GoPro Hero 11 vs DJI Action 4 - SHOULD YOU WAIT?

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The video you've all been asking for with TONS of comparison footage! In August of 2023, which of these two cameras should you be picking up?

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David Manning Vlog
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Chapters:
00:00 - Intro
02:00 - Blind Side By Side Comparison
03:50 - Physical Features
08:03 - Hyperlapse Comparison
09:09 - WHICH CAMERA IS WHICH
9:45 - Image Quality Breakdown
10:51 - Audio Test Comparison
11:26 - Wind Reduction Comparison
13:50 - Usability - WHAT REALLY MATTERS

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[kennethpreston]

Ordered my OA4, I’m not interested in GoPro 12 due to the buggy nature of their products. Of course the new GoPro will have some improvements over the OA4 but the issues with reliability will continue. DJI products just seem easier to use and more intuitive.

[scottgivens]

Just ordered the refurbished Action 4 and glad I waited till the Gopro 12 came out. Most of my friends like their Hero 11 over the Hero 12. I already have most Action 2 accessories and the the DJI Action 4 can be picked up on DJI's website for $239 and I got the 2 year extended for only $39. No brainer for my case use. Great comparison video!! Thanks

[robinhilliermodernagents]

I do believe that the GoPro does a lot of processing in camera. I’d expect the straight out of camera shots to be better on that. If you color grade at all I feel like the capability of shooting in Log will allow fo the best videos.

[TheDeterminedRunner]

I'm pleased with my Action 4, biggest reason is it actually works unlike GoPro's that freeze just too often.

[phucmapvlog]

I've had the GoPro 11 since release, and filmed a ton of YouTube videos with it. That being said, I honestly thought the camera on the right was the GoPro. I generally get a more contrasty image with mine like the video on the right.

[goldentapes]

I fell in love with the Action 1 and am currently on an Action 3. I must say - to me - the image of DJIs cameras just looks way more pleasant. I am just not a fan of extreme saturation and sharpness in general, I like soft contrast and pleasant colors, which is why I will always prefer Osmo Action. Thanks for the great comparison.

[Mke_A]

I like the color on the GoPro but like the wider field of view and battery life on Action4.

[biggooseadventures]

It definitely goes to show you that sensor size is not as important as everybody makes it out to be because the GoPro definitely has better picture quality than the DJI. And as far as low light is concerned, neither camera is a low light camera. Great video

[miltoncallan]

The Action 4 has a bit of an advantage in low light (I do a lot of night driving videos) but the Hero 11 outshines the Action 4 with cinematic realism. And as for mount problems, I fixed that issue years ago with the Snap Mount System. I am anxiously waiting for the Hero 12, too. Good comparison, though.

[Panda.gultom]

I Just Got my DJI OS4 ( combo one), I was so impressed with the video quality, battery and the package.

[briangschaefer]

I thought the GoPro footage seemed better and the DJI audio was better. I have the GoPro and can't comprehend how they have same issues they have had since the start. Insanely poor business model. It is so good seeing DJI pushing the boundaries. I love the DJI mounts, battery life, touchscreens and app features. We all stand to benefit from the advances in technology both brands are making, but I won't be getting any more GoPros.

[skinbones]

before u said it, I was in love with the camera A .. was the go pro, colors looks more natural... Im excited to see what gopro 12 will have and compare them again.

[HenriqueTavares]

22:31 Look at the cloud in the back. What difference in sharpness and image. But having a Hero 8 today, I would try DJI for my next camera. The GoPro reset is really annoying.

[tomcaron]

My GoPro 11 is working great along with the mod kit and battery mount. But, the DJI is looking really nice. Really like the app monitoring in video recording on the DJI.

[stefpix]

If photo resolution matters, the Hero 11/Hero 10 are a better option with the higher resolution and taller sensor.
Also by shooting 5.3K video you can extract high resolution still frames about 16 megapixels.
I came face to face with a sandtiger shark in clear water, while spearfishing in NY. I was happy I was recording 5.3K, so I got also decent stills when it made a U turn in front of me. GoPro has also burst mode that captures 3 - 5 shots in a second, which is useful when photographing sea life.

The GoPro is reliable to me. Never overheats (but shoot mostly 1 min clips). Rarely freezes. No need to remove the battery to restart it. Just hold the power button 10 seconds or so then press again. I can do it in the ocean.

Otherwise the Action 4 is appealing with better user interface, quick menu button, longer battery life. But I heard it has no burst mode.
Also even if it is water resistant to 18 meters below the surface, I prefer the beefier single door of the GoPro, one single point of failure, rather than the 2 doors than the DJI. Even if better water resistance on spec, the battery door seal of the GoPro seems to be better designed.

Customer service of GoPro seems also better.
I have the Action 2, which I rarely use, as in cold water it turns itself off, the field of view is too wide, and storage/battery life are not so good.

I will wait for the Hero 12 and see if it has a larger sensor. Otherwise the Action 4 could be good for low light/murky water.

[JeffreyTadlockPhotography]

Great side-by-side!

For me the it will be the DJI moving forward. My GoPro Hero 11 (with the Enduro) batteries just cannot handle the cold at all. I'm a landscape photographer and on multiple cold weather outings earlier this year, the GoPro couldn't even stay on to record video. Ended up doing most of my Colorado trip vlog off the iPhone because the GoPro didn't last past the first photo stop on the hike.

Meanwhile, a DJI Action 1 (borrowed) that I had with me for b-roll ran the whole time.

None of the video specs or quality matter if the camera can't actually stay running. So next cam will be the DJI.

Thanks for the video! Well done as always!

[HobbiesHire]

Great job on the video David! Thanks for making it. The ability to hook in the wireless mics is the killer app for the DJI.

[aaronmelson]

The image quality of the GP is better. Better color accuracy to me and image detail is better. I've had 4 GP's over the years (the last one being the 10) and I have always had issues with them. If not glitching out, they would overheat. I have never had any issues with the A3 but I am thinking of selling my A3 and buying the A4.

[FINNDESIGNSTUDIO]

Always enjoy your videos, very honest and thorough assessments, thanks for creating this content

[KayakFishingAddict]

Nice comparison. I’m waiting but most likely definitely jumping on the OA4 and ditching GoPro. That said, on the straight out of camera images they’re close but the edge goes to GoPro. The real comparison that I’d suggest you do is the 10-bit DLogM vs GoPro’s version and see who captures the most detail. My guess is that they’re essentially the same. So that leaves other things that DJI wins in like mounting system, external audio connectivity via USB-C (no need for an adapter or media mod), timecode support without the need for “lab” firmware and a media mod, etc.