When you think of a robust little camera to record action cameras, you think of GoPro, right? Well, it's true that GoPro established conventional action camera concept, but the best GoPro cameras are now just one option in a wider world – and at the moment myself – and the rest of the DCW team – can't even call them the best choice for most people!
Of course, GoPro are still up there, because they do well on the key criteria – they are resistant to water and damage, have high resolution, and are easy to operate. They are also easy to attach to your body for all kinds of sports and activities.
Other things that matter, though, are how good their image looks in various lighting conditions, whether they work with external microphones, and how good any related apps are, and whether there are any long-term costs like subscriptions (something GoPro are especially guilty of).
Value, in general, is an important factor which is why I made the tough choice to place the newest GoPro behind its predecessor! Read the entries and I think you might agree with me!
One final thing, point before we get to where the action is (sorry). I urge you to think a bit about what – exactly – you want to do with the camera; even in this seemingly similar genre there is a variety of size, weight, and functionality. If you're attaching to a helmet, for example, a screen is less important than a low weight, while vloggers need a front monitor and, ideally, microphone connectivity.
Adam is a big fan of action cameras, especially for drones (he's our drone guy – and the author of bestselling books including The Drone Pilot's Handbook). He's also been known to find ways to attach them to his bike and even snowboard (no, really), plus he owns and travels with a 360-degree camera, and tests as many as he can get his hands on.
Matching most of the features of the GoPro, albeit at 'only' 4K, the Osmo Action 4 boasts a bigger image sensor so performs better in lower light, making this our favourite at a pinch.
This is an 8K 360-degree camera, which lets you see everywhere and aim the shot later. That's amazing for action. It's also an great 4K action camera (two of them), and very rugged.
If you want the best balance of features, the previous GoPro Hero 11 boasts GPS to record your speed as well as the same 8:7 image sensor and 5.3K video as the newer Hero 12.
With high resolution (though no better than the Hero 11) and excellent features for editors, including Bluetooth mic support and HDR, plus a neat tripod mount, pros should investigate.
Compact action cameras are ideal for FPV drones or helmet mounts and, like many, this sacrifices the display to maximise the battery. Fold-out mounts improve portability and mountability.
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12-megapixel images and 4K maximum video resolution
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No period of cloud backup included
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Vertical format use requires a frame
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Voice control could be better
Buy it if:
✅ You want to shoot in all conditions: Being able to work in low-light beats most action cameras
✅ You want a front touch-screen: The dual monitors are both touchscreens for control
Don't buy it if:
❌ You want high-res slow-mo: Sadly the 240fps flow-mo is only 1080P.
❌ You want to re-purpose video across platforms: With the DJI the cam can be rotated, but some might prefer to re-edit to different platforms from 5.3K
I have to admit that I find myself a bit surprised to choose this camera, rather than a GoPro, for the top of this list, but for most adventurer-creators, the Osmo Action 4 is the perfect balance of quality and price. The stabilized 4K video looks great and the camera can take a lot – not just rough and tumble but temperature extremes too, and it's waterproof to 16m without a case. Best of all, it has a larger image sensor than any GoPro, so it is better in lower light, making it more flexible.
Once, GoPro tried to take DJI's territory by producing a drone – the result, the Karma, was years behind the game and a catastrophe for the company. DJI's first Action camera came in 2019 and was close to GoPro (with no worries about falling out of the sky). Now, for my money, DJI have overtaken action camera company.
How can that be when GoPro have 5.3K to DJI's 4K? Well, since you're likely to end up viewing 4K, that is moot. What this camera does bring is a bigger imaging sensor at 1/1.3-inch which means it works better in low light. If you like going in caves, or, frankly, shooting video indoors (or in England during the 11 months of winter).
It's easy enough to see that on a spec sheet, but that comes across when I tried darker scenes with the image stabilization turned on – whether it's the better sensor, better electronic image stabilization, or both it's hard to know, but it's clear.
Video-wise, you'll also see video seems more natural rather than over-saturated, perhaps helped by the dedicated sensor. The camera also has the D-Log M flat profile, which makes color grading easy (especially if you're matching with drone footage).
In terms of attaching, the camera doesn't have fold-out clips; instead it has a clip that magnetically aligns (and is strong enough for motorcycling) so you can more easily attach and detach it (though you might find yourself wanting more of the magnetic attachments).
The fact that Action 4’s isn’t interwoven with subscription software is one I and many will wholeheartedly appreciate, too. There is still an app for simple control via your phone, and another for editing – it's clean, simple, and easy to use.
8K gives high quality when cropped to 'normal' screens
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Great editing apps and plugins
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Big touchscreen
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Familiar size and shape
Reasons to avoid
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We wish GPS was built-in
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8K uses battery fast
Buy it if:
✅ You want 360 video flexibility: 8K is brilliant for 360-degree video, so you can re-direct the camera after the fact and get good resolution.
✅ You want the choice: Thanks to the one-camera mode, it works as a good 4K60fps action camera
Don't buy it if:
❌ You are on a tight budget: A 360-degree camera isn't the cheapest option, but if you're interested check our 360-degree cameras guide.
❌ You want top-notch low-light: With 1/2-inch sensors the HDR is good, but low-light performance is only so-so.
One of the biggest problems with shooting action is aiming the camera, so what if you could do that afterward? That's the basic thinking behind a 360-degree camera. Beyond that, though, there is a lot more.
There are times when handling even an action camera's wide-angle lens becomes a problem, and that's where a 360-degree action camera can step in. With two back-to-back lenses and enough smarts to eliminate a selfie stick from the footage, this almost magic camera can capture an image from a point within reach looking any direction you see fit.
The Insta360 X4 isn't just a resolution boost over the X3, it also fixes a ruggedness issue. Both cameras are waterproof in body to 10m thanks to smart doors, but the X4 has removable lens covers which make the device more flexible and overcome one of my main worries.
Something I have done with the X3, and can be done with this camera too, is to use Insta360's custom bike attachment – which holds the camera a little way in front of your bike on a carbon pole, over the front wheel. I was amazed at the footage which makes it look like I'm cycling toward a perfectly controlled drone. Better still, by syncing the camera with my phone you can draw GPS data and have it overlaid, in the form of a speedometer, by the Insta360 app before sharing.
And that's the other crucial aspect of the Insta360 offering. The company has created an excellent phone app so you can edit on the go – redirecting the camera's aim or relying on AI to track your subject. For more serious uses, they have also created a Mac/Windows app and plugins for Final Cut Pro & Premier.
The upshot is that this is very definitely an action camera, and offers angles and styles of action which have the potential to put you ahead of the pack.
✅ You share across platforms: If you edit the same clip across platforms the 8:7 sensor will help you
✅ You want to record your speed: This is the last GoPro with built-in GPS, a great feature for recording your movement
Don't buy it if:
❌ You want external microphones: GoPro will need you to buy an external media mod to connect a microphone
❌ You want to shoot in low light: GoPro cameras don't love working in lower lighting.
Despite the Hero 11 Black not being the newest model, GoPro dropped the GPS functionality in the newest model which is something of a shame. For me, as a sometime cyclist, this was one of my favourite features.
You might think that the GPS was removed to save on costs in the newer Hero 12, and that camera does gain HDR recording, but otherwise this is the iconic GoPro with 5.3K recording, image stabilization (HyperSmooth 5.0), horizon lock, horizon levelling, the ability to capture high-res 240fps at up to 2.7K, is essentially the same.
Both have an 8:7 image sensor. You can opt to crop to a more normal 16:9 video proportion when shooting, or record the full 8:7 shape (all 5312x4648 pixels - that's 23 megapixels, and the stills are up to 27). In both cases the camera can capture it at up to 5.3K at 30fps (4K at 60fps).
For me, the logic of recording 5.3K in the nearly-square proportions of 8:7 makes the most sense if you're going to be cropping into different shape for assorted social platforms. Given just how many pixels are on the sensor, as well as getting a 23MP pic, the footage can be cropped losslessly for 4K portrait, landscape, and square clips from a single video.
The external design hasn't changed much since 2019, but the camera's software has been simplified successfully, and GoPro's companion app, Quik has also been improved.
The electronic image stabilization is excellent (unless you're working in lower light), and the camera has a lot of nice features like Hindsight (capture 30 seconds before you hit the shutter), live streaming, webcam mode.
With best-in-class stabilization, great-looking video (until things get dimly lit or dark), and some fun new modes like light painting, the Hero 11 Black is an excellent addition to the line. The Hero 11 Black's 8:7 aspect ratio is also a standout highlight for content creators. Able to shoot in 5.3K resolution, 8:7 video at up to 30fps,
On top of 8:7 video, the Hero 11 Black captures 5.3K resolution video at 60 fps, 4K resolution video at 120 fps, or 2.7K resolution at 240 fps. You can also grab 27MP stills from 5.3K video. Overall this is particularly appealing to folks who use multiple social platforms, and GoPro does have good software (though it'll definitely spend time trying to upsell you its subscription plan).
✅ You share across platforms: The 8:7 sensor will help you crop minimally across formats
✅ You want to use Airpods as mic: This new GoPro lets you uses your headphone microphones
Don't buy it if:
❌ You want GPS for speed recording: GoPro ditched this defining feature, still found in the Hero 11
❌ You want to shoot in low light: The sensor is still no fan of low-light conditions.
With a relentless release schedule coming out every year just like the iPhone, you might expect more and more features every year, but this year the GoPro has surprised us. They actually took something away – the much loved (but only by a few, we're told) GPS. This allowed to you to record motion metadata to extrapolate speed information. If you want that, look back to the GoPro Hero 11 Black (which, for this reason, remains our favourite GoPro).
The 27-megapixel camera, on the other hand, has remained the same – the adaptable 8:7 sensor with 5.3K60 and the lens with a mod allowing up to 177-degree field of view. It's good, though it doesn't love low light any more than the Hero 11 Black.
There are some advantages to the Hero 12, however, though they are a bit niche. The internal rearrangement has made it last longer before it overheats – a genuine issue for those shooting for a while and (once recording) unable to check the camera because of the action.
More excitingly for many (like action vloggers) Bluetooth audio support means you can narrate your action from headphones with built-in microphones like AirPods, and pros will appreciate the arrival of Timecode Sync and GP-Log and LUT support. That'll be especially useful as GoPro can tend to amp up saturation a little – it's all a matter of taste and is arguably part of the look, but it's good for editors to have help.
There is also no avoiding the fact that a big part of GoPro's business plan at the moment is up-selling customers to its subscription services; if you don't enjoy a lingering cost, avoid GoPro.
✅ You share across platforms: The 8:7 sensor will help you crop minimally across formats
✅ You want a small 4K GoPro: It'll fit in a smaller location
Don't buy it if:
❌ You want an on-camera screen: There isn't one, simple as that! Setup/control is mostly via an app.
❌ You want the speedometer: The full-size Hero 11 (but not 12) has GPS to track speed, but the Mini doesn't
With no displays and a smaller form factor than the Hero, this version of the GoPro is well suited to those needing to save on size and weight – it's especially useful for FPV drone pilots or cyclists who don't want something pulling their helmets down. Since few extreme sports will actually allow a lot of time for shot composition, many will have little reason to opt for a more complicated device – video can be reviewed afterward using the GoPro Quik app, or the card downloaded to a computer for editing.
Though we're no fans of the subscription system GoPro is so keen to push users toward, we can't deny the quality of the device and the common sense behind things like the fold-out action-camera fittings and the ability to run continuously from a USB-C power pack.
There are sensible alternatives to this device in the DJI Action 2, among others, but it has to be said that this is a rugged device which for the kinds of violence where you wouldn't want a display screen might make a lot of sense. I used to use the GoPro Hero Session – this camera's predecessor – on my FPV drones and it survived a few heavy landings. There is nothing about this that makes me feel it wouldn't.
✅ You are on a low budget: The price here is very sensible
✅ You want dual screens: Selfie video (vlogging) is easier thanks to the front-facing monitor
Don't buy it if:
❌ You want fast & high res: It can't capture 4K at 60fps.
❌ You get wet: You need to use a housing (included) for waterproofing over 1m
The Akaso Brave 7 LE continues to impress with its budget-friendly features, making it an excellent choice for vloggers, and one of our best GoPro alternatives. It captures 4K video and boasts a surprisingly effective 6-axis stabilization system, especially considering its price point.
While it’s unfortunate that you can’t achieve 60fps at 4K resolution for high-speed action, the 30fps speed is perfectly adequate for most vlogging purposes. Personally, I find this speed suitable most of the time, and when I need more excitement, I’m willing to sacrifice a bit of resolution. (Worst case you can try and sharpen it a bit in the edit). Having the option for 2.7K at 60fps is a nice touch—at least there is no need to drop all the way down to 1080P.
The front-facing screen makes it ideal for vlogging, although it’s worth noting that the camera is quite compact and may take some getting used to. Additionally, the waterproofing without housing is minimal, so be cautious before taking it for a swim in the ocean! Overall, the Akaso Brave 7 LE offers a GoPro-lite experience for budget-conscious vloggers.
Internal storage in camera (microSD cards need secondary unit)
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Resolution limited to 2.7K won't beat Osmo Action 4 or GoPro
Buy it if:
✅ You need a wearable: The tiny camera can easily be worn on most clothes
✅ You want flexibility: The housing helps top up the charge, like an Airpod
Don't buy it if:
❌ You want 4K: This is a 2.7K camera
❌ You need simplicity: You will need to manage the camera and accessory/mount
Some action and some vlogging need a smaller camera to get closer to the action, get a near perspective, or be clipped to your clothes in a way that just doesn't draw too much attention. The tiny Go 3 is perfect – especially since, in late 2023, a matte black option was released to join the white model.
The tiny camera can fit into the ActionPod body, and is held magnetically. The case houses another battery and a 2.1-inch flip-up touchscreen. It is also, effectively, the camera's charging dock. My colleague Jamie, who tested it, did note that the f/2.2 sensor prefers better weather (who doesn't?) but versatility is what you're paying for with this ultra-lightweight camera. The built-in memory is re-assuring too (no water ingress point), and the image stabilization is good. Good, not great.
That's a key point, by the way – the camera's battery is 125 minutes in the pod, but an absolute maximum of 45 minutes when worn alone, so there are limits.
I've also had good experiences with Insta360 software, which has great editing features, and it's reassuring that even since release firmware updates have brought extras like the ability to use an Apple Watch as a remote, or the cam as a webcam.
Incidentally, Insta360 have even more recently taken this flip concept to a high-end 8K action camera I really like, the AcePro, while the magnetic concept was also tried by with their Osmo Action 2. That high-concept form factor, however, seems not to be being pursued by DJI while the Go 3 is very much alive.
Read our full Insta360 Go 3 review and see sample video
Swipe to scroll horizontally
Test results
Attributes
Notes
Rating
Features
Flexibility is the main feature
★★★★
Design
A brilliant solution to a relatively niche problem
★★★★★
Video quality
Without 4K and a small senor it's good, but could be better
★★★
Value
This is a pricey option, but offers a new perspective
Excellent large screen much easier to use than predecessor
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DJI Mic 2 Bluetooth option makes a complete vloggers kit
Reasons to avoid
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Choosing length of grip and battery can be irritating
Buy it if:
✅ You need to vlog: Stable shots and mic compatibility are well covered here.
✅ You want a stable shot: The gimbal offers possibilities software stabilization can't manage.
Don't buy it if:
❌ You want rugged: It's tough for what it is, but it won't survive as much as a true action camera
Is the DJI Pocket 3 an action camera? Well, it's not rugged and waterproof, but given a lot of action cameras are used in the hand on selfie sticks, this is a sensible option to consider. It is easy to use, and has a usably big touchscreen with the third iteration. There is no questioning the superb stabilization, clever 'follow' modes, and flip-around selfie shooting.
There’s also a handy ultrawide lens attachment that, admittedly, definitely drops quality, but adds a field of view. There is also the option of buying in a combo with a DJI Mic 2 that adds a Bluetooth microphone making this an ideal tool for vlogging (the 3 built-in mics can also help cancel the ambient noise). The 1-inch sensor handled mixed and low light well in our tests too.
That aside, the convenience, versatility, and stabilization offered by the DJI Pocket 3 can’t be overstated. After all, nothing much can do all the things it can and still slip into a jacket pocket. You can even connect wirelessly to your smartphone and get big-screen control and playback via the DJI app.
Why is it in this guide? Because if you're recording action from the sidelines – or your primary use for an action camera is vlogging (and many, you'll note, are designed with that in mind) then this concept should be on your shortlist.
✅ You need to vlog: The larger flip screen is much easier to vlog with than front-facing screens.
✅ You want 8K: There's literally no competition (you also get 4K at 120fps from all the processing power!)
Don't buy it if:
❌ You want the most rugged device on the list: While the hinge isn't too much of an issue the body isn't perfect taken as a whole.
The Insta360 Ace Pro is a slightly odd beast when it comes to action cameras; it's a small – but very noticeable – bit bigger and heavier than most equivalents from DJI and GoPro. We're not talking the sort of amounts that would be seriously noticeable, but any kind of trade off has to be well worth it in a category that is all about small and robust, right?
Well with a Leica lens and 8K there is a bit of a case for it (and not 8K because it's two 4K cameras back to back like a 360 camera – out and out 8K). The real point, though, is that the Ace Pro has a hinged screen which can be used as a monitor for vlogging. This folds away almost unnoticeably into the camera body (and clips into place).
This, it turns out, is pretty robust – far more than I'd have believed – though sadly the cover for the USB-C charging port needs some fiddling to stay in place (on the first few off the line, which, of course, is what, as a reviewer, I was testing). It's well-built, overall, but I'd be more confident with a more traditional design in rougher scenarios.
The device has extensive built-in software features, including star trails, which means creatives will be kept happy with it. There is also AI for gesture control and voice control. I'm also impressed with the magnetic surface mounting options which seemed to make it easier to quickly de-mount the device (don't worry, there is still a clippy element to this!)
The camera also has impressive noise-cancelling sound plus, now, the ability to link to DJI Mic 2.
One big thing in this camera's favour – as well as some firmware updates showing love from Insta360 – is that its value has risen from 3 to 4 stars since the RRP dropped by $50 – it's a great device, but the price premium at launch was asking a lot!
Swipe to scroll horizontally
Test results
Attributes
Notes
Rating
Features
Atop standard shooting, full range of features like starlapse, and even gesture and voice control
★★★★★
Design
Slightly sacrificing size to provide a big folding touchscreen will make a lot of sense to many
★★★★
Video quality
The relatively large sensor is impressive, and 8K is impressive (if you need it!)
★★★★★
Value
Do you really need 8K? Here is the device's main problem!
Action cameras is a catch-all term for those designed to be used in rough conditions to capture the action from scuba diving, skiing, snowboarding, mountain biking, and other activities. Because the cameras are rugged, and usually allow for slow-motion and time-lapse, there are plenty of other uses too.
What is the best low light action camera?
Good question. Cameras designed to capture fast-moving images – especially slow-motion – keep their shutters open for very short periods, which isn't good for low light. The other solution, a big image sensor, means you need a big heavy camera and lens which is also not ideal here. So, as a rule, no action cameras are brilliant at shooting in very low light. That said, the GoPro Hero11 Black has made some notable strides in that area, as has the DJI Osmo Action 3.
Are action cameras good for photography?
Not always. It's easy to knock a small camera when shooting, so you'll need a good support. Secondly some don't even support still shooting – including the GoPro Hero 11 Black Mini. In bright conditions it might be preferable to keep shooting video and select stills in post, but it's worth remembering that this may be forced upon you!
Is a GoPro better than a phone?
Although some of the latest phones, like the iPhone 14, have image stabilization like a GoPro or other action camera, do you really want to risk breaking your phone? Action cameras have a rugged and compact build which makes them harder to break, and GoPro, for example, has a Pro Tune feature to help get a more professional looking image, too.
DJI is perhaps GoPro's best-known rival, but certainly not the only one. There's a lot of crossover in this market with other areas like the best 360º cameras, and the newly updated modular Insta360 One RS Twin Edition includes both an action camera module and a 360 module – it's two cameras in one!
Don't forget that there are older models (back to GoPro Hero 8) on sale at reduced prices. Or, for a completely different take on the concept of action cameras, check out the amazing offerings from Insta360 also on our list. We thought we'd also throw you a curve ball with the DJI Pocket 3. It's not a rugged go-anywhere camera like a GoPro, but it's a pocket-sized gimbal camera with stabilization, 'follow' modes, and image quality way beyond what its size suggests.
These action cameras aren't the only way to record your adventures. For a step up in quality, check out our guide to the best cameras for vlogging.
But for now, let's get started with our top picks of the best action cams right now…
How we test action cameras
We test cameras both in real-world shooting scenarios and, for DSLRs and mirrorless cameras, in carefully controlled lab conditions. Our lab tests measure resolution, dynamic range, and signal-to-noise ratio. Resolution is measured using ISO resolution charts, dynamic range is measured using DxO Analyzer test equipment and DxO Analyzer is also used for noise analysis across the camera's ISO range.
More important – especially with action cameras – is real-world testing. We compare results against similar models that we have tested in similar conditions. I like cycling, for example.
One reason real-world testing is so important is only by testing in situations with real action can we get a sense of how the image stabilization systems work. It also offers a good idea of how the image handles light levels.
Choosing an action camera involves balancing several factors. One is, inevitably, price. Others to keep your eye on are:
Subscription – This is a modern issue; GoPro (and, for now, only GoPro) will seek to charge you for a cloud service that unlocks some features. Are these features worth it to you, and are there better alternatives that won't incur an ongoing cost? DJI's Osmo Action 3 becomes very tempting at this point.
360-degree – We have a complete list of 360-degree cameras, of which the Insta360 X3 is probably the most accessible. It's an alternative worth considering; the lenses are more exposed, but you capture footage all around the camera.
Control – Do you need a screen to control the camera, or will you be happy using your phone? Will you have to take gloves on and off to start shooting while keeping your feet in snowboard bindings?
Stills mode – Not every camera has one, so will you need it?
Resolution – Numbers above 4K are impressive, though you'll likely end up editing down to 4K, where most better TVs are. It still helps have some room to crop though!
Slow-motion – If you'll want to slow down some cool moments of action, see what the highest frame rate available is. 240fps will let you go half the speed of 120fps.
With over 20 years of expertise as a tech journalist, Adam brings a wealth of knowledge across a vast number of product categories, including timelapse cameras, home security cameras, NVR cameras, photography books, webcams, 3D printers and 3D scanners, borescopes, radar detectors… and, above all, drones.
Adam is our resident expert on all aspects of camera drones and drone photography, from buying guides on the best choices for aerial photographers of all ability levels to the latest rules and regulations on piloting drones.
