DJI Osmo Pocket 3 vs GoPro Hero 12: Six Key Aspects

By Naila Syifa
Updated November 2023

DJI and GoPro are well-known for their high-quality cameras and video equipment. If you're looking for a compact one to take with you on your adventures, consider the DJI Osmo Pocket 3 and the GoPro Hero 12. Released in 2023, both cameras offer state-of-the-art features and high-quality video capabilities.

However, there are some key differences between the two that you should consider before making a purchase. Let's take a closer look at some of the most important aspects to compare.

Specs	DJI Osmo Pocket 3	GoPro Hero 12
	Buy on Amazon	Buy on Amazon
Price	$519	$399.99
Dimensions	139.7 x 42.2 x 33.5 mm	71.8 x 50.8 x 33.6 mm
Weight	179 g	154 g
Screen	Rotatable Touch (2”)	Preview Front (1.4”), Rear Touch (2.27”)
Max Video Resolution	4K/120 fps	5.3K/60 fps
Max Photo Resolution	9.4 MP	27 MP
Image Sensor	1”	1/1.9”
Aspect Ratio	(16:9) (9:16) (1:1)	(16:9) (9:16) (4:3) (8:7)
Image Stabilization	3-Axis Stabilization	HyperSmooth 6.0
Audio	3 microphones	3 microphones
Voice Control	No	Yes
Live Streaming	Yes	Yes
Webcam	Yes	Yes
HindSight	No	Yes
Timecode	Yes	Yes
Battery	1300 mAh	1720 mAh
Storage	microSD card up to 512 GB	microSD card up to 1 TB
Waterproof	No	Yes, 10 m
Temperature	0° to 40° C	-10º C to 35º C

Key Takeaways

DJI Osmo Pocket 3 is better suited for vlogging while GoPro Hero 12 is better for action sports. Hero 12 is waterproof and cold-resistant, while Osmo Pocket 3 isn't. Hero 12 has a higher image resolution, but Osmo Pocket 3 has better low-light performance. Hero 12 has more aspect ratios, while Osmo Pocket 3 has more audio features.

On our list

#1 Price

#2 Design

#3 Image Quality

#4 Audio Quality

#5 Features

#6 Battery Life

DJI Osmo Pocket 3

Exceptional Gimbal Camera

✓ 1-inch CMOS Sensor
✓ 4K/60 fps Videos, 9.4 MP Photos
✓ 3-Axis Stabilization
✓ Rotatable OLED Screen

Buy on Amazon

GoPro Hero 12

Tough Action Camera

✓ 1/1.9-inch CMOS Sensor
✓ 5.3K/60 fps Video, 27 MP Photo
✓ HyperSmooth 6.0 with Horizon Lock
✓ Waterproof and Cold-Resistant

Buy on Amazon

#1 Price

DJI Osmo Pocket 3

While the DJI Osmo Pocket 3 retails at USD $519, the GoPro Hero 12 is priced at USD $399.99, making it a more affordable option between the two. However, both prices are still considered high-end for a compact camera, so you need to make sure that your investment is worth it for your needs and preferences.

#2 Design

GoPro Hero 12

The DJI Osmo Pocket 3 and GoPro Hero 12 are significantly different in terms of design. DJI Osmo Pocket 3 comes as a handheld device that includes a camera on top, a gimbal for stabilized footage, and a 2-inch rotatable OLED touchscreen display for easy control and preview of your shots.

Meanwhile, the GoPro Hero 12 has a dual LCD screen consisting of a front screen for quick framing and a larger rear touchscreen for easy control and preview. The Hero 12 features GoPro's typical boxy shape and is designed to be mounted on different surfaces and accessories, making it ideal for action sports.

GoPro Hero 12 is also waterproof to 10 m and can withstand extreme weather conditions, which is a major advantage for adventurers who enjoy water sports and other outdoor activities. such as skiing, snowboarding, and surfing.

#3 Image Quality

GoPro Hero 12

When it comes to image quality, the GoPro Hero 12 has many advantages. It is capable of capturing 5.3K/60 fps videos and 27 MP photos, while the DJI Osmo Pocket 3 shoots at a maximum resolution of 4K/120 fps for videos and 9.4 MP for photos.

GoPro Hero 12 also supports HDR for both photos and videos, while the DJI Osmo Pocket 3 only supports HDR for videos. In addition, the Hero 12 has an ultra-wide 156° field of view which you can expand even more up to 177° with the optional Max Lens Mod 2.0.

Both cameras support native vertical shooting, but the GoPro Hero 12 offers more aspect ratio options for creating content optimized for social media platforms, including (16:9) (9:16) (4:3) (8:7). The DJI Osmo Pocket 3, on the other hand, only supports (16:9) (9:16) (1:1).

DJI Osmo Pocket 3

Both cameras have their own stabilization mechanism. The DJI Osmo Pocket 3 relies on its 3-axis gimbal for stabilizing footage, while the GoPro Hero 12 uses HyperSmooth 6.0 technology for smooth and steady video capture. The Hero 12 even features 360 Horizon Lock, which keeps the horizon level even when the camera rotates a full 360°.

Despite the many advantages that the GoPro Hero 12 offers, the DJI Osmo Pocket 3 has an edge with its ultra-large 1-inch CMOS sensor, much larger compared to the 1/1.9-inch sensor of the Hero 12. A larger sensor makes the DJI Osmo Pocket 3 perform better in low-light conditions and capture more detail-rich imaging. It is a better option if you often shoot in low-light environments.

#4 Audio Quality

DJI Osmo Pocket 3

Powered by a three-microphone array, the DJI Osmo Pocket 3 and GoPro Hero 12 can effectively capture audio loud and clear. Both models also support external mics connection, both wired and wireless, so you can further improve your audio recording quality.

One difference is that the DJI Osmo Pocket 3 also supports omnidirectional stereo sound recording for a more immersive and natural audio experience, which is not available on the GoPro Hero 12.

Some additional audio features that the DJI Osmo Pocket 3 offers include Audio Zoom, which adjusts the audio according to the zoom level, and Directional Audio, which focuses audio recording in a specific direction of the camera, reducing background noise.

#5 Features

GoPro Hero 12

The DJI Osmo Pocket 3 and GoPro Hero 12 offer many unique features that can enhance your shooting experience. Some common features both cameras share include Live Stream support, Webcam support, built-in Timecode for multi-camera synchronization, and various shooting modes such as Timelapse, Slow Motion, and more.

LightCut app is available for DJI Osmo Pocket 3 while Quik app is available for GoPro Hero 12, allowing you to easily edit and share your footage on the go. With a GoPro subscription, you can even access unlimited cloud backup and have highlight videos automatically created for you for quick sharing on social media.

GoPro Hero 12 also has another advantage with its Voice Control feature, which allows you to command the camera hands-free, making it easier to use in action-packed situations. HindSight feature is also available, allowing you to capture up to 30 seconds of footage before you hit the record button, ensuring that you never miss a moment.

#6 Battery Life

DJI Osmo Pocket 3

DJI Osmo Pocket 3 features a LiPo battery with a capacity of 1300 mAh, which provides up to 166 minutes of recording time at 1080p/24fps footage. It provides support for fast charging, so you can quickly recharge up to 80% in just 16 minutes.

GoPro Hero 12, on the other hand, has a larger battery capacity of 1720 mAh. Its Enduro battery can last over 150 minutes at 1080p/30 fps and can withstand cold temperatures better than previous GoPro cameras and batteries.