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Best Action Cameras

Updated May 2023
Bottom line
Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
GoPro HERO11
GoPro
HERO11
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Highest-quality Resolution
Bottom Line

The GoPro HERO11 had our tester very excited thanks to its exceptional video performance and durability.

Pros

It can film footage in up to 5.3K quality even in less than ideal conditions such as underwater, or in extreme hot and cold weather. Includes slo-mo and color-enhancing features to capture your favorite moments in unique ways. Has a compact and sleek look.

Cons

Our tester noted that the UI can take a while to get used to and the touchscreen is a bit too sensitive.

Best Bang for the Buck
AKASO EK7000
AKASO
EK7000
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Simple yet Solid
Bottom Line

A good option for novices or occasional photographers who want a midlevel action camera at a great price.

Pros

Offers decent resolution for a very attainable price. It's easy to operate with the wireless wrist remote. Viewing angle is a wide 170 degrees. Camera is waterproof up to 98 feet. Comes with 2 rechargeable 1050mAh batteries.

Cons

Battery life could be better. "4K" picture is actually interpolated 1080P, so it's not quite as crisp as true 4K.

GoPro HERO9 Waterproof Sport and Action 4K Camera
GoPro
HERO9 Waterproof Sport and Action 4K Camera
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Easiest to Use
Bottom Line

This lightweight camera is easy to transport and makes uploading and streaming your videos quick and simple.

Pros

Video stabilization and horizontal leveling make it easy to shoot from anywhere. Use voice control to film and automatically transfer files to your phone. This camera is extremely durable and waterproof.

Cons

Works best with a Samsung EVO memory card.

Canon VIXIA HF G70 4K UHD Camera w/ CMOS Sensor, 20x Optical Zoom, 800x Digital Zoom
Canon
VIXIA HF G70 4K UHD Camera w/ CMOS Sensor, 20x Optical Zoom, 800x Digital Zoom
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Feature-packed
Bottom Line

Shoot high-quality 4K video with cinematic results with Canon's impressively versatile camcorder.

Pros

The DIGIC DV6 image processor maximizes the footage's image quality. The on-screen display makes it easy to operate and work around. Shoot far-away subjects with clarity through the 20x optical and digital zoom. Adjustable focus speeds.

Cons

It doesn't perform well in low-light scenarios.

DJI Osmo Action 3
DJI
Osmo Action 3
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Best for Everyday Use
Bottom Line

This camera can shoot up to 4K footage and has an ultra-wide field of view.

Pros

This DJI camera has a maximum battery life of 160 minutes and it’s hearty; it's safe to film in both below-freezing weather and underwater. It has front and back touchscreens for easy control in any situation.

Cons

There’s no remote compatibility so you can’t control it from a distance.

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BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.About BestReviews 
HOW WE TESTED

We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.

51
Models
Considered
120
Consumers
Consulted
18
Hours
Researched
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Buying guide for best action cameras

Whether you attach an action camera to a drone to capture a scenic view or clip it to your helmet as you cycle through rush hour, the obscure and fantastic footage caught on action cameras today is must-see viewing.

As early as the 1960s, photography enthusiasts who wanted to take their hobby to the next level began attaching cameras to helmets. That was the beginning of a change in the camera industry that eventually lead to tiny cameras that could produce quality videos in the most rugged of conditions. Today, action cameras are popular among those who want to record moving images as if they were in the action themselves.

The product list above details our five favorites, and the shopping guide below covers answers to consumer questions and tips for making your shopping decision easier.

So focus your lens, zip up your jacket, and head out into the elements with us as we explore the best products in the action camera field.

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. 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 lower than eight mp may look grainy compared to what you’re used to with your smartphone or digital camera.

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 10 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.

Bluetooth and WiFi

Not all action cameras have both Bluetooth and WiFi 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 WiFi 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 $700 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 WiFi capabilities, spacious storage capacity, and rugged build quality.

Content Image
If you want to take your action images to the next level, choose a model with 4K capabilities. Also referred to as ultra HD, 4K photos and video have higher resolution that regular HD, which makes the action in your action shots seem ever more alive. Some action cameras can be submerged for underwater photos or video footage.

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. Possibly. It depends on the software that comes with each camera and whether it needs to be connected to a computer or not.

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.

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