The Best Compact Action Cameras
Every year, cameras get smaller and more efficient. Even smartphone cameras can shoot in 4K resolution with high framerates. But to capture fast-paced motion, you'll need an action camera. There is a wide range of options in various price ranges, so we've made this list for your consideration. Read on to learn about the best compact action cameras on the market.
What to Look For
To bring you the best portable action cameras, we looked at a few key criteria: price, camera specifications, and portability. One of the most pocketable cameras is the Insta360 GO 2. It’s great for quick footage to share on social media and has an impressive resolution and field of view. For the best camera quality, we suggest the GoPro HERO10 action camera. It’s chock full of great features and is hands down one of the best action cameras on the market. For more information on our top camera picks, scroll on.
GoPro Hero10 Black Waterproof Action Camera
Capture the magic
Compact action cameras would be nowhere without the ubiquitous GoPro cameras. With the HERO10, the bar has been raised even further. In addition to pushing the limits on resolution and framerate, this iteration now has an LCD screen on the front. Now you can easily frame yourself without the need for an external screen. Two of the best features of this action camera are HyperSmooth 4.0 and SuperView. SuperWide refers to the ultra-wide angle that captures more of your surroundings. HyperSmooth is the technology that makes your videos extremely stabilized, even with the most hectic action.
Pros:
- Can connect via USB to act as a webcam for your PC
- Can upgrade the lens with the Max Lens Mod for a 155-degree view
- Huge selection of mounting options
Cons:
- A bit on the expensive side
Akaso EK7000 4K30FPS Action Camera
High performance, low price
If you’re looking for a high-quality action camera that doesn’t break the bank, you’ve come to the right place. The EK7000 from Akaso shoots in glorious 4K but without the high price tag associated with such quality. The main features we’ve come to expect are all present: a wide viewing angle, underwater recording, WiFi connectivity, swappable memory cards and batteries, and so on. There’s a lot to like about this camera, especially at its low price point.
Pros:
- Fits standard GoPro mounts
- Includes remote and extra batteries, which normally cost extra on action cameras
- The protective housing saves your lens from scratches if dropped
Cons:
- Swapping batteries takes a bit longer when using the case
GoPro Max Waterproof 360 Camera
See it all
Want to capture everything around you? With the GoPro MAX, you can. This camera lets you record a bird’s eye view of your surroundings thanks to the 360-degree lens. Not only that, but it shoots this all-encompassing video at an insane 5.6K resolution while still hitting 30FPS. And, of course, you can still shoot regular videos using the Hero mode.
Pros:
- Easy to setup for live streaming
- Incredibly durable, won’t get damaged easily
- Able to quickly swap out SD cards for minimal breaks in shooting
- Built-in horizon leveling software is great for smooth videos
Cons:
- We wish the Hero mode had a higher resolution than 1440p
Insta360 GO 2 – Small Action Camera
Lightweight, trendy, and practical
If you want to make the best content around, you’ll need a good camera to take with you. The Insta360 GO 2 camera is the perfect choice for content creators. It’s insanely small and pocketable, making it easy to always be ready for action. Whether you’re streaming or recording, this camera has impressive quality for its size. It shoots up to 1440p video, which is more than enough for most social media apps.
Pros:
- Lightweight enough to wear on your head comfortably for long periods
- Great for shooting quick clips to edit together
- Works well in a wide variety of lighting conditions
Cons:
- This model doesn’t have a built-in screen
RunCam 5 Micro Action Camera
Fly like an eagle
Looking to capture epic shots from the sky and ground? The RunCam 5 action camera lets you do it all. It works great as an action camera for sports like biking, surfing, and more. But because of its size and lightness, it’s particularly well-suited to mounting to remote control flying machines like drones, helicopters, and planes. Or hook it up to an RC car for some off-roading adventures. The possibilities are endless.
Pros:
- Handles extreme temperatures well, will work in freezing cold, for example
- The durable Gorilla Glass lens can handle tough falls and bumps
- Fits standard TPU mounts
Cons:
- Doesn’t have as many software or editing features as other action cameras
Frequently Asked Questions
How much space does a 1080p video file take versus a 4K file?
Generally speaking, 4K videos will be about four times as large as 1080p videos. Of course, the resolution is not the only factor. The higher the framerate and audio sample quality, the larger the files. An hour-long 1080p file at 60 frames-per-second will be about 10 GB, while a 4K version will be about 45 GB.
What kind of SD card should I use for a compact action camera?
Almost all action cameras use microSD cards. For the best performance, we suggest using one that’s rated v30 or UHS-3. A2 is also much more preferable over A1. As with any storage media, we suggest buying from a reputable brand. If the card looks too cheap to be true, it’s probably a fake.
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