GoPro Max vs DJI Osmo Action 4

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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

Overview of the DJI Osmo Action 4

DJI Osmo Action 4☆☆☆☆☆★★★★★DJI Osmo Action 4
DJI's 2023 premium action camera: 4K120fps video
The DJI Osmo Action 4 is DJI's 2023 premium action camera and features 4K120fps video, over 3 hours of run time at full HD in a very rugged package. It has since been replaced by the DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro.
  • Pros
  • 59ft / 18m waterproof without case
  • Freeze-proof
  • Excellent image stabilization
  • Cons
  • Only 4K video

Comparison of the GoPro Max vs the Action 4

Weight and size

The Action 4 is a slightly smaller camera. Both the GoPro Max and the Action 4 have similar weights.
GoPro Max
64mm x 69mm x 25mm / 2.52in x 2.72in x 0.98in
5.43oz / 154g
Features
Dimensions
Weight
DJI Osmo Action 4
70.5mm x 44.2mm x 32.8mm / 2.78in x 1.74in x 1.29in
5.11oz / 145g
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 Action 4 offers a slightly better battery capacity. Both cameras have removable batteries.
GoPro Max
1600mAh
Removable
85min 5.7K30fps 360° and 105min at 1080p
Features
Battery capacity
Removable battery
Battery life
DJI Osmo Action 4
1770mAh
Removable
160min 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

Neither camera features built-in storage. Both the GoPro Max and the Action 4 support SD cards.
GoPro Max
No built-in storage
microSD
Features
Built-in storage
Storage format
DJI Osmo Action 4
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 Action 4 offers HDR video.
GoPro Max
1440p video at 60fps
HDR video unsupported
Features
Max resolution
HDR video
DJI Osmo Action 4
4K video at 120fps
4K

Camera and sensor technology

The GoPro Max offers a slightly higher resolution. Both feature a 155° field of view. The Action 4 features a much higher bit rate than the GoPro Max
GoPro Max
18MP
155°
78Mbps
Features
Pixels
Field of view
Video bite rate
DJI Osmo Action 4
10MP
155°
130Mbps

Camera settings

The Action 4's 100-12800 ISO range is far superior to GoPro Max's. Both cameras have the same exposure compensation adjustments.
GoPro Max
100-3200
+/-4
Features
ISO range
Exposure Compensation
DJI Osmo Action 4
100-12800
+/-4

GoPro Max vs Action 4 specifications

NameGoPro MaxDJI Osmo Action 4
Year of release20192023
Width2.52in / 64mm2.78in / 70.5mm
Height2.72in / 69mm1.74in / 44.2mm
Depth0.98in / 25mm1.29in / 32.8mm
Weight5.43oz / 154g5.11oz / 145g
Waterproof16ft / 5m59ft / 18m
Waterproof with diving case-197ft / 60m
Min operating temperature14°F / -10°C-4°F / -20°C
Max operating temperature95°F / 35°C113°F / 45°C
Battery capacity1600mAh1770mAh
Removable batteryYesYes
Battery life85min 5.7K30fps 360°
105min at 1080p
160min at 1080p
Charging time120min49min
Storage formatmicroSDmicroSD
Storage rating requiredClass 10 or UHS-I RatingV30 or UHS-3
Maximun storage supported1TB512GB
Rear screen size1.69in-
Field of view155°155°
Sensor1/2.3"1/1.3"
Pixels18MP10MP
ApertureF2.0F2.8
Focal length13-27mm-
ISO range100-3200100-12800
Color Depth8bit10bit
Video bite rate78Mbps130Mbps
Exposure Compensation+/-4+/-4
360-degree videoYesNo
5.7K 360 video30fps-
360 video formatGoPro 360 file-
4K video-120fps
2.7K video-120fps
1440p video60fps-
1080p video60fps240fps
Slow motion at 4K-4
Maximum slow motion2x8x at 1080p
HDR video-4K
StabilizationMax HyperSmoothRockSteady 3.0+
Horizon lockYes-
Video formatH.264 (AVC)
H.265 (HEVC)
H.264 (MP4)
Live streaming1080p30No
Timelapse modeYesYes
Starlapse mode-Yes
Timeshift modeYesYes
Loop recording modeYesYes
Subject trackingNoNo
Photo burst modeNoNo
RAW format supportedYesYes
Microphones63
Stereo audioYesYes
Noise reductionYesYes
Audio formatwavaac
Wifi802.11 a/b/g/n/ac802.11 a/b/g/n/ac
BluetoothBLE 4.2BLE 5.0
USBType-C USBType-C USB
GPS integratedYesNo
GPS pairing-GPS remote
Voice commandsYesYes
Gesture commandsNo-