June 2022
Action Video Cameras: Meta Ranking Report
This report contains an aggregate consensus of Action Camera rankings posted by key online experts, as of June 2022.
Summary
As of 7 Jun 2022, GoPro Hero10 Black takes the cake as the most critically-acclaimed action camera with 10 expert endorsements. 9 experts out of 10 recommended it as the '#1 action camera' this month. It is followed by GoPro Hero 9 Black and DJI Action 2 , with 10 and 7 expert endorsements respectively.
At a glance - June 2022 Ranking
Rank | Change | Price | Action Camera |
T3
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Digital Camera World
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WIRED
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Pocket-lint
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Tom's Guide
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Wirecutter
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Rtings.com
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TechRadar
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Camera Jabber
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PCMag
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---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1
|
- | $400 |
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1
|
1
|
1
|
1
|
1
|
3
|
1
|
1
|
1
|
1
|
2
|
- | $330 |
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3
|
6
|
3
|
5
|
3
|
1
|
2
|
4
|
2
|
5
|
3
|
+1 | $489 |
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5
|
3
|
4
|
3
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
6
|
3
|
3
|
4
|
+1 | $550 |
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2
|
2
|
2
|
4
|
2
|
4
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
7
|
5
|
-2 | $305 |
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4
|
8
|
7
|
-
|
4
|
2
|
-
|
5
|
-
|
2
|
6
|
- | $300 |
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-
|
5
|
-
|
2
|
7
|
-
|
-
|
10
|
5
|
-
|
7
|
+1 | $417 |
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6
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
5
|
-
|
-
|
7
|
8
|
-
|
8
|
+1 | $343 |
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-
|
7
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
3
|
12
|
-
|
-
|
9
|
+1 | $140 |
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-
|
4
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
4
|
3
|
-
|
-
|
10
|
+2 | $449 |
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8
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
9
|
-
|
6
|
11
|
-4 | $383 |
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9
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
6
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
4
|
12
|
-1 | $379 |
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10
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
8
|
4
|
-
|
13
|
+4 | Check price |
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7
|
-
|
6
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
14
|
+1 | $219 |
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11
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
10
|
-
|
15
|
-2 | Check price |
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12
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
7
|
-
|
16
|
-2 | Check price |
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13
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
9
|
-
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17
|
-1 | $590 |
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-
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-
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-
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-
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8
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-
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-
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-
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13
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-
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We ranked GoPro Hero10 Black #1 in June 2022 because:
- 10 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Action Video Cameras” rankings.
- Out of those, 9 experts ranked GoPro Hero10 Black as #1.

T3
The current flagship GoPro is the best action camera you can buy
Pros
Speedy and slick thanks to new processor
Higher resolution and framerate than H9
Water-repelling lens cover
Horizon leveling up to 45-degree tilt
|
Cons
Most expensive option
Battery can struggle to keep up
|
Digital Camera World
We say it's still the best traditional action cam all round, with 5.3K video and 23MP stills
Pros
Faster user interface
Increased frame rates
Hydrophobic lens coating
|
Cons
Incremental upgrade on Hero9 Black
Bigger than the Hero8 Black and Hero7 Black
Not compatible with older batteries
|
Pocket-lint
Our Top Pick
Pros
The best image quality around
Incredible image stabilisation
Extreme high resolution and frame rate options
|
Cons
Relatively heavy
Can be prone to overheating
|
Tom's Guide
The best action cam overall
Pros
Excellent image stabilization
Removable lens
Media “Mods” add functionality
|
Cons
Heavy
|
TechRadar
Best overall action camera
Pros
Powerful new processor
Handy 4K/120p mode
Class-leading stabilization
|
Cons
Same sensor as Hero 9 Black
Pricier than rivals
|
PCMag
Best Action Cam Overall
Pros
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
Wi-Fi and USB transfer for phones and tablets
|
Cons
Battery drains quickly
Costs more when bought without a subscription
Heat limits long-form recording
|
We ranked GoPro Hero 9 Black #2 in June 2022 because:
- 10 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Action Video Cameras” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked GoPro Hero 9 Black as #1.

T3
Not quite the newest GoPro, but still an outstanding action camera
Pros
Integrated front-facing screen
Removable lens cover
Native horizon levelling
Very easy to use
|
Cons
Not quite as slick as the HERO 10
No hydrophobic lens cover
|
Digital Camera World
The 2019 GoPro flagship is not so far behind the Hero10 and costs less
Pros
Front-facing screen
20MP photos
14.7 MP grabs from video
|
Cons
Larger physical size than other GoPros
5K video takes up a lot of memory
|
Pocket-lint
Pros
Cheaper now thanks to its successor
Fantastic image quality
Great stabilisation
|
Cons
Even heavier than the Hero 10
Can still be pricey
|
Tom's Guide
The next best GoPro
Pros
Front-facing screen
Removable lens
Media “Mods” add functionality
|
Cons
Heavy
|
TechRadar
Still a fine choice if you don't need 4K slo-mo
Pros
5K video captures lots of detail
Front display for vlogging
Improved battery life
New software skills
|
Cons
Rear screen currently unresponsive
Little improvement to 4K video
|
Camera Jabber
Pros
No need for waterproof housing
Dual Screen
8X Slow-motion
|
Cons
Mods are expensive
Not great in low light
|
PCMag
Best Stabilization at a Midrange Price
Pros
Up to 5K quality at 30fps
Front-facing color LCD
Exceptional video stabilization
Up to 240fps HD slow motion
Time-lapse, buffering, and HDR imaging
USB-C charging
Strong app support
Compact and waterproof
|
Cons
You'll likely want to carry extra batteries
Subscription service adds recurring costs
Discounted pricing not available from all retailers
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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 June 2022 ranking










We ranked DJI Action 2 #3 in June 2022 because:
- 7 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Action Video Cameras” rankings.

T3
An innovative, modular action cam
Pros
Compact and lightweight
Modular, magnetic system is inspired
Excellent image stabilisation
|
Cons
Overheating cuts off video clips
Not great in low light
|
Digital Camera World
DJI's groundbreaking modular design makes the Action 2 a very clever bit of kit
Pros
Use compact or with combo unit
Dual touchscreen interface
Live streaming
|
Cons
Internal storage in camera (microSD cards need secondary unit)
Secondary unit must be attached to charge or use memory cards
|
Pocket-lint
Pros
Awesome versatile design
Can be configured to be lightweight and compact
Handles an impressive 4K 120FPS
|
Cons
Expandable storage requires module
Gets hot when recording 4K
|
TechRadar
A unique, modular action cam
Pros
Versatile, modular design
Handy horizon-leveling
|
Cons
Overheating limitations
Not great in low light
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Camera Jabber
Pros
Compact size
Fast video transmission
Modular design
|
Cons
Limited to 4K
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PCMag
Best Innovation in Form Factor
Pros
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
|
Cons
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 Insta360 One RS #4 in June 2022 because:
- 7 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Action Video Cameras” rankings.

T3
The most flexible action camera
Pros
Compelling modular design
Outstanding image quality
Good battery life
|
Cons
Fiddly SD/Charge port cover
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Digital Camera World
You might find the ONE RS's modular design more fiddly, but you get an action camera AND a 360 camera in one!
Pros
4K and 360º lens options
RAW photos and 100mbps video
Optional 1-inch action cam mod
|
Cons
Small-ish touchscreen
|
Pocket-lint
Pros
The most configurable of the bunch
Robust and waterproof despite modularity
Up to three cameras in one
|
Cons
Small screen
Can't compete with GoPro on image quality
|
Tom's Guide
This 360 camera has a modular design
Pros
Innovative modular design
Multiple lens options including 360 lens
Reversible screen for front facing option
Impressive in-camera stabilization
|
Cons
Small screen size
Needs frame for mounting
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PCMag
Best for Mixing 360 and 4K Footage
Pros
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
|
Cons
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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We ranked GoPro Hero8 #5 in June 2022 because:
- 7 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Action Video Cameras” rankings.

T3
There's no front-facing screen, but this camera delivers plenty of bang for your buck
Pros
Extremely capable and easy to use
Frameless design with folding mount fingers
Feature-packed and hugely robust
|
Cons
No front-facing preview screen
Not quite as good as the H10 or H9
|
Digital Camera World
Released in 2019, the GoPro Hero 8 can still shoot 4K 60p, so it makes a compelling mid-price buy
Pros
Super image stabilization
Crisp, smooth 4K video
Built-in acccessory mounts
|
Cons
Screen is smaller than DJI
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Tom's Guide
The third best action camera
Pros
Much-improved audio quality
Sleeker accessory mounting system
Media “Mods” add functionality
|
Cons
Battery door is awkward to close
Lens is not removable
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TechRadar
A good all-rounder if you don't need a front-facing screen
Pros
Best-in-class digital stabilization
Time-saving Capture Presets
Built-in mounting arms
Improved mic
|
Cons
Poor low-light performance
No front display
|
PCMag
Best Budget-Friendly GoPro
Pros
Stabilized 4K at up to 60fps.
Rugged, waterproof design.
Crisp touch LCD.
Integrated mount.
Improved user interface.
USB-C charging.
Companion app with automated editing.
Promising Mod expansion system.
|
Cons
Wi-Fi video transfer can take some time.
Cramped memory card slot.
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We ranked Insta360 Go 2 #6 in June 2022 because:
- 5 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Action Video Cameras” rankings.

Digital Camera World
It's not 4K or waterproof, but this tiny magnetic camera can go where others can't!
Pros
Tiny when used 'naked'
High resolution for its size
Charge case and mounts included
|
Cons
Short run time
Can 'flick' out of mounts
|
Pocket-lint
Pros
The tiniest action camera around
Versatile magnetic mounting options
Great stabilisation
|
Cons
Battery life can be limiting
Maxes out at 1440p 50fps
|
Tom's Guide
The best really small action camera
Pros
Very small
Takes good photos and videos for size
Charging case doubles as remote
|
Cons
Gets hot in use
Shorter battery life than other action cameras
|
TechRadar
A tiny action cam with a very clever case
Pros
Truly tiny form factor
Tripod charging case
|
Cons
No display for framing
Only waterproof to 4m
|
Camera Jabber
Pros
Miniscule size
Easy to use
Waterproof
Good video quality
|
Cons
No 4K video
No microSD card slot
|
We ranked GoPro Hero7 Black #7 in June 2022 because:
- 4 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Action Video Cameras” rankings.

T3
Not new,but still great
Pros
Great image quality and stabilisation
Waterproof without housing
|
Tom's Guide
Still one of the best action cameras
Pros
Shoots impressively smooth video
Improved touch controls on viewfinder
Sharp 4K videos
|
Cons
Livestreaming could use some tweaks
Still images can be hit-or-miss
|
TechRadar
Now officially discontinued, but still available to buy
Pros
Great 4K video and image quality
HyperSmooth is very effective
|
Cons
Can struggle with voice commands
Screen unresponsive at times
|
Camera Jabber
Pros
HyperSmooth Image Stabilisation
Incredible Price
Ultra high-quality video
|
Cons
Still requires cage for waterproofing
No framerate or resolution boost since the Hero6
|
We ranked DJI Pocket 2 #8 in June 2022 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Action Video Cameras” rankings.

Digital Camera World
Not your traditional action camera, but we think the Pocket 2 is amazing
Pros
Sensational stabilization
Fantastic pocketability
Simple operation
|
Cons
Relies heavily on extras and accessories
|
TechRadar
What it lacks in ruggedness it makes up for with great stabilization
Pros
Useful gimbal stabilization
Impressive tracking
|
Cons
Poor low light performance
Can get hot while filming 4K
|
We ranked Akaso Brave 7 LE #9 in June 2022 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Action Video Cameras” rankings.

Digital Camera World
You wouldn't put the Akaso Brave 7 LE in the same class as GoPro, but it's way, way cheaper
Pros
Front LCD screen
4K video capture
6-axis stabilization
Low price
|
Cons
Needs to be put in case to be fully waterproof
|
TechRadar
Best budget action camera
Pros
Dual screens
Case-free water resistance
Class-leading build quality
|
Cons
Poor 60fps footage
Jumpy electronic stabilization
Cheaper options have better 4K
|
We ranked GoPro Max #10 in June 2022 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Action Video Cameras” rankings.

T3
The best dedicated 360-degree camera on the market
Pros
Stunning 360-degree video
360 degree photos
Sturdy construction
|
Cons
Conventional video resolution is lower than rival
Image stitching can look glitchy
|
TechRadar
The best waterproof,360-degree action camera
Pros
Shoots 5.6K, 360-degree video
In-camera stitching
|
Cons
Low-resolution 2D footage
Not the best in low light
|
PCMag
Best Waterproof 360 Camera
Pros
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
|
Cons
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 Dji OSMO Action #11 in June 2022 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Action Video Cameras” rankings.

T3
Good value, and a solid choice for vloggers
Pros
Impressive image stabilisation
Colour front-facing screen
ease of use
|
Tom's Guide
The best action camera for selfies
Pros
Good motion stabilization
forward-facing screen
rich colors in video
|
Cons
Motion stabilization doesn't work with HDR
No livestreaming
|
PCMag
Best for Vlogging on a Budget
Pros
Rugged, waterproof build.
Stabilized 4K footage at up to 60fps.
1080p slow-motion at up to 240fps.
Easily swappable filters.
Supports HDR and flat profiles.
Front and rear color displays.
Filters included.
|
Cons
Battery life could be better.
HDR video isn't stabilized.
Stabilization not as good as GoPro.
No tripod socket.
|
We ranked Insta360 One R #12 in June 2022 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Action Video Cameras” rankings.

T3
A cheaper version of the RS
Pros
Clever modular system
360-degree live previews on device
Flippable screen for vlogging
Easy to upgrade or replace modules
|
Cons
Stitching errors on 360 content
|
TechRadar
An imperfect but impressive modular option with solid quality
Pros
Modular design offers unrivaled versatility
Solid 4K and 360-degree image quality
|
Cons
Very small screen
Significant bugs at launch
|
Camera Jabber
Pros
Modular design
Incredible image quality
Both standard and 360º video
|
Cons
Joins get filled with mud
App home screen cluttered
|
We ranked Oclu Action Camera #13 in June 2022 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Action Video Cameras” rankings.

T3
A great value and slightly unconventional action camera
Pros
Easy three-button operation
Fantastic build quality
Delete on the fly
|
Cons
Image stabilisation at 1080P only
App will drain your battery
|
We ranked SJCam SJ8 Pro #14 in June 2022 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Action Video Cameras” rankings.

T3
Pro video quality on a tighter budget? This is the action cam for you
Pros
Excellent video quality
Large 2.33-inch IPS touchscreen
Includes dashcam ‘car mode’
USB-C charging
|
Camera Jabber
Pros
Excellent value
Large clear screen
Decent video quality
|
Cons
Waterproof housing
The app interface can be clunky when used with Gimbal
|
We ranked Sony RX0 Mark II #15 in June 2022 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Action Video Cameras” rankings.

T3
A one-inch sensor in a 'tiny tough' camera? Say hey to incredible imagery
Pros
Huge sensor
Flip-up screen for vlogging
Very rugged build
|
Camera Jabber
Pros
1-inch sensor
Very lightweight
Flip-out monitor
|
Cons
Very expensive
Tricky to handle
|
We ranked YI 4K Plus #16 in June 2022 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Action Video Cameras” rankings.

T3
A well-rounded action cam that won't break the bank
Pros
4K at 60fps
USB-C
|
Cons
Only waterproof with housing
Temperamental voice command control
|
Camera Jabber
Pros
Market-leading resolution and framerate
Exceptional 4K video quality
Large touch screen
|
Cons
Requires waterproof housing
Hasn't been updated
|
We ranked Olympus Tough TG-Tracker #17 in June 2022 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Action Video Cameras” rankings.

Tom's Guide
Camcorder meets action camera
Pros
Good color and definition
Waterproof to 100 feet
Built-in 60-lumen lightFold-out monitor
|
Cons
Awkward mechanics
Hard to change field of view
|
Camera Jabber
Pros
Waterproof, shockproof, crushproof, freezeproof
4K at 30fps video
Flip-out monitor
|
Cons
8MP resolution
|