September 2023
Action Video Cameras: MetaRanking
This page highlights the aggregate summary of action video cameras rankings posted by key online experts, as of September 2023.
Summary
On 2 Sep 2023, ReviewFinder team examined a total of 76 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 2 Sep 2023, GoPro Hero11 Black takes the cake as the most critically-acclaimed action camera with 9 expert endorsements. 7 experts out of 9 recommended it as the '#1 action camera' this month.
Brand breakdown
-
insta360: 6 action cameras
(#1 is Insta360 X3)
-
GoPro: 5 action cameras
(#1 is GoPro Hero11 Black)
-
DJI: 4 action cameras
(#1 is DJI Osmo Action 3)
-
Akaso: 3 action cameras
(#1 is Akaso Brave 7 LE)
-
Olympus: 1 action cameras
(#1 is Olympus Tough TG-6)
Price breakdown
At a glance - September Ranking
Rank | Change | Price | Action Camera |
TechRadar
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PCMag
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Rtings.com
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WIRED
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Wirecutter
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Camera Jabber
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Pocket-lint
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Tom's Guide
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T3
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Digital Camera World
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1
|
- | $338 |
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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
|
1
|
-
|
1
|
3
|
1
|
1
|
1
|
2
|
1
|
2
|
- | $249 |
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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.
|
9
|
-
|
1
|
4
|
1
|
3
|
5
|
3
|
3
|
-
|
3
|
+1 | $450 |
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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.
|
-
|
2
|
-
|
5
|
4
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
1
|
2
|
4
|
-1 | $329 |
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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.
|
4
|
-
|
-
|
3
|
-
|
2
|
-
|
5
|
6
|
6
|
5
|
- | $249 |
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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.
|
-
|
5
|
-
|
8
|
2
|
6
|
-
|
6
|
7
|
-
|
6
|
- | $405 |
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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.
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-
|
8
|
-
|
2
|
-
|
-
|
4
|
2
|
4
|
-
|
7
|
- | $400 |
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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.
|
6
|
7
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
3
|
4
|
5
|
-
|
8
|
- | $277 |
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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.
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-
|
3
|
-
|
9
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
9
|
4
|
9
|
- | $112 |
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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.
|
2
|
-
|
2
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
8
|
10
|
New * | $500 |
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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.
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-
|
4
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
2
|
-
|
8
|
-
|
11
|
- | $349 |
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The DJI Pocket 2 is a compact camera with impressive video stabilization and decent video quality, making it a suitable choice for vloggers and videographers, although it may not be ideal for action shots or in rugged environments.
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7
|
-
|
5
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
5
|
12
|
- | $248 |
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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.
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-
|
-
|
-
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-
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-
|
5
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
3
|
13
|
-3 | Check price |
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The Insta360 Go 2 is a compact camera with impressive video quality, reliable image stabilization, user-friendly interface, and a range of accessories that enhance its versatility and usability.
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-
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-
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4
|
-
|
-
|
7
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
14
|
-1 | $399 |
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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 | $499 |
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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.
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8
|
-
|
-
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6
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
We ranked GoPro Hero11 Black #1 in September 2023 because:
- 9 independent experts mentioned it in their “best action video cameras” rankings.
- Out of those, 7 experts ranked GoPro Hero11 Black as #1.

TechRadar
The best action camera for most people
Versatile aspect ratio for cropping
10-bit mode useful for color grading
|
Still not great in low lighting
Budget rivals offer better value
|
PCMag
Best Action Cam Overall / Editors' Choice
Great-looking 5.3K60 video
4K120 and 2.7K240 slow-motion
10-bit color sampling
Numerous time-lapse modes
Waterproof to 33 feet
Solid touch interface and voice command support
Subscription service with useful features
|
Not ideal for long-form recording or macro work
One battery won't get you through the day
|
Camera Jabber
Great quality video
Excellent stabilisation and horizon correction
4K 120p video for slow motion creation
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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
|
Pocket-lint
Best action camera overall
Best in class stabilisation
10-bit colour video capture with high bitrate
Extremely wide HyperView digital lens
|
Fairly bulky
Quite expensive
|
Tom's Guide
The best action camera overall
Innovative editing features
Larger image sensor
Amazing motion stabilization
|
Bulky
|
T3
Best Action Camera for Vlogging
New sensor amps up the quality everywhere
Better battery life
Same physical dimensions as the Hero 10
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Only incremental improvements over older model
|
Digital Camera World
The TikTok-ready action cam adds simplicity, and a new 8:7 sensor / Editor's Choice
Captures versatile 8:7 content
Excellent image stabilization
Horizon locking at up to 5.3K
Simplified interface for beginners
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Lowlight video isn't great
Front display is not touch sensitive
GoPro membership required to unlock features
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We ranked GoPro Hero10 Black #2 in September 2023 because:
- 8 independent experts mentioned it in their “best action video cameras” rankings.
- Out of those, 2 experts ranked GoPro Hero10 Black as #1.

TechRadar
The best value older GoPro still available
Powerful new processor
Handy 4K/120p mode
Class-leading stabilization
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Same sensor as Hero 9 Black
Pricier than rivals
|
Pocket-lint
Best value action camera
The best image quality around
Incredible image stabilisation
Extreme high resolution and frame rate options
|
Relatively heavy
Can be prone to overheating
|
Tom's Guide
GoPro's older, but still very capable action camera
Excellent image stabilization
Removable lens
Media “Mods” add functionality
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Heavy
|
T3
Top-specced action camera for outdoor enthusiasts
Speedy and slick thanks to new processor
Higher resolution and framerate than H9
Water-repelling lens cover
Horizon leveling up to 45-degree tilt
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Most expensive option
Battery can struggle to keep up
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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 September 2023 ranking










We ranked Insta360 X3 #3 in September 2023 because:
- 5 independent experts mentioned it in their “best action video cameras” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked Insta360 X3 as #1.

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
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Video must be processed before editing
A bit of a learning curve to grasp 360-degree editing
Mobile editing app limits resolution
|
T3
Best action camera to buy right now
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
|
Digital Camera World
The best action cam for all-round 360-degree action
Phone-based editing
Big touchscreen
Familiar size and shape
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We wish GPS was built into
5.7K isn't much when re-framing
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We ranked DJI Osmo Action 3 #4 in September 2023 because:
- 6 independent experts mentioned it in their “best action video cameras” rankings.

TechRadar
The best value alternative to the GoPro Hero 11
Best-in-class diving specs
Convenient mounting setup
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Poor low-light performance
Video quality can’t compete with GoPro
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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 value-for-money action camera from DJI
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)
|
Digital Camera World
Best action camera for low light work
Dual touchscreen control
Good vlogging tool in vertical or horizontal
No module confusion (compared to Action 2)
Extreme batteries included as standard
Cheaper than GoPro
No subscription payments required
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12-megapixel images and 4K maximum video resolution
No period of cloud backup included
We’d like to see a start and stop timer
Vertical format use requires frame
Voice control somewhat spotty
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We ranked GoPro Hero 9 Black #5 in September 2023 because:
- 6 independent experts mentioned it in their “best action video cameras” rankings.

PCMag
Best GoPro for Budget Shoppers
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
|
You'll likely want to carry extra batteries
Subscription service adds recurring costs
Discounted pricing not available from all retailers
|
Camera Jabber
No need for waterproof housing
Dual Screen
8X Slow-motion
|
Mods are expensive
Not great in low light
|
Tom's Guide
An older GoPro
Front-facing screen
Removable lens
Media “Mods” add functionality
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Heavy
|
T3
Best affordable 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 Insta360 One RS #6 in September 2023 because:
- 5 independent experts mentioned it in their “best action video cameras” rankings.

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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Pocket-lint
Best modular action camera
The most configurable of the bunch
Robust and waterproof despite modularity
Up to three cameras in one
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Small screen
Can't compete with GoPro on image quality
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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
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Small screen size
Needs frame for mounting
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T3
Best action camera for versatility
Compelling modular design
Outstanding image quality
Good battery life
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Fiddly SD/Charge port cover
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We ranked Insta360 Go 3 #7 in September 2023 because:
- 5 independent experts mentioned it in their “best action video cameras” rankings.

TechRadar
The best modular action camera with a tiny design
Action Pod adds lots of functionality
Convenient magnetic mounting
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Lower resolution than rivals
Weak low-light performance
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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
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Action Pod housing isn't submersible
Non-removable battery and no storage expansion slot
Some video modes require post-processing
Wearable footage looks unsteady
|
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
|
Tom's Guide
The best tiny action camera
Incredibly small
Good looking 2.7K video
Great auto mode and filters
No recording time limit
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No removable storage
Camera gets warm
No external mic support
Poor low light performance
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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
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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 DJI Action 2 #8 in September 2023 because:
- 4 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
|
T3
An innovative, modular action cam
Compact and lightweight
Modular, magnetic system is inspired
Excellent image stabilisation
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Overheating cuts off video clips
Not great in low light
|
Digital Camera World
The Best Modular Action Camera
Use compact or with combo unit
Dual touchscreen interface
Live streaming
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Internal storage in camera (microSD cards need secondary unit)
Secondary unit must be attached to charge or use memory cards
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We ranked Akaso Brave 7 LE #9 in September 2023 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best action video cameras” rankings.

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
|
Digital Camera World
Best Budget action camera
Front LCD screen
4K video capture
6-axis stabilization
Low price
|
Needs to be put in case to be fully waterproof
|
We ranked DJI Osmo Action 4 #10 in September 2023 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best action video cameras” rankings.

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
|
Pocket-lint
Best action camera for low-light
Unmatched low-light performance
Brilliant front-facing touchscreen
Awesome magnetic mounting system
|
Very similar to its predecessor
On the pricey side
|
T3
Best action camera for
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 DJI Pocket 2 #11 in September 2023 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best action video cameras” rankings.

TechRadar
The best action camera for handheld vlogging
Useful gimbal stabilization
Impressive tracking
|
Poor low light performance
Can get hot while filming 4K
|
Digital Camera World
Best gimbal-stabilized action camera
Sensational stabilization
Fantastic pocketability
Simple operation
|
Relies heavily on extras and accessories
|
We ranked GoPro Hero11 Black Mini #12 in September 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best action video cameras” rankings.

Digital Camera World
best mini action camera
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 #14 in September 2023 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 Olympus Tough TG-6 #15 in September 2023 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
|