Osmo Action 4 vs GoPro 12 – Check Which One Is Best & Why?

Osmo Action 4 & GoPro 12 share many similarities, but there are also important differences, such as quality, performance, features, design, and connectivity. If you want the best one between them, I Would recommend the GoPro 12 rather than the Osmo Action 4. 

Why Do I Recommend The GoPro 12

  • The GoPro HERO12 Black offers 5.3K video recording at 60fps, delivering superior resolution and sharper image quality compared to the Osmo Action 4’s 4K limit, ideal for content creators seeking maximum detail.
  • The GoPro HERO12 Black features HDR video support, enhancing color accuracy, contrast, and dynamic range, which the Osmo Action 4 lacks, making GoPro footage richer and more vibrant.
  • The GoPro HERO12 Black boasts HyperSmooth 6.0 stabilization with 360° Horizon Lock, providing exceptional shake-free footage and maintaining horizon balance even during intense movement, surpassing Osmo Action 4’s RockSteady 3.0.
  • The GoPro HERO12 Black offers 27MP photo resolution, delivering clearer and more detailed still images than the Osmo Action 4’s 10MP capability, perfect for capturing high-resolution photos.
  • The GoPro HERO12 Black includes an enhanced HDR mode for photos, improving brightness, contrast, and detail in both bright and low-light conditions, while the Osmo Action 4 lacks this feature.
  • The GoPro HERO12 Black supports GP-Log color profile, providing advanced color grading options for professional filmmakers, whereas the Osmo Action 4’s D-Log M profile offers fewer grading possibilities.
  • The GoPro HERO12 Black has a stronger accessory ecosystem, ensuring broader compatibility with mounts, gimbals, and accessories, giving users greater flexibility for creative shooting setups.
  • The GoPro HERO12 Black offers more advanced app integration via GoPro Quik, allowing faster video transfers, automatic highlights, and streamlined editing features compared to the DJI Mimo app.

Maybe the Osmo Action 4 price can make you comfortable because it’s a little bit cheaper than the Osmo Gopro 12. But you have to compromise all the above-mentioned features. Now the Decision is Yours. I hope it was helpful to choose the right one.

.

Side By Side Comparison

FeatureGoPro 12Osmo Action 4
Image Sensor1/1.9″ CMOS Sensor1/1.3″ CMOS Sensor
Video Resolution5.3K at 60fps (max)4K at 120fps (max)
Max Photo Resolution27MP10MP
HDR Video SupportYesNo
Color ProfilesGP-LogD-Log M
StabilizationHyperSmooth 6.0 with 360° Horizon LockRockSteady 3.0, HorizonSteady
Waterproof DepthUp to 10mUp to 18m
Battery Capacity1720mAh1770mAh
Battery LifeUp to 155 minsUp to 160 mins
Charging Speed80% in ~30 mins80% in 18 mins
Low-Light PerformanceGood (Smaller Sensor)Better (Larger Sensor)
Mounting SystemStandard GoPro Mounting SystemMagnetic Quick Release Mount
Weight154g145g
Voice ControlYesYes
Wireless ConnectivityWi-Fi, Bluetooth, GoPro Quik AppWi-Fi, Bluetooth, DJI Mimo App
Livestream SupportYesYes
Accessory EcosystemExtensive and well-establishedLimited but growing
PriceCheck GoPro 12 PriceCheck Osmo Action 4 Price

What Common Both Can Do?

  • 4K Video Capabilities: Both cameras support 4K at 120fps, ensuring sharp video quality with smooth motion capture, ideal for action sports, vlogging, and fast-paced activities.
  • Wide Field of View (FOV): Both devices offer an expansive FOV — the Osmo Action 4 at 155° and the GoPro HERO12 at 156° — allowing for immersive shots that capture more of the surroundings in each frame.
  • Image Stabilization: Both cameras feature advanced stabilization — RockSteady 3.0 and HorizonSteady on the Osmo Action 4, and HyperSmooth 6.0 with 360° Horizon Lock on the GoPro HERO12 — ensuring smooth, shake-free footage during dynamic activities.
  • Waterproof (No Housing): Both cameras are designed to withstand underwater environments without additional housing — the Osmo Action 4 is waterproof up to 18m, while the GoPro HERO12 handles depths of up to 10m — ideal for snorkeling, swimming, and light diving.
  • Touchscreen Display: Both cameras include front and rear touchscreen displays, providing convenient control options for vlogging, selfies, and menu navigation.
  • Voice Control: Both models support voice commands, allowing hands-free control for starting and stopping recordings, taking photos, and switching modes — ideal for sports, hiking, or multitasking.
  • Livestream Support: Both devices offer livestream capabilities via their respective apps — DJI Mimo for the Osmo Action 4 and GoPro Quik for the GoPro HERO12 — enabling real-time broadcasting to social media platforms.
  • Slow-Motion Recording: Both cameras support 4K at 120fps and 1080p at 240fps for creating smooth, cinematic slow-motion footage.
  • Time-Lapse Video: Both devices offer time-lapse modes that create stunning accelerated footage, ideal for capturing sunsets, cityscapes, or creative visual sequences.
  • Timelapse with Motion: Both cameras feature motion timelapse modes that add dynamic camera movement for enhanced visual storytelling.
  • Removable Battery: Both models use removable batteries, allowing users to carry spares and extend recording sessions without relying solely on charging.
  • GPS Data Support (via App): While neither camera has built-in GPS, both support GPS tracking via their respective smartphone apps, enabling users to overlay location data and speed details on their footage.
  • Smartphone Connectivity: Both cameras offer Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, allowing for wireless control, easy file transfers, and remote operation using dedicated apps.
  • Voice Prompt Support: Both devices include voice prompt systems that provide audible feedback for actions like recording start/stop, ensuring users are informed even when not looking at the screen.
  • Durability: Both cameras are shockproof and built for rugged conditions, designed to withstand drops, bumps, and extreme environments — making them perfect for adventure and sports shooting.
  • MicroSD Card Support: Both support UHS-I microSD cards up to 512GB, ensuring sufficient storage for extended shooting sessions.
  • App Control & Editing: Both devices are compatible with dedicated apps — DJI Mimo and GoPro Quik — offering intuitive controls, live previews, and powerful editing tools with AI-driven enhancements for fast content creation.

Common Features

FeatureGoPro 12Osmo Action 4
4K Video CapabilitiesYesYes
Wide Field of View (FOV)YesYes
Image StabilizationYesYes
Waterproof (No Housing)YesYes
Touchscreen DisplayYesYes
Voice ControlYesYes
Livestream SupportYesYes
Slow-Motion RecordingYesYes
Time-Lapse VideoYesYes
Timelapse with MotionYesYes
Removable BatteryYesYes
GPS Data (via App)YesYes
Smartphone ConnectivityYesYes
Voice Prompt SupportYesYes
Active Accessories SupportYesYes
DurabilityShockproof and DesignedShockproof and Designed
MicroSD Card SupportYesYes
App Control & EditingYesYes
AI-Powered FeaturesYesYes
Price Check GoPro 12 Price Check Action 4 Price

FAQ

What is the maximum video resolution supported by the Osmo Action 4 and GoPro HERO12 Black?
The Osmo Action 4 supports a maximum resolution of 4K at 120fps, while the GoPro HERO12 Black offers 5.3K at 60fps, delivering higher resolution for sharper details and more immersive footage.

Do both cameras offer waterproof capabilities without additional housing?
Yes, both cameras are waterproof without requiring an extra case. The Osmo Action 4 is waterproof up to 18m, while the GoPro HERO12 Black is rated for 10m, making both suitable for swimming, snorkeling, and light diving.

Do the Osmo Action 4 and GoPro HERO12 Black support image stabilization?
Yes, both models provide advanced stabilization. The Osmo Action 4 features RockSteady 3.0 and HorizonSteady, while the GoPro HERO12 Black offers HyperSmooth 6.0 with 360° Horizon Lock, providing extremely smooth and steady footage.

Do both cameras include front and rear touchscreen displays?
Yes, both the Osmo Action 4 and GoPro HERO12 Black come equipped with dual touchscreen displays. The rear screen is designed for settings and playback, while the front screen is ideal for vlogging and selfies.

Can both cameras record slow-motion footage?
Yes, both cameras offer 4K at 120fps and 1080p at 240fps for smooth and detailed slow-motion recording, ideal for capturing fast-moving action.

Do both models support HDR video recording?
No, only the GoPro HERO12 Black supports HDR video recording, enhancing image quality with richer colors and improved dynamic range. The Osmo Action 4 lacks this feature.

Are both cameras equipped with voice control?
Yes, both the Osmo Action 4 and GoPro HERO12 Black support voice commands, allowing users to control recording, capture photos, and switch modes hands-free.

Can both cameras be used for live streaming?
Yes, both the Osmo Action 4 and GoPro HERO12 Black support live streaming via their respective apps — DJI Mimo for the Osmo Action 4 and GoPro Quik for the HERO12.

Do both cameras have GPS functionality?
Neither camera has built-in GPS, but both support GPS data recording via their companion apps, enabling users to overlay speed and location information on their footage.

How do the mounting systems compare on both models?
The Osmo Action 4 features a Magnetic Quick Release Mount for fast setup and flexibility, while the GoPro HERO12 Black uses GoPro’s traditional mounting system, which is widely supported with various accessories.

Can both cameras operate in extreme temperatures?
Yes, both cameras are built to withstand extreme conditions. The Osmo Action 4 is optimized for improved cold resistance, while the GoPro HERO12 Black also offers reliable performance in challenging environments.

What type of battery do both models use, and is it replaceable?
Both cameras use removable batteries, allowing users to swap batteries easily for extended recording sessions. The Osmo Action 4 has a 1770mAh battery, while the GoPro HERO12 Black features a 1720mAh battery.

Do both cameras support external microphones for improved audio recording?
Yes, both models are compatible with external microphones via their respective adapters, ensuring better audio quality for professional recordings.

What storage options are available for both cameras?
Both the Osmo Action 4 and GoPro HERO12 Black support UHS-I microSD cards with capacities up to 512GB, providing ample storage for high-resolution video and large media files.

Which camera offers better low-light performance?
The Osmo Action 4 outperforms the GoPro HERO12 Black in low-light conditions due to its larger 1/1.3″ sensor, allowing better light capture and improved clarity in dim environments.

Leave a Comment