An action camera encompasses the ability to shoot standard quality videos with user-friendly built and image stabilizing features. Every traveler, filmmaker, and vlogger look for a durable, handy, high-caliber action cam that fits their pockets in every aspect.
We all know that GoPro has become synonymous with the word “action camera” recently, but popular rival brands do exist with affordable alternatives to fit every budget.
In the following list, you’ll get acquainted with other brands like DJI, Insta360, and Akaso, which have released unique features and accessories in their action cameras while striking a good bargain.
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Table of Contents
Comparison Chart of the Best Action Cameras










How To Select Best Action Cameras
Here are some hand-picked action cameras with a host of features and for a complete range of budgets:
GoPro Hero 10 Black
Specifications:
Weight – 153g
Waterproof – 10m
5.3K video – up to 60fps
4K video – up to 120fps
1080P – up to 240fps
Stills resolution – 23MP
Battery life – 1-32 hrs estimate
Reasons to Buy:
Powerful processor and fast user interface
Leading-edge stabilization
Hydrophobic coating of the lens
At hand 4K/120p mode
Reasons to Avoid:
No sensor upgrade with a pricier tag
Incompatible with older batteries
Bigger in size than Hero 8 Black and Hero 7 Black
Even if it looks exactly like its predecessor, GoPro Hero 10 Black is a significant operative upgrade worth the fanfare. The credit for its speedy interface goes to the all-new GP2 processor, which opens new possibilities for videographers. The added hyper smooth 4.0 stabilization, 5.3K video with 60fps, and swift camera to app transfer is the reason this camera earned no.1 on our list.
DJI Action 2
Specifications:
Weight – 57g
Waterproof – 10m
4K video – up to 120fps
1080P – up to 240fps
Stills resolution – 12 MP
Battery life – compact: over 1 hour, combo: over 2 hours
Reason to Buy:
Take compactor with a combo unit
Stream live
Dual touchscreen user interface
Reason to Avoid:
Redundant attachment of secondary unit for charging
MicroSD card insertion needs a secondary unit
Steer this RockSteady 2.0 front-screen action camera alone or with additional comprising units using magnetic clips, and fall in love with filming again. The DJI Mimo app dispensing phone control and 1/1.7″ sensor makes it hard to overlook this option.
GoPro Hero 9 Black
Specifications:
Weight – 158g
Waterproof – 10m
4K video – up to 60fps
1080P – up to 240fps
720P – up to 240fps
Stills resolution – 20MP
Battery life – 1-3hrs estimate
Reason to Buy:
Front-facing screen for vlogging
20MP photos and 5K videos capturing details
Increased battery life
New Integrated software skills
Reason to Avoid:
4K video shows no significant improvement
5K video takes up a lot of space
Sizier than other GoPros
GoPro’s first front screen action camera, GoPro Hero 9 Black, has completely changed the vlogging world. It fosters smooth 5K video shooting, 20mp stills capacity, Hypersmooth 3.0 stabilization, TimeWarp 3.0 time-lapses, and the best value-for-money tag.
Insta360 One R 1-inch Edition
Specifications:
Weight – 158g
Waterproof – 5m
5.3K video – up to 30fps
4K video – up to 60fps
1080P – up to 120fps
Stills resolution – 19MP
Battery life – 1190mAH
Reason to Buy:
Great quality images with large sensor
Performance relatively strong in low lighting
Reason to Avoid:
Exasperating processing of camera
Slow and sluggish software
Standing by its name, Insta360 One R “Twin Edition” can be used as an action camera as well as a 360 camera. It also incorporates multiple fascinating shooting modes and a 1-inch Leica Camera Mod.
Akaso Brave 7 LE
Specifications:
Weight – 127g
Waterproof – IPx7 (no case), 40m (with case)
4K video at 30fps
1080K video at 60/30fps
720P – 240/120/60fps
Stills resolution – 60MP
Battery life – 120 mins
Reason to Buy:
Case free water resistance
Leading-edge build quality with dual screens
Six-axis stabilization
Pocket friendly
Reason to Avoid:
Relatively poor 4K video capture in this price range
60 fps footage is not up to the mark
If you like your camera solid and energetic, just like your coffee, then Akaso Brave 7 LE is the one to go. You get 20 mp stills, 4K shooting, six-axis stabilization system, and a box full of accessories. Just keep in mind to connect the waterproof housing with the cam in all your underwater adventures.
GoPro Hero 8
Specifications:
Weight – 128g
Waterproof – 10m
4K video – up to 60fps
1080K video – up to 240fps
720P – up to 240fps
Stills resolution – 12MP
Battery life – 1-3 hrs estimate
Reason to Buy:
Class-leading image stabilization
Capture presets to save valuable time
Accessory mounts are built-in
The mic is an improved version
Reason to Avoid:
Low light performance is poor
Front display absent
The built-in mount, fascinating mods, impressive stabilization, and low price easily cover-ups for the lack of 5K or front-facing screen in GoPro Hero 8 Black. It fits most budgets and even leaves some bucks for add ons.
DJI Osmo Action
Specifications:
Weight – 124g
Waterproof – 11m
5.3K video – up to 60fps
4K video – up to 240fps
1080P – up to 240fps
Stills resolution – 12MP
Battery life – 1-1.25 hours
Reason to Buy:
Vlog with front color LCD monitor
Pocket friendly
Outstanding image stabilization
Reason to Avoid:
Accessory options are limited
The app is less user-friendly and requires some work.
One of the DJI's action camera s amidst the flagship of top-notch drones, Osmo action is better known for its full-color LCD front display and outstanding image stabilization. It indeed gives GoPro Hero 8 Black a run for its money.
Insta360 Go 2
Specifications:
Weight – 26.5g
Waterproof – 4m
Screen – Info screen in charge case
1440P – at 50fps
1080P – at 50fps
Storage – 32GB
Stills resolution – 9MP
Battery life – 15-30 mins
Dimensions – 52.9×23.6×20.7mm
Reason to Buy:
Tiny build form without case
High resolution relative to the size
Tripod charging case and mounts included
Reason to Avoid:
Flicks out of the mount
Short operation time
Insta360 Go 2 camera can film things its big brothers cannot. Not fit for high-profile vlogging or adventures, it can be your “capture the surprising moments” kind of camera buddy. Wear it on a clip, attach it to the car dashboard, put it on a holder on your desk, or snap it around your neck.GoPro Hero 7 Black
Specifications:
Weight – 118g
Waterproof – 10m
4K video up to 60fps
1080K video up to 240fps
720P up to 240fps
Stills resolution – 12MP
Battery life – 1-3hrs estimate
Reason to Buy:
Superb image quality and 4K video
Very effective Hypersmooth stabilization feature
Reason to Avoid:
Flicks out of mounts
Short operation time
Struggles with voice command at times
GoPro Hero 7 Black is a point-and-shoot model with good 4K video quality, a 2-inch touchscreen, and voice control technology. It’s a primary action camera with limited manual controls. Although not a first choice for professionals but a good action camera for beginners.Are You On Pinterest? Click To Save These For Later Read!
Share your best tips for choosing a good action camera.
Last update on 2023-09-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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