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Some of the previous picks remain good cameras, but their features are behind more recent releases.
DJI’s OSMO Action 4 Camera $299: Action 4 (8/10, Wired recommended) is a great action camera. The magnetic mounting system is the best we have tried, the menu system snaps the switching between modes and the resulting photos and videos are fantastic. Action 5 beats it in a variety of ways, but if you have a budget, this is a great camera and integrates well into the DJI ecosystem.
Insta360 1 RS Twin Edition $300: When this camera booted up I liked the interchangeable lens system, but it’s been two years since it was updated and at this point it feels like abandoned wear. If you need action using the same camera as the 360, I recommend the Insta360 x4 above. It has better image quality, better screen, and better battery life for more money.
$199 OCLU Action Camera: The OCLU has a very different view on the action camera, avoiding the normal design of a flat body with the primary screen on top. The result is a camera that can fit in places where there are no other people, such as the bottom of a skateboard. The OCLU shoots 4K at 30 fps. Also, if you need SLO-MO footage, shoot 1080p at 120 fps. The video and image quality are comparable to what you get from the GoPro Hero 9. My complaints are stabilization. It’s not as useful as you can get with others in this guide. On the other hand, the sound is excellent. I got much less wind noise than other cameras. With all in mind, it’s difficult to beat OCLU’s performance at a price.
All cheap cameras on Amazon: Readers often ask why spend $400 on a GoPro when you can get a camera with 4K video for $100. It’s a fair question, and the answer comes down to software, primarily image stabilization. The action camera is designed to be tied to a helmet or clipped to your chest while you run through the city on a skydive, rock climbing, or scooter. Without stabilization, the outcome is that even your close friends are not sitting there. Yes, you get 4K footage with a cheap cam, but that will be the footage no one wants to see. In our view, it would be better to spend another $100 on sale of GoPro Heroes 11 or 12. The result is not GoProcaliber, but if it’s just in an action cam, this is a good way to test water.
The best accessories to fool your camera
Once you get an action camera, it’s best to go to most use cases. GoPro, Insta360, and DJI all offer ways to stick helmet mounts and other cameras wherever you need them. However, there are some great extras that can make the shot you’re dreaming of even easier. Here are some:
Excellent microSD card: You can get an SD card with the camera. The SD card on the Insta360 is actually pretty good, but I tend to use Sandisk’s extreme pro cards. You can pick up 512-GB card for about $60. I also like Samsung’s Pro Plus MicroSD card. This is a bit faster in the test. You can grab a 256-GB for about $60.
$80 GoPro Media MOD: The GoPro sound is not out of the box, but if you want high quality audio, then this is where you can start. It’s not from Media mod It produces a great sound. It’s better than the camera, but it’s not great. The offer is Mike Jack. Connecting a high-quality microphone will ultimately bring you great sound. (Not recommended during skydiving.)
Joby Gorillapod 3K $70:This flexible tripod extends the possibilities for mounting an action camera to include almost everything. My gopro rarely leaves this tripod. It gets caught up in the SUP guy, tree branches, and even around my dashboard. Get some of the following tripod adapters:
$50 Motorcycle Accessories Bundle: When riding, this mount on an Insta360 x4 (and Ace Pro, etc.) is a must. This is one of the safest clamps I’ve ever used and is almost as good as the bench vice.
Sametop Tripod Mount Mount for $8: Action cameras offer many ways to mount them, but what’s strangely missing is the traditional quarter-inch tripod mount. There is one in GoPro Hero 13, but this 4-pack adapter solves the problem for the other adapters.
Polarizer and ND filters: When shooting around water, through glass, or in other high-grain situations, the polarizing filter helps to cut off that glare. Neutral Density (ND) filters reduce light and allow you to shoot wider openings with bright light. Both are great additions to your action camera kit. I tested it DJI’s ND filter set to action 5 ($59). For GoPro, I like it Freewell Polarized and ND Filters ($20)or if you have Hero 13 Black, you can get a new one gopro nd filter 4 pack ($70)automatically adjusts the camera settings when attached. We recommend starting with 8 stop ND or combo ND and polarizing filters.
Float for $30: Another one for water shooters, but it’s worth the money as it keeps GoPro from ending at the bottom of the ocean.
Selfie Stick $25: I’ve tested a lot of selfie sticks and they’re pretty much fine, but I keep grabbing this Insta360 version when I get out the door. It’s lightweight, small enough to fit in the bottom of my bag and is reasonably priced. If you want to grow, this Insta360 Extended Edition Selfie Stick ($100) It can mimic low-flying drones and is ideal for use in national parks and other places where drones are prohibited.
