GoPro Hero 11 vs DJI Osmo Action 3: Which Action Camera is Best for FPV?

Action cameras have come a long way in the last few years. With impressive video stabilization, rugged builds, and great image quality, it can be tough to decide which model is right for you.

In this in-depth comparison, we’ll be looking at two of the most popular action cams on the market – the GoPro Hero 11 and the DJI Osmo Action 3.

I recently got my hands on both of these cameras to put them through a series of real-world tests. After taking them out on adventures, attaching them to drones, and pushing them to their limits, I have a good sense of how they stack up.

Read on to see my full breakdown of the GoPro Hero 11 vs DJI Osmo Action 3!

Overview of the GoPro Hero 11 and DJI Osmo Action 3

Before we dive into the details, let’s take a quick look at an overview of each camera’s specs and features:

As you can see, these two compact action cams share a lot of similar specs on paper. But specs only tell part of the story – let’s see how they compare in real-world use!

1. Comparison: Design and Quality

First, both cameras sport a very similar form factor – a small, rectangular box shape that’s easily mountable. The dimensions are nearly identical, with the Hero 11 coming in at 71.8 x 55.6 x 33.6 mm and the Action 3 measuring 71.6 x 55.2 x 35.2 mm.

On the top side, you’ll find the record button and power button in the same locations. The Hero 11 has just a single flip-up door compared to the Action 3’s dual lids.

The built-in folding mounting feet on the GoPro are handy for quickly attaching the camera without any additional accessories. The Action 3 lacks feet, but has a magnetic bottom for slapping onto magnetic mounts.

In terms of durability, both cameras live up to their action camera names. They’re shockproof and can withstand some serious abuse. I’ve put both through crash tests, dropped them from heights, and submerged them without any issues.

When it comes to build quality, the Hero 11 edges out the Action 3 slightly. The materials feel more premium, with metal used in the hinges and a more refined overall look. But both are rugged and well-designed for action.

2. Comparison: Controls and User Interface

Ease of use is crucial for an action cam. You want to be able to start and stop recording quickly without fussing with complex menus.

The interfaces on the Hero 11 and Action 3 are streamlined and simple to operate. All of the main shooting modes and settings can be accessed via the touchscreens or button shortcuts.

I give a slight advantage to the Osmo Action 3 when it comes to interface and controls. The touchscreen is more responsive and I like the dedicated record button up top. But in reality, both cameras are very intuitive and user-friendly.

3. Comparison: Image Quality

Now let’s move onto what really matters – the image quality!

With larger sensors and advanced lenses, both the Hero 11 and Action 3 are capable of some impressively detailed shots.

The Hero 11 has a significantly larger 1/1.9” sensor compared to the 1/1.7” sensor in the Action 3. This gives it more surface area to capture light and leads to improved dynamic range and low light performance.

I took both cameras out for plenty of shooting tests in a variety of conditions – underwater, on drones, in low light, and more. The results speak for themselves:

The Hero 11 consistently produces more detailed shots with better color reproduction. The larger sensor handles highlights and shadows more gracefully, preventing blown out skies or muddy blacks.

The built-in HyperSmooth 5.0 stabilization also leads to gimbal-smooth footage on the GoPro. When paired with the Horizon Lock feature, you can get incredibly stable shots even in shaky situations.

4. Comparison: Photo/Video Features

With the basics covered, let’s explore some of the advanced features you’ll find on these action cameras.

Both offer a wide range of resolutions and frame rates to choose from. You can shoot max 5.3K on the Hero 11 and 4K on the Action 3. Slow motion fans will love that you can film up to 120fps in 4K or 240fps at 2.7K on both models.

A key advantage for the Hero 11 is the ability to extract telemetry data from footage. This allows you to access the orientation data and input it into stabilization software for even smoother video. Unfortunately, the Action 3 doesn’t provide this telemetry data.

For photos, the Hero 11’s new 23MP sensor captures incredibly detailed still images. You can pull high-res photos from video up to 19.6MP as well. The Action 3 lags behind at just 12MP.

One area where the Action 3 excels is with its front-facing secondary screen. This makes framing selfie shots much easier compared to the Hero 11’s rear screen only.

5. Comparison: Battery Life

Battery life is a major factor for action cameras. The last thing you want is your camera dying mid-adventure!

GoPro made big improvements to battery life with the Hero 11, rating it for up to 38 minutes of 4K/30p recording. This is a nice bump up from the Hero 10’s roughly 30 minutes of juice.

Meanwhile, the Action 3 is specced for up to 68 minutes of 4K recording per charge. However, in real-world testing I found it much closer to about 50 minutes per charge.

Still, the Action 3 does have a noticeable battery life advantage over the Hero 11. I never felt anxious about the battery when filming with the DJI cam, while I did need to be more careful with the GoPro’s usage.

6. Comparison: Stabilization

Stable footage is critical for POV shooting. Shaky videos from poor stabilization can ruin action cam footage. Both models offer advanced software stabilization:

In back-to-back tests, HyperSmooth produces noticeably better results, especially when moving the camera. It almost seems like you’re using a gimbal, with no warping or artifacts.

RockSteady does a decent job smoothing out smaller bumps and vibrations. But it can’t match the gimbal-like steadiness of HyperSmooth.

7. Comparison: Audio Quality

Quality audio is just as crucial as great video when it comes to action cameras. Let’s examine how the onboard mics in the Hero 11 and Action 3 compare.

In my tests, the Hero 11 consistently produced cleaner audio with better noise reduction. Even in windy or loud environments, the 3-mic setup isolated voices clearly.

The Action 3 tends to pick up more ambient noises and its audio often sounded a bit muffled and compressed. For vlogging or other talking head shots, the Hero 11’s audio is vastly better.

8. Comparison: Accessories

One final area to compare is the accessory ecosystems around these cameras. Given GoPro’s decade head start in the action cam space, it offers a much wider array of mounting, housing, lighting, and mod accessories.

However, DJI is rapidly expanding its Action series offerings. You can find a solid selection of Osmo Action mounts, filters, controllers, batteries, and more from DJI or third parties.

I give the edge to GoPro here due to the sheer breadth of compatible accessories from tons of brands. But DJI owners still have plenty of options to deck out their Action cams.

9. Comparison: Price

With the Hero 11 starting at $399 and the Action 3 at $329, DJI holds a clear pricing advantage. However, when you factor in the superior image quality, stabilization, and accessories of the GoPro, I think the extra cost is justified.

Both cameras represent good value and are cheaper than many traditional still/video cameras with much worse durability.

Overall, I think the Hero 11 provides a better combination of features, performance, and ecosystem than the Action 3 at its reasonable price point.

GoPro Hero 11 vs DJI Osmo Action 3: The Winner

After extensive real-world testing and analysis, I have to declare the GoPro Hero 11 as the winner in this battle of top action cameras.

The Hero 11 pulls ahead of the Action 3 in most of the major categories. It offers professional-level image quality, incredibly stable footage with Horizon Lock, a huge range of accessories, and premium design.

That said, the Osmo Action 3 remains an impressive pick in its own right. It holds advantages for battery life, price, and its front display. Casual users who don’t need the highest video quality may be very happy with the Action 3.

But for serious adventurers, content creators, and videographers who want the best performance possible from an action cam, the GoPro Hero 11 is my top choice in 2024. It defines the cutting edge of features and capabilities in a compact form factor.

I hope this detailed comparison has helped breakdown how the GoPro Hero 11 and DJI Osmo Action 3 stack up across all aspects. Let me know if you have any other questions!