With the launch of the HERO 13 (September 4th) and Action 5 Pro (September 19th), GoPro and DJI have now both made public their flagship action cams for the 2024-2025 product year.
Both are very similar to their predecessors but feature key upgrades which may make them better (or not) for your particular use case.
Let’s dive in for a closer look at the specs and how these two action cameras stack up against each other.
Photo/Video Specs (Winner: GoPro 13)
While GoPro has stuck with the same sensor they used in the HERO 11/12, DJI has brought in an all new 40mp sensor to make the Osmo Action 5 Pro stand out from the rest.
| GoPro HERO 13 | DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro | |
| Sensor Size | 1/1.9″ | 1/1.3″ |
| FOV | 177° | 155° |
| Photo Resolution | 27MP | 40MP |
| Max Video Resolution | 5.3K | 4K |
| Slow-Mo | 4K/120 | 4K/120 |
| Burst Slow-Mo | Yes (720p/400fps) | No |
| 10-bit & HLG Recording | Yes | Yes |
| Max Bit Rate | 120Mbps | 100Mbps |
However, despite the higher photo resolution (utilizing what likely is a quad-bayer sensor) video resolution in the Action 5 Pro still remains capped at 4K and the sensor retains a 4:3 aspect ratio.
The HERO 13 by contrast uses an extra tall 8:7 sensor enabling simultaneous horizontal AND vertical video capture and has a higher max video resolution at 5.3K.
It further cements its advantage in the video category with a 20% higher max bit rate than the Action 5 Pro.
Otherwise, both action cams offer similar video specs with 4K/120fps and HLG video recording.
Tech Specs (Winner: DJI Action 5 Pro)
When it comes to tech specs, DJI’s Action 5 Pro really shines.
On the battery front the GoPro 13 has a respectable 130min of battery life while the Action 5 Pro has an astonishing 4 hours — nearly 50% more than the Action 4.
| GoPro 13 | Action 5 Pro | |
| Weight | 159g | 145g |
| Battery Life (1080p) | 150 minutes | 240 minutes |
| Battery Size | 1900mAh | 1950mAh |
| Main Touchscreen | 2.27″ | 2.5″ |
| Front Screen | 1.5″ | 1.46″ (Touch Sensitive) |
| Waterproof Depth | 10m | 20m |
The Action 5 Pro also has the edge when it comes to weight at 14 grams lighter and is waterproof to 20m — double that of the HERO 13.
And while the GoPro 13 does have slightly larger screens on the front and back, the Action 5 Pro has the added benefit of its front facing display also being touch sensitive.
Other Features (Winner: DJI Action 5 Pro)
Despite some minor differences, the HERO 13 and Action 5 Pro are relatively similar across the previous categories.
But they really differ when it comes to the “extra features” which GoPro and DJI use to distinguish their flagship action cams from the rest of the pack.
With the HERO 13 GoPro has brought back the internal GPS after many customers reacted negatively to its removal in the previous generation.
Otherwise the HERO 13 is virtually indistinguishable from the HERO 12.
| GoPro 13 | Action 5 Pro | |
| Mic Connectivity | Bluetooth Only | Bluetooth + OsmoAudio™ Connection |
| GPS | Yes | No |
| Internal Storage | No | Yes (47GB) |
| Color Temp Sensor | No | Yes |
| Pressure Sensor | No | Yes |
| Auto Upload To Cloud | Yes (GoPro Subscription) | No |
| Interchangeable Lenses | Yes (GoPro HB Series) | Yes (Aftermarket) |
But if you have a little extra money, picking up one of the new “HB Series” lenses (Macro, Ultrawide or Anamorphic) unlocks some new features exclusive to the HERO 13 and unmatched in the Action 5 Pro.
Also for an extra $50 a year, you can get access to one of GoPro’s most unique features since the HERO 5 and have your camera auto backup to the cloud over WiFi whenever you plug it in.
By contrast the DJI Action 5 Pro comes with all the new features enabled out of the box — no extra accessories to pickup or subscriptions to sign up for.
For divers and snorkelers, DJI has equipped its flagship action cam with a new pressure sensor in addition to the color temp sensor from the Action 4 Pro.
This allows people engaging in underwater activities to overlay a depth gauge as well as set the camera to record when it goes underwater.
And for those who often find themselves forgetting their micro SD card, the Action 5 Pro includes 47GB of internal storage.
Verdict: DJI Action 5 Pro is the action camera to beat in 2024
Ok, now let me be honest: I’ve been a GoPro fanboy for many years now.
And ever since DJI introduced the Action 3, they’ve been giving GoPro’s flagship action cam a run for the title of “best action cam”.
And while there’s an argument to be made that the HERO 13 still has the slight edge in some categories, when you factor in the prices — $400 for the HERO 13 and $350 for the Action 5 Pro — the winner is clear.
While GoPro can definitely mount a comeback in the action cam war next year with the HERO 14, for the time being the only way to clawback ground would be a significant price cut to not only the HERO 13 but also the new Macro, Anamorphic and Ultrawide lens accessories.
Until then, I have a hard time recommending something other than the Action 5 Pro to those looking for an action cam in 2024-2025.
Thanks for reading and hope this was helpful.
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