GoPro Hero (2024) vs DJI Osmo Action 4: Six Aspects

By Naila Syifa
Updated September 2024

The recent release of GoPro Hero (2024) brings a new contender to the action camera market, challenging the other more established models like the DJI Osmo Action 4. How do both cameras compare in terms of price, design, video/photo quality, audio quality, features, and battery life?

Key Takeaways

GoPro Hero is cheaper, but it records 4K video only in a 16:9 aspect ratio without much flexibility in settings, while the DJI Action 4 offers more advanced recording features, like 10-bit D-Log M, external microphone support, and Timecode Sync.
GoPro Hero is better suited for casual users who want a simple and affordable action camera, whereas the DJI Osmo Action 4 is more suitable for professional videographers and content creators who require greater control and advanced features.

On our list

#1 Price

#2 Design & Durability

#3 Video & Photo Quality

#4 Audio Quality

#5 Features

#6 Battery Life

GoPro Hero (2024)

Small & Simple

✓ 4K/30 Video + 12 MP Photo
✓ 2x Slo-Mo
✓ Voice Control
✓ Lightweight at 86g

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

DJI Osmo Action 4 was launched in September 2023 at US$399 price, but the price has now dropped to US$299.

Meanwhile, the newly released GoPro Hero (2024) retails at US$199, making it a more affordable option that can save you $100.

#2 Design & Durability

GoPro Hero (2024)

Like a typical action camera, the DJI Osmo Action 4 has a compact design measuring 70.5 x 44.2 x 32.8 mm and weighing 145 grams, but it still can't beat the even more tiny and lightweight GoPro Hero (2024) at 56.6 x 47.7 x 29.4 mm dimensions and only 86 grams of weight.

Such a lightweight build makes the Hero especially appealing for use cases where every bit of weight matters, such as attaching it to sports gear or drones.

However, a small body means it can only house a small 1.76" touchscreen compared to the larger 2.25" rear touchscreen on the DJI Osmo Action 4. In addition, DJI offers an extra 1.4" front-facing screen on the Osmo Action 4, which is useful for vlogging and self-recording.

GoPro Hero (2024) features built-in folding fingers on the bottom, which allows for mounting to various accessories and gear. On the other hand, the Osmo Action 4 uses the included Quick-Release Adapter Mount for mounting, which connects to the camera magnetically and to other accessories via mounting fingers similar to the Hero's folding fingers. Magnetic connection makes the Osmo Action 4 more convenient and seamless to mount and detach from accessories.

While both cameras have a rugged and durable design, the DJI Osmo Action 4 has better waterproofing to 18m and can better withstand extreme temperatures from -20°C to 45°C. In comparison, the GoPro Hero (2024) is waterproof only up to 5m and has a narrower operating temperature range of -10°C to 35°C.

#3 Video & Photo Quality

DJI Osmo Action 4

Both action cams offer a maximum video resolution of 4K, but the DJI Osmo Action 4 supports a higher refresh rate of 120 fps for 4K while the Hero (2024) maxes out at 30 fps at 4K. That's a big difference in smoothness and motion capture, giving the Osmo Action 4 an edge for fast-paced action shots.

DJI Osmo Action 4 also has better low-light performance, thanks to its large 1/1.3” CMOS sensor. It also offers sensor-level HDR, 10-bit D-Log M color, up to 8x slow motion, Timelapse/Hyperlapse features, and aspect ratio options – including 4:3 and 16:9.

In contrast, the GoPro Hero (2024) only captures video in a 16:9 aspect ratio, has no HDR, only offers 8-bit color depth, and is limited to 2x slow motion. However, the GoPro Hero wins in photo resolution and field of view, offering 12 MP photo capture and 165° FOV compared to 10 MP photo resolution and 155° FOV on the Osmo Action 4.

#4 Audio Quality

GoPro Hero (2024)

DJI Osmo Action 4 is better equipped in terms of audio features. With 3 microphones and advanced wind noise reduction software, we can expect clearer and more immersive audio capture from the Osmo Action 4 compared to the standard dual-microphone setup with no dedicated noise reduction on the GoPro Hero (2024).

In addition, the Hero doesn't natively support connection to external microphones that the DJI Osmo Action 4 allows. External microphones can deliver higher-quality audio capture for professional vlogging or filmmaking needs in cases when the built-in mics may not suffice.

#5 Features

DJI Osmo Action 4

Featuring a Timecode Sync feature, the DJI Osmo Action 4 is particularly appealing to video professionals who need to synchronize footage from multiple cameras during post-production. The Hero (2024), meanwhile, doesn't offer this feature.

DJI Osmo Action 4 also supports live streaming and webcam – which the GoPro Hero lacks. The live streaming feature is especially useful for content creators for real-time broadcasts.

One common feature that both the GoPro Hero and DJI Osmo Action 4 share is the voice control, which allows hands-free operation with voice commands. The DJI model, however, offers an extra voice prompt feature, which tells you the current shooting mode through audio feedback.

Both cameras also come with their own editing apps – DJI Mimo app and GoPro Quik app – with each app offering distinctive features.

DJI Mimo app has a range of AI-powered editing tools. One of the notable ones is the AI selfie stick removal, which can remove the selfie stick from the footage to create a seamless third-person shot when recording with the InvisiStick.

Meanwhile, one interesting feature of the GoPro Quik app is the automatic highlight videos, which are auto-generated based on your footage to create quick shareable clips right after your filming session. However, this feature requires a GoPro subscription.

#6 Battery Life

GoPro Hero (2024)

DJI Osmo Action 4 has a larger 1770mAh battery compared to the GoPro Hero's 1255mAh battery, but the battery life of both models depends on the specific usage conditions and settings.

In a 25°C laboratory environment, the DJI Action 4 can last for up to 160 minutes at 1080p/24 fps or around 70 minutes at 4K/120 fps.

Meanwhile, the GoPro Hero (2024) is rated for 100 minutes of runtime at 4K/30 fps, which is very impressive for its size.