What is the best action camera for Scuba Diving?
GoPro Hero 9 and DJI Osmo Action 3 are two popular action cameras that are often compared. Both cameras have their own unique features and capabilities, making it difficult to determine which one is the best choice for you. In this blog post, we will compare the GoPro Hero 9 and DJI Osmo Action 3 to help you make an informed decision.
The DJI Osmo Action 3 has several advantages over the GoPro Hero 9. For example, the DJI Osmo Action 3 has a better video recording quality (2160 x 120fps vs 2880 x 30fps), a faster maximum shutter speed (1/8000s vs 1/2000s), and a higher movie recording bitrate (130Mbps vs 100Mbps). Additionally, the DJI Osmo Action 3 is lighter (145g vs 158g) and has a smaller body volume (102.21cm³ vs 117.15cm³). It also supports a remote smartphone and fast charging, and has one more microphone than the GoPro Hero 9.
On the other hand, the GoPro Hero 9 also has some advantages over the DJI Osmo Action 3. For example, it has a dedicated bike mount, an accelerometer, and GPS. It also has more megapixels in its main camera (20MP vs 12MP), continuous autofocus when recording movies, and a serial shot mode. Additionally, it is thinner (30mm vs 44.2mm) and has voice commands.
In conclusion, both the GoPro Hero 9 and DJI Osmo Action 3 are excellent action cameras with their own unique features and capabilities. It ultimately depends on your personal preferences and needs when choosing between these two cameras. We hope this comparison has been helpful in making your decision!
Some of the best action cameras available in the market include GoPro HERO9-11 Black, DJI Osmo Action 2, and Osmo Action 3, and the newly release Action 4. There’re several more but we are gonna take a deeper dive (no pun intended) into these 3.
Which do you need?
When looking for an action camera, there are several features to consider. A typical action camera will include some, if not most, of the following features:
- Durable construction
- Water resistance
- Connectivity
- Slow-motion capability
- Night vision
- 360-degree video
High-end features may include shock-resistance, image stabilization, facial recognition, and artificial intelligence (AI) editing. These elements expand your range, improve your video, and add extra dimensions to your experience. Ultimately, the best action camera for you will depend on your personal preferences and needs.
The above video camera settings:
DJI Action 3: 1080p, 30fps. HorizonSteady All on Auto WB, Iso. No lighting. Red lens filter used.
Go Pro Hero 9: 1080p 30FPS, Lens wide, Red filter Hypersmooth boost, Bit rate high, shutter auto, EV comp -1.0, WB 6500K, iso min 100, iso max 1600.
The stability of the DJI can’t be passed!
The above video camera settings:
DJI Action 3: 1080p, 30fps. HorizonSteady, WB 6500K, iso min 100, iso max 1600, FOV dewarp
Go Pro Hero 9: 1080p 30FPS, Lens wide, Hypersmooth boost, Bit rate high, shutter auto, EV comp -1.0, WB 6500K, iso min 100, iso max 1600.
Obviously, I am moving the cameras more than anyone would every do while diving. But the Stability of the Action 3 surpasses the competition. I haven’t had the Action 3 as long to fine tune the settings. None of the videos are color corrected.
The above video camera settings:
DJI Action 3: 1080p, 30fps. HorizonSteady, WB 6500K, iso min 100, iso max 1600, FOV dewarp
Go Pro Hero 9: 1080p 30FPS, Lens wide, Hypersmooth boost, Bit rate high, shutter auto, EV comp -1.0, WB 6500K, iso min 100, iso max 1600.
DJI ACTION 3
About this item
- 4K HDR Video, 1 Billion Colors – HDR video delivers vivid yet natural details, even in high-contrast scenarios, and 10-bit color depth captures over one billion colors.
- Smooth, Level, Incredible – Whether you’re skiing, skydiving, or biking around on bumpy terrain, HorizonSteady keeps things smooth and ultra-level for epic footage of even your wildest rides.
- Built to Endure – With a 160-min max battery life, and even 150 minutes of continuous recording in temperatures as low as -20° C (-4° F), the Action 3 video camera was built to go wherever you do.
- Easy Vertical Mounting – An innovative and effortless quick-release mounting design lets you securely mount the Action 3 camera on all of your favorite gear, even vertically, in just seconds.
- Dive Deep – Action 3 underwater camera is waterproof down to 16 meters without requiring any additional accessories, letting you dive deep and explore further when underwater.
- Front and Back Touchscreens – The action camera with dual touchscreens with hydrophobic coating lets you vlog, take selfies, adjust parameters, and enjoy crystal-clear playback, even with wet hands.
- DJI Osmo Action 3 Standard Combo – Includes DJI Osmo Action 3 camera along with a protective frame, adapter mount, and other essentials needed for dynamic and diverse scenarios.
DJI ACTION 2
About this item
- Snap Into Your Environment – Action 2’s innovative magnetic design allows you to effortlessly switch out accessories as you capture life on the go. Snap on any of Action 2’s diverse accessories and discover creative ways to film your adventure.
- Action on the Go – The ultra-compact DJI Action 2 takes up next to no room in your travel bag. With the Magnetic Lanyard and Magnetic Headband, you can effortlessly wear the lightweight camera on your head or chest as you capture the world around you.
- Footage That Speaks for Itself – Record stunningly smooth 4K/120fps video with richer details than ever before. Action 2’s ultra-wide FOV lets you capture more of your surroundings as you explore.
- Share-Worthy Content in a Tap – The DJI Mimo app uses its AI Editor to automatically select and combine your epic moments with flawless transitions and upbeat music.
- Make a Splash – DJI Action 2 is robust and waterproof right out of the box, so that you can capture it all on your aquatic adventures. The camera unit can be used at depths of up to 10 meters and at 60 meters when paired with the Waterproof Case.
- Share Life From Your Perspective – Free up your hands, record a first-person perspective, and share the world as you see it.
GOPRO HERO 9
About this item
- 5K VIDEO: Shoot stunning video with up to 5K resolution, perfect for maintaining serious detail even when zooming in. Packing a new 23.6MP sensor that’s an absolute powerhouse, HERO9 Black brings lifelike image sharpness, fluid motion and in-camera horizon leveling that always impresses.
- 20 MP PHOTO WITH SUPERPHOTO: Capture crisp, pro-quality photos with 20MP clarity. And with SuperPhoto, HERO9 Black can automatically pick all the best image processing for you, so it’s super easy to nail the shot.
- FRONT DISPLAY + REAR TOUCH SCREEN: A new, larger rear touch screen with touch zoom on HERO9 Black should feel instantly familiar and a dazzling new front display makes for easy framing and intuitive camera control.
- POWERFUL BATTERY: 30% longer battery life is here thanks to a larger 1720mAh battery. This lets you shoot more without having to swap out batteries and packs enough juice to power your camera through the cold.
- HYPERSMOOTH 3.0: Experience ultimate smoothness with our most advanced video stabilization ever. HyperSmooth 3.0 enables in-camera horizon leveling and boost in all settings.
Don’t forget the underwater housing:
Housing for GoPro Hero 9
About this item
- 【LIFE-TIME Warranty】 30-Day money back guarantee, LIFE-TIME Warranty and friendly 7 x 24 hours customer service.
- 【60M/196FT Waterproof】This waterproof housing case with upgraded waterproof sealing ring and tight buckle that help avoid water leakage effectively. You can use your camera to record underwater activity deep to 60 meters/196ft without worrying about leaks, and it also won’t damage the shooting effect, clear and vivid.
- 【DESIGNED FOR】Go Pro Hero 10 Black / Go Pro Hero 9 Black
- 【LARGE FLAT GLASS LENS】Delivers maximum image sharpness above and below water
- 【Excellent PMMA material】 Waterproof up to 45m, ideal for diving, surfing, snorkeling and other water sports activities.
Housing for DJI Action 3
About this item
- Designed for DJI Osmo Action 3 camera. Made of high quality PC material, 306 stainless steel and tempered glass with rubberized waterproof ring inside, impact resistant and waterproof. Extremely durable and sturdy. Can effectively protect your camera from damage or scratches. Sturdy and durable.
- Light weight and small size. Compact and easy to carry. Can take it anywhere. Ideal for diving, snorkeling and other underwater activities.
- The Action 3 protective frame can be quickly installed and removed. DJI Action 3 camera mount adapter is compatible for use with other accessories, such as selfie sticks.
- Easy to operate the shutter, power button or use the external button to select the key/mode button underwater for easy operation.
- With tempered glass lens to protect your action 3 camera lens, HD lens with high light transmission, even underwater 40M/197FT will not damage the shooting effect, clear and realistic.
Housing for DJI Action 2
About this item
- 【LIFE-TIME WARRANTY】 Life-time warranty from FitStill and 90 Days money back guarantee
- 【SPECIALLY DESIGNED】Specially Designed for DJI Osmo Action2 Camera: Upgraded quality and professional design,1:11:1 size design.
- 【High Transparent Material】 Made of high quality PMMA plastic which is strong structure, protect your lens and LCD display from damage or scratches. High transparent material can keep a good photo shooting.
- 【Convenience to use】 Lightweight and compact, so that you can take it to anywhere you go. Ideal for diving, snorkeling and other underwater activities.
- 【45 Meters Underwater Photography】 With the use of FitStill waterproof case, you can record activities even 45m under water and it won’t damage the shooting effect, clear and vivid.
