DJI
Osmo Action 4
1/1.3-inch sensor action camera with 10-bit D-Log M and strong stabilization.
$299
Launch priceReleased Aug 2023
GoPro
HERO12 Black
1/1.9-inch action camera with HDR 5.3K60, 4K120, 2.7K240 slow-mo, HyperSmooth 6.0, and 10m waterproof body.
$349
Launch priceReleased Sep 2023
Released within a month of each other.
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Wins
Osmo Action 4
Wins
HERO12 Black
11 categories tied
Which would you choose?
TL;DR — Key differences
- BHERO12 Black has higher Resolution (27.6 MP vs 10 MP)
- AOsmo Action 4 has higher ISO max (native) (12,800 vs 6,400)
- AOsmo Action 4 has higher Waterproof depth (18 m vs 10 m)
- AOsmo Action 4 has higher Battery runtime (160 min vs 100 min)
- AOsmo Action 4 has lower Weight (145 g vs 154 g)
Key specs at a glance
Size and weight, to scale
📸 Snap this size diff to shareOsmo Action 4
71 × 44 × 33 mm
145 g (0.32 lb / 5.11 oz)
Credit card
85.6 × 54 mm
for scale
HERO12 Black
72 × 34 × 51 mm
154 g (0.34 lb / 5.43 oz)
Osmo Action 4 is 1mm narrower and 18mm thinner than HERO12 Black but it is also 11mm taller.
Osmo Action 4 is 9 g lighter than HERO12 Black.
Depth (front-to-back): 33mm Osmo Action 4 · 51mm HERO12 Black
Back view, to scale
Width × Height — same proportions as the front of the body.
Osmo Action 4
71 × 44 mm
Credit card
85.6 × 54 mm
HERO12 Black
72 × 34 mm
Top view, to scale
Width × Depth (front-to-back) — see which body is chunkier on the table.
Osmo Action 4
71 × 33 mm
Credit card
85.6 × 54 mm
HERO12 Black
72 × 51 mm
Use-case scoring
Which one for what?
Algorithmic scores from verified specs · 10 = best in class
Why pick one over the other
Reasons to choose
Osmo Action 4
Codecs
Adds H.264, HEVC
Stabilization modes
Adds RockSteady, HorizonBalancing, HorizonSteady
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 70.5, 44.2, 32.8
ISO max (native)
12,800 vs 6,400 — higher is better
Waterproof depth
18 m vs 10 m — higher is better
Battery runtime
160 min vs 100 min — higher is better
Weight
145 g vs 154 g — lower is better
Battery capacity
1770 mAh vs 1720 mAh — higher is better
Reasons to choose
HERO12 Black
Codecs
Adds H.265/HEVC
Stabilization modes
Adds HyperSmooth 6.0, 360° Horizon Lock, AutoBoost
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 71.8, 33.6, 50.8
Card types
Adds microSDHC, microSDXC
Resolution
27.6 MP vs 10 MP — higher is better
Both cameras share
- ✓ISO min (native) — Both 100
- ✓Burst (mechanical) — Both 6 fps
- ✓Burst (electronic) — Both 15 fps
- ✓Pre-Capture / Pre-Release — Both support pre-capture / pre-release
- ✓RAW buffer depth — Both 60 frames
- ✓4K max frame rate — Both 120 fps
Pros & cons at a glance
Editorially curated highlights and trade-offs.
Osmo Action 4
Pros
- ✓10-bit D-Log M
- ✓Good low light for action cam
- ✓Affordable
Cons
- –Superseded by Action 5 Pro
- –Fixed lens
HERO12 Black
Pros
- ✓HDR 5.3K and 4K120
- ✓HyperSmooth 6.0
- ✓10m waterproof
- ✓Strong used value
Cons
- –Superseded by HERO13
- –Fixed lens
- –Smaller battery than HERO13
Decided which one is right for you?
Compare live prices for the Osmo Action 4 and HERO12 Black at major authorized retailers.
DJI Osmo Action 4
GoPro HERO12 Black
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Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Frequently asked
Quick answers generated from verified specs.
Which is better for sports, Osmo Action 4 or HERO12 Black?
HERO12 Black scores 10.0/10 versus 8.5/10 for Osmo Action 4 — 15fps burst — fast action ready.
What's the resolution difference between the Osmo Action 4 and HERO12 Black?
Osmo Action 4 is 10 MP and HERO12 Black is 27.6 MP, so the HERO12 Black captures more detail for cropping and large prints.
How does stabilization compare between the Osmo Action 4 and HERO12 Black?
Osmo Action 4 uses Electronic image stabilization (electronic), while HERO12 Black does not have IBIS.
Which shoots faster bursts — the Osmo Action 4 or the HERO12 Black?
Osmo Action 4 reaches 15 fps electronic. HERO12 Black reaches 15 fps electronic.
What's the weight difference between the Osmo Action 4 and HERO12 Black?
Osmo Action 4 weighs 145 g and HERO12 Black weighs 154 g, so the Osmo Action 4 is 9 g lighter.
Do the Osmo Action 4 and HERO12 Black record 4K video?
Osmo Action 4: 4K up to 120p. HERO12 Black: 4K up to 120p.
Are the Osmo Action 4 and HERO12 Black weather sealed?
Osmo Action 4: Yes. HERO12 Black: Yes.
Which has better battery runtime?
Osmo Action 4 is rated for about 160 minutes of continuous recording and HERO12 Black for about 100 minutes, giving the Osmo Action 4 the edge.
How much does each cost?
Osmo Action 4 launched at $299 and HERO12 Black at $349. The Osmo Action 4 is $50 less.
Can't decide between two? Compare a third camera.
Add any camera to get a three-way Osmo Action 4 vs HERO12 Black vs X comparison.
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed July 2026.
Product images courtesy of DJI and GoPro press materials.