GoPro HERO 12 vs DJI Action 4 vs Insta360 X3 vs Insta360 GO 3: A Comprehensive Comparison
Action cameras have come a long way in providing users with incredible footage and versatility. In this review, we will compare four top contenders in the action camera market: GoPro HERO 12 vs DJI Action 4 vs Insta360 X3 vs Insta360 GO 3.
Each camera has its own unique features and capabilities. So it’s important to analyze the pros and cons of each before choosing one.
These compact devices have revolutionized the way we capture action-packed moments, whether it’s during thrilling adventures or everyday vlogging. With advancements in technology, it’s crucial to understand which action camera suits your needs best.
To help you make a decision, we will analyze each camera’s specifications, provide a side-by-side comparison, describe the benefits and drawbacks, and then provide a conclusion.
Side-by-Side Comparisons:
Before we delve into the specifics of each action camera, let’s briefly outline the key features and specifications of the GoPro HERO 12, DJI Action 4, Insta360 X3, and Insta360 GO 3.
| Action Camera | Max Resolution | Low Light Performance | Battery Life | Unique Features |
| GoPro HERO 12 | 4K/120fps | Excellent | Up to 2 hours | High-resolution |
| DJI Action 4 | 5.3K/60fps | Exceptional | Up to 2.5 hours | 360-degree video |
| Insta360 X3 | 5.7K/60fps | Outstanding | Up to 1.5 hours | 360-degree video |
| Insta360 GO 3 | 3K/100fps | Good | Up to 1.5 hours | Compact size |
Now, let’s delve into a side-by-side comparison of these action cameras, addressing factors such as video quality, photo quality, low-light performance, audio quality, battery life, GPS capabilities, and stabilization.
Video Quality:
- GoPro HERO 12 offers the highest video resolution, making it ideal for professional video creators.
- DJI Action 4 offers impressive 4K resolution with high frame rates for smooth slow-motion footage.
- Insta360 X3 provides high-quality video but falls slightly behind in terms of resolution.
- Insta360 GO 3 offers good video quality, suitable for everyday vlogging and adventure documentation.
Photo Quality:
- GoPro HERO 12 leads the pack with its 23MP photo resolution, perfect for capturing stunning still images.
- DJI Action 4 offers a respectable 16MP photo resolution, suitable for photography enthusiasts.
- Insta360 X3 offers an 18.5MP photo resolution, providing crisp and detailed photos.
- Insta360 GO 3, with its 9MP resolution, is more suited for quick snapshots.
Low-Light Performance:
- GoPro HERO 12 boasts improved low-light performance, making it an excellent choice for nighttime adventures.
- DJI Action 4 also performs well in low-light conditions, capturing clear footage even in dimly lit environments.
- Insta360 X3 offers decent low-light performance but may not excel in extremely dark settings.
- Insta360 GO 3 has moderate low-light capabilities, making it suitable for general use.
Audio Quality:
- GoPro HERO 12 stands out with excellent audio quality, ensuring clear and immersive sound in your videos.
- DJI Action 4 provides good audio quality, making it a reliable choice for capturing audio in various scenarios.
- Insta360 X3 provides good audio quality, but it may not match the level of the GoPro.
- Insta360 GO 3 provides decent audio quality, sufficient for most applications.
GPS Capabilities:
- GoPro HERO 12 and DJI Action 4 both feature GPS, allowing you to track your adventures and overlay location data on your videos.
- Insta360 X3 and Insta360 GO 3 lack GPS capabilities, which may not be a deal-breaker for users who don’t require geotagging.
Stabilization:
- GoPro HERO 12 introduces HyperSmooth 4.0, offering the most advanced stabilization for ultra-smooth footage.
- DJI Action 4 features RockSteady X stabilization, providing reliable results.
- Insta360 X3 employs FlowState 2.0, which is effective but may not be on par with GoPro’s HyperSmooth.
- Insta360 GO 3 uses its Insta360 Gimbal for stabilization, ensuring steady shots in various scenarios.
Comparison and Test Results
In our side-by-side comparisons and extensive tests, we evaluated these cameras in various scenarios to determine their performance. Factors such as video quality, image stabilization, and overall usability were put to the test.
Audio Quality and Low-Light Performance:
GoPro HERO 12 surprised users with its impressive audio quality, making it an excellent choice for daytime use. DJI Action 4 stood out for its incredible low-light capabilities, making it a preferred option for low-light environments.
Battery Life:
When it comes to battery life, DJI Action 4 offers an extended shooting experience, which can be a significant advantage for users who require longer recording times. Other models like GoPro HERO 12, Insta360 X3, and Insta360 GO 3 have decent battery life but may require extra batteries for extended usage.
Ease of Use and Features:
Insta360 GO 3 shines in terms of ease of use, making it a great choice for beginners and vloggers. On the other hand, GoPro HERO 12 offers a range of advanced features, while DJI Action 4 and Insta360 X3 strike a balance between features and ease of use.
Time-Lapse and Photo Quality:
If you’re interested in creating impressive time-lapse videos, GoPro HERO 12 boasts high-resolution capabilities. However, if you’re looking for an action camera with exceptional photo and video shooting indoors, other models may be more suitable.
Recommendations for Beginners:
For those who new to action cameras, Insta360 GO 3 is an excellent choice due to its simplicity and versatility. It’s user-friendly and can handle everyday shooting needs.
Telemetry Data and GPS:
GoPro HERO 12 and DJI Action 4 both offer GPS data, which can be valuable for tracking locations, distances, and speeds. If GPS data is essential for your shooting needs, these cameras are worth considering.
GoPro HERO 12 vs DJI Action 4 vs Insta360 X3 vs Insta360 GO 3: Specifications
Before making any purchase, it’s essential to understand the technical specifications of the cameras you’re considering. Here’s a breakdown of the key specifications for each camera:
GoPro Hero 12:
- Video Resolution: Up to 5.3K at 60fps
- Photo Resolution: 23MP
- Low-Light Performance: Improved
- Audio Quality: Excellent
- Battery Life: Not specified
- GPS: Yes
- Stabilization: HyperSmooth 4.0
Pros and Cons of GoPro HERO 12
| GoPro HERO 12 | Pros | Cons |
| Video and Photo Quality | exceptional video and photo quality | potentially higher price |
| Improved low-light performance | Battery life not specified | |
| Outstanding audio quality | incremental upgrade from its predecessor | |
| excellent for daytime use | Lackluster low-light performance | |
| Stabilization and Features | Advanced stabilization with HyperSmooth 4.0 | Incremental upgrades from previous GoPro models |
| GPS for geotagging | May not justify an upgrade from GoPro 11 for some users | |
| high-resolution time-lapse | ||
| Build Quality | robust build quality | |
| Video Performance | exceptional video quality at 4K/120fps | |
| Excellent low-light performance | ||
| Impressive battery life, lasting up to 2 hours | ||
| High-resolution imaging capabilities for stunning shots |
DJI Action 4:
- Video Resolution: Up to 4K at 120fps
- Photo Resolution: 16MP
- Low-Light Performance: Impressive
- Audio Quality: Good
- Battery Life: Not specified
- GPS: Yes
- Stabilization: RockSteady X
Pros and Cons of DJI Action 4
| DJI Action 4 | Pros | Cons |
| Video and Photo Quality | Impressive 4K video resolution with high frame rates | Price may vary |
| | good photo quality | Battery life not specified |
| Low-Light Performance | strong low-light performance | Limited innovation compared to GoPro HERO 12 |
| Audio Quality | Reliable audio quality | Built-in battery may be a concern for some users |
| Stabilization and Features | RockSteady X stabilization | May not offer substantial advantages over GoPro HERO 12 for some users |
| | GPS for geotagging | Slightly bulkier design compared to other action cameras |
| Video Performance | exceptionalow-light capabilities | |
| | Reliable magnetic mount | |
| | Long battery life | |
| | 10-bit dlog-m for professional-grade video | |
| | Superb 5.3K resolution at 60fps | |
| | Outstanding 360-degree video capabilities | |
Insta360 X3:
- Video Resolution: Up to 5.7K at 30fps
- Photo Resolution: 18.5MP
- Low-Light Performance: Decent
- Audio Quality: Good
- Battery Life: Not specified
- GPS: No
- Stabilization: FlowState 2.0
Pros and Cons of Insta360 X3
| Insta360 X3 | Pros | Cons |
| Video and Photo Quality | High-resolution video and photo quality | Lack of GPS |
| | decent low-light performance | may not match GoPro’s low-light capabilities |
| | good audio quality | |
| Stabilization and Features | FlowState 2.0 stabilization | Battery life is relatively shorter, lasting up to 1.5 hours |
| | Competitive pricing | Limited applications for those who don’t require 360-degree video |
| 360-Degree Video | Impressive 5.7K resolution at 60fps | Limited to specific use cases, not ideal for traditional action footage |
| | Outstanding low-light performance | |
| | Suitable for capturing 360-degree videos | |
| Design and User Experience | Compact and portable for travelers | |
| | Unmatched 360° experience, user-friendly design | |
Insta360 GO 3:
- Video Resolution: Up to 2.7K at 30fps
- Photo Resolution: 9MP
- Low-Light Performance: Moderate
- Audio Quality: Decent
- Battery Life: Approximately 120 minutes
- GPS: No
- Stabilization: Insta360 Gimbal
Pros and Cons of Insta360 GO 3
| Insta360 GO 3 | Pros | Cons |
| Design and Portability | compact and portable design | limited video resolution compared to others |
| | Discreet and easy to use | No GPS capabilities |
| | Compact and versatile | may not meet the demands of professional action videography |
| | Small and versatile, suitable for various scenarios | Less ideal for extreme conditions |
| | Compact and lightweight design | May lack some features found in larger action cameras |
| Video and Photo Quality | good video and photo quality for everyday use | Limited resolution for professional use |
| | Moderate low-light performance | Short battery life, similar to the Insta360 X3 |
| | Decent audio quality | |
| Stabilization and Features | Insta360 Gimbal stabilization | |
| Battery Life and Build Quality | Extended battery life | |
Conclusion
Choosing the right action camera depends on your specific needs and preferences. The GoPro HERO 12, DJI Action 4, Insta360 X3, and Insta360 GO 3 each offer distinct advantages and limitations.
For professional videographers, the GoPro HERO 12 stands out with its exceptional video quality and low-light performance. On the other hand, the DJI Action 4 excels in 360-degree video and prolonged battery life, making it a top choice for those who prioritize versatility.
The Insta360 X3 is an excellent option for travelers who appreciate compact, high-resolution recording, while the Insta360 GO 3 is perfect for everyday vlogging and casual use.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Which action camera is the best for time lapses?
A1: The GoPro HERO 12 offers higher resolution for time lapses, making it a solid choice for this purpose.
Q2: What action camera is best for low-light shooting?
A2: DJI Action 4 stands out with its incredible low-light performance.
Q3: Which action camera is best for beginners?
A3: Insta360 GO 3 is an excellent choice for newcomers to action cameras.
Q4: Is GPS data available on all these action cameras?
A4: GoPro HERO 12 and DJI Action 4 provide GPS data for tracking and location-based needs.
Q5: What is the best action camera for indoor photo and video shooting?
A5: If you require better video stabilization and brighter colors for indoor shooting, consider the GoPro HERO 12 or DJI Action 4.
Q6: What is the best action camera for low light conditions?
A6: The DJI Action 4 is known for its exceptional low-light performance, making it an ideal choice for low-light shooting.
Q7: Can the 1/4-20 mount be retrofitted onto an older action camera model, like the GoPro 11?
A7: While it’s possible to retrofit a 1/4-20 mount, it might require some modifications.
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