The best action cameras to buy in 2023
Jul 4, 2023
John Aldred
John Aldred is a photographer with over 20 years of experience in the portrait and commercial worlds. He is based in Scotland and has been an early adopter – and occasional beta tester – of almost every digital imaging technology in that time. As well as his creative visual work, John uses 3D printing, electronics and programming to create his own photography and filmmaking tools and consults for a number of brands across the industry.
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While action cameras are traditionally confined to the gear bags of extreme adrenaline junkies, they have worked their way into our lives in ways we couldn’t have imagined. They’re used today for everything from home security and pet monitoring to filming scenes for Hollywood blockbusters. Many of us now own one or more of them as part of our regular photography or video day, but which is the right one for you? Which is going to serve your needs the best?
Today, we will look at some of the best and most popular cameras currently in the action camera market. The genre of “action camera” has expanded in recent years to cover devices such as 180VR and 360-degree cameras. Still, for the purposes of this comparison, we’re only going to be looking at cameras that shoot regular flat footage (and photos).
Table of contents
Which type of action camera do you need?
Action cameras have become very versatile for many photographers and filmmakers. We often see them being used to record behind-the-scenes footage from the photographer’s perspective, mounted on their mirrorless camera’s hotshoe while shooting street photography. Many have been flown up in the air mounted to drones, especially before the cameras on drones got so good. People even use them for filming their family vacations. Oh yeah, and, of course, extreme sportspersons strap them all over themselves to record their adventures!
Today, “action camera” has become an umbrella term for many different types of small camera and not every action camera is particularly well suited to everybody’s needs. So, you’ll want to weigh the options and consider what you really want in an action camera. What is it going to be that you want the camera to do for you? And what requirements does that role have? These are things you’ll want to think about to choose the right action camera for your needs.
Here, we present some of our favourites and other alternatives in the market to help you make that decision.
True Action Cameras
While action cameras were once designed specifically for shooting action, the term has come to encompass many small cameras that may or may not be used specifically for shooting fast action. But if you’re an adrenaline junkie, these are the types of cameras you should be looking at.
Action cameras designed for action are typically built more solidly to survive the stresses they’ll inevitably endure. They (usually) have better image stabilisation and mounting options and can handle almost anything you can throw at them. So, let’s take a look at what our options are.
GoPro Hero 11
GoPro is undoubtedly the biggest name in action cameras. In fact, they kicked off this whole genre of action cameras way back in 2004. It created a whole new category of cameras, and despite some ups and downs, it has remained a formidable force ever since.
The latest iteration of GoPro cameras is the GoPro Hero 11 Black. It builds on every version that came before it to provide an all-in-one camera that can handle pretty much anything you could potentially subject it to.
It’s built tough and rugged, it houses a 27-megapixel sensor, allowing for some rather large photographs, and shoots video at up to 5.3K resolution at 60 frames per second. This gives you a lot of options in the edit for camera effects like zooming and panning to ensure your subject’s always the centre of attention.
As the oldest name in action cameras, GoPro has a very wide range of accessories available both from GoPro themselves and third parties. These accessories allow you to film more easily in more situations with GoPro and similar action cameras.
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main features
- Up to 5.3K footage at 60fps
- 2.7K 240fps slow motion
- HyperSmooth 5.0 stabilisation
- 8 or 10-bit colour depth
- Waterproof up to 10 metres (33′)
- Timelapse (intervals from 0.5 sec to 60 min)
PROS
- Front and rear LCDs
- Upload footage straight to the cloud
- Wide range of third-party accessories
CONS
- Only one lens option (not modular)
- Expansive
- Confusing indicator noises
Insta360 ONE RS
The Insta360 ONE RS is the successor to Insta360’s popular ONE R action camera. The Insta360 ONE R was the world’s first modular action camera, and the ONE RS continues this tradition with more features, better stabilisation and higher-quality footage and photos.
Thanks to its modular nature, you’re able to swap out the lenses at will, depending on your needs. The Insta360 ONE RS Twin Edition comes with a 48-megapixel lens module capable of shooting 4K video at up to 60 frames per second with Active HDR for maximum dynamic range. It also offers a 6K resolution widescreen mode video. The Insta360 ONE RS Twin Edition also comes with a 360º lens module that shoots up to 5.7K resolution for when you want to capture the entire world around you all at once.
It’s waterproof down to 5 metres (16′), features Insta360’s legendary FlowState stabilisation, has horizon lock for when the action gets a little bit mad, and you can set the display module to face either forwards or backwards depending on whether you’re filming yourself or something in front of you.
There are a wide array of accessories available for the Insta360 ONE RS from both Insta360 themselves, as well as third parties. You’re also able to buy different configurations of the ONE RS, including the Insta360 ONE RS 1-inch 360 Edition (review here), developed in collaboration with Leica.
main features
- Waterproof to a depth of 5 metres (16′)
- Modular design for maximum versatility
- Insta360 FlowState stabilisation
- Shoots either flat or 360º video
- Active HDR for more dynamic range
- Supports up to 1TB microSD cards
PROS
- Excellent video quality
- Easy touchscreen interface
- Voice control capability
CONS
- Modular design can be fiddly in the field
- It’s not cheap
- No gesture control
DJI Action 3
Released last year, the DJI Action 3 is DJI’s most recent action camera. The successor to the DJI Action 2 – which is actually next on this list – the Action 3 sports a more traditional action camera design. It shoots 4K video at up to 120 frames per second and has a very wide 155-degree field of view.
It uses DJI’s RockSteady 3.0 image stabilisation, even when shooting 4K120, and HorizonSteady to keep your footage looking level “even through heavy bumps and 360-degree rotations”. Ideal if you’re looking to use it for fast-paced action and anticipate a crash here and there.
If you’re into shooting long rides, the DJI Action 3 will shoot for up to 160 minutes continuously with a wide operating temperature range starting as low as -20ºC. It also sports two touchscreens. One on the front and one on the back for easy reach, regardless of whether you’re filming yourself or what’s in front of you.
main features
- 1/1.7″ Sensor
- 155° angle of view
- Wide f/2.8 Aperture
- Supports up to 256GB microSD cards
- JPG or RAW stills
- Charges over USB-C in 50 minutes
PROS
- 4K Video at up to 120fps
- 160 minutes shooting time
- Wide operating temperature range
CONS
- Not great low-light performance
- Stills are only 12 megapixels The
- 360-degree HorizonSteady is limited to 2.7K
DJI Action 2 Dual Screen Combo
The DJI Action 2 isn’t the most recent action camera from DJI. That camera appears a little further down, but the DJI Action 2 still deserves mention. After all, it presents a very different design to the DJI Action 3, and it’s still available to buy – and at a significantly lower price than it demanded on release. It was DJI’s first – and so far only – modular action camera, with a very interesting magnetic attachment system.
It includes 32GB of internal storage, letting you save footage without having to deal with memory cards. However, 32GB storage doesn’t go very far. If you want to use a microSD card, you can, but only when using the extra screen module. Without that, you’re limited to internal storage, so file management is a must. It also features a webcam mode, letting you connect the camera to your computer and use it for things like Zoom or OBS.
It contains a 1/1.7″ sensor, offering decent quality photographs and footage with good stabilisation. The stabilisation is all electronic, though, and not optical stabilisation. The low-light performance isn’t as good as some might like, so if you regularly like shooting in darker conditions, you might want to look at the alternatives. But if you’re always going to be shooting in the daytime, it’s worth a look.
main features
- 1.76″ front-facing touchscreen OLED
- Supports slow motion and time-lapse
- Up to DCI 4K60, UHD 4K120, 1080p240
- 32GB internal storage
- microSD card slot for extended recording
- Waterproof to 10 metres
PROS
- Works as a webcam
- 32GB internal storage space
- Up to 8x slow motion
CONS
- Reports of overheating limits length
- Integrated battery, so no spares in the bag
- Expandable storage only available with addon module
Speciality Action Cameras
Certain action cameras fall a little outside of the traditional “action camera” form factor and use cases. That being said, they’re still widely regarded – or marketed – as action cameras. Speciality action cameras typically offer functionality that standard action cameras don’t. Perhaps they’re ultra-tiny and lightweight. Maybe they provide stabilisation that isn’t possible electronically. Or, maybe you just need higher quality footage from a tiny camera to fit into your latest Hollywood blockbuster.
While such cameras will offer advantages over traditional action cameras, they may also have to compromise a little in some areas. They might not have the same waterproofing capabilities – or any at all – or they may be a little more delicate and not really intended for use in fast-paced action sports. For this type of camera, you really need to know what your needs are and whether or not those compromises affect you.
Insta360 GO 3
The Insta360 GO 3 is the company’s latest tiny FPV action camera. While the on-paper specs of the GO 3 look quite similar to the GO 2, it does offer some great improvements, such as a longer 45-minute battery life and no overheating issues.
It also swaps out the old clamshell-style case with a new Action Pod that turns the small camera into a regular action camera. Except, the action pod has a tilting touchscreen LCD that flips up 180º so that you can easily view it from the front. This makes it extremely handy for use as a vlogging camera.
It shoots 2.7K video at up to 30 frames per second, with 1080p slow motion video at up to 120fps. As with their other cameras, you get the full benefit of Insta360’s FlowState stabilisation for some pretty rock-solid footage.
It’s also wearable, with a supplied cap mount and pendant for mounting on your shirt. This lets you easily shoot first-person view (FPV) footage that other cameras aren’t capable of creating. It also weighs only 35g, letting you mount it to drones without adding too much of a hit in weight.
main features
- 11.24mm FF equivalent f/2.2 lens
- 2.7K video at up to 30fps
- 1080p at up to 120fps
- ISO 100-3,200
- 5GHz WiFi & Bluetooth 5.0
- Two built-in microphones
PROS
- The smallest 2.7K camera on the market
- Amazing stabilisation
DNG RAW stills
CONS
- The case doesn’t protect the lens like the GO 2
- Not compatible with GO 2 accessories
- No external microphone input
DJI Pocket 2 Gimbal Camera
The DJI Pocket 2 is a very different camera from the rest of those in this guide, although it’s still typically regarded as an action camera. What makes this one different – at least, the main thing that makes this one different – is that it features a built-in 3-axis mechanical gimbal.
This physically keeps the camera level while you’re moving around and filming. You don’t have to rely on electronic stabilisation, which results in steady footage with less jitter and fewer artifacts.
It sports a high-resolution 64-megapixel camera when you want to shoot stills and shoots 4K video at up to 60 frames per second. It also allows you to shoot slow-motion 1080p HD at up to 120 frames per second.
It’s a great option for those wanting to vlog or shoot action handheld in front of them with a small and lightweight form factor.
main features
- 1/1.7″ CMOS sensor
- 64-megapixel stills
- 4K video up to 60fps
- 20mm (FF equivalent) f/1.8 lens
- 93° Angle of View
- microSD slot for storage
PROS
- Mechanically stabilised gimbal
- 1080p slow motion video up to 240fps
- ActiveTrack 3.0 subject tracking
CONS
- Too delicate for fast-paced action
- Can get hot when filming 4K
- Poor low-light performance
Sony RX0 II
While it might look like your traditional action camera, the Sony RX0 II is pretty special. It’s an action camera designed for filmmakers, offering advanced features like a large 1″ stacked CMOS sensor, high-quality 4K HDMI output, and slow motion video up to 1,000fps.
While the camera is getting a little older than the others on this list, it still has no competition for certain applications. The 1″ sensor is supported by Sony’s BIONZ X processor for excellent low-light performance up to ISO 12,800. It also includes Sony’s Eye AF system, with a minimum focus distance of only 7cm.
For filmmakers, it offer 4K UHD 30fps internally, with a number of Picture Profile options, including S-Log2 Gamma. For higher quality footage, it offers a clean 4K 4:2:2 uncompressed output signal over HDMI. It’s also capable of recording timelapse videos.
It offers the usual connectivity options, including WiFi and Bluetooth, but unlike most other action cameras, you can remotely control multiple cameras – up to 100 of them – simultaneously, offering all kinds of options for things like bullet time or even 3D scanning.
main features
- 16fps 15MP stills
- 1.3″ 230K-dot 180° tilting LCD
- 7.9mm (24mm FF equivalent) f/4 lens
- 84° field of view (35mm FF equivalent)
- 2-channel stereo audio
- ISO 80-12,800
PROS
- Large 1″ stacked CMOS sensor
- Uncompressed 4K 4:2:2 over HDMI Slow
- motion at up 1,000fps
CONS
- Very expensive
- Not as durable as other options
- Slow motion reduces the frame size
Low-Budget Action Cameras
The options above might be a little more than you need. Perhaps they offer a level of capability and function that you don’t really need. Capability and function that perhaps drives the price up higher than you’re willing to pay.
These popular low-budget options don’t quite offer the feature set or durability of the flagship action cameras listed above but are still quite capable. After all, you shouldn’t need to pay for features you don’t need or survivability in circumstances you won’t be shooting in.
If you’re not entirely sure what you want to get yet and just want to dip your toe in the water, these are a good place to start. But if you have specific needs, make sure to do your research on these to ensure they can stand up to the tasks you demand!
SJCAM SJ4000 Dual-Screen
In terms of design, the SJCAM SJ4000 Dual-Screen looks a lot like the GoPro Hero 11. It offers both front and rear displays, except on the SJ4000, there’s no touchscreen functionality. The front display is 1.3″ and the rear LCD is 2″, providing a large view from the rear and a good enough view for vlogs and selfies on the front.
This camera is significantly less expensive than the GoPro Hero 11, but it also has somewhat lesser features. Like the Akaso camera above, the SJCAM SJ4000 shoots 4K video at up to 30 frames per second and 1080p at up to 60 frames per second. It has a slightly higher resolution, though, capturing 16-megapixel JPG stills instead of 12.
The camera comes with an assortment of mounts and accessories for attaching the camera in different situations, but it’s not waterproof at all on its own. Fortunately, an included waterproof housing lets you take the camera down to a depth of up to 30 metres (~98ft).
Like most of the other cameras above, the SJCAM SJ4000 also supports USB streaming. This lets you plug the camera into your desktop or laptop and use it as a webcam.
main features
- 4K video at up to 30fps
- Loop video recording
- microSD Card slot up to 128GB
PROS
- 1.3″ Front display for vlogging
- Replaceable battery for easy swapping
- Includes lots of accessories and mounts
CONS
- Battery slow to charge (~3.5 hours)
- Not waterproof without separate housing
AKASO EK7000
Despite its low cost, the AKASO EK7000 is an impressive little camera. It has its limitations, of course, but it should be able to stand up to the tasks of many users and uses.
It shoots 4K video, but the maximum frame rate is only 30fps. This isn’t terrible, but if you want to dip into a little slow motion, you’ll have to drop down to 1080p where you’ll get 60fps for up to a 1/2.5x slowdown (if you’re editing 24fps).
It’s probably not the camera to get if you hope to get some high-resolution stills. It only shoots 12-megapixel JPG photos, so you might be better off just using your phone wherever possible.
On the rear is a large 2″ LCD display. It’s fixed in position, it doesn’t tilt, and it’s not a touchscreen. But it should give you a good view of what your camera’s seeing. And if it doesn’t, you can always connect and watch on your phone using the app.
main features
- 4K video at up to 30fps
- 12-megapixel JPG stills
- microSD Card slot up to 64GB
- Adjustable 170° field of view
- 2.4GHz WiFi
- 1,050mAh swappable batteryfeature 05
PROS
- 90-minute battery life
- Very inexpensive
- Includes lots of accessories and mounts
CONS
- Not waterproof without a separate housing
- Only supports up to 64GB microSD cards
- Audio quality could be much better
SJCAM FunCam for Kids
Do you have kids who have started showing interest in shooting video? Or are they a little jealous of your action cameras and want one of their own when you go on vacation? Well, this may be your answer.
This is a very low-budget camera designed specifically for children. As such, it doesn’t have very high specifications, but it does offer a simple interface with large buttons that are ideal for children.
It shoots 720p footage at up to 30 frames per second. It even features a loop recording mode, letting you shoot in 3, 5 or 10-minute cycles so you can have it recording all the time and stop it after something interesting happens without having to keep hours of useless footage.
It shoots 5-megapixel stills using Single Shot mode, and it also features a timer delay mode with 2, 5 or 10-second options so that your little one can set the camera going, run around to the front and be captured in the shot.
It offers no stabilisation, no WiFi, no smartphone app, it’s not waterproof, and there isn’t even an option to buy a waterproof enclosure for it. It’s very basic and limited. But, it should keep your child entertained long enough to decide if it’s worth investing in something better equipped for them.
main features
- Shoot 720p video
- Still images up to 12 megapixels
- 2″ Rear LCD
- Built-in microphone and speaker
- No Wi-Fi or remote control
PROS
- Very inexpensive
- Easy-to-operate button interface
- Shoots timelapse
CONS
- Only 720p resolution
- Limited to 32GB microSD card
- No image stabilisation
Tips for Buying Action Cameras
As you can see, action cameras now come in all shapes, sizes, capabilities and budgets. There’s a wide range of them out there and they all offer their advantages and disadvantages. Buying the right action camera for your needs isn’t that difficult, but you need to know what your needs are. Do you need features like timelapse or loop recording? Does it need to be waterproof without a separate housing? Does it need to support large memory cards? Does it need to be able to act as a webcam on your computer? These are all things you’ll want to figure out before putting your money down.
FAQ for selecting an action camera
Most people today will be looking for a camera that shoots 4K video. With 4K TVs now commonplace in people’s homes with easy 4K streaming from platforms like YouTube, it’s the logical choice for people buying a camera today who want to share it online. Or is 1080p (or even 720p) going to be enough for you? Resolution isn’t the only or even the main specification when it comes to cameras, but it is one you might want to consider.
At the time of writing this review, the Insta360 ONE RS. It has the highest megapixel count of 48 megapixel and an amazing HDR engine
Housings typically work very well in keeping your camera safe and dry when you’re using it underwater. But they can be quite cumbersome to put on and take off your camera. If you’re been shooting underwater and your battery dies, you’ll need to fully dry the camera, remove the housing, swap out the battery and then put the housing back on before you can go underwater. A number of cameras these days have built-in waterproofing to some degree.
This is a question of convenience and practicality. Internal storage is great when you don’t want to risk losing tiny microSD memory cards. The problem with internal storage is that it’s fixed. If you buy a camera with 64GB of internal storage, it’ll always have 64GB of internal storage. MicroSD cards, even if also limited to 64GB, can easily be swapped out as needed to carry on recording if a card gets full. Internal storage will need to be backed up and erased before you can continue shooting.
For most action camera uses, stabilization is important. In most action cameras, electronic image stabilization (EIS) is used. Very rarely, you might see a camera with optical image stabilization (OIS), but this is rare. Usually, it’s electronic, but it’s come a long way in terms of software and algorithms compared to even just a few short years ago. Of course, some cameras now feature mechanical image stabilisation through the use of gimbals, beating out EIS in terms of quality but at the cost of durability.
While you can technically vlog with any camera, certain features are particularly advantageous for shooting them. Things like a display on the front or a rear LCD that can flip up and become viewable from the front both help with things like composition and exposure. Vlogging might also necessitate buying a camera with a microphone input or one with extremely good internal microphones.
Most people tend to buy action cameras in order to shoot video footage. That being said, they’re all capable of shooting photos to some degree or other. Some might be low-resolution files saved as heavily compressed JPG. Others might be very high resolution and save DNG RAW files, holding lots of detail, colour and tonal information. If you want to shoot photos, you’ll probably want to steer towards the latter.
Action cameras have a multitude of use these days. Their quality and capability have improved massively since the first GoPro was released in 2006. So, people are using them for all kinds of different things. Do you want to record extreme action sports where there’s a high likelihood of crashing? Or do you want to just vlog while you travel and explore? Different cameras have different levels of durability and you’ll want to make sure the camera can survive your demands!
The used market can be an excellent place to pick up an action camera (or several action cameras) if you know what you’re looking for. If you can find one that fits your needs, you can get great deals on places like Amazon Warehouse or eBay for older model used cameras. If it’s a current model camera, I would question why they’re getting rid of it before you purchase. Is it damaged in some way? Have they switched to a different camera that better suits their needs? Or have they just decided they don’t need an action camera after all?
Conclusion
Action cameras have become so capable today that they offer a wide range of quality and features over a very wide price range. Whether you’re just looking to buy something to keep your kid busy on vacation or you want to shoot cinematic quality footage from a motorcycle travelling at speed, there are options out there for you.
Even if you already have a camera system, perhaps DSLRs or mirrorless cameras, action cameras can complement them very well. They allow you to shoot behind-the-scenes footage of your shoots and activities. And how many times have we seen footage on YouTube from an action camera mounted to their regular camera’s hotshoe? They can be an excellent way to document your photographic activities.
Do you already have action cameras in your gear bags? Which do you use?
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John Aldred
John Aldred is a photographer with over 20 years of experience in the portrait and commercial worlds. He is based in Scotland and has been an early adopter – and occasional beta tester – of almost every digital imaging technology in that time. As well as his creative visual work, John uses 3D printing, electronics and programming to create his own photography and filmmaking tools and consults for a number of brands across the industry.
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