DJI Osmo Pocket Vs GoPro Hero 7: Which Is Better 2023

The DJI Osmo Pocket is an amazing new piece of technology that has been released to the public. It’s a smaller version of the Osmo Mobile 2, but it does not have any buttons on it, so all commands are done through voice control. The GoPro Hero 7 is also a high-quality camera that can be used for many different things.

In this DJI Osmo Pocket vs GoPro Hero 7 article, LucidCam will compare and contrast these two cameras in order to help you decide which one might be best for your needs.

DJI Osmo Pocket vs GoPro Hero7

DJI Osmo Pocket

The Osmo Pocket is perfect for smooth, steady shots and vlogs. However, too much motion can cause a gimbal to become unstable. The built-in USB C port allows you to easily transfer footage to other devices and can be charged while you are filming.

Well, for that, the DJI Osmo Pocket looks like it really stands a chance of usurping pretty much all action cameras.

Pros

• Handle for comfortable filming
• Hardware stabilization is superior to GoPro’s EIS in low light conditions.
• Even while filming, you can recharge your phone

Cons

• The GoPro HERO 7 is not as durable.
• Accessory ecosystems that are smaller

Modes And Features

• Burst: Captures up 30 photos in a second
• Night Photo: This setting controls the time the shutter is opened for night shots (upto 30 seconds). Auto is the default setting.
• Looping – Continuously records video at a predetermined interval. You can save only what you need.
• Time Lapse photo: Captures a series of photos at specific intervals.
• Time Lapse video Creates a clip from frames taken at specified intervals to create a fast-motion effect.
• TimeWarp Video: Take super stable timelapse videos as you move around a scene. To make longer activities more shareable, increase the speed by up to 30x
• Night Lapse Photo: Takes a series of photos at predetermined intervals in low light conditions. To let in more light in dark environments, the shutter stays open
• longer.
• Slomo: Slow down things by up to 8x.
• Photo Timer – The photo timer allows you to snap a GoPro selfie with your entire crew or group shot in the frame.
• Voice control function.

GoPro HERO 7.

The GoPro HERO 7 is designed for high-energy shots and can be mounted on nearly any object. It also supports high frame rates for slow-motion captures and can even be mounted to most other objects. It can withstand water and hard falls, making it ideal for sports filming.

Pros

• Accessory support available in a wide range
• Live streaming via Facebook and YouTube
• There are many options for slow-mo frames rates
• Electronic image stabilization
• Modes include Voice Control, Time-Lapse and Slo-Mo

Cons

• Less dynamic range
• Distortion can occur when the lens is larger

Modes And Features

• The ode focuses on the orientation of the gimbal to capture thrilling action shots with smooth results.
• ActiveTrack: Simply tap on a subject, and ActiveTrack will follow. FastTrack automatically activates Selfie mode, keeping you in the center of the shot.
• 3×3 Panorama – Capture your destination in stunning detail and definition.
• Motionlapse: Capture a day in one shot. Motionlapse transforms hours into seconds and adds smooth camera movement to create dramatic effects.
• NightShot: Osmo Pocket detects and illuminates low-lit scenes automatically, creating brighter photos. Long exposures can be taken handheld with 2-3s without a tripod.

Design: Squares vs Rectangles

The design of the DJI Osmo Pocket and GoPro Hero 7 is quite different, with each camera having its own unique strengths and weaknesses. The Hero 7 has a familiar design with a durable, rubberized body that can withstand drops and bumps.

The camera’s touch screen is large and easy to use, allowing you to change settings and access features quickly. The Hero 7 is also waterproof up to 30 feet without the need for additional housing, making it an excellent option for outdoor adventures and water activities.

In contrast, the DJI Osmo Pocket is much smaller and more compact than the Hero 7, making it incredibly portable and easy to carry around. Despite its small size, the Osmo Pocket is surprisingly sturdy, with a gimbal made of all metal and a main body made of plastic.

The camera also has an accessory port that allows you to connect your smartphone to the camera, which can be useful for controlling the camera remotely or accessing additional features.

While the Hero 7 is more durable than the Osmo Pocket, the Osmo Pocket has its own unique advantages. The all-metal gimbal on the Osmo Pocket is less fragile than the ribbon cables on the Hero 7, making it more resistant to damage.

Additionally, the Osmo Pocket’s small size and portability make it an excellent choice for vloggers or anyone who wants to capture footage on the go.

In terms of waterproofing, the Hero 7 is the clear winner, with its ability to withstand water up to 30 feet without any additional housing. However, DJI has recently released a waterproof housing for the Osmo Pocket that allows it to be used underwater up to 196 feet, which is the same depth as the Hero 7’s waterproof housing.

Overall, both the DJI Osmo Pocket and GoPro Hero 7 have unique designs that cater to different needs and use cases. The Hero 7 is more durable and has better waterproofing, making it a great option for outdoor activities and rough conditions.

The Osmo Pocket, on the other hand, is smaller and more portable, making it a great option for vloggers and anyone who wants to capture footage on the go

User Interface

The DJI Osmo Pocket and GoPro Hero 7 both have user-friendly interfaces that make them easy to use, even for beginners. The touch screen on the GoPro Hero 7 is simple and intuitive, allowing users to easily navigate menus and change settings.

The Protune option provides some manual control over white balance and color profiles but lacks full manual controls for shutter speed and ISO. However, the built-in WiFi makes it easy to connect the camera to a smartphone and access more advanced settings.

The Osmo Pocket also has a touchscreen interface, but its lack of WiFi means that users have to connect to a smartphone using adapters included with the camera.

Once connected, however, users can access a wide range of pro features, including manual control over ISO and shutter speed. The interface is easy to navigate, and the small size of the camera makes it easy to operate with one hand.

One advantage of the Osmo Pocket’s interface is the ability to quickly switch between modes. With a simple swipe, users can switch between photo, video, and panorama modes, as well as access the camera’s various shooting settings.

The ability to quickly switch between modes is particularly useful for vloggers and other content creators who need to switch between shooting modes frequently.

Resolution and Frame Rates

The DJI Osmo Pocket and GoPro Hero 7 are both capable of shooting stunning 4K video at 24 and 30 frames per second. This resolution is perfect for capturing high-quality footage that looks great on large screens.

However, the Hero7 has the upper hand in terms of frame rates, with the ability to shoot 2.7K video at 120 frames per second and 1080P video at 220 frames per second. This allows for incredibly smooth slow-motion footage, making it a favorite among action sports enthusiasts.

While the Osmo Pocket does not match the Hero7’s high frame rates, it still has some impressive capabilities of its own. It can shoot 4K video at 48 frames per second, which is well-suited for 24 frames per second timeline.

This makes it a great choice for filmmakers who want to capture high-quality footage that can be easily incorporated into their projects without the need for conversion.

Both cameras offer a range of other frame rates and resolutions as well. The Hero7 can shoot 1440P video at 120 frames per second and 960P video at 240 frames per second, making it incredibly versatile.

The Osmo Pocket, on the other hand, can shoot 1080P video at 120 frames per second and 720P video at 120 frames per second. These lower resolutions and frame rates are perfect for capturing slow-motion footage or creating time-lapses.

In terms of price, the GoPro Hero7 is generally more affordable than the Osmo Pocket, which may make it a more attractive option for those on a budget. However, for those who are willing to invest in a higher-end camera, the Osmo Pocket offers some unique features and capabilities that may make it worth the extra cost.

Ultimately, when it comes to resolution and frame rates, both the DJI Osmo Pocket and GoPro Hero7 offer some impressive capabilities that will satisfy the needs of most users.

The Hero7’s higher frame rates make it a great choice for action sports enthusiasts, while the Osmo Pocket’s 4K at 48 frames per second resolution is perfect for filmmakers who want to capture high-quality footage.

Low Light Performance

When it comes to low-light performance, the DJI Osmo Pocket and GoPro Hero 7 have their own strengths and weaknesses. The Hero 7 Black Edition has a maximum ISO of 3200, while the maximum ISO on the Osmo Pocket is only 1600.

However, the actual footage captured by the cameras can be more important than their specs on paper. In practice, the Osmo Pocket has a wider dynamic range and less color saturation compared to the HERO7, which can be an advantage when color-grading footage in post-production.

In terms of settings, the Osmo Pocket’s Pro mode allows you to change the color to “Cinelike” and turn off noise reduction, while the Hero 7 Black’s Protune feature can set the color to “Flat”.

However, it can be difficult to turn off noise reduction on the GoPro, as this feature is not easily accessible in the settings. In general, using automatic white balance and exposure can be sufficient for most users when shooting in low-light conditions.

The Osmo Pocket also has a larger aperture, which can make low-light photography easier. Additionally, the auto-exposure feature on the Osmo Pocket allows you to shoot video without having to connect your smartphone, which can be convenient for quick and spontaneous shots.

On the other hand, the GoPro Hero 7 Black’s hyper smooth mode can help reduce motion blur in low light situations, although this may also result in some blurring artifacts.

Overall, both cameras have their own strengths and weaknesses when it comes to low-light performance. The best camera for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences.

It’s important to consider factors such as aperture, ISO, and dynamic range, as well as the cameras’ specific features and settings, to determine which camera is best suited for your low-light photography and videography needs.

Photos

Both the DJI Osmo Pocket and GoPro Hero 7 offer photo capabilities, with some differences in their features and output quality. The GoPro Hero 7 can take photos in 4000×3000 (12 MP) resolution in either .jpg or.GPR (GoPro RAW) format.

However, the photos can exhibit a fisheye effect, especially at the outer margin or when objects are very close to the camera. To address this, users can use a linear FOV mode to take RAW photos. Adobe Lightroom recognizes.GPR is GoPro’s RAW format and users can use this to correct distortion and improve the appearance of the photos.

On the other hand, the DJI Osmo Pocket also offers 4000×3000 pixel (12 MP) photos in .jpg (RAW) format, similar to GoPro. However, it also has a unique feature that allows users to shoot panoramic photos. Users can choose to shoot a 3×3 or 180-degree (4×1) panoramic photo, and the DJI Mimo app will stitch the images together at a lower resolution using .jpg.

Users can also save the 9 (3×3) and 4 (4×1) photos in JPEG or RAW when they enable pro mode. This allows users to download photos in 8685×5819 (50 MP!) resolution, which is impressive and ideal for printing high-resolution posters.

Overall, the DJI Osmo Pocket offers a more unique and versatile photo feature with its panoramic photo capability. However, the GoPro Hero 7’s RAW format allows for better editing and correction of distortion in post-processing.

Video Quality

When it comes to video quality, the DJI Osmo Pocket and GoPro Hero 7 are both excellent choices, with their own unique strengths and weaknesses.

The GoPro Hero 7 Black has been a popular choice for action camera enthusiasts for years, and for a good reason. It is capable of shooting 4K video at up to 60 frames per second, as well as 2.7K at 120FPS and 1080P at 240FPS. This means that you can capture incredibly smooth slow-motion footage that is perfect for action-packed moments.

However, it is worth noting that the Hero 7’s footage can sometimes exhibit the fisheye effect caused by its wide-angle lens, which may not be everyone’s cup of tea.

The DJI Osmo Pocket, on the other hand, boasts a slightly wider aperture than the Hero 7 at f/2.0, which makes it better suited for low light conditions. It is also capable of shooting 4K video at 60 frames per second, which is more than enough for most people’s needs.

However, where the Osmo Pocket really shines is in its smooth, gimbal-stabilized footage. The 3-axis mechanical gimbal ensures that your footage stays incredibly smooth and steady, even when you are on the move.

In terms of the overall look of the footage, the Osmo Pocket’s narrow field of view lens means that it has less distortion than the Hero 7’s wide-angle lens. This can make it better suited for capturing more cinematic footage, as well as for vlogging and other types of content where a narrower field of view is desired.

However, it is worth noting that the Hero 7’s wide-angle lens can be beneficial in certain situations, such as when mounted close to the action, as it can make the footage seem more dynamic.

Audio Quality

When it comes to audio quality, both the DJI Osmo Pocket and GoPro Hero 7 offer decent options for general use, but fall short for those who require clear and crisp audio. To improve the audio quality, it’s recommended to invest in an external microphone and sync the audio with your footage later.

The DJI Osmo Pocket only offers one audio option, the Audio Amplification setting, which can be found in the Pro settings. The audio is very quiet when set to “Low,” while it’s normal when set to “Moderate.” The best setting for this camera appears to be fine, although it may not be sufficient for loud events or gatherings.

In comparison, the GoPro Hero 7 Black offers two audio settings, with the option to adjust the processing. The four processing options include Raw Audio, Low, Medium, and High. Raw Audio and High provide unique audio characteristics, with Raw mode sounding more raw, and High mode providing a more punchy sound.

Additionally, the Hero 7 Black has an audio setting specifically designed to cancel out wind noise, with Stereo Audio being the recommended setting for general use.

While the Osmo Pocket excels at recording people talking, it struggles with ambient sounds due to DJI’s audio algorithms that filter out noise.

On the other hand, the Hero 7 Black falls in the middle, with a less clear sound for voiceovers and vlogs but better at picking up ambient sounds compared to the Osmo Pocket. It’s worth noting that both cameras have limitations in terms of audio quality and an external microphone is recommended for optimal results.

For those who prefer not to use an external recorder, GoPro offers a USB-C adapter that plugs into the camera’s port, while DJI also offers a similar adapter (although it’s not yet available) to use any microphone you prefer.

In summary, while both cameras offer decent audio quality, those who require top-notch sound should invest in an external microphone and utilize the available processing settings to achieve the desired result.

Stabilization

Stabilization is a crucial factor to consider when choosing between the DJI Osmo Pocket and GoPro Hero 7. Both cameras offer stabilization, but they work in different ways. The Hero 7 uses entirely digital stabilization, which involves using data from the gyro sensor to detect the camera’s rotation and then cropping the image by 10% to stabilize the footage.

While the Hero 7’s stabilization is impressive, it has its limitations. For instance, the digital stabilization method can only stabilize the lens up to a certain width, and it struggles to work in low-light conditions.

On the other hand, the DJI Osmo Pocket uses a 3-axis gimbal that measures gyro data to drive motors on the device. This allows the Osmo Pocket to compensate for larger movements and produce nearly flawless footage.

The Osmo Pocket’s gimbal also offers several stabilization modes, including Follow, Tilt Locked, and FPV mode. Follow mode locks the roll axis and stabilizes the pan and tilt. Tilt Locked mode is similar to Follow, but it locks the tilt of the gimbal, preventing it from looking up or down.

Finally, FPV mode unlocks the roll axis, giving the footage a more traditional look while still providing stable movements.

Overall, while both cameras offer stabilization, the DJI Osmo Pocket’s 3-axis gimbal provides a more advanced and effective stabilization system.

The Osmo Pocket’s gimbal compensates for larger movements and produces almost flawless footage, while the Hero 7’s digital stabilization method has limitations and struggles in low-light conditions. If you’re looking for a camera with superior stabilization, the DJI Osmo Pocket may be the better choice.

Battery Life

The Osmo Pocket’s battery life seems to be slightly better than that of the Hero 7. I had 20% left on my GoPro and 36% on my Osmo after shooting test shots in which both cameras were simultaneously recording in 4K at the same settings.

The Osmo Pocket’s USB C port is located on the bottom. This makes it easy to use the Osmo Pocket while charging. The Hero 7 has a side door that can be opened to charge the battery. Or you can just replace it with a new one.

Timelapse

When it comes to timelapse, both the DJI Osmo Pocket and GoPro Hero7 black have features that are worth exploring. The Hero7 black has a feature called “Time-Warp,” which is essentially a hyperlapse. It allows the camera to record a time-lapse when it’s moving, such as while walking or hiking.

The advanced stabilization of Hero7 black makes it possible to achieve better results in such situations. This feature is heavily advertised by GoPro, and it’s undoubtedly an impressive tool for capturing stunning footage while on the move.

On the other hand, the DJI Osmo Pocket offers a motion timelapse technique that allows the camera to be tilted or panned. This feature allows the Osmo Pocket to stand out from the Hero7 black as it offers greater flexibility in timelapse photography.

With the Osmo Pocket, you can select a starting and ending point, and the gimbal will automatically adjust the camera’s head accordingly. This feature allows for more creative shots and is particularly useful in capturing cityscapes and landscapes.

While both cameras offer unique features for timelapse photography, there are a few additional considerations to keep in mind. For example, the Hero7 black requires a gimbal capable of supporting the Time-Warp feature or a cheaper alternative, such as a GoPro panning device. The DJI Osmo Pocket, on the other hand, has an integrated gimbal, which makes it easier to achieve smooth camera movements.

Slow Motion

It is great to see slow motion, especially when you are doing sports. It is an effect, not a feature. This is because a higher framerate video is recorded and played at a lower rate. You can also slow down a 4K video with DJI Osmo Pocket or GoPro Hero7 Black 50% (record at 60fps, playback at 30fps).

The difference in resolution is even more noticeable at 1080p. GoPro Hero7 black records 1080p at 240fps, which allows a playback speed of 12,5% (8x), while DJI Osmo pockets are limited to 120fps

Gimbal Versus Action Camera

                                              DJI Osmo Pocket                                                          GoPro HERO7

Sensor size                              Value                                                                            Value

Resolutions     4K (up to 60fps), 1080p (up to 120fps)    4K (up to 60fps), 2.7K (up to 120fps),1080p (up to 240fps),720p (up to 240fps)

Battery                                    875mAh                                                             1220mAh

Mic input                   Yes (adapter required)                                               Yes (adapter required)

Max bit                                   100 Mbps                                                            78 Mbps

Weight                                    116g                                                                     116g

Waterproof                              No                                                                 Up to 10m

Stabilization              Gimbal stabilization                                           Electronic image stabilization

There are key differences among the cameras that can influence your decision, regardless of what purpose you have for them. First, durability and form factor. The HERO7 camera is a rectangular, small-sized model that can accept a variety of accessories such as waterproof housing and adhesive mounting.

The Osmo Pocket, a small stabilized camera that can be easily carried or stored in a pocket or bag, doesn’t have any durability or water resistance.

The 1/2.3″ sensor on the other cameras can shoot 4K video at 60 frames per second. Although the Osmo Pocket has a stop-larger aperture than the Hero 7 Black’s at f/2.8, it is theoretically better in low light. Both the color, contrast, and dynamic range of the two lenses look very similar, at least during daylight.

HyperSmooth stabilization is a form of electronic image stabilisation that works in the GoPro Hero 7 Black’s 4K/60fps mode. Although this is digital stabilization rather than optical, GoPro claims that it will provide gimbal-like stability – but without the gimbal.

The Osmo Pocket makes use of its mechanical stabilizer, which allows for smooth footage and avoids the problems of electronic image stabilization.

Both cameras feature has a built-in display to frame your shot. You can also mirror the feed to your smartphone for a larger display as well as manual controls. Both cameras can also record video at 4K60p. However, the GoPro supports much higher frame rates at lower resolutions. It can go all the way up up to 240fps at 1080p.

Your priorities will determine your preference for image quality. GoPro’s iconic wide-angle look on the HERO7 allows for a lot of content to fit within the frame, but can sometimes distort your image (although there is an option for a smaller field of view).

The HERO7 also features a saturated look that is more appealing than the Osmo Pocket. This may be preferred by some for quick editing.

Other Features

GPS Recording

GoPro Hero7 Black has really cool features that the Osmo Pocket doesn’t have. It records GPS data which can be visualized using videos, e.g. A speedometer. This feature is great, especially when combined with moto vlogs or car sports. Although DJI Osmo Pocket doesn’t offer this feature, it could be implemented since it could access that information from the smartphone.

Live Streaming

GoPro Hero7 Black is the first GoPro to live stream to YouTube and Facebook. Although DJI Osmo Pocket doesn’t currently support Livestream, it should be possible to do so with a smartphone attached.

Selfies (Stick & Controls).

When your GoPro is mounted to a stick, Voice Control is a great feature for taking selfies. A remote controller is not necessary. Simply shout “GoPro, take a picture!” Osmo Pocket Selfie Stick is available that has buttons to control the camera. However, this device is quite expensive.

Water and Durability

GoPro is the most durable camera available and has the best design. No problem if the lens scratches. The outer layer can be easily and inexpensively replaced. The camera is water-resistant up to 10m, even without cause. Other cameras, such as the DJI Osmo Pocket’s filigree-gimballed camera, are also vulnerable. The protected lenses on both cameras are not available. You can make the waterproof cases optional. This is the main feature that defines an “action camera”, which is a category that is known as GoPro.

 Which Is Better?

These cameras are unique and I would purchase both. The Hero 7 Black has a wide field of view, good video quality, and is extremely durable. The Osmo offers better stabilization, a more cinematic field of view, manual controls, sharp video quality, and a slightly lower price.

Although DJI would love you to think this camera is the GoPro killer, in reality, these cameras belong in their own category. The GoPro Hero 7 Black Edition will be great for getting intense action shots just like you see in those GoPro advertising videos.

For everyday videos, vlogs, travel, cinematic short films, that’s where I think the Osmo Pocket will be better. If I could only choose one camera, I’d go for the Osmo Pocket and then the GoPro or Osmo Action later.

Conclusion

In this article, we’ve covered the DJI Osmo Pocket vs GoPro Hero 7 comparison in detail. We hope you found it helpful and that it will help you make a more informed decision about which best option for you to purchase for your needs!

In my opinion, The DJI Osmo Pocket is the better option for travel bloggers and other users. The fisheye effect does not affect your face when you talk into the camera. The mechanical gimbal not only produces smooth footage videos but also excels in low-light situations. On the other hand, Looking at the easy choice, if you’re into extreme sports, need it waterproof, shockproof, or are just prone to breaking things then go GoPro. Thank for reading :))

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