DJI Osmo Action 4 is better equipped for professional video production workflows, while the Insta360 GO 3S excels in portability, ease of use, and convenience for casual users and beginners. This is apparent in features offered by both cameras, with the DJI offering external mic support, 10-bit color, and timecode, while Insta360 offers innovative video modes and hands-free control.
Insta360 GO 3S vs DJI Osmo Action 4: Buying Guide
By Naila Syifa
Updated July 2024
The Insta360 GO 3S and DJI Osmo Action 4 offer impressive features and capabilities that cater to the needs of outdoor enthusiasts, adventure seekers, and content creators alike.
While the Insta360 GO 3S boasts a highly compact and versatile design, the DJI Osmo Action 4 is known for its robust build and excellent low-light imaging.
As we delve deeper into the comparison between these two action cameras, we'll explore their respective strengths, weaknesses, and the factors that may sway your decision when choosing the right action camera for your needs.
Key Takeaways
DJI Osmo Action 4 is better equipped for professional video production workflows, while the Insta360 GO 3S excels in portability, ease of use, and convenience for casual users and beginners. This is apparent in features offered by both cameras, with the DJI offering external mic support, 10-bit color, and timecode, while Insta360 offers innovative video modes and hands-free control.
Insta360 GO 3S
Tiny Mighty Action Cam
✓ 4K Video + 12 MP Photo
✓ Compact, Lightweight, Magnetic
✓ FreeFrame & Interval Video Mode
✓ Waterproof to 10m
DJI Osmo Action 4
True Action Camera
✓ 4K Video + 10 MP Photo
✓ 1/1.3” CMOS Sensor
✓ 10-bit D-Log M
✓ Timecode Sync
#1 Price
DJI Osmo Action 4
Both the Insta360 GO 3S and DJI Osmo Action 4 can be considered high-end action cameras with premium prices. The GO 3S is priced at US$399.99 for the 64GB version and US$429.99 for the 128GB version.
During its initial launch, the DJI Osmo Action 4 was also priced at US$399, which makes it a direct competitor to the Insta360 GO 3S. However, as of 2024, the price of the DJI Osmo Action 4 has dropped to US$299, which makes it a more affordable option compared to the newly released Insta360 GO 3S.
#2 Design & Durability
Insta360 GO 3S
DJI Osmo Action 4 looks like a typical action camera with a compact and rugged design, while the Insta360 GO 3S has a more unique and compact form factor. At 25.6 x 54.4 x 24.8 mm dimensions and 39g weight, the GO 3S is extremely tiny, making it more flexible to mount and place on various objects and locations compared to the larger DJI Osmo Action 4.
Due to its tiny size, the camera unit of the GO 3S is separated from the other unit known as Action Pod, which features a flip 2.2" touchscreen serving as the main control and display interface. Meanwhile, the DJI Osmo Action 4 features a 1.4" front and 2.25" back touchscreen built into the camera body.
When it comes to durability, the Osmo Action 4 has better advantages. It has a higher waterproof rating of up to 18 meters without a housing, compared to the GO 3S which is waterproof up to 10 meters (camera unit only, the Action Pod is only splashproof).
#3 Video & Photo
DJI Osmo Action 4
While both cameras offer the same 4K video resolution, the Osmo Action 4 supports a higher 120 fps refresh rate for 4K compared to the 30 fps of the Insta360 GO 3S. A higher refresh rate allows the Osmo Action 4 to capture smoother footage for fast-moving subjects, which could be an advantage for certain types of action footage.
When it comes to photos, the GO 3S has a higher 12MP resolution compared to the 10MP resolution of the DJI Osmo Action 4. However, DJI is superior in low-light performance, thanks to its large 1/1.3” CMOS sensor that provides better low-light imaging compared to the smaller sensor of the Insta360 GO 3S.
DJI Osmo Action 4 also offers 10-bit & D-Log M color video recording, which provides more flexibility in post-processing and color grading compared to the 8-bit video of the Insta360 GO 3S. This could be an advantage for professional videographers and filmmakers.
#4 Audio
Insta360 GO 3S
DJI Osmo Action 4 offers 3 built-in microphones and supports external microphone connectivity via a USB-C port, providing more audio recording flexibility for professional users who want to capture high-quality audio using external microphones.
Meanwhile, Insta360 GO 3S relies only on its two built-in microphones for audio recording and doesn't have the option to connect external microphones, which could be a limitation for users who require more advanced audio capabilities.
#5 Features
DJI Osmo Action 4
Insta360 GO 3S and DJI Osmo Action 4 share some common additional features like electronic image stabilization, voice control, and AI-powered editing tools in their respective companion apps.
Insta360 GO 3S also offers gesture control, trackability with Apple Find My, and some unique video modes that make recording easy and convenient, such as FreeFrame Video mode (which allows users to record first and choose the aspect ratio later) and Interval Video mode (which automatically records long activities at set length and interval and stitches them together into a shareable video).
Meanwhile, the DJI Osmo Action 4 has a built-in timecode function that the GO 3S lacks, which could be useful for professional video production workflows where synchronizing footage from multiple cameras is required.
DJI Osmo Action 4 also offers a live-streaming feature, allowing users to broadcast their footage in real-time. Meanwhile, the Insta360 GO 3S does not natively support live-streaming.
#6 Battery Life
Insta360 GO 3S
Insta360 GO 3S packs a small 310mAh battery capacity in its camera unit and a larger 1270mAh battery capacity in the Action Pod, providing a combined battery life of up to 140 minutes of continuous video recording. Without the Action Pod, the GO 3S can only last for up to 38 minutes at 1080p/30 fps, which is quite short for an action camera.
On the other hand, the DJI Osmo Action 4 has a larger 1770mAh battery capacity, which allows it to offer up to 160 minutes of continuous video recording at 1080p/24 fps, slightly outlasting the Insta360 GO 3S.
Insta360 GO 3S vs DJI Osmo Action 4
Final Thoughts
DJI Osmo Action 4
Both the Insta360 GO 3S and DJI Osmo Action 4 offer advanced features and capabilities that cater to different user needs.
Insta360 GO 3S's unique and tiny form factor, combined with its innovative video modes and hands-free control, make it an appealing choice for content creators who prioritize portability and convenience, as well as those looking to capture unique angles and perspectives.
On the other hand, the DJI Osmo Action 4's superior durability, external microphone support, and professional-level features like 10-bit color and timecode make it a more suitable option for serious videographers and filmmakers who require advanced video production capabilities.
If you’d like to read more about Action Camera, check out our other relevant guides here:
Insta360 GO 3S vs ONE RS 1-inch 360 Edition
Insta360 GO 3S vs GoPro Hero 12
Insta360 GO 3S vs GoPro Hero 11
Insta360 GO 3S vs GoPro Hero 11 Mini
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