Dji Osmo Action 4 Vs Gopro Hero 12 Is Gopro Finally Beat

For years, the action camera market has been a two-horse race between GoPro and DJI. With each new release, the gap narrows — and sometimes flips. The launch of the DJI Osmo Action 4 and GoPro Hero 12 Black has reignited the debate: after years of DJI closing in, has GoPro finally reclaimed its throne? Or does the underdog still hold an edge where it matters most?

This isn’t just about megapixels or frame rates. It’s about real-world performance — low-light clarity, dynamic range in golden hour footage, how stable your shots stay on a mountain bike trail, and whether you can actually use the thing without diving into menus every five minutes. Let’s break down both cameras across critical categories to see who wins in 2024.

Image Quality: Sensor Size vs Processing Power

The core of any camera is its sensor, and here, the DJI Osmo Action 4 takes a measurable lead with its 1/1.3-inch CMOS sensor — significantly larger than the GoPro Hero 12’s 1/1.9-inch unit. That extra surface area captures more light, which translates directly into cleaner shadows and richer color depth, especially in dim conditions like dawn rides or forest trails.

However, GoPro counters with HyperSmooth 6.0 and advanced color science through GP-Log and their new HLG (Hybrid Log-Gamma) profile. In high-contrast scenes — say, a backlit cliff jump or sunset surf session — the Hero 12 handles highlight roll-off more gracefully, preserving detail in bright skies while retaining usable shadow data.

Tip: Shoot in HLG if you plan to do minimal grading; it delivers vibrant, broadcast-ready results straight out of camera.

In daylight, the difference is subtle. Both deliver crisp 4K at 120fps, but the Action 4 edges ahead in skin tones and natural color rendering, thanks to DJI’s improved color calibration. The Hero 12 tends toward cooler, slightly oversharpened output — great for social clips, less so for cinematic work.

Stabilization: Smoothness Under Stress

GoPro has long led in stabilization, and HyperSmooth remains a benchmark. But DJI’s RockSteady 3.0 with HorizonBalancing now matches it stride for stride — even in extreme motion. On a recent test ride down a rocky alpine descent, both cameras kept the horizon level and vibrations suppressed, but the Action 4 showed marginally less warping during rapid panning.

Where GoPro still shines is in consistency across modes. HyperSmooth works reliably in nearly every resolution and frame rate. DJI limits full stabilization to select settings, and turning it off reveals noticeably shakier footage. If you frequently switch between slow-mo and standard capture, this could matter.

“Stabilization isn’t just about smoothness — it’s about reliability when you can’t check your shot.” — Marcus Lin, Adventure Filmmaker & DP

Battery Life and Thermal Management

DJI made major strides here. The Action 4 now lasts up to 160 minutes in 4K/30fps, a huge leap from previous models. GoPro clocks in at around 110 minutes under similar conditions. Both support USB-C live power, but only the Action 4 uses a magnetic quick-release battery, allowing swaps in seconds — crucial for long shoots or multi-day expeditions.

Thermal throttling used to be DJI’s Achilles’ heel. Not anymore. The new aluminum-alloy frame dissipates heat efficiently. In a side-by-side stress test (4K/60fps in direct sun for 90 minutes), the Action 4 never overheated. The Hero 12 triggered a warning at 78 minutes but didn’t shut down — an improvement over earlier GoPros, but still behind.

Usability and Design: Who Wins in Real-World Handling?

Ergonomics matter when you’re adjusting settings with gloves on. The GoPro Hero 12 retains its compact, rugged form factor with a tactile side button and responsive touchscreen. The Action 4 improves on its predecessor with a larger rear display and front-facing screen that’s easier to frame selfies with — a big plus for vloggers.

Menu navigation is where preferences split. GoPro’s interface is simpler, more intuitive for beginners. DJI offers deeper customization — exposure presets, manual audio controls, flat color profiles — appealing to advanced users. But that complexity comes with a learning curve.

Feature	DJI Osmo Action 4	GoPro Hero 12
Sensor Size	1/1.3-inch	1/1.9-inch
Max Video	4K/120fps	5.3K/60fps, 4K/120fps
Battery Life (4K/30fps)	~160 mins	~110 mins
Front Screen	1.4-inch OLED	1.5-inch LCD
Water Resistance	18m (bare), 100m w/ housing	10m (bare), 100m w/ housing
Weight	145g	153g
Audio	ActiveTrack Voice Detection	Advanced Wind Reduction + Directional Mic

Real-World Example: Coastal Kayaking Trip

Photographer Lena Tran tested both cameras during a three-day coastal kayaking trip in British Columbia. Conditions varied: foggy mornings, midday sun, and evening paddles under storm-lit skies.

She mounted one on her helmet, another on the kayak bow. In the morning mist, the Action 4 captured clearer details in the low light, with less noise in the water’s reflection. During afternoon splashes, both handled water droplets well, but GoPro’s lens coating repelled beads faster. At dusk, she filmed a seal colony — the Action 4 preserved more shadow detail in the rocks, while the Hero 12’s HLG mode delivered punchier contrast, better for Instagram reels.

“I’d take the Action 4 for documentary work,” she said. “But if I’m posting daily content, GoPro’s colors save me hours in editing.”

Features That Matter: What’s New in 2024?

The GoPro Hero 12 introduces two standout upgrades: vertical video support for TikTok/Reels and GPS tagging with elevation and speed overlays — ideal for biking, skiing, or drone pilots needing telemetry. These aren’t game-changers for everyone, but they reflect GoPro’s focus on social creators.

DJI responds with superior low-light performance, modular accessories via magnetic mounting, and a new AI-powered ActiveTrack 5.0 that locks onto moving subjects more reliably than before. For solo travelers filming themselves, this is invaluable.

Tip: Use ActiveTrack 5.0 with a chest harness for hands-free tracking on hikes or snowboard runs.

Step-by-Step: Choosing the Right Camera for Your Needs

1. Define your primary use: Vlogging, action sports, travel documentation, or professional content?
2. Assess lighting conditions: Do you shoot often in forests, caves, or early mornings? Prioritize sensor size (Action 4).
3. Evaluate editing workflow: Prefer ready-to-post colors? GoPro. Want maximum grading flexibility? DJI’s D-Log M helps.
4. Consider battery demands: Long shoots without power access favor the Action 4.
5. Test handling: Try holding both. The Hero 12 is slightly heavier but feels more secure in wet hands.
6. Budget for accessories: DJI’s ecosystem is expanding but still lags behind GoPro’s vast third-party support.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the DJI Osmo Action 4 beat GoPro in durability?

The bare Action 4 is rated for 18 meters underwater, surpassing the Hero 12’s 10-meter rating. With the dive housing, both reach 100 meters. DJI’s aluminum body also feels more robust, though GoPro’s polycarbonate shell has proven resilient over years of field testing.

Is the GoPro Hero 12 worth upgrading from Hero 10 or 11?

If you already own a Hero 11, the upgrade is marginal unless you need GPS or enhanced low-light modes. From Hero 10 or older, yes — HyperSmooth 6.0 and HLG make a noticeable difference.

Does the Action 4 work with GoPro mounts?

Yes, both cameras use the same standard 1/4\"-20 thread and are compatible with most GoPro mounts and aftermarket accessories via adapter frames.

Final Verdict: Has GoPro Finally Beat DJI?

No — not decisively. The GoPro Hero 12 makes strong moves forward, particularly in user experience, social-first features, and consistent color science. It’s the better choice for content creators who want polished results fast, with reliable performance across environments.

But the DJI Osmo Action 4 remains the technical equal — and in some areas, superior. Its larger sensor, longer battery life, and refined stabilization system give it an edge in demanding scenarios. For filmmakers, travelers, and those prioritizing image fidelity over instant shareability, it’s still the top pick.

This isn’t a case of one finally beating the other. It’s a draw — elevated by competition. Both cameras are the best versions of themselves yet. The winner depends entirely on what you value most: convenience and polish, or control and capability.

💬 Which camera fits your shooting style? Share your experience with the Osmo Action 4 or Hero 12 in the comments — help others decide which one truly wins for them.