GoPro HERO12 vs DJI Action 4 for vlogging

In the world of vlogging, choosing the right camera can make all the difference. In today’s post, we’ll dive deep into the battle between two top contenders: GoPro Hero 12 vs DJI Action 4 for vlogging. Which one will emerge as the ultimate tool for content creators? Let’s find out!

Taking Inspiration from a Trusted Reviewer

Recently, I stumbled upon an incredibly insightful video from a YouTuber I frequently watch and highly recommend for their meticulous product reviews. The video, which you can watch here, offers a comprehensive comparison of the GoPro HERO12 and the DJI Osmo Action 4. As I’m currently in the process of deciding which of these two powerhouses to invest in, this review couldn’t have come at a better time.

Introducing Gemini Connect

For those unfamiliar with Gemini Connect, they’re a dedicated duo on a mission to seek out the most compact and user-friendly camera setups, specifically tailored for vloggers and content creators. Beyond their reviews, they showcase their expertise by producing stellar travel vlogs and creative videos using the very equipment they assess. You can dive into their adventurous world and see their gear in action on their Travel Vlogging Channel. Whether you’re a budding vlogger or a seasoned content creator, Gemini Connect offers a blend of real-world experience and technical knowledge to guide your buying choices.

Gemini Connect’s Video Recap: GoPro Hero 12 vs DJI Osmo Action 4

Gemini Connect, in their recent video, took an in-depth look at the two hottest action cameras of 2023: the GoPro Hero 12 and the DJI Osmo Action 4. Notably, both cameras are in the same price bracket, making the comparison even more compelling. Here are the key takeaways from their video:

Image Quality

• Resolution: GoPro Hero 12 can record in a maximum resolution of 5.3K at 60fps, whereas DJI is limited to 4K at 60fps.
• Slow Motion: Both cameras offer 4K at 120fps. For ultra-slow motion at 240fps, GoPro provides a 2.7K resolution, while DJI shoots at 1080p.
• Image Brightness & Dynamic Range: While the DJI footage often appears brighter due to its larger 1/1.3 inch sensor, GoPro Hero 12 maintains better dynamic range, particularly in its new HDR setting, which is absent in the Osmo Action 4.
• Log Profiles: Both cameras have introduced log video formats to offer more dynamic and tonal range in post-production. Both appear similar once color grades are applied, but GoPro seems to preserve more shadow details.

Usability

• Vertical Video: Both cameras support vertical video, but GoPro offers more flexibility by allowing in-camera aspect ratio selection for vertical shooting.
• Fields of View: Both cameras have multiple fields of view, but GoPro’s hyper-view lens is wider than DJI’s ultra-wide. Additionally, the GoPro offers a Max Lens Mod for even wider perspectives and Horizon Lock.
• Stabilization: While both cameras boast impressive stabilization, GoPro’s Horizon Lock, available with the Max Lens Mod, is a significant advantage, especially during dynamic movement.

Audio Quality

• The built-in microphone audio quality is fairly comparable. DJI seems to isolate the speaker’s voice better. GoPro offers the option to enhance audio through the Media Mod, which also reintroduces front and back microphone usability.
• DJI has the edge in terms of mic connection usability. Its microphone can be directly plugged into the camera without the need for an adapter.

Other Features

• Time Lapse: Both offer hyperlapse and stationary time-lapse. DJI leans towards daytime presets, while GoPro offers a variety of night time-lapse presets.
• Photography: Both can capture photos. GoPro offers features like RAW, HDR, or Super Photo, while DJI provides aspect ratio selection.
• Usability: DJI has a front-facing touch screen for setting verification and changes, absent in the GoPro Hero 12. In terms of custom settings, DJI’s layout is more user-friendly.
• Mounts: GoPro continues with its traditional finger mount, while DJI introduces a strong magnetic quick-release mount.
• Battery Life: GoPro claims up to 81 minutes of recording at 4K 60fps, while DJI promotes a 150-minute battery life at 1080p.

Gemini Connect emphasized that their comparison was unbiased and not sponsored by either GoPro or DJI. Their analysis focused on the cameras’ performance for vlogging and travel videos, aligning with the content on their second channel, Gemini Discover.

Gemini Connect’s Verdict on Choosing Between the GoPro Hero 12 and DJI Osmo Action 4

1. Performance Issues:
   • The GoPro Hero 12 has been reported to have freezing issues, though Gemini Connect personally hasn’t experienced them. There is a processing lag that occurs when stopping filming on the Hero 12, which wasn’t present in the previous models.
   • The DJI Osmo Action 4 has had no issues with freezing, overheating, or processing lag.
2. Price Point: Both cameras are now priced similarly, which makes the choice harder.
3. Image Quality: Both cameras offer impressive image quality. There’s no significant difference in this regard, and users won’t go wrong choosing either.
4. Existing System:
   • If users are already heavily invested in one brand’s ecosystem, such as having a GoPro subscription or a lot of GoPro mounts, they might want to stick with GoPro.
   • The same logic applies to DJI: if one has a lot of their magnetic mounts, it would make sense to stick to DJI.
5. Earlier Models: If users have earlier models like the Osmo Action 3 or GoPro Hero 10 or 11, there isn’t a compelling reason to upgrade since the differences aren’t significant.
6. Recommendation for New Buyers (as of September 2023):
   • Gemini Connect recommends the DJI Osmo Action 4 for most new users. Some reasons include:
     • Resolution: Most people don’t necessarily need the 5K resolution offered by the GoPro.
     • Usability Features: The Osmo Action 4 has numerous user-friendly features such as a front-facing touch screen, a magnetic quick release, a battery charging case, and the absence of the need for a mic adapter to add a microphone.
     • Performance: The Osmo Action 4 doesn’t suffer from the overheating issues that the GoPro has, leading to better battery life.
     • Ease of Use: Accessing custom presets on the Osmo Action 4 is simpler. It is overall a more straightforward camera to use.
7. Personal Preference: Despite acknowledging that the Hero 11 and 12 might be the best GoPros ever made, Gemini Connect personally prefers the DJI Osmo Action 4 due to its usability and features.
8. Invitation for Feedback: Viewers are encouraged to share their opinions in the comments, stating their preferences between the two action cameras.

In conclusion, while both cameras offer impressive features and quality, Gemini Connect leans more towards the DJI Osmo Action 4, especially for those buying an action camera for the first time. However, the decision might differ based on individual needs and preferences.

For someone deciding between these cameras, this in-depth review provides a comprehensive perspective. However, always consider your specific requirements and how they match up with these cameras’ offerings before making a purchase decision.

My Take on the Comparison Between the GoPro Hero 12 and DJI Osmo Action 4

Unlike many who use their cameras for vlogging, I primarily use mine for mountain biking and skiing. Still, I found many points from the video applicable to my situation.

What I Like About the DJI Osmo Action 4

1. Usability: To me, the DJI Osmo Action 4 stands out in terms of user-friendliness. This becomes especially vital when I’m on the trails or slopes, and I need to swiftly change settings or modes.
2. Battery Life: I find the longer battery life a major plus for outdoor sports like mine. When I’m out biking or skiing, I often don’t have the convenience to recharge frequently.
3. Mic Flexibility: I appreciate the straightforwardness of connecting various mics to the DJI, not just the DJI Mic. Clear audio, be it the ambient sounds or any commentary, can significantly elevate the quality of my videos.
4. Sensor Size: The superior low-light performance due to its larger sensor is something I value. It’s particularly useful for those early dawn or dusk rides and runs when lighting isn’t perfect.

Where I Differ

1. On the Matter of Resolution:
   • I genuinely value the GoPro’s higher resolution. With its image stabilization and when using lenses other than the Wide mode, the GoPro crops the image.
   • Consequently, even with this cropping, the video produced remains close to a genuine 4K resolution. This means that even after using these features, the quality of my videos stays top-notch.

In summary, while the DJI Osmo Action 4 has several features that suit my requirements, I can’t overlook the resolution advantage of the GoPro Hero 12, especially when considering specific features that lead to image cropping.