GoPro Hero 11 Black v DJI Osmo Action 3

DJI Action 3 or GoPro Hero 11 Black?

To some, it may come as a complete surprise there is a viable alternative to the venerable GoPro camera range, and it comes from those clever drone makers at DJI.

Called the Osmo Action series, the range is now at its 3^rd generation – which of course in theory gives GoPro a huge leg-up being at its 11^th. The Osmo Action 1 was unquestionably a GoPro clone with some enhancements DJI saw, quite understandably, as improvements on the original GoPro.

The Osmo Action2 was, as they used to say in “Yes Minister”, a brave move to change the way the action camera genre was being approached. Whilst it was a clever idea making the Osmo Action 2 a modular beast, and using magnetism as the “glue” between the different modules was genius, the idea never really took off I am guessing, as the Osmo Action 3 is a direct return to what could be called the definitive “GoPro” style.

The long and short of it is that if you want an action camera for your adventures when hiking, canoeing, fishing, skydiving, MotoX-ing, BMX-ing, snorkelling/SCUBA-ing or for the inside of a race car (amongst the myriad other uses), then your choices are pretty much narrowed down to these two cameras.

(Yes, I am aware of there being models from the Insta fold, but I have tried for years to get review models to no avail so for the purpose of this exercise, I discount them. Simply if they are not prepared to help me – thus you – then I am not interested in including them).

At this point I’d like also like to comment on what I have read regarding action camera – particularly GoPro – usage.

I wrote an article quite some time back suggesting a GoPro (or similar) could act as a “standard” camera at a pinch. I still stand by that, but it would have to be a last resort, and as much as it pains me to say so, your phone is often a better option. The ergonomics of the GoPro style makes it a little uncompromising when used by itself; a huge strength of the genre is the number of add-on mounts etc that let you use the camera in compromising positions, especially in conjunct with the GoPro app to control the camera.

In short, thinking the GoPro (or indeed Actions 3) is a camera suitable under all conditions is just not feasible and bound to be a disappointment in most cases. I see posts asking about using them as cameras to shoot weddings or other similar events and, well, just don’t, unless you have absolutely no other option.

Righto, so having said all that, what are the differences between the GoPro Hero 11 Black and the DJI Osmo Action 3?  And does one have an advantage over the other?

Specifications

They both weigh approximately the same and have similar dimensions, so these things are not an issue. The only real difference here is that the GoPro incorporates the “finger” system for external mounts into the main body as a hinged arrangement. Earlier models used to have these fixed whereas now the fingers can lie flat against the body of the camera when not in   use.

The Osmo Action 3 on the other hand has borrowed the magnetism technology from its earlier sibling, and the fingers are attached when needed – and the magnetic grip is exceedingly strong I have to say.

The Battery capability is pretty close too, at least in specification, with the GoPro having a 1720mAh unit versus the Action3’s 1770mAh. The trouble with battery life comparisons is that it relies on so many factors such as outside temperature (the Osmo Action 3 is rated down to -20 C and the GoPro to -10 C). In my tests, I got slightly better battery life with the Action 3, but in the real world, your mileage may be better, so I’d say there is little difference to mark one over the other.

If you are into water sports, especially snorkelling or SCUBA, then the Osmo Action 3 is the clear winner as without any further protection it is waterproof down to 16 metres as against 10. You can of course add a housing to the Hero 11 Black to increase that to 60 metres, but similarly, one is also available for the Action 3 so that’s a draw.

Lens wise, again, ballpark with the GoPro having an aperture of f/2.5 (Action 3 f/2.8) and the CMOS processor at 1/1.9” against 1/1.7”. Both lenses are replaceable and hydrophobic (water repellent thus eliminating drops on the lens).

However, the GoPro will take stills to 27MpP as against the Action 3 at “only” 12MP. Another advantage of the GoPro is in video where all specs are the same except at 1080p the Hero 11 Black has an added frame rate of 200 along with 240 and 120 fps.

Another big thing in this day and age is that the sensor in the GoPro is almost square. Why is that important? It means TikkyTokky users etc can use the footage as is from the camera, and simply crop it for more traditional 16:9 applications.  The Action 3 doesn’t have that luxury – yet.

Both have a rear and front display with almost identical sizes, and both are touch screens.

In summary, both cameras are pretty close to each other, with the major differences being the diving depth and the still image capability.

Firmware

Firmware is a simple word used to describe the inner workings of the camera such as the photographic / video settings available, things like camera stabilisation, timelapse capability and so on.

Personally, I like the way DJI has approached the menu system to let you change various settings over the Hero 11 Black, which can be a little overwhelming, especially for a beginner. GoPro has sort of identified this and incorporated an “easy” mode to smooth transition having said that.

The Pro mode as I say can drive you nuts with a bewildering array of possible settings, and you quickly tire of swiping up, down, left and right. Thankfully, you can also use the GoPro app to change these settings on your phone making life a little easier and allowing some experimentation while you get used to the system.

DJI also has an app aiding in this area, but I wish they’d take out all the ancillary stuff – or at least make it on the side and tucked away. When I am shooting, I don’t want access at that time to Shot Guides or indeed links back to other company products. Just make it for camera control only.

Being action cameras, one thing you do need of course is excellent camera stabilisation and as expected, both the Hero 11 and the Action 3 have exceptional stabilisation built in. However when it comes to horizon locking – keeping the footage aligned with the horizon even when the camera is tilted, the GoPro is the clear winner as it has this capability from 45 degrees to a full 360-degree range whereas the Action 3 only goes up to just short of 90 degrees.

Conclusion

Not mincing any words, the DJI Osmo Action 3 is the better value camera being $ cheaper than the Hero 11 at $519 versus $649. It goes deeper without any extra housings, and I think is easier to get up to speed quickly using all its functionality as against just the “Easy” mode of the Hero 11.

Technically, the GoPro takes better footage and stills, but in this area, I am a realist; the imagery is only as good as the skills of the shooter. Many, many times I have seen superlative footage and photographs from experienced users with inferior equipment. We have all come across the crap photographer with the most expensive and extensive kit …

In terms of accessories, pretty much anything that GoPro has available will also work on the Action 3 due to the universal finger mounting system, and where not, rest assured there will be an Action 3 equivalent somewhere.

My suggestion as always is to go to a DECENT camera store and have a play with them both and see which one you are more comfortable with. This is one area often overlooked. It might be the best camera ever made, but if you are not comfy using it, then there is little point.