GoPro and DJI action cameras are popular with vloggers and adventurers. In this guide, we’ll compare GoPro Hero11 Black vs DJI Osmo Action 4 head to head. Which one is best for you?
The DJI Osmo Action 4 is our top pick. It has a 2.5-hour battery life. The Action 4 costs about the same and goes deeper underwater (without housing) than the GoPro Hero11 Black. In contrast, the Hero11 Black shoots higher video/photo resolution.
Here’s the full breakdown between these two camera models. I own both models and have been shooting with action cameras since 2012.
GoPro Hero11 Black vs DJI Osmo Action 4
Top Pick: DJI Osmo Action 4
I recommend the DJI Osmo Action 4 for most people. Get your DJI Osmo Action 4 on Amazon, DJI, or B&H Photo.
Here’s why: These cameras are pretty close in their specs. Their price is almost the same. GoPro has higher video capture specs. But DJI has more than double the battery life.
So while you’re sacrificing GoPro’s 5.3K video for DJI’s 4K resolution, the improved Action 4 battery life will make it a better choice for most creators.
If you require higher than 4K video resolution, you should choose the GoPro Hero11 Black. It shoots 5.3K, allowing you to crop in and render a 4K video.
Also, if you’ve previously owned a GoPro camera, there will be less of a learning curve in choosing 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 4)
Here are some key factors to compare between these two action cameras.
- Battery life: Osmo Action 4 (160 min) vs Hero11 Black (73 min).
- Cost: Equal. Osmo Action 4 (USD$399 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 4 (RockSteady 3+ and HorizonSteady) vs GoPro Hero11 (HyperSmooth 5.0). You’ll be hard-pressed to see any difference between these two models.
- Image Resolution: Hero11 Black. GoPro Hero11 Black (Video: 5.3K60 and Photo: 27MP) vs DJI Osmo Action 4 (Video: 4K/120 and Photo: 10MP).
- Waterproof: Toss Up: DJI Osmo Action 4 (18 meters) vs GoPro Hero11 (10 meters).
The Osmo Action 4 wins the battery life comparison. 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 GoPro Hero11 Black.
- For the longest battery life and deepest waterproof rating – at the lowest cost – choose the DJI Osmo Action 4.
Check current prices for the DJI Osmo Action 4 and GoPro Hero11 Black on Amazon.
Specs and Pricing: Hero11 vs Action 4
While both cameras are similar in size, weight, and price, the DJI Action 4 camera comes out lighter/smaller in size and weight. And the price – at least the MRSP – is equal for both models.
The Hero11 Black was released on September 14, 2022. And the Action 4 by DJI was released on August 2, 2023.
| Specs | GoPro Hero11 Black | DJI Osmo Action 4 |
|---|---|---|
| MRSP | $399.99 USD | $399 USD |
| Sensor Size | 1/1.9″ | 1/1.3″ |
| Video | 5.3K60 / 4K120 | 4K/120 |
| Photo | 27MP | 10MP |
| 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 59 feet (18 meters) |
Appearance, UI, and Battery
The size is similar between the two camera models. Both have hidden mounting systems on the bottom of the camera.
- For ease of access, I prefer the DJI mount – it is a combination clip and magnet.
- But for absolute confidence that it will never let go, the GoPro mount is the most secure.
Appearance and User Interface: Toss-up. Both the DJI Action 4 and GoPro Hero11 cameras have a large, back touchscreen and a smaller front screen. See above photo.
The UI is controlled via touchscreen, rather than the button sequence on older models.
Battery Comparison: Hero11 Black vs Osmo Action 4
Both have removable, rechargeable batteries.
Battery Specs: Osmo Action 4 Wins. The Action 4 has more than double the battery life of the Hero11 Black.
Here’s how they compare for both the Hero11 Black and the Osmo Action 3.
| Battery | GoPro Hero11 Black | DJI Osmo Action 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Battery | Removable | Removable |
| Battery Life | 73 minutes | 160 minutes |
| Same Battery | 1720mAh (SPBL1B) | 1770 mAh (LiPo 1S) |
| Charging Time |
Here’s how to charge a DJI Action camera battery.
Learn more: GoPro Battery Compatibility Guide and DJI action batteries
Here’s how the Action 4 compares to Insta360 Ace Pro.
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 also really love the video quality of the DJI camera.
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 people, the video and photo specs just aren’t that important. Camera tech is at such a level that are few extra pixels of resolution don’t really make a notable improvement. If you’ll only be sharing this footage on your social channels, no one will tell if it was shot in 5.3K or 4K resolution.
But 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 4 has RockSteady 3+/HorizonSteady and GoPro Hero11 has HyperSmooth 5.0. It’s hard to see any difference between these cameras.
Here are all the capture specs for both camera models.
| Capture | GoPro Hero11 Black | DJI Osmo Action 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Video | 5.3K60 / 4K120 | 4K/120 |
| Photo | 27MP | 10MP |
| FOV | 148° | 155° |
| 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″ | 1/1.3″ |
| 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 | GoPro Hero11 Black | DJI Osmo Action 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Release Date | September 14, 2022 | August 2, 2023 |
| Release Year | 2022 | 2023 |
| 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 | Via Remote |
| micro HDMI | Yes, if using Media Mod | No |
Here are 8 GoPro Alternatives to Consider
Test Footage: GoPro Hero11 vs DJI Action 4
Here’s a small test I ran to compare video capture details for both cameras.
GoPro Hero11 Black Footage
Here is a calming nature video I shot a few months ago with my Hero11 Black.
DJI Action 4 Footage
I’ll be sharing this soon. Please stay tuned.
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 4 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 4 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.