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Head-to-head · Best Action Cameras Under $300

DJI Osmo Action 4 vs Insta360 X3

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

The short answer

DJI Osmo Action 4 comes out ahead by a narrow margin (4.6 vs 4.5). The gap is mostly about vloggers, dive enthusiasts, and night shooters who need a front touchscreen and the best low-light sensor at this price — read the strengths below before deciding.

DJI Osmo Action 4
Higher ratedRanked #2 in Best Action Cameras Under $300
DJI Osmo Action 4
$299

The Osmo Action 4 is the best low-light and best vlog-friendly action camera at this price tier. The 1/1.3" sensor pulls noticeably cleaner footage in dim conditions than the GoPro Hero 12 Black's smaller sensor, and the dual touchscreens make it the obvious choice for selfie-style work. The 18m waterproof rating beats every other pick here — useful for snorkeling, kayaking, and beach use. Trade-offs are a lower max resolution (4K vs 5.3K) and a thinner third-party accessory ecosystem.

Strengths
  • — 1/1.3-inch sensor — best low-light performance in this round-up
  • — Front AND rear touchscreens — best for selfies and vlogging
  • — 4K/120fps slow motion with the larger sensor
Watch-outs
  • — Maxes out at 4K (no 5.3K like the Hero 12 Black)
  • — DJI Mimo app has fewer editing features than GoPro Quik
  • — Magnetic mounting system requires DJI-specific adapters
$299 · Check Price on AmazonFull review →
Insta360 X3
Ranked #3 in Best Action Cameras Under $300
Insta360 X3
$250

The X3 is the category-different pick. Where the GoPro Hero 12 Black and DJI Osmo Action 4 capture flat video and require you to compose the shot live, the X3 captures the entire sphere and lets you frame the shot in post. The invisible-selfie-stick effect (Insta360's signature trick) creates drone-like third-person shots that nothing else in this round-up can match. The catch: 360 footage is editing-heavy, and the X3 isn't as sharp in single-lens 4K mode.

Strengths
  • — 360-degree capture — frame the shot in post and reframe after the fact
  • — Twin 1/2" 48MP sensors for 5.7K 360 video and 72MP 360 photos
  • — Insta360's invisible-selfie-stick effect creates third-person drone-like shots
Watch-outs
  • — 360 workflow is editing-heavy — non-flat footage needs reframing in Insta360 Studio
  • — Single-lens 4K mode is good but not as sharp as the GoPro Hero 12 Black
  • — Battery life of ~80 min in 5.7K mode is shorter than the GoPro Hero 12 Black or DJI Osmo Action 4
$250 · Check Price on AmazonFull review →

How they stack up

DJI Osmo Action 4

Best low-light pick. Beats the GoPro Hero 12 Black, GoPro Hero 11 Black Mini, AKASO Brave 7, and Insta360 X3 on dim-light sensor performance and selfie-friendly front touchscreen. Loses to the Hero 12 Black on max resolution and stabilization smoothness. Deeper waterproof rating than any other pick in this round-up.

Insta360 X3

The only spherical-capture pick in this lineup — different category from the flat-video GoPro Hero 12 Black, DJI Osmo Action 4, GoPro Hero 11 Black Mini, and AKASO Brave 7. Trade-off is workflow heaviness — sphere footage needs reframing in post. Battery shorter than any flat-video pick here.

Specs side-by-side

SpecDJI Osmo Action 4Insta360 X3
Sensor1/1.3-inch CMOSTwin 1/2-inch 48 MP
Max Video4K/120fps5.7K 360 / 4K single-lens
Battery LifeUp to 150 min (-20°C capable)~80 min @ 5.7K
Waterproofing18 m (60 ft) without housingIPX8 33 ft (10 m)
FOV155° ultra-wide—
Screen1.4" front + 2.25" rear (touch)2.29" rear touch
Photo10 MP72MP 360 / 48MP single
StabilizationRockSteady 3.0+FlowState
Weight145 g180 g
Mic Input—Via USB-C mic adapter
← See the full ranking of best action cameras under $300