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Head-to-head · Best Action Cameras Under $300

DJI Osmo Action 4 vs GoPro Hero 12 Black

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

The short answer

DJI Osmo Action 4 comes out ahead by a narrow margin (4.6 vs 4.5). The gap is mostly about Vloggers and adventurers who want the best image quality and low-light performance in a traditional action camera under $300. — read the strengths below before deciding.

DJI Osmo Action 4
Higher ratedRanked #1 in Best Action Cameras Under $300
DJI Osmo Action 4
$239as of Jun 7

The DJI Osmo Action 4 is the action camera to beat under $300, thanks to a larger 1/1.3-inch sensor that gives it a clear low-light advantage over GoPro. It pairs that with class-leading stabilization, a brilliant magnetic mount system, and dependable battery life. Minor software quirks and the lack of an audio meter are the only real gripes.

Strengths
  • — Larger 1/1.3-inch sensor delivers the best low-light footage of any action camera in this price range
  • — Excellent RockSteady stabilization that keeps footage silky smooth in nearly all scenarios
  • — Magnetic quick-release mount system makes swapping rigs fast and secure
Watch-outs
  • — Stabilization cannot be disabled in some modes, causing unwanted movement in hyperlapse
  • — No on-screen audio level meter for monitoring sound
  • — Mandatory app activation is required before first use
$239 · Check Price on AmazonFull review →
GoPro Hero 12 Black
Ranked #2 in Best Action Cameras Under $300
GoPro Hero 12 Black
$339.99as of Jun 7

The GoPro Hero 12 Black is the most refined traditional action camera you can buy, leading the category on stabilization, resolution, and accessory support. HyperSmooth 6.0 produces uncannily smooth footage, battery life is roughly double the Hero 11's, and it shoots up to 5.3K 60fps. The smaller sensor means it cedes the low-light crown to DJI, and the generational gains are modest.

Strengths
  • — HyperSmooth 6.0 delivers the smoothest, most reliable stabilization in the category
  • — Records up to 5.3K 60fps, the highest resolution of any camera here
  • — Roughly double the battery life of the Hero 11 with the same Enduro cell
Watch-outs
  • — Smaller 1/1.9-inch sensor trails the DJI Osmo Action 4 in low light
  • — Max photo and video resolution unchanged from the Hero 11
  • — Standard 1/4-20 tripod mounting has its limitations on rigs
$339.99 · Check Price on AmazonFull review →

How they stack up

DJI Osmo Action 4

Its larger 1/1.3-inch sensor outperforms the GoPro Hero 12 Black and GoPro Hero 11 Black Mini in low light, the area where those 1/1.9-inch cameras struggle most. Stabilization is comparable to the Hero 12's HyperSmooth 6.0. Unlike the 360-degree Insta360 X3 it is a traditional flat-video action camera, and it far outclasses the budget AKASO Brave 7 on sensor size, image quality and mounting.

GoPro Hero 12 Black

It leads the category on stabilization and resolution, edging out the DJI Osmo Action 4 in daylight and on the highest 5.3K mode, but its smaller 1/1.9-inch sensor loses to the DJI's larger sensor in low light. It shares its sensor and core specs with the screenless GoPro Hero 11 Black Mini, but adds dual screens and the latest stabilization. It comprehensively outclasses the budget AKASO Brave 7, and unlike the 360-degree Insta360 X3 it is a flat-video camera.

Specs side-by-side

SpecDJI Osmo Action 4GoPro Hero 12 Black
Sensor1/1.3-inch CMOS1/1.9-inch CMOS (27.6MP)
Max Video4K 120fps5.3K 60fps
StabilizationRockSteady 3.0+ / HorizonSteadyHyperSmooth 6.0 + AutoBoost
Waterproof18m without housing10m without housing
Weight145g154g
DisplayDual touchscreen (front + rear)Dual screen (front + rear touch)
MountMagnetic quick-releaseFolding fingers + 1/4-20 thread
Battery1770mAh1720mAh Enduro
← See the full ranking of best action cameras under $300