GoPro Hero 12 vs DJI Action 4- Don't Waste YOUR MONEY

Summary

In this detailed comparison of the GoPro Hero 12 and DJI Action 4, the reviewer evaluates these two action cameras across five key categories: image quality, reliability, ease of use, pro features, and overall experience. The Hero 12, with its higher resolution, faces challenges in low light and overheating, while the Action 4 stands out with better low-light performance, a larger sensor, faster charging, and superior battery life. The Action 4’s user-friendly touchscreen, magnetic mount, and GPS functionality further enhance its appeal, making it a great choice for many users, despite GoPro's strengths in video specs and color grading.

Takeaways

• 😀 The GoPro Hero 12 and DJI Action 4 are compared across five categories: image quality, reliability, ease of use, pro features, and overall experience.
• 😀 The GoPro Hero 12 lacks the expected 1-inch sensor, featuring the same sensor as the Hero 11, while the Action 4 has a larger sensor (1/1.3-inch), offering better low-light performance.
• 😀 In low-light conditions, the Action 4 performs better with cleaner shadows and more accurate color retention, especially in outdoor settings like grass and sky.
• 😀 Both cameras support native 10-bit color internally, offering better color grading potential compared to 8-bit, though the GoPro's log profile is not as flat as other log profiles.
• 😀 The GoPro Hero 12 has higher video resolution (5.3K at 60fps) compared to the Action 4's 4K at 120fps, but the difference is not very noticeable when editing on a 4K timeline.
• 😀 Both cameras perform similarly in terms of in-camera audio quality, but using external microphones (like shotgun or lav mics) will significantly improve audio quality.
• 😀 The GoPro Hero 12 has a tendency to overheat quicker than the Action 4, especially in stationary, airless conditions, making the Action 4 a better option in extreme temperatures.
• 😀 The Action 4 can operate in temperatures ranging from -20°C to 45°C, while the Hero 12 is limited to -10°C to 35°C, making the Action 4 more reliable in a wider range of conditions.
• 😀 The Action 4 features a front touchscreen, allowing for easier access and adjustments while mounted, while the GoPro Hero 12 requires taking the camera off its mount to adjust settings.
• 😀 The Action 4 outperforms the Hero 12 in terms of battery life, charging faster and lasting longer, with the Action 4 charging fully in just 49 minutes compared to the Hero 12's 2-3 hour charging time.
• 😀 The overall user experience with the Action 4 is smoother due to its faster startup, intuitive interface, and magnetic mount, which makes it more convenient for quick action shots.

Q & A

How do the GoPro Hero 12 and DJI Action 4 compare in terms of image quality?

The DJI Action 4 has a larger sensor (1 over 1.3 inches) than the GoPro Hero 12 (1 over 1.9 inches), resulting in better low-light performance. Additionally, the Action 4 delivers more true-to-life colors, particularly in outdoor settings, and underwater. Both cameras support 10-bit internal color, but the Action 4 holds its colors better straight out of the camera.

What are the key differences in low-light performance between the two cameras?

The DJI Action 4 performs better in low-light conditions compared to the GoPro Hero 12. The Action 4 has a larger sensor with better pixel pitch, which provides cleaner images and preserves color better, especially in darker areas.

How does the GoPro Hero 12's log profile compare to that of the DJI Action 4?

The GoPro Hero 12's log profile is not as flat as typical log profiles and requires more adjustment, especially in terms of exposure. The DJI Action 4 handles log footage better with more flexibility and accuracy in color grading, making it easier to work with in post-production.

Which camera has better battery life and charging capabilities?

The DJI Action 4 outperforms the GoPro Hero 12 in both battery life and charging speed. The Action 4 charges faster and lasts longer, with a 100-minute charge time compared to the Hero 12's 2-3 hours. The Action 4's battery lasts longer, especially in extreme conditions.

How does overheating affect the performance of these cameras?

The GoPro Hero 12 tends to overheat faster than the DJI Action 4, especially in stationary use without airflow. The Action 4 handles heat better and operates in a wider temperature range, from -20°C to 45°C, compared to the Hero 12's -10°C to 35°C range.

What unique features does the DJI Action 4 have compared to the GoPro Hero 12?

The DJI Action 4 features a front touchscreen, allowing users to adjust settings without removing the camera from the mount. It also has GPS data integration, a 60-second pre-record feature, and faster startup and shutdown times. These features make the Action 4 more convenient and user-friendly.

What are the advantages of the magnetic mount on the DJI Action 4?

The magnetic mount on the DJI Action 4 makes it significantly faster and easier to mount and dismount the camera. This is especially useful for quick action shots, as you can quickly change settings or reposition the camera without hassle.

Which camera is better for underwater shooting?

The DJI Action 4 has a better underwater performance with more accurate colors and image quality. It can go up to 18 meters underwater without a case, whereas the GoPro Hero 12 is limited to 10 meters unless a separate case is used.

Which camera has better overall ease of use?

The DJI Action 4 is easier to use overall, thanks to its responsive touchscreen, faster startup and shutdown, front screen, and magnetic mount. In comparison, the GoPro Hero 12 requires more steps to adjust settings and can be more cumbersome to handle.

Are there any differences in the video recording specs of both cameras?

Yes, the GoPro Hero 12 records in 5.3K at 60 frames per second, while the DJI Action 4 maxes out at 4K at 120 frames per second. While the Hero 12 offers higher resolution, the Action 4's frame rates are better suited for action shots and smooth footage.