October 2024
Action Video Cameras: MetaRanking
This page highlights the aggregate summary of action video cameras rankings posted by key online experts, as of October 2024.
Summary
On 10 Oct 2024, ReviewFinder team examined a total of 75 action camera endorsements from 10 reputable publishers.
29 action cameras were endorsed in total, only 17 made it into this month's ranking. (ReviewFinder requires a minimum of 2 endorsements to be included)
As of 10 Oct 2024, GoPro Hero12 Black takes the cake as the most critically-acclaimed action camera with 7 expert endorsements. 4 experts out of 7 recommended it as the '#1 action camera' this month.
Brand breakdown
-
insta360: 8 action cameras
(#1 is Insta360 Ace Pro)
-
GoPro: 7 action cameras
(#1 is GoPro Hero12 Black)
-
DJI: 5 action cameras
(#1 is DJI Osmo Action 4)
-
Akaso: 3 action cameras
(#1 is Akaso Brave 7 LE)
-
OM System: 1 action cameras
(#1 is OM SYSTEM Tough TG-7)
Price breakdown
At a glance - October Ranking
Rank | Change | Price | Action Camera |
Pocket-lint
|
Digital Camera World
|
Camera Jabber
|
Tom's Guide
|
Wirecutter
|
Popular Science
|
T3
|
TechRadar
|
WIRED
|
PCMag
|
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1
|
- | $294 |
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
|
-
|
-
|
1
|
1
|
1
|
3
|
-
|
6
|
2
|
2
|
New * | $453 |
GoPro Hero13 Black
|
-
|
1
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
1
|
1
|
4
|
3
|
- | $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.
|
2
|
9
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
1
|
3
|
3
|
-
|
4
|
-2 | $340 |
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.
|
3
|
2
|
-
|
2
|
-
|
2
|
8
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
5
|
+2 | Check price |
Insta360 X4
|
-
|
3
|
-
|
-
|
3
|
-
|
2
|
-
|
7
|
3
|
6
|
-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.
|
5
|
4
|
1
|
4
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
7
|
-1 | 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.
|
4
|
7
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
5
|
5
|
-
|
-
|
7
|
8
|
New * | $349 |
DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
4
|
2
|
1
|
9
|
-4 | $224 |
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
|
7
|
2
|
-
|
-
|
8
|
-
|
-
|
10
|
-2 | $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
|
-
|
-
|
4
|
-
|
4
|
8
|
11
|
-2 | $169 |
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
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
12
|
-2 | $225 |
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.
|
-
|
5
|
5
|
-
|
-
|
4
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
13
|
-2 | $430 |
Insta360 GO 3S
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
5
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
6
|
5
|
-
|
14
|
-2 | $555 |
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.
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
5
|
-
|
6
|
15
|
-1 | $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
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
16
|
-3 | $246 |
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
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
17
|
New * | $495 |
OM SYSTEM Tough TG-7
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
7
|
8
|
-
|
We ranked GoPro Hero12 Black #1 in October 2024 because:
- 7 independent experts mentioned it in their “best action video cameras” rankings.
- Out of those, 4 experts ranked GoPro Hero12 Black as #1.
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
|
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
|
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
|
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
|
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
|
We ranked GoPro Hero13 Black #2 in October 2024 because:
- 4 independent experts mentioned it in their “best action video cameras” rankings.
- Out of those, 3 experts ranked GoPro Hero13 Black as #1.
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
|
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
|
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
|
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 October 2024 ranking
We ranked Insta360 Ace Pro #3 in October 2024 because:
- 5 independent experts mentioned it in their “best action video cameras” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked Insta360 Ace Pro as #1.
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
|
Digital Camera World
8K video? A Leica Lens? Desirable and different action cam
Folding screen adds options for creativity
Menus easy to understand thanks to tips
Use AirPods as Bluetooth microphone
Excellent image quality, even in low light
|
Screen adds weight and bulk over other action cameras
Door sealing seems questionable (on the review unit)
|
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
|
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
|
We ranked DJI Osmo Action 4 #4 in October 2024 because:
- 5 independent experts mentioned it in their “best action video cameras” rankings.
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
|
Digital Camera World
Brilliant overall action camera that does everything and beats the GoPro in many situations
The best action camera in low light, bar none
Waterproof to 18m (nearly double the GoPro Hero 11)
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
Not a cheap option
|
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
|
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
|
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
|
We ranked Insta360 X4 #5 in October 2024 because:
- 5 independent experts mentioned it in their “best action video cameras” rankings.
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.
|
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
|
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
|
We ranked GoPro Hero11 Black #6 in October 2024 because:
- 4 independent experts mentioned it in their “best action video cameras” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked GoPro Hero11 Black as #1.
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
|
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
|
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
|
Tom's Guide
The best older GoPro
Innovative editing features
Larger image sensor
Amazing motion stabilization
|
Bulky
|
We ranked Insta360 Go 3 #7 in October 2024 because:
- 5 independent experts mentioned it in their “best action video cameras” rankings.
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
|
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
|
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
|
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
|
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
|
We ranked DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro #8 in October 2024 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best action video cameras” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro as #1.
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
|
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
|
We ranked GoPro Hero10 Black #9 in October 2024 because:
- 4 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
|
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 #10 in October 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
|
T3
Best hybrid action camera (wide angle/360-degree)
Compelling modular design
Outstanding image quality
Good battery life
|
Fiddly SD/Charge port cover
|
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
|
We ranked DJI Osmo Action 3 #11 in October 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 GoPro Hero11 Black Mini #12 in October 2024 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best action video cameras” rankings.
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
|
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
|
We ranked Insta360 GO 3S #13 in October 2024 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best action video cameras” rankings.
Tom's Guide
The best tiny 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
|
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
|
We ranked GoPro Max #14 in October 2024 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best action video cameras” rankings.
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
|
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
|
We ranked Akaso Brave 7 LE #15 in October 2024 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best action video cameras” rankings.
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
|
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
|
We ranked GoPro Hero 9 Black #16 in October 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 OM SYSTEM Tough TG-7 #17 in October 2024 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best action video cameras” rankings.
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
|