DJI Osmo Action 3 vs GoPro Max
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Overview of the DJI Osmo Action 3

DJI's 2022 premium action camera: 4K120fps video
The DJI Osmo Action 3 was released in 2022 and while it is a few years old, it offers incredible 4K120fps video at a very affordable price. It's successor, the DJI Osmo Action 4 is mostly an incremental improvement, making the Action 3 a great budget friendly action camera.
- Pros
- 4K120fps footage
- Freeze-proof
- Good image stabilization
- 52ft / 16m waterproof without case
- Cons
- Older model
Overview of the 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 3 vs the GoPro Max
Quick links:
Video performance
Only the Action 3 offers HDR video. Both cameras feature slomo video. The two cameras have image stabilization.
DJI Osmo Action 3
GoPro Max
Feature missing
Max 360° resolution
5.7K 360 video at 30fps
4K video at 120fps
Max resolution
1440p video at 60fps
4K
HDR video
HDR video unsupported
8x at 1080p
Maximum slow motion
2x
RockSteady 3.0
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 Action 3 offers a slightly better battery capacity. Both cameras have removable batteries.
DJI Osmo Action 3
GoPro Max
1770mAh
Battery capacity
1600mAh
Removable
Removable battery
Removable
160min at 1080p
Battery life
85min 5.7K30fps 360° and 105min at 1080p
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
Neither camera features built-in storage. Both the Action 3 and the GoPro Max support SD cards. The GoPro Max supports a lot more storage than the Action 3.
DJI Osmo Action 3
GoPro Max
No built-in storage
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 3 is a slightly smaller camera. Both the Action 3 and the GoPro Max have similar weights.
DJI Osmo Action 3
GoPro Max
2.78in x 1.74in x 1.29in / 70.5mm x 44.2mm x 32.8mm
Dimensions
2.52in x 2.72in x 0.98in / 64mm x 69mm x 25mm
5.11oz / 145g
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 3 is a lot more waterproof. The Action 3 is far better for extreme cold. The Action 3 beats the GoPro Max in high heat conditions.
DJI Osmo Action 3
GoPro Max
52ft / 16m
Waterproof
16ft / 5m
197ft / 60m
Waterproof with diving case
Feature missing
-4°F / -20°C
Min operating temperature
14°F / -10°C
113°F / 45°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 3 features a much higher bit rate than the GoPro Max
DJI Osmo Action 3
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 3's 100-12800 ISO range is far superior to GoPro Max's. Both cameras have the same exposure compensation adjustments.
DJI Osmo Action 3
GoPro Max
100-12800
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 3 versus GoPro Max specifications
Name | DJI Osmo Action 3 | GoPro Max |
Year of release | 2022 | 2019 |
Width | 2.78in / 70.5mm | 2.52in / 64mm |
Height | 1.74in / 44.2mm | 2.72in / 69mm |
Depth | 1.29in / 32.8mm | 0.98in / 25mm |
Weight | 5.11oz / 145g | 5.43oz / 154g |
Waterproof | 52ft / 16m | 16ft / 5m |
Waterproof with diving case | 197ft / 60m | - |
Min operating temperature | -4°F / -20°C | 14°F / -10°C |
Max operating temperature | 113°F / 45°C | 95°F / 35°C |
Battery capacity | 1770mAh | 1600mAh |
Removable battery | Yes | Yes |
Battery life | 160min at 1080p | 85min 5.7K30fps 360° 105min at 1080p |
Charging time | 49min | 120min |
Storage format | microSD | microSD |
Storage rating required | V30 or UHS-3 | Class 10 or UHS-I Rating |
Maximun storage supported | 256GB | 1TB |
Rear screen size | - | 1.69in |
Field of view | 155° | 155° |
Sensor | 1/1.7" | 1/2.3" |
Pixels | 12MP | 18MP |
Aperture | F2.8 | F2.0 |
Focal length | - | 13-27mm |
ISO range | 100-12800 | 100-3200 |
Color Depth | 10bit | 8bit |
Video bite rate | 130Mbps | 78Mbps |
Exposure Compensation | +/-4 | +/-4 |
360-degree video | No | Yes |
5.7K 360 video | - | 30fps |
360 video format | - | GoPro 360 file |
4K video | 120fps | - |
2.7K video | 120fps | - |
1440p video | - | 60fps |
1080p video | 240fps | 60fps |
Slow motion at 4K | 4 | - |
Maximum slow motion | 8x at 1080p | 2x |
HDR video | 4K | - |
Stabilization | RockSteady 3.0 | Max HyperSmooth |
Horizon lock | - | Yes |
Video format | H.264 (MP4) | H.264 (AVC) H.265 (HEVC) |
Live streaming | No | 1080p30 |
Timelapse mode | Yes | Yes |
Starlapse mode | Yes | - |
Timeshift mode | Yes | Yes |
Loop recording mode | Yes | Yes |
Subject tracking | No | No |
Photo burst mode | No | No |
RAW format supported | Yes | Yes |
Microphones | 3 | 6 |
Stereo audio | Yes | Yes |
Noise reduction | Yes | Yes |
Audio format | aac | wav |
Wifi | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac |
Bluetooth | BLE 5.0 | BLE 4.2 |
USB | Type-C USB | Type-C USB |
GPS integrated | No | Yes |
Voice commands | Yes | Yes |
Gesture commands | - | No |