The Best Action Video Cameras
When we want to document our adventures, any old camera won't cut it. That's when we bust out our action camera, so we can record extremely high-quality videos and pictures without worrying about water or shock damage. But there are tons of crummy options out there that can't handle the extremes, so we decided to compile a list of the best action cameras to help you find the right one.
What to Look For
Sifting through a sea of options, we decided to separate the winners from the duds by asking four guiding questions: Is it durable, waterproof, and shockproof? Can it capture high-quality footage, such as 4K? Does it come with any accessories, like lens filters or a selfie stick? Is the price fair for the quality? The winner in our eyes is the GoPro HERO8 since this little powerhouse offers professional-grade 4K video and touchscreen controls for a bargain price. But if you want a complete kit with everything you need to get started, we recommend the GoPro Hero 11 bundle, with everything from a microSD card to a tripod. For our in-depth reviews, read on.
GoPro HERO8 Black
Ready for adventure
The GoPro HERO8 sets the gold standard for what an affordable action camera should be. With 4K video capabilities, 12MP photos, and an insanely robust waterproof construction, this little device can deliver beautiful images with minimal setup. Indeed, you can usually just set the exposure to automatic and tap “record.” The touchscreen is also a nice feature since it eliminates the awkward navigational experience of older models, and it lets you playback your videos to see right away if you captured the epic moment.
Pros:
- Exceptional stabilization software eliminates shaky video
- Super high value for the price
- User friendly
- Surprisingly high definition microphone with advanced wind-noise reduction
- 4K video can be recorded at 60fps
Cons:
- If you use it in wet conditions, you may have to keep wiping the lens since it doesn’t wick away water very well
Insta360 X3 Action Camera
See it to believe it
This premium camera won our hearts with its gorgeous 4K video quality and 48MP sensor. It can even take 5.7K “360-degree” videos. But what really sealed the deal is the 2.29-inch touchscreen, which offers a responsiveness ad user-friendliness that most other options simply don’t have. You can select various settings to fine-tune your videos to your liking, and it even has AI-based editing software that can produce ready-to-publish videos in-house. For an excellent mid-range action camera, this one is a clear winner.
Pros:
- Single-lens options offer 4K video at 30fps
- Excellent for time-lapses
- The interface is easy to navigate
- Ideal for putting together videos on the go
Cons:
- It can heat up and get sluggish when taking UHD video for long periods of time
GoPro HERO11 Black
All the tools you need
If you have the budget for a truly premium action camera, we strongly recommend the GoPro HERO11. It’s a brilliant piece of tech that improves on its predecessors nearly across the board. For example, it can record videos at 5.3K resolution, and photos can be captured at 27MP. In fact, there are too many impressive specs to list here, so it’s worth it to check them out for yourself. But the cherry on top is the huge array of accessories, which includes a 64GB microSD card, a bicycle mount, a tripod, a helmet extension arm, a monopod that can be used as a selfie stick, and much more.
Pros:
- The accessories are actually useful and not gimmicks
- Back and front screens
- The 10-bit color depth offers realistic images
- The bundle isn’t much more expensive than the camera-only model
Cons:
- Firmware updates are pretty frequent, and they can take a while
GoPro HERO9 Black
Delivers the detail
While we were impressed by the GoPro HERO8, the HERO9 took action camera tech to a whole new level. Indeed, upon its release, the GoPro HERO9 was the first to offer 5K video at a cinematic 30fps. It achieves its insanely-high resolutions with the help of the advanced 23.6MP sensor. Better yet, it has an improved battery life, which can last for roughly two hours when recording HD video. Of course, this depends on how you use it, but it’s a dependable and fast-charging battery nonetheless.
Pros:
- More affordable than more recent models
- Excellent durability and waterproofing
- Responsive and intuitive touchscreen
- Great for live streaming
Cons:
- No microSD card, so you’ll have to buy one separately
AKASO Brave 4 Action Camera
Low price, high quality
AKASO’s Brave 4 action camera might be inexpensive, but it’s far from cheap. It has all the basic specs to meet our standards, including 4K video capabilities and a 20MP sensor. It’s also lightweight and durable, and the waterproofing is rated for underwater adventures as deep as 30 meters down. Add to that all the included accessories in this complete kit, such as a remote control, tripod mount, and extra battery, and you have yourself one beast of a bargain.
Pros:
- Super affordable
- One battery can record for as long as 90 minutes (and you get two)
- Compatible with many standard mounts and accessories
- Allows wireless file transfer, so you can save videos to your phone without a cable
- Beautiful video and photo quality, even when using automatic exposure
Cons:
- The remote control isn’t waterproof
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to buy any extra accessories to use an action camera?
The main thing you’ll need is a memory card. Some bundles come with a microSD included, but many do not. Double-check the product listing to see if an SD card is included with your purchase. If not, you should also make sure to buy a compatible card.
Do action cameras have tripod mounts?
Surprisingly, many action cameras do not have the standard threaded tripod mounts. It’s worth checking the product listing to determine if you need to acquire a special mount adapter.
About the Author
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With the constantly shifting landscape in the world of technology, GameRevolution seeks to provide gamers and tech-enthusiasts with the information they need to select the right products for their needs. Since 1996, our experts have used their knowledge on all the latest gadgets – everything from headphones to standing desks – to help millions of people navigate specs and answer common questions.