GoPro Hero 7 vs. DJI Osmo Action vs. Yi 4K+—Which action camera is best for summer adventures?

By Mark Myerson on Jun 22, 2019, 12:50 pm EDT under Daily Digest

If you’re planning summer adventures, you might want to take an action camera along for the ride. But which one? Here is our head-to-head comparison of the GoPro Hero 7, DJI Osmo Action and Yi 4K+.

GoPro Hero 7 vs. DJI Osmo Action vs. Yi 4K+—Which action camera is best for summer adventures?

Does GoPro make the best action cameras? That’s up for debate. Other brands have started to offer strong competition in recent years.
Which action cameras record in 4K? Many do, including the GoPro Hero 7, the DJI Osmo, and the Yi 4K+.
What is the best photography tech in 2019? Head over to Photographer’s Paradise to see the latest cameras and optical tech.

If you’re planning your summer adventures, you might want to take an action camera. These tiny devices are not just for action sports—they make great all-purpose camcorders.

There was a time when GoPro was synonymous with action cameras. But in recent years, DJI and Yi have both offered strong opposition. It makes choosing the right camera a little trickier.

To help you make the best possible decision, we decided to pit the heavyweights of video against one another.

GoPro Hero 7 vs. DJI Osmo Action vs. Yi 4k+

First, let’s get acquainted with the contenders.

Released in September 2018, the GoPro Hero 7 ($349.99) is the latest in a long line of great action cameras. It comes in three versions, ranging from 1440p resolution to full 4K.

The DJI Osmo Action ($349) is just one month old at the time of writing, but this device is making waves. It is a direct competitor to the Hero 7, and the early reviews are very positive.

First announced at CES 2017, the Yi 4K+ ($219.99) is the oldest of these three devices. However, it’s still immensely popular—partly thanks to impressive specs and an attractive price tag.

[tweet_box]Here is our head-to-head comparison of the GoPro Hero 7, DJI Osmo Action, and Yi 4K+[/tweet_box]

Video quality

When it comes to outright video quality, there’s little to difference between these action cameras. All three support 4K video at 60 frames per second, with electronic stabilization to smooth things out.

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The GoPro Hero 7 wins on video quality

The GoPro Hero 7 and DJI Osmo both take outstanding footage. So good, in fact, it’s difficult to separate the two of them. The GoPro wins only because it has HDR video capabilities. The Yi 4K+ is also impressive, but its videos generally appear slightly softer.

Smart features

While the GoPro and Yi cameras support live streaming, the DJI Osmo Action misses out on this feature. For committed vloggers, this could be a dealbreaker.

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You can livestream with the GoPro Hero 7

Likewise, action sports enthusiasts may prefer the GoPro or DJI—the Yi 4K+ isn’t actually waterproof. In addition, the GoPro lets you add GPS data to your videos.

Design and usability

The DJI Osmo Action edges ahead of the Hero 7 when it comes to design. The former has a larger screen and an attachment for add-on lenses.

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We like the design of the DJI Osmo Action

Comparing the Yi 4K+ and GoPro Hero 7 is more difficult. The Yi is slightly lighter, with better battery life. However, the GoPro is a little easier to use.

It’s also worth bearing in mind that the DJI and GoPro have front-facing screens—ideal for talking to the camera.

Which action camera is right for you?

We love all three of these cameras for different reasons. GoPro still offers outstanding quality, but DJI offers strong competition. In terms of value for money, the Yi 4k+ is unbeatable.