Last Updated on October 18, 2021
A camera is an essential tool for any photographer. It can be used to capture moments from a particular perspective and in ways that the naked eye cannot see. The best way to take advantage of this amazing capability is with a high-quality action camera, which will give you superior performance and durability.
This article will guide you through buying an action camera from the 13 top-rated action cameras from a wide range of brands you can trust.
Top 13 Most useful Action Cameras
GOPRO HERO 9 BLACK
GoPro HERO 9 Black is the perfect versatile action camera for capturing your adventures.
The new, larger rear touch screen with touch zoom on HERO9 Black and a dazzling new front display makes for easy framing and intuitive user interface control.
You can Live stream in 1080p on social, get HyperSmooth video stabilization as you broadcast, and experience the ultimate smoothness as well as shooting in the gnarliest conditions imaginable. HERO9 Black can take it. It’s tough as nails, and waterproof down to 33 feet right out of the box
You won’t find another device like it on the market today that captures stunning video with up to 5K resolution or crisp, pro-quality photos with 20MP clarity!
Plus, its rugged design means you can shoot anywhere without worrying about damaging your camera when things get rough – from surfing waves to snowboarding mountains! And don’t forget that this amazing device is also waterproof housing down to 33ft (10m) right out of the box so you never have to worry about getting caught in a rainstorm again!
Benefits:
- Capture crisp, image-quality photos with 20MP clarity.
- Shoot stunning video with up to 5K resolution, perfect for maintaining detail even when zooming in.
- Experience the ultimate smoothness.
- Be able to shoot in the gnarliest conditions imaginable.
- The best dynamic range.
- Built-in bracket.
- Caseless waterproofing to 10m.
GOPRO HERO 8 BLACK
The GoPro HERO 8 Black is the perfect camera for anyone who wants to capture their adventures in stunning 4K video.
With a new side door that makes changing batteries faster, and a lens that’s 2x more impact resistant than ever before, you can take your camera anywhere without worrying about it getting damaged.
You can also use quick-loading accessories like flashes, microphones, and LCD screens to make your videos even better.
Capture super stabilized time-lapse videos while you move through an activity with Time Warp automatically adjusting speed based on motion, scene detection, and lighting. Smooth just got smoother. Record the moments 1.5 seconds before and after your shoot with SuperPhoto™ mode so you never miss a moment again!
Benefits:
- Capture super stabilized time-lapse videos while you move through an activity.
- Time Warp automatically adjusts speed based on motion, scene detection, and lighting.
- Record the moments 1.5 seconds before and after your shoot.
- Built-in front-facing screen.
GOPRO HERO 7 BLACK
GoPro Hero7 Black action cam is the perfect camera for adventures big and small. It’s built tough and totally waterproof—just grab it and go for it.
It’s smooth 4K video and vibrant WDR photos make every moment look amazing. GPS lets you track how fast, high, and far you went. With an intuitive touch screen, it’s simple to jump right in and get great shots. Plus, your photos and videos move right to the GoPro app for easy sharing. From beach days to vacays to good times with the family—capture your life in a fresh new way with Hero7.
The world’s most powerful personal device has arrived! Get ready for an immersive experience unlike any other as the HERO 7 Black will take you on a journey of discovery.
You’ll be blown away by its sleek design that’s made tough enough to withstand anything so you can capture life’s best moments without worry or fear of damaging your equipment; from snowboarding down a mountain slope or surfing at sea level all the way up into space where no one has gone before!
This is just scratching the surface of what this incredible piece of technology can do.
Capture every moment like never before with HERO 7 Black-the world’s most powerful personal device in the action cam market yet-and enjoy professional quality.
Benefits:
- Capture every adventure in 4K video and vibrant WDR photos.
- Get stunning action footage you need with an intuitive touch screen.
- Take your memories to new heights with Hero7.
- Make everyday epic with this tough, waterproof camera.
- GoPro companion app advantages.
DJI OSMO ACTION
Capture every epic move with DJI Osmo Action.
The dual screens allow you to capture it all with the touch of a button. It’s an action camera that shoots 4K HDR videos and captures 8x slow-motion at 1080p resolution and 240fps. You can also use 11m watertight, -10℃ temperature resistant, sporting a watertight seal and hydrophobic coating on the back touchscreen.
With DJI Mimo App for iOS, you can control your camera remotely from your smartphone or tablet while shooting video or taking photos using intuitive gestures like panning, tilting, zooming in/out as well as switching between front-facing and rear-facing cameras. You can even shoot time-lapse sequences automatically!
Benefits:
- Capture every epic move with jaw-dropping clarity and detail.
- 11m Waterproof, -10℃ Temperature Resistant Sporting a watertight seal and a hydrophobic coating on the back touchscreen.
- Never miss another moment of your child’s life or that perfect sunset again.
- Colour front-facing screen.
GOPRO MAX
The GoPro MAX is the most creative GoPro ever. It captures traditional video and photos or shoots 360 degree videos of everything around you. Snap a panoramic shot without having to pan—just point and click. Choose a digital lens to capture your footage exactly how you imagine it. And with six mics on board, you get immersive 360 audio and the best sound quality ever delivered.
You can use your finger to quickly swipe between apps or zoom into photos, so everything feels fluid and natural on this larger display.
With just one hand, you can easily reach content at the top of the screen without adjusting your grip or switching hands. You won’t find another device like it on the market today. It’s not just an amazing product but also an incredible experience that will change how you see things forever!
Benefits:
- Shoot 360º video of everything around you.
- Snap a panoramic shot without having to pan—just point and click.
- Capture traditional GoPro video and photos or shoot 360 footage of everything around you.
- Choose a digital lens option to capture your footage exactly how you imagine it.
INSTA360 ONE R
The INSTA360 ONE R is the world’s first 5.7K 360-degree camera with AI-powered finishing and FlowState stabilization.
This dual-lens, waterproof action camera captures Super 5.7K resolution footage with advanced image processing and an AI-powered finishing algorithm to preserve detail in every shot.
It also features a new scene detection algorithm that helps keep your footage steady even in low-light conditions or when you’re in aerial angles or unique third-person perspectives shooting modes from a flick of the wrist.
Capture immersive moments like never before with this professional-grade 360° camera that can handle any situation – poolside, on rainy days, underwater housing, snowboarding – it doesn’t matter! With its 1x Dual Lens 360 Mod, 1x Core (the brains), 1x Battery Base (for power), and 1x Lens Cap for protection against dust and water damage during storage/transport; you’ll be ready to capture memories wherever life takes you!
Benefits:
- Capture video in 360 degrees.
- Videos are stabilized without a gimbal.
- The Dual-Lens 360 Mod has a Super 5.7K resolution which is better than the competition.
- It leverages H.265 encoding to make your footage pop and preserve detail.
- It has an AI-powered finishing algorithm so you don’t have to do any post-production work on your videos yourself.
- Low-light performance with more creative options.
- Capture easy aerial angles with this camera that can handle it no matter what the weather is like outside!
SJCAM SJ4000
The SJ4000 AIR is the perfect choice for anyone who wants to capture their adventures in high-quality video and crystal clear photos.
With an ultra-wide 170° angle lens, this sports cam captures every detail of your surroundings with stunning clarity. It also comes equipped with 4K 30fps/2.7K 30fps/1080P 60fps/1080P 30fps/720P 120fps/720P 60fps/30fps 720p video resolution and 16MP photo stills resolution so you can share your memories from anywhere on earth!
This camera has everything you need to create amazing videos without breaking the bank. You won’t have to worry about missing out on any of life’s moments because this device will be there to capture them all!
Benefits:
- It’s lightweight and compact.
- You can take video or photos controlled by an iPad above water with the connection to the SJCAM app.
- Capture every moment that matters, in 4K quality.
SONY RX0 II
The Sony RX0 II features an Exmor RS CMOS sensor with a 24mm F4 Zeiss Tessar T* lens to take high-resolution images. With a battery life of up to 240 shots and 120 minutes of video recording time, this camera will last all day long without needing to charge it.
It also comes with 4K movie recording capabilities as well as image stabilization so your videos are always clear and crisp. This camera is small enough to fit in your pocket or bag but still packs a punch when it comes to quality photos and videos!
You can use this camera anywhere because it’s water/shock/crush-proof body means that no matter what happens, your device will be safe from harm! Plus its display zoom feature allows you to get close-up shots without having any distortion on the photo or video.
There’s nothing better than being able to capture every moment in crystal clear detail with the Sony RX0 II!
Benefits:
- Larger battery life
- Durable body, shockproof
- Capture every moment with precision and clarity.
- Share your creativity with the world
YI 4K+ ACTION CAMERA
The YI 4K+ is the most advanced action camera available today, with features including Voice command Control, RAW image capture, EIS 4K/30fps and the ability to shoot in 4K/60fps makes YI 4K+ one of the best action cameras ever.
It’s perfect for anyone who wants to do more with their camera. And now it comes in two sizes – so there’s a YI 4K+ for everyone.
You can use your voice to quickly start or stop recording without fumbling through settings on your phone or tablet. With just one hand, you can easily reach content at the top of the color screen without adjusting your grip or switching hands.
You won’t find another device like it on the market today. It’s not just an amazing product but also an incredible experience you can have every day of your life.
Benefits:
- Capture 4K/60fps video without consuming power.
- EIS lets you shoot smooth, steady video.
- Be the best action camera on the market.
- Shoot crisp, clear videos like never before.
INSTA360 ONE X2
With this one camera, you can shoot first in every direction with super 5.7K 360 capture and then choose your favorite angle later. It’s better-than-ever video stabilisation and horizon leveling algorithms that keep your shots steady—no gimbal needed.
You can shoot with the Invisible Selfie Stick and then watch it disappear in your edit, capture easy drone-like angles and third-person perspectives with the flick of a wrist.
Insta360 ONE X2 is waterproof to 10 meters (33ft). So you can take it out in a rainstorm or surfing without a case.
You can use this product for many different purposes such as capturing moments that you want to remember forever or filming an event from multiple angles at once!
It’s also great for professionals who need to film something quickly but don’t have time to set up their equipment beforehand!
Benefits:
- 360-degree excellent video quality.
- Easy to use.
- Capture the perfect moment in every direction.
- Get creative with your shots and angles
AKASO KEYCHAIN
The AKASO GO smart app enables you to edit, filter, share your vlogs within seconds. This 4k vlogging camera has a magnetic body, so it’s no longer necessary for you to hold the camera while recording.
It features 20MP still images and 4K/30FPS videos that will bring in high-quality short-video recordings. You’ll never have an issue with shaky footage again!
No more shaky footage or having to worry about holding the device up for long periods of time. Just attach it to any metal surface and get started right away!
Benefits:
- Compact size and lightweight
- Easy to use
- Great for travel
- Capture your memories in 4K quality
DRIFT GHOST 4K+
The Ghost 4K+ is the most powerful Drift camera ever made. It captures your world in stunning 4K Ultra-HD 30fps and provides live streaming from your smartphone!
The rotatable lens on the Ghost 4K+ allows you to seamlessly adjust your image level. Accommodating mounting on varied surfaces whilst ensuring straight shots, where the horizon is parallel to the recording frame.
The Ghost 4K+ includes a Drift external microphone, ready for you to capture quality sound when vlogging or filming daily adventures.
Capture every moment of life with this professional-grade camera that can be mounted anywhere and everywhere!
Benefits:
- The Ghost 4K+ is the most powerful Drift camera ever made.
- It captures your world in stunning 4K Ultra-HD 30fps and live streams from a smartphone.
- Capture your life’s best moments with awesome image quality, clarity, and precision.
SONY FDR-X3000 4K
Action Cam is a camera that can be mounted to your helmet, bike, or surfboard. It’s perfect for capturing the best moments of your life in a high-quality 4K video.
With this camera, you can capture stable images and video as never before with Balanced Optical SteadyShot. Shoot anywhere with Action Cam’s real-world rugged design.
The intuitive interface makes it easy to use so you can focus on what matters most – the moment at hand. Capture beautiful footage of yourself doing anything from surfing to biking or skiing and share it instantly with friends and family via social media sites like Facebook, YouTube, Vimeo, etc., or save it directly onto an SD card for later viewing on TV screens or computers.
This is a great gift idea for anyone who loves outdoor activities but hates carrying around bulky cameras everywhere they go!
You’ll be able to record all those once-in-a-lifetime moments without worrying about running out of battery power halfway through filming something amazing!
Benefits:
- Capture stable beautiful images and video as never before with Balanced Optical SteadyShot
- Shoot anywhere with Action Cam’s rugged design
- Take POV action movies and underwater scenes to the next level
- Share your best moves in high resolution
Conclusion

GoPro camera is one of the most popular in terms of recording quality and durability, but there are some great alternative ace action camera choices out there that offer some new features as budget action cameras. Hopefully, the above action camera list will help you when buying an action camera.
Our final word?
Consider your needs before making any purchase decisions so you get exactly what’s right for YOU! Happy shopping!