Best Action Cameras
Demand for action cameras is surging nowadays. A 2022 forecast suggests that the global action camera market’s worth will be 4.4 billion U.S. dollars by 2028.
We’ve gathered a list of the 10 best action cameras for capturing all of your leisure pursuits.
The cameras on our list all have unique capabilities that make them appropriate for the job and can withstand the environment and drops, spills, and falls.
The best action cameras must be capable of capturing your adventures to the fullest, and that means they should be able to capture high-quality video, whether you’re high on a mountain or diving deep beneath the ocean.
In addition, they should have a range of shooting modes and be simple to operate, even when wearing gloves.
Finally, because of their nature, several of the finest action cameras are also among the best cameras for vlogging, so if that’s something you’re interested in, keep them in mind.
Have a look at the table below to get the camera specifications quickly.
10 of the Best Action Cameras Include
| Product Name | Video Resolution | Image Resolution | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| GoPro Hero10 Black | 2880p | 23 MP | 1.01 lbs. |
| DJI Action 2 | 4k | 12 MP | 1.98 oz. |
| Insta360 One R | 5.7K | 19 MP | 13.6 oz. |
| DJI Osmo Action | 4k | 12 MP | 4.4 oz. |
| Olympus TG-Tracker | 4k | 8 MP | 6.40 oz. |
| GoPro Hero9 Black | 5k | 20 MP | 1.04 lbs. |
| Insta360 Go 2 | 1440p | 9 MP | 0.035 oz. |
| AKASO Brave 7 LE | 4k | 20 MP | 1.28 lbs. |
| GoPro Hero8 Black | 4k | 12 MP | 1.58 oz. |
| GoPro Hero7 Black | 4k | 12 MP | 4.2 oz. |
Now that you’ve got the basic specifications let’s move on to a detailed guide to the 10 best action cameras.
10 Best Action Cameras to Buy in 2022
Continue reading for our recommendations and reviews of the finest action cameras that you can get in 2022. Let’s dive into it!
1. GoPro Hero10 Black
The best action camera with an exterior similar to Hero9 Black the GoPro Hero10 Black.
It features an updated CPU inside, allowing for video recording at up to 5.3K/60 fps and 2K video at 240 and 4K video at 120 fps. Furthermore, it boasts a larger 23MP picture sensor and is easy to carry.
The Hero10’s improved image stabilization is the most striking feature; you can now tilt the camera up to 45 degrees, and it will still smooth things out for you.
In addition, GoPro has released a software update that will allow the Hero10 Black to capture longer clips when there is insufficient airflow to cool the camera.
According to the business, users will record up to 63-minute recordings at 4K/60 fps.
Features:
- The video resolution is 5K/60 fps with stills up to 23 MP
- It features a touch screen and is water-resistant up to 33 feet
- The Battery Life is 1:41 and it weighs 5.3 ounces with a dimension of 2.75×1.9×1.6 inches
- The Lens is removable and has “Mods” for media enhancement functionality.
2. DJI Action 2
The leading drone manufacturer DJI designed the new Action 2 with a tiny 39x39mm square camera core that can be used alone or coupled (through a magnetic clip) to other devices.
The camera offers a 1/1.7″ sensor and picture stabilization using RockSteady 2.0 and HorizonSteady.
Even when coupled, it is around the size of a GoPro, albeit the rear touchscreen is only about the size of the primary camera device.
The modular system is robust and has a lot of gadget value (albeit it does get a little hot when charging), and DJI’s Mimo app makes controlling it from your phone a breeze.
A fascinating new world of accessories (and adaptors for the traditional ‘GoPro’ type ones) makes this a difficult proposition to dismiss.
Features:
- The weight of the camera is 57g and it is waterproof up to 10m and 60m in housing
- It features video resolution up to 120fps1080/up to 240fps and stills resolution is 12MP
- Battery life is Over 1 hour and features a dual touchscreen with a live streaming interface
3. Insta360 One R
This 360-degree camera is modular in design and is one of the most incredible action cameras and the best 360 cameras.
This is due to the modular architecture of this unique camera, which allows you to swap out its wide-angle 4K camera with a 360 lens or a camera with a 1-inch sensor.
In addition, the camera has some very unique capabilities, such as video stabilization and a full app.
We enjoy that you can spin the One R’s display around to frame yourself in films.
Still, its diminutive size compared to the GoPro makes navigating on-screen menus considerably more difficult. Like older Go Pros, it will require the use of a frame to be mounted to anything.
However, this is a versatile action camera.
Features:
- The Camera weighs 5.58 oz and offers 65 minutes of battery life.
- The maximum video resolution is 5.3K, and the full photo resolution is 5312 x 3552 (3:2) or 5312 x 2988 (4:3). (16:9)
- It is IPX8 water-resistant and offers a screen reversible for front-facing use with impressive In-camera stabilization.
4. DJI Osmo Action
The best selfie action camera as you can’t look at the screen on the back of the camera and yourself at the same time while shooting yourself.
The DJI Osmo Action tackles this problem by including a color screen on the front, making it easier to frame yourself in images and movies.
This rugged camera also features excellent electronic image stabilization and can shoot 4K/60 fps HDR video.
Unfortunately, HDR and picture stabilization cannot be used simultaneously, and there is no method to live stream video from the camera. Still, the front-facing camera alone could be worth the price for selfie enthusiasts.
Features:
- The max Video Resolution is 4K/60 fps, and Photo Resolution is 12 MP.
- The camera has a Touch Screen and a battery life of up to 95 minutes
- It is water-resistant up to 33 feet
- The camera Weighs 4.2 ounces.
5. Olympus TG-Tracker
Camcorder and action camera combined, the Olympus Tough TG-Tracker has the appearance of a mini-camcorder rather than an action camera.
This is because it’s more extensive than a GoPro-style camera and too big to attach to something like a helmet.
On the other hand, the TG-Tracker has a lovely, large flip-out touchscreen that allows you to view what you’re recording readily.
It also boasts a 60-lumen light to help illuminate darker areas’ picture stabilization and is waterproof to 100 feet—three times the depth of the GoPro.
In addition, temperature, elevation, depth, latitude/longitude, distance traveled, barometric pressure, and speed allows you to capture more than simply beautiful videos.
Features:
- Its max video resolution is 4K/30 fps and its photo resolution of 8 MP
- It offers a battery life of 120 minutes
- The camera weighs 6.35 ounces and is water resistant up to 100 feet
- It also has built-in 60-lumen light and foldout monitor
6. GoPro Hero9 Black
The most outstanding action camera, GoPro Hero9 Black, not only addressed the criticisms leveled at the Hero8, but it also included a front-facing display to display a live preview, making it easier for selfies and to frame oneself in images and films.
Hero9 includes a detachable lens, allowing you to install filters like GoPro’s new Max Lens Mod, which will enable you to record incredibly wide and stabilized video.
It can also shoot at up to 5K resolutions, and its larger battery will function better in low weather. Our only concern is that it is somewhat hefty, which you will notice if you attach it to a helmet.
Features:
- The camera offers a max video resolution of 5K/30 fps and a photo resolution of 20 MP
- It has a touchscreen with a battery life of 1:41 hours
- The camera offers water resistance of up to 33 feet
- It features a front-facing screen and a removable lens
- It has Media “Mods” added functionality
7. Insta360 Go 2
The GO 2 improves features by recording up to 3K 2560 x 1440 video, audio, and 9MP photos, and it also adds a slow-motion recording feature.
You can preview your video and export the content to your phone via a companion iOS/Android app via Wi-Fi.
The GO 2 is lightweight and compact so that you can clip it to your collar or skateboard, wear it around your neck, attach it to your dashboard, etc.
Although the camera has a built-in battery and per charge, it captures 15-minute clips. The charging case includes lightning and micro-USB connectors for Android and iOS devices.
It can even function as a tripod with foldout legs if you place the GO 2 on a surface.
Features:
- The GO 2 allows you to shoot up to 120 fps in slow motion.
- It features hyper-lapse mode, has a higher-capacity 1100mAh built-in battery,
- It captures 9MP photos, records video in up to 3K 2560 x 1440 resolution, and records in 1080p30 HDR format.
- The GO 2 is IPX8 waterproof up to 13 ft.
8. AKASO Brave 7 LE
AKASO Brave 7 LE A budget-friendly twin-screen action camera with a front screen for vlogging or staying in the frame while filming oneself skiing down a hill with a selfie stick.
It features the same standout feature as the GoPro Hero 9 and the DJI Osmo Action. In addition, it shoots 4K video and 20MP stills and features a 6-axis image stabilization system.
Furthermore, it is boxed with accessories, such as a second battery, mounts, and underwater housing.
Features:
- The camera Weighs 61g and is waterproof up to 3ft/1m (131ft/40m with supplied casing)
- It can shoot 4K videos at 30fps1080p and videos At 60/30fps720p, 240/120/60fps
- It offers a still resolution of 20 megapixels and a battery life of up to 90 minutes.
- It has a front LCD screen.
9. GoPro Hero8 Black
GoPro Hero8 Black is one of the most incredible action cameras available, modified to be smaller.
As a result, you no longer need to use a case to attach it to accessories such as a tripod or helmet mount.
The makeover also enables new add-on “Mods,” which extend the camera’s capabilities through external mics, lighting, and other means.
Unfortunately, this means that current cases and lens adapters will no longer function.
In addition, GoPro has increased motion stabilization to make the Hero 8 shoot the smoothest action camera inside. The Hero8 Black can be used as also been updated to work as a webcam, and its HyperSmooth 2.0 video stabilization works with more video settings.
Features:
- The max video resolution offered is 4K/60 fps and the photo resolution is 12MP
- It features a touch screen and a battery life of about 158 minutes
- It provides water resistance up to 33 feet
- The camera’s size is 2.6 x 1.9 x 1.1 inches and it weighs 4.2 ounces
- It has media “Mods” added functionality
10. GoPro Hero7 Black
Hero7 Black is the first of GoPro’s action cameras to record 4K footage at 60 frames per second. It’s waterproof to 33 feet and includes a rear 2-inch color touchscreen LCD and voice control.
While not as great as the Hero 8, the image stabilization on the Hero 7 is still great. It can also live-stream to Facebook via the GoPro app.
Due to its outdated design, the Hero 7 Black requires a case to be mounted to anything.
However, with the release of the Hero 8, GoPro has reduced the price of the Hero7 Black, allowing customers to discover even better bargains on the camera through online stores.
Features:
- It has a max video resolution of 4K/60 fps and a photo resolution is 12MP.
- It has a Touch Screen
- The Battery Life is 158 minutes
- The camera’s weight is 4.2 ounces
- It can shoot sharp 4K videos
9 Things to consider before choosing the best action camera?
It may be challenging to select the best action camera if you are new to photography as the market is flooded with many action cameras.
Irrespective of your requirements, you must have a specific action camera for every occasion. However, you may always wonder, “On which camera should you invest?” Let’s get to the answer below.
Design and Shape
Action cameras are well-known for their three distinct shapes: Cube, Bullet, and Box, appropriate for different situations.
Box action cameras are more popular for chest-mounted setups since they are compatible with practically all sorts of shooting accessories.
Bullet Action cameras are infrequently used because of their limited compatibility, although suitable for mounting handlebars, boards, and helmets.
Size and Weight
Action cameras are typically mounted on specific mounting equipment or helmets; thus, they must be tiny and light in size and weight.
Therefore, choose the model that is the most delicate and petite.
Water Resistance
It is usually desirable for action cameras to be weather resistant. Choose a water-resistant product or a dedicated waterproof case for safe storage when shopping for one.
Frame Rate and Resolution
Resolution and frame rate are important factors to consider for an action camera. Higher resolution means you’ll be able to record films and photographs with more clarity. Frame rate deals with the smoothness of footage.
Viewing Angle
The general viewable area through a camera lens is known as the field of view at any given time. It is measured where a larger angle provides a more comprehensive projection with immersive recording.
Connectivity
This capability is vital if you enjoy uploading photographs and videos to social media websites or transferring them to other devices such as desktops or cell phones.
GPS
GPS aid in generating automatic geo-tags for all of your photographs and videos. When you return from your tour and upload your shoots to websites, they will all show the exact locations where you recorded them all.
Storage
Memory cards are the most frequent storage choice for camera devices. Most cameras use a microSD card; however, a handful may have a postage-stamp-sized advanced SD card.
Battery Life
Even if you spend more money on more advanced camera systems, you will still deal with battery issues.
It’s better to purchase additional batteries along with a portable charger to ensure that the camera’s batteries never run out of power.
Editor’s Choice
Although all the action cameras here are good to go, each has unique features and functions. However, we prefer the GoPro Hero10 Black.
It’s the best action camera that incorporates an updated CPU for better performance.
Furthermore, it comes with a larger 23MP picture sensor that leads to exceptional photography or videography results. It’s touchscreen and can go deep underwater up to 33 feet.
Conclusion
When it comes to buying an action camera, we look at how well it records video in various lighting circumstances and if it has capabilities like HDR. We also check how well it handles both light and dark portions of the frame.
Finally, we take the camera across uneven terrain to test how effectively it smooths things down with motion stabilization.
Hope you find this article helpful as we have listed the 10 best action cameras and how to choose the same.
See Also
Action Camera Microphone Adapter
Best DSLR Camera for Filmmaking
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