When it comes to action cameras, two big names stand out: DJI and GoPro. GoPro is practically synonymous with action cameras, but DJI is a strong competitor with impressive products eating into GoPro‘s market share.
Nowhere is this competition fiercer than between the DJI Action 2 and the GoPro 10. These two cameras represent the best each brand offers for capturing adventures big and small.
But when comparing the DJI Action 2 and the GoPro 10, which camera comes out on top? Let‘s take an in-depth look at how these two stack up across the most important categories.
DJI Action 2 vs GoPro 10: Key Specs
Here is a side-by-side look at the core specs of each camera:
| Spec | DJI Action 2 | GoPro 10 |
|---|---|---|
| Release Date | October 2021 | September 2021 |
| Camera Type | Digital | Digital |
| Sensor Resolution | 12MP | 23.3MP |
| Sensor Size | 1/1.7” | 1/2.3” |
| ISO Range | 100-6400 (photo), 100-6400 (video) | 100-3200 (photo), 110-3200 (video) |
| Max Video Resolution | 4K at 120fps | 5.3K at 60fps |
| Touchscreen | Yes | Yes |
| Battery Life | Up to 70 minutes | Up to 2 hours |
| Weight | 56g | 158g |
| Storage | 32GB built-in, microSD expandable | MicroSD only |
| Waterproof Rating | 10m (33ft) without case, 60m (197ft) with case | 10m (33ft) |
| Dimensions | 39 x 39 x 22.3 mm | 71 x 50.8 x 33.6 mm |
As you can see, while similar in many ways, these two cameras have some distinct differences that set them apart.
Design and Portability
The most noticeable difference between the DJI Action 2 and GoPro 10 is their size and design. Despite the GoPro‘s compact size, the DJI Action 2 is considerably smaller and lighter at just 56g.
In fact, the DJI model is a full three times lighter than the 158g GoPro. It‘s also nearly half as thick and its square body is much smaller than the rectangular GoPro. This makes the DJI pocket-sized and far easier to mount securely, carry for long periods, and attach to drones or vehicles.
The downside of the smaller design is less space for ports and batteries. The DJI has no USB port, instead using an attachable battery module for power. In contrast, the GoPro uses a common USB-C cable.
When it comes to looks, the blocky DJI design comes across as more fun and modern compared to GoPro‘s tried-and-true look that has changed little over the past decade.
Overall, those prioritizing an ultra-portable camera will find their match with the DJI Action 2. But the GoPro offers a more familiar and practical design.
Video Quality and Features
Both cameras shoot beautiful, stabilized video. However, their capabilities differ:
Video Resolution: The GoPro 10 wins on resolution with its ability to shoot 5.3K footage at 60fps. The DJI maxes out at 4K at 120fps. For most users 4K is more than enough, but 5.3K allows you to capture a wider view which is especially useful for action shots.
Sensors: The DJI has a 1/1.7” sensor which is over 35% larger than the 1/2.3” sensor in the GoPro 10 . This allows it to take in more light. However, the GoPro‘s 23.3MP resolution beats the DJI‘s 12MP sensor. In reality both deliver superb 4K video and photos.
Slow Motion: For silky smooth slow motion, the GoPro 10 edges out the competition with its ability to shoot 4K video at 120fps and up 2.7K video at 240fps. The DJI Action 2 maxes out at 4K at 120fps.
Low Light: Here the larger sensor size gives the DJI Action 2 the advantage. Test show lower levels of noise compared to the GoPro 10 when shooting in dim lighting.
Stabilization: Both models provide excellent stabilization using proprietary technology to smooth out video footage. The GoPro‘s HyperSmooth 4.0 stabilization works incredibly well.
While the GoPro wins on resolution and frames per second, the DJI produces great looking video too. So both are excellent choices for crisp, stabilized 4K footage. But GoPro dominates if you want to slow things down with high resolution slow motion.
Battery Life
Battery life is crucial with action cameras due to their power-hungry processors. The compact size of the DJI Action 2 takes a toll on battery life, squeezing out around 70 minutes per charge with normal use. Heavy use at high resolutions will drain it faster.
Meanwhile, the GoPro 10 benefits from a larger body with bigger battery, touting a runtime between 1.5 and 2 hours per charge. That‘s about double the battery life.
For longer shoots, the replaceable battery on the GoPro 10 makes carrying spares easy and affordable. Recharging the DJI requires the external battery module attached instead, a less convenient and more costly solution.
Storage Capacity
When it comes to saving all those awesome videos and photos, storage is key. Here‘s how they compare:
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Built-In Storage: The DJI Action 2 packs 32GB of onboard storage out of the box, with about 22GB readily available for capturing video.
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External Storage: Both cameras support microSD cards up to 1TB for expanded storage.
GoPro forces you to supply your own SD card from the get-to. So while the DJI wins on built-in storage, microSD expansion is accessible either way. With memory card prices dropping lower each year, requiring a card from the start is less of an issue with the GoPro.
Controls and Usability
These cameras need to be quick and convenient when it‘s time to shoot. Both DJI and GoPro did an excellent job making their cameras easy to use on the fly:
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Turning the cameras on starts recording within seconds on default settings.
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Big, bright rear touchscreens with clear interfaces allows adjusting any setting on the screen quickly.
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Dedicated record buttons placed for easy access while mounted or on the go.
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Responsive touch control while viewing the scene in front of lens.
The GoPro 10 screen at 2.27” is over 25% larger than the 1.76” display on the DJI Action 2 however. This extra screen space on the GoPro makes changing modes and toggling settings a bit less cramped.
Hands-free voice commands on the GoPro also gives it a nice convenience advantage. Overall the usability of both cameras make capturing the moment wonderfully fast and fluid!
Image Quality
With these cameras, it‘s often the videos that get top billing. But how do still images look?
Resolution: The star here is the GoPro‘s immense 23MP resolution resulting in 5472 x 3648 pixel images. The DJI captures at 4000 x 3000 pixels which pales in comparison. Of course, 12MP remains highly usable for social sharing and prints.
Image Stabilization: Both cameras shoot impressively crisp, sharp photos aided by their stellar image stabilization. The larger sensor in the DJI helps it capture steadier and cleaner low light images compared to the GoPro.
HDR: Each model shoots vivid HDR photos by taking a quick multi-shot sequence and blending exposures. This reveals greater dynamic range in tricky high contrast scenes.
RAW Format: Professionals will be glad both the DJI and GoPro support capturing no-compromise RAW image files. This allows producing high quality processed images later in editing software.
For most users, the photo abilities will satisfy needs with bright, shareable results straight from camera. But the GoPro certainly outclasses the DJI in resolution and megapixels which matter for cropping flexibility.
Accessories
Expandability via accessories can make action cameras far more versatile to mount and position exactly where you want.
Included Accessories – Right in the box, the DJI Action 2 comes with a host of handy accessories. This includes a magnetic lanyard, adhesive mounts, magnetic mounting ring and power cable.
The GoPro 10 however includes just a single rechargeable battery and no mounts. You have buy your mounts separately.First Party Accessories – As popular as GoPro cameras are, they enjoy a massive ecosystem of accessories from GoPro themselves. Chest straps, floating grips, 3-way tripod mounts and suction cup mounts just scratch the surface of official mounts.
DJI offers a smaller but still solid range of handy mounts as well like magnetic mounts or an extended microphone.Third Party Accessories – The sheer ubiquity of GoPro cameras also means a galaxy of third party accessories on the market catering specifically to GoPro models. From rugged tripod mounts to underwater scuba masks, the aftermarket selection seems endless thanks to widespread use.
While not enjoying that scale of adoption yet, you can still find solid third party gear for the DJI system too and this catalogue will only grow.No surprises here that GoPro once again prevails when taking the entirety of the mounting ecosystem into account. But DJI impresses too with both included mounts and some clever magnetic accessories that feel like the future.
Standout Features
A few unique strengths stand out on each camera beyond core specs:
DJI Action 2 Standout Features
👍 Modular Design: Camera modules for core function, battery and frontal display let you mix-and-match pieces for any shooting needs.
👍 Tiny Size: A marvel of miniaturized design, the DJI Action 2‘s diminutive size sets a new bar for portability.
👍 Included Accessories: Right in the box are mounts, cables and more so new users have all they need to get rolling.
👍 Magnetic Mounting: Clever built-in magnets instantly attach and detach camera from innovative magnetic mounts.
GoPro 10 Standout Features
👍 5.3K Video: With a wide 5.3K resolution at 60fps, captures immersive footage well beyond 4K video.
👍 Slow Motion Modes: Shoot buttery smooth slo-mo at up to 8x slower speeds thanks to high frame rate options.
👍 HyperSmooth 4.0: Class-leading video stabilization makes footage impressively smooth and steady during heavy action.
👍 Built-in Live Streaming: Share adventures big and small in real-time by streaming live to social media straight from camera.
👍 Cloud Storage: Auto-upload makes accessing and sharing videos easy via unlimited cloud storage.
Both manufacturers included special capabilities you can only find in their respective cameras. These help each one carve out unique niches.
Price and Value
Money often weighs heavily on buying decisions. How much bang for your buck does each camera offer?
At the time of writing, the manufacturers suggested retail prices were:
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DJI Action 2: $299 alone or $399 for the dual-screen combo kit
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GoPro 10: $399 for the camera alone
We can almost always find them cheaper online though thanks to market competition:
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Current DJI Action 2 Price: Approximately $220
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Current GoPro 10 Price: Approximately $350
When scored strictly by dollar value, the DJI Action 2 pulls ahead. Despite the lesser 4K video resolution, you still get superb stabilization, great rugged build quality and nice touches like the modular system and integrated magnets.
That said, if you prioritize maximum frames-per-second, slo-mo modes or top-end 5.3K video potential, paying extra for the GoPro 10 delivers more for avid videographers. Casual users benefit more from pocketing the savings and still gaining wonderful 4K action camera abilities with the DJI model.
The Verdict: DJI Action 2 vs GoPro 10
In the battle between these two category leaders, both the DJI Action and GoPro 10 are impressive packages that make capturing life‘s adventures easier than ever.
The DJI Action 2 strikes an ideal balance of performance, features and compact size. Tiny yet mighty, it stuffs advanced stabilization and great 4K footage into a petite body smaller than a smartphone while costing hundreds less than the competition.
Meanwhile the GoPro 10 fields class-dominating specs like 5.3K video, incredibly slow motion potential, cloud connectivity and all bolstered by the largest mounting ecosystem in the industry.
So which camera claims victory in this showdown?
For most average consumers, the DJI Action 2 checks the most boxes blending performance, price and innovative design into a irresistibly charming package that‘s hard to beat.
But demanding professionals and passionate creative hobbyists pursuing the highest resolution footage will find the additional capabilities of the GoPro 10 well worth the premium price.
Ultimately though, both adversaries prove themselves as impressive instruments capable of capturing life’s amazing moments so that we can relive them for years to come. You‘ll win with either model.
