With the launch of the Insta360 One R there are already those who ask, what is the best action camera what can I buy right now? Is this proposal of Insta360 or those of DJI and GoPro better with their respective OSMO Action and Hero 8? We have been able to analyze all three, so why not compare the experiences and quality of the content they capture a little.
DJI Osmo Action vs Insta360 One R vs GoPro Hero 8: technical features
The three cameras are similar in terms of technical characteristics and we could even say that in format, although the Insta36o One R has already seen that it is quickly unmarked by its modularity. So, before moving forward, let’s look at their respective technical sheets in the sections that really matter.
| characteristics | GoPro Hero 8 | DJI Osmo Action | Insta360 One R |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sensor resolution | 12MP | 12mp | 12MP or 19MP (module 1 ”) |
| Lens opening | f2.8 | f2.8 | f2.8 and f3.2 (module 1 ”) |
| Video modes | Standard video, Timelapse, Slow motion, Timewarp, night mode | Standard video, Timelapse, Slow motion, Hyperlapse | Standard video, Timelapse, TimeShift, Starlapse and Spherical video (360 module) |
| Video resolution | 4K at 60p, 2.7K at 120p and 1080p at 240 | 4K at 60p, 2.7K at 60p and 1080p at 240 | 4K at 60p, 2.7K at 100p, 1080p at 240; with 1 ”module at 5.3K at 30p, 4K at 60p, 2.7K at 60p and with 360 module 5.7K at 30p and 4K at 60p |
| Codec Video | MP4 H.264 and H.265 | MOV, MP4 H.264 | MP4 H.264 and H.265 |
| Bitrate Max | 100 Mbps | 100 Mbps | 100 Mbps |
| Photo resolution | 4,000 × 3,000 | 4,000 × 3,000 | 4,000 × 3,000 and 5,312 × 3,552 module 1 ” |
| Photo format | JPEG and RAW | JPEG and RAW | JPEG and RAW |
| Touch screen | two” | 2.25 ” | 1.3 ” |
| Waterproof | No need for carcasses up to 10m | No need for carcasses up to 10m | No need for carcasses up to 5m |
| Connections and ports | USB C and micro SD | USB C and micro SD | USB C and micro SD |
| Connectivity | Wifi, GPS and BT | Wifi and BT | Wifi and BT |
| Battery | 1,220 mAh | 1,300 mAh | 1,190 mAh |
After looking at their technical sheets and independent analyzes, it is likely that you are already clear which model interests you most. If this is not the case, we will go through the sections that we consider to be key in this type of cameras.
Design and Resistance
An action camera is for use in all kinds of situations. All three are perfectly valid, but we must admit that some lend themselves more to hard action than others because of how they are built.
The Hero 8 has some finishes that, together with the accumulated experience of the brand, make us have the impression that it will be the one that best endures the passage of time. In second place would be the Osmo Action, a camera that we liked a lot and that the detail of being able to change the glass that protects the lens (something that Hero 8 lost) makes it very interesting.
Ultimately there is the Insta360 One R, it will hold because the manufacturer has been testing it, but its modularity generates certain doubts. Although until a while passes we can not know for sure if it is indeed more fragile or not.
Connectivity and connections
There is no clear winner here. Yes, the Hero 8 offers GPS connection while the others do not, but it is still one of the least decisive features for an action camera user. For the rest, all use microSD slot and a USB C port for charging and synchronizing data with the computer.
Through this port and adapter you can use an external microphone with 3.5mm Jack connector. The only one that stands out in all this is the Insta360 One R , which thanks to the Bluetooth connection gives the option to connect a bluetooth headset and use its microphone to record audio.
Screen
The three cameras have a main touch screen between 1.3 and 2.25 inches. Size more or less enough to get an idea of how the scene will be framed. Insta360 camera and DJI have the window to have a front screen for when you record yourself. Well, in the Insta360 camera it is the main one just that the module is rotated.
Therefore, if you want to use the camera for videos in vlog format , that of Osmo Action and One R are more comfortable. Although with such angular lenses it is easy to do it and you do not run a lot of risk of being cutting your head, for example.
Video and photo quality
This is the key section, what really matters of any camera: video and photo quality. The three cameras offer video at 4K resolution at 60p and different slow motion options that increase the number of frames per second depending on the resolution. They have flat profiles that seek to improve the dynamic range and modes ranging from Timelapse to Hyperlapse, etc.
However, valuing only and exclusively the performance in both sections, the truth is that all three behave very similar and will be more a matter of personal tastes. If you like more the color science of GoPro or if you prefer that sharp clarity of the Osmo Action you already know which one to stay with. Although the Insta360 One R with the 1 ”module would be ahead.
In photo, the three cameras also perform similarly, with good dynamic ranges and ability to solve all kinds of scenes, and at night or in low light they will suffer equally.
The Best Action Camera of 2020
Having tried all three cameras it is difficult to choose the winner. The price, the type of use you are going to make of it, where or the workflows you have (cameras you use, how you match color, file format, etc.) can determine which one interests you most.
The GoPro Hero 8 is a great camera with a stabilization system that works great and that together with a good dynamic range, color capture and software level options (for example, the ability to stream online) make it stand out.
The DJI Osmo Action is also at a great level, it lacks a little more push to the software section, but there is no doubt that it will improve. To be DJI’s first action camera, it fully meets.
And the Insta360 One R is unsurpassed in versatility issues . It is true that the modular generates some doubt regarding its durability over time, and that for price it is not very economical to get two or all three modules.
As a camera of pure and hard action we would stay with Hero 8 , a safe bet. But for the rest the Insta360 One R attracts a lot of attention, although the modular always generates doubts.
Even so, although we do not compare them here, I would not lose sight of the Osmo Pocket , a camera that with its integrated gimbal gives a lot of play in all types of scenarios, or the Sony RX0 II . Of course, for four dip the same is more than enough with the Xiaomi Mi Action Camera 4K .
