]

How do you think the Action 2 video quality compared to the action 3, in your own experience? Thanks.

[@philsgarage64]

@@spirittravels. hi. I find Action 3 better. Compared side by side , with same settings & conditions, Action 2 gives more « burned » sky. Dynamic range is better on Action 3. But if you lower EV to -0.3 or 0;7 on the Action 2, you ca, reach quite a similar image with some light post production.

[@spirittravels.]

@@philsgarage64 Thanks for that information. Cheers👍

[@philsgarage64]

@@spirittravels. Anyway, Action 3 is better for battery life, heating, screen size, audio, 10 bits, time code available , etc etc… Action 2 wins for its size as long as you only use the camera module that you can stick anywhere …

[@ivanivanov7617]

I can get DJI action 3 second hand for very good price but I am afraid because it is from 10/2022. What do you think guys is the camera from these date with focus issues?

[@TamaraGabrielUK]

You won’t know until you get it

[@ReelFilm2016]

Another great video😀

[@TamaraGabrielUK]

Thanks!

[@ReelFilm2016]

@@TamaraGabrielUK welcome

[@cricabhi009]

what is the price of your state ??

[@bukketball]

La dji osmo action 2 passe en 128 GO 🥰

[@NenadSapungin]

This is a great video! Thanks for sharing. I'm currently working on a review of the Action 3 as well. New sub here 👍🏼 supporting other smaller channels like mine!

[@TamaraGabrielUK]

Thanks!

[@ykwongtube]

how can I get the 3 without focus issue?

[@gordon3988]

Jake Sloan tested 2 new ones on his channel and neither had a focus issue (his one from last year did). I noted in his comments he suggested January 2023 or later. Apparently there is a manufacturer date on the box.

[@Johnnyrockenvoyage]

Action 2 is over heating non stop.

[@TamaraGabrielUK]

That’s a shame. What sort of videos do you shoot?

[@Johnnyrockenvoyage]

@@TamaraGabrielUK Travel vlog!

[@Johnnyrockenvoyage]

@@TamaraGabrielUK Travel vlog!

[@Virenss4]

Hey Tamara, did the firmware update fix your focus issues? Or did you get a new unit? Image looks very good on the action 3 here

[@TamaraGabrielUK]

Hi. Firmware won’t fix the focus issue, it’s a hardware problem. I had a replacement.

[@_technobuff_]

Good explanation but put more energy 😅

[@TamaraGabrielUK]

I am how I am. Other channels have different styles if that’s what you’re looking for.