Episode 381: The Best Actions Cameras

Show Transcript

Greetings everyone, you’re listening to the Liam Photography Podcast, I’m your host Liam Douglas and this is Episode 381 for Thursday December 14, 2023. In today’s Episode I am taking a look at the most popular Action Cameras and which one might be right for you. We’ll be comparing the GoPro Hero 12 Black, the DJI Osmo Action 4 and the new Insta360 Ace Pro. All of these cameras are similar in form and function but we’ll take a closer look at each one and what it’s capabilities are.

GoPro Hero 12 Black

The GoPro Hero 2 Black is the heavyweight in the action camera market and  GoPro is the first of all action cameras. The following are the key features of the Hero 12 Black.

1. 27MP sensor with Improved Performance
2. 5.3K60/4K120/2.7K240 Video, 27MP Photos
3. HyperSmooth 6.0 Image Stabilization
4. Front and Rear LCD Screens
5. Bluetooth Audio Connectivity and Control
6. 33' Waterproof without Housing
7. 8x Slow-Motion Video
8. 1720mAh Capacity Rechargeable Battery

While the GoPro HERO12 Black features some similar hardware to its predecessor—a 27MP image sensor capable of 5.3K60 video recording—its improved battery life, HyperSmooth 6.0 technology, and expanded Bluetooth wireless further its capabilities. The image sensor can capture 27MP RAW still photos as well as 5.3K60, 4K120, and 2.7K240 video with ease. HyperSmooth 6.0 digital image stabilization with AutoBoost ensures your footage remains high-quality while reducing image cropping. The HERO12 also has improved power management to continuously record video 2x faster than previous models.

Enabled HDR for both video (5.3K and 4K) and photo modes to render more detail in your shadows and highlights. Capture up to 5.3K60 video or up to 27MP RAW photos with crisp details and cinematic image quality. You can even grab 24.7MP frames from your videos using the Quik app. Record 2.7K video at a 240 frame rate for playback at 8x slow motion.

Upgraded HyperSmooth 6.0 features AutoBoost performance that reduces image cropping, which might otherwise compromise your framing. 360° Horizon Lock keeps your footage steady and level, even if your camera rotates completely.

Connect the HERO12 to compatible Bluetooth devices like a wireless microphone to record improved audio. You can even connect wireless headphones to either monitor your recorded audio or facilitate voice commands in noisy settings. Hear camera alerts through your headphones to confirm the HERO12 received the command. This feature works great with my Apple AirPod Pros and makes using the camera so much more convenient when shooting out in the field all day long.

Choose between point-and-shoot simplicity or full camera control using the HERO12's two control modes. Easy control allows you to frame your shot and hit the shutter button for a one-and-done shooting solution. Tap the 2.27" rear touchscreen to toggle between widescreen and mobile shots, slow motion, night effects, and other adjustments. Pro controls unlock the ability to fine-tune all modes, settings, and features to then set as a preset.

The HERO12 has better battery efficiency that, combined with the Enduro battery, delivers a 2x power longevity increase compared to the previous model. Record continuous 5.3K60 footage for 70 minutes or 1080p30 video for over 1.5 hours.

Set the interval photo tool to capture all the action at fixed intervals while you practice your tennis swing or take shots at the goal. HingSight captures up to 30s of footage before you record, so even if you press the shutter too late, you don't miss a shot. Scheduled Capture turns the GoPro on and captures a shot up to 24 hours in advance for easy photo time-lapses. Duration Capture records video clips from 15 seconds to 3 hours long.

Star Trails uses Earth's rotation to create light trails with the stars in the sky.

Light Painting converts moving light into brushstrokes. Vehicle Light Trails records the movement of nighttime traffic lights.

Choose between capturing 8-bit or 10-bit color for smoother gradations in your footage. GoPro exclusive HyperView digital lens takes the 8:7 aspect ratio footage captured by the new image sensor and delivers it as a wide-angle 16:9 shot for immersive POV video. Plug your HERO12 in when connected to your home Wi-Fi and automatically upload your footage to the cloud. A highlight video is sent to your phone and can then be edited with beat-synced music and effects.

Easy-to-use tools allow you to edit your footage, tweak automatically generated highlight videos, or make your own videos from scratch. Change digital lenses after recording, zoom in on the best frames, and create thumbnails for your next social media post or YouTube video. Wirelessly upload video to your Quik app without needing to use the USB-C connection on the camera.

The camera can withstand depths up to 33' on its own. A water-repelling lens cover eliminates lens flare to make photos and video crystal clear. An included rechargeable 1720mAh battery features improved cold temperature performance for inclement weather.

DJI Osmo Action 4

The next camera we’re taking a look at is the new DJI Osmo Action 4 from the number one maker of drones in the world. To be honest DJI got into Action Cameras as a smack down to GoPro when the later decided to get into drones with their failed GoPro Karma. The Action 4 is DJI’s latest in their Osmo Action line and DJI also has their Osmo Pocket series, but we’ll focus on the Action in this episode. The key features of the Action 4 are:

1. 1/1.3" CMOS Sensor, Wide 155° FOV
2. Front & Back Color Touchscreen Displays
3. Up to UHD 4K120, 2.7K120, 1080p240
4. Fast Charge Technology, Voice Control
5. RockSteady 3.0 Image Stabilization
6. HorizonBalance & HorizonSteady Leveling
7. Camera is Waterproof to 59'
8. Built-In Mics for Stereo Audio Recording

Capture steady, high-definition footage in virtually any scenario with the Osmo Action 4 Camera Adventure Combo from DJI. The Osmo Action 4 features many of the same features as its predecessor, like dual screens, RockSteady and HorizonSteady stabilization systems, and a waterproof camera body. A slightly bigger sensor with a higher MP count, a new 10-bit D-Log M color mode, and an upgraded microSD slot capable of supporting larger card sizes make up the Action 4's improved design. The Adventure Combo goes beyond the Standard Combo by adding more batteries, a multifunction battery case, and a selfie extension rod.

The camera features a 1/1.3" sensor to record up to UHD 4K120 video and capture experiences in dynamic, smooth detail. A super-wide 155° FOV ensures all the action is in frame. 10-bit D-Log M color mode provides you with over one billion colors and a wider dynamic range for vivid footage.

The Action 4's color temperature sensor intelligently adjusts white balance and auto-exposure for highly accurate colors, even in complex lighting environments like when scuba or free diving deep below the surface. Sync with the DJI Mimo app for improved detail rendering underwater.

An intelligent stabilization algorithm eliminates camera shake in all directions to ensure your high-adrenaline mountain biking or skiing shots maintain smooth movements. It supports use while recording at up to 4K120, providing a stable and immersive first-person perspective.

This smart stabilization feature helps to eliminate camera shake in all directions, and even horizontally corrects tilt at any angle in 2.7K60 video. That means footage can remain horizontally level, even through heavy bumps and 360° rotations. In addition, you can activate HorizonBalancing, which corrects the tilt horizontally within ±45° and supports recording stable 4K60 videos.

The magnetic quick release design of the Action 4 allows you to easily switch things up when needed. Detach and switch between different mounts and accessories. The horizontal-vertical protective frame lets you natively shoot vertical video for social media platforms.

As part of the Adventure Combo, the Extension Rod provides a long mount for your Action 4, which can extend from 11.8" to 4.9' in length, offering you selfie stick angles. There is a 1/4"-20 thread on the bottom of the vertical mount that allows you to add accessories or mount it onto another rig.

Use features like SnapShot to ensure you never miss a moment. Save frequently used settings to the five built-in shortcuts to switch modes on the fly using the quick-switch button or voice prompts.

Intuitive control, even if you can't see the screens. Short-press the Quick Switch button, and the camera will voice broadcast the current shooting mode. Even if the camera is installed on a helmet or other hard-to-see location, you can accurately select the required mode and be confident you'll never miss the moment you want to record. You can even add up to five sets of custom parameters to the shooting mode list. Remotely control your camera with just your voice. Ideal for scenarios where your hands are busy, the Action 4 recognizes voice commands with a high recognition rate, letting you stay locked into the moment.

The 1.4" front screen is convenient for vlogging and framing selfies and supports commonly used touch control functions. No more turning the camera around for parameter adjustments, mode switching, or video playback. When the camera is switched between horizontal and vertical orientations, the user interface adapts accordingly. The touchscreens are also sensitive enough to be operated easily with wet hands.

Use the upgraded InvisiStick function with the DJI Mimo app to fully eliminate the selfie stick from your shots to maintain your camera's POV without interference from your mounting equipment.

Live stream directly from your Action 4 using the built-in dual-band Wi-Fi or your phone's hotspot. Choose your preferred platform and resolution to connect anywhere and record your footage.

Three built-in omnidirectional microphones record accurate and clear sound. A hidden microphone at the bottom of the Action 4 suppresses wind noise for windy or fast-moving scenarios. Connect the separately available DJI Mic for a portable, easy-to-mount audio solution with a transmission distance of 820'. The camera can connect to other external microphones using an optional USB-C to 3.5mm cable.

The camera body can be fully submerged up to 59', enhancing your underwater adventures without needing additional accessories.

Continuously record for 2.6 hours with the 1770mAh high-capacity battery capable of operating in temperatures as low as -4°F. Fast charging technology allows you to power up the battery 80% in just 18 minutes. Included in the Adventure Combo is a Multifunctional Battery Case, which stores three Osmo 4 batteries and fast charges them simultaneously. The case can be powered by an external source via the USB-C port and act as a power bank via that same port. It can even store two microSD cards to keep them safe and protected.

Built-in timecode in the Action 4 allows you to easily synchronize footage in multicamera shooting scenarios.

The LightCut video editor app is thoroughly optimized for use with the Action 4. It can automatically select clips and intelligently match them with exclusive templates to generate ready-to-share video edits. It supports a direct connection with the Action 4 for quick, convenient footage previews. After shooting, simply let the AI select your highlight moments and generate 4K HD videos. Choose from a number of fun templates designed for fast-paced footage. Whether biking, snowboarding, or diving, epic little edits are right at your fingertips.

Insta360 ACE 8K Pro

The third and final camera we are looking at today is the Insta360 Ace Pro 8k Action camera. The following are the key features of the new Insta360 Ace Pro:

1. Capture up to 8K24 Action Footage
2. 1/1.3" 48MP Sensor, Active HDR Capture
3. 151° Wide-Angle Leica f/2.6 Lens
4. FlowState Stabilization, Horizon Lock
5. Voice & Gesture Control, 32' Waterproof
6. 2.4" Flip Touchscreen, 0.7" Front Screen
7. 90-Minute Runtime, Fast Charging
8. 2x Video & 2.5x Photo Digital Zoom
9. Directional/Stereo Audio, Wind Reduction
10. Multiple Selectable Video Modes

Capture all the action on the road, in the studio, or in the water with the ACE Pro 8K Action Camera from Insta360. This compact, easy-to-use action camera provides up to 8K photo and video capture in a tiny action body that can be mounted and carried anywhere when traveling, shooting action videos, or vlogging. The large 1/1.3" sensor allows you to capture up to 8K24 resolution and features an automatic HDR mode and superior low-light performance to capture vibrant, realistic color. The wide-angle lens was developed with world-class lensmaker Leica, allowing you to capture up to a 151° field of view.

The back 2.4" touchscreen live-view display flips up to be used as front- or rear-facing, and there's a front 0.7" display that provides a view of active settings. Built-in FlowState uses a scene-detection algorithm to stabilize your shots, so they come out more balanced and professional-looking. The long-lasting battery supports fast charging and allows you to capture 4K30 video for up to 90 minutes of runtime, and 1080p video for over two hours.

The ACE Pro allows sports enthusiasts, adventurers, and creators to easily record in any situation with consistently exceptional image quality. It is ideal for people with high expectations of what an action camera can capture with a quick and easy way to shoot, edit, and share.

Capture every exhilarating moment with striking clarity and detail with the 8K sensor, even in fast-moving action scenarios or low-light conditions. Its high-resolution performance delivers photos and videos that are rich, sharp, and vibrant. The Insta360 Ace Pro features the exact same sensor that is in the DJI Osmo Action 4 at 1/1.3”, but unlike the Action 4, the Insta360 Ace Pro shoots 8K video vs the Action at 4K.

Partnering with Insta360, Leica brings its legendary expertise in optical design and state-of-the-art imaging to the ACE Pro. This premium alliance pairs Insta360's cutting-edge technology with Leica's renowned imaging expertise, delivering spectacular visuals to any given moment.

Capture the night in all its glory. Powered by a 1/1.3" sensor, PureVideo redefines low-light shooting with noise reduction, color enhancement, and improved dynamic range, even in action-packed night scenes.

The ACE Pro supports up to 8K24 video capture. Relive life's greatest adventures in unparalleled clarity. Each streak of action, each splash of color, rendered in stunning detail.

Capture every high-intensity moment in astounding detail. Experience life's thrilling adventures, revealed through incredibly smooth, sharp images at 4K120.

Capture the extra detail those picture-perfect moments deserve, with incredible colors and lighting with 8064 x 6048 48MP still photos.

With automatic Active HDR, the ACE Pro keeps your video stabilized as you move without the need to activate it while keeping details in the highlights and shadows for more vibrant footage. It delivers accurate and rich colors, reproducing the authenticity of every hue, particularly in underwater or low-light situations.

The ACE Pro delivers accurate and rich colors, reproducing the authenticity of every hue, particularly in underwater situations. There is also a 0.7" display on the front to display settings and status when shooting selfies.

Embrace smart shooting with Insta360's gesture control function. It's perfect for group snaps or in situations with loud background noise. You're in command, even with helmets and gloves on, for hands-free, hassle-free shooting.

A new voice control algorithm makes it easier to control the ACE Pro when your camera is mounted out of reach.

Clarity Zoom: With just a double tap on the camera's touchscreen you can instantly zoom in 2x without compromising image quality.

Live Snapshot: See a great photo opportunity while taking a video? Take ready-to-share photos at any moment while recording a video.

Cancel Recording: Hold down the shutter button to instantly erase the current clip. Empty your memory card as you go and skip the tedious process of hunting down unwanted footage in post-production.

Pause Recording: Perfect for athletes who want to capture only the highlights without editing out the bits in between, or creators who have a series of shots in mind that they want to keep in one file.

Shoot in a 4:3 frame with the freedom to export in any aspect ratio. If you're not sure what framing will look best with your shot, FreeFrame is the answer. It also allows you to share to social media in horizontal or vertical formats to get maximum use from every clip. Or you can set the aspect in 16:9 for HD format or 2:35:1 for a cinema anamorphic frame.

1. TimeShift: Speed up time and space.
2. Dynamic Time-Lapse: Achieve a moving time-lapse by cropping still time-lapse video in post.
3. Starlapse: Make low light photography easy and capture the stars in all their glory.
4. Loop Recording: Turn your camera into a dashcam and save precious space on your memory card.
5. Pre-Recording: Save 15/30 seconds of footage before you press the shutter button! Make sure you never miss a key moment.
6. Timed Capture: Schedule the camera to power on and start recording at a specific time. No more waking up early to shoot a sunrise time-lapse.
7. Auto Dash: Auto power on and start recording in any mode when an external power source is detected. Perfect for dashcam use.
8. Invisible Selfie Stick: The algorithm in the Insta360 app makes your selfie stick disappear in the final capture. See the results right on your device without waiting to upload to the cloud.
9. AI Warp: Unleash the power of AI to add a dynamic twist to your videos. Transform your footage with customizable AI effects that can be applied to the whole clip or specific parts (free for a certain number of clips, and then there is a charge per clip).
10. Motion Blur: Now you can apply a motion blur effect in the app. Get that cool, immersive shot even without ND filters.

When turned on, ACE can automatically detect the peak moments in a single video and deliver 'clip highlights' for your review, all within the camera. Merge every thrilling moment into one epic recap, or choose the ones you like to save storage on the SD card.

The AI Highlights Assistant also saves you from sorting through hours of footage in post. It will edit your latest adventures into one epic video and push it directly to your device upon connection to the app. Recreate the excitement and share your moments instantaneously. Go to the new Moments section in the app and relive your best shots, auto-edited by AI.

Download footage from your ACE Pro while the app runs in the background, leaving you free to focus on other tasks. When the download is complete, you'll receive a notification to go back to the Insta360 App with one tap.

Get smooth video even in the bumpiest conditions with a stabilization algorithm.

Ramp up the action with Horizon Lock. Defy gravity by keeping your footage flawlessly level for smoother, more watchable videos.

Trust your camera will keep going even in the toughest conditions, from -4°F to scorching heat. Replaceable lens guards also offer peace of mind for any major drops or crashes.

Engineered for adventure, the ACE Pro is waterproof to 32.8', more than enough for a wild underwater adventure. To go even deeper, there's an optional Dive Case to take the camera down to 197’.

Keep going all day with an extra-long battery life. Film continuously with the ACE Pro for up to 90 minutes in 4K60 or up to 120 minutes in 1080p mode. The ACE Pro's charging capability also ensures a swift power boost with fast charging. Fast charge the battery to 80% in just 22 minutes, or fully charged in 46 minutes.

The camera features a magnetic surface that allows quick release mounting of accessories for optional mounts such as a 3-prong mount, selfie stick, multi-mount, shoe mount, mic adapter, horizontal/vertical mount, adhesive mount, and quick reader.

Add even more accessories to your setup with an optional screen protector, lens guard, super-wide lens, battery charging hub, dive case, float guard, ND filters, chest strap, helmet mount, handlebar mount, and custom carry case.

Conclusion

So after looking at the three most popular Action Cameras on the market today, each one has great capabilities and features. Being able to pair your Bluetooth earbuds with the Hero 12 Black is totally awesome and handy when out shooting all day and the 12 also features the new 8x7 aspect ration for using your footage for either vertical or horizontal videos posts on Youtube, Instagram or TikTok. The Action 4 and Ace Pro are better at low light performance with their 1/1.3” sensor and their built in stabilization. Although all of the cameras have very good stabilization and waterproof capabilities, they each have their own limits on waterproof depth capabilities.

The other key feature that the Action 4 and the Ace Pro have is the ability to “magically” remove your selfie stick from your footage so you can get much cleaner footage as an end result.

Voice commands and control are a function that all three action cameras have in common and something that a lot of Content Creators love as it makes their life easier when out shooting their content.

For my personal use, I enjoy all three models as they are all excellent for various tasks and I love the newer mounting systems on all three. GoPro’s best most was making their mount fingers built into the camera itself and making them foldable. The new fingers are stronger than the old ones built into the GoPro mounts, but they are not indestructible, luckily they can be replaced fairly easily. The Action 4 and the Ace Pro both have a magnetic mount system, which I love better than the older GoPro mount as you can leave your magnetic mount on a device such as a selfie stick or tripod and then just snap the camera in place when you need to use such a device. Their magnet mounts also feature snap locks for extra strength and durability so you don’t ever have to worry about your camera falling off the mount.

The pricing for these cameras are comparable with the Hero 12 being $399 but on sale for the Holidays for $349. The Osmo Action 4 is also $399 for the standard combo but I didn’t see any Holiday discount as of this recording. The Ace Pro from Insta360 is currently more expensive at $449 and I didn’t see any Holiday pricing for it either but I am assuming both DJI and Insta360 will have some sort of sale going during this month.

When it comes to image and video quality I personally feel that the Hero 12 Black is still the king because their images and video footage just look better but your opinion may differ from mine and that’s ok, we all have our own opinion and tastes.

The bottom line is if you are in need of a great action camera for your content than ANY of these three action cameras will get the job done. I will be honest and let you know that the whole 8K, 5K and 4K don’t really matter to me as I do all my videos in 1080P just because the files are smaller and easier to store and edit compared to the higher resolutions and to be honest most people on Youtube and other Social Media platforms don’t care about what resolution the video is in, they tend to care more about whether or not the audio is good and with any of these cameras you can use external mics such as the DJI Wireless Microphone system, or the RODE Wireless GO system. With either of these two wireless mic systems I have small amount or no wires at all!

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