DJI Osmo Action 2 vs GoPro Hero 12 Black
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Overview of the DJI Osmo Action 2
DJI Osmo Action 2
DJI's wearable action camera: 4K video in a modular format
The DJI Osmo Action 2 is an extremely modular action camera which delivers incredible 4K120fps footage while still remaining wearable. Thanks to it's magnetic attachement system, you can mix and match modules to transform it to suit every use case you can imagine. It's successor, the DJI Osmo Action 3, has abandonned this modular design, so the Action 2 remains DJI's current wearable camera.
- Pros
- 4K120fps footage
- Wearable
- Lightweight
- Cons
- SD card only with extra module
- Modules are not waterproof without case
- Not freeze-proof
- Overheating issues
Overview of the GoPro Hero 12 Black
GoPro Hero 12 Black
GoPro's 2023 camera: 5.3K video, HDR video, great stabilization
The Hero 12 is GoPro's 2023 flagship action camera. It is an incremental improvement over the Hero 11 and introduces HDR video but does not feature GPS like models before and after it. HDR video can really improve results when filming with big lighting changes and will avoid your footage being overexposed.
- Pros
- Performance similar to newer model
- HDR video introduction
- Cons
- No integrated GPS
Comparison of the Action 2 vs the Hero 12
Weight and size
The Action 2 is a lot more compact than the Hero 12. The Action 2 is a lot lighter than the Hero 12.
DJI Osmo Action 2
39mm x 39mm x 22.3mm / 1.54in x 1.54in x 0.88in
1.98oz / 56g
Features
Dimensions
Weight
GoPro Hero 12 Black
71.8mm x 50.8mm x 33.6mm / 2.83in x 2in x 1.32in
5.43oz / 154g
Why size and weight matter:
Weight is important for action cameras because we often mount them on helmets, or hold them at the end of a selfie stick while moving. Therefore a heavier camera can be dvifficult to use or uncomfortable. Weight is even more crucial for certain sports like road cycling or running.
Battery life
The Hero 12 offers a much larger battery capacity. The Hero 12 has a removable battery whereas the Action 2's battery is not removable
DJI Osmo Action 2
580mAh
Removable
70min at 1080p
Features
Battery capacity
Removable battery
Battery life
GoPro Hero 12 Black
1720mAh
Removable
150min at 1080p
Why battery life matters:
Nothing worse than running out of battery just before capturing the best footage of the day! A long battery life is reassuring and convenient when shooting footage outdoors where options to charge are limited. Even the use of a power bank can be tedious or simply impossible like when filming watersports. Having removeable batteries allows battery swapping on the go which further extends your runtime.
Storage
Only the Action 2 features built-in storage. Both the Action 2 and the Hero 12 support SD cards.
DJI Osmo Action 2
32GB or 128GB
microSD
Features
Built-in storage
Storage format
GoPro Hero 12 Black
No built-in storage
microSD
Why storage matters:
High quality footage can quickly take up lots of space and insufficient storage can soon be frustrating. Having a large amount of storage and the possiblity to extend it or swap SD cards while on a outing will ensure you will always be able to capture the footage you want. However, smaller, wearable action cameras often rely on built-in storage because of their small size.
Video performance
Only the Hero 12 offers HDR video.
DJI Osmo Action 2
4K video at 120fps
HDR video unsupported
Features
Max resolution
HDR video
GoPro Hero 12 Black
5.3K video at 60fps
5.3K 30fps
Camera and sensor technology
The Hero 12 features a much higher resolution. The field of view of the Action 2 is a little better than the Hero 12's. The Action 2 has a slightly better video bit rate than the Hero 12.
DJI Osmo Action 2
12MP
155°
130Mbps
Features
Pixels
Field of view
Video bite rate
GoPro Hero 12 Black
27.6MP
148°
120Mbps
Camera settings
Both the Action 2 and the Hero 12 have the same ISO range. The Action 2's +/-4 exposure compensation is far superior.
DJI Osmo Action 2
100-6400
+/-4
Features
ISO range
Exposure Compensation
GoPro Hero 12 Black
100-6400
+/-2
Action 2 vs Hero 12 specifications
Name | DJI Osmo Action 2 | GoPro Hero 12 Black |
Year of release | 2021 | 2023 |
Width | 1.54in / 39mm | 2.83in / 71.8mm |
Height | 1.54in / 39mm | 2in / 50.8mm |
Depth | 0.88in / 22.3mm | 1.32in / 33.6mm |
Weight | 1.98oz / 56g | 5.43oz / 154g |
Waterproof | 33ft / 10m | 33ft / 10m |
Waterproof with diving case | 197ft / 60m | 197ft / 60m |
Min operating temperature | 32°F / 0°C | 14°F / -10°C |
Max operating temperature | 104°F / 40°C | 95°F / 35°C |
Battery capacity | 580mAh | 1720mAh |
Removable battery | No | Yes |
Battery life | 70min at 1080p | 150min at 1080p |
Charging time | - | 3h (5W) |
Battery extension capacity | 1300mAh | - |
Battery extension run time | 160m at 1080p | - |
Battery extension charging time | 90min | - |
Battery extension weight | 2.26oz / 64g | - |
Built-in storage | 32GB 128GB | - |
Storage format | microSD | microSD |
Storage rating required | V30 or UHS-3 | V30 or UHS-3 |
Maximun storage supported | 256GB | 1Tb |
Rear screen size | - | 2.27in |
Front screen size | - | 1.4in |
Field of view | 155° | 148° |
Sensor | 1/1.7" | 1/1.9" CMOS |
Pixels | 12MP | 27.6MP |
Aperture | F2.8 | F2.5 |
Focal length | - | 12-39mm |
ISO range | 100-6400 | 100-6400 |
Video zoom | - | 2x |
Color Depth | 8bit | 10bit |
Video bite rate | 130Mbps | 120Mbps |
Exposure Compensation | +/-4 | +/-2 |
360-degree video | No | No |
5.3K video | - | 60fps |
4K video | 120fps | 60fps |
2.7K video | 120fps | 120fps |
1080p video | 240fps | 240fps |
Slow motion at 4K | 4 | 4x |
Maximum slow motion | 4x at 1080p | 8x at 1080p |
HDR video | - | 5.3K 30fps |
Stabilization | RockSteady 2.0 | HyperSmooth 6.0 |
Horizon lock | - | Yes |
Video format | H.264 (MP4) | H.265 (HEVC) |
Live streaming | No | 1080p30 (HyperSmooth) or 1080p60 |
Webcam mode | - | 1080p30 |
Timelapse mode | Yes | Yes |
Starlapse mode | Yes | Yes |
Timeshift mode | Yes | Yes |
Loop recording mode | Yes | Yes |
Subject tracking | No | - |
Photo burst mode | No | Yes |
RAW format supported | Yes | Yes |
Microphones | 1 (3 with Module) | 3 |
Stereo audio | Yes | Yes |
Noise reduction | Yes | Yes |
Audio format | aac | wav |
Audio input | - | Media Mod (H9B/H10B/H11B) Pro 3.5mm Mic Adapter |
Wifi | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac |
Bluetooth | BLE 5.0 | BLE 4.2 |
USB | Type-C USB | USB-C |
GPS integrated | No | No |
Voice commands | Yes | Yes |