DJI Osmo Action 2 vs GoPro Max

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Overview of the DJI Osmo Action 2

DJI Osmo Action 2☆☆☆☆☆★★★★★DJI Osmo Action 2
DJI's wearable action camera: 4K video in a modular format
The DJI Osmo Action 2 is an extremely modular action camera which delivers incredible 4K120fps footage while still remaining wearable. Thanks to it's magnetic attachement system, you can mix and match modules to transform it to suit every use case you can imagine. It's successor, the DJI Osmo Action 3, has abandonned this modular design, so the Action 2 remains DJI's current wearable camera.
  • Pros
  • 4K120fps footage
  • Wearable
  • Lightweight
  • Cons
  • SD card only with extra module
  • Modules are not waterproof without case
  • Not freeze-proof
  • Overheating issues

Overview of the GoPro Max

GoPro Max☆☆☆☆☆★★★★★GoPro Max
GoPro's 2019 360 camera: 5.7K video
The GoPro Max was GoPro's second attempt at a 360 camera and was released in 2019. It is still offers relatively good performance but it's age is showing in comparision with the more recent competition. It's replacement, the GoPro Max 2, is still to be released.
  • Pros
  • Good stabilization
  • Cons
  • Average image quality
  • Ageing model
  • Still excessively expensive

Comparison of the Action 2 vs the GoPro Max

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Video performance

Neither camera offers HDR video. Both cameras feature slomo video. The two cameras have image stabilization.
DJI Osmo Action 2
GoPro Max
Feature missing
Max 360° resolution
5.7K 360 video at 30fps
4K video at 120fps
Max resolution
1440p video at 60fps
HDR video unsupported
HDR video
HDR video unsupported
4x at 1080p
Maximum slow motion
2x
RockSteady 2.0
Stabilization
Max HyperSmooth
Why it matters: A high resolution will give you crisp footage but also allow you to reframe your video without losing too much quality. A higher framerate (fps) will result in smoother video and is important when filming action scenes or fast moving subjects. Image stabilization is a crucial feature for an action camera, as it removes camera shake, vibrations, rotation and other movements that deteriorate your final footage.

Battery life

The GoPro Max offers a much larger battery capacity. The GoPro Max has a removable battery whereas the Action 2's battery is not removable
DJI Osmo Action 2
GoPro Max
580mAh
Battery capacity
1600mAh
Removable
Removable battery
Removable
70min at 1080p
Battery life
85min 5.7K30fps 360° and 105min at 1080p
1300mAh
Battery extension capacity
Feature missing
160m at 1080p
Battery extension run time
Feature missing
Why battery life matters: Nothing worse than running out of battery just before capturing the best footage of the day! A long battery life is reassuring and convenient when shooting footage outdoors where options to charge are limited. Even the use of a power bank can be tedious or simply impossible like when filming watersports. Having removable batteries allows battery swapping on the go which further extends your runtime.

Storage

Only the Action 2 features built-in storage. Both the Action 2 and the GoPro Max support SD cards. The GoPro Max supports a lot more storage than the Action 2.
DJI Osmo Action 2
GoPro Max
32GB or 128GB
Built-in storage
No built-in storage
microSD
Storage format
microSD
256GB
Maximun storage supported
1TB
Why storage matters: High quality footage can quickly take up lots of space and insufficient storage can soon be frustrating. Having a large amount of storage and the possiblity to extend it or swap SD cards while on a outing will ensure you will always be able to capture the footage you want. However, smaller, wearable action cameras often rely on built-in storage because of their small size.

Weight and size

The Action 2 is a lot more compact than the GoPro Max. The Action 2 is a lot lighter than the GoPro Max.
DJI Osmo Action 2
GoPro Max
1.54in x 1.54in x 0.88in / 39mm x 39mm x 22.3mm
Dimensions
2.52in x 2.72in x 0.98in / 64mm x 69mm x 25mm
1.98oz / 56g
Weight
5.43oz / 154g
Why size and weight matter: Weight is important for action cameras because we often mount them on helmets, or hold them at the end of a selfie stick while moving. Therefore a heavier camera can be difficult or uncomfortable to film with. Weight is even more crucial for certain sports like road cycling or running.

Waterproofing and usage conditions

The Action 2 is a lot more waterproof. The Action 2 beats the GoPro Max in high heat conditions.
DJI Osmo Action 2
GoPro Max
33ft / 10m
Waterproof
16ft / 5m
197ft / 60m
Waterproof with diving case
Feature missing
32°F / 0°C
Min operating temperature
14°F / -10°C
104°F / 40°C
Max operating temperature
95°F / 35°C
Why it matters: Most action cameras are waterproof for accidental splashing or use above water, but if you plan on Snorkeling or Scuba Diving, we recommend choosing a camera which offers a diving case and always using it for underwater footage. If you plan on filming Snowboarding, Skiing or other wintersports in extremely cold conditions, you should pick a camera that is rated for those temperatures, most cameras are only rated down to 14°F / -10°C. Many action cameras are prone to overheating, even in ordinary conditions, so if you plan on filming in hot environments, you should choose a camera that can function at high temperatures.

Camera and sensor technology

The GoPro Max offers a slightly higher resolution. Both feature a 155° field of view. The Action 2 features a much higher bit rate than the GoPro Max
DJI Osmo Action 2
GoPro Max
12MP
Pixels
18MP
155°
Field of view
155°
130Mbps
Video bite rate
78Mbps
Why it matters: A higher amount of pixels will offer better quality footage and higher resolution photos. A higher field of view means that the camera captures over a wider angle and therefore more action can be seen in the final footage. Some cameras require accessories to enable the maximum FOV. A higher bitrate at a similar resolution will offer higher quality video.

Camera settings

The Action 2's 100-6400 ISO range is far superior to GoPro Max's. Both cameras have the same exposure compensation adjustments.
DJI Osmo Action 2
GoPro Max
100-6400
ISO range
100-3200
+/-4
Exposure Compensation
+/-4
Why these settings matter: The ISO range and exposure compensation settings will mostly allow you to tweak your action camera for low light situations.

DJI Osmo Action 2 versus GoPro Max specifications

NameDJI Osmo Action 2GoPro Max
Year of release20212019
Width1.54in / 39mm2.52in / 64mm
Height1.54in / 39mm2.72in / 69mm
Depth0.88in / 22.3mm0.98in / 25mm
Weight1.98oz / 56g5.43oz / 154g
Waterproof33ft / 10m16ft / 5m
Waterproof with diving case197ft / 60m-
Min operating temperature32°F / 0°C14°F / -10°C
Max operating temperature104°F / 40°C95°F / 35°C
Battery capacity580mAh1600mAh
Removable batteryNoYes
Battery life70min at 1080p85min 5.7K30fps 360°
105min at 1080p
Charging time-120min
Battery extension capacity1300mAh-
Battery extension run time160m at 1080p-
Battery extension charging time90min-
Battery extension weight2.26oz / 64g-
Built-in storage32GB
128GB
-
Storage formatmicroSDmicroSD
Storage rating requiredV30 or UHS-3Class 10 or UHS-I Rating
Maximun storage supported256GB1TB
Rear screen size-1.69in
Field of view155°155°
Sensor1/1.7"1/2.3"
Pixels12MP18MP
ApertureF2.8F2.0
Focal length-13-27mm
ISO range100-6400100-3200
Color Depth8bit8bit
Video bite rate130Mbps78Mbps
Exposure Compensation+/-4+/-4
360-degree videoNoYes
5.7K 360 video-30fps
360 video format-GoPro 360 file
4K video120fps-
2.7K video120fps-
1440p video-60fps
1080p video240fps60fps
Slow motion at 4K4-
Maximum slow motion4x at 1080p2x
StabilizationRockSteady 2.0Max HyperSmooth
Horizon lock-Yes
Video formatH.264 (MP4)H.264 (AVC)
H.265 (HEVC)
Live streamingNo1080p30
Timelapse modeYesYes
Starlapse modeYes-
Timeshift modeYesYes
Loop recording modeYesYes
Subject trackingNoNo
Photo burst modeNoNo
RAW format supportedYesYes
Microphones1 (3 with Module)6
Stereo audioYesYes
Noise reductionYesYes
Audio formataacwav
Wifi802.11 a/b/g/n/ac802.11 a/b/g/n/ac
BluetoothBLE 5.0BLE 4.2
USBType-C USBType-C USB
GPS integratedNoYes
Voice commandsYesYes
Gesture commands-No