The Best Action Cameras
Whether you're racing through the woods on your mountain bike, shredding on your snowboard, or undertaking some other crazy outdoor adventure, you'd better have a way to capture all the action for posterity. That's where these action cameras come in. Combing advanced photo and video technology with rugged hardware, they make it easy to shoot photos and record videos in extreme environments on the fly. Read on to see our top picks.
What to Look For
In our search for the best action cameras, we looked for options that offered durable, waterproof designs, high-quality resolutions, long battery lives, fair prices, and easy-to-use interfaces that can start capturing amazing footage with the press of a button. With these standards in mind, the HERO8 from GoPro won our top spot. Its 4K video resolution, robust construction, and accessible price make it the best overall option. But if you want something with the best stabilization in the game, we recommend checking out the DJI Osmo Action 3 Adventure Combo. There are a couple of other options worth considering, so keep reading for our in-depth reviews.
GoPro HERO8 Black
The ultimate adventure buddy
Few names are as synonymous with action cameras as GoPro, so it makes sense that their flagship model would top this list. The HERO8 Black is the company’s best offering, representing yet another stunning upgrade on its long line of high-end cams. Not only is the physical design more streamlined and compact, but it manages to cram in even more excellent software features, such as 4K UHD video capture, 1080p live streaming, and GoPro’s industry-leading HyperSmooth 2.0 image stabilization. If you’re looking for the best of the best, this is it.
Pros:
- It’s a great value for the price, especially when compared to the newer GoPro models.
- We’re big fans of the high-resolution and intuitiveness of the HERO8’s underwater filming feature.
- The automatic exposure adapts to different lighting environments quickly, and the manual exposure is also easy to use.
- The three stabilization levels offer a conveniently customizable filming experience that can accommodate a wide array of video needs.
Cons:
- Some newer GoPro models offer higher resolutions and frame rates, though they come at a notably higher price.
DJI Osmo Action 3 Adventure Combo
Steady in the storm
Made by the same manufacturer that produces the popular Mavic drones, the DJI Osmo Action 3 brings the same stand-out build quality and user experience to the portable camera sphere, complete with high-end features like 4K HDR video, custom settings, 10-bit color depth, and waterproof construction. Uniquely, it even incorporates a second front-facing LCD screen, making it great for vlogging and selfies. Our favorite feature, however, is the HorizonSteady technology, which produces insanely smooth footage during some of the bumpiest rides.
Pros:
- The stabilization is reliable and consistent.
- The Osmo’s voice controls are highly responsive and user-friendly.
- The 240fps slow-motion feature lets you capture incredible footage.
- The battery can last as long as 160 minutes on a full charge, and this option comes with three.
- It performs well in low temperatures, making it an excellent choice for snowboarders and skiers.
Cons:
- The lens sometimes struggles to auto-focus when it gets snow, drops of water, or mud on it.
insta360 X3 Waterproof 360 Action Camera
The full view
When you’re on a big adventure or trip, you want to capture as much of your surroundings as possible — and nothing makes that easier than a 360-degree camera. This model incorporates the same rugged design as other action cams but adds an ultra-wide lens, ensuring no corner of your environment is missed. And among these models, few are as excellent as the Insta360 One R 360. Not only does it record video in a whopping 5.7K resolution, but it also features the brand’s signature modular design that lets you add other lenses to the battery and base, making it one of the most versatile options around.
Pros:
- The 4K single-lens mode functions beautifully for capturing regular action footage.
- The Insta360’s waterproofing makes it a great choice for action filming during kayaking or river rafting.
- The point-to-track mode makes this action camera a uniquely intuitive and versatile option for videographers of all experience levels.
Cons:
- It’s not the most compact option on the market, and the irregular shape makes it incompatible with many mounts.
AKASO EK7000 Pro 4K Action Camera
Affordable and effective
Adventure videography can be expensive, but you don’t have to dump hundreds of dollars on the latest high-end models to get solid performance in a durable package. For a budget alternative to the leading brands on this list, check out the Akaso EK7000 Pro. It’s one of the most popular entry-level action cameras around, thanks to a slew of great features that include 4K video capture, 20MP photos, and a responsive, easy-to-use touchscreen. It also comes with a helmet mount that lets you adjust the angle.
Pros:
- The waterproofing can endure depths of up to 131 feet.
- The price is super affordable, so you don’t have to worry about pushing it to the limits.
- The “Electronic Image Stabilization” is surprisingly effective for keeping your videos smooth.
- The 4K video resolution has a max framerate of 30fps, giving your footage a cinematic look.
Cons:
- The microphone isn’t the best.
Our Tips and Tricks
All action cameras are built to capture video in high-intensity situations. However, some action cameras are better geared toward certain activities than others. For example, if you’re a kayaker, river rafter, or scuba diver, waterproofing should be higher on your list of concerns than stabilization. Alternatively, if you’re a mountain biker or rock climber, stabilization quality should be paramount due to the quick, jumpy movements inherent to the activities. To get the best filming experience from your action camera, be sure to choose a product that best suits the activities that you intend to use it for.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an action camera?
As the name suggests, action cameras are compact cameras designed to take photos and videos in extreme situations. Whether you’re snowboarding, snorkeling, or just riding your bike, these cameras will not only capture images and movies in high-definition, but they also incorporate features meant to enhance their quality in those environments, such as stabilization and waterproof construction.
What should I look for in an action camera?
Though most action cameras share a few basic features — such as a compact, rugged design and the ability to snap photos and record video on the fly — they will vary from one to another. The highest-end action cameras will shoot video in 4K resolution and also incorporate technology that will stabilize the footage in real-time, resulting in a smoother movie. Some also boast other features that will help you better capture all of your most intense adventures, including slow-motion recording, live-streaming, and 360-degree video. Also, many cameras will either come with or be compatible with add-on tools sold separately that allow you to mount them on bikes, helmets, and more.
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