ACTION CAMERAS
CATEGORIES
GOPRO HERO 12 BLACK
VIEW PRODUCT
CANADA
USA
This is the camera I currently use for my POV content, but do you really need the latest and greatest camera? Is it really worth paying nearly double what a used Hero 10 would be? I'll let you decide!
BEFORE YOU BUY
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Do you care about 10-bit video?
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Is vertical content important to you?
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Do you film behind or in front of the camera?
PROS
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Very good stabilization (I only use standard stabilization because High and Boost mode is just too good!)
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Low center of gravity (The camera does not bob around nearly as much as other action cameras)
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10-bit video allows you to edit the videos in post-production
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8:7 aspect ratio allows you to post vertically or horizontally with minimal cropping
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Excellent camera audio that is able to capture loud sound changes without clipping
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Reasonably durable
CONS
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Heavier than the Hero 8 (I thought the Hero 8 was the perfect size!)
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No 4k60 in 4:3 aspect ratio (8:7 is ok, but for horizontal content the quality is better at 4:3 because there is less cropping.)
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Can get quite warm
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Expensive
CONCLUSION
I do wish GoPro would keep the camera the same size as the Hero 8, but I appreciate the larger battery! There isn't much to dislike about this camera, though. While I've tested other action camera brands, durability is the standout feature for me. Even though I had to send this back to GoPro for service, it still managed to record when the back screen wasn't working, a resilience lacking in other action cameras I've tried that simply stopped working altogether.
This is an excellent camera for those who create both vertical and horizontal content, thanks to the 8:7 sensor. The audio captured by the Hero 12 is excellent from behind the camera, making it ideal for POV content when I'm talking. However, it doesn't capture voices very well from the front, possibly because the subject is farther away. If you're interested in the new features of the Hero 12, it's the latest and greatest camera. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it!
GOPRO HERO 10 BLACK
VIEW PRODUCT
CANADA
USA
I bought the Hero 10 as a backup in case something happened to my main camera. I believe it's the best camera you can buy new for your money! I had freezing problems with the Hero 9 and overheating problems with the Hero 11, but no issues with the Hero 10 yet!
PROS
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Very good stabilization (I only use standard stabilization because High and Boost mode is just too good!)
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Low center of gravity (The camera does not bob around nearly as much as other action cameras)
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More powerful processor than the Hero 9 so it does not freeze
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4k60 in 4:3 aspect ratio. I prefer filming in 4:3, it's a bigger crop than 8:7 for vertical content, but horizontal content is clearer!
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Excellent camera audio that is able to capture loud sound changes without clipping
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Reasonably durable
CONS
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Heavier than the Hero 8 (I thought the Hero 8 was the perfect size!)
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No 10-bit video
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Can get quite warm
CONCLUSION
If you want to buy a new action camera that is durable and reliable, this is it! Similar to the Hero 12, I do wish GoPro would keep the camera the same size as the Hero 8, but I appreciate the larger battery.
One feature I prefer over the Hero 12 is the ability to record at 4k60 with a 4:3 aspect ratio. Although the Hero 12 offers 4k60 at an 8:7 aspect ratio, I find that for horizontal content, the crop is just too big, and the video quality isn't quite as sharp as cropping from 4:3. Vertical content is currently capped at 1080x1920 on all platforms, so while 4k vertical content is nice to have, you can't share it at that resolution.
GOPRO HERO 8 BLACK
VIEW PRODUCT
CANADA
USA
If you can find a Hero 8 in the wild, scoop it up! I regretted selling mine, but found a brand new one for only $100USD!
PROS
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Very good stabilization (I only use standard stabilization because High and Boost mode is just too good!)
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Low center of gravity (The camera does not bob around nearly as much as other action cameras)
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Small and light
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Excellent camera audio that is able to capture loud sound changes without clipping
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Reasonably durable
CONS
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No 4k:60 4:3 (2.7k60 4:3 is still really nice though!)
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Can get quite warm
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Horrible battery life compared to newer GoPro's
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No 10-bit video
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No replaceable front lens
CONCLUSION
This is still a great camera and definitely one I would recommend if you're on a budget and can find it used. I prefer the small form factor over the newer GoPro's because it's lighter and doesn't move around on my head as much! The Hero 8 does have 4k60 16:9, but I prefer to film at an aspect ratio of 4:3 or 8:7 so that I can crop in for vertical content. If you don't plan to crop, then resolution shouldn't be an issue for you!
DJI OSMO ACTION 4
VIEW PRODUCT
CANADA
USA
The OA4 in my opinion has above average video and audio quality. It was almost the perfect camera and I do see myself buying another one and giving it another try. My copy of the OA4 had focusing issues after being hit by a volleyball (DJI warrantied it). I didn't think it was excessive force, but I've never had any issues with GoPro's (edit: The back screen of the Hero 12 did turn off after being hit, but GoPro warrantied it). What I like most about the OA4 is the low light performance and the battery lasts forever!
PROS
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Very good stabilization
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Strong magnetic mounting system with clips
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Picks up voices very well even without an external mic
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Pairs with the DJI Mic 2 without any add-ons.
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Battery lasts a long time
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10-bit video
CONS
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Doesn't pick up loud sound changes very well (ie. spiking a volleyball)
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Higher center of gravity
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Expensive batteries
CONCLUSION
I really wanted this to be my main camera, maybe I will give it another chance soon! For most people this should definitely be a camera you take a look at.