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Some of our previous picks have good cameras, although their features lag behind more recent releases.
DJI's Osmo Action 4 camera for $299, Action 4 (8/10, Wired recommends) is a great action camera. The magnetic mounting system is the best we've tried, the menu system makes switching between modes very easy, and the resulting photos and videos are great. The Action 5 beats it in many ways, but if you have the budget, it's an amazing camera and it integrates well into the DJI ecosystem.
Insta360 ONE RS Twin Edition for $412, I loved the interchangeable lens system when this camera launched, but it's been two years since it was updated and at this point it feels somewhat like an abandonment. If you want more 360 ​​action with a single camera, I recommend the Insta360 X4 above. It has better image quality, a better screen and better battery life for more money.
Oclu Action Camera for $199, Oculus has a very different take on an action camera, abandoning the usual design for a flat body with a primary screen on top. The result is a camera that can fit in places others won't—like under a skateboard. The Oclu shoots 4K at 30 fps or, if you want slo-mo footage, 1080p at 120 fps. Video and image quality is on par with what you get from the GoPro Hero 9. My complaint is the stabilization – it doesn't help nearly as much as you get from others in this guide. On the other hand, the sound is excellent; I found very little wind noise compared to other cameras. All things considered, it's hard to beat Occlu's performance for the price.
All those cheap cameras on Amazon: Readers often ask, why spend $400 on a GoPro when they can get a camera with 4K video for $100? It's a fair question, and the answer depends on the software, primarily image stabilization. The action camera is designed to be strapped to a helmet or strapped to your chest as you skydive, rock climb and race around town. on a scooterWithout stabilization, the results will be something that even your closest friends would not approve of. So yes, you will get 4K footage with a cheap cam, but it will be footage that no one will want to see. In our opinion, it's worth spending the extra $100 for the GoPro Hero 11 or 12 that are on sale. The results won't be GoPro-caliber, but if you're just getting into action cams, this is a good way to test the waters.
The Best Accessories for Tricking Your Camera
Photograph: Scott Gilbertson
Once you have an action camera, you're ready to go for most use cases. GoPro, Insta360, and DJI all offer helmet mounts and other ways to stick your camera wherever you want. But there are some nice extra features that can make it even easier to get the shot you've been dreaming of. Here are some:
- a good microSD card: You may have received an SD card with your camera. Insta360's SD cards are really great, but I use SanDisk's Extreme Pro cards because they're faster and, as a bonus, waterproof. you can pick one up 512-GB card for around $60I also like Samsung's Pro Plus microSD cards, which are slightly faster in my tests. you can catch one 256-GB for around $60,
- GoPro Media Mod for $80: The GoPro's sound is fine out of the box, but if you want high-quality audio, start here. not because media mod Produces great sound—better than the camera, but still not great. What if the offer is a microphone jack. Plug in a high-quality microphone and you'll end up with amazing sound. (Not recommended when skydiving.)
- Joby GorillaPod 3K for $70:This flexible tripod expands the mounting possibilities of your action camera to include almost anything. My GoPro rarely leaves this tripod. This SUP bounces around people, tree branches, and even my dashboard. Be sure to pick up some of the tripod adapters below.
- Motorcycle Accessory Bundle for $45:If you ride, this mount for the Insta360 X4 (and Ace Pro, etc.) is a must-have. This is one of the most secure clamps I have ever used, almost as good as a bench vice.
- Semtop tripod mount for $8:Action cameras offer several ways to mount them, but one that's missing is the traditional quarter-inch tripod screw mount. The GoPro Hero 13 has one, but this four-pack of adapters solves the problem for others.
- Polarizer and ND Filter: If you're shooting around water, through glass, or in any other high-glare situation, a polarizing filter will help cut down on that glare. Neutral density (ND) filters block light so you can shoot at wider apertures in bright light. Both are great additions to your action camera kit. I tested and liked it DJI's ND Filter Set for Action 5For GoPro, I like Freewell Polarizing and ND Filter ($20)Or if you have Hero 13 Black you can get the new one GoPro ND Filter Four-Pack ($70)Which automatically adjusts camera settings when attached. I recommend starting with an 8-stop ND or combo ND and polarizing filter.
- Floaty for $30, Another one for water shooters, but worth the money as it will keep your GoPro from sinking to the bottom of the ocean.
- Selfie stick for $25, I've tested a lot of selfie sticks and they're almost all fine, but I grab this Insta360 version whenever I head out the door. It's lightweight, small enough to fit in the bottom of my bag, and it's affordable. If you want to be big, this Insta360 Extended Edition Selfie Stick ($100) It can imitate low-flying drones, which is perfect for use in national parks and other places where drones are prohibited.