Top-Rated Action Cameras : A Buyer’s Guide

Read update

• We’ve reviewed our recommendations and updated our picks for the best action camera overall, best small camera, and best GoPro.

Action cameras have a wide range of uses, from accompanying you on your most adventurous activities to traveling and recording the everyday. Some are durable and can capture footage from your most extreme sports excursions, while others are perfect for vlogging.

UPDATE: 12/11/2023

We’ve reviewed our recommendations and updated our picks for the best action camera overall, best small camera, and best GoPro.

GoPro Hero 12 Black

Best Action Camera Overall
$265 at Amazon

• 
  
  Akaso

AKASO V50 Elite

Best Budget Action Camera
$140 at Amazon

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  Insta360

Insta360 Go 3

Best Small Action Camera
$350 at Amazon

• 
  
  Insta360

Insta360 One RS

Best 360 Action Camera
$1200 at Amazon

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  DJI

DJI Osmo Action 3

Best 4K Action Camera
$199 at Amazon

What to Look for in an Action Camera in 2023

One of the most important things to consider when buying an action cam is what you’ll use it for. With so many designs, price points, and features on offer, it’s easy to find something that fits your desired usage and budget.

The general ease of use should also influence your decision since some cameras (like the GoPro) offer more polished mobile apps and cloud storage services, while other brands can provide a more barebones but budget-friendly experience.

All but one of the cameras featured below offer at least 4K video, with some exceeding this. Frame rate is another thing you’ll want to consider, with many cameras offering 60 and 120 fps (frames per second) in 4K and higher resolutions. Shooting at a higher resolution provides smoother action and allows you to slow your footage down for smooth slow-motion video.

Pricier cameras come with front-facing screens, which gives you more options in terms of vlogging and travel photography for framing your shot. If you’re primarily looking for a camera mounted on a helmet, chest strap, mountain bike, or the outside of a vehicle, you might want to save money and weight by opting for something without a screen altogether. Don’t worry—mobile apps often let you frame the camera and quickly review your settings.

Cost is another big consideration. If you don’t need the latest and greatest, you might be able to save a few hundred dollars by opting for last year’s big thing. If you’re going to be putting your camera somewhere risky, then you might want to spend even less than this on an off-brand camera that shoots decent footage, but that won’t make you wince when you drop it off a cliff.

If possible, use any cameras you’re interested in, or at the very least, review the footage before you buy so you know what to expect. Remember that not all cameras are waterproof without underwater housing, but most of the more expensive models are.

How-To Geek’s product recommendations come from the same team of experts that have helped people fix their gadgets over one billion times. We only recommend the best products based on our research and expertise. We never accept payment to endorse or review a product. Read More »

Best Action Camera Overall: GoPro HERO12 Black

GoPro

The HERO12 Black is the latest from GoPro and one of the best action cameras you can get at the moment. It’s a decent improvement over its predecessor and balances cost, image quality, and ease of use.

You can capture HDR video and audio at up to 5.3K at 60fps and record 4x slow-motion action at 4K resolution or 8x slo-mo at 240 fps with 2.7K resolution. There’s also an improvement in the megapixel count, letting you capture high-quality 27MP images while shooting video, or get 24.7MP frame grabs from videos.

Apart from the improved Emmy award-winning HyperSmooth 6.0 image stabilization feature on the GoPro Hero 12, its battery delivers twice more runtime than its predecessors, up to 70 minutes for continuous 5.3K recording at 60fps. Sturdy and tough, it is also waterproof down to 33ft, suitable for most water sports and underwater exploration. It also easily integrates with the GoPro Quik app .

Other features we love about the GoPro Hero 12 include auto boost (for the widest possible HD shots), horizon lock (for steady footage even through 360-degree rotations), vertical and full-frame shots, and scheduled capture, to name a few. It also supports time-lapse videos and photos, wireless exports, and aftermarket bolt-ons like the Max Lens Mod 2 for better performance.

Best Action Camera Overall

GoPro Hero 12 Black

$265 $400 Save $135

The GoPro Hero 12 Black combines superior image quality, improved HyperSmooth Stabilization, and longer battery life to become one of the best action cameras currently on the market.

$265 at Amazon See at Best Buy See at B&H Photo Video

Best Budget Action Camera: AKASO V50 Elite

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If you’re looking for an affordable action camera, the AKASO V50 Elite is at the top of the list. Unlike cheaper cameras in this price range, the V50 Elite can record in 4K resolution at 60fps—usually, cameras in this range are limited to 30fps. This allows you to reduce footage by 50 percent for usable video for 24fps or 30fps projects.

The camera has a 2-inch touch screen on the back, includes voice control, and can be submerged up to 130 feet with the included underwater case. It also features image stabilization, but its use is limited to 30fps in 4K and 2.7K resolution. Image quality is good for most applications, though the drop in quality will be noticeable compared to GoPro, DJI, and cameras at a high price point.

The beauty of a budget action camera is that you take less of a financial hit if the unthinkable happens. That’s not to say the AKASO isn’t built tough, but if you drop it off a cliff, it’ll cost much less to replace.

Unfortunately, things aren’t as smooth as the leading brands regarding the broader ecosystem, particularly software like mobile apps and cloud storage. AKASO hits the sweet spot for price and application and is also compatible with the now industry-standard GoPro mount.

Best Budget Action Camera

AKASO V50 Elite

Get 4K video at 60 frames per second in a budget-friendly package with the AKASO V50 Elite. The camera includes waterproof housing, image stabilization, a touchscreen, voice control, and more.

$140 at Amazon

Best Small Action Camera: Insta360 GO 3

Hannah Stryker / How-To Geek

If you’re looking for a handy and ultra-portable action camera that you can take everywhere and capture the most stunning FPV footage, get the Insta360 GO 3 . Measuring only 1.18 x 2.52 x 1.89 inches and weighing just 4.6 ounces, it has the perfect form factor and weight to rank among the best small action cameras.

You can literally mount the Insta360 GO 3 anywhere, including on your bike, skateboard, surfboard, drone, helmet, face cap, guitar, cat collar, t-shirt, and anything else you can think of. The camera’s FlowState Stabilization feature eliminates shake, allowing for epic takes. It records footage at 2.7K resolution with slo-mo at 1080p at 120fps.

Waterproof down to 16ft, the GO 3 comes with a rugged splashproof housing called the Action Pod, two built-in mics to capture Vlog-ready audio, and a flip touchscreen for remote preview. It also has a long-lasting battery that can last the duration of a marathon and more, plus sufficient storage. You can also export your video in any aspect ratio.

The GO 3 comes with a magnetic pendant that allows you to mount it on your shirt/chest, an Easy Clip, a pivot stand, and a lens guard. When you’re done capturing footage, you can let AI auto-edit it or let your own creativity shine through. You can also use it as a webcam at 1080p resolution during meetings.

Best Small Action Camera

Insta360 Go 3

The Insta360 GO 3 is a versatile small action camera featuring a small form factor, metallic medallion, and an easy clip that allows you to attach it to any surface.

$350 at Amazon See at Best Buy See at insta360

Best 360 Action Camera: Insta360 ONE RS

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The Insta360 ONE RS 1-inch 360 camera is a dual-lens camera co-engineered with Leica . Unlike rivals that use smaller sensors, Insta360 has created a 360-degree camera with a large 1-inch sensor. That’s the same size sensor as many of the best modern point-and-shoot cameras .

A larger sensor means the camera captures more information about the scene, improving overall image quality. It also means the sensor has more surface area to capture light, resulting in better low-light performance than smaller sensors.

The camera features hallmark Insta360 features, including the company’s excellent FlowState stabilization and the ability to lock the horizon for a steady and static shot even if you’re being thrown around. You can capture up to 6K video or 21-megapixel 360-degree stills, either handheld or using Insta360’s “invisible” selfie stick .

This camera isn’t marketed as a rugged action camera, and as such, it’s only rated for IPX3 water resistance against light rain or snow. If you’re throwing the camera around, something like the Insta360 X3 might be better, but low-light performance and image quality suffer since the dual sensors are half the size. But if you want an action camera for its versatility rather than its durability, the ONE RS 1-inch 360 edition is hard to pass up.

Best 360 Action Camera

Insta360 One RS

The Insta360 ONE RS 1-inch 360 camera is hard to beat for the best image quality and low-light performance. It’s not strictly a rugged action camera, but it offers many of the features you’d expect, including stabilization and horizon lock.

$1200 at Amazon See at Best Buy

Best 4K Action Camera: DJI Osmo Action 3

DJI

The DJI Osmo Action 3 is DJI’s third shot at an action camera and one that tops out at 4K resolution. Despite this limitation, you can capture high-quality 4K HDR video in 10-bit color at up to 30 frames per second.

Alternatively, you can capture up to 120 frames per second of standard definition video at up to 4K resolution. The DJI Osmo 3 also includes a timecode function that makes syncing footage from multiple cameras easier in post.

DJI built the Osmo Action 3 to be tough. It can withstand a depth of 52 feet underwater or up to -4ºF without external housing. Slap a case on it, and you can get to almost 200 feet underwater. Like other competing brands at this price point, the camera includes image stabilization (what DJI calls RockSteady 3.0) and horizon lock from any angle or rotation.

The Osmo Action 3 is cheaper and smaller than GoPro’s HERO range, and though there have traditionally been teething issues with DJI’s firmware, the camera has come a long way since its launch. You’ll also get features like timelapse, hyper-lapse, still image capture up to 12-megapixel, RAW photos , and vertical shooting mode. On top of this, different kits and accessories are available for adventurers, cyclists, skiers, and divers.

Best 4K Action Camera

DJI Osmo Action 3

For 10-bit HDR video at up to 4K resolution, look no further than the DJI Osmo Action 3. The camera features the usual gamut of premium action camera features, including stabilization, weatherproofing, dual touchscreens, and more.

$199 at Amazon See at DJI See at Best Buy

Best GoPro: GoPro HERO12 Black

GoPro

It should come as no surprise that our pick for the best action camera overall, the GoPro HERO12 Black , is also our pick for the best GoPro. This model of GoPro’s latest series of action cameras balances features and price well, making it the best pick for most people.

Whether you’re looking to dive into action photography and videography or are a pro, the HERO12 Black will fit your needs well. You can snap 5.3K or 4K photos and video, is waterproof up to 33 feet, and GoPro’s own HyperSmooth technology to make sure your shots are crystal clear. The price might a bit shocking at $400, but for everything that the HERO12 Black offers, it’s money well-spent.

If you want more, there is also the GoPro HERO12 Black Creator Edition . This bundles the HERO12 Black with a number of useful accessories, including GoPro’s Volka tripod, a Light Mod, and a Media Mod. You’ll need to pay $550 for the add-ons, but if you’re looking for the ultimate GoPro experience, it’s worth it.

Best GoPro

GoPro Hero 12 Black

$265 $400 Save $135

The GoPro Hero 12 Black combines superior image quality, improved HyperSmooth Stabilization, and longer battery life to become one of the best action cameras currently on the market.

$265 at Amazon See at Best Buy See at B&H Photo Video

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FAQ

What should I use action cameras for?

You can use an action camera for recording video and taking still photos in all sorts of situations and conditions . These cameras are designed to be small, rugged, and easy to mount. That makes them ideal for use outdoors and in circumstances where other cameras may be damaged by the elements. This includes underwater, attached to a bike or the outside of a vehicle, or even mounted on your dog. Their small size and relative ease of use (plus excellent compatibility with accessories) makes them ideal travel companions.

How do I connect an action camera to Wi-Fi?

Most action cameras allow you to transfer footage wirelessly to a smartphone or computer and even control aspects of the camera over Wi-Fi. You can use the in-built menu to create a temporary Wi-Fi network and then connect to it using your smartphone or computer. Instructions will differ depending on your model of choice, your camera’s smartphone app should guide you through the process.

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Are action cameras good for vlogging?

Some action cameras are ideal for vlogging on account of their size, performance, and compatibility with accessories like lights and microphones. For vlogging, a forward-facing screen is going to help you frame your shot so be on the lookout for that. The GoPro HERO range is especially good for this since these cameras include a forward-facing screen, an optional Media Mod with an improved microphone, and even a LED light attachment.

Can action cameras take pictures?

Yes, pretty much all action cameras include still photography modes. Some can shoot in RAW which gives you greater flexibility when editing your photos in post, while others can even capture full-size images (at sizes of 20 megapixels and above) while simultaneously shooting video. Despite this functionality, most cameras suffer compared to dedicated point-and-shoot, mirrorless , or digital SLRs on account of their small sensor size.

Can I use an action camera as a webcam?

Some action cameras can be used as a webcam since this functionality is built right in (including many GoPro models). Others can work as a webcam when connected to a capture device using the camera’s HDMI output . Just because you can, doesn’t always mean you should however and the wide-angle lens used on most action cameras might not make for a flattering perspective on your next video call.