GoPro Hero 13 vs DJI Osmo Action 4: Which is Better?

By Naila Syifa
Updated September 2024

GoPro just released its new flagship camera, the Hero 13, which offers impressive upgrades over the previous Hero 12 model. But how does it compare to the DJI Osmo Action 4, which has been a popular choice in the action camera market?

Key Takeaways

GoPro Hero 13 is more versatile to cater to various shooting needs, from its flexible 8:7 aspect ratio to the interchangeable HB-Series Lenses. The DJI Osmo Action 4, on the other hand, boasts superior durability and low-light performance at a more budget-friendly price.

On our list

#1 Price

#2 Design & Durability

#3 Video & Photo Quality

#4 Audio Quality

#5 Features

#6 Battery Life

GoPro Hero 13 Black

Endless Creative Possibilities

✓ 5.3K/60 Video + 27 MP Photo
✓ External Microphone Support
✓ Combine with HB-Series Lenses
✓ Timecode Sync

Buy on Amazon

DJI Osmo Action 4

True Action Camera

✓ 4K/120 Video + 10 MP Photo
✓ 1/1.3” CMOS Sensor
✓ 10-bit D-Log M
✓ Waterproof to 18m

Buy on Amazon

#1 Price

DJI Osmo Action 4

GoPro Hero 13 Black retails at quite an expensive price tag of US$399. That's the same price as the DJI Osmo Action 4 when it was first launched in August 2023.

However, a year has passed and the DJI Osmo Action 4 can now be found at a lower price of around US$299, making it a more affordable option compared to the Hero 13.

#2 Design & Durability

GoPro Hero 13

In terms of the overall build and appearance, both cameras are quite similar. They are compact and rugged with no significant difference in size and weight. The GoPro Hero 13 measures 71.8 x 50.8 x 33.6 mm and weighs 154 grams, while the DJI Osmo Action 4 measures 70.5 x 44.2 x 32.8 mm and weighs 145 grams.

Both cameras also have a dual display configuration at similar sizes. The GoPro Hero 13 features a 2.27" rear display and 1.4" front display, while the DJI Action 4 offers a 2.25" rear display and 1.4" front display. The difference is that while the two displays in the DJI model are all touchscreen, the GoPro Hero 13 only has a touchscreen rear display while the front display is for preview only.

Both cameras are designed to withstand the rigors of outdoor activities, but the DJI Osmo Action 4 is perhaps slightly more durable. It can withstand extreme temperatures ranging from -20°C to 45°C and has better waterproofing capabilities up to 18 meters without a case, compared to GoPro Hero 13's operating temperature of -10°C to 35°C and waterproofing of up to 10 meters.

They are also different in terms of mounting. GoPro Hero 13 offers 3 ways of mounting – the built-in folding fingers, 1/4-20 threads, and separately sold magnetic latch mounts.

DJI Osmo Action 4 offers no integrated mounting options. It uses a Magnetic Quick-Release Adapter Mount, which is similar to the Hero 13's magnetic latch mount but comes included in the box instead of requiring a separate purchase. The adapter attaches to the DJI Action 4 magnetically and then connects to the mounting accessory via the mounting fingers.

#3 Video & Photo Quality

DJI Osmo Action 4

Overall, the GoPro Hero 13 offers higher video and photo quality. It delivers up to 5.3K/60 fps videos, 27 MP photos, and 13x slow motion, compared to the DJI Osmo Action 4 which offers up to 4K/120 fps videos, 10 MP photos, and 8x slow motion.

The GoPro Hero 13 also comes with a unique 8:7 aspect ratio that the DJI counterpart does not have, which captures in full frame with greater flexibility for cropping to suit various social media platforms. For content creators, it is really appealing as we can repurpose the footage more conveniently across different platforms without losing much of the original frame.

Another advantage of the GoPro Hero 13 is the range of lens mods available, known as the HB-Series Lenses, which expand the versatility of the camera beyond its standard lens. The HB-Series Lenses are sold separately and include 4 lens mods – Anamorphic for 21:9 cinematic aspect ratio, Macro Lens Mod for 4x closer focus, Ultra Wide Lens Mode for expanded FOV, and a 4-pack ND Filter for motion blur.

GoPro Hero 13 & HB-Series Lenses

When it comes to low-light performance, the DJI Osmo Action 4 is the superior option. Its larger 1/1.3" CMOS sensor is able to capture better quality footage in dimly lit environments compared to the GoPro Hero 13's smaller 1/1.9" CMOS sensor.

Both cameras support 10-bit color with log encoding, which captures a wider dynamic range for color correction in post-production. DJI Osmo Action 4 uses D-Log M while the GoPro Hero 13 uses GP-Log with LUT.

The GoPro Hero 13 also supports HLG HDR (Hybrid Log Gamma High Dynamic Range), which adheres to the Rec. 2100 broadcasting standard and offers a wider color gamut than standard HDR.

#4 Audio Quality

GoPro Hero 13

Both action cameras are equipped with 3 microphones and noise reduction technology, which provide decent audio quality for recording videos. Stereo audio is also supported for two-channel recording.

The Hero 13 has a unique Audio Tuning feature, which lets us choose between 'Standard' mode for realistic audio and 'Voice' for enhanced vocal clarity.

For higher-quality audio capture, external microphones can be used for both models. GoPro Hero 13 requires the separately sold Media Mod or Pro 3.5mm Mic Adapter to connect external microphones, while the DJI Osmo Action 4 uses its USB-C port to connect external microphones.

A wireless microphone connection is also possible. DJI Osmo Action 4 can connect to the DJI Mic 2 via Bluetooth, but the GoPro Hero 13 offers wider support for Bluetooth headsets like Apple AirPods, Samsung Galaxy Buds, and even motorcycle helmet Bluetooth headsets like Sena.

#5 Features

DJI Osmo Action 4

GoPro Hero 13 and DJI Osmo Action 4 share a range of common features, from voice control, live streaming support, webcam mode, to timecode sync for multi-camera setups. Both models also come with companion apps for editing. GoPro has the Quik app while DJI offers the DJI Mimo app and LightCut app.

Talking about editing, the Hero 13 supports adding graphic overlays of GPS performance data like speed, location, altitude, and more on the video. It can make the footage more informative and engaging for viewers.

DJI Osmo Action 4 also has a similar GPS data overlay feature, but a GPS Bluetooth Remote Controller is required to record the GPS data. In comparison, the GoPro Hero 13 can natively capture GPS data without the need for any additional accessories.

#6 Battery Life

GoPro Hero 13

GoPro Hero 13 Black boasts a 1900mAh Enduro battery, which offers up to 163 minutes of runtime at 1080p/30 fps or 108 minutes of runtime at 4K/30 fps.

DJI Osmo Action 4 also has a long-lasting battery life, though it still falls short of the GoPro Hero 13. With the 1770mAh battery, the Osmo Action 4 is rated for up to 160 minutes of runtime at 1080p/24 fps or 70 minutes of runtime at 4K/120 fps.