DJI and GoPro have been leading the market with their action cameras, and their latest offerings, the DJI Osmo Action 3 and GoPro Hero 11 Black, are no exception. Both devices are designed to capture stunning visuals in various situations, from outdoor adventures to daily life events.

Action cameras have become an essential tool for many people, allowing them to capture and share their experiences with ease. Their small size, robust build, and advanced features make them perfect for documenting everything from extreme sports to family outings.

This article aims to provide an in-depth comparison of the DJI Osmo Action 3 and GoPro Hero 11 Black, focusing on their user experience, video quality, stabilization, and other essential features. By the end of this review, you should have a better understanding of which action camera suits your needs best.

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DJI Osmo Action	GoPro HERO11 Black

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Table of contents

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1. Technical Specs

Feature	DJI Osmo Action 3	GoPro Hero 11 Black
Sensor	12MP 1/1.7-inch CMOS sensor	27-megapixels 1/1.9-inch
Max Video Resolution	Up to 4K 120fps (16:9)	5.3K60 / 4K120
Aspect Ratio	(16:9) (4:3)	(16:9) (4:3) (8:7)
Video Stabilization	RockSteady 3.0	HYPERSMOOTH 5.0
Front Screen	1.4-inch, 320×320	1.4-inch
Rear Screen	2.25-inch, 360×640	2.27-inch
Battery Capacity	1770 mAh	1720 mAh
Size	70.5 x 44.2 x 32.8 millimeters	71.0W x 55.0H x 33.6 mm
Weight	145 grams	153 grams

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2. Design

The DJI Osmo Action 3 and GoPro Hero 11 Black both feature a robust and compact design, making them suitable for various action-packed activities. However, there are some noticeable differences in their designs:

DJI Action 3: The DJI Osmo Action 3 has a sleek, streamlined design with rounded edges. Its front screen is not a touchscreen, but it still provides a clear preview of the footage being captured. The DJI Action 3 features a magnetic mounting system, making it easy to attach and remove from mounts.

GoPro Hero 11: The GoPro Hero 11 Black sports a more rugged design with sharper edges. Its front screen is a touchscreen, offering users more control over settings and framing. The GoPro Hero 11 uses a traditional mounting system that requires the use of a mounting frame.

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3. User Experience

Comparison of Startup Speed

The startup speed of an action camera is crucial, as it determines how quickly you can start capturing your adventures. In this regard, the DJI Action 3 has a slight edge over the GoPro Hero 11. The DJI Action 3 takes just under 1.5 seconds to power up and be ready to record, while the GoPro Hero 11 takes approximately 2 seconds. This small difference can be critical in capturing spontaneous moments.

Front Screen Functionality

Both the DJI Osmo Action 3 and GoPro Hero 11 feature front-facing screens, allowing users to frame their shots with ease. The DJI Action 3 boasts a larger and more vibrant front screen, making it easier to preview your shots and navigate the camera’s settings. Additionally, the DJI Osmo Action 3’s front screen is touch-enabled, providing even more convenience when adjusting settings on the fly.

On the other hand, the GoPro Hero 11’s front screen is smaller and less vibrant, but still functional. However, it lacks the touch screen functionality found on the DJI Action 3, which can make adjusting settings a bit more cumbersome in certain situations.

Quick Switch Feature

Quickly switching between modes is essential for capturing the perfect shot. The DJI Action 3 offers a “Quick Switch” feature that allows you to change modes with a single button press, making it incredibly user-friendly. The GoPro Hero 11 Black also offers a similar feature, but the implementation is not as smooth, requiring a bit more effort to navigate between modes.

Automatic Shut Off and Cancellation

Preserving battery life is crucial when using action cameras. The DJI Action 3 has an automatic shut-off feature that powers down the camera after a predetermined period of inactivity. Additionally, it allows users to cancel the shut-off process by pressing any button. The GoPro Hero 11 also has an auto shut-off feature, but it lacks the cancellation option, which can be inconvenient in some situations.

Ease of Switching Mounts

Both the DJI Action 3 and GoPro Hero 11 offer a wide range of mounting options, making them suitable for various activities. However, the DJI Action 3 has a slight advantage when it comes to switching mounts, thanks to its magnetic design. This design allows users to quickly and easily attach or detach the camera from its mount, while the GoPro Hero 11 requires a more traditional mounting system that takes slightly longer to adjust.

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4. Video Quality

Resolution and Frame Rate Comparison

Both DJI Action 3 and GoPro Hero 11 offer outstanding video quality, with resolutions up to 5.3K at 60fps. This allows users to capture stunning, high-quality footage during their adventures. Both cameras also support lower resolutions, including 4K and 1080p, with varying frame rates to suit different shooting scenarios.

Performance in Bright Daylight and Low Light Conditions

In bright daylight conditions, both the DJI Action 3 and GoPro Hero 11 Black perform admirably, producing crisp and vivid footage. However, the DJI Osmo Action 3 has a slight edge in low light situations, thanks to its improved sensor and larger aperture. This results in less noise and better overall image quality when shooting in darker environments.

Aspect Ratio and Shooting in Vertical Mode

Both cameras support a variety of aspect ratios, including 16:9 and 4:3, allowing users to choose the best format for their needs. Additionally, both the DJI Action 3 and GoPro Hero 11 can shoot in vertical mode, making it easy to capture footage optimized for social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok.

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5. Battery Life

Battery Capacity Comparison

GoPro Hero 11 Black Battery Life

The GoPro Hero 11 is equipped with a 1720mAh lithium-ion rechargeable battery. This battery capacity allows for extended usage, with a typical recording time of approximately 90 minutes when shooting at 5.3K resolution and 30 frames per second (fps). However, battery life varies depending on the chosen resolution, frame rate, and additional features such as Wi-Fi, GPS, or image stabilization.

For instance, using the camera at 4K resolution and 60fps, the battery life can last up to 120 minutes, while 1080p at 240fps may reduce the battery life to around 70 minutes. When using HyperSmooth 5.0 image stabilization or Boost mode, the battery life can be shortened due to increased processing demands.

In terms of charging options, the GoPro Hero 11 supports USB Type-C charging and is compatible with GoPro’s Dual Battery Charger, which can charge two batteries simultaneously. This feature allows users to keep extra batteries charged and ready for use, minimizing downtime during extended recording sessions.

DJI Action 3 Battery Life

The DJI Action 3 features a 1770mAh lithium-ion rechargeable battery. Although the capacity is lower than the GoPro Hero 11, the DJI Action 3 still offers a respectable battery life for most shooting scenarios. Under typical usage, the DJI Osmo Action 3 can record for up to 100 minutes at 4K resolution and 60fps. Similar to the GoPro Hero 11, the battery life of the DJI Action 3 is influenced by the chosen resolution, frame rate, and additional features such as Wi-Fi, GPS, or image stabilization.

When using RockSteady 3.0 image stabilization, the battery life of the DJI Action 3 may be reduced due to the additional processing power required. In terms of charging options, the DJI Action 3 supports USB Type-C charging and is compatible with DJI’s battery charging hub, which can charge three batteries simultaneously.

Real-Life Battery Performance

In real-life usage, both cameras provide respectable battery life. The DJI Action 3 can record up to 180 minutes of 4K footage at 60fps on a single charge, while the GoPro Hero 11 Black can record up to 160 minutes of 4K footage at 60fps. It’s important to note that battery life can vary depending on factors like resolution, frame rate, and usage patterns, so individual experiences may differ.

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6. Image Stabilization

HyperSmooth vs. RockSteady

When comparing the image stabilization systems in the GoPro Hero 11 and DJI Action 3, it’s essential to understand the differences between HyperSmooth 4.0 and RockSteady 2.0. Both systems use advanced algorithms and technology to provide excellent stabilization, but they differ in terms of implementation and performance.

HyperSmooth 5.0

The GoPro Hero 11’s HyperSmooth 5.0 is an upgraded version of its predecessor, HyperSmooth 4.0, and represents the latest in GoPro’s stabilization technology. HyperSmooth 5.0 utilizes a combination of electronic image stabilization (EIS) and a gyroscope sensor to analyze and correct camera movements in real-time.

Think of it like this: imagine you’re riding a bike on a bumpy road and you’re trying to take a video at the same time. Without HyperSmooth 5.0, your video would probably be really shaky and hard to watch. But with HyperSmooth 5.0, the camera can automatically adjust to make the video smooth and easy to watch.

HyperSmooth 5.0 has some new features that make it even better than before. One of these is called AutoBoost. This feature looks at how fast you’re moving and how much the camera is shaking, and then it automatically adjusts the stabilization to make the video as smooth as possible.

Another cool feature is called Horizon Lock. This keeps the horizon in your video level even if you tilt the camera while recording. So if you’re taking a video while going down a hill on your bike, for example, the horizon will stay level and your video will look really professional.

In short, HyperSmooth 5.0 is like having a little helper inside your camera that makes sure your videos always look smooth and awesome!

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RockSteady 3.0

RockSteady 3.0 is an advanced feature on the DJI Osmo Action 3 camera that helps you capture smooth and steady videos. It’s an electronic technology that works by analyzing the images captured by the camera’s sensor and making adjustments to reduce shakiness.

When you’re filming while moving around a lot, like when you’re skateboarding or riding a bike, it can be difficult to keep the camera steady. Without RockSteady 3.0, your videos might be shaky and hard to watch. But with this feature, the camera can automatically make adjustments to make your videos look smooth and professional.

RockSteady 3.0 is an Electronic Image Stabilization (EIS) technology. It works by increasing the shutter speed of the camera and analyzing the images captured by the sensor. Then, it compensates for any shakiness by cutting off the edges of the images. This helps reduce camera shake in all directions and can work up to high frame rates like 4K/120fps.

In summary, RockSteady 3.0 is a powerful tool that helps you capture smooth and steady videos with your DJI Osmo Action 3 camera. It’s an advanced technology that automatically makes adjustments to reduce shakiness and improve the quality of your videos.

Field of View and Distortion at the Edge of the Frame

Both cameras offer adjustable fields of view, allowing users to capture footage with varying levels of distortion. However, some distortion at the edge of the frame may still be noticeable, especially in wide-angle shots. The GoPro Hero 11 has a slight advantage in reducing edge distortion due to its lens design, but the difference is minimal.

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7. Sound Quality and External Audio Options

Built-in Microphone Performance

When it comes to built-in microphone performance, both DJI Action 3 and GoPro Hero 11 deliver decent audio quality. While neither camera’s built-in microphone can match the audio quality of an external microphone, they are suitable for casual use and capturing audio in most scenarios.

External Audio Options for DJI Action 3 and GoPro Hero 11

Both cameras support external audio options, allowing users to enhance their audio recording capabilities. The DJI Action 3 and GoPro Hero 11 are compatible with various external microphones and audio adapters, providing flexibility for users who require higher audio quality or specialized audio recording equipment.

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8. Pricing and Affordability

Retail Prices and Subscription Models

The DJI Action 3 and GoPro Hero 11 are competitively priced in the action camera market. The DJI Osmo Action 3 retails for $329, £329 (Amazon), while the GoPro Hero 11 Black comes in slightly higher at $499, £499 (Amazon). Both companies also offer subscription models that provide additional benefits such as cloud storage, product discounts, and replacement plans.

Cost-effectiveness of Each Camera

Considering the features and performance offered by each camera, both the DJI Action 3 and GoPro Hero 11 provide good value for their respective price points. Users should consider their specific needs and preferences when deciding which camera offers the best cost-effectiveness for their situation. Factors like video quality, battery life, and stabilization may play a crucial role in determining the best option for each user.

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9. Focus Performance

Focus Issues and Improvements

Both DJI Action 3 and GoPro Hero 11 have made significant improvements in focus performance compared to their predecessors. However, users may still experience occasional focus issues under certain conditions. The GoPro Hero 11, for example, may struggle with maintaining focus when transitioning between bright and dimly lit environments. In contrast, the DJI Action 3 can occasionally lose focus during fast-paced activities.

Comparison of Close-Distance Focus Performance

When it comes to close-distance focus performance, both cameras perform similarly. They can focus accurately and quickly on nearby subjects, producing sharp and detailed images. However, users should be mindful of the minimum focusing distance for each camera to achieve the best results.

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10. Connectivity and App Support

Both cameras have dedicated smartphone apps that allow users to control the cameras, preview footage, and transfer files wirelessly. The DJI Action 3 uses the DJI Mimo app, while the GoPro Hero 11 uses the GoPro Quik app.

The GoPro Quik app offers more extensive editing tools, such as advanced video templates and automatic video creation, making it easier for users to create professional-looking content. The DJI Mimo app has essential editing tools and is user-friendly but lacks the advanced features found in the GoPro Quik app.

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Personal Preference and Conclusion

After using both the DJI Action 3 and GoPro Hero 11, I can say that they are both excellent action cameras. The GoPro Hero 11 offers slightly better video quality, while the DJI Action 3 has a longer battery life and a quicker startup time. Ultimately, the best action camera for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences.

If you are looking for the best possible video quality, the GoPro Hero 11 is the better choice. It offers 5.3K video resolution at up to 60 frames per second, while the DJI Action 3 only offers 4K video resolution at up to 120 frames per second. The GoPro Hero 11 also has a slightly larger sensor than the DJI Action 3, which gives it an advantage in low-light conditions.

However, if you are looking for an action camera with a longer battery life, the DJI Action 3 is the better choice. It can record for up to 160 minutes on a single charge, while the GoPro Hero 11 can only record for up to 120 minutes. The DJI Action 3 also has a quicker startup time, which can be important if you are trying to capture quick action shots.

In terms of image stabilization, both the DJI Osmo Action 3 and GoPro Hero 11 Black offer excellent performance. They can both smooth out footage even in very shaky conditions. This makes them ideal choices for users who engage in high-action activities, such as skiing or snowboarding.

Ultimately, the best action camera for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences. If you are looking for the best possible video quality, the GoPro Hero 11 is the better choice. However, if you are looking for an action camera with a longer battery life and a quicker startup time, the DJI Action 3 is the better choice.