The Best Action Camera of 2024

Choosing an action camera can be daunting at first, but with careful consideration you can find the right one. This article is full of practical advice to help you find the right product to start your journey as a video maker!

What is an action camera used for?

Action cameras are perfect for recording high-intensity scenes, such as sports or outdoor recreation. Both beginners and experts will benefit from choosing a compact camera with good image quality, excellent stabilization, and weather resistance.

Action cameras for sports

With small and durable action cameras, you can now share the excitement and thrills of winter sports like snowboarding, skiing, and ice climbing. Other high-speed sports like downhill mountain biking (a long descent from the top of a hill, full of jumps, turns, and natural obstacles), go-kart racing, and motocross have also made use of these cameras. Recording every curve in as much detail as possible is essential for this type of video. A camera with fast and precise autofocus and a large sensor will be the best choice for capturing all the action in motion. When purchasing an action camera for sports recording, pay attention to these features:

• A sensor of at least 22mm – 25mm that can shoot in 4K
• Support for 60 fps – 120 fps, for sharp slow-motion

Action Camera for Everyday Vlogging

Vlogging, or keeping a video diary of your life, has been popular for a while now. With such capable compact cameras available, getting started is easier than ever. Reproducing any seemingly complex situation without worry means you can fully concentrate on what you’re doing as you record. A camera that can handle challenging situations, no matter how intense, and doesn’t require complicated controls to get great video will make everyday filming a breeze. Also, make sure it has good battery life and a comfortable grip, which are ideal for everyday use. When choosing an action camera for vlogging, look for the following features:

• Good audio quality and compatibility with external microphone
• A wide aperture (f/1.8 or wider)
• Long battery life

Action camera for film shooting

Action cameras are often more affordable than traditional camcorders, making them a good choice for filmmakers on a budget who still want to capture high-quality footage. Action cameras are built to withstand harsh conditions, making them suitable for shooting in challenging environments, such as underwater or in extreme weather conditions. Their small, lightweight design makes action cameras easy to carry and use in a variety of scenarios. This makes them a good choice for shooting in tight spaces or on the go, where a larger camera might not be practical. Pay attention to these specifications when choosing an action camera for cinematic videos:

• Resistance and waterproof up to at least 10 m
• Portability and dimensions
• Assembly versatility

We explain the specifications of action cameras

We’ve already mentioned a few ways to use an action camera. You may already have a lot of ideas, but how do you know if a specific model has the qualities you need? Here are six things you need to know before choosing:

• Video Resolution: For action cameras, the most common video resolutions are 1080p (1920×1080 pixels), 4K (3,840×2,160 pixels), and 2.7K (2,704×1,520 pixels). The choice between resolutions will depend on the user's preference for image quality and the intended use of the footage.
• Frame Rate: A typical frame rate range for action cameras is between 24 and 120 fps. Higher frame rates, such as 60 or 120 fps, are recommended for slow-motion footage, while lower frame rates, such as 24 or 30 fps, are suitable for general use.
• Image stabilization: The most common image stabilization technologies in action cameras are electronic image stabilization (EIS) and optical image stabilization (OIS). EIS uses software to stabilize footage, while OIS uses hardware to stabilize the camera lens.
• Waterproof rating: Action cameras often have an IPX8 waterproof rating. This means they can be submerged in water up to 10 meters for 60 minutes without damage. Some cameras have higher waterproof ratings, while others do not. The waterproof rating you need will depend on your intended use of the camera.
• Battery life: Action cameras have battery life ranging from 1 to 4 hours, depending on the camera model and usage. Longer battery life is essential for extended shooting or outdoor activities. Some cameras have removable batteries, allowing you to use spare batteries, while others have built-in batteries.
• Connectivity: Action cameras often have Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity options, allowing for easy transfer of footage to a computer or smartphone and remote control of the camera. Other connectivity options, such as GPS or NFC, may be available on some models.

The Best DJI Action Camera Options in 2024

The key to choosing an action camera is to first determine what you’ll be using it for and how often, and how much editing you want to do afterwards. With these factors in mind, you can be sure to choose a camera that suits your creative needs.

DJI Osmo Action 4

Recently, the Action 4 was ranked as the best action camera of 2023 by Digital Camera World . We explore the features that make it stand out from the competition.

Main features :

• 1/1.3-inch sensor and exceptional low-light images
• 10-bit color performance and D-Log M
• Deep freeze resistant and long battery life
• 4K/120 fps and 155° ultra-wide FOV
• Magnetic quick release and native vertical video
• HorizonSteady 360°
• Waterproof up to 18m
• Dual color touchscreen

With a 1/1.3-inch sensor, the image quality of the Osmo Action 4 It is the best in its class and excels in various scenarios, such as cycling, diving and hiking. Capture the raw emotion of every moment with stunning image quality and unmatched flexibility, even when the light is low.

Unleash your creativity with the range of accessories and shooting modes of the Osmo Action 4 . Mount it to your helmet, handlebars, or chest harness with DJI’s versatile mounting options and capture unique perspectives that showcase the thrill of bike rides. With features like slow-motion, timelapse, and custom exposure settings, you can create cinematic videos that truly capture the spirit of your adventures.

DJI Osmo Action 3

Main features :

• 4K/120 fps and super-wide FOV
• HorizonSteady
• Cold resistance
• Long-lasting battery life of 150 minutes
• Dual touchscreen
• Quick release vertical mount
• Waterproof up to 16m

Experience the thrill of preserving unique moments in stunning detail with Osmo Action 3 ! With 4K/120 fps shooting and 10-bit color depth, you can record over a billion colors for fine color grading and creative post-production options. The ultra-wide FOV (field of view) and innovative quick-release design with shock-resistant magnets and a positioning clip make it ready for the most action-packed scenarios. Easily switch between horizontal and vertical shooting with the protective frame. Connect, sync, and edit your footage with the LightCut app.

You might expect the Osmo Action 3 is unreasonably priced for its impressive list of features, but you’d be wrong! We designed the camera to ignite your creativity, not empty your wallet. Creating and sharing memories and adventures has never been more accessible or affordable. We’re thrilled to recommend the Osmo Action 3 as a great action camera for the adventurous beginner filmmaker or filmmaker.

DJI Action 2

Main features :

• 4K/120 fps and super-wide FOV
• HorizonSteady
• Magnetic versatility
• Portable and wearable
• Large touchscreen
• Waterproof up to 10m
• AI Editor

The camera DJI Action 2 It’s a powerhouse with intuitive features to capture memories—from everyday moments to breathtaking experiences, even in challenging conditions. With a magnetic design for easy accessory swaps, it can quickly transform into a vlogging tool with the right accessory. And editing and transferring your files is a breeze with the AI ​​Editor app.

With six combo options, the DJI Action 2 is the perfect action camera for adventurous vloggers who need to produce a variety of content. Dual Screen Combo And Power are excellent choices for beginners. We designed the camera and its accessories to be ready for any adventure, making it easy to store and share memories and adventures. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned pro, the Action 2 is versatile and portable for all your content creation needs.

DJI Pocket 2

Main features :

• Compact pocket-sized
• 3-axis stabilized camera
• ActiveTrack 3.0
• AI Editor
• Excellent image quality
• DJI Matrix Stereo
• Compatibility with mobile phones

DJI Pocket 2 is compact, portable, and always ready to capture your adventures. ActiveTrack 3.0 locks you into the frame, and there's a Story Mode for easy mini-movies. The gimbal camera shoots cinematic footage and can connect directly to your phone for easy file transfers and sharing.

There DJI Pocket 2 and the Creator Combo puts the power of creating high-quality, cinematic-style footage in the palm of your hands. The suite of creative tools you get for this competitive price will help your content stand out in the crowded social media marketplace, without spending more on expensive, bulky gear. DJI Pocket 2 empowers you to share your story with complete control of the process.

Editing Action Camera Footage: What to Do?

Creating engaging videos doesn’t have to be complicated! Consider a camera with more dynamic auto settings if you want to practice basic editing. Press the button, record, and the camera software does the rest. A camera with a robust editing app should also be a priority for those who don’t want to spend much time on post-production. A powerful app simplifies the process of turning your footage into shareable content. If you want to do more editing after you’ve captured your footage, you’ll want an action camera that records high-resolution RAW footage. This will give you more control over the final look of your footage and allow you to fine-tune the final result in greater detail.