DJI Osmo Action 2 vs GoPro Max

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Overview of the DJI Osmo Action 2

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 Max

GoPro Max☆☆☆☆☆★★★★★GoPro Max
GoPro's 2019 360 camera: 5.7K video
The GoPro Max was GoPro's second attempt at a 360 camera and was released in 2019. It is still offers relatively good performance but it's age is showing in comparision with the more recent competition. It's replacement, the GoPro Max 2, is still to be released.
  • Pros
  • Good stabilization
  • Cons
  • Average image quality
  • Ageing model
  • Still excessively expensive

Comparison of the Action 2 vs the GoPro Max

Weight and size

The Action 2 is a lot more compact than the GoPro Max. The Action 2 is a lot lighter than the GoPro Max.
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 Max
64mm x 69mm x 25mm / 2.52in x 2.72in x 0.98in
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 GoPro Max offers a much larger battery capacity. The GoPro Max 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 Max
1600mAh
Removable
85min 5.7K30fps 360° and 105min 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 GoPro Max support SD cards.
DJI Osmo Action 2
32GB or 128GB
microSD
Features
Built-in storage
Storage format
GoPro Max
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

Neither camera offers HDR video.
DJI Osmo Action 2
4K video at 120fps
HDR video unsupported
Features
Max resolution
HDR video
GoPro Max
1440p video at 60fps
HDR video unsupported

Camera and sensor technology

The GoPro Max offers a slightly higher resolution. Both feature a 155° field of view. The Action 2 features a much higher bit rate than the GoPro Max
DJI Osmo Action 2
12MP
155°
130Mbps
Features
Pixels
Field of view
Video bite rate
GoPro Max
18MP
155°
78Mbps

Camera settings

The Action 2's 100-6400 ISO range is far superior to GoPro Max's. Both cameras have the same exposure compensation adjustments.
DJI Osmo Action 2
100-6400
+/-4
Features
ISO range
Exposure Compensation
GoPro Max
100-3200
+/-4

Action 2 vs GoPro Max specifications

NameDJI Osmo Action 2GoPro Max
Year of release20212019
Width1.54in / 39mm2.52in / 64mm
Height1.54in / 39mm2.72in / 69mm
Depth0.88in / 22.3mm0.98in / 25mm
Weight1.98oz / 56g5.43oz / 154g
Waterproof33ft / 10m16ft / 5m
Waterproof with diving case197ft / 60m-
Min operating temperature32°F / 0°C14°F / -10°C
Max operating temperature104°F / 40°C95°F / 35°C
Battery capacity580mAh1600mAh
Removable batteryNoYes
Battery life70min at 1080p85min 5.7K30fps 360°
105min at 1080p
Charging time-120min
Battery extension capacity1300mAh-
Battery extension run time160m at 1080p-
Battery extension charging time90min-
Battery extension weight2.26oz / 64g-
Built-in storage32GB
128GB
-
Storage formatmicroSDmicroSD
Storage rating requiredV30 or UHS-3Class 10 or UHS-I Rating
Maximun storage supported256GB1TB
Rear screen size-1.69in
Field of view155°155°
Sensor1/1.7"1/2.3"
Pixels12MP18MP
ApertureF2.8F2.0
Focal length-13-27mm
ISO range100-6400100-3200
Color Depth8bit8bit
Video bite rate130Mbps78Mbps
Exposure Compensation+/-4+/-4
360-degree videoNoYes
5.7K 360 video-30fps
360 video format-GoPro 360 file
4K video120fps-
2.7K video120fps-
1440p video-60fps
1080p video240fps60fps
Slow motion at 4K4-
Maximum slow motion4x at 1080p2x
StabilizationRockSteady 2.0Max HyperSmooth
Horizon lock-Yes
Video formatH.264 (MP4)H.264 (AVC)
H.265 (HEVC)
Live streamingNo1080p30
Timelapse modeYesYes
Starlapse modeYes-
Timeshift modeYesYes
Loop recording modeYesYes
Subject trackingNoNo
Photo burst modeNoNo
RAW format supportedYesYes
Microphones1 (3 with Module)6
Stereo audioYesYes
Noise reductionYesYes
Audio formataacwav
Wifi802.11 a/b/g/n/ac802.11 a/b/g/n/ac
BluetoothBLE 5.0BLE 4.2
USBType-C USBType-C USB
GPS integratedNoYes
Voice commandsYesYes
Gesture commands-No