It’s that time of year again, for the iPhone vs GoPro test, focused on action. Or, video scenarios in all sorts of fun ways. As always, the reality of 2024 (or the last numbers of years), is the line between action camera and phone camera continues to blur. This year, Apple added 4K @ 120FPS (used for slow-motion footage) to match GoPro’s existing 4K/120. Of course, GoPro added 5.3K @ 120FPS (although, in a more limited custom mode for just 5 seconds).
And that’s all in addition to the previous Action Mode that Apple has had, that stabilizes the image with impressive results. Thus I put the cameras side-by-side through a slate of different tests, including:
0:00 Quick Intro
0:41 Cannonball Test (4K/120FPS)
1:56 Running Sprint (Stabilization Test)
3:26 Underwater Footage Comparison
4:22 Mountain Biking Comparison
5:35 Driving & Vehicle Comparison
6:15 Flying atop a drone Test!
8:35 Night footage Comparison
9:04 Final Comparison Thoughts
As always, the camera you have on you is your best camera. But as these tests show, the winner depends a little bit on how you judge each bit of footage, and the use cases. In many scenarios, the results are incredibly similar, but facts like mounting and durability become more critical.
Anyway, just enjoy and have fun watching!
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Any comparison of ease of editing GPS info into the videos? I see the GoPro records GPS data and the GoPro Quik app has some tools for it, does Apple have something similar to record & visualize GPS info?
I have a GoPro Hero 4 (old, I know), and each time I want to make a video with GPS info (recorded by my Garmin since the Hero 4 doesn’t have built-in GPS), it’s a pain to sync up the video and GPX, and the editing software leaves much to be desired…
Most people use Telemetry Overlay for this. But it is expensive.
Will you be reviewing the new DJI Action 5? I’d love to hear your thoughts and an unbiased comparison to the Hero 13
2nd this! Action 5 is closest we have every got to a VIRB Ultra 30 replacement with their direct Garmin import!
I am working on it.
In short, DJI is now requiring (if they want early access):
A) Reviewers submit their reviews to DJI prior to release, for approval
B) Reviewers agree to a 90-day non-compete on action cameras and drones (where they won’t review other products in the space)
C) Reviewers not talk about the footage in comparisons of the Action 5 (e.g. head to head footage comparison, not discussing the footage quality).
Obviously, I’m not agreeing to any of that garbage. Thus, no early access unit for me. Instead, I went out and bought one, and have already started to work my way through it.
RE: VIRB Replacement
Actually, the ACE Pro is probably the best there (minus the not-so-wide FOV). DJI doesn’t have direct import of Garmin workouts, they have import of .FIT files (which, is still more functional than what GoPro has today). However, Insta360 actually syncs in your Garmin/Apple/COROS/a few others files directly, akin to what Strava does, and does the overlays directly – including cycling power/etc… It’s incredibly cool.
Will there be something about the Insta360 X4?
No, probably not. I generally find 360* cameras kinda finicky (and unfortunately, also super low-demand unfortunately interest-wise).