Whether you’re capturing adrenaline-filled action shots or peaceful moments in nature, the choice of the right action camera can make all the difference. The GoPro Hero 11 Black and the DJI Action 3 are two leading contenders in the market, each boasting a unique set of features. This comprehensive comparison should help you decide which camera is best suited for your adventures.
The GoPro Hero 11 Black continues GoPro’s legacy, integrating a new sensor and wider lens for a better field of view. Renowned for its superior image stabilization, it’s perfect for recording high-action sequences without losing image clarity.
– Ability to shoot in 5.3K video at up to 50fps, ideal for capturing details.
– Best-in-class image stabilization for smooth, action-packed recordings.
– Flexibility in shooting with an 8:7 sensor, allowing post-shoot adjustment between vertical and horizontal orientations.
– The front display is view-only, with no interactive controls.
The DJI Action 3 retains the classic action camera design while adding valuable features such as a front touchscreen and an excellent magnetic mounting system. Its superior low-light performance outshines many, making it an excellent choice for underwater and low-light photography.
– Front touchscreen provides user-friendly controls.
– Enhanced low-light performance is perfect for capturing clear images underwater or in dimly lit environments.
– Excellent magnetic mounting system for fast and secure attachment.
– Doesn’t support 5.3K or open gate shooting
While the Hero 11 Black excels in high-resolution recording and superior image stabilization, the DJI Action 3 shines in low-light conditions. It captures brighter and more detailed images even in challenging lighting, making it perfect for underwater and low-light photography.
Both cameras adhere to the traditional action camera design, boasting replaceable lens covers and waterproof features. The DJI Action 3 stands out with its magnetic mounting system that allows for quick adjustments, while the Hero 11 Black has a built-in mount. The DJI camera also has a functional front touchscreen, while the GoPro’s front screen is only for viewing.
Each camera comes equipped with a long-lasting, cold-weather resistant battery, with DJI’s Extreme battery holding a slight edge over GoPro’s Enduro in capacity. When it comes to weather resistance, DJI Action 3 outperforms with an operating temperature of -20 degrees celsius compared to GoPro’s -10 degrees rating.
The GoPro Hero 11 Black retails at a higher price point of $799, while the DJI Action 3 is priced at $529. However, with GoPro recently lowering the Hero 11 Black’s price to $649, the gap has significantly narrowed.
One crucial aspect of using action cameras that often goes overlooked is the functionality offered by their companion apps. Both GoPro and DJI provide companion apps, Quik and Mimo respectively, to enhance the usability of their cameras. However, there is a key difference that could influence your purchasing decision: the ability to live preview your footage while recording.
Since the GoPro Hero 9, the GoPro Quik app has unfortunately disabled the live preview feature while recording. This decision has been met with disappointment by many loyal GoPro users, as the live preview feature is particularly useful when the camera is mounted in a location that’s beyond reach, such as on a helmet, car, or drone.
On the other hand, the DJI Mimo app continues to support live preview during recording, even when capturing in 4K resolution. This feature provides users with real-time feedback on the footage being captured, allowing for instant adjustments to the camera angle, position, or settings to ensure the best possible results. This is particularly beneficial when the camera is mounted at a distance or in a hard-to-reach spot.
In this aspect, DJI Action 3 holds a significant edge over the GoPro Hero 11 Black. This can be a game-changing feature for action enthusiasts who rely heavily on app-based controls and live feedback.
Whichever camera you choose, that live preview only works above water. Once an action camera is submerged, its Wi-Fi and Bluetooth drop out and you’re filming blind. That’s the gap a Seavu underwater camera kit closes: it feeds a live picture up to the surface through a cable, so you see exactly what you’re capturing in real time while the camera stays underwater, whichever brand you shoot.
See full livestream compatibility list.
The GoPro Hero 11 Black and the DJI Action 3 each have their unique strengths, appealing to different users based on their specific requirements. The Hero 11 Black is ideal for those seeking high-resolution recording and superior image stabilization. Meanwhile, the DJI Action 3, with its superior low-light performance and user-friendly interface, is a solid option for underwater or dimly lit environments. If live preview while recording is high on your priority list, the DJI Action 3 could be the better option for you.
Remember, the key to choosing an action camera is striking a balance between your needs, the camera’s features, and your budget. Each camera offers unique advantages, so select the one that best resonates with your adventure aspirations.
Whichever you land on, remember both are still filming blind once they go under. Pair your camera with a Seavu live underwater camera kit and you get a real-time view from the surface, so you can frame the shot instead of hoping you got it.
Capturing stunning underwater footage with your GoPro Hero 11 requires the right settings to ensure optimal image quality and colour accuracy. In this blog post, we will explore the recommended settings specifically tailored for underwater footage. From frame rate and resolution to white balance and colour profiles, these settings will help you unleash the full potential of your GoPro Hero 11 and produce consistently high-quality underwater videos.
Choose either 30 or 24 FPS for smooth motion and cinematic-like footage. Set the resolution to either 2.7K or 4K for greater detail and flexibility during editing.
Select the Wide option to capture a wider perspective and include more of the underwater scene in your footage.
Set HyperSmooth to AutoBoost to enable the built-in stabilisation feature, reducing camera shake and producing smoother underwater footage.
Turn on Pro Controls to unlock advanced settings and have full control over your GoPro Hero 11’s features.
Enable 10-Bit Colour to capture a broader range of colours and achieve more accurate colour grading during post-production.
Choose the High setting to ensure the highest quality video encoding and preserve fine details in your underwater footage.
Set the shutter speed to Auto, allowing the camera to adjust the exposure on the fly based on the available light.
Adjust EV Comp to -0.5 to slightly underexpose the footage and prevent highlights from being blown out in bright underwater environments.
Set the white balance to 4500K to maintain accurate colours underwater and avoid the footage looking green or purple. This preserves the natural blue tones of the underwater world.
Set the ISO min to 100 for the best image quality with minimal noise. Adjust the ISO max to 400 to account for low light conditions, avoiding excessive noise.
Choose either Low or Medium to retain details while minimising sharpening artifacts that can occur in underwater footage.
Select Flat for a desaturated colour profile, allowing greater flexibility in colour grading during post-processing. Alternatively, choose Natural for more vibrant and contrasty footage straight out of the camera.
Turn off RAW Audio to disable RAW audio recording and save storage space. Underwater audio is usually less important and can be supplemented with music or ambient sound in post-production.
Disable Wind Noise Reduction, as it is not necessary for underwater footage.
Set Wi-Fi Band to 2.4Ghz in order to livestream underwater footage with Seavu camera system. See full instructions on how to set camera Wi-Fi Frequency to 2.4Ghz.
With the recommended settings for underwater diving footage on your GoPro Hero 11, you can capture breathtaking videos that showcase the beauty of the underwater world. Adjusting frame rates, resolutions, white balance, and colour profiles, among other settings, gives you full control over your footage and ensures optimal image quality. Remember to experiment with different settings and accessories to find the perfect combination for your underwater adventures. Dive deep and capture the hidden wonders beneath the surface with your GoPro Hero 11!