Dronelost.com – Are you looking for a new action camera to capture your adventures and memories? Do you want to know which one is the best choice for you? We will compare the two most popular and advanced action cameras in the market: the DJI Action 4 vs GoPro Hero 12.
Both cameras are the latest models from the two leading brands in the industry, and they offer impressive features and performance. They are both rugged and waterproof, they both have two screens, they both have excellent stabilization, and they both support various modes and settings.
But they also have some differences that make them unique and suitable for different needs and preferences. We will help you decide which action camera to buy by comparing the two cameras in terms of design, features, image and video quality, price, and more.
We will also give you our verdict on which one is the best choice for you. By the end of this blog post, you will have a clear idea of which action camera is the perfect fit for your style and budget. Let’s find out!
DJI Action 4 vs GoPro Hero 12 Design
The DJI Action 4 and the GoPro Hero 12 have similar designs, but there are some notable differences. The DJI Action 4 has a slightly larger body, measuring 65 x 42 x 35 mm and weighing 158 g, while the GoPro Hero 12 is 71 x 55 x 33.6 mm and 158 g. Both cameras are rugged and waterproof, but the DJI Action 4 has a better waterproof rating of 18 m, compared to the GoPro Hero 12’s 10 m.
The biggest design difference between the two cameras is the mounting system. The DJI Action 4 has a brilliant magnetic mounting system that makes it very easy to attach and detach the camera from various accessories, such as tripods, selfie sticks, helmets, and more. The GoPro Hero 12 has a new 1/4-20 tripod thread mount that is compatible with most standard tripods, but it still requires a separate frame or case to use other GoPro accessories.
Another design difference is the screen. Both cameras have two screens: a large rear touchscreen and a smaller front screen for selfies and vlogging. However, the DJI Action 4 has a second touchscreen on the front, while the GoPro Hero 12 has a non-touch LCD screen.
The DJI Action 4’s front touchscreen allows you to change settings and modes without using the rear screen or the app, which is very convenient. The GoPro Hero 12’s front screen only shows basic information, such as battery level, recording time, and mode.
DJI Action 4 vs GoPro Hero 12, Features and Performance
The DJI Action vs GoPro Hero are both packed with features and modes that enhance their performance and usability. Both cameras have built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for connecting to your smartphone and other devices, as well as voice control, timelapse, slow motion, live streaming, and more.
Both cameras also have excellent stabilization systems that smooth out the shakes and bumps in your footage. The DJI Action 4 has RockSteady 2.0, while the GoPro Hero 12 has HyperSmooth 4.0. Both systems work very well, but the GoPro Hero 12 has a slight edge in terms of stability and versatility, as it offers different levels of stabilization and works in all resolutions and frame rates.
One feature that the DJI Action 4 has that the GoPro Hero 12 does not is sensor-level HDR. This means that the DJI Action 4 can capture more dynamic range and details in high-contrast scenes, such as bright skies and dark shadows.
The GoPro Hero 12 has an optional HDR mode, but it only works in certain resolutions and frame rates, and it reduces the stabilization quality. The DJI Action 4’s HDR mode works in all resolutions and frame rates, and it does not affect the stabilization.
Another feature that the GoPro Hero 12 has that the DJI Action 4 does not is wireless audio support. This means that the GoPro Hero 12 can connect to external microphones and headphones via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, which can improve the sound quality and convenience of your recordings. The DJI Action 4 does not have this feature, and it only supports external microphones via a USB-C adapter.
Image and Video Quality
The DJI Action 4 and the GoPro Hero 12 both deliver high-quality images and videos, but they have different strengths and weaknesses. The GoPro Hero 12 has a higher resolution than the DJI Action 4, offering up to 5.3K at 60 fps or 4K at 120 fps, while the DJI Action 4 only offers up to 4K at 120 fps.
The GoPro Hero 12 also has a wider field of view than the DJI Action 4, offering up to 170 degrees, while the DJI Action 4 only offers up to 155 degrees. The GoPro Hero 12’s higher resolution and wider field of view give it an advantage in terms of capturing more details and scenery in your shots.
However, the DJI Action 4 has a larger sensor than the GoPro Hero 12, measuring 1/1.3 inches, compared to the GoPro Hero 12’s 1/1.9 inches. The larger sensor gives the DJI Action 4 a better low-light performance, as it can capture more light and reduce noise in dark environments. The DJI Action 4 also has a better color science than the GoPro Hero 12, producing more natural and accurate colors in your footage.
Both cameras have various options for adjusting the image and video settings, such as white balance, exposure, ISO, sharpness, contrast, saturation, and more. Both cameras also support RAW and ProTune formats, which give you more flexibility and control over your post-processing.
DJI Action 4 vs GoPro Hero 12 Price
The DJI Action 4 and the GoPro Hero 12 are both priced at $399, which is quite reasonable for their features and performance. However, the DJI Action 4 comes with more accessories in the box, such as a magnetic mount, a magnetic screw mount, a magnetic ball joint mount, a magnetic lanyard, a USB-C cable, and a battery.
The GoPro Hero 12 only comes with a battery, a USB-C cable, a mounting buckle, a curved adhesive mount, and a thumbscrew. If you want to use other GoPro accessories, such as a frame, a case, a selfie stick, or a tripod, you will need to buy them separately.
Which Action Camera Should You Buy?
The DJI Action 4 and the GoPro Hero 12 are both excellent action cameras that can suit different needs and preferences. The DJI Action 4 is better for low-light shooting, HDR, and convenience, while the GoPro Hero 12 is better for high-resolution, wide-angle, and stabilization. Both cameras have similar features and performance, but they have different trade-offs and advantages.
Ultimately, the best action camera for you depends on what you value more and what you plan to use it for. If you want a camera that can capture more details and scenery in good lighting, and you don’t mind using a frame or a case for mounting, then the GoPro Hero 12 might be the best choice for you.
If you want a camera that can handle high-contrast and dark situations, and you prefer a hassle-free magnetic mounting system, then the DJI Action 4 might be the best choice for you.