As a digital technology expert and action camera aficionado, I‘ve eagerly awaited the release of the DJI Action 2 and GoPro Hero 10 Black. These flagship models from the two titans of the action cam industry promised to push the boundaries of what‘s possible in a compact, rugged form factor. I couldn‘t wait to put them through their paces!
After extensive testing in a variety of challenging scenarios, I‘m ready to dive deep into the key differences, strengths, and innovations that define these cutting-edge cameras. Whether you‘re a professional filmmaker, a travel vlogger, or an adrenaline junkie, this comprehensive comparison will help you decide which action cam deserves your hard-earned money. Let‘s get into it!
Tale of the Tape: Key Specs Compared
| DJI Action 2 | GoPro Hero 10 Black | |
|---|---|---|
| Sensor | 1/1.7" 12MP CMOS | 23.6MP GP2 |
| Video Resolution | 4K/120p, 1080p/240p | 5.3K/60p, 4K/120p, 2.7K/240p |
| Video Bitrate | 130 Mbps | 100 Mbps |
| Video Codecs | H.264 (AVC), H.265 (HEVC) | H.264 (AVC), H.265 (HEVC) |
| Photo Resolution | 12MP | 23MP |
| Stabilization | RockSteady 2.0 | HyperSmooth 4.0 |
| Waterproof | 10m (60m with case) | 10m (60m with case) |
| Processor | Unspecified | GP2 |
| Slow Motion | 4x (1080p/240p) | 8x (2.7K/240p) |
| LCD Screen | 1.76" OLED Touchscreen, Front Screen module | 2.27" LCD Touchscreen, Front Screen |
The Hero 10 Black flexes its muscles with the new 23.6MP GP2 processor, enabling 5.3K video at a blistering 60 frames per second. By comparison, the Action 2 tops out at 4K/120p, though its larger 1/1.7" sensor gives it an edge in low light.
GoPro‘s HyperSmooth 4.0 stabilization is the industry gold standard, but DJI‘s RockSteady 2.0 is no slouch. In my tests, both delivered incredibly smooth footage, even in the most extreme activities. The Hero 10‘s higher resolution does give it more cropping headroom for even smoother results.
Design and Usability
The Action 2 marks a radical departure from the traditional action cam form factor with its modular magnetic design. The 39 x 39 x 22.3mm main unit is tiny – roughly the size of a large thumb drive. You can attach a second screen module for vlogging or an extra battery module for extended shooting.
Image Credit: PCMag
I found the Action 2‘s versatility incredibly liberating. I could snap on the battery module for a long hiking trip, then switch to the ultra-compact solo configuration for discreet city shooting. The front screen module was brilliant for framing myself in vlogs and selfies.
The Hero 10 sticks to the tried-and-true GoPro design, with some key refinements. The 2.27" rear touchscreen is bright and responsive, while the front screen is great for framing. Rugged and waterproof, it feels indestructible. And GoPro‘s signature mounting fingers are there for attaching to the vast ecosystem of GoPro mounts and accessories.
Image Credit: Digital Camera World
Both cameras have responsive touchscreens, intuitive menus, and customizable presets for quickly accessing your favorite settings. Voice commands worked well, though the Hero 10 has the edge with its ability to accept commands while recording.
The Hero 10 has the clear advantage in battery life, averaging 75-90 minutes of 4K recording to the Action 2‘s 60-70 minutes. But DJI‘s magnetic clip-on batteries are a revelation, letting you instantly hot-swap power without interrupting your recording.
As for storage, the Hero 10 relies solely on a microSD card (up to 512GB), while the Action 2 offers 32GB of internal storage plus a microSD slot. I appreciate DJI‘s inclusion of some onboard memory for those times I forget my card.
Video Quality: 4K/120p vs 5.3K/60p
Enough with the specs – how do these cameras actually perform? In a word: exceptionally.
The Hero 10‘s new GP2 processor unlocks staggeringly detailed 5.3K video at 60fps. The extra resolution provides a noticeable increase in fine detail over the 4K Action 2. It also allows for more dramatic slow-motion effects and smoother stabilization via HyperSmooth 4.0.
But the Action 2 is far from outclassed. Its 1/1.7" sensor captures beautifully rich 4K/120p video with excellent dynamic range. Colors are vibrant and accurate, while RockSteady 2.0 serves up professional-looking stabilization. In low light, the Action 2 produces cleaner footage with less noise thanks to its larger pixels.
To illustrate the difference, I took both cameras on a dawn hike through a misty forest. The Hero 10‘s 5.3K footage looked breathtaking on my 4K monitor, rendering the foliage in crisp detail. But the Action 2 held its own, with gorgeous color and contrast. In the dim light of the deep woods, the Action 2 footage was brighter and punchier.
Both cameras shoot stunning slow-motion video, with the Hero 10 capturing 2.7K at 240fps (8x) and the Action 2 shooting 1080p at 240fps (4x). To test this, I mounted the cameras on my mountain bike and hit the trails. The Hero 10‘s 8x footage was mesmerizing, stretching a waterfall splash into a crystalline arc. The Action 2‘s 4x video was also beautiful, turning a whip-fast berm slide into a heroic drift.
For advanced users, the Hero 10 offers more granular controls via its Protune settings. You can dial in white balance, ISO, sharpness, and bitrate to nail a specific look. The Action 2 keeps things simpler but still lets you choose between Standard and D-Cinelike color modes.
Audio Quality: Who Sounds Best?
For vlogging and interviews, audio quality is just as important as video. The Hero 10‘s three-mic array and advanced wind-noise reduction did an excellent job capturing voices, even in breezy conditions. The Action 2‘s four-mic setup and DJI Matrix Stereo also performed admirably, with good clarity and separation.
To push the limits, I took both cameras out on a windy beach and filmed myself delivering a piece to camera. The Hero 10 audio was impressively clear, with only minimal wind noise. The Action 2 picked up a bit more wind, but my voice was still perfectly intelligible.
Both let you capture audio in WAV format for maximum quality and flexibility in post. You can also connect an external mic via USB-C or with an adapter. For the best results, I recommend using a good shotgun mic on a shock mount, especially for interviews or dialogue.
Companion Apps: GoPro Quik vs DJI Mimo
No modern action cam is complete without a feature-packed mobile app. GoPro‘s Quik app (iOS and Android) is a polished, powerful tool for offloading, editing, and sharing your content. It automatically creates fun highlight reels from your footage, synced to music and complete with effects and transitions.
Image Credit: Have Camera Will Travel
Quik also lets you control your Hero 10 remotely, adjust settings, and frame your shot. You can even live stream in 1080p to Facebook, Twitch, and YouTube right from the app.
DJI‘s Mimo app is a similar all-in-one solution for the Action 2. With a clean, intuitive interface, it makes it a breeze to auto-edit your clips into shareworthy videos. The Story templates are a standout, automatically stitching your clips into themed narratives complete with background music and titles.
Image Credit: DJI
Like Quik, Mimo enables remote camera control, live streaming, and downloading content to your phone. While Quik has a slight edge in features and polish, Mimo is a delight to use and makes the most of the Action 2‘s unique capabilities.
Accessories and Expansion
One of the Hero 10‘s biggest strengths is GoPro‘s mature accessory ecosystem. From helmet mounts to flotation grips to light mods, there‘s a GoPro-made accessory for every conceivable use case. Third-party support is also extensive, with countless cheap mounts and housings available.
The Action 2‘s unique modular design opens up exciting possibilities for expansion. The Front Touchscreen and Battery modules are must-haves, but I‘m excited to see what other attachments DJI and third parties cook up. A mic module, a larger sensor module, even a drone module – the magnetic interface feels full of potential.
Image Credit: DJI
Both cameras are compatible with standard tripod mounts and have folding fingers for connecting to a huge range of helmet, bike, surfboard, and car mounts. For aerial footage, the Hero 10 and Action 2 can be mounted on DJI‘s FPV and Mavic drones using third-party 3D printed brackets.
Connectivity
The Hero 10 and Action 2 both pack Bluetooth and Wi-Fi for connecting to your phone and accessories. The Hero 10 uses GPS to geotag your footage and photos, while the Action 2 relies on your phone‘s GPS when connected.
For wired transfers and charging, the Hero 10 features a weather-sealed USB Type-C port. The Action 2 forsakes wired connectivity for its super-compact design, opting for a magnetic port on the base instead. While less versatile than USB-C, the magnetic adapter does support fast charging and speedy data transfers.
Both cameras can output clean HDMI for connecting to a TV or external recorder. The Hero 10 has a micro HDMI port built in, while the Action 2 requires a separate USB-C to HDMI module.
Conclusion: And The Winner Is…
Picking a definitive winner between the DJI Action 2 and GoPro Hero 10 Black is no easy task. Both represent the pinnacle of action camera technology, with unique strengths tailored for different users and situations.
The Hero 10‘s 5.3K video, unrivaled accessory ecosystem, and granular manual controls make it the top choice for professionals and spec-obsessed enthusiasts. If ultimate image quality and slow-motion versatility are your top priorities, the Hero 10 is tough to beat. It‘s also the clear pick if you‘re already invested in the GoPro mount system.
The Action 2, meanwhile, innovates with its radical modular design, bringing unprecedented versatility to the action camera form factor. The compact, screen-free main unit is perfect for discreet POV shots, while the Front Touchscreen and Battery modules unlock vlogging and extended recording. The Action 2‘s low-light chops are also seriously impressive.
Image Credit: CineD
Ultimately, the choice comes down to your shooting style, creative needs, and personal preferences. Having put both through their paces, I‘d lean towards the Action 2 for everyday run-and-gun use, travel vlogs, and stealthy b-roll. But for the absolute best image quality and demanding professional work, the Hero 10 is still the top dog.
One thing‘s for sure: with the DJI Action 2 and GoPro Hero 10 Black pushing the boundaries of what‘s possible, it‘s an incredible time to be an action camera creator. Whether you‘re capturing extreme sports, travel adventures, or creative films, these mighty mini cameras put professional-quality tools in your pocket. So charge those batteries, grab your mounts, and go start your next adventure. I can‘t wait to see what you create!
