If you’re into kite surfing, skiing, rock climbing or other adventure sports and want to film your activities, an action camera is the only way to go. In the past, GoPro was uniquely associated with this type of first-person action filming. But now, buyers now have more choice, with models also available from DJI and Insta360. Each company has its own strength, with Insta360 specializing in 360-degree video, DJI known for low-light video quality and GoPro making solid all-around cams with a wide choice of accessories.
That raises the question, which one has the best features for your personal exploits? Engadget has been testing action cameras for more than 16 years and with that experience, we can help you find the right model for your budget and needs.
What to consider before choosing an action camera
Action cameras have certain traits that separate them from regular cameras or smartphones. The most important is ruggedness that makes them resistant to water, dust and shocks. Most action cameras are now waterproof without the need for a separate enclosure. At the same time, you can purchase housing accessories to make them waterproof to even greater depths.
Video quality is also key. Every model we recommend goes to at least 4K 60fps, but some models like GoPro’s latest Hero 13 boost resolution up to 5.3K 60fps, or even 8K 30p with the Insta360 Ace Pro 2. That allows you to crop in on shots and capture vertical video at higher resolutions for social media. Another nice feature is log video that improves dynamic range when filming on sunny, contrasty days. And if you film in dim environments, you’ll want the largest sensor possible for the best low-light performance.
For activities with bumps and jolts like mountain biking, stabilization is incredibly important. You want your video to look smooth, but still need to convey the thrill and speed of the action. The Hero 13 is still the best in this regard, delivering jolt-free video that makes the viewer feel like they’re going down the bike trail or ski slope, with no annoying digital artifacts. DJI and Insta360’s products are good, but not quite at that level yet.
Some action cameras are easier to handle and use, so take that into account as well. You’ll want bright and colorful displays both front and back, buttons you won’t have to fumble to find and easy-to-use menus. Remote control is another factor that can ease operation. And you’ll want to check which software is available to improve stabilization, edit video, remove selfie sticks and more.
Then there’s the area of accessories. Do you need helmet or chest mounts, waterproof housings or battery charger? GoPro has the largest number of those, but DJI makes handy wireless mics that connect directly with its cameras. And of course, battery life is critical for action shooting as it’s hard to change one when you’re out surfing.
GoPro
GoPro’s Hero 13 is still the best action camera overall, even with DJI nipping at its heels. While it hasn’t changed much from the Hero 12 on the inside, outside is a whole new story. It’s now available with a new family of modular lenses called the HB series (ultra-wide, anamorphic and macro), making it far more versatile. It also has a slightly bigger battery that allows longer capture times — up to 90 minutes for 4K 30fps video.
Other specs remain the same, including resolution up to 5.3K at 60fps in 10-bit color with high data rates, and 8:7 capture that uses the entire sensor. Otherwise, the Hero 13 still has the best digital stabilization (aka Hypersmooth) of any action camera, a full-color front screen and the best image quality in its class. It also has the widest range of accessories, with everything from mounts to waterproof remotes to harnesses. The main drawback is the mediocre low-light capability — one area where DJI’s Osmo Action 5 Pro is superior.
$450 at Amazon
Steve Dent for Engadget
Read our full DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro review
DJI has dominated the drone and gimbal categories, but action cams seemed to vex the company. It finally broke that jinx with the Action 5 Pro, which stands up well to the GoPro 13. Its best feature is the large 1/1.3-inch sensor that makes it better than its rival in low light. It also tops the action cam battery life charts at well over two hours while shooting in 4K 60p. Another nice feature is 47GB of internal storage, a big help if you fill or forget your microSD memory card. And the Osmo Action 5 Pro works directly with DJI’s noise-cancelling Mic 2 and Mic Mini wireless microphones, providing an easy way to record high-quality sound.
The Action 5 Pro’s main downsides are relatively low resolution and slightly poorer stabilization compared to the competition. DJI’s device tops out at 4K 120fps, which is lower than the Go Pro Her 13’s f.3K 60fps (both can record log, though). And while the DJI camera’s stabilization is capable, it doesn’t quite match the excellence of the GoPro 13.
$349 at Amazon
Mat Smith for Engadget
Cameras that can record 360-degree video can perform a nice trick: letting you reframe action after you shoot it or capture immersive video for virtual reality. Insta360 simply dominates this category, with no rival even close to its latest X4 model. It captures action at up to 8K 30fps or 5.7K at 60fps, providing more detail when you reframe it to 16:9 for viewing on a regular screen. At the same time, the Me Mode that produces flat video (with automatic selfie stick removal) has been upgraded from a maximum 2.7K 30fps to 4K 30fps.
The X4 now has removable lens guards included to protect the lenses from damage in rough shooting conditions. It also offers solid battery life, waterproofing to 10m and a free editing app. However, low-light capability slightly lacks next to the Hero 13 and Action 5, and the 8K video files are huge.
$500 at Amazon
Steve Dent for Engadget
Read our full DJI Osmo Pocket 3 review
Late in 2023, DJI unveiled the Osmo Pocket 3 and I called it “maybe the only vlogging camera you need.” It has a big one-inch sensor, which is the same size as the one on Sony’s ZV-1 II compact camera. That boosts image quality considerably, particularly in low light. It also has a new, large swiveling touchscreen that makes it easier to switch between horizontal and vertical video.
What really makes it great for vlogging are the follow modes combined with face tracking. If you’re working solo, you can simply set it up and it’ll rotate and tilt to follow you around. That also applies for walk-and-talk vlogging, so you don’t have to worry about focus or even pointing the camera at yourself. There’s very little not to like about the Osmo Pocket 3, but it’s not ideal for photos due to the reduced resolution, and it’s also quite expensive.
$519 at Amazon
Steve Dent for Engadget
With the arrival of the Osmo Action 5, the Action 4 often goes on sale at very attractive prices. You’re not giving up much in comparison to the Action 5 Pro — it has the same 1/1.3-inch sensor that delivers excellent video quality, especially in low light. And it also comes with a D-LogM profile that boosts dynamic range in tricky lighting conditions, like skiing in the trees on a sunny day. The main reason to buy an Action 5 Pro instead is its built-in 47GB of storage, slightly better battery life and a higher bit rate that reduces pixelation. If those things aren’t critical, DJI’s Osmo Action 4 can currently be found for half the price.
$240 at Amazon
Insta360
Insta360 also builds regular, non-360-degree action cameras and the Ace Pro 2 is ideal for creators. It’s the only one available that shoots at 8K 30fps (or 4K at up to 120 fps), providing spectacular detail, and the 1/1.3-inch sensor is solid in low light. Importantly for vloggers, it comes with a large flip-up screen that makes it easier to frame yourself when filming. It’s not nearly as nimble as rivals, however, as that flipping screen adds weight and size, making the Ace Pro 2 both bulkier and heavier than its competition.
$400 at Amazon
