The GoPro Hero 10 currently holds the title of best action camera on the market but the new DJI Action 2 seems to be giving it a run for its money. This recent release from DJI came completely out of left field as it’s not just a simple upgraded version of its predecessor, the DJI Osmo Action. Rather, it’s a whole new creation that holds a lot of similarities to another rival, the Insta360.
So does this mean it’s better than the reigning champ? To help you answer this question, here’s an in-depth GoPro Hero 10 vs DJI Action 2 comparison that covers their design, performance, and additional features.
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GoPro Hero 10 vs DJI Action 2 Comparison Chart
Design
The GoPro Hero 10 has a traditional design while the DJI Action 2 is a modular camera.
The GoPro Hero 10 and the DJI Action 2 couldn’t be any more different in terms of design. The GoPro Hero 10 sports the typical action camera look that we’re all familiar with. If you own an older GoPro, then you’ll be very comfortable using this one. As with the more recent GoPro releases, it’s compatible with a bunch of accessories and mods such as the Light Mod with LEDs, the Media Mod with an external microphone, and the Display Mod with an additional screen. Don’t mistake it for a modular camera though because it’s still a traditional model that can function on its own without these extras.
The true modular camera is the DJI Action 2. Its main unit, which is just a tiny 39 × 39 × 22.3 mm box, can be hooked up to a front display module as well as a battery pack if need be. Instead of sockets, you connect them via clips and magnets. One cool thing about it is that it can be attached magnetically to a pendant which you wear under your shirt. You then stick the camera over the fabric to give it the illusion that it’s magically floating. This should be a nice little party trick for the content creators out there. But even though it’s a modular camera, it’s not as extreme as the Insta360 as its main unit comes with a battery and can operate on its own.
As for durability, both the GoPro Hero 10 and the DJI Action 2 are waterproof for up to 10 meters. Do note though that the latter loses its water-resistance when you attach it to a module. You’d have to get the waterproof case if you plan on bringing it into the water with you.
Display
It’s easier to frame and record with the GoPro Hero 10’s display than the DJI Air 2’s.
The DJI Air 2’s modular design comes with many benefits including having complete control of how your camera looks and functions. There is, however, the drawback of having a tiny screen. It’s a 1.76-inch display with a 446 x 424 resolution and while it’s pretty sharp, you might have to squint because of how small it is. And because it has a square-ish shape, recording in the 16:9 ratio is a little awkward. You could hook it up to the Front Touchscreen Mod although its screen is the exact same size.
As for the GoPro Hero 10, it comes with a larger 2.27-inch rear display so you’re going to have a much easier time composing your shots. You also have a front LCD screen with live preview so that you can frame your selfies perfectly. You even have the option to attach it to the Display Mod which will give you an even larger flip-up screen that’s perfect for framing and vlogging. To top things off, the Hero 10 has a new processor called the GP2 and this upgrade has made its touchscreen extra snappy and responsive. Needless to say, the Hero 10 is the clear winner in this department.
Image and Video Quality
The DJI Action 2 has a bigger sensor but the GoPro Hero 10 delivers higher image and video resolution.
The DJI Action 2 is equipped with a 1/1.7-inch sensor which is 35% bigger than the GoPro Hero 10’s 1/2.3-inch sensor. But even though it has more impressive camera hardware, it unfortunately doesn’t translate to higher quality images and videos. This is because it only has a resolution of 12MP which is just enough pixels to record in 4K. With the GoPro, you get a smaller sensor but because it’s equipped with a 23.6MP chip, you get to enjoy a maximum video resolution of 5K. That said, there is an upside to the DJI Action 2’s big sensor and that’s the fact that you get better footage in low light conditions.
Going back to the Hero 10, not only can it record in 5K but it can do so at 60fps. It can also shoot in 4K at 120 fps and 2.7K at 240fps. In addition, you can capture 19.6MP still frames if you’re recording in 5K with the 4:3 ratio which goes down to 15.8MP when you’re shooting in 4K in the 4:3 ratio. We have the powerful GP2 processor to thank for these impressive capabilities.
As for stabilization, the GoPro Hero 10 relies on the HyperSmooth 4.0 software while the DJI Action 2 makes use of Rocksteady 2.0. Both systems are able to provide buttery smooth footage and even come with horizon levelling so that your photos and videos will appear upright even if the camera’s tilted. The Hero 10’s levelling works up to 45 degrees while the DJI Action 2 can manage up to 180 degrees although with resolutions below 4K only.
Battery Life
The GoPro Hero 10 has a more dependable battery life than the DJI Action Hero 2.
The GoPro Hero 10 continues its winning streak over to the battery department, able to last up to 112 minutes while the DJI Action 2 can only manage up to 70 minutes. If you’re recording in 4K at 60fps, the Hero 10’s battery life is said to drop to 76 minutes and if this applies to the DJI Action 2 as well, then we can assume that it will only last up to around 45 minutes. While 45 minutes is still quite decent, the DJI Action 2 has a tendency to overheat which shortens the battery life even further.
You can remedy this though by attaching the DJI Action 2 to the Power Mod which will give you a total of around 180 hours if you’re recording at 1080p. It’s just nice that you don’t have to spend extra money or go through the trouble of attaching a mod with the Hero 10.
Verdict
The GoPro Hero 10 wins against the DJI Action 2.
GoPro Hero 10
DJI Action 2
The DJI Action 2 is a good attempt at a modular action camera. You can have plenty of creative and fun moments with it as you can attach it to a wide variety of mods and really make it your own. It does, however, come with a couple of drawbacks such as a tiny screen, lower image and video resolution, and shorter battery life. It’s really more of a niche camera that will appeal more to content creators.
For these reasons, we’re naming the GoPro Hero 10 as the winner of this comparison because it’s the better option for most people. Its traditional design is familiar, plus it has a big touchscreen display that will make it so much easier to frame and compose your shots. To top things off, the Hero 10 boasts of a new and powerful processor that allows it to shoot at an impressive resolution of 5K at 60fps and last for up to 112 minutes on a single charge.
If you’re curious how the GoPro Hero 10 fares against its predecessor, check out our GoPro Hero 10 vs 9 comparison.
FAQs
The GoPro Hero 10 is equipped with the new and powerful GP2 processor, has a more responsive touchscreen, and is able to shoot at an impressive max resolution of 5K at 60fps.
Yes, the GoPro Hero 10 is waterproof for up to 10 meters.
The GoPro Hero 10 is compatible with a bunch of accessories and mods such as the Light Mod with LEDs, the Media Mod with an external microphone, and the Display Mod with an additional screen.
Yes, the GoPro Hero 10 holds a lot of creative potential thanks to its improved camera specs. It’s able to shoot 5.7K at 60fps, 4K at 120fps, and 2.7K at 240fps.