Buying guide for best action cameras
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Have you ever been doing something really fun, such as whitewater rafting or skiing, and thought how cool it would be to record your adventures? That’s where an action camera comes in handy. It allows you to record videos and take photos, no matter what you’re doing.
The best action camera for you depends on which features you value most, as price and technology vary across models. However, as a baseline, an action camera should offer a high resolution, a waterproof build, and stabilization technology to produce smooth-looking videos.
With the right features, you can capture excellent shots in a wide range of environments. A great place to start is with our top pick, the GoPro HERO13, which boasts HyperSmooth 6.0 video stabilization for flawless recordings.
Editors’ picks
GoPro HERO13
Editors’ Favorite
Video Resolution: 5.3K | Max Focal Length: 24.4 mm | Battery Life: 180 min | Stabilization: Hypersmooth 6.0 | Image Resolution: 27.6 MP
GoPro is the top brand for action cameras, and the HERO13 is a testament to why. This camera captures stunning photos and videos, and features advanced technology that produces detailed shots while on the go.
It takes crisp photos thanks to its 27.6 MP CMOS sensor and can record video at a resolution of 5.3 at 60 fps. Its rugged build makes it suitable for all kinds of adventures, even those that have you close to water. HyperSmooth 6.0 stabilization technology makes videos look buttery smooth, even while you’re in fast motion, and the battery life can last for up to three hours. Plus, it supports HB-Series lens modes, including Ultra Wide, Macro, Anamorphic and ND filters, for creative versatility.
This camera is the ideal choice for those who want to capture footage in diverse environments. The image quality alone is enough to make it a worthy purchase, but additional features such as Wi-Fi 6 and AirPod compatibility for audio input make it that much more appealing.
AKASO 20MP WiFi Action Camera
Great Value
Video Resolution: 4K | Max Focal Length: 16.5mm | Battery Life: 90 Min. | Stabilization: Electronic Image Stabilization | Image Resolution: 12 MP
Although it’s one of the more affordable action cameras, the AKASO EK7000 is no slouch when it comes to quality and features. It’s one of the best options for those who want to capture high-definition footage without spending too much.
For starters, this camera takes stunning 4K video at 30 fps and 20 MP stills, delivering crisp and vibrant visuals. The 170-degree wide-angle lens lets you capture landscape shots and fast-paced action without missing a beat.
Its waterproof build allows for recording underwater at a maximum depth of 131 feet, and additional shooting modes, such as time-lapse and burst photo, open up creative possibilities. Electronic Image Stabilization makes videos look super smooth, and the battery life offers up to 90 minutes of continuous shooting.
It's not as feature-packed as our other high-end picks. But for casual photographers who want to capture fast-paced action, it’s an excellent starter cam. Plus, it supports Wi-Fi for easy file sharing and remote control through the smartphone app.
Insta360 X5 Waterproof 8K 360-Degree Action Camera
Best 360-Degree Camera
Video Resolution: 8K | Max Focal Length: 30mm | Battery Life: 180 Min. | Stabilization: Triple AI Chip Design | Image Resolution: 72 MP
The Insta360 X5 is a robust action camera equipped with a plethora of features and technology, enabling photographers to capture the perfect action videos and stills. AI-powered editing enables you to customize your shots, and the triple AI chip design enhances performance in low-light conditions, allowing you to capture stunning photos and videos even in dark environments.
FlowState stabilization and 360-degree Horizon Lock make it easy to produce smooth-looking videos, even during dynamic movements. The battery life offers up to 180 minutes of continuous shooting, and the lenses have a rugged design, making them highly scratch-resistant. You can record videos in 8K and use the built-in HDR feature to enhance clarity in diverse lighting conditions. Plus, it’s waterproof up to 49 feet, allowing you to record your underwater adventures with ease.
The compact design of the Insta360 X5 makes it a more appealing action camera than mid-tier options, and the advanced features facilitate smooth-looking videos and crisp stills every time. Additionally, content creators appreciate it for its four-mic array with an advanced wind guard, which allows for crystal-clear audio in outdoor environments.
How we analyzed
We rounded up the best action cameras based on the most desired features, performance and customer reviews. The best action cameras can capture high-resolution video and stills, and offer multiple options for customization. We also considered smoothing technology, as cameras with these features produce smoother-looking videos during dynamic activities.
Action camera features to consider
If you’ve ever shopped for a regular camera, you know there are certain features you just have to have . . . and some you can do without. An action camera is no different. Depending on how and where you plan to use your action camera, certain features will come in handy.
Image quality
Because you want your footage to be lifelike, image quality makes all the difference. Most action cameras have at least HD, which produces images of 1080p. The photos and video that you take with an HD action camera will have the crisp, share-worthy quality so many photographers crave. Ultra HD and 4K produce sharper images that are even more vibrant, and some cameras have an 8K resolution. Thanks to these higher resolutions, there is very little pixel graininess in these images.
Megapixels (MP) are also worth considering when it comes to image quality. Eight MP is fairly standard for cameras and smartphones, so it’s a good idea to use that as a guide when choosing an action camera. An action camera with fewer than 8 MP may look grainy compared to what you’re used to with your smartphone or digital camera. The standard for an action camera sensor these days is anywhere from 12 to 28 MP, and some high-end models feature a 72 MP sensor.
Stabilization
Whether you are zooming through the woods on your mountain bike or scuba diving in the ocean, you want action photos and videos that are smooth and free of blur. That’s where stabilization comes into play. Action cameras have both built-in stability control and the stability they get from being fixed to the moving object. Higher-end models have enhanced stabilization that makes shooting images in motion easy to do.
Build quality
If you’re headed outdoors to catch the action, you’ll want to think about the build quality of your action camera. Budget models are typically less durable, while higher-end options have exteriors that are designed to withstand the bumps and drops that inevitably occur in action-packed situations.
Waterproofing
Most action cameras have some degree of waterproofing. While many models can be submerged once placed in special waterproof covers, others are submersible to around 30 meters (about 33 feet) without a special case. The latter type of action camera tends to cost more, but it’s worth it for avid snorkelers, swimmers, and divers who have a flair for photography.
Storage
Though action cameras have varying degrees of built-in storage, SD cards are required for added space. Choosing a camera with more GBs of storage space will grant you longer recording time and fewer SD card changes. Notably, the higher the HD resolution, the more storage space your images will require. Some cameras support app-based cloud integration, enabling online storage of files that can be accessed from any device.
Bluetooth and Wi-Fi
Not all action cameras have both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity, but these features come in handy when sharing, saving, and emailing your favorite images. They’re must-haves for live streaming that make it easy to share your videos and photos without the need for an SD card or reader.
Accessories
It’s common for action cameras to come with some of the basics, such as adapters and rechargeable batteries. Some models come with accessory packages or can be purchased in bundles. These added accessories may include various attachment brackets, SD cards, headstraps, cases, and more.
Action camera prices
Whether you’re a beginner looking for an easy-to-use action camera or a near-pro who wants a more sophisticated camera, there’s something for everyone on the action camera market.
Low-priced action cameras
Action cameras that fall on the lower end of the price scale – between $75 and $150 – are affordable and easy to use, but they tend to lack some handy features, such as high-resolution imagery and Wi-Fi connectivity. They are also somewhat less durable than higher-priced options. However, you can still find affordable waterproof options.
Mid-priced action cameras
In the mid-level price range, you’ll find action cameras that cost between $200 and $350. These are more durable than their low-cost competitors and offer more features, including sharper video quality and reliable waterproofing. Hobbyists with slightly more photography knowledge than beginners would do well with a mid-priced action camera.
High-end action cameras
High-end action cameras in the $400 to $1,000 range are ideal for frequent users, those who wish to capture extreme motion, and even professionals. They typically feature ultra HD images, superior stabilization, reliable Bluetooth and/or Wi-Fi capabilities, spacious storage capacity, and rugged build quality.
FAQ
Q. Why would I need an action camera if I already have a smartphone camera?
A. If you want a hardy device that can record “action” without breaking easily, an action camera should be on your shopping list. A smartphone camera simply can’t withstand the rigorous environments (high speeds, extreme weather, and so on) that an action camera is designed to handle.
Q. Can I edit my footage while in the device?
A. Yes, most cameras have built-in editing tools that let you customize your photos and videos. Also, some allow you to do this via computer software or a smartphone app.
Q. What happens if I record more footage than the device can hold?
A. Usually the device will stop recording and give you some kind of indication that the memory card is full. Always begin a recording session with an empty card.
