April 2024
Action Video Cameras: MetaRanking
This page highlights the aggregate summary of action video cameras rankings posted by key online experts, as of April 2024.
Summary
On 3 Apr 2024, ReviewFinder team examined a total of 78 action camera endorsements from 10 reputable publishers.
26 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 3 Apr 2024, GoPro Hero12 Black takes the cake as the most critically-acclaimed action camera with 9 expert endorsements. 8 experts out of 9 recommended it as the '#1 action camera' this month.
Brand breakdown
-
GoPro: 6 action cameras
(#1 is GoPro Hero12 Black)
-
insta360: 6 action cameras
(#1 is Insta360 Go 3)
-
DJI: 4 action cameras
(#1 is DJI Osmo Action 4)
-
Akaso: 2 action cameras
(#1 is Akaso Brave 7 LE)
-
Olympus: 1 action cameras
(#1 is Olympus Tough TG-6)
Price breakdown
At a glance - April Ranking
| Rank | Change | Price | Action Camera |
Popular Science
|
Camera Jabber
|
Digital Camera World
|
Wirecutter
|
Tom's Guide
|
PCMag
|
TechRadar
|
WIRED
|
Pocket-lint
|
T3
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1
|
- | $371 |
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.
|
1
|
-
|
4
|
1
|
1
|
1
|
1
|
1
|
1
|
1
|
|
2
|
- | $398 |
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.
|
2
|
-
|
1
|
-
|
2
|
5
|
4
|
2
|
3
|
8
|
|
3
|
- | $360 |
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.
|
5
|
-
|
7
|
-
|
5
|
7
|
6
|
5
|
4
|
5
|
|
4
|
- | $329 |
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.
|
-
|
1
|
3
|
-
|
4
|
-
|
-
|
6
|
5
|
3
|
|
5
|
- | $400 |
Insta360 X3
The Insta360 X3 is a 360-degree camera with impressive video quality, image stabilization, and durability, making it a reliable choice for capturing high-quality footage in various environments and for different purposes.
|
3
|
-
|
2
|
3
|
-
|
2
|
-
|
7
|
-
|
2
|
|
6
|
- | $229 |
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.
|
-
|
3
|
-
|
2
|
7
|
3
|
8
|
8
|
-
|
-
|
|
7
|
- | $412 |
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.
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
3
|
8
|
-
|
4
|
-
|
4
|
|
8
|
- | $450 |
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
|
2
|
-
|
|
9
|
- | $199 |
DJI Osmo Action 3
The DJI Osmo Action 3 is a highly recommended action camera that offers impressive video quality, durability, user-friendly interface, and bundled accessories for enhanced shooting capabilities in various scenarios.
|
-
|
2
|
-
|
-
|
6
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
6
|
|
10
|
- | $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
|
-
|
9
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
2
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
11
|
- | $234 |
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.
|
4
|
5
|
5
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
12
|
- | $549 |
GoPro Max
The GoPro Max is a highly recommended 360-degree camera that offers excellent video quality, image stabilization, and durability, making it ideal for capturing immersive footage in action-packed scenarios or for creating virtual reality content.
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
6
|
5
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
13
|
- | $249 |
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.
|
-
|
6
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
7
|
|
14
|
- | $253 |
DJI Action 2
The DJI Action 2 is a versatile action camera with impressive video quality, image stabilization, and a range of accessories, but it may struggle in low light conditions.
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
4
|
-
|
11
|
-
|
-
|
|
15
|
- | $489 |
Olympus Tough TG-6
The Olympus Tough TG-6 is a versatile and durable camera that offers good video quality, making it ideal for capturing action and outdoor adventures, although some reviewers have mentioned issues with audio quality in video recordings.
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
7
|
9
|
-
|
-
|
We ranked GoPro Hero12 Black #1 in April 2024 because:
- 9 independent experts mentioned it in their “best action video cameras” rankings.
- Out of those, 8 experts ranked GoPro Hero12 Black as #1.
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
|
Digital Camera World
The GoPro Hero 12 Black adds with one hand and takes with the other
|
Captures versatile 8:7 content
Excellent image stabilization
Horizon locking at up to 5.3K
Bluetooth audio recording
|
Lowlight video isn't great
Front display is not touch-sensitive
No GPS (unlike last generation)
|
Tom's Guide
The best action camera overall
|
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
|
PCMag
Best Overall / Editors' 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
|
TechRadar
The best action camera for most people
|
Versatile mounting options
Shoots stable, high-res video
|
Still not great in low lighting
Average battery life
|
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
|
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
|
We ranked DJI Osmo Action 4 #2 in April 2024 because:
- 8 independent experts mentioned it in their “best action video cameras” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked DJI Osmo Action 4 as #1.
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
|
Digital Camera World
Best action camera for low light work
|
Dual touchscreen control
Good vlogging tool in vertical or horizontal
Best low-light performance
10-Bit D-Log M
|
12-megapixel images and 4K maximum video resolution
No period of cloud backup included
Vertical format use requires a frame
Voice control could be better
|
Tom's Guide
The best GoPro alternative
|
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
|
PCMag
Best Low-Light Action Cam
|
Wide-angle lens with excellent digital stabilization
Front and rear touch screens
Up to 4K120 slow motion
10-bit D-Log color
Waterproof to 59 feet
Works as a webcam
|
Smartphone-based product activation
Quick-release mount is easy to lose
Rear display isn't visible through polarized sunglasses
|
TechRadar
The best value alternative to the GoPro Hero 12
|
Significantly better image quality
Convenient magnetic mounting
|
Average battery life
Pricier than predecessor
|
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
|
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
|
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 April 2024 ranking
Popular Science
Camera Jabber
Digital Camera World
Wirecutter
Tom's Guide
PCMag
TechRadar
WIRED
Pocket-lint
T3
We ranked Insta360 Go 3 #3 in April 2024 because:
- 8 independent experts mentioned it in their “best action video cameras” rankings.
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
|
Digital Camera World
A tiny camera that pops in and out of a flip-screen vlogging case
|
Use compact or with combo unit
Touchscreen interface
Live streaming
|
Internal storage in camera (microSD cards need secondary unit)
Resolution limited to 2.7K won't beat Osmo Action 4 or GoPro
|
Tom's Guide
The best tiny action camera
|
Incredibly small
Good looking 2.7K video
Great auto mode and filters
No recording time limit
|
No removable storage
Camera gets warm
No external mic support
Poor low light performance
|
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
|
TechRadar
The best modular action camera with a tiny design
|
Action Pod adds lots of functionality
Convenient magnetic mounting
|
Lower resolution than rivals
Weak low-light performance
|
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
|
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
|
We ranked GoPro Hero11 Black #4 in April 2024 because:
- 6 independent experts mentioned it in their “best action video cameras” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked GoPro Hero11 Black as #1.
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
|
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
|
Tom's Guide
The best older GoPro
|
Innovative editing features
Larger image sensor
Amazing motion stabilization
|
Bulky
|
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
|
T3
Best Action Camera for Vlogging
|
New sensor amps up the quality everywhere
Better battery life
Same physical dimensions as the Hero 10
|
Only incremental improvements over older model
|
We ranked Insta360 X3 #5 in April 2024 because:
- 6 independent experts mentioned it in their “best action video cameras” rankings.
Popular Science
Best for 360-degree video
|
Impressive stabilization
360-degree video is highly immersive
Lots of editing options
Excellent photo and video quality
|
App is a little confusing to use
|
Digital Camera World
Best 360 action camera
|
Phone-based editing
Big touchscreen
Familiar size and shape
|
We wish GPS was built into
5.7K isn't much when re-framing
|
PCMag
Best 360 Camera for Creators / Editors' Choice
|
5.7K30 HDR video
Slim, waterproof build
Big touch screen with straightforward interface
Robust desktop and mobile editing tools
Loads of capture modes
|
Video must be processed before editing
A bit of a learning curve to grasp 360-degree editing
Mobile editing app limits resolution
|
T3
Best 360° action camera
|
AI-powered in-app image editing
Solid image performance
Waterproof and rugged design
Allows you to create horizontal and vertical videos of the same footage
Can be used as a webcam
|
Stitching is still not perfect
|
We ranked GoPro Hero10 Black #6 in April 2024 because:
- 6 independent experts mentioned it in their “best action video cameras” rankings.
Tom's Guide
GoPro's older, but still very capable action camera
|
Excellent image stabilization
Removable lens
Media “Mods” add functionality
|
Heavy
|
PCMag
Best GoPro for Budget Shoppers / Editors' Chooice
|
5.3K capture at up to 60fps
120fps 4K for slow motion
Class-leading video stabilization
Front-facing color screen
Waterproof without an add-on case
Media Mod support
Extended-run Enduro battery available as add-on
Wi-Fi and USB transfer for phones and tablets
|
Included battery drains quickly
Heat limits long-form recording
|
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
|
We ranked Insta360 One RS #7 in April 2024 because:
- 4 independent experts mentioned it in their “best action video cameras” rankings.
Tom's Guide
This 360 camera has a modular design
|
Innovative modular design
Multiple lens options including 360 lens
Reversible screen for front facing option
Impressive in-camera stabilization
|
Small screen size
Needs frame for mounting
|
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
|
T3
Best hybrid action camera (wide angle/360-degree)
|
Compelling modular design
Outstanding image quality
Good battery life
|
Fiddly SD/Charge port cover
|
We ranked Insta360 Ace Pro #8 in April 2024 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best action video cameras” rankings.
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
|
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
|
We ranked DJI Osmo Action 3 #9 in April 2024 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best action video cameras” rankings.
Tom's Guide
A great budget GoPro alternative
|
Solid video quality
Innovative mounting options
More affordable than a GoPro
|
Photo quality is limited to 12 MP
Upload and edit process is entirely manual
|
T3
Best action camera for watersports
|
Excellent value for money
Light and compact body with two LCDs
Can shoot photos in RAW
Excellent battery life
Magnetic mounting is very convenient
|
Comparatively small sensor (poor low-light performance)
Lower maximum video resolution than GoPro HERO 11 Black
No global positioning (a.k.a. GNSS)
|
We ranked Akaso Brave 7 LE #10 in April 2024 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best action video cameras” rankings.
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
|
Digital Camera World
A front-screen for vlogging and a price for everyone
|
Front LCD screen
4K video capture
6-axis stabilization
Low price
|
Needs to be put in case to be fully waterproof
|
TechRadar
The best cheap action camera you can buy
|
Dual screens
Case-free water resistance
Class-leading build quality
|
Poor 60fps footage
Jumpy electronic stabilization
Cheaper options have better 4K
|
We ranked GoPro Hero11 Black Mini #11 in April 2024 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best action video cameras” rankings.
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
|
Digital Camera World
Super compact and durable option for helmet cam and FPV
|
Up to 5.3K video
4K at 120fps and 2.7K at 240fps
Dual mounting points
|
No touchscreen
Still bigger than Hero Session
Battery can't be swapped
|
We ranked GoPro Max #12 in April 2024 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best action video cameras” rankings.
PCMag
Best Audio in a 360 Cam
|
360-degree capture
Also works as a single-lens camera
Intuitive software tools
Strong stabilization
Good in-camera audio
Waterproof without a case
Integrated mounting clips
|
Effective resolution is really 1080p
Single-lens capture tops out at 60fps
Requires more editing time to get the best results from spherical footage
|
TechRadar
The best action camera for shooting in 360
|
Shoots 5.6K, 360-degree video
In-camera stitching
|
Low-resolution 2D footage
Not the best in low light
|
We ranked GoPro Hero 9 Black #13 in April 2024 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best action video cameras” rankings.
Camera Jabber
|
No need for waterproof housing
Dual Screen
8X Slow-motion
|
Mods are expensive
Not great in low light
|
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
|
We ranked DJI Action 2 #14 in April 2024 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best action video cameras” rankings.
PCMag
Most Innovative Design
|
Tiny, go-anywhere form factor
Magnetic mount and snap-on accessories
Effective digital stabilization
Up to 4K120 video
12MP photos
Waterproof to 33 feet
Works as a webcam
|
Front screen option pushes price high
Overheating is a concern
No card slot or charging port on main camera module
Front screen and battery aren't waterproof
|
We ranked Olympus Tough TG-6 #15 in April 2024 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best action video cameras” rankings.
TechRadar
The best tough compact camera for action
|
Internally stacked zoom lens
Up to 4K video resolution
|
Quality drops in bright conditions
Small sensor at its core
|