I agree with you David. The Action 4's practicalities definitely make it the better camera. It is so disappointing that the Hero 12 is still struggling with so many of the problems that have long been an issue with GoPro. If I didn't already have all the GoPro gear from owning 2 previous models, I would go with the Action 4.
@@florinho1994 The magnetic mount is on top of the GoPro compatible hinge mount. Whereas the GoPro just has the flaps on the bottom that attach straight to the hinge by the thumbscrew. The Action4 has an additional mechanism that has magnetic _and_ clip attachment that is very quick to undo/redo.
GoPro needs to realize that they’re going to have to completely redesign that camera at some point to keep up with competition that has already outpaced them. Cosmetics and software enhancements will only get them so far.
Exactly….and they aren’t even doing the software enhancements well. I’ve had more card write errors, freezing, and what I consider software issues with GoPro.
Got fed up with go pro overheating have switched over to DJI , no problems at all and no glitches connecting camera to phone, unlike the go pro which was such a ballache
If you're not already part of the GoPro ecosystem, I'd go with DJI all the way. I feel like they have more passion then GoPro to keep innovating in the future while they have an amazing drone lineup that you can also take advantage of within the same brand.
This is me exactly! The menu system is like my Osmo Pocket 1/2 and similar to my drones. Osmo Action 4 fit it perfectly on my last vacation. No regrets and I bought right before the GP12 was released.
@@channelMasterGuiGame I think what he's going for is the similar menus and UI system from their drones, but also just company reliability. Once a company has shown that they can deliver a high functioning and reliable product, you tend to trust future products from that same company. Reputation is very important
Super happy owner of an OA4 since its debut and never regretted after the hero 12 came out. About external dji mics, you can use only one transmitter w/o mounting the receiver on the OA4 preserving its waterproof capabilities as the transmitter has its internal storage 😊
I bought the DJI Action 4, and tried 4k 60fps in an "cold enviroument" 16 degrees celsius not even in the sun, i tried all 3 fully charged batteries, newest firmware, and after 15minutes it shuts down because of overheating....:( im gonna send it back to amazon and buy the GoPro Hero 12 hope gopro dont overheat and shut down.....:(
hay man i dont have any action camera till this date and i am planning to go nepal for high altitude mountain climb next month (above 6500m from sea level temp. like -20/30) which camera should i buy can you suggest to me please special for extermly cold place @@Moedaprince .
@@KentRoads lucky! This is my first GP and it's been nothing but issue. Won't be my last but I'll wait till they get better. Maybe GP 13 will be completely different and not just a slight "upgrade" like they do every release 😅
David I’m a huge GoPro fan, but what you say in this video makes so much sense. Thank you for being honest. I will go sleep with the enemy and buy the Action 4 😅
95% of my action camera use is motocross and DJI just works for me. After watching so many comparison videos, the image of either camera looks better or worse depending on the time of day, sunshine, overcast, rain. It's also really easy to screw up a setting and make the footage look terrible and the same goes for the software one uses to create the videos. In this video I think the GP looks a little better but I also know with one or 2 setting tweaks the DJI will look just as good. I have to mention that the GP media mod is a nightmare to use and to change batteries. DJI is so much easier to use.
@Mahmudurrahman2941 Out Of 60 Comments I read I Stand With You On The Image Quality… However, Audio Is More Important To Me… Im Still On The Fence… The Image Quality On The Go Pro Is Amazing…
I switched to Action 4 from Gopro 10. After two weeks of daily use I can say that the camera does not heat up at all and that I can connect an ext microphone directly to the camera is simply another leve of use. Glad I switched... well done dji !
I've just cycled across Africa for 7 months using a osmo action 3 and not a single problem. So many things I didn't miss to record because I had this camera. One friend joined for a few months with a gopro and he had so many freezing and overheating issues... also the he missed a lot shots because of the time reaction. Osmo action is a rock 💪🏽
Very true bro, I had GoPro and it's totally unreliable. I would rather have a camera that works (DJI or insta) than a one that won't (GoPro). I have missed so many valuable moments because of GoPro... When the customer looses trust the brand dies..
It's an interesting discussion... I have a ton of DJI products from gimbals to drones (and O3 air units on my FPVs) and a handful of GoPro. DJI is killing it on workflow and user features, but man, you look at the image, and DJI crushes the blacks and loses detail in the shadows. Tough call. All user features are 100% DJI, but the end product, the footage, GoPro has the most latitude. Mash up, perhaps? ;-)
@@DavidManningvlog Given the track record of DJI for introducing feature updates with software, I am hoping they bring out even better HDR than they have now.
First, thank you for always putting in such an effort on great videos. You (and a couple others) sold me on the OSMO Action 4. The footage looks more like what I see when I'm out hiking, biking, or canoeing, and if I want that punchier GoPro look, it's easy to get in editing. My wife and I love our OA4, and it's getting us outside even more.
My biggest.complaint is the Action 4 looks a little darker around the face in bright lighting. I wonder if a little bump in EV comp could fix that? When you do the night mode test, please try the HDR on the GoPro. I've seen a few reviews where that supposedly helps the low light performance a lot.
Interesting Justin. The HDR mode on the GoPro says that it needs bright light to work well. Again though, preference matters. From my perspective of someone who edits my footage in post, I like that the Action 4 protects the highlights by reducing the exposure. When I'm ever shooting a GoPro, I always run it at -0.5 exposure compensation because GoPro is known to let the highlights blow out. Once a spot in the image goes 100% white, it's unrecoverable in post. For me, I would prefer to run it darker in camera to give me better results in post
@@DavidManningvlog I know, it's wild.. BUT I've seen a could of reviews that shoe better low light performance w/ the HDR on. The Action 4 still beats the 12 in low light, but it's a lot closer than when HDR is off. Here's one of those reviews for an example. ruclips.net/video/p_vHSDpQEzo/видео.htmlsi=Op-ls_hVSNyNYArx It's an action camera, not everyone wants to do a lot of editing in post. I often just do simple updates in the Apple Photo program. The desktop one does some great corrects w/ auto. Sometimes small tweaks are necessary, but it does some nice work... especially for Sony camera footage, It helps warm it up.
GoPro failed. I sold all my GoPros. I used iPhone as substitute for a long time. Now looking to get DJI action 4. I also have Insta360 X3 and love it. I think Insta360 could make a better action camera eventually that destroys both DJI and GoPro.
I'll definitey be going Action 4. The GoPro frustrates me with its overheating and miserable performance in cold temps. I shot a borrowed Action 1st Gen vs my Hero 11 and the Hero could not stay turned on in cold weather, meanwhile the Action Gen 1 had ZERO issues. Sure the video quality was different between those two - but given the GoPro couldn't even stay on and recording - that doesn't really help. Can't wait to have the Action 4 in hand... And thanks for the video - super informative and helpful as always!
@@DavidManningvlog my A3 has followed me to about 20 snow resorts, as low as -20F, never had an issue shooting whole day until all 3 batteries down to 0%
The picture quality on the Hero 12 is miles better than the Action 4 and the thing about the Action 4 never overheating is utter rubbish as my mate “had” one and it overheated on him loads so he sent it back lol !! Also I don’t get why reviewers are always going on about 5.3k…..I still shoot in 1080p 50fps and the footage still looks good and my memory cards and batteries last longer
MILES BETTER? I don't know about that... I'll give you that preference for sure matters, but from an editor's perspective I always run my GoPro's at -0.5 exposure compensation because they run too bright and blow out the highlights.
@@DavidManningvlog as a theme park and attractions vlogger I have used GoPros since the Hero Session came out and never really had any problems with them, I still currently use the Hero 9 with a Max Lens Mod and a Media Mod and film in 1080p and it works fine for me, the Action 4 does look awesome but my friend sent his back as it was constantly overheating on him and we live in the UK
i don't really care about the difference in specs, but in the comparison in the beginning the Action 4 looks way better in my opinion. It's not as oversharpened, which very often is a problem with small-sensor cameras
Both cameras were on their default settings with Medium sharp, so you could go a little lower on sharpening on both, but the Action 4 now allows you to control noise reduction as well. For me, the biggest deal is that the Action 4 defaults to a lower exposure to protect highlights. When I'm shooting a GoPro, I always run it at -0.5 exposure compensation because they get a little loose with highlights
Thanks David... when I listen to the difference between the two, I get the sense that the DJI is developed by someone who used it a lot. Making life easier.
That's a great way to see it! When you use these cameras all day long, the Action 4 just feels easier to use. Both AMAZING cameras, but ease of use is very appreciated🙌
The gopro is producing the better image. He wasn't even shooting in the best quality for the gopro for the sake of comparison and the gopro image had better colors, better dynamic range, etc... The cameras are the same price, so other than some gimmicky magnetic mounting system, which you can now add to the gopro, why would anyone choose the camera with the worse image for the same money? And all this talk about gopros not being reliable... I've been buying gopros since the first gen and have never had an issue.
If you're not using the MediaMod a ton, that Falcam bottom piece really ups the GoPro's functionality and makes it work with the DJI mounting system🙌 Check the description for a link or head over to my $20 GoPro accessory video
Order the $15-18 adapter that will give you access to magnetic mount. At least that's 1 feature that you can copy from Action 4. I'm still undecided myself which to buy and even the Insta One RS twin edition has come into the conversation. Choices LOL
I have a gopro 10, but after i bought a dji mini 3 pro and loved it, i became more interested in other products DJI had to offer, including the action 4. Altough the gopro was fine in most situations, the battery died pretty fast and i also did not like the mounting system. So i bought the action 4 and it has been great, the same as you say in your review; usability is just awesom. I have the adventure pack and you can shoot all day with the 3 batteries. Include a powerbank to charge the dji battery case and you never run out of power. The only thing i don't like, is that is sometimes to wide, even in dewarp. Thanks
The Combo Packs that DJI offers with their products is genius! I always go for the combo whether its' on their Action series or any of their drones. I'll take a couple extra batteries and a charger all day. You pretty much get everything you need straight out of the box and you're ready to go👍
So true your final comment. The DJI Action 4 is hands down the better device. shame its field of view is too wide for those of us who just want a normal perspective.
@@spirittravels. yes, tried standard De-Warp. I held the action4 camera up against the Gopro to compare each time I adjusted a FOV or resolution / frame rate setting. The Action 4 FOV becomes Normal (minimal distortion) at 2.7K 60FPS Dewarp and Narrow FOV settings. Another big issue with all these cameras on Wide or extra wide FOV is motion (Speed) of subject, say landscape or objects pass the frame at exaggerated high speed. For example if I was to attach the Action 4 to my motorcycle helmet and travel at 40km/hr with the Action4 set to 4k 60fps dewarp FOV it appears the scenerey is whizzing past at 100km/hr. It’s just not right for my use case
I think some people are asking the wrong questions when talking about overheating. To your point on a previous video, it’s not overheating because it can’t do the job it’s overheating because the software is telling it it’s too hot. The real question is, what does it do on the long run on the dji not shutting down when overheating. That can’t be good for the internals?
Thanks David! I just picked up the Action 4 thanks to your videos and I'm looking forward to using it! For me the reliability of the camera, the larger sensor, the mounting system and DJI's audio solution was just too good to pass up on, especially for the price. The only things I thought were enticing about the GoPro was the 8x7 sensor for full frame shooting and I do think I prefer GoPro's overall color science. At the end of the day however, after seeing both compared side by side, gotta go with DJI. GoPro will have no choice but to innovate soon otherwise they won't be able to keep up with the competition in the near future.
it is dark but it still has that information if you edit it in post, so just raise the shadow. do be more concern on highlight blown out since those are more harder to recover than shadows
Solid point and I might address this in a future video, but DJI seems to protect the highlights better than GoPro. In the video world, once a part of the image goes 100% white, you lose that information and can't pull it back. That's why in every settings guide I've ever made, I say to run your GoPro at -0.5 exposure compensation
These two are awesome cams....DJI color science looks the same as a few years ago when I bought one ....cooler and not quite as vibrant as the Go Pro which looks more like Samsung color science. DJI has tons of beneficial features that Go Pro doesn't ...
I was so close to getting the Hero 12 because I just like the diversity of modes and image quality a little more. I was able to see past the slightly bigger body and annoying mounting system and maybe lack even of front touch screen. But holy cannoli, 110 minutes charging time for the GoPro vs. 18 for the Action? Forget the GoPro, these charging times are anything but “pro” 😂 The action cam has always been there for me when I forgot to prepare any heavy camera setup and charging it with a 65w power bank in no time wins over the GoPro in every way.
I consider the running time per battery one of main advantages of the Osmo 4. While some can just change the battery when it runs out, In my typical filming situation, I can't get to the battery. So battery life is crucial.
I’m new to these type of cameras. Thank you for the great video to help me decide. I’m not sure which mic for the dji- can you provide a link to which to get? Thank you
8:03 Hero 11 or 12 got over heat. I returned to Best Buy within five days. Also, charging took too long. I didn't care about dji largely cause Chinese company. But seeing your video clips - comparisons each camera futures clearly gopro 11 or 12 just no comparison. So, for gopro's company must see this video for the next production on gopro hero 13.
The Gopro looks better. The DJI has weird blurring around the outline of your body when you're moving quickly against a background. Pre-edit, the skin tones on the gopro look better. The sound issue with the Bluetooth was not the camera, that was the airpods trying their best to use the build in noise canceling function against the wind at the pier you were standing on. Low light is also MUCH better on the gopro in real world scenarios despite having larger pixels on the sensor. Also, for an 'action' camera its weird on the DJI has the edges of the lens stick out past the rectangle frame of the body. If you land flat on the top or the side then you'll crack the lens. I'm watching this on a 42" 4k monitor and almost every one of the shots looks better with the gopro. Not to mention the gp12 comes with a case, selfie stick and two XL batteries right now for $349 . Where the DJI is $399 for just the camera. If you don't need magnetic mounting, or 5 minutes faster charge times, I would choose GP12. I think the reason why GP has so many haters in this comment section is because SO many people have owned them and been frustrated with them before, just like any camera you might buy.
I’ve been testing the DJI all month! I chose it because I plan to dive deeper into the DJI ecosystem, such as the new rumored pocket 3 and mini pro 4. I do think the go pro looks but you said it. The RUclips compression makes it hard to tell at all!
I know that the DJI is just a more feature-rich camera when it comes to things like battery life, charge time, thermals, and mounting but that's kind of where its benefits outshined the Hero 12. For me, the out-of-the-camera footage on the GoPro just looks better. As someone who generally doesn't want to color-grade footage, I just prefer that GoPro look. Also, I don't know if it was just me but in the ride-around footage, it definitely looks like the GoPro has better shadow performance than the DJI. I'm not sure if the HDR was turned on but there was certainly more detail and brightness in the shadow areas for the GoPro. I use my camera quite a bit for mountain biking and I'm in the trees a lot so getting good HDR performance is important to me. I'm also a GoPro subscriber so that means that I get $100 of the price of the camera. Getting that $100 price break makes a huge difference. Honestly, though, I think buying either camera will be a win, no matter which camera you get. They are both really impressive.
You can get the DJI mounting system to a gopro if you buy the feet made for that (works like normally but has also DJI locking system). But yeah, If I would have neither I might end up with Action 4.
For me, the image quality looks much better on the GP12 - Colour, sharpness, brightness, contrast, warmth. And the default audio is slightly better also.
Picture quality wise GoPro much better dynamic range. Don’t even know if HDR mode was enabled or is it SDR. DJI only better in low light - but objectively both are shite in low light, doesn’t matter which better. There is maybe a moment under 20min within a day when low light capability on DJI would be actually useable.
Definitely go pro to my right dji to my left. I think dji has better balance and low light go pro has better saturation. Thanks for doing the comparison😊.
I just ordered the GoPro 12. But only because I'm stuck in the ecosystem. But certainly disappointed that GoPro used the same sensor in the GoPro 12. DJI is a very good and important competitor. Competition is so important. I really hope GoPro gets up off the couch and starts improving its future lineup. Because next time I will definitely buy the Dji if GoPro disappoints again.
Oh man, this is EXACTLY how I feel! Some competition in the market only gets us all a better camera from both companies! I think the better the Action 4 gets, th emore pressure there is on GoPro to step up their game, and vice versa!
I've had GoPro for years and certainly never felt like I was stuck in their 'ecosystem'... (what ecosystem?) when making the change. After so many many years of GP just not giving a damn with all of their crap which they never seem to be able to fix, the change was a no-brainer. And personally, I expect DJI to just start pulling away in terms of reliability, quality and innovation.
@@alexgogashvili9748there just aren’t example of people having the mounts fail. i use a similar mount with the insta360 go 3 and it is super solid. that said you can always put the action 4 in a cage which has a go pro foot and then attach it with a regular screw to a gopro mount for the scenarios you are most concerned about. BTW: gopro just filed for a patent on a magnetic mount system for the bottom of a future gopro just this week. they know they have to adapt.
As much as people love to shit on GoPro, you can't deny it's the all round better choice. Better dynamic range, better crop, better stability, better sound. I own close to $20,000 worth of DJI gear, and I'll still admit GoPro is an overall better product.
I know it would be an expensive video so that's why no one's doing it but I would love to see a durability test of these two cameras. The Action 4 just seems more brittle with the big touch screen on the front and the Hero 12 looks like a tank. That's a video I would love to see
it's only the looks, I drag my OA3 in the sand dropped it in a river with lot of granet stones and even riding a bike dropped from my hand to asphalt... it did not scratch nor brake the glass of it, it's quite strong, i bet stronger than iphone or galaxy phone, tho i would recommend just for extra protection buying a cage incase you dropped it from really long fall or higher velocity accident both gopro and action imo
Both cameras are awesome although I lean towards GoPro color science and detail. In the other hand, dji offers the whole pack with some useful features like mount system, battery life and so on. One thing I can’t stop watching on every RUclips review is that the dji dewarp system is not perfect. In order to dewarp the corners it will dewarp the center of the image. Take a look on the first part of the video. You look so thinner (in a weird way) than the GoPro. When recording landscapes and so on is not noticiable but when vlogging it looks weird side by side.
Why people act like you don’t have to thumbscrew the magnetic stuff from DJI? 😂 Everyone talk about it like “it’s just that simple” but how did that mount get there? 😂
I'm pretty sure if tap the GoPros power button it changes between video, photo and time lapse, and on the 12 specifically if you hit the power and record button at the same time it scrolls through your presets on the front screen.
Yep, made a video on that awhile back. It's basically like a QS menu for each mode you're in. But if you want to switch between video and hyper lapse, you have to first switch modes, then do the button press again to get into your hyperlapse presets. The QS menu on the Action can have any preset you have in any order you want them👍
I totally agree. As a gopro fan and supporter of american companies. I couldn't bring myself to choose it over what DJI has to offer because of the "little bits" you mentioned. Faster charging, longer battery life, magnetic mounting, dual touch screens, better UI, better touch sensitivity, better responsiveness, higher overheating threshold, better cold temp battery life, and the most important, better reliability (this is the biggest one for me.) I don't mind a slightly lower video quality if I know every time I press record I know I got the shot. rather than knowing oh man this footage is gonna be so good! then you check your camera, and it's frozen and you missed the actual shot. Until gopro figures that out and remove that from their system, I can't go back to them.
funny how dji has all those better "things" but the picture is still better on GoPro. Its brighter and the face of the talent in frame is more visible and more pleasantly lit. Skintones are more pleasant on GoPro too. So whats the use of all magnetic mounts and non-overheaing long battery life when color science is inferior?
From a filmmaker's perspective, the GoPro in default settings (like I was testing here) is too bright and blows out the highlights. When I shoot GoPros, I always have the exposure compensation set to -0.5 to protect the highlights. The DJI naturally protects the highlights for better post processing. But preference is super important and if you like GoPro's skin tones better, for sure go that route!
@@DavidManningvlog I agree in this video gopro was overexposed in background but the subject was exposed better than what DJI did. And overall I always see DJI churn out a picture thats kind of bland or greyish like not enough color. its not only in the skintones.
Thanks David, this is a great comparison! Looking forward to your low light video...the poor low light performance on the GoPros has been a drawback for us, and I've been looking for an alternative solution that can perform slightly better there.
The Action 4 definitely has better features without a doubt. I just bought the GoPro Hero 12 Black, but I think this will be my last GoPro. However, the video quality from the GoPro definitely looked better in the side-by-side comparison in my opinion.
Still quite happy with my Action 1 and 3 for moto vlogging and walking/travel along side the Insta 360 x2. Dropped GoPro many moons ago due to overheating and software/firmware issues, never regretted this decision. Sure these are both great cameras but it will be DJI again next change. Great review video as always👍
im looking at buying a gopro12 to replce using my phone as a camera i record to OBS building lego so im filming stuff about 1 to 2 foot away. Been looking for months now and sort have got to the point of the gopro 12 but hes mentioned now about them over heating. i can do a 16 hour recording stint so im guessing the 12 is going to shut down often? so guessing the action 4 would be better. Im really struggling to decide what i want as my S21 it getting awkward any advice anyone?
Both can produce great content. One advantage of the GoPro is the higher resolution stills, that can be useful when diving. Burst mode, 5 framers of raw photos in one second. Also 5.3K footage allows getting high res still frames to be extracted as JPGs. With the Action 4 that is not possible. But I do not see really many advantages of the Hero 12 over the Hero 11 or 10. Same image quality. The GPS is nice to have occasionally to geotag spots or look at distances at home. But the quick switch button, depth rating, battery life, low light quality of the Action 4 are appealing. The Action 4 fov is too wide for general use. It makes the foreground, like a road, huge and the background scenery way too small. Even in linear mode. I have the Action 2. But that can be ok underwater where the fov is reduced.
Very interesting points! I just took the Action 4 diving in Hawaii and had it mounted on a dive mask mount. While at 60 ft swimming past a WWII wreck, I was able to reach up, pop off the camera, use the QS button to switch to photo mode and snap a selfie. Then reach back up, remount the camera without looking and keep going on the dive. That sold me on it as my main dive camera! Also, the extra depth without a dive case was helpful👍
@@DavidManningvlog that is cool to remove the camera so easily. But once i had the Action 2 on a floaty stick around my neck, I accidentally knocked it and it flew off he mount. I was on the beach. There was some sand in the hinges of the magnetic mount. So that needs to be inspected. But with the Hero 10 in June I came face to face with a sandtiger shark. I was shooting 5K. The shark made a U turn. I could extract high res frames, one of which was printed full page width on the New York Post newspaper in NYC, in August, when there was a lot of articles about shark presence in the area. Had I been shooting with the DJI Action , the 4K video footage would not have produced such a nice still frame for print. But the Action 4 is better in low light, murky waters. But in the end resolution is more important than sone noise. I may get the A4 anyways, for the depth rating, although the battery door/seal feels so flimsy than the GoPro's. I wonder if the Hero 10/11/12 would still work and be water sesistant at 15m/50ft or so. If you are shooting some amazing experience, where you may want to print photos from the footage, 5K is the way to go. Printing that frame and some other footage in the newspaper paid off the GoPro.
Everyone is always so concerned with or heating, i dont use my gopro that way. My question is it safe to use pregnant batteries? Do dji batteries get pregnant over time?
Only issue I've seen with the action 4 are the water drops whilst using it in water sports such as surfing which can be fixed in the gopro using older non hydrophobic lenses. Has anyone found a way around this for the action 4??
I liked the footage from Camera B, but only because it looked slightly more saturated so that I wouldn't have to mess with anything in post. Overall, it looks like I'll be keeping my Hero 10 for another year. I feel that neither camera has any features that I need which would be worth $400 for an upgrade.
strange how people judge color - to my eye gopro is more saturated, more warm and whats most important - it exposes faces more correctly, bringing out skin details unlike DJI that is happy to leave the face of the main talent in murky greyish shade
@@sunlit777 not only does the gopro run warmer, the A4 always runs cool. Too cool, you can't tell much in this video, but other comparison vids show an unsightly blueish tint. The 4k on the gopro shows finer details in the daytime. Dji is a legit competition, although I give Gopro a slight edge
Funny you mention the Hero 10. I've been recording with it recently doing some low light test and it's doing better then all other GOPRO's but falls behind the Action 4. I am really surprised at how good the Hero 10 is in low light (for an action camera). My list from best to worse in lowlight has been in this order.... - insta360 One RS 1" - Action 4 - Hero 10 - Hero 11 - Action 3 - Hero 8 - Hero 9 All running the exact same settings (being all GOPRO's except the Hero 11) have the same sensor size and obviously the Action 4 despite being set to the same settings as the hero cams could be even brighter if I adjust the settings for the sensor size. But yea my Hero 10 seems to be worth its weight if you absolutely have to have a GoPro without wanting to cough up the amount of $$ for the new Hero 12.
Idk what anyone is smoking either y’all already bought the dji and you guys are biased but the go pro looks a lot better. I wanted to get a action but after seeing this video it looks like the quality of the action is washed out. Maybe everyone just wants to hate on go pro for no reason idk
I used my new Hero 12 this past weekend specifically to test out the HDR mode. Went on an acrobatic thrill ride in a Pitts Biplane - the footage was good, but honestly the HDR footage was underwhelming. Footage looks like it has some sort of HDR filter that you can add in mobile editing apps. It was a sunny morning, but some haze was present where we were doing our maneuvers. Either way, I’ll be staying away from HDR mode.
Yeah, HDR modes can be tricky, especially in video modes. In general, I would prefer shooting in LOG and editing in post to get the most dynamic range rather than trusting an HDR mode to do it's voodoo
The only thing in which the GP12 is better is the picture and video quality. The GP12 gives u way more Details and better colours. DJI4 looks always some kind of dark. But thats it.
I completely agree! After having 3...yes 3 hero 11 minis replaced on warranty I would say the biggest 2 reasons are reliability and battery life. Never has the action 3 or 4 let me down while with the GoPro cameras I have had constant issues. Nothing worse then going out to film for a day and realizing that your GoPro has decided that it no longer will turn on or that it has decided that it will not read any of the sd cards you have with you. No issues at all with the DJI Action cameras at all. Just reliable and easy to use cameras that work every time
You had remind me that I had hero 9 with media mode. It was still on garante I have wrote to gopro but thay just never responded... Now my mediamode is just balast on my back pack... I was also very disappointed with audio quiaty on media mode
I also had a mini 11 and had issues 3 times with it in less than 1 year, third time I didn't accept a replacement, just asked my money back. The cameras spent more time in maintenance than with me, I guess I could even call it disrespectful with GoPro customers, that's why now I am gonna go for another brand and probably never buy a GoPro again.
I switched from GoPro to DJI OA3 for one reason, reliability. Something not mentioned in this video. While I prefer the DJI in almost every way I will now be without it for at least a month while I send it in to DJI to address the flickering issue. When you enable the EIS priority in low light function it disables the anti-flicker function. This is a major problem when filming action sports where image stabilization is so important. A lot of my footage has been un-usable recently because of the flickering effect. If you buy a DJI camera today and have a problem with it tomorrow you cannot return it, instead you must send it to DJI and wait for them to look at it. I will reluctantly be switching back to GoPro.
Great review! In my opinion, the GoPros image quality is superior, except in dark low light conditions. It was obvious as soon as the side by side comparisons came up. OA4 definitely outperforms GP12 in numerous other ways in terms of functionality. I almost bought the OA4 but decided to go with the GP12 and I don't regret it one bit since image quality is what I prioritize most of all. I'll deal with some of it's short comings as it's totally manageable for my needs. Thanks for the GP12 magnetic base recommendation! Will totally give it a try.
Fast Charging in general isn't the best for batteries, but I have plenty that are over a year old and running strong. For like $20 a battery, I would rather cook it fast and need to buy more a year later to have that 0-80% charging ability👍
@@DavidManningvlog please test the strength of the magnetic mount at 150+MPH to see how strong the grip is, I feel like a solid mount is better in certain situations
I've been loyal to GoPro for years and multiple upgrades. I just switched from GoPro Hero 8 Black to OSMO Action 4. I run three of them for multicam footage. It's a great upgrade!
I really enjoy David's videos, and he makes a lot of good points about the Action 4. However, I find that as an overall comparison between the DJI Action 4 and the GoPro Hero 12, this video leaves out a lot of information. So, for anyone trying to decide between the two cameras, I thought I'd pull together a few of my thoughts here and maybe fill in the gaps: I feel that if you're going to make such a big deal out of the magnetic quick release mount on the Action 4, you should at least compare it with the GoPro's quick release system - the buckle mount - not to the fixed flip-out feet and thumbscrew mount. This video completely ignores the fact that GoPros come with both - a fixed mount AND a quick release mount. And in a direct comparison between the Action's quick release system and the GoPro's quick release system, who knows which one a consumer would prefer? It depends on the person, but a useful video comparison of the two cameras would at least mention that GoPro DOES have a quick release system. And, to be honest, it could be superior. For example, it should be noted that the Action magnetic mount system still has a regular thumbscrew mount under it. The thumbscrew isn't gone. It's still there. In fact, you are forced to mount the magnetic mounting base on top of the regular GoPro feet and thumbscrew mount. And that raises the camera up much higher and makes it significantly taller and a bit more clunky and awkward in many situations. It also means that you can never NOT use the magnetic mount and thumbscrew together. You're forced to use both in every situation. There's no option NOT to use it. The GoPro buckle quick release system has a very different design, and it keeps the camera lower resulting in a much more streamlined and compact profile. It's also more separate from the GoPro feet and thumbscrew system. You can choose whether you want to use the quick release buckle system or the fixed mount system. With the DJI Action approach, you have no choice. You must use the magnetic quick release in every situation. And it should be noted that the GoPro quick release buckle system is built directly into a wide array of mounts and accessories. Using it, you can quickly move the GoPro from the 3-Way 2.0 grip to the the floaty Handler grip to the Chesty harness to the Handlebar mount to the Head Strap to the Bite mount to the Suction Cup mount to the Jaws grip to the Adhesive mounts to the Gumby Flexible mount to the Magnetic Swivel mount and more. With all these mounts and grips, you never have to loosen or tighten or remove a thumb screw. The quick release buckle just slides out when you push in the two levers on the side. The quick release buckle mount is also extremely solid and reliable and inspires confidence when you lock it into place. It isn't finicky like magnetic systems where you could accidentally click in the tiny lever on only one side and not the other. For a lot of consumers, the Action magnetic quick release mount could be preferable. But a valid comparison should at least compare it to the actual GoPro quick release system, not to the fixed system of the flip-out feet and thumbscrew. Plus, if you absolutely love the idea of magnetic quick release systems, you can always buy one for the GoPro from Ulanzi or SmallRig or SnapMount. The magnetic quick release mount of the Action system appears to be well designed, but its mere existence does not automatically make the camera better than a GoPro. It's just a mounting system, and GoPro has its own quick release mounting system, which David never mentions. I had a similar feeling about the Quick Switch button on the Action. It's a great feature, and I do wish that GoPro would adopt it. However, David's comparison with the GoPro leaves out a lot of information. In a more accurate comparison, you'd have to at least mention that on the GoPro, the Power button doubles as a Mode switch button. In effect, it serves as a quick switch button, and it switches the camera from video mode to photo mode to timelapse/timewarp mode. It doesn't allow you to switch between custom presets, but it is very useful all the same. I use it all the time, and it's very convenient. Plus, you CAN switch custom presets within each mode by pressing a combination of the record button and the power button. This opens up your custom presets menu on the front screen of the GoPro. Then you can cycle through them and choose the one you want. It's not a great system but it works. A valid comparison would also have to mention that GoPros have a set of powerful Shortcut buttons right on the screen. These can be used to change a wide variety of settings quickly without going into the menu system at all. As far as I'm aware, the Action series doesn't have anything like these on-screen shortcut buttons. In his video, David makes it seem like the only way to change settings on the GoPro is to go into the menu system and work with presets. And that is far from true. Once you combine the GoPro Custom Presets, the Power/Mode combo button, and the four on-screen Shortcut buttons, you have a powerful and efficient way of changing the settings. It's true that the Quick Switch button on the Action is useful, and I've always wanted GoPro to add such a button to their cameras. But in this video, David just points out what the Action has and the GoPro lacks without talking about what the GoPro has and the Action lacks, such as the super-convenient Shortcut buttons. David also compared the DJI Wireless mic to the new bluetooth earbud system on the GoPro. He has an entire section comparing the sound of one to the sound of the other. And that's kind of silly. The DJI Wireless mic is not part of the Action cameras. It's a wireless mic set that you have to buy separately. If you like it, you can buy it and attach it to a GoPro, too (with an adapter). In fact, there are dozens of excellent wireless mics on the market now, and they can all be attached to both the GoPro and the Action. So, comparing this wireless mic to the new bluetooth system of the GoPro is a bit odd. They're completely different tools meant for different situations. In any event, David also skips by what strikes me as the somewhat clunky, bulky, and unstable way that the DJI Wireless Mic attaches to the Action. You can see it clearly in the video. It's great that you can attach it directly through the USB-C port without an adapter, but it ends up sticking out from the side of the camera in a weird and awkward way. It looks very unstable, and I dislike the idea of the full weight of a wireless receiver pulling on and dangling off a USB-C port. I've heard from people that it shakes loose if you try to use it on a bicycle mount or scooter mount or anything like that. I far prefer mounting something like a Rode Wireless Go with a solid cold shoe clip. With that approach, you don't have a heavy receiver held in place only by sticking it into the USB-C port. And if you are serious about comparing these two cameras, the GoPro's Media Mod deserves at least a mention. Setting aside the design flaws of the Media Mod, it does offer a lot of features, including a 3.5mm input jack, a USB-C port, an HDMI port, a built-in higher quality shotgun microphone with an optional windscreen, and the ability to mount an external microphone, a light, or an LCD screen. It's definitely a flawed product, but it exists and it works, and nothing like this is available for the Action 4 that I'm aware of. The front touch screen is a clear win for the DJI Action 4. I was fully expecting GoPro to add touch screen capability to the front screen of the Hero 12, and I was disappointed that they didn't. However, in David's example of mounting the camera inside a car and needing to change settings, he does ignore the existence of the GoPro Quik App. Anyone who routinely mounts their GoPro on a car's windscreen or other inaccessible places would likely use their smartphone app to control it. At least they have that option. Failing that, they could, as I mentioned above, just stick the GoPro into a magnetic mount like the SnapMount. That's a product that David routinely plugs on his channel as the best mounting option for GoPros, but he never mentions it in these comparison videos. He focuses only on the magnetic mount of the Action 4. Battery life appears to be another clear win for the Action 4. I can't argue with that. 😀 I'd love to get much longer battery life on a GoPro. Anyway, those are all the thoughts that pop into my mind right now. My sense is that David's video doesn't accurately portray the differences between the two cameras and camera systems. He's comparing unequal features and leaves out most of the comparable features on the GoPro side. I feel it gives quite a distorted view of how the two cameras stack up against each other. In the end, I think you can get used to any mounting system or menu system or control button setup. Those are just details. The key thing at the end is how the final video looks, and I guess that is a personal preference. Whenever David does these blind side-by-side comparisons, I know which is which instantly. The GoPro video looks quite different from the Action video, and it's the video look that I prefer. It just always seem brighter with more detail and better dynamic range. The Action 4 video looks great, too. I would be perfectly happy owning and using one. But given a simple choice, I'd still go for the GoPro look.
@@tbone-ip5fi Not only is it ridiculously long, it also has astonishingly minimal real content. He is just not happy with the conclusion of the video. Most of the points he complains are not mentioned in the video, like alternative mounting solution or presets are in fact mentioned in the video. So are the Apps and their abilities. He is just ignoring that 3rd party accessories are not the focus of this comparison and that a special hardware-button to access video presets is quite a big difference to having to access those through menues.
I have to choose one of them this week. I found Dave's video to be excellent but Planet Video's comments were also quite helpful. For me, image quality is paramount and the GP seemed better in the few examples provided. I like my DJI Mavic 3 Pro but don't like not having reasonable alternatives, and so am inclined to support the GP action camera alternative. It's very hard to integrate M3P footage with my Canon full frame mirorless gear using the Mavic's better 24mm lens/sensor combination, and near impossible with its other 2 lenses, so I need to at least start with the best action cam footage available, and so far that seems to be the GP, despite its slightly smaller sensor.
Great comparison!
Wow dude, thank you brother. Means a lot coming from you. Been a fan of yours for a long time!
Will Jerry test this device durability
cant wait to see your de assembling :)
David, that was an absolute genius move putting the sponsor spot in with the audio test. 10/10 Amazing move.
Yeah that was sick
I agree with you David. The Action 4's practicalities definitely make it the better camera. It is so disappointing that the Hero 12 is still struggling with so many of the problems that have long been an issue with GoPro. If I didn't already have all the GoPro gear from owning 2 previous models, I would go with the Action 4.
How strong is that DJI magnetic mount?
What problems? My Hero 12 works flawlessly.
Can't you use all the gopro stuff for the dji? Tought the mounts are alle the same
@@florinho1994 The magnetic mount is on top of the GoPro compatible hinge mount. Whereas the GoPro just has the flaps on the bottom that attach straight to the hinge by the thumbscrew. The Action4 has an additional mechanism that has magnetic _and_ clip attachment that is very quick to undo/redo.
GoPro needs to realize that they’re going to have to completely redesign that camera at some point to keep up with competition that has already outpaced them. Cosmetics and software enhancements will only get them so far.
I concur doctor!
@@thomzalol how is he a fan boy. He likes one version of another camera better 😂
Exactly….and they aren’t even doing the software enhancements well. I’ve had more card write errors, freezing, and what I consider software issues with GoPro.
..and the sensor too.
Got fed up with go pro overheating have switched over to DJI , no problems at all and no glitches connecting camera to phone, unlike the go pro which was such a ballache
I've been shooting GoPro for 8 years and can confidently say it's time to switch. The Action 4 is a better camera. Thanks for the awesome breakdown.
Go Chinese
Exactly!!!!!! ❤
lol for what reasons and what was your last gopro. gi
ve a structured comment as you be going backwards if you did so with latest dji
If you’re willing to have inferior colour and brightness
@@007cambon 14:45 inferior colour lul
The GoPro turned to trash after the 7. The newer the model, The faster it overheats or locks up. The Media Mod is horrible and nothing but a headache.
If you're not already part of the GoPro ecosystem, I'd go with DJI all the way. I feel like they have more passion then GoPro to keep innovating in the future while they have an amazing drone lineup that you can also take advantage of within the same brand.
But how does the camera connects to their drones
I was part of the GoPro ecosystem. I sold all my GoPro cameras and accessories. I'm all in with DJI.
This is me exactly! The menu system is like my Osmo Pocket 1/2 and similar to my drones. Osmo Action 4 fit it perfectly on my last vacation. No regrets and I bought right before the GP12 was released.
@@channelMasterGuiGame I think what he's going for is the similar menus and UI system from their drones, but also just company reliability. Once a company has shown that they can deliver a high functioning and reliable product, you tend to trust future products from that same company. Reputation is very important
@@channelMasterGuiGamethey use the same image sensor on the DJI Mini 3, so you can cut between both sources without adjustments.
Dude, you seriously need to stop apologizing for the insecurity of those GoPro fanboys.
Hahaa! People get SO mad!🤣
Super happy owner of an OA4 since its debut and never regretted after the hero 12 came out. About external dji mics, you can use only one transmitter w/o mounting the receiver on the OA4 preserving its waterproof capabilities as the transmitter has its internal storage 😊
Going from the GP9 to Action 4. Talk about A HUGE upgrade. Not overheating, losing files, freezing up and can use the app with live mode is awesome!
This is quite the upgrade! It's wild how far these cameras have come lately!
I've never in 15 GoPros lost a file lmao
I bought the DJI Action 4, and tried 4k 60fps in an "cold enviroument" 16 degrees celsius not even in the sun, i tried all 3 fully charged batteries, newest firmware, and after 15minutes it shuts down because of overheating....:( im gonna send it back to amazon and buy the GoPro Hero 12 hope gopro dont overheat and shut down.....:(
hay man i dont have any action camera till this date and i am planning to go nepal for high altitude mountain climb next month (above 6500m from sea level temp. like -20/30) which camera should i buy can you suggest to me please special for extermly cold place @@Moedaprince .
@@KentRoads lucky! This is my first GP and it's been nothing but issue. Won't be my last but I'll wait till they get better. Maybe GP 13 will be completely different and not just a slight "upgrade" like they do every release 😅
I would use my phone to change settings on the gopro as opposed to de-mounting when you are unable to reach the back of the camera.
Using the Action 3 and now 4 for primary cameras in both extreme hot and cold temps. No regrets going DJI.
Is $369 for dji action 3 adventure combo a good price to go with over dji4?
David I’m a huge GoPro fan, but what you say in this video makes so much sense. Thank you for being honest. I will go sleep with the enemy and buy the Action 4 😅
95% of my action camera use is motocross and DJI just works for me. After watching so many comparison videos, the image of either camera looks better or worse depending on the time of day, sunshine, overcast, rain. It's also really easy to screw up a setting and make the footage look terrible and the same goes for the software one uses to create the videos. In this video I think the GP looks a little better but I also know with one or 2 setting tweaks the DJI will look just as good. I have to mention that the GP media mod is a nightmare to use and to change batteries. DJI is so much easier to use.
action 4 is all over best, but image quality is best on gopro.
please learn to edit photos
@Mahmudurrahman2941 Out Of 60 Comments I read I Stand With You On The Image Quality… However, Audio Is More Important To Me… Im Still On The Fence… The Image Quality On The Go Pro Is Amazing…
This just proves how lazy GoPro enginners are 😂
I switched to Action 4 from Gopro 10. After two weeks of daily use I can say that the camera does not heat up at all and that I can connect an ext microphone directly to the camera is simply another leve of use. Glad I switched... well done dji !
Please bless me with the GoPro 10. It will help me start content creation. Thanks!!
@@edwinjuma6011😂 All the best👍
@@edwinjuma6011badjao
I’m i the only one that things hero 12 looks better?
I've just cycled across Africa for 7 months using a osmo action 3 and not a single problem. So many things I didn't miss to record because I had this camera.
One friend joined for a few months with a gopro and he had so many freezing and overheating issues... also the he missed a lot shots because of the time reaction.
Osmo action is a rock 💪🏽
Very true bro, I had GoPro and it's totally unreliable. I would rather have a camera that works (DJI or insta) than a one that won't (GoPro). I have missed so many valuable moments because of GoPro... When the customer looses trust the brand dies..
Kalo untuk cinematic bagus gak?
Thanks to ACTION4 for waking up GOPRO. We hope GOPRO 13 improves and catches up to ACTION4... well... at least until ACTION 5 comes out.
It's an interesting discussion... I have a ton of DJI products from gimbals to drones (and O3 air units on my FPVs) and a handful of GoPro. DJI is killing it on workflow and user features, but man, you look at the image, and DJI crushes the blacks and loses detail in the shadows. Tough call. All user features are 100% DJI, but the end product, the footage, GoPro has the most latitude. Mash up, perhaps? ;-)
The Gopro12 really has better image quality vs Action 4 and even vs the new 5 pro and in low light try in HDR it makes a big difference
B offers better dynamic range & better colors IMO.
For filmmakers, the Action 4 for sure protects the highlights better for editing in post👍
@@DavidManningvlog Given the track record of DJI for introducing feature updates with software, I am hoping they bring out even better HDR than they have now.
@@DavidManningvlog The digital sharpening is too much in dji's "log" mode vs gopro
Fast charging and longer run times and reliability puts DJI way above Gopro
First, thank you for always putting in such an effort on great videos. You (and a couple others) sold me on the OSMO Action 4. The footage looks more like what I see when I'm out hiking, biking, or canoeing, and if I want that punchier GoPro look, it's easy to get in editing. My wife and I love our OA4, and it's getting us outside even more.
My biggest.complaint is the Action 4 looks a little darker around the face in bright lighting. I wonder if a little bump in EV comp could fix that? When you do the night mode test, please try the HDR on the GoPro. I've seen a few reviews where that supposedly helps the low light performance a lot.
Interesting Justin. The HDR mode on the GoPro says that it needs bright light to work well. Again though, preference matters. From my perspective of someone who edits my footage in post, I like that the Action 4 protects the highlights by reducing the exposure. When I'm ever shooting a GoPro, I always run it at -0.5 exposure compensation because GoPro is known to let the highlights blow out. Once a spot in the image goes 100% white, it's unrecoverable in post. For me, I would prefer to run it darker in camera to give me better results in post
@@DavidManningvlog I know, it's wild.. BUT I've seen a could of reviews that shoe better low light performance w/ the HDR on. The Action 4 still beats the 12 in low light, but it's a lot closer than when HDR is off. Here's one of those reviews for an example. ruclips.net/video/p_vHSDpQEzo/видео.htmlsi=Op-ls_hVSNyNYArx
It's an action camera, not everyone wants to do a lot of editing in post. I often just do simple updates in the Apple Photo program. The desktop one does some great corrects w/ auto. Sometimes small tweaks are necessary, but it does some nice work... especially for Sony camera footage, It helps warm it up.
The Gopro12 really has better image quality vs Action 4 and even vs the new 5 pro and in low light you are wright HDR makes a big difference
GoPro failed. I sold all my GoPros. I used iPhone as substitute for a long time. Now looking to get DJI action 4. I also have Insta360 X3 and love it. I think Insta360 could make a better action camera eventually that destroys both DJI and GoPro.
I'll definitey be going Action 4. The GoPro frustrates me with its overheating and miserable performance in cold temps. I shot a borrowed Action 1st Gen vs my Hero 11 and the Hero could not stay turned on in cold weather, meanwhile the Action Gen 1 had ZERO issues. Sure the video quality was different between those two - but given the GoPro couldn't even stay on and recording - that doesn't really help. Can't wait to have the Action 4 in hand...
And thanks for the video - super informative and helpful as always!
I had the same issue getting my Hero 11 to work on a trip to Brianhead😑
@@DavidManningvlog my A3 has followed me to about 20 snow resorts, as low as -20F, never had an issue shooting whole day until all 3 batteries down to 0%
The picture quality on the Hero 12 is miles better than the Action 4 and the thing about the Action 4 never overheating is utter rubbish as my mate “had” one and it overheated on him loads so he sent it back lol !! Also I don’t get why reviewers are always going on about 5.3k…..I still shoot in 1080p 50fps and the footage still looks good and my memory cards and batteries last longer
MILES BETTER? I don't know about that... I'll give you that preference for sure matters, but from an editor's perspective I always run my GoPro's at -0.5 exposure compensation because they run too bright and blow out the highlights.
@@DavidManningvlog as a theme park and attractions vlogger I have used GoPros since the Hero Session came out and never really had any problems with them, I still currently use the Hero 9 with a Max Lens Mod and a Media Mod and film in 1080p and it works fine for me, the Action 4 does look awesome but my friend sent his back as it was constantly overheating on him and we live in the UK
i don't really care about the difference in specs, but in the comparison in the beginning the Action 4 looks way better in my opinion. It's not as oversharpened, which very often is a problem with small-sensor cameras
Both cameras were on their default settings with Medium sharp, so you could go a little lower on sharpening on both, but the Action 4 now allows you to control noise reduction as well. For me, the biggest deal is that the Action 4 defaults to a lower exposure to protect highlights. When I'm shooting a GoPro, I always run it at -0.5 exposure compensation because they get a little loose with highlights
@@DavidManningvlog thanks, good to know, i've always used gopro's until the 8, i'll probably get the action 4 soon
the gopro 12 image quality is superior.
Thanks David... when I listen to the difference between the two, I get the sense that the DJI is developed by someone who used it a lot. Making life easier.
That's a great way to see it! When you use these cameras all day long, the Action 4 just feels easier to use. Both AMAZING cameras, but ease of use is very appreciated🙌
The gopro is producing the better image. He wasn't even shooting in the best quality for the gopro for the sake of comparison and the gopro image had better colors, better dynamic range, etc... The cameras are the same price, so other than some gimmicky magnetic mounting system, which you can now add to the gopro, why would anyone choose the camera with the worse image for the same money? And all this talk about gopros not being reliable... I've been buying gopros since the first gen and have never had an issue.
Thank you for good review. I have GP11 and Action4. GP11's 5.3k shows very good image, but I love action4's low light image and long life battery.
I really do need to do a full low light comparison on these two... I'll get on that asap!
I'm counting on that review 😉@@DavidManningvlog
David, quick question, what camera are you using to record when you're talking in your room here?
That's the Sony A7Siii
I'm a gopro fan, i went for gopro 12... and I'm really sad they are not at the level of dji in the things you mention. Great honesto video!
If you're not using the MediaMod a ton, that Falcam bottom piece really ups the GoPro's functionality and makes it work with the DJI mounting system🙌 Check the description for a link or head over to my $20 GoPro accessory video
@@DavidManningvlog thanks for the advice David!
Order the $15-18 adapter that will give you access to magnetic mount. At least that's 1 feature that you can copy from Action 4. I'm still undecided myself which to buy and even the Insta One RS twin edition has come into the conversation. Choices LOL
I have a gopro 10, but after i bought a dji mini 3 pro and loved it, i became more interested in other products DJI had to offer, including the action 4. Altough the gopro was fine in most situations, the battery died pretty fast and i also did not like the mounting system. So i bought the action 4 and it has been great, the same as you say in your review; usability is just awesom. I have the adventure pack and you can shoot all day with the 3 batteries. Include a powerbank to charge the dji battery case and you never run out of power. The only thing i don't like, is that is sometimes to wide, even in dewarp. Thanks
The Combo Packs that DJI offers with their products is genius! I always go for the combo whether its' on their Action series or any of their drones. I'll take a couple extra batteries and a charger all day. You pretty much get everything you need straight out of the box and you're ready to go👍
So true your final comment. The DJI Action 4 is hands down the better device. shame its field of view is too wide for those of us who just want a normal perspective.
@@Simon-qy7pe Thanks for this observation. Did you try standard dewarp?
@@spirittravels. yes, tried standard De-Warp. I held the action4 camera up against the Gopro to compare each time I adjusted a FOV or resolution / frame rate setting. The Action 4 FOV becomes Normal (minimal distortion) at 2.7K 60FPS Dewarp and Narrow FOV settings. Another big issue with all these cameras on Wide or extra wide FOV is motion (Speed) of subject, say landscape or objects pass the frame at exaggerated high speed. For example if I was to attach the Action 4 to my motorcycle helmet and travel at 40km/hr with the Action4 set to 4k 60fps dewarp FOV it appears the scenerey is whizzing past at 100km/hr. It’s just not right for my use case
mabye with an update they can make it better@@Simon-qy7pe
Great comparison between the two actions cameras. Both of them seem really good, you probably can't go wrong with either one. Thanks for sharing.
I loved Action 4 can't wait Action 5 Pro in mid Aug 2024
I think some people are asking the wrong questions when talking about overheating. To your point on a previous video, it’s not overheating because it can’t do the job it’s overheating because the software is telling it it’s too hot. The real question is, what does it do on the long run on the dji not shutting down when overheating. That can’t be good for the internals?
Thanks David! I just picked up the Action 4 thanks to your videos and I'm looking forward to using it! For me the reliability of the camera, the larger sensor, the mounting system and DJI's audio solution was just too good to pass up on, especially for the price.
The only things I thought were enticing about the GoPro was the 8x7 sensor for full frame shooting and I do think I prefer GoPro's overall color science.
At the end of the day however, after seeing both compared side by side, gotta go with DJI. GoPro will have no choice but to innovate soon otherwise they won't be able to keep up with the competition in the near future.
Does this camera have optical entrainment? And how does the camera take photos?
GoPro has better video quality while the dji has more functionality
The color saturation of the DJI is good, but it makes the image too dark. That's a big differentiator for me.
it is dark but it still has that information if you edit it in post, so just raise the shadow. do be more concern on highlight blown out since those are more harder to recover than shadows
Solid point and I might address this in a future video, but DJI seems to protect the highlights better than GoPro. In the video world, once a part of the image goes 100% white, you lose that information and can't pull it back. That's why in every settings guide I've ever made, I say to run your GoPro at -0.5 exposure compensation
Just increase the exposure compensation on the Action 4 by a 1/2 to 1 stop.
Love my action 4, can’t see myself going back to GoPro. The Action feels like a more polished professional camera, it doesn’t feel cheap and gimmicky.
Can we connect tws ear phones with dji action 4?
These two are awesome cams....DJI color science looks the same as a few years ago when I bought one ....cooler and not quite as vibrant as the Go Pro which looks more like Samsung color science. DJI has tons of beneficial features that Go Pro doesn't ...
After watching the comparison the DJI is definitely my pick, thanks for another informative video David.
gopro lock is more safe. you will never loose it in action sport
I was so close to getting the Hero 12 because I just like the diversity of modes and image quality a little more.
I was able to see past the slightly bigger body and annoying mounting system and maybe lack even of front touch screen.
But holy cannoli, 110 minutes charging time for the GoPro vs. 18 for the Action?
Forget the GoPro, these charging times are anything but “pro” 😂
The action cam has always been there for me when I forgot to prepare any heavy camera setup and charging it with a 65w power bank in no time wins over the GoPro in every way.
the audio quality from AirPods are so bad……😅 thanks David! I was about to buy GoPro 12 just because of its Bluetooth connection
I'm hoping that's a firmware fix that gets better and better with each version!
i think the goPro footage looks better dispite having a smaller sensor ~ the color and dynamic range just feel better than dji.
too much saturated !
I consider the running time per battery one of main advantages of the Osmo 4. While some can just change the battery when it runs out, In my typical filming situation, I can't get to the battery. So battery life is crucial.
I’m new to these type of cameras. Thank you for the great video to help me decide. I’m not sure which mic for the dji- can you provide a link to which to get? Thank you
Thanks bro, I'm literally that guy you described. I want to buy my first action camera and with this video I'll probably go with DJI
8:03 Hero 11 or 12 got over heat. I returned to Best Buy within five days. Also, charging took too long.
I didn't care about dji largely cause Chinese company. But seeing your video clips - comparisons each camera futures clearly gopro 11 or 12 just no comparison. So, for gopro's company must see this video for the next production on gopro hero 13.
For me it is clear that the DJI Action 4 is the better camera.
The Gopro looks better. The DJI has weird blurring around the outline of your body when you're moving quickly against a background. Pre-edit, the skin tones on the gopro look better. The sound issue with the Bluetooth was not the camera, that was the airpods trying their best to use the build in noise canceling function against the wind at the pier you were standing on. Low light is also MUCH better on the gopro in real world scenarios despite having larger pixels on the sensor. Also, for an 'action' camera its weird on the DJI has the edges of the lens stick out past the rectangle frame of the body. If you land flat on the top or the side then you'll crack the lens. I'm watching this on a 42" 4k monitor and almost every one of the shots looks better with the gopro. Not to mention the gp12 comes with a case, selfie stick and two XL batteries right now for $349 . Where the DJI is $399 for just the camera. If you don't need magnetic mounting, or 5 minutes faster charge times, I would choose GP12. I think the reason why GP has so many haters in this comment section is because SO many people have owned them and been frustrated with them before, just like any camera you might buy.
I’ve been testing the DJI all month! I chose it because I plan to dive deeper into the DJI ecosystem, such as the new rumored pocket 3 and mini pro 4.
I do think the go pro looks but you said it. The RUclips compression makes it hard to tell at all!
1 Quick switch button
2. Magnetic mount
3. front touch controls
SOLD!
I know that the DJI is just a more feature-rich camera when it comes to things like battery life, charge time, thermals, and mounting but that's kind of where its benefits outshined the Hero 12. For me, the out-of-the-camera footage on the GoPro just looks better. As someone who generally doesn't want to color-grade footage, I just prefer that GoPro look. Also, I don't know if it was just me but in the ride-around footage, it definitely looks like the GoPro has better shadow performance than the DJI. I'm not sure if the HDR was turned on but there was certainly more detail and brightness in the shadow areas for the GoPro. I use my camera quite a bit for mountain biking and I'm in the trees a lot so getting good HDR performance is important to me. I'm also a GoPro subscriber so that means that I get $100 of the price of the camera. Getting that $100 price break makes a huge difference. Honestly, though, I think buying either camera will be a win, no matter which camera you get. They are both really impressive.
That's sort of where I'm at too Jeff, with either camera you really can't lose. Both insanely good🙌
You pay that extra 100 upfront lol
@@eugeneputin1858 it’s actually $50 so if you upgrade cameras and purchase accessories it’s still money saved.
Thanks for the info. I want to shoot the Milkyway galaxy. What DJI gimbal will work or other brands. Not to expensive.
You can get the DJI mounting system to a gopro if you buy the feet made for that (works like normally but has also DJI locking system). But yeah, If I would have neither I might end up with Action 4.
At least watching @1080p on my computer screen the one on the left looks a ted crispier overall, just saying.
For me, the image quality looks much better on the GP12 - Colour, sharpness, brightness, contrast, warmth. And the default audio is slightly better also.
Picture quality wise GoPro much better dynamic range. Don’t even know if HDR mode was enabled or is it SDR. DJI only better in low light - but objectively both are shite in low light, doesn’t matter which better. There is maybe a moment under 20min within a day when low light capability on DJI would be actually useable.
Definitely go pro to my right dji to my left. I think dji has better balance and low light go pro has better saturation. Thanks for doing the comparison😊.
Go pro 12 feels more natural ..
I just ordered the GoPro 12. But only because I'm stuck in the ecosystem.
But certainly disappointed that GoPro used the same sensor in the GoPro 12. DJI is a very good and important competitor. Competition is so important. I really hope GoPro gets up off the couch and starts improving its future lineup. Because next time I will definitely buy the Dji if GoPro disappoints again.
Oh man, this is EXACTLY how I feel! Some competition in the market only gets us all a better camera from both companies! I think the better the Action 4 gets, th emore pressure there is on GoPro to step up their game, and vice versa!
I've had GoPro for years and certainly never felt like I was stuck in their 'ecosystem'... (what ecosystem?) when making the change. After so many many years of GP just not giving a damn with all of their crap which they never seem to be able to fix, the change was a no-brainer. And personally, I expect DJI to just start pulling away in terms of reliability, quality and innovation.
„Ecosystem“ is probably the wrong word for it. Of course I mean the fact that I already use their cloud service a lot. If that clears things up a bit.
I don't really trust action 4 magnet mount
@@alexgogashvili9748there just aren’t example of people having the mounts fail. i use a similar mount with the insta360 go 3 and it is super solid. that said you can always put the action 4 in a cage which has a go pro foot and then attach it with a regular screw to a gopro mount for the scenarios you are most concerned about. BTW: gopro just filed for a patent on a magnetic mount system for the bottom of a future gopro just this week. they know they have to adapt.
As much as people love to shit on GoPro, you can't deny it's the all round better choice.
Better dynamic range, better crop, better stability, better sound. I own close to $20,000 worth of DJI gear, and I'll still admit GoPro is an overall better product.
I know it would be an expensive video so that's why no one's doing it but I would love to see a durability test of these two cameras. The Action 4 just seems more brittle with the big touch screen on the front and the Hero 12 looks like a tank. That's a video I would love to see
it's only the looks, I drag my OA3 in the sand dropped it in a river with lot of granet stones and even riding a bike dropped from my hand to asphalt... it did not scratch nor brake the glass of it, it's quite strong, i bet stronger than iphone or galaxy phone, tho i would recommend just for extra protection buying a cage incase you dropped it from really long fall or higher velocity accident both gopro and action imo
Oh boy... Let me see what I can do!
@@DavidManningvlogany protective cases you recommend for OA4? im using mine for spartan races, at least that’s the plan.
This guy looks like he’s trying to sell the DJI…. The GoPro looks WAY better. Period, end of story.
Both cameras are awesome although I lean towards GoPro color science and detail. In the other hand, dji offers the whole pack with some useful features like mount system, battery life and so on.
One thing I can’t stop watching on every RUclips review is that the dji dewarp system is not perfect. In order to dewarp the corners it will dewarp the center of the image. Take a look on the first part of the video. You look so thinner (in a weird way) than the GoPro.
When recording landscapes and so on is not noticiable but when vlogging it looks weird side by side.
Why people act like you don’t have to thumbscrew the magnetic stuff from DJI? 😂 Everyone talk about it like “it’s just that simple” but how did that mount get there? 😂
Ur COMPLETELY missing out the point dude. lol
Dji you will mount the mount ONCE, for ever! Then u just use the quick switch lol
@@MilitarAmericano so if you have a tripod, a water selfie stick, a backpack clip and a helmet, it comes with 4 or 5 magnetic clips? Come on cuh
I'm pretty sure if tap the GoPros power button it changes between video, photo and time lapse, and on the 12 specifically if you hit the power and record button at the same time it scrolls through your presets on the front screen.
Yep, made a video on that awhile back. It's basically like a QS menu for each mode you're in. But if you want to switch between video and hyper lapse, you have to first switch modes, then do the button press again to get into your hyperlapse presets. The QS menu on the Action can have any preset you have in any order you want them👍
always watching your videos. i really want to have action camera but cant afford. i hope you can give me your old action camera..😊😊
I totally agree. As a gopro fan and supporter of american companies. I couldn't bring myself to choose it over what DJI has to offer because of the "little bits" you mentioned. Faster charging, longer battery life, magnetic mounting, dual touch screens, better UI, better touch sensitivity, better responsiveness, higher overheating threshold, better cold temp battery life, and the most important, better reliability (this is the biggest one for me.) I don't mind a slightly lower video quality if I know every time I press record I know I got the shot. rather than knowing oh man this footage is gonna be so good! then you check your camera, and it's frozen and you missed the actual shot. Until gopro figures that out and remove that from their system, I can't go back to them.
funny how dji has all those better "things" but the picture is still better on GoPro. Its brighter and the face of the talent in frame is more visible and more pleasantly lit. Skintones are more pleasant on GoPro too. So whats the use of all magnetic mounts and non-overheaing long battery life when color science is inferior?
From a filmmaker's perspective, the GoPro in default settings (like I was testing here) is too bright and blows out the highlights. When I shoot GoPros, I always have the exposure compensation set to -0.5 to protect the highlights. The DJI naturally protects the highlights for better post processing. But preference is super important and if you like GoPro's skin tones better, for sure go that route!
@@DavidManningvlog I agree in this video gopro was overexposed in background but the subject was exposed better than what DJI did. And overall I always see DJI churn out a picture thats kind of bland or greyish like not enough color. its not only in the skintones.
Thanks David, this is a great comparison! Looking forward to your low light video...the poor low light performance on the GoPros has been a drawback for us, and I've been looking for an alternative solution that can perform slightly better there.
The Action 4 definitely has better features without a doubt. I just bought the GoPro Hero 12 Black, but I think this will be my last GoPro. However, the video quality from the GoPro definitely looked better in the side-by-side comparison in my opinion.
It sure did unless like this guy you're blind.
Still quite happy with my Action 1 and 3 for moto vlogging and walking/travel along side the Insta 360 x2. Dropped GoPro many moons ago due to overheating and software/firmware issues, never regretted this decision. Sure these are both great cameras but it will be DJI again next change. Great review video as always👍
Do you have to pay for subscriptions to view or edit your videos lake with GoPro?
@@TheZakkmylde No idea, I think you added your comment as a reply to mine, try the general comments section.😀
Action 4 is too dark. GoPro looks much better....you might love a lot about the action 4 but the video quality is not on par with the GoPro
Getting DJI accessories is like pulling teeth and getting GoPro accessories and GoPros is so easy and convenient.
DJI ACTION 4 is way better ❤
im looking at buying a gopro12 to replce using my phone as a camera
i record to OBS building lego so im filming stuff about 1 to 2 foot away.
Been looking for months now and sort have got to the point of the gopro 12
but
hes mentioned now about them over heating.
i can do a 16 hour recording stint so im guessing the 12 is going to shut down often?
so guessing the action 4 would be better.
Im really struggling to decide what i want as my S21 it getting awkward
any advice anyone?
I'd go with the GoPro, it's dynamic range looks better/more details in the shadows and highlights.
Finally ready to switch to DJI from GoPro, so long to the endless fails! Let's go!
Both can produce great content. One advantage of the GoPro is the higher resolution stills, that can be useful when diving. Burst mode, 5 framers of raw photos in one second. Also 5.3K footage allows getting high res still frames to be extracted as JPGs. With the Action 4 that is not possible. But I do not see really many advantages of the Hero 12 over the Hero 11 or 10. Same image quality. The GPS is nice to have occasionally to geotag spots or look at distances at home. But the quick switch button, depth rating, battery life, low light quality of the Action 4 are appealing.
The Action 4 fov is too wide for general use. It makes the foreground, like a road, huge and the background scenery way too small. Even in linear mode. I have the Action 2. But that can be ok underwater where the fov is reduced.
Very interesting points! I just took the Action 4 diving in Hawaii and had it mounted on a dive mask mount. While at 60 ft swimming past a WWII wreck, I was able to reach up, pop off the camera, use the QS button to switch to photo mode and snap a selfie. Then reach back up, remount the camera without looking and keep going on the dive. That sold me on it as my main dive camera! Also, the extra depth without a dive case was helpful👍
@@DavidManningvlog that is cool to remove the camera so easily. But once i had the Action 2 on a floaty stick around my neck, I accidentally knocked it and it flew off he mount. I was on the beach. There was some sand in the hinges of the magnetic mount. So that needs to be inspected. But with the Hero 10 in June I came face to face with a sandtiger shark. I was shooting 5K. The shark made a U turn. I could extract high res frames, one of which was printed full page width on the New York Post newspaper in NYC, in August, when there was a lot of articles about shark presence in the area. Had I been shooting with the DJI Action , the 4K video footage would not have produced such a nice still frame for print. But the Action 4 is better in low light, murky waters. But in the end resolution is more important than sone noise.
I may get the A4 anyways, for the depth rating, although the battery door/seal feels so flimsy than the GoPro's. I wonder if the Hero 10/11/12 would still work and be water sesistant at 15m/50ft or so.
If you are shooting some amazing experience, where you may want to print photos from the footage, 5K is the way to go. Printing that frame and some other footage in the newspaper paid off the GoPro.
Everyone is always so concerned with or heating, i dont use my gopro that way. My question is it safe to use pregnant batteries? Do dji batteries get pregnant over time?
Only issue I've seen with the action 4 are the water drops whilst using it in water sports such as surfing which can be fixed in the gopro using older non hydrophobic lenses. Has anyone found a way around this for the action 4??
GoPro has a quick switch option.
Video quality is my priority go pro is better.
I liked the footage from Camera B, but only because it looked slightly more saturated so that I wouldn't have to mess with anything in post.
Overall, it looks like I'll be keeping my Hero 10 for another year. I feel that neither camera has any features that I need which would be worth $400 for an upgrade.
strange how people judge color - to my eye gopro is more saturated, more warm and whats most important - it exposes faces more correctly, bringing out skin details unlike DJI that is happy to leave the face of the main talent in murky greyish shade
@@sunlit777fax go pro color looks better
@@sunlit777 not only does the gopro run warmer, the A4 always runs cool. Too cool, you can't tell much in this video, but other comparison vids show an unsightly blueish tint. The 4k on the gopro shows finer details in the daytime. Dji is a legit competition, although I give Gopro a slight edge
Funny you mention the Hero 10. I've been recording with it recently doing some low light test and it's doing better then all other GOPRO's but falls behind the Action 4. I am really surprised at how good the Hero 10 is in low light (for an action camera).
My list from best to worse in lowlight has been in this order....
- insta360 One RS 1"
- Action 4
- Hero 10
- Hero 11
- Action 3
- Hero 8
- Hero 9
All running the exact same settings (being all GOPRO's except the Hero 11) have the same sensor size and obviously the Action 4 despite being set to the same settings as the hero cams could be even brighter if I adjust the settings for the sensor size. But yea my Hero 10 seems to be worth its weight if you absolutely have to have a GoPro without wanting to cough up the amount of $$ for the new Hero 12.
Idk what anyone is smoking either y’all already bought the dji and you guys are biased but the go pro looks a lot better. I wanted to get a action but after seeing this video it looks like the quality of the action is washed out. Maybe everyone just wants to hate on go pro for no reason idk
I used my new Hero 12 this past weekend specifically to test out the HDR mode. Went on an acrobatic thrill ride in a Pitts Biplane - the footage was good, but honestly the HDR footage was underwhelming. Footage looks like it has some sort of HDR filter that you can add in mobile editing apps. It was a sunny morning, but some haze was present where we were doing our maneuvers. Either way, I’ll be staying away from HDR mode.
Yeah, HDR modes can be tricky, especially in video modes. In general, I would prefer shooting in LOG and editing in post to get the most dynamic range rather than trusting an HDR mode to do it's voodoo
@@DavidManningvlog yuppppp expensive lesson learned. The footage is poooo poo 😂
The only thing in which the GP12 is better is the picture and video quality. The GP12 gives u way more Details and better colours. DJI4 looks always some kind of dark. But thats it.
I completely agree! After having 3...yes 3 hero 11 minis replaced on warranty I would say the biggest 2 reasons are reliability and battery life. Never has the action 3 or 4 let me down while with the GoPro cameras I have had constant issues. Nothing worse then going out to film for a day and realizing that your GoPro has decided that it no longer will turn on or that it has decided that it will not read any of the sd cards you have with you. No issues at all with the DJI Action cameras at all. Just reliable and easy to use cameras that work every time
You had remind me that I had hero 9 with media mode. It was still on garante I have wrote to gopro but thay just never responded... Now my mediamode is just balast on my back pack... I was also very disappointed with audio quiaty on media mode
I also had a mini 11 and had issues 3 times with it in less than 1 year, third time I didn't accept a replacement, just asked my money back. The cameras spent more time in maintenance than with me, I guess I could even call it disrespectful with GoPro customers, that's why now I am gonna go for another brand and probably never buy a GoPro again.
I switched from GoPro to DJI OA3 for one reason, reliability. Something not mentioned in this video. While I prefer the DJI in almost every way I will now be without it for at least a month while I send it in to DJI to address the flickering issue. When you enable the EIS priority in low light function it disables the anti-flicker function. This is a major problem when filming action sports where image stabilization is so important. A lot of my footage has been un-usable recently because of the flickering effect. If you buy a DJI camera today and have a problem with it tomorrow you cannot return it, instead you must send it to DJI and wait for them to look at it. I will reluctantly be switching back to GoPro.
Great review! In my opinion, the GoPros image quality is superior, except in dark low light conditions. It was obvious as soon as the side by side comparisons came up.
OA4 definitely outperforms GP12 in numerous other ways in terms of functionality. I almost bought the OA4 but decided to go with the GP12 and I don't regret it one bit since image quality is what I prioritize most of all. I'll deal with some of it's short comings as it's totally manageable for my needs. Thanks for the GP12 magnetic base recommendation! Will totally give it a try.
The Gopro12 really has better image quality vs Action 4 and even vs the new 5 pro and in low light try in HDR it makes a big difference
0-80% in 18 minutes I can guarantee will destroy the battery quickly 😂
Fast Charging in general isn't the best for batteries, but I have plenty that are over a year old and running strong. For like $20 a battery, I would rather cook it fast and need to buy more a year later to have that 0-80% charging ability👍
@@DavidManningvlog please test the strength of the magnetic mount at 150+MPH to see how strong the grip is, I feel like a solid mount is better in certain situations
I've been loyal to GoPro for years and multiple upgrades. I just switched from GoPro Hero 8 Black to OSMO Action 4. I run three of them for multicam footage. It's a great upgrade!
Spoiler Alert! Camera A is Camera A and Camera B is Camera B :)
I really enjoy David's videos, and he makes a lot of good points about the Action 4. However, I find that as an overall comparison between the DJI Action 4 and the GoPro Hero 12, this video leaves out a lot of information. So, for anyone trying to decide between the two cameras, I thought I'd pull together a few of my thoughts here and maybe fill in the gaps:
I feel that if you're going to make such a big deal out of the magnetic quick release mount on the Action 4, you should at least compare it with the GoPro's quick release system - the buckle mount - not to the fixed flip-out feet and thumbscrew mount. This video completely ignores the fact that GoPros come with both - a fixed mount AND a quick release mount.
And in a direct comparison between the Action's quick release system and the GoPro's quick release system, who knows which one a consumer would prefer? It depends on the person, but a useful video comparison of the two cameras would at least mention that GoPro DOES have a quick release system. And, to be honest, it could be superior.
For example, it should be noted that the Action magnetic mount system still has a regular thumbscrew mount under it. The thumbscrew isn't gone. It's still there. In fact, you are forced to mount the magnetic mounting base on top of the regular GoPro feet and thumbscrew mount. And that raises the camera up much higher and makes it significantly taller and a bit more clunky and awkward in many situations. It also means that you can never NOT use the magnetic mount and thumbscrew together. You're forced to use both in every situation. There's no option NOT to use it.
The GoPro buckle quick release system has a very different design, and it keeps the camera lower resulting in a much more streamlined and compact profile. It's also more separate from the GoPro feet and thumbscrew system. You can choose whether you want to use the quick release buckle system or the fixed mount system. With the DJI Action approach, you have no choice. You must use the magnetic quick release in every situation.
And it should be noted that the GoPro quick release buckle system is built directly into a wide array of mounts and accessories. Using it, you can quickly move the GoPro from the 3-Way 2.0 grip to the the floaty Handler grip to the Chesty harness to the Handlebar mount to the Head Strap to the Bite mount to the Suction Cup mount to the Jaws grip to the Adhesive mounts to the Gumby Flexible mount to the Magnetic Swivel mount and more. With all these mounts and grips, you never have to loosen or tighten or remove a thumb screw. The quick release buckle just slides out when you push in the two levers on the side.
The quick release buckle mount is also extremely solid and reliable and inspires confidence when you lock it into place. It isn't finicky like magnetic systems where you could accidentally click in the tiny lever on only one side and not the other. For a lot of consumers, the Action magnetic quick release mount could be preferable. But a valid comparison should at least compare it to the actual GoPro quick release system, not to the fixed system of the flip-out feet and thumbscrew.
Plus, if you absolutely love the idea of magnetic quick release systems, you can always buy one for the GoPro from Ulanzi or SmallRig or SnapMount. The magnetic quick release mount of the Action system appears to be well designed, but its mere existence does not automatically make the camera better than a GoPro. It's just a mounting system, and GoPro has its own quick release mounting system, which David never mentions.
I had a similar feeling about the Quick Switch button on the Action. It's a great feature, and I do wish that GoPro would adopt it. However, David's comparison with the GoPro leaves out a lot of information. In a more accurate comparison, you'd have to at least mention that on the GoPro, the Power button doubles as a Mode switch button. In effect, it serves as a quick switch button, and it switches the camera from video mode to photo mode to timelapse/timewarp mode. It doesn't allow you to switch between custom presets, but it is very useful all the same. I use it all the time, and it's very convenient. Plus, you CAN switch custom presets within each mode by pressing a combination of the record button and the power button. This opens up your custom presets menu on the front screen of the GoPro. Then you can cycle through them and choose the one you want. It's not a great system but it works.
A valid comparison would also have to mention that GoPros have a set of powerful Shortcut buttons right on the screen. These can be used to change a wide variety of settings quickly without going into the menu system at all. As far as I'm aware, the Action series doesn't have anything like these on-screen shortcut buttons. In his video, David makes it seem like the only way to change settings on the GoPro is to go into the menu system and work with presets. And that is far from true. Once you combine the GoPro Custom Presets, the Power/Mode combo button, and the four on-screen Shortcut buttons, you have a powerful and efficient way of changing the settings. It's true that the Quick Switch button on the Action is useful, and I've always wanted GoPro to add such a button to their cameras. But in this video, David just points out what the Action has and the GoPro lacks without talking about what the GoPro has and the Action lacks, such as the super-convenient Shortcut buttons.
David also compared the DJI Wireless mic to the new bluetooth earbud system on the GoPro. He has an entire section comparing the sound of one to the sound of the other. And that's kind of silly. The DJI Wireless mic is not part of the Action cameras. It's a wireless mic set that you have to buy separately. If you like it, you can buy it and attach it to a GoPro, too (with an adapter). In fact, there are dozens of excellent wireless mics on the market now, and they can all be attached to both the GoPro and the Action. So, comparing this wireless mic to the new bluetooth system of the GoPro is a bit odd. They're completely different tools meant for different situations.
In any event, David also skips by what strikes me as the somewhat clunky, bulky, and unstable way that the DJI Wireless Mic attaches to the Action. You can see it clearly in the video. It's great that you can attach it directly through the USB-C port without an adapter, but it ends up sticking out from the side of the camera in a weird and awkward way. It looks very unstable, and I dislike the idea of the full weight of a wireless receiver pulling on and dangling off a USB-C port. I've heard from people that it shakes loose if you try to use it on a bicycle mount or scooter mount or anything like that. I far prefer mounting something like a Rode Wireless Go with a solid cold shoe clip. With that approach, you don't have a heavy receiver held in place only by sticking it into the USB-C port.
And if you are serious about comparing these two cameras, the GoPro's Media Mod deserves at least a mention. Setting aside the design flaws of the Media Mod, it does offer a lot of features, including a 3.5mm input jack, a USB-C port, an HDMI port, a built-in higher quality shotgun microphone with an optional windscreen, and the ability to mount an external microphone, a light, or an LCD screen. It's definitely a flawed product, but it exists and it works, and nothing like this is available for the Action 4 that I'm aware of.
The front touch screen is a clear win for the DJI Action 4. I was fully expecting GoPro to add touch screen capability to the front screen of the Hero 12, and I was disappointed that they didn't. However, in David's example of mounting the camera inside a car and needing to change settings, he does ignore the existence of the GoPro Quik App. Anyone who routinely mounts their GoPro on a car's windscreen or other inaccessible places would likely use their smartphone app to control it. At least they have that option. Failing that, they could, as I mentioned above, just stick the GoPro into a magnetic mount like the SnapMount. That's a product that David routinely plugs on his channel as the best mounting option for GoPros, but he never mentions it in these comparison videos. He focuses only on the magnetic mount of the Action 4.
Battery life appears to be another clear win for the Action 4. I can't argue with that. 😀 I'd love to get much longer battery life on a GoPro.
Anyway, those are all the thoughts that pop into my mind right now. My sense is that David's video doesn't accurately portray the differences between the two cameras and camera systems. He's comparing unequal features and leaves out most of the comparable features on the GoPro side. I feel it gives quite a distorted view of how the two cameras stack up against each other. In the end, I think you can get used to any mounting system or menu system or control button setup. Those are just details. The key thing at the end is how the final video looks, and I guess that is a personal preference. Whenever David does these blind side-by-side comparisons, I know which is which instantly. The GoPro video looks quite different from the Action video, and it's the video look that I prefer. It just always seem brighter with more detail and better dynamic range. The Action 4 video looks great, too. I would be perfectly happy owning and using one. But given a simple choice, I'd still go for the GoPro look.
I bet this is way too long for most people to bother reading. You wrote an essay!
@@tbone-ip5fi Not only is it ridiculously long, it also has astonishingly minimal real content.
He is just not happy with the conclusion of the video.
Most of the points he complains are not mentioned in the video, like alternative mounting solution or presets are in fact mentioned in the video. So are the Apps and their abilities.
He is just ignoring that 3rd party accessories are not the focus of this comparison and that a special hardware-button to access video presets is quite a big difference to having to access those through menues.
Usefull! Thanks!)
I have to choose one of them this week. I found Dave's video to be excellent but Planet Video's comments were also quite helpful. For me, image quality is paramount and the GP seemed better in the few examples provided. I like my DJI Mavic 3 Pro but don't like not having reasonable alternatives, and so am inclined to support the GP action camera alternative. It's very hard to integrate M3P footage with my Canon full frame mirorless gear using the Mavic's better 24mm lens/sensor combination, and near impossible with its other 2 lenses, so I need to at least start with the best action cam footage available, and so far that seems to be the GP, despite its slightly smaller sensor.