GoPro Hero 12 Vs Dji Action 4 – Check Which One Is Best & Why?

Camera

GoPro Hero 12 & Dji Action 4 share many similarities, but there are also important differences, such as quality, performance, features & design. If you want the best one between them, I Would recommend the GoPro Hero 12 rather than the Dji Action 4.

Why Do I Recommend The GoPro Hero 12

  • GoPro HERO 12 introduces 27MP with HDR for both video (5.3K and 4K) and photos to improve image quality, especially in shadows and bright light environments with more dynamic color, while the DJI Action 4 sticks to 12 MP.
  • The HERO12 can shoot at 16x slow motion 2.7K at 240fps for excellent slow motion at high resolution. The DJI is limited to 1080p at 240fps.
  • It works with the Max Lens Mod 2.0, offering a 177° ultra-wide field of view at 4K60 resolution to enhance ultra-wide shots without sacrificing resolution or field of view, while DJI relies on its built-in wide-angle lens.
  • The HERO12 Black’s HyperSmooth 6.0 with AutoBoost and Horizon Lock provides improved horizon leveling stabilization and ensures ultra-smooth footage during fast-moving activities compared to the DJI Action 4’s RockSteady 3.0.
  • GoPro HERO12 includes a built-in GPS, which allows more advanced telemetry and location-based data to track speed, altitude, and routes. DJI Action 4 does not have GPS.
  • It features night effects like star trails, light painting, and vehicle light trails, which allow for more creative nighttime shooting, but DJI Action 4 lacks this feature.
  • The HERO12 Black’s ability to shoot continuous, uninterrupted footage without file size restrictions for long & seamless recordings. In contrast, The DJI Action 4 has a 4GB file size limit.
  • It features three microphones with advanced wind noise reduction and support for stereo audio & improves audio capture, especially during high-speed activities. DJI Action 4 offers two microphones.
  • Additionally, the HERO12 Black’s Bluetooth audio device support allows creators to connect external Bluetooth microphones or wireless headphones for clearer sound quality without additional adapters, but DJI Action 4 lacks this feature.

Maybe the Dji Action 4 price can make you comfortable because it’s a little bit cheaper than the GoPro Hero 12. But you have to compromise all the above-mentioned features. Now the Decision is Yours. I hope it was helpful to choose the right one.

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Side By Side Comparison

Feature GoPro Hero 12 Dji Action 4
Sensor Size 1/1.9” CMOS 1/1.3” CMOS
Processor GP2 Processor Ambarella H22 Processor
Max Video Resolution 5.3K at 60fps (16:9) 4K at 120fps (16:9)
Slow Motion 2.7K at 240fps 1080p at 240fps
Max Bitrate 120 Mbps 130 Mbps
HDR Support 10-bit color with HDR video 10-bit color with HDR video
Photo Resolution 27 MP 12 MP
Stabilization HyperSmooth 6.0 with AutoBoost, Horizon Lock RockSteady 3.0 + HorizonSteady
Lens Options SuperView, Wide, Linear + Horizon Lock, Narrow Ultra-wide FOV with Dewarp option
Battery Capacity 1,720 mAh (Enduro Battery) 1,770 mAh
Low-Light Performance Enhanced HDR, Night Effects Excellent Night Modes
Rear Screen 2.27-inch color touchscreen  2.25-inch color touchscreen
Voice Control Yes (available in 13 languages) Yes (available in 5 languages)
GPS Yes, built-in No
Audio Performance 3 microphones with wind noise reduction + Stereo Audio 2 microphones with wind noise reduction + Stereo Audio
Mods/Accessories Media Mod, Display Mod, Max Lens Mod, Light Mod Magnetic Quick-Release, Waterproof Case, Additional Mods
Weight 154 grams 145 grams
Mobile App Integration GoPro Quik App  DJI Mimo App
Price Check Hero 12 Price Check Action 4 Price

What Common Both Can Do?

  • 10-bit Color Depth: Both the GoPro HERO12 and the DJI Action 4 support 10-bit color depth, which offers a wider range of colors, improved dynamic range, and better color grading in post-production. This feature makes both cameras capable of capturing more vivid and detailed footage, particularly in high-contrast or complex lighting conditions.
  • Video File Format (MP4 with H.264/HEVC): Both cameras use the MP4 format with H.264 or HEVC compression, which provides efficient video encoding with high-quality output at manageable file sizes. This format is widely compatible with most devices and editing software.
  • HDR Video: Both models support HDR video, enhancing dynamic range by retaining more details in both shadows and highlights. This is especially useful in challenging lighting conditions, such as bright outdoor environments or scenes with high contrast between light and dark areas.
  • Touchscreen Display (Rear): Both cameras feature a rear touchscreen display, with the GoPro’s 2.27-inch screen and the DJI’s 2.25-inch screen offering similar levels of functionality and ease of use for framing shots, adjusting settings, and reviewing footage.
  • Front Color Screen: Both cameras offer a front-facing color LCD screen that allows users to easily frame selfies or vlogs. These screens are non-touch, but provide a convenient way for content creators to monitor framing while recording.
  • Waterproofing: Both action cameras are waterproof without housing. The GoPro HERO12 is waterproof up to 10 meters (33 feet), and while the DJI Action 4 can dive deeper at 18 meters (59 feet), both are more than sufficient for casual water activities like swimming, snorkeling, and light diving.
  • Livestreaming: Both cameras support livestreaming, which makes it easy for users to broadcast their content live directly from the camera to popular platforms such as YouTube or social media. This feature is particularly useful for vloggers and content creators who want to share real-time action.
  • RAW Photo Mode: Both cameras offer a RAW photo mode, giving photographers the ability to capture uncompressed images. This is ideal for users who want to retain maximum detail and have more flexibility in post-processing.
  • Removable Battery: Both the GoPro HERO12 and DJI Action 4 have removable batteries, allowing users to carry extra batteries for extended shooting sessions. This is important for professionals or adventurers who need to keep recording without access to charging stations.
  • Mobile App Integration: Both cameras connect to a dedicated mobile app — the GoPro Quik app and DJI Mimo app. These apps allow users to edit footage, control camera settings remotely, and share content. Both apps also offer cloud storage options, making it easy to back up footage.
  • Time-Lapse Modes: Both cameras feature time-lapse recording modes, allowing users to capture dynamic scenes over an extended period. This is great for activities like sunset shots, city traffic, or nature landscapes.
  • USB-C Charging: Both the GoPro HERO12 and DJI Action 4 use USB-C charging, which provides fast charging and wide compatibility with modern devices.
  • Cloud Backup (with subscription): Both cameras offer cloud backup options, allowing users to store their footage in the cloud with a subscription. This provides peace of mind that their footage is safely backed up and accessible anywhere.

Common Features

Feature GoPro Hero 12 Dji Action 4
10-bit Color Depth Yes, supports 10-bit color Yes, supports 10-bit color
Video File Format MP4 (H.264/HEVC) MP4 (H.264/HEVC)
HDR Video Yes, HDR video support Yes, HDR video support
Front Screen Front color LCD (non-touch) Front color LCD (non-touch)
Waterproof Yes Yes
Voice Control Yes, supports voice commands Yes, supports voice commands
Field of View (FOV) Ultra-wide field of view Ultra-wide field of view
Livestreaming Yes, supports livestreaming Yes, supports livestreaming
Raw Photo Mode Yes, supports RAW photos Yes, supports RAW photos
Low-Light Performance Enhanced low-light video Enhanced low-light video
Removable Battery Yes Yes
Mobile App Integration GoPro Quik app DJI Mimo app
Time-Lapse Modes Yes, multiple time-lapse modes Yes, multiple time-lapse modes
Slow-Motion Video Yes, up to 240fps in lower resolutions Yes, up to 240fps in lower resolutions
USB-C Charging Yes Yes
Cloud Backup  Yes Yes
Price Check Hero 12 Price Check Action 4 Price

FAQ

Q: Which camera has better video resolution?
A: The GoPro HERO12 Black offers higher video resolution with support for 5.3K at 60fps, whereas the DJI Action 4 tops out at 4K at 120fps. If you’re looking for ultra-high resolution, GoPro is the better choice, but DJI’s higher frame rate at 4K is excellent for smooth slow-motion video.

Q: Are both cameras waterproof? If so, to what depth?
A: Yes, both the GoPro HERO12 Black and DJI Action 4 are waterproof without the need for additional housing. However, the DJI Action 4 is more waterproof, capable of going down to 18 meters (59 feet), whereas the GoPro HERO12 Black is waterproof up to 10 meters (33 feet).

Q: Which camera is better for low-light performance?
A: The DJI Action 4 is generally better for low-light conditions due to its larger 1/1.3″ sensor, which captures more light. The GoPro HERO12 performs well with its enhanced HDR but doesn’t capture as much detail in very low-light environments as the DJI.

Q: Do both cameras support 10-bit color?
A: Yes, both the GoPro HERO12 Black and the DJI Action 4 support 10-bit color, which provides a wider range of colors and more detailed video, particularly beneficial during color grading in post-production.

Q: Which camera has better stabilization?
A: Both cameras offer excellent stabilization, but GoPro HERO12‘s HyperSmooth 6.0 with AutoBoost and Horizon Lock tends to provide superior performance in extreme conditions. The DJI Action 4 uses RockSteady 3.0, which is also very reliable but lacks the full 360° horizon leveling that GoPro offers.

Q: Can both cameras capture slow-motion video?
A: Yes, both cameras are capable of recording slow-motion video. The GoPro HERO12 can record slow-motion at up to 2.7K at 240fps, while the DJI Action 4 offers 1080p at 240fps. Both provide smooth slow-motion effects, though GoPro offers higher resolution for slow-motion footage.

Q: Which camera has better battery life?
A: The DJI Action 4 has better battery life, lasting up to 160 minutes when recording in 1080p and 110 minutes in 4K. The GoPro HERO12 lasts around 70 minutes when recording in 5.3K and 90 minutes in 4K, making DJI the better choice for longer shooting sessions without recharging.

Q: Can I use voice commands with both cameras?
A: Yes, both the GoPro HERO12 Black and DJI Action 4 support voice control, allowing users to start or stop recording, take photos, and switch modes hands-free. This is a convenient feature for action-packed scenarios where manual operation isn’t practical.

Q: Do both cameras support RAW photo format?
A: Yes, both cameras support RAW photo format, which is ideal for photographers who want more control over image editing and post-processing by capturing uncompressed photos.

Q: Which camera is better for vloggers?
A: Both cameras are excellent for vlogging due to their front-facing screens, voice control, and livestreaming capabilities. However, the GoPro HERO12 Black offers slightly better stabilization, higher video resolution, and more advanced accessories, making it a better choice for professional vloggers. That said, the DJI Action 4 is more affordable and provides similar core features, making it a great value option for vloggers as well.

Q: Do both cameras have GPS?
A: Only the GoPro HERO12 Black comes with a built-in GPS. This is useful for tracking location-based data such as speed, altitude, and distance, which can be overlayed on the footage. The DJI Action 4 does not have GPS.

Q: Do both cameras support cloud backup?
A: Yes, both the GoPro HERO12 Black and DJI Action 4 offer cloud backup options, though you will need a subscription for this feature. This allows users to automatically upload their footage to the cloud for storage and easy access.

 

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