Roni Essex
Freediver, Spearo, Creator
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Roni Essex
Freediver, Spearo, Creator
When it comes to capturing the thrilling moments of a spearfishing adventure, having the right action camera is crucial. In his latest review, seasoned spearo and content creator Aaron Young, also known as Key West Waterman, compares the two latest offerings from DJI and GoPro. After extensive side-by-side testing, Young shares his insights on the DJI Action 5 Pro and the GoPro Hero 13 Black, focusing on their underwater performance, battery life, new features, and overall value for divers. If you're looking to capture your spearfishing journeys, this detailed comparison will help you make an informed decision.
Aaron Young admits that he has been a long-time GoPro fan but recently switched to DJI due to repeated issues with his GoPro, such as overheating and audio problems. Despite this, he emphasizes that his loyalty lies with his audience, and he remains open to whatever camera delivers the best results.
Key Takeaway: Both cameras are popular choices for divers and spearfishers, but if reliability has been an issue for you, the DJI may already have an edge.
In the underwater footage comparisons, Young notes that the DJI Action 5 seems to produce more realistic colors, closely resembling what he experiences while diving. In contrast, the GoPro Hero 13 tends to oversaturate, especially when transitioning from underwater to above water. However, the GoPro provides a crisper image in above-water shots, giving it a slight edge when filming from the boat or on land.
Both cameras offer stabilization features (e.g., RockSteady for DJI and HyperSmooth for GoPro), ensuring smooth footage even in choppy waters.
Depth Limitations: Without a housing, the GoPro Hero 13 is limited to 33 feet, while the DJI Action 5 can reach depths of 66 feet. This could be a decisive factor for spearfishers diving beyond recreational depths.
Winner for Underwater Use: DJI Action 5 – Its color accuracy and higher depth limit make it a better choice for serious divers and spearfishers.
1. On-Screen Depth Sensor (DJI): One of the standout features of the DJI Action 5 is its on-screen depth sensor, which tracks your depth in real-time as you dive. This feature, paired with a built-in timer, is perfect for spearfishers who want to monitor their depth without additional gear. It also has a mode that automatically starts and stops recording based on your dive, which can save time and battery life.
2. Internal Storage (DJI): With 47 GB of internal storage, the DJI Action 5 ensures that even if you forget your SD card, you won’t miss any important footage. This is a game-changer for divers who are prone to overlooking small details before heading out.
3. Battery Life: In real-world tests, Young found that the DJI Action 5 outlasted the GoPro Hero 13 by significant margins. The DJI recorded 1080p footage for 170 minutes, compared to GoPro’s 153 minutes. At 4K resolution, the DJI clocked 155 minutes, while the GoPro lasted 105 minutes. For a spearfishing expedition that could last several hours, this difference could mean fewer battery changes and more dive time.
Winner for Features: DJI Action 5 – Between the depth sensor, internal storage, and longer battery life, the DJI Action 5 clearly caters to the needs of spearfishers.
When it comes to turning the camera on and recording as quickly as possible, the DJI Action 5 also comes out on top. Young timed the two cameras and found that the DJI could start recording within 1.5 to 2 seconds, while the GoPro took 4 to 5 seconds. In the fast-paced world of spearfishing, where the perfect shot can happen in an instant, these extra seconds can be the difference between capturing or missing the action.
Winner for Speed: DJI Action 5
While the GoPro Hero 13 may not excel underwater compared to the DJI, it does have some advantages. GoPro has introduced a wireless charging door, making it possible to keep the camera powered without exposing it to moisture. Additionally, the GoPro Hero 13 supports wireless microphone connectivity, which is perfect for those who may use their camera for vlogs or interviews. However, DJI matches this feature and takes it a step further by allowing two wireless microphones to be connected simultaneously, ideal for divers conducting interviews or filming two-spearfisher dialogues.
Winner for Audio: DJI Action 5 – It offers compatibility with two mics, making it more versatile for diverse filming scenarios.
For spearfishers who prioritize underwater performance, battery life, and features that enhance diving, the DJI Action 5 is the clear winner. Its realistic color rendering, on-screen depth sensor, and built-in storage make it a superior tool for divers. The GoPro Hero 13 still offers solid performance, especially for those who also film on land and prioritize crisp video quality in above-water environments. However, the DJI Action 5 edges out the GoPro in nearly every underwater-related aspect.
In conclusion, if your primary focus is spearfishing and underwater footage, the DJI Action 5 is the better choice. It caters specifically to divers, with useful features like the depth sensor and longer battery life that ensure you won’t miss a shot during your next underwater adventure.