DJI
Osmo Pocket 3
Pocket gimbal camera with 1-inch sensor, 4K 120p, and rotating 2-inch OLED screen.
$519
Released Oct 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
Released Sep 2023
Osmo Pocket 3 is 2 months newer.
Wins
Osmo Pocket 3
Wins
HERO12 Black
6 categories tied
TL;DR — Key differences
- BHERO12 Black has higher Resolution (27.6 MP vs 9.4 MP)
- AOsmo Pocket 3 has higher ISO max (native) (16,000 vs 6,400)
- AOsmo Pocket 3 has lower ISO min (native) (50 vs 100)
- BHERO12 Black has higher 4K max frame rate (120 fps vs 60 fps)
- BHERO12 Black has lower Weight (154 g vs 179 g)
Key specs at a glance
Size and weight, to scale
Osmo Pocket 3
140 × 42 × 34 mm
179 g (0.39 lb / 6.31 oz)
HERO12 Black
72 × 51 × 34 mm
154 g (0.34 lb / 5.43 oz)
Osmo Pocket 3 is 9mm shorter than HERO12 Black but it is also 68mm wider.
Osmo Pocket 3 is 25 g heavier than HERO12 Black.
Depth (front-to-back): 34mm Osmo Pocket 3 · 34mm HERO12 Black
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 Pocket 3
Codecs
Adds H.264
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 139.7, 42.2, 33.5
ISO max (native)
16,000 vs 6,400 — higher is better
ISO min (native)
50 vs 100 — lower is better
Reasons to choose
HERO12 Black
Codecs
Adds H.265 (HEVC)
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 71.8, 50.8, 33.6
Resolution
27.6 MP vs 9.4 MP — higher is better
4K max frame rate
120 fps vs 60 fps — higher is better
Weather sealing
Only HERO12 Black supports it
Weight
154 g vs 179 g — lower is better
Both cameras share
- ✓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
- ✓Max video bit rate — Both 200 Mbps
- ✓Battery life (CIPA) — Both 640 shots
Pros & cons at a glance
Editorially curated highlights and trade-offs.
Osmo Pocket 3
Pros
- ✓Built-in 3-axis gimbal
- ✓1-inch sensor
- ✓Creator-friendly
Cons
- –Fixed lens
- –Small sensor vs ILC
- –Accessory dependent
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- –Superseded by HERO13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
Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Frequently asked
Quick answers generated from verified specs.
Which is better for travel, Osmo Pocket 3 or HERO12 Black?
HERO12 Black scores 8.0/10 versus 5.5/10 for Osmo Pocket 3 — 154g — ultralight for all-day carry.
What's the resolution difference between the Osmo Pocket 3 and HERO12 Black?
Osmo Pocket 3 is 9.4 MP and HERO12 Black is 27.6 MP, so the HERO12 Black captures more detail for cropping and large prints.
Do the Osmo Pocket 3 and HERO12 Black have in-body image stabilization?
Osmo Pocket 3 does not have IBIS, while hERO12 Black does not have IBIS.
Which shoots faster bursts — the Osmo Pocket 3 or the HERO12 Black?
Osmo Pocket 3 reaches 15 fps electronic. HERO12 Black reaches 15 fps electronic.
What's the weight difference between the Osmo Pocket 3 and HERO12 Black?
Osmo Pocket 3 weighs 179 g and HERO12 Black weighs 154 g, so the HERO12 Black is 25 g lighter.
Do the Osmo Pocket 3 and HERO12 Black record 4K video?
Osmo Pocket 3: 4K up to 60p. HERO12 Black: 4K up to 120p.
Are the Osmo Pocket 3 and HERO12 Black weather sealed?
Osmo Pocket 3: No. HERO12 Black: Yes.
Which has better battery life?
Rated battery life is 640 shots (CIPA) for the Osmo Pocket 3 and 640 shots for the HERO12 Black, giving the HERO12 Black the edge.
How much does each cost?
Osmo Pocket 3 launched at $519 and HERO12 Black at $349. The HERO12 Black is $170 less.
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed May 2026.