Today, 14 September, two new action cameras have been announced. Our GoPro HERO11 Black versus DJI Osmo Action 3 comparison guide covers image quality, video stabilization, battery life, and more!
For many years GoPro had the best action cameras that you can buy, but could that be about to change with the re-invented DJI Action 3? Both action cams can record 4K videos with up to 120fps or FHD 1080P with 240fps for cool 8x slow-motion videos. GoPro goes even further by providing 5.3K@60fps videos, which equates to 91% more resolution than DJI. For video editing enthusiasts and social media content creators, the sky’s the limit when working with higher resolutions. If you shoot at 5.3K, you can zoom in to individual sections of that clip and crop it down to 1080p while still preserving video details at FHD quality.
While the GoPro Hero 11 Black comes equipped with a 27MP 1/1.9-inch image sensor, the DJI Osmo Action 3 with a 12MP 1/1.7-inch sensor. Both cameras feature two screens (front and rear) of similar sizes.
The Hero 11 Black measures 71.8 x 50.8 x 33.6 mm and weighs 127g. The Osmo Action 3 is 70.5×44.2×32.8 mm and weighs 145g. GoPro’s action camera is taller and wider, but the difference is by no means momentous. Instead, the OA3’s extra 18 grams can count when you install it on top of a drone.
Both cameras are water-resistant. However, DJI’s latest action camera can be immersed in water 6 meters deeper than the GoPro 11. This can count if you have an open-water scuba diver.
GoPro Hero 11 Black versus DJI OSMO Action 3
In the table below, I compared the most important specs of these two action cameras. I highlighted red where the new DJI Action 3 excels and green where the GoPro 11 shines.
| DJI Action 3 | GoPro 11 | |
| Image sensor size | 1/1.7-inch | 1/1.9-inch |
| Effective pixels | 12MP | 27MP |
| Field of view (FOV) | 155° | Wide |
| Video resolutions | 4K: 3840×2160@120fps 2.7K: 2688×1512@120fps 1080p: 1920×1080@240fps |
5.3K: 5312×2988@60fps 4K: 3840×2160@120fps 2.7K: 2688×1512@120fps 1080p: 1920×1080@240fps |
| Max video bitrate | 130 Mbps | 120 Mbps |
| 10-bit video mode | No | Yes |
| Slow Motion | 8x at FHD 1080p | 8x at FHD 1080p |
| Digital zoom | Up to 4x | Up to 4x |
| Stabilization | RockSteady 3.0 HorizonBalancing HorizonSteady |
HyperSmooth 5.0 |
| Screens | Front: 1.4-inch Rear: 2.25-inch |
Front: 1.4-inch Rear: 2.27-inch |
| Waterproof | 16 meters | 10 meters |
| Battery | 1770 mAh | 1720 mAh |
| Operation time | 160 mins | 137 mins |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi + Bluetooth | Wi-Fi + Bluetooth |
| Dimensions | 70.5×44.2×32.8 mm | 71.8 x 50.8 x 33.6 mm |
| Weight | 145g | 127g |
| Release date | 14 September 2022 | 14 September 2022 |
| Price | USD $329 | USD $399.98 |
Final Thoughts
When determining whether to choose the GoPro 11 or the DJI Action 3, your decision should be made not just on brand loyalty but also on your budget and aspects of a camera are of utmost importance to you. For example, the OA3 is waterproof for up to 16 meters without a dedicated case, and the GP11 is only for 10 meters. DJI’s newest action cam is also cheaper by $71.
On the other hand, GoPro 11 has a higher resolution image sensor (27MP vs 12 MP) and is capable of 5.3K video recording with up to 60fps. Thanks to the Max Lens Mod pack, the GoPro Hero 11 can be turned into a compact cinema camera. You can add an external mic, light and other accessories.
Nothing makes DJI Action 3 a better option than the GP Hero 11 except its price!
I think GoPros are more specialized than DJI. GoPro 11 excels in video quality and the Action 3 in battery life.
Enjoying this comparison of GoPro vs DJI. I’m a fan of GoPro, so the Here 11 is the winner for me!
Thx for the great comparison, real clear!
I believe that GoPro still comes out on top, both are great but as you can see in the comparison video the Hero11 is just a little more refined.
the action 3 look shaper than GoPro 11!
The new Hero 11 is phenomenal compared to the DJI Action 3
What about the mic inside? It could make a huge difference for vlogging. I hate that I need to use an external microphone for my vlogs.
They are both great cameras. However after watching three videos comparing the two I’m leaning towards the DJI. The GoPro 11 still has heating and shutting down issues. DJI has solved this problem on the Action 3. You really can’t go wrong with either one.
Sadly, GoPro dies in direct sunlight in about 15 minutes due to heat….
Any drawbacks on the lower sensor option with the DJI Action 3? It’s only 12MP but GoPro 11 is 27MP.
I think the difference could be visible in photo mode. The high res sensor also allows 5.3K videos not just 4k
The Sensors are close to same size so the lower 12mp should preform better in low light… but in decent light the higher resolution is a great thing to have should you want to punch in.
Personally, I like the Action 3’s ultra-wide-angle lens. That FOV is incredible!
The GoPro 11 shoots with 10bit color, which is super-sweet!
DJI says it will be added shorlty
10bit mode is available only in 16:9 4k@60fps! No 10bit in 4:3 and in 8:7 mode
I prefer GoPro over DJI with blind eyes. They have a history in the action camera industry, DJI is just a newcomer that wants his market share…
DJI is not a “new comer” by any means, not even in the action category. Very capable cam for the price but the GPH11 does slightly out do it…