Is a GoPro better than a DSLR camera for travel photo or video? Can a GoPro action camera provide video or image quality equivalent to a DSLR Camera? When we think about GoPro vs DSLR, these are the questions we often ask ourselves, whether we already have these devices or whether we are thinking of buying one.
That of capturing the most intense moments, emotions, views, food, and sport is now a real mania, especially while traveling. Facebook and Instagram are chock full of these snaps and videos. But when it’s up to us to decide which device to take with us, which one do we choose?
In this GoPro vs DSLR article, we will try to shed some light, seeing in simple words what are the main differences, the pros, and cons of these two cameras.
DSLR Camera
As it is easy to understand from the name itself, in DSLR cameras there is an element that reflects. Inside the camera body, we find a mirror that reflects light on a prism and the latter allows you to view inside the viewfinder for a preview. When the shutter button is pressed, the mirror moves up, the shutter opens and the light strikes the image sensor that captures the shot.
Always simplifying as much as possible, we will say that, with a reflex camera, we must always have at least two or three lenses behind, to be changed if necessary.
Characteristics
- Full Frame Sensor: 36 x 24 mm
- APS-C Sensor: 23.5 x 15.6 mm
- Weight: Starting from 600g of the camera body alone, to which the optics must be added
- Optics: There are infinite, of infinite brands and with price ranges from $50 to $11,000.
- Price: From $350 to $6,000
Pros
- A very large sensor that allows you to capture excellent shots even in low-light conditions
- Wide range of advanced settings
- Wide range of objectives
Cons
- Very high prices
- Very high weight
- Need for a good optical park
GoPro Camera
Let’s talk about the most famous action camera of all: the GoPro. This super-compact camera has a much smaller sensor than a DSLR, so it achieves the best results in good light.
When the light is low, digital technology comes to the rescue, still allowing us to act on shutter opening times, ISO limits, etc. DJI also boasts two highly respected action cameras, DJI Osmo Action and DJI Osmo Pocket 2: in particular, the latter is practically a pocket gimbal with extraordinary performance.
It does not need interchangeable DSLR Camera Lenses, the zoom is applied electronically as well as image stabilization. Born for video, in the top-of-the-range version GoPro HERO9 Black reaches 5K with 30 frames per second and 4K with 60 frames per second.
Also noteworthy are the additional creative possibilities: TimeWarp 3.0, live Streaming on social media, TimeLapse, NightLapse, PhotoBurst, Super Photos.
Characteristics
- Sensor: 1 / 2.3 ″
- Weight: Starting from 159g
- Price: From $149 to $499
Pros
- Small and compact size
- Low weight
- Reduced price
- Video quality up to 5K @ 30, 4K @ 60 and 1080 @ 240
- Free app
- TimeLapse, TimeWarp, Live Streaming, NightLapse (depending on model)
Cons
- The lower photo quality in low light
- Relatively limited setting
GoPro vs DSLR: The solution for many is GoPro. Why?
As we said, this article is not meant to be a raw comparison of GoPro vs DSLR, but a guide on which one to pack. Summing up, thinking about a trip, fun on the beach or our sports sessions, we can say that:
DSLR cameras are heavy, bulky and need at least a backpack of their own. All the action cameras, on the other hand, are light and versatile, perfect for taking both videos and photos. Ideal for sharing shots and videos with a tap, they can be placed almost anywhere, worn, and have a myriad of accessories available.
What if you don’t want to have 1 kilo on your neck or a bag full of glasses and necessary charging equipment, emergency batteries, etc.?
It is compact and light:
Its size is ideal to put it in a jacket pocket or simply occupy minimum space in your hand luggage, the batteries are tiny, the case can be worn and its accessories are not bulky or too heavy.
GoPro vs DSLR Camera Image quality:
The latest versions of GoPro have settings that allow for high-resolution images and ultra-high quality videos. Also, if you are a video hobbyist, you can edit them in your software and with various predefined modes that will help you capture high-speed instants, especially for sports or critical moments when you need more frames per second.
You will not need an additional wide-angle lens:
In general, when carrying a reflex, many travelers fall short when taking pictures of buildings or large natural spaces. The GoPro camera can be used at a wide-angle, which will capture more area.
You can very easily take time-lapse:
Capturing a glorious sunset, sunrise, or watching the clouds cover and uncover the mountains will be a breeze with a GoPro. Another plus point is that you can leave it in small places, embedded in a rock, or using a flexible tripod.
It is more economic than a DSLR:
A decent reflex can cost 3 times more than a GoPro, you must take much more care of it, and being able to go snorkeling with it will require more expensive and specialized equipment.
At this point it is clear that to have fun without sacrificing the quality of photos and videos, GoPro is almost a must!
I’m sure now, the new question in your head is: “Ok, but which GoPro or action camera should I take on vacation?”
What GoPro offers
The entire GoPro line has gone through a complete upgrade and optimization process in recent years. Whereas several models were seen in previous years, including a small, inexpensive shoot, the company now only offers 360-degree versions of the flagship Hero and Max series.
In 2018, it moved quite a bit in its product line to achieve this optimization and slimmed it down even further in 2019 with the launch of the Hero 8 and Max. In 2020, that process was further refined, and now only offers the 9 Black, Max, 8 Black, and 7 Black. However, older models are available from third-party retailers. That makes it four cameras in total, but between them, you should be able to easily find something that works for you within your budget. Plus, you can still easily find some of the previous flagship cameras at much lower prices than at launch.
GoPro also offers a variety of accessories, from small hand mounts that act as tripods to floating cases and handles. It also has a great and easy-to-use mobile app for editing. When it comes to an ecosystem, it is quite unbeatable.
GoPro’s latest action hero is the culmination of years of improving stabilization algorithms. HyperSmooth 3.0 builds on the Hero 8’s capabilities by automatically stabilizing the shakes and vibrations in your footage and making it incredibly smooth. Change direction suddenly and it will roll smoothly, using a clever algorithm.
GoPro – Key Improvements
There are two key improvements to the cameras above that make them very attractive to any buyer. One of them is undoubtedly the largest battery that lasts much longer than its predecessors. The other is that there is now a really useful screen in the front that you can use to frame yourself when facing the lens. It is no longer just a black and white screen with basic information.
GoPro also improved the audio, putting a better microphone on the front of the camera and building a water ejection channel to further improve its waterproofing compared to older models.
Video capabilities include 5K 30fps recording, 4K 60fps, 1080p live streaming, as well as 240fps slow-motion and various time-lapse and hyper-lapse capture modes, including a night-lapse photo option.
It’s arguably one of the best-value flagship Hero cameras to date as well, with a starting price well below some of its predecessors if you buy it with a GoPro subscription.
Like once, if you like photography and videos, and you want to save space, editing time and do not require huge RAW photographs or use specialized zoom, the GoPro can save your life. Especially if you want to travel light, go light rafting, swim in the corals, and more.
