DJI Action 5 Pro vs GoPro Hero 13: A Detailed Real World Comparison

Summary

In this detailed comparison, the GoPro Hero 13 Black and DJI Action 5 Pro are put to the test across a variety of conditions. Key differences include resolution (GoPro's 5.3K vs Action 5’s 4K), photo quality (Action 5’s 40MP stills vs GoPro’s 27MP), dynamic range, low light performance, and slow-motion capabilities. The Action 5 excels in low light and dynamic range, while GoPro wins on stabilization and faster startup times. Both cameras are rugged, waterproof, and offer impressive features, but the Action 5 stands out in terms of flexibility, battery life, and audio quality with external mic support. The video concludes with a price comparison and further recommendations.

Takeaways

• 😀 The GoPro Hero 13 Black and DJI Action 5 Pro are compared head-to-head in terms of features, performance, and value.
• 😀 GoPro Hero 13 Black excels in resolution with 5.3K video, while the Action 5 Pro offers better photo quality with 40MP stills.
• 😀 The Action 5 Pro has superior dynamic range, especially in low-light and HDR scenarios, offering better highlight preservation and more detailed shadows.
• 😀 The Action 5 Pro is generally sharper in video quality, especially when comparing 4K 30 footage with GoPro's 5.3K output.
• 😀 Both cameras provide solid stabilization, but GoPro supports Horizon leveling in 360 degrees, whereas the Action 5 can only level up to 45 degrees in its widest settings.
• 😀 The GoPro Hero 13 offers better stabilization in slow-motion modes, while the Action 5 lacks stabilization in these modes.
• 😀 The DJI Action 5 Pro supports better low-light performance, thanks to its larger 1/1.3-inch sensor compared to GoPro's 1/1.9-inch sensor.
• 😀 Both cameras offer robust waterproofing, but the Action 5 Pro can go to depths of 65 feet (20 meters), while the GoPro is limited to 33 feet (10 meters).
• 😀 The Action 5 Pro is faster to start recording with a quick capture mode that is 2 seconds faster than the GoPro Hero 13.
• 😀 The GoPro Hero 13 is priced at $399, with the potential for discounts for GoPro subscribers, while the DJI Action 5 Pro starts at $350 and comes with an adventure combo for $450.

Q & A

What are the main differences between the GoPro Hero 13 Black and the DJI Action 5 Pro?

The GoPro Hero 13 Black offers higher resolution with 5.3K video, while the DJI Action 5 Pro excels in photo mode with 40-megapixel stills. The GoPro also has better stabilization in slow-motion modes, while the Action 5 provides superior low-light performance and dynamic range.

Which camera performs better in terms of video sharpness at 4K 30?

At 4K 30, the DJI Action 5 Pro appears sharper than the GoPro Hero 13, with less noise when cropped in at 200%, although the GoPro offers a higher native resolution of 5.3K.

How does the GoPro Hero 13 handle skin tones and color accuracy?

The GoPro Hero 13 has historically struggled with skin tones and natural color reproduction, but the addition of the 'Natural' color profile significantly improves its color accuracy, providing a good balance between saturation and natural skin tones.

What is the difference in dynamic range between the two cameras?

The DJI Action 5 Pro has better dynamic range overall, especially in D-Log mode, allowing it to capture more details in both highlights and shadows compared to the GoPro Hero 13, which has slightly more limited dynamic range.

How do the two cameras perform in low-light conditions?

The DJI Action 5 Pro has superior low-light performance, thanks to its larger sensor, with less noise and better detail retention than the GoPro Hero 13, which tends to struggle more in darker settings.

What are the slow-motion capabilities of the GoPro Hero 13 and DJI Action 5 Pro?

The DJI Action 5 Pro can shoot 1080p at 240 fps and slow it down to 960 fps, while the GoPro Hero 13 can shoot 5.3K video at 120 fps in bursts, offering strong slow-motion options for both cameras.

Does the GoPro Hero 13 offer stabilization in slow-motion modes?

Yes, the GoPro Hero 13 offers stabilization in its slow-motion modes, which is an advantage over the DJI Action 5 Pro, which does not provide stabilization when shooting slow-motion footage.

How do both cameras compare in terms of waterproofing?

The GoPro Hero 13 is waterproof up to 10 meters (33 feet), while the DJI Action 5 Pro is waterproof up to 20 meters (65 feet), making the Action 5 Pro a better choice for deeper water activities.

How do the batteries and charging performance compare between the two cameras?

The DJI Action 5 Pro has a 1950 mAh battery, which provides longer recording times, with about 168 minutes at 4K 30. In contrast, the GoPro Hero 13 lasts around 111 minutes at the same setting. Additionally, the Action 5 Pro supports fast charging, while the GoPro Hero 13 uses slower 10-watt charging.

What are the major price differences between the GoPro Hero 13 and DJI Action 5 Pro?

The GoPro Hero 13 is priced at $399, or $299 with a subscription. Additional accessories, such as extra batteries and a dual charger, can cost up to $130. The DJI Action 5 Pro starts at $350, with the Adventure Combo priced at $450, which includes extra batteries, a selfie stick, and a charging case.