Choosing the right action camera can be tricky, there are so many models out there with all sorts of features. But don’t worry, I’m here to help! Here are some key factors to consider when picking an action camera:
Consider the Purpose. Think about what you’ll be using the camera for. Are you a mountain biker who needs a camera that can take a beating? Or a casual vlogger who just wants to capture some vacation footage? Knowing how you’ll be using the camera will help you narrow down your options.
Here are some of the best action cameras in 2024:
- GoPro Hero12 Black This is the best overall action camera, offering excellent video quality, a durable design, and a wide range of features. It can shoot up to 5.3K video at 60fps and 2.7K at 240fps for slow-motion, has a new GP2 processor for improved performance, and supports HyperSmooth 5.0 video stabilization.
- DJI Osmo Action 4 A great GoPro alternative, the DJI Osmo Action 4 is known for its durability, front-facing touchscreen, and excellent image quality. It can shoot 4K video at 120fps and offers RockSteady 3.0 electronic image stabilization (EIS).
- Insta360 One RS (1-inch edition) If you’re looking for a modular action camera with a 1-inch sensor for low-light performance, the Insta360 One RS is a great option. It can also be configured as a 360 camera. It can shoot 5.3K 360 video at 60fps and offers FlowState stabilization for smooth footage.
- GoPro Hero11 Black While not the latest model, the GoPro Hero11 Black is still a great action camera that offers excellent value for the price. It can shoot 5.3K video at 60fps and 2.7K at 240fps for slow-motion, and has HyperSmooth 5.0 video stabilization.
- Insta360 Go 3 The Insta360 Go 3 is the best tiny action camera on the market. It’s incredibly small and lightweight, making it perfect for mounting on a helmet or drone. It can shoot 1440p video at 50fps and has FlowState stabilization for smooth footage.
These are just a few of the great action cameras on the market. The best camera for you will depend on your needs and budget. Consider what features are most important to you, such as image quality, video resolution, durability, and price.
01. Best Overall: GoPro HERO12 Black
4.5 out of 5 Star Rating
GoPro HERO12 Black: Capture Stunning Details with HDR and Unmatched Stabilization
GoPro Hero12 Black – This is the best overall action camera, offering excellent video quality, a durable design, and a wide range of features. It can shoot up to 5.3K video at 60fps and 2.7K at 240fps for slow-motion, has a new GP2 processor for improved performance, and supports HyperSmooth 5.0 video stabilization.
Life in Vivid Detail: The HERO12 Black pushes image quality to new heights with HDR (High Dynamic Range) for both photos and videos. Whether you’re shooting in bright sunlight or areas with deep shadows, HDR captures the scene’s intricate details, revealing colors and textures that might otherwise be lost. The result? Breathtakingly realistic footage with exceptional color accuracy.
Uncompromising Resolution: HERO12 Black boasts an incredible 5.3K video resolution, offering 91% more detail than 4K and a staggering 665% more than 1080p. This translates to stunningly crisp, cinematic visuals that capture every aspect of the action. And it doesn’t stop there – capture high-resolution 27MP photos for those perfect moments. Plus, extract amazing 24.7MP stills from your videos using the GoPro Quik app.
Emmy Award-Winning Smoothness: The HERO12 Black takes the already industry-leading HyperSmooth video stabilization a step further. This Emmy award-winning technology (2021, In-Camera Sensor and Software Stabilization) delivers unparalleled smoothness, even in the most demanding conditions. HyperSmooth 6.0 maximizes AutoBoost performance, providing exceptional stabilization with minimal image cropping. From biking and skiing to chasing your kids or capturing unique pet perspectives, your footage will be impeccably smooth, no matter how shaky the action gets.
02. Best Runner Up: DJI Osmo Action 4
DJI Osmo Action 4 Standard Combo – 4K/120fps Waterproof Action Camera with a 1/1.3-Inch Sensor, Stunning Low-Light Imaging, 10-bit & D-Log M Color Performance, Long-Lasting 160 Mins, Outdoor Camera
4.6 out of 5 Star Rating
Capture Every Adventure, Flawlessly: Introducing the DJI Osmo Action 4
DJI Osmo Action 4 – A great GoPro alternative, the DJI Osmo Action 4 is known for its durability, front-facing touchscreen, and excellent image quality. It can shoot 4K video at 120fps and offers RockSteady 3.0 electronic image stabilization (EIS).
Unforgettable Details in Any Light: The Osmo Action 4 boasts a large 1/1.3-inch sensor, capturing stunning 4K footage with exceptional low-light performance. Whether you’re chasing waterfalls at sunrise or shredding slopes at dusk, every moment will be breathtaking.
Vivid Colors That Pop: Elevate your videos with 10-bit and D-Log M color support. From fiery sunrises to vibrant sunsets, the Osmo Action 4 captures dazzling effects that will leave your audience in awe.
Built to Conquer the Cold: Don’t let harsh conditions stop you. The Osmo Action 4 thrives in extreme temperatures as low as -20°C (-4°F), recording for up to 150 minutes so you can capture every epic moment, no matter the weather.
Action-Packed Performance: Experience smooth, high-resolution footage with 4K/120fps recording and an expansive 155° ultra-wide field of view. Whether you’re surfing monster waves or showcasing your skateboarding skills, the Osmo Action 4 delivers stunning slow-motion shots that will have you reliving the adrenaline rush.
Effortless Creativity: Switch between horizontal and vertical shooting with ease thanks to the ingenious Magnetic Quick Release feature. This allows for seamless transitions and opens a world of creative possibilities.
03. Best 360 Degree: Go Pro Max
GoPro MAX Waterproof 360 + Traditional Camera with Touch Screen Spherical 5.6K30 HD Video 16.6MP 360 Photos 1080p Live Streaming Stabilization Bundle with SD Card and Cleaning Kit
4.7 out of 5 Star Rating
Unleash Your Inner Filmmaker with the GoPro MAX
Capture Everything. Create Anything. The GoPro MAX is your one-stop shop for capturing unforgettable moments. It’s three cameras in one, seamlessly switching between:
- Immersive 360° Footage: Experience the world around you in total detail with stunning 5.6K resolution.
- Traditional HERO-Style Video & Photos: Shoot action-packed footage and high-quality photos you know and love from GoPro.
- Vlogging Powerhouse: Become a pro vlogger with a front-facing touch screen and shotgun-mic performance.
Unbreakable Stability. MAX HyperSmooth delivers unmatched stabilization, using its 360° capture as a buffer for unbelievably smooth shots, no matter the action.
Broadcast Your Adventures Live. Share your experiences in real-time with 1080p live streaming. GoPro MAX keeps your footage stable with HyperSmooth even while broadcasting, and lets you save it to your SD card for later viewing.
Horizon Leveling Keeps You Steady. HERO mode boasts game-changing horizon leveling, ensuring your footage remains perfectly smooth, even when you’re not.
This Bundle Includes:
- GoPro MAX Camera
- Rechargeable Battery
- Curved Adhesive Mount
- 2x Protective Lenses & Lens Caps
- Microfiber Bag
- Mounting Buckle & Thumb Screw
- USB-C Cable
- 1-Year GoPro Warranty
- 64GB MicroSDXC U3 Card
- Cleaning Kit
Maximize your creativity. Maximize your adventure. Get the GoPro MAX today!
04. Best Modular Action Cam: Insta360 One RS (1-inch edition)
Insta360 ONE RS 1-Inch 360 Edition – 6K 360 Camera with Dual 1-Inch Sensors, Co-Engineered with Leica, 21MP Photo, FlowState Stabilization, Superb Low Light, Water Resistant
4.4 out of 5 Star Rating
Insta360 ONE RS 1-Inch 360 Edition: Capture Everything in Stunning Detail
Insta360 One RS (1-inch edition) If you’re looking for a modular action camera with a 1-inch sensor for low-light performance, the Insta360 One RS is a great option. It can also be configured as a 360 camera. It can shoot 5.3K 360 video at 60fps and offers FlowState stabilization for smooth footage.
This innovative 360 camera boasts features for professional-quality results.
Unmatched Image Quality: Dual 1-inch sensors, co-engineered with Leica, deliver exceptional low-light performance and dynamic range. Immersive 6K Video: Capture the entire scene in breathtaking detail with invisible selfie stick technology and 360° reframing options.
High-Resolution Photos: Shoot stunning 21MP 360 photos with seamless stitching. AI-powered PureShot HDR expands your dynamic range for even richer visuals. Unwavering Stability: FlowState stabilization and horizon lock algorithms ensure smooth, shake-free footage.
Built to Endure: Water-resistant design lets you shoot worry-free in challenging conditions.
05. Editor’s Pick: GoPro Hero11 Black
GoPro HERO11 Black – E-Commerce Packaging – Waterproof Action Camera with 5.3K60 Ultra HD Video, 27MP Photos, 1/1.9″ Image Sensor, Live Streaming, Webcam, Stabilization
4.5 out of 5 Star Rating
GoPro HERO11 Black: Capture Your Adventures in Stunning Detail
GoPro Hero11 Black – While not the latest model, the GoPro Hero11 Black is still a great action camera that offers excellent value for the price. It can shoot 5.3K video at 60fps and 2.7K at 240fps for slow-motion, and has HyperSmooth 5.0 video stabilization.
Unleash incredible image quality:
- Cinematic 5.3K Video: Go beyond 4K with 91% more resolution, capturing every detail of your adventures.
- High-Res Photos: Shoot stunning 27MP photos that are perfect for framing or sharing.
- Emmy Award-Winning Stabilization: HyperSmooth 5.0 delivers unshakeable footage, even in the most demanding conditions.
Built for Any Challenge:
- Waterproof Without a Housing: Take your GoPro down to 33 feet (10 meters) for worry-free underwater shots.
- Durable Design: Built to withstand the elements, so you can focus on capturing your adventures.
- Versatile Mounting: Attach your GoPro to almost anything for unique perspectives.
Additional Highlights:
- Live Streaming: Share your adventures in real-time with the world.
- Webcam Mode: Use your GoPro as a high-quality webcam for flawless video calls.
- High Frame Rate: Record in 2.7K at 240 fps for incredible slow-motion effects.
GoPro HERO11 Black: Capture your world in unforgettable detail.
Conclusion:
Choosing the right action camera can be tricky with so many models on the market. But if you consider your needs and priorities, you’ll be sure to find the perfect one for capturing your adventures. Here are some key factors to consider:
1. Consider the Purpose
- What will you be using the camera for? Mountain biking, skateboarding, vlogging, or scuba diving? Knowing how you’ll be using the camera will help you narrow down your options.
- Image and Video Quality
- How important is image quality to you? Action cameras can now shoot in stunning 4K resolution, but even 1080p can look great if you’re just sharing videos online.
- Stabilization Technology
- Action cameras are meant to be taken on the go, so you’ll want one with good image stabilization. This will help to keep your footage smooth, even when you’re bouncing around.
- Durability and Waterproofing
- Action cameras need to be tough. They should be able to withstand bumps, drops, and the elements. Look for a camera that is waterproof, shockproof, and dustproof.
- Size, Weight, and Mounting Options
- Action cameras are small and lightweight, but some are more compact than others. Consider how you’ll be mounting the camera (helmet, bike handlebars, etc.) and choose one that is a good size and weight for your needs.
- Battery Life and Storage
- How long do you need the camera to record for on a single charge? And how much storage do you need for your videos? Consider these factors when choosing an action camera.
- Additional Features and Accessories
- Some action cameras come with a variety of extra features, such as voice control, GPS, and Wi-Fi. There are also a wide range of accessories available for action cameras, such as mounts, cases, and filters.
- Budget
- Action cameras range in price from around $100 to $500 or more. Decide how much you’re willing to spend before you start shopping.
By considering these factors, you’ll be well on your way to choosing the right action camera for your needs. Happy shopping!
