GoPro and DJI action cameras are popular with vloggers and adventurers. In this guide, we’ll compare GoPro Hero11 Black vs DJI Osmo Action 3 head to head. Which one is best for you?
The DJI Osmo Action 3 is our top pick. It has a 2.5-hour battery life. The Action 3 costs less and goes deeper underwater (without housing) than the GoPro Hero11 Black. In contrast, the Hero11 Black shoots higher video/photo resolution.
Hero11 Black vs DJI Osmo Action3
Top Pick: DJI Osmo Action 3
I recommend the DJI Osmo Action 3 to most people. See the current Action 3 price on Amazon and DJI.
Here’s why: The DJI Osmo Action 3 shoots 4K video (at 120 fps) and features better battery life (160 minutes), lighter weight, and lower cost.
For most travelers and adventurers, the DJI Osmo Action 3 will do everything (and much more) than they’ll ever need.
If you require higher than 4K video resolution, you should choose the GoPro Hero11 Black. It shoots 5.3K which allows you to crop in and still render a 4K video.
Also, if you’ve owned a GoPro camera in the past, there will be less of a learning curve to choose the same brand.
Get your GoPro Hero11 Black on Amazon, B&H Photo, or Best Buy.
Both cameras use the same mounting system and screw size, so most accessories and mounts are interchangeable.
5 Primary Specs Compared (Hero11 vs Action 3)
Here are some of the key factors to compare between these two action cameras.
- Battery life: Osmo Action 3 (160 min) vs Hero11 Black (73 min).
- Cost: Osmo Action 3 (USD$329 MSRP) vs Hero11 Black (USD$399.99 MSRP). Cost reduces by $100 if you are a GoPro Subscriber ($50/yr).
- Image Stabilization: Equal. DJI Osmo Action 3 (RockSteady 3 and HorizonSteady) vs GoPro Hero11 (HyperSmooth 5.0). I’ve tested both and it’s hard to see any difference.
- Image Resolution: Toss Up: GoPro Hero11 Black (Video: 5.3K60 and Photo: 27MP) vs DJI Osmo Action 3 (Video: 4K/120 and Photo: 12MP).
- Waterproof: Toss Up: DJI Osmo Action 3 (16 meters) vs GoPro Hero11 (10 meters).
The Osmo Action 3 wins the first two spec comparisons. In my opinion, image stabilization is great on both cameras. And the final two are toss-ups – because it depends on what you need.
- For the highest photo and video resolution, choose the Hero11 Black.
- For the longest battery life and deepest waterproof rating – at the lowest cost – choose the Osmo Action 3.
Check current prices for the DJI Osmo Action 3 and GoPro Hero11 Black on Amazon.
Here’s how the GoPro Hero11 compares with the newer Action 4 camera. Hero11 Black vs DJI Action 3
Specs and Pricing
While both cameras are similar in size, weight, and price, the Action 3 camera by DJI comes out lighter in all three categories.
Both cameras were released on the same day, September 14, 2022.
| Specs | GoPro Hero11 | DJI Osmo Action 3 |
|---|---|---|
| MRSP | $399.99 USD/MSRP | $329 USD/MSRP |
| Sensor Size | 1/1.9″ | 1/1.7″ |
| Video | 5.3K60 / 4K120 | 4K/120 |
| Photo | 27MP | 12MP |
| Battery | 1720mAh (SPBL1B) Removable | 1770 mAh (LiPo 1S) Removable |
| Battery Life | 73 minutes | 160 minutes |
| Weight (grams) | 155 g | 145 g |
| Size (inches) | 2.8 x 2 x 1.3″ | 2.8 x 1.7 x 1.3″ |
| Waterproof | Waterproof to 33 feet (10 meters) | Waterproof to 52 feet (16 meters) |
Appearance, UI, and Battery
The size is similar between the two models. Both have hidden mounting systems on the bottom of the camera.
Appearance and User Interface: Toss-up. Both the DJI Action 3 and GoPro Hero11 cameras have a large, back touchscreen and a smaller front screen.
The UI is controlled via touchscreen, rather than the button sequence on older models.
Battery Comparison
Both have removable, rechargeable batteries.
Battery Specs: Osmo Action 3 Wins. Here’s how they compare for the Hero11 Black and the Osmo Action 3.
| Battery | Hero11 Black | DJI Action 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Battery | Removable | Removable |
| Battery Life | 73 minutes | 160 minutes |
| Same Battery | 1720mAh (SPBL1B) | 1770 mAh (LiPo 1S) |
Learn more: GoPro Battery Compatibility Guide and DJI Action Battery Guide
Here’s how to charge a DJI Osmo Action camera.
Capturing Photo and Video: Specs
I’ve used both of these cameras and the footage is outstanding on both. While I’m a GoPro super fan, I think I prefer the video quality of the DJI camera over the Hero11.
Capture Specs: GoPro Wins. The GoPro Hero11 Black has noticeably better capture specifications: Video: 5.3K60 and Photo: 27MP. And while the DJI Osmo Action 3 isn’t equal, its specs are no slouch: Video: 4K/120 and Photo: 12MP.
For most purposes, the video and photo specs are not that important. If you’ll just be sharing this footage on your social channels, no one will tell if it was shot in 5.3K or 4K resolution.
If you want to capture at the highest resolution possible, you might want to opt for the 5.3K video resolution of the GoPro.
Image Stabilization: Toss-up. Both models have incredible stabilization features, you’ll be hard-pressed to notice a difference in side-by-side footage. DJI Osmo Action 3 has RockSteady 3/HorizonSteady and GoPro Hero11 has HyperSmooth 5.0. I’ve tested both and it’s hard to see any difference.
Here are all the capture specs for both camera models.
| Capture | Hero11 Black | DJI Action 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Video | 5.3K60 / 4K120 | 4K/120 |
| Photo | 27MP | 12MP |
| Image Stabilization | HyperSmooth 5.0 | RockSteady 3 |
| Audio (Mic) | 2 (Front and top) | 3 |
| Accepts External Mic | Yes, with Media Mod. Or Pro 3.5 Mic Adapter | Yes, especially the DJI Mic. |
| Wind Noise Reduction | Yes | Yes |
| Sensor Size | 1/1.9″ | 1/1.7″ |
| Aperture | f/2.5 | f/2.8 |
| Zoom | Digital zoom | Digital zoom |
Features and General Specs
Here are the other specs and details.
| General Info | Hero11 Black | DJI Action 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Release Date | September 14, 2022 | September 14, 2022 |
| Release Year | 2022 | 2022 |
| Serial Number Begins With | C347 | – |
| Webcam Function | Yes | Yes |
| Weight (ounces) | 5.5 oz | 5.1 oz |
| Weight (grams) | 155 g | 145 g |
| Size (inches) | 2.8 x 2 x 1.3″ | 2.8 x 1.7 x 1.3″ |
| Size (mm) | 72 x 51 x 34 mm | 70.5 × 44.2 × 32.8 mm |
| Protune | Yes | – |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi + Bluetooth | Wi-Fi + Bluetooth |
| GPS | Yes | No |
| micro HDMI | Yes, if using Media Mod | No |
Test Footage: GoPro Hero11 vs DJI Action 3
Here’s a small test I ran to compare video capture details for both cameras. These were shot on the same day and same beach.
GoPro Hero11 Black Footage
Here is a calming nature video I shot a few months ago with my Hero11 Black.
DJI Osmo Action 3 Footage
Here’s a relaxing video I shot near my home in Nova Scotia with my DJI Osmo Action 3 camera.
Here are 8 GoPro Alternatives to Consider
Here’s how the DJI Action 3 compares to the newer Action 4
Which One Do You Like Most?
While the suggested retail price is listed above, the prices vary. Here’s where you can check the current prices for each model.
- Find the DJI Osmo Action 3 on Amazon or DJI.
- See the GoPro Hero11 Black on Amazon, B&H Photo, or Best Buy.
Final Thoughts
While you won’t be disappointed with either camera, the DJI Action 3 camera will do more than most users will ever need. And it has incredible battery life. But the GoPro is still the gold standard in action cameras.
Which model are you considering? Have you used one (or both) of these cameras? I would love to hear your thoughts.
You might also enjoy: GoPro Comparison Guide: All Models Compared
- About the Author
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Hey, I’m Bryan! I’m a content creator and co-founder of Storyteller Tech.
Experienced GoPro Videographer: I’ve been shooting with GoPro cameras for over 11 years. My first GoPro was the Hero3 Silver, bought for a Galapagos work trip in 2012. Today I own 20+ action cameras, including GoPro, DJI, and Insta360 cameras.
Professional Creator: Dena and I have developed video and content marketing plans for numerous international travel brands. And we also run several content businesses.
Bryan also creates at Storyteller.Travel and is co-founder of Storyteller Media, a Canadian-based publishing company.