December 2024

Action Video Cameras: MetaRanking

This page highlights the aggregate summary of action video cameras rankings posted by key online experts, as of December 2024.

Summary

On 19 Dec 2024, ReviewFinder team examined a total of 79 action camera endorsements from 10 reputable publishers.

29 action cameras were endorsed in total, only 15 made it into this month's ranking. (ReviewFinder requires a minimum of 2 endorsements to be included)

As of 19 Dec 2024, GoPro Hero12 Black takes the cake as the most critically-acclaimed action camera with 8 expert endorsements. 3 experts out of 8 recommended it as the '#1 action camera' this month.

Brand breakdown
Show all brands

Price breakdown
As can be seen in the chart below, lowest high-ranking action video cameras start at $139.99 (Akaso Brave 7 LE) and go up to $729.95 (GoPro Max). Median action camera costs $349 (DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro).
$139.99
$729.95

At a glance - December Ranking

Scroll horizontally to browse this ranking table
Rank Change Price Action Camera
PCMag
WIRED
Camera Jabber
Tom's Guide
Wirecutter
Popular Science
T3
TechRadar
Digital Camera World
Pocket-lint
1
- $295
GoPro Hero12 Black
The GoPro Hero12 Black is a highly praised action camera known for its exceptional video quality, durability, user-friendly interface, and range of accessories, making it a top choice for capturing action-packed moments and stunning footage in various settings.
2
5
4
4
1
1
3
-
-
1
2
+3 $349
DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro
1
1
2
1
-
-
-
4
1
-
3
-1 $457
GoPro Hero13 Black
4
2
1
2
-
-
-
1
2
-
4
-1 Check price
Insta360 X4
3
6
5
6
3
-
2
5
3
-
5
-1 $350
Insta360 Ace Pro
The Insta360 Ace Pro is a high-quality action camera that offers industry-leading video quality, excellent image stabilization, durability, and user-friendly features, making it suitable for a wide range of applications.
-
3
3
-
-
-
1
3
5
2
6
- $379
DJI Osmo Action 4
The DJI Osmo Action 4 is a highly recommended action camera with excellent image stabilization, impressive video quality, and a range of convenient features, making it a versatile choice for action enthusiasts and videographers.
-
-
7
5
-
2
8
-
7
3
7
- Check price
Insta360 Go 3
The Insta360 Go 3 is a compact camera with impressive video quality, user-friendly features, and a range of accessories, making it suitable for various use cases.
7
-
-
-
-
5
5
-
9
4
8
+2 $430
Insta360 GO 3S
-
4
-
3
-
-
-
6
-
-
9
- $233
GoPro Hero10 Black
The GoPro Hero10 Black is a highly praised action camera that offers exceptional video quality, durability, and user-friendly features, making it suitable for a wide range of use cases.
-
-
8
-
2
-
-
8
-
-
10
-2 $275
GoPro Hero11 Black
The GoPro Hero11 Black is a highly praised action camera that offers impressive video quality, durability, and user-friendly features, making it ideal for capturing high-resolution footage in various scenarios.
-
-
6
-
-
-
-
-
4
5
11
- $226
GoPro Hero11 Black Mini
The GoPro Hero11 Black Mini is a highly recommended action camera that excels in video quality, durability, and user interface, making it a top choice for outdoor and sports enthusiasts.
-
-
10
-
-
4
-
-
8
-
12
- $300
Insta360 One RS
The Insta360 One RS Action Camera receives positive reviews for its impressive video quality, image stabilization, flexible storage options, durability, user-friendly interface, and range of accessories, making it a great choice for action-packed activities and professional photographers or videographers.
8
-
-
-
-
-
4
-
-
-
13
+2 $140
Akaso Brave 7 LE
The Akaso Brave 7 LE action camera receives positive reviews for its video quality, storage options, durability, battery life, user interface, and included accessories, making it a reliable and versatile option for outdoor activities.
-
-
-
-
-
6
-
-
6
-
14
+3 $500
OM SYSTEM Tough TG-7
-
7
-
-
-
-
-
7
-
-
15
+1 $320
GoPro Hero 9 Black
The GoPro Hero 9 Black is a highly praised action camera known for its exceptional video quality, durability, and user-friendly interface, making it a versatile choice for capturing action-packed footage and creating high-quality videos.
-
-
11
-
-
-
7
-
-
-

Action Camera
#13 $139.99 Akaso Brave 7 LE
#11 $226.49 GoPro Hero11 Black Mini
#9 $232.99 GoPro Hero10 Black
#10 $275.09 GoPro Hero11 Black
#1 $294.99 GoPro Hero12 Black
#12 $299.99 Insta360 One RS
#15 $319.99 GoPro Hero 9 Black
#2 $349 DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro
#5 $349.99 Insta360 Ace Pro
#6 $378.53 DJI Osmo Action 4
#8 $429.99 Insta360 GO 3S
#3 $456.99 GoPro Hero13 Black
#14 $499.99 OM SYSTEM Tough TG-7

We ranked GoPro Hero12 Black #1 in December 2024 because:

  • 8 independent experts mentioned it in their “best action video cameras” rankings.
  • Out of those, 3 experts ranked GoPro Hero12 Black as #1.
Expert Consensus
(as of 6 Oct 2023)
The GoPro Hero12 Black is a highly praised action camera known for its exceptional video quality, durability, user-friendly interface, and range of accessories, making it a top choice for capturing action-packed moments and stunning footage in various settings.
Critic endorsements:
PCMag

Best for Slow Motion / Editor's Choice

Class-leading video stabilization
10-bit HDR, GP-Log, and SDR video profiles
Up to 5.3K60, 4K120, or 2.7K240 recording
More useful Easy Controls than on Hero11
Front and rear displays
Pro controls and timecode sync
Tough, waterproof build
Small enough to mount in tight spots

Drops long-running GPS feature
Only a few headphones support wireless audio feature
One battery won't last all day

Go to ranking

WIRED

Best On Sale

Go to ranking

Camera Jabber

Extended Battery Life
Advanced HDR Video
Innovative Wide-Angle Lens

High Cost
Limited Resolution Upgrade
Complex New Features

Go to ranking

Tom's Guide

The best older GoPro

Bluetooth support for audio
Cheaper than previous model
Outstanding video performance
Horizon lock feature
Intuitive to operate

Specs largely unchanged from Hero11
Premium editing features paywall

Go to ranking

Wirecutter

The best action camera

Go to ranking

Popular Science

Best overall

Improved photo performance
Longer run times with the Enduro battery
Award-winning stabilization
Vertical video support

Not much of an upgrade over the Hero 11
Low-light performance is still mediocre

Go to ranking

T3

Best action camera overall

Serious feature upgrades for pros and beginners
Improved battery life
Bluetooth audio support for headphones
Stabilisation enhancements

1/4-20 mounting has its limitations
Max photo/video resolution hasn't changed

Go to ranking

Pocket-lint

Best action camera overall

Mounts to tripods without an adapter
Can record audio with Bluetooth mics/earbuds
Longer battery life and better thermals

Very similar to the Hero 11
No onboard GPS

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We ranked DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro #2 in December 2024 because:

  • 6 independent experts mentioned it in their “best action video cameras” rankings.
  • Out of those, 4 experts ranked DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro as #1.
Critic endorsements:
PCMag

Best Overall / Editor's Choice

10-bit 4K120 video
Class-leading battery life
Continuous recording without overheating
Extremely effective digital stabilization
Dual touch displays
Waterproof to 65.6 feet
Small, mountable design

Smartphones are better in dim light
App features not as strong as GoPro

Go to ranking

WIRED

Best Overall Action Camera

Go to ranking

Camera Jabber

Excellent image quality
Extended battery life
Built-in subject tracking

Incremental feature upgrades
Limited lens options
Cage can be annoying

Go to ranking

Tom's Guide

The best action camera for most people

Lovely 4K video and strong audio
Pro recording features
Best in class waterproofing
$50 cheaper than a GoPro
Wireless DJI mic hookup
47GB Internal storage

Tops out at 4K

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TechRadar

The best alternative to the GoPro Hero 13 Black

Good dynamic range and detail
Impressively rugged build
Long battery life

Video resolution tops out at 4K
SuperNight video is still grainy

Go to ranking

Digital Camera World

Best Overall / Editor's Choice

0-bit video
Waterproof to 20m
Best battery life (beats 3 hours in real-world testing)
Built-in 47GB storage
Rational phone control app

No 5.3K video
Magnetic clips catch fingers on removal
Not a cheap option

Go to ranking

Methodology: combine opinions of key experts

Identify Experts

We identify key publishers and experts that consistently review and recommend action video cameras.

Capture Rankings

For each publisher we find a currently recommended "top 10" list of action video cameras, it must be updated in the last 9 months.

Aggregate Rankings

We put all those lists together and aggregate them. The more frequently a product is recommended, the higher it is in our ranking

Experts chosen for December 2024 ranking

We ranked GoPro Hero13 Black #3 in December 2024 because:

  • 6 independent experts mentioned it in their “best action video cameras” rankings.
  • Out of those, 2 experts ranked GoPro Hero13 Black as #1.
Critic endorsements:
PCMag

Best for Conversion Lens Support

Superb digital video stabilization
10-bit HDR HLG, GP-Log, and SDR profiles available
Continuous 5.3K60, 4K120, and 2.7K240 capture
Short slow-motion clips at up to 400fps
Dual displays
Rugged, waterproof chassis
Small enough to mount

New battery provides minor improvements
Accessory lenses and mounts add to cost
Rear screen is overdue for an upgrade

Go to ranking

WIRED

The Best GoPro

Go to ranking

Camera Jabber

Outstanding video quality
New magnetic clip
Part of a larger ecosystem

Still expensive

Go to ranking

Tom's Guide

The best for pros and creatives

Great video and stabilization
Pro recording features
Versatile lens mod mount
Magnetic mounting (finally)
Upgraded battery

Few major updates over predecessor
Battery and displays lag behind DJI

Go to ranking

TechRadar

The best action camera for most people

Useful auto-detected Lens Mods
Excellent 5.3K video quality
Improved battery life

Unchanged sensor and resolution
Processing time of slow-mo clips
Low light results aren’t the best

Go to ranking

Digital Camera World

The GoPro Hero 13 Black puts GoPro back at the front – just – with useful lens adaptors

Lenses offer new creative opportunities
GPS is back
400fps burst mode
A wealth of recording options

No significant spec updates
Poor low-light performance
Almost everything new costs extra

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We ranked Insta360 X4 #4 in December 2024 because:

  • 8 independent experts mentioned it in their “best action video cameras” rankings.
Critic endorsements:
PCMag

Best 360 Camera for Creators / Editors' Choice

Up to 8K video capture
Easy to hold and use
Waterproof build
Large touch screen
Capable editing software

Accessories add to cost
Runs hot

Go to ranking

WIRED

Best 360 Cam for the Action Enthusiast

Go to ranking

Camera Jabber

Easy 360 design
Large global community

Over complex app
Editing footge requires steep learning curve

Go to ranking

Tom's Guide

The best 360 action camera

8K/30p 360 recording (reframes at 2.7K)
4K/60p single lens recording
4K invisible selfie stick mode
Bullet time slow motion mode
Incredibly battery life & thermal performance
Insta360 app ideal for 360 footage

Pricey
Bulky compared to action cameras

Go to ranking

Wirecutter

Best for capturing everything around you

Go to ranking

T3

Best 360° action camera

Upgraded to 8k max resolution and 100 fps max frame rate
Lens cover and carry pouch come in the box
Serious improvements in battery life
Rugged housing and Gorilla Glass touchscreen

Hardware is bulkier and heavier than before

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TechRadar

The best action camera for shooting in 360

Detailed 8K resolution
Superb battery life
Plenty of video modes

Average low-light quality
Stitch line in 360 footage
Huge 8K file sizes

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Digital Camera World

Best 360 action camera might be the only action camera you need

8K resolution makes a significant difference to 360
4K60 single camera means it can be your only action camera
Rugged design including detachable lens covers
Can connect to external mics like DJI Mic 2

Battery life when shooting 8K could be better
You need an invisible selfie stick to get the best shots
"Shoot first, frame later" isn't for everyone.

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We ranked Insta360 Ace Pro #5 in December 2024 because:

  • 6 independent experts mentioned it in their “best action video cameras” rankings.
  • Out of those, 1 expert ranked Insta360 Ace Pro as #1.
Expert Consensus
(as of 6 Dec 2023)
The Insta360 Ace Pro is a high-quality action camera that offers industry-leading video quality, excellent image stabilization, durability, and user-friendly features, making it suitable for a wide range of applications.
Critic endorsements:
WIRED

Best for Vlogging

Go to ranking

Camera Jabber

Excellent video quality
Easy-to-use flip screen
Huge range of features

Over complex App
Screen design won't appeal to all

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T3

Best action camera overall

Perfect for vlogging, thanks to the large, pivoting display
Large sensor for better low-light performance
A variety of shooting modes, up to 8K and 120 fps (in 4K)
Lens co-engineered with optics-giant Leica
Magnetic quick-release attachment is pretty cool

Vertical shooting requires the camera to be tipped on its side

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TechRadar

The best premium action camera with 8K recording

8K video resolution
Great stabilization
Good HDR shooting

More expensive than rivals
Heavier than other options

Go to ranking

Digital Camera World

Best Vlogging

Shoot at up to 8K
Flip-screen is (surprisingly) useful
Has dash-cam mode

8K is limited to 30fs
Slightly bulkier than some premium action cams

Go to ranking

Pocket-lint

Best action camera for low-light

Truly unmatched low-light performance
Handy flip-up screen
The best app in the business

The most expensive action camera on the market
FOV not as wide as the Hero 12 or Action 4

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We ranked DJI Osmo Action 4 #6 in December 2024 because:

  • 6 independent experts mentioned it in their “best action video cameras” rankings.
Expert Consensus
(as of 3 Sep 2023)
The DJI Osmo Action 4 is a highly recommended action camera with excellent image stabilization, impressive video quality, and a range of convenient features, making it a versatile choice for action enthusiasts and videographers.
Critic endorsements:
Camera Jabber

Solid build
10-Bit D-Log Video
4K @ 120fps

No huge leaps in technology
Cage required for vertical mounting

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Tom's Guide

The best budget action camera

Great image quality
Large sensor
D-Log recording
Decent internal audio
4K/120p slow-mo
Awesome mounting options

GoPro Hero12 Black similarly priced
App missing core editing features
No resolutions over 4K

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Popular Science

Best for vlogging

Image quality has been improved
Waterproof down to 52 feet
Front and rear touchscreen
High-capacity battery for long recording sessions

Video quality tops out at 4K
Limited photo quality

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T3

Best mid-range action camera

Improved low-light performance
Goes 18m/59ft underwater without a case
Front and rear LCD touchscreens
Accessory can collect GPS data
Easy to swap between horizontal and vertical

No 5.7K video resolution
Small upgrade on predecessor

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Digital Camera World

Best Value Premium / Editor's Choice

Waterproof to 18m
Image stabilization and horizon balancing at up to 4K
DJI's accessories include a long, light extension pole
Noise-cancelling three-mic system
Excellent phone control app

The horizon balance feature doesn't reach maximum frame rates
No 5.3K video
Magnetic clips catch fingers on removal

Go to ranking

Pocket-lint

Best GoPro alternative

Superb low-light performance
Brilliant front-facing touchscreen
Awesome magnetic mounting system

Very similar to its predecessor
On the pricey side

Go to ranking

We ranked Insta360 Go 3 #7 in December 2024 because:

  • 5 independent experts mentioned it in their “best action video cameras” rankings.
Expert Consensus
(as of 31 Jul 2023)
The Insta360 Go 3 is a compact camera with impressive video quality, user-friendly features, and a range of accessories, making it suitable for various use cases.
Critic endorsements:
PCMag

Best Wearable Action Cam

Stabilized 2.7K30 video
Versatile, ultra-compact design
Waterproof to 16 feet
Action Pod attachment has flip-forward touch LCD

Action Pod housing isn't submersible
Non-removable battery and no storage expansion slot
Some video modes require post-processing
Wearable footage looks unsteady

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Popular Science

Best for beginners

Stabilized video
Unique magnetic mounting options
Versatile modular design with the Action Pod
Tiny size is very convenient

Photos are only INSP or DNG
Built-in memory is limiting

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T3

Best action camera for POV shooting

Versatile shooting modes
New magnetic mount system works with or without Action Pod
Action Pod allows for smoother on-the-go operation than GO 2's clamshell pod

Resolution doesn't match full-size action cameras
It would be great if the action cam had a replaceable battery so you could record POV footage for longer

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Digital Camera World

A tiny camera that pops in and out of a flip-screen vlogging case

Versatile design
Strong magnet
Easy to use
Excellent app

Maxes-out at 2.7K video
Average image stabilization
Lots of accessories

Go to ranking

Pocket-lint

Best micro action camera

Tiny and unobtrusive
Remote monitoring with the Action Pod
Excellent mounting options

Quality can't compare to larger cameras
More expensive than its predecessor

Go to ranking

We ranked Insta360 GO 3S #8 in December 2024 because:

  • 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best action video cameras” rankings.
Critic endorsements:
WIRED

Most Fun

Go to ranking

Tom's Guide

The best small action camera

Incredibly small
Good looking 4K video
Great stabilization
Strong auto exposure
Fantastic app

No removable storage
Camera gets warm
No external mic support

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TechRadar

The best modular action camera with a tiny design

Tiny design and versatile mounting
Shoot first, frame later in 4K

Action Pod isn’t fully waterproof
Image quality isn’t the best out there

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We ranked GoPro Hero10 Black #9 in December 2024 because:

  • 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best action video cameras” rankings.
Expert Consensus
(as of 31 Jul 2023)
The GoPro Hero10 Black is a highly praised action camera that offers exceptional video quality, durability, and user-friendly features, making it suitable for a wide range of use cases.
Critic endorsements:
Camera Jabber

Go to ranking

Wirecutter

The best budget-friendly action camera

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TechRadar

The best value older GoPro still available

Powerful new processor
Handy 4K/120p mode
Class-leading stabilization

Same sensor as Hero 9 Black
Pricier than rivals

Go to ranking

We ranked GoPro Hero11 Black #10 in December 2024 because:

  • 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best action video cameras” rankings.
Expert Consensus
(as of 31 Jul 2023)
The GoPro Hero11 Black is a highly praised action camera that offers impressive video quality, durability, and user-friendly features, making it ideal for capturing high-resolution footage in various scenarios.
Critic endorsements:
Camera Jabber

Great quality video
Excellent stabilisation and horizon correction
4K 120p video for slow motion creation

Doesn't make a significant step-up from Hero10 Black
Can be hard to open the battery compartment
First time connection with a smartphone can be very frustrating

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Digital Camera World

The best GoPro for most people is not the newest

Captures versatile 8:7 content
Excellent image stabilization
Horizon locking at up to 5.3K
Simplified interface for beginners

Lowlight video isn't great
Front display is not touch sensitive
GoPro membership required to unlock features

Go to ranking

Pocket-lint

Best value action camera

Now excellent value
10-bit colour video capture with high bitrate
Extremely wide HyperView digital lens

Fairly bulky
Misses out on some of the latest features

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We ranked GoPro Hero11 Black Mini #11 in December 2024 because:

  • 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best action video cameras” rankings.
Expert Consensus
(as of 31 Jul 2023)
The GoPro Hero11 Black Mini is a highly recommended action camera that excels in video quality, durability, and user interface, making it a top choice for outdoor and sports enthusiasts.
Critic endorsements:
Camera Jabber

Go to ranking

Popular Science

Best small

Tiny form factor is less intrusive
Award-winning stabilization
Excellent video quality
Two mounting points

No display for framing
No dedicated photo mode

Go to ranking

Digital Camera World

Super compact and durable option for helmet cam and FPV

Compact size
Two sets of folding fingers for mounting
Excellent video quality
Effective image stabilization

No LCD displays
Built-in battery
No photo mode

Go to ranking

We ranked Insta360 One RS #12 in December 2024 because:

  • 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best action video cameras” rankings.
Expert Consensus
(as of 1 Aug 2023)
The Insta360 One RS Action Camera receives positive reviews for its impressive video quality, image stabilization, flexible storage options, durability, user-friendly interface, and range of accessories, making it a great choice for action-packed activities and professional photographers or videographers.
Critic endorsements:
PCMag

Best for Mixing 360 and 4K Footage

Compact design
Swappable lens modules
Waterproof to 16 feet
Stabilized 4K60 and 5.7K 360 video
HDR available at 4K30
2:35 wide-screen mode
Mobile and desktop app support

In-camera mics disappoint outdoors
Modular design can get in the way
Small touch LCD
Battery only good for 75 minutes of 4K
Heat can limit long-form recordings

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T3

Best hybrid action camera (wide angle/360-degree)

Compelling modular design
Outstanding image quality
Good battery life

Fiddly SD/Charge port cover

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We ranked Akaso Brave 7 LE #13 in December 2024 because:

  • 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best action video cameras” rankings.
Expert Consensus
(as of 31 Jul 2023)
The Akaso Brave 7 LE action camera receives positive reviews for its video quality, storage options, durability, battery life, user interface, and included accessories, making it a reliable and versatile option for outdoor activities.
Critic endorsements:
Popular Science

Best budget

Comes with waterproof housing
Front and rear-facing screen
Stabilization is fairly effective
Affordable

Photo and video quality are lacking
Image stabilization results in heavy crop

Go to ranking

Digital Camera World

You don't need to break the bank for a 4K action camera

Selfie screen
Effective image stabilization
High resolution photos
Endless mounts
Two batteries provided

Can’t capture 4K at 60fps
Selfie screen is very small
Not natively waterproof

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We ranked OM SYSTEM Tough TG-7 #14 in December 2024 because:

  • 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best action video cameras” rankings.
Critic endorsements:
WIRED

Best for Underwater Action

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TechRadar

The best tough compact camera for action

Durable yet pocket-friendly
Fun to shoot with

Image quality is average
Screen isn’t touch-sensitive

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We ranked GoPro Hero 9 Black #15 in December 2024 because:

  • 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best action video cameras” rankings.
Expert Consensus
(as of 31 Jul 2023)
The GoPro Hero 9 Black is a highly praised action camera known for its exceptional video quality, durability, and user-friendly interface, making it a versatile choice for capturing action-packed footage and creating high-quality videos.
Critic endorsements:
Camera Jabber

No need for waterproof housing
Dual Screen
8X Slow-motion

Mods are expensive
Not great in low light

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T3

Best budget GoPro action camera

Integrated front-facing screen
Removable lens cover
Native horizon levelling
Very easy to use

Not quite as slick as the HERO 10
No hydrophobic lens cover

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