New cameras from GoPro and DJI bring big updates to the action camera market
The GoPro Hero 11 Black and DJI Osmo Action 3 are on sale now, with a brand new GoPro Hero 11 Black Mini due in October
It’s been a big week in the action camera market, with three of the big players all releasing new cameras to the market. Both GoPro and DJI have just announced exciting new products, plus the recently released Insta360 X3, to help you capture your adventures on the trails
If you are looking for the best MTB action camera, here's everything you need to know about the GoPro Hero 11 Black (including its little brother, the Hero 11 Black Mini) and DJI Osmo Action 3.
GoPro Hero 11 Black and GoPro Hero 11 Black Mini
The GoPro website references classic movie comedy This is Spinal Tap to claim, “The world’s most versatile camera goes to 11,” with new offerings the Hero 11 Black and the Hero 11 Black Mini.
New features on the Hero 11 Black include a larger image sensor (1/1.9in/8:7 aspect ratio) which is designed to give you bigger, higher-quality images. This will mean you can simultaneously shoot footage that’s suitable for both TikTok (portrait) and YouTube (landscape).
The camera also boasts HyperSmooth 5.0 video stabilization technology, with built-in AutoBoost and Horizon Lock that will – GoPro claim – “ensure your smoothest, most stunning shots yet”. You can also look forward to new Night Effects features that improve results when you’re shooting after dark, GoPro’s first-ever 10-bit video recording, and the ability to automatically upload footage to the cloud. On top of all that, the company says the Hero 11 Black is water resistant up to 33 feet (10 meters).
The GoPro Hero 11 Mini is a smaller, slightly pared-back version of the Hero 11. In most regards it’s the same as its almost namesake, just smaller and cheaper, and lacks the built-in displays – something that may turn out to be a deciding factor when you’re deciding which model to buy.
You can check out GoPro's launch video below:
DJI Osmo Action 3
DJI’s new offering is the Osmo Action 3. While it boasts the same quick-release mounting system as its predecessor, the Osmo Action 2 – allowing for shooting both horizontal and vertical video – this new model also comes with dual, full-color touchscreens.
Inviting you to “push any adventure beyond the edge”, DJI claims their new camera has improved battery performance (150 minutes extended battery life), resistance to cold (reliable to -20°C/4°F), and waterproofing (the website quotes a figure of 33 meters (108 feet)).
When it comes to the actual video, meanwhile, the Osmo Action 3 comes with HorizonSteady stabilization, 4K/120fps photography, and a superwide 150-degree field of view.
See more in DJI’s launch video:
If you're holding out for a Hero (11 Black) or have your eye on a new DJI Osmo Action 3, both are available to buy now. If you want to get your hands on a Hero 11 Black Mini, however, you’ll have to wait until the 25th October.
Richard has 20 years of experience as a journalist and editor, and spent most of that time geeking out on market-leading sci-fi and fantasy magazine SFX. Since standing down as editor to go freelance in 2019, he’s continued to write about Star Wars, Star Trek and other movies and TV shows for the likes of SFX, Total Film, GamesRadar+ and TechRadar. He also played a pivotal role in the launch of outdoor site Advnture as managing editor, and regularly helps out with production on Bike Perfect. Much as he loves being in the saddle, Richard realized early on that he prefers going up hills to down them – especially when there are trees involved.