Ever wanted to capture yourself skydiving, skiing, or surfing but were worried about damaging your expensive camera during the action? Get yourself an action camera!
Unlike traditional cameras, action cameras are compact, rugged, and waterproof. They’re specifically built for outdoor adventures, so you can take them anywhere without worrying about the occasional drop or bump.
Here are the best action cameras for outdoor enthusiasts, chosen for their functionality, durability, and image quality.
Top 5 Action Cameras for Big Adventures
Below are some of the best action cameras you can get your hands on today:
1. GoPro Hero12 – Best Overall
Among all of GoPro’s action camera lineup, the GoPro Hero12 is arguably the most coveted. It’s chock-full of noteworthy features that cater to both casual users and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
The GoPro Hero12 boasts impressive 4K and 5.3K video recording capabilities at 60fps, HyperSmooth 6.0 stabilization technology for ultra-smooth footage, and waterproofing that withstands depths of up to 10 meters (33 feet).
The Hero12 also handles heat better than its predecessor, and has longer run times at 2.5 hours as opposed to 1.17 hours. It’s an excellent upgrade all around.
2. Sony RX0 II – Runner Up
The Sony RX0 II is a compact, splurge-worthy action camera with tons of power under the hood.
It’s equipped with a 15.3 megapixel 1” Exmor RS CMOS sensor, the very same sensor you’d find in Sony’s flagship RX100 camera line, so it shoots some pretty incredible images.
Pair that with internal 4K video support, a built-in time-lapse mode, a flip-up rear LCD, and a shockproof, dustproof, and waterproof body, and you’ve got yourself a feature-packed action camera ready to tackle anything you throw at it.
If I had to nitpick, I’d say the biggest disadvantage of the Sony RX0 II is the mediocre battery life. It uses a tiny 700mAh battery that lasts about 240 shots, and an atrocious 60 minutes when continuously recording.
For its price, I expected the battery to last at least 30 minutes longer.
If the run time doesn’t bother you too much, though, it’s definitely a nifty camera to have on any adventure.
3. Insta360 Ace Pro – Best for Vlogging
If you’re an avid vlogger, the Insta360 Ace Pro is worth the pick-up. It features a 16mm ultra-wide-angle f/2.6 lens co-engineered with Leica, a flip-up screen, and waterproofing that can handle depths of up to 10m.
The camera looks and feels premium, with a comprehensive and sensibly laid out menu system.
Its wide-angle lens is perfect for capturing immersive action shots, and the image stabilization – which is on par with the GoPro HyperSmooth 6.0 – keeps your footage smooth even when you’re on the move.
The Ace Pro is the first ever camera to incorporate a 5nm AI chip, which delivers four times more pixels and features an increased bitrate.
This translates to significantly sharper images with richer detail, especially in low-light conditions – perfect for filming nighttime adventures!
4. DJI Osmo Action – Most Durable
The DJI Osmo Action has it all: 4k footage at up to 60fps, robust stabilization, 8x slow motion, and waterproofing up to a depth of 11m.
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Its build quality is exceptional, made of lightweight aluminum alloy.
It’s easily a top contender for one of the toughest action cameras on the market, as it’s not only durable but also handles frigid environments as low as 14°F (-10°C).
The DJI Osmo Action is voice-operated, meaning you don’t have to touch the camera to take pictures, start and stop recording, and power down.
If you’re shooting in a sound-sensitive location, you can use the smartphone app to operate the camera remotely.
5. Akaso Brave 4 – Best Budget Pick
The Akaso Brave 4 proves you don’t have to spend hundreds of dollars for a solid all-rounder action camera.
It may not have the same bells and whistles as some high-end models on this list, but it offers a great balance of features that cover most of the essentials.
The Akaso Brave shoots a decent 4K video at 30fps, along with 1080p at 60fps for capturing fast-paced action.
It’s also equipped with a built-in smart gyroscope for rock-solid image stabilization and smooth, shake-free footage. That’s not all: it’s also waterproof for up to 30m.
You’d get the occasional stuttering when filming at high resolution, but this is somewhat expected for an action camera at under $100.
What to Look for When Buying an Action Camera
Before buying an action camera, consider the following:
Image and Video Quality
Look for cameras with high-resolution capabilities. If you’re a casual user, 1080p resolution will likely be enough for most situations. But if you’re looking for professional-grade quality or plan on heavily editing your videos after filming, you’ll want a camera that shoots in 4K or even 5K.
Frame Rate
Most action cameras have 30fps recording rates, which is suitable for low to medium-energy activities like biking, hiking, or sightseeing.
However, high-energy activities like skateboarding, snowboarding, or motocross require a higher fps to capture the rapid movements effectively. You need a frame rate of 60fps at the very least, and sometimes even higher at 120 or even 240fps.
Durability
Action cameras are known for their durability. They can handle drops from moderate heights without sustaining damage and come out unscathed after a few rough tumbles or bumps.
Still, some action cameras handle falls better than others.
Look for cameras made with sturdy, impact-resistant materials like polycarbonate or aluminum. Some cameras also come with protective housings that offer additional protection against drops and impacts, suitable for extreme sports like mountain biking, BMX, and skiing.
For underwater activities, search for a waterproof camera with a medium to high depth rating of between 10m to 60m or more.
Battery Life
Most action cameras have a battery life of one to two hours when filming continuously at 1080p. However, higher-end models can easily last up to four hours and sometimes even longer.
Determine how long you want your camera to record and consider the type of activities you’ll be filming. If you’re planning to capture long-duration events, aim for a model with extended battery life.
Final Thoughts
There you have it – our list of the best action cameras for outdoor enthusiasts!
The action cameras above are among the most highly rated on the market, so you can’t go wrong with any of them.
Select the one that best fits your budget and outdoor activity, whether it be surfing, skiing, or diving. Happy travels!
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