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
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 $698 (Sony RX0 Mark II). Median action camera costs $349 (DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro).
$139.99
$698

At a glance - October Ranking

Scroll horizontally to browse this ranking table
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
-

Action Camera
#15 $139.99 Akaso Brave 7 LE
#11 $169 DJI Osmo Action 3
#9 $223.99 GoPro Hero10 Black
#12 $224.95 GoPro Hero11 Black Mini
#16 $245.99 GoPro Hero 9 Black
#6 $274.95 GoPro Hero11 Black
#1 $293.99 GoPro Hero12 Black
#4 $339.95 DJI Osmo Action 4
#8 $349 DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro
#3 $349.99 Insta360 Ace Pro
#10 $411.99 Insta360 One RS
#13 $429.99 Insta360 GO 3S
#2 $452.99 GoPro Hero13 Black
#17 $494.99 OM SYSTEM Tough TG-7
#14 $554.95 GoPro Max

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.
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:
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

Go to ranking

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

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

WIRED

Best On Sale

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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

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.
Critic endorsements:
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

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

WIRED

Best Overall

Go to ranking

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

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.
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:
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

Go to ranking

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)

Go to ranking

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

Go to ranking

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

WIRED

Best for Vlogging

Go to ranking

We ranked DJI Osmo Action 4 #4 in October 2024 because:

  • 5 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:
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

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

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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

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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

Go to ranking

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

Go to ranking

We ranked Insta360 X4 #5 in October 2024 because:

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

The action camera to capture everything around you

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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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WIRED

Best 360 Cam for the Action Enthusiast

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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

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.
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:
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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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

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

Go to ranking

Tom's Guide

The best older GoPro

Innovative editing features
Larger image sensor
Amazing motion stabilization

Bulky

Go to ranking

We ranked Insta360 Go 3 #7 in October 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:
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

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

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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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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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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.
Critic endorsements:
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

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WIRED

The Best Not-a-GoPro

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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

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

  • 4 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

Tom's Guide

GoPro's older, but still very capable action camera

Excellent image stabilization
Removable lens
Media “Mods” add functionality

Heavy

Go to ranking

Wirecutter

The best budget-friendly action camera

Go to ranking

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 Insta360 One RS #10 in October 2024 because:

  • 4 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:
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

Go to ranking

T3

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

Compelling modular design
Outstanding image quality
Good battery life

Fiddly SD/Charge port cover

Go to ranking

WIRED

Best for Those Who Want It All

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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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We ranked DJI Osmo Action 3 #11 in October 2024 because:

  • 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best action video cameras” rankings.
Expert Consensus
(as of 31 Jul 2023)
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.
Critic endorsements:
Camera Jabber

Go to ranking

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

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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)

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We ranked GoPro Hero11 Black Mini #12 in October 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:
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

Go to ranking

Camera Jabber

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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

We ranked Insta360 GO 3S #13 in October 2024 because:

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

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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

Go to ranking

WIRED

Most Fun

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We ranked GoPro Max #14 in October 2024 because:

  • 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best action video cameras” rankings.
Expert Consensus
(as of 31 Jul 2023)
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.
Critic endorsements:
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

Go to ranking

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

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We ranked Akaso Brave 7 LE #15 in October 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:
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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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

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We ranked GoPro Hero 9 Black #16 in October 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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We ranked OM SYSTEM Tough TG-7 #17 in October 2024 because:

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

Best for Underwater Action

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