GoPro 13 Black vs DJI Action 5 Pro: In-depth comparison guide

Knowing that DJI and GoPro traditionally release their new action cameras in the second half of the year, I sold my existing action camera to buy the best-performing model of 2024. The Hero 13 Black was released on 10 September, and a few days later, on 19 September, the Osmo Action 5 Pro. According to the latest rumors, the Insta360 Ace Pro 2 will be released in late October and will come with a huge image sensor and incredible low-light capability.

GoPro and DJI are two of the biggest competitors in the action camera market, offering high-performance models tailored for FPV, adventure filming, sports, and vlogging. While GoPro was founded 22 years ago as an action camera brand, DJI is a younger company better known for its drones. The first Hero action cam was released in September 2004, and the first Osmo Action in April 2019. Before diving into the specs of the recent releases and comparing them, I wanted to provide some historical background to help you understand each company’s experience in the action camera market.

DJI OSMO Action 5 Pro vs GoPro Hero 13 Black: What is the best action camera of 2024?

In terms of size, design and weight, the Hero 13 and Action 5 Pro are very similar. The H13  Back measures 71.8 x 50.8 x 33.6 mm and the OA5 Pro 70.5 x 44.2 x 32.8 mm. If you intend to install the action cam on a drone, weight is critical, as can dramatically reduce flight time and performance. On the scale, the GP13 shows 159 grams and the OA5 Pro 145 grams — the 6-gram difference isn’t significant and shouldn’t have much impact.

Many consider that GoPro’s new HB-Lens mount, which can automatically recognize the installed lens, makes the Hero 13 a more versatile creative tool than the Osmo Action 5, which doesn’t have such a feature. Instead, DJI wants to convince buyers with a better battery life and a more solid construction for extreme usage conditions.

Both the GoPro Hero 13 Black and DJI Osmo Action 5 feature a dual-screen setup, ideal for vlogging and selfies. However, DJI takes a more proactive approach, adding touch functions for both LCDs. Despite the fact that both cameras are powered by a 1950 mAh battery, DJI claims to have a superior operating time.

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Image quality

While the GoPro Hero 13 Black has a 27-megapixel 1/1.9-inch sensor, the OSMO Action 5 Pro has a larger 40-megapixel 1/1.3-inch sensor. Usually, a bigger sensor means better low-light performance, but in this case, it’s not entirely true as the O5 has a smaller pixel size.

Like its predecessor, the new GoPro 13 can also record 5.3K with up to 60fps or 4K with up to 120fps. The OSMO Action 5 Pro is limited to 4K@120fps. In terms of slow motion, there is also a slight difference. With the GP, you can record 720p@400fps; with the DJI, you can record 4K@120fps.

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GoPro’s newest HERO offers both standard HDR and HLG HDR modes, using a combination of two exposures for each frame. This advanced technique effectively reduces overexposed areas, particularly in bright elements like clouds, ensuring balanced lighting and more vivid details in high-contrast scenes.

DJI’s 5th generation Osmo Action features a dedicated night mode that elevates its low-light capabilities. Boosting the maximum ISO to 51,000 and implementing automatic noise reduction significantly enhances image clarity in darker environments, offering a distinct advantage when shooting in dim conditions.

Both action cams feature electronic image stabilization. While DJI’s HyperSmooth 6.0 excels with dynamic horizon locking and adaptive stabilization for extreme conditions, GoPro’s RockSteady 3.0+ provides reliable performance, focusing on high frame rates and real-time previews.

GoPro 13 Black vs DJI Action 5 Pro comparison table

I’ve compared the key specs of both action cameras in the table below. Areas where one camera outperforms the other are highlighted in green.

Conclusions

Both GoPro and DJI have strong followings, and your choice may come down to specific preferences like low-light performance, battery life, unique features, or brand loyalty. While GoPro is typically preferred for extreme sports enthusiasts, DJI’s latest OA5 Pro offers better waterproof capability and extreme temperature operation. The DI Action 5 Pro also has a superior battery life and fewer overheating problems when recording at the highest resolution.

On the other hand, the Hero 13, with the new HB mount with auto-detection, can be equipped with macro lenses that allow unique close-up shoots. The GoPro 13 offers higher resolution video (5.3K) and 400fps slow-motion, making it a versatile video tool for a professional.

With a similar price, your final decision should be based on what you expect from a gadget like this. Consider what features matter most to you—performance, ease of use, or specific functions that suit your needs. Feel free to share which action cam you prefer in the comments below. Even if you’re a fanboy of these two brands, remember to keep the conversation respectful—everyone is entitled to their own opinion!