Action Camera Comparison: GoPro, DJI Osmo Action and Insta360 by Weight, Battery and Storage
Fourteen action cameras from GoPro, DJI and Insta360 compared on weight, battery and storage, with the flagships' sensor sizes, top video modes and waterproof depths. Then which to choose for low light, long recording, the smallest mount, and staying in one ecosystem.
Current flagship action cameras weigh 146 to 207 g and split into two groups. DJI's Osmo Action 5 Pro and Action 6 have 64 GB built in, 20 m waterproofing and 4K at up to 120 fps; the Action 6 moves to a larger 1/1.1-inch sensor with a variable aperture. GoPro's MISSION 1 PRO goes further on paper with a 1-inch sensor and 8K60, at 207 g. The GoPro HERO13 Black and Insta360 Ace Pro 2 sit between them. For the smallest mounts, the 39 to 53 g thumb cameras from Insta360 and DJI are a different class.
Fourteen action cameras by weight, battery and storage
| Camera | Weight | Battery | Watt-hours | Removable battery | Storage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Insta360 GO 3S | 39.1 g (camera only) | 310 mAh | not published | no | 64 or 128 GB built in |
| DJI Osmo Nano | 52 g (camera only) | 530 mAh | 2.041 Wh | no | 64 or 128 GB built in, microSD in the dock |
| Insta360 GO Ultra | 52.9 g (camera only) | 500 mAh | not published | no | microSD |
| GoPro HERO (2024) | 86 g | 1255 mAh | not published | no | microSD |
| GoPro LIT HERO | 93 g | 1255 mAh | not published | not confirmed | microSD |
| DJI Osmo Action 4 | 145 g | 1770 mAh | 6.8 Wh | yes | microSD |
| DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro | 146 g | 1950 mAh | 7.5 Wh | yes | 64 GB built in (47 GB usable), microSD |
| DJI Osmo Action 6 | 149 g | 1950 mAh | 7.5 Wh | yes | 64 GB built in (50 GB usable), microSD |
| GoPro HERO11 Black | 154 g | 1720 mAh | not published | yes | microSD |
| GoPro HERO12 Black | 154 g | 1720 mAh | not published | yes | microSD |
| GoPro HERO13 Black | 154 g | 1900 mAh | 7.0 Wh * | yes | microSD |
| Insta360 Ace Pro 2 | 182 g | 1800 mAh | not published | yes | microSD |
| GoPro MISSION 1 | 207 g | 2150 mAh | not published | yes | microSD |
| GoPro MISSION 1 PRO | 207 g | 2150 mAh | not published | yes | microSD |
Specs from the makers' published data, checked October 2026. * Computed from 1900 mAh at 3.7 V. GoPro and Insta360 do not publish watt-hours for most models; the rating is printed on the battery.
Weight definitions differ: GoPro's figures include the battery and mounting fingers, while the small cameras are listed without their docks or pods. Insta360 lists the GO 3S Action Pod at 96.3 g and the GO Ultra's at 108.5 g; DJI lists the Osmo Nano's Vision Dock at 72 g.
The flagships: sensor, video and water
| Camera | Sensor | Top video mode | Waterproof without a case |
|---|---|---|---|
| DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro | 1/1.3-inch, f/2.8 | 4K at 120 fps | 20 m |
| DJI Osmo Action 6 | 1/1.1-inch, f/2.0 to f/4.0 | 4K at 120 fps; 3840 x 3840 square at up to 60 fps | 20 m |
| GoPro HERO13 Black | 1/1.9-inch | 5.3K at 60 fps; 4K at 120 fps | 10 m |
| Insta360 Ace Pro 2 | 1/1.3-inch | 8K at 30 fps; 4K at 60 fps with Active HDR | 12 m |
| GoPro MISSION 1 PRO | 1-inch, 50 MP | 8K at 60 fps; 4K at 240 fps | 20 m |
DJI figures from DJI's spec pages. GoPro and Insta360 figures from the makers' launch specifications as listed by retailers and reviewers, checked October 2026.
DJI rates both Osmo Action cameras at 240 minutes of 1080p/24fps recording in its lab test. That is a lab figure for comparing DJI with DJI, not a figure for 4K in the cold.
Which to choose for what
Low light: Osmo Action 6 or MISSION 1 PRO
The Action 6's 1/1.1-inch sensor and the MISSION 1 PRO's 1-inch sensor are the largest here. The Action 6 also has a variable aperture from f/2.0 to f/4.0, and DJI lists it focusing from 0.2 m at f/4.0, against 0.35 m for the Action 5 Pro. The MISSION 1 PRO is the heavier of the two by 58 g.
Lightest full-size camera with built-in storage: Osmo Action 5 Pro or 6
At 146 and 149 g, with 64 GB built in, the DJI pair are the lightest full-size action cameras in our table and the only ones with built-in storage. That built-in storage is useful insurance on trips: a forgotten card does not end the day.
Staying with GoPro: HERO13 Black or MISSION 1
If you already own GoPro mounts, batteries and media mods, staying in one system is worth more than a spec-sheet win. Note that GoPro has used several different Enduro batteries: the HERO13 uses a 1900 mAh version, the MISSION 1 series an Enduro 2 at 2150 mAh, so check battery compatibility before assuming old spares fit. At launch the HERO13 Black was listed at $399, the MISSION 1 at $599.99 and the MISSION 1 PRO at $699.99.
Snorkelling and diving
For snorkelling, any of the flagships is rated deep enough without a case: 10 m for the HERO13 Black, 12 m for the Ace Pro 2, 20 m for the DJI pair and the MISSION 1 PRO. For diving, all need a housing. DJI rates both Osmo Action cameras to 60 m in its waterproof case, and asks you to close the battery and USB-C covers and tighten the glass lens cover before every use. DJI also warns against hot springs and other unusual liquids, which is worth knowing on a volcanic-island trip.
Smallest mount: thumb cameras
The Insta360 GO 3S (39.1 g), GO Ultra (52.9 g) and DJI Osmo Nano (52 g) clip to a cap, a chest strap or a dog harness in a way no full-size camera does. Their batteries are tiny and built in, so recording time depends on returning to the pod or dock. The GoPro HERO (2024) at 86 g is a small camera in the traditional shape, also with a built-in battery.
One camera for 360 and action
Insta360's X-series 360 cameras have a single-lens mode that works like an action camera. If you would carry both, compare against which 360 camera to buy before buying two cameras.
Travel notes
- Batteries: every action camera battery is far under the 100 Wh airline line. Spares go in the cabin with the terminals covered; see camera batteries on planes.
- Charging: all fourteen charge over USB-C, so one USB-C charger can cover the lot; see charging camera gear abroad.
- Files: GoPro, DJI and Insta360 name files differently and add proxy and metadata files. Read GoPro file names explained before combining cards.