Best Action Camera of 2025

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If you love to capture your adventures, from mountain biking trails to underwater diving, an action camera is a must-have camera in your gear bag. The best action cameras offer clear lenses, solid durability and flexibility to shoot in almost any environment, including under rain, snow or water. These compact, usually wearable devices are places where you can’t use a phone or mirrorless camera, and it offers image stabilization, wide-angle lenses and impressive video resolutions to provide a smooth, immersive lens.

Many models now support the vibrant colors of HDR, dramatic effects of SLO-MO, and advanced settings such as adjustable aspect ratios and frame rates. Some are even designed as single-lens solutions, which can still bring you amazing results without the complexity of a multi-camera rig. And if you are planning on long shots or travel adventures, don’t forget to look for an extra battery and a reliable SD card – two key points that can be captured on the go.

Whether you’re new to the camera world or you’re an experienced professional, this buying guide covers our top picks for different prices and use cases. From high-end rigs to the best waterproof camera options, we will help you find the best action camera with compatibility and functionality to capture every epic moment.

Best Action Camera of 2025

Gopro

Gopro’s Hero 13 remains the best action camera overall, even though DJI is right behind. Although Hero 12 inside hasn’t changed much, the outside is a brand new story. A new series of modular lenses (ultra-wide, deformation and macro) is now available to make it more useful. It also has a larger battery that allows for longer capture time – up to 90 minutes of video with 4K 30FPS.

Other specifications remain the same, including resolutions up to 5.3K in 10-bit color at 60fps, high data rates, and 8:7 capture using the entire sensor. Otherwise, Hero 13 still has the best digital stability (aka Hypersmooth) for any action camera, full color front screen and best image quality in its class. It also has the widest accessories, from the mount to the waterproof remote to the seat belt. The main disadvantage is mediocre low light energy – DJI’s OSMO Action 5 Pro is superior in the field.

Adorama $450

Steve Dent

feature: Waterproof 20m (without shell), 60m (with waterproof shell), theme tracking, slow motion, time liberating, stable, fast charging | connect: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth | Storage media: microSD | sensor: 1/1.3-inch CMOS | Photo resolution: 40MP (7296×5472) | Video resolution: 4K | Video format: mp4 | Optical zoom: Not specified | Internal storage capacity: 64GB

Read our full DJI OSMO ACTION 5 PRO Review

DJI dominated the drone and positive categories, but the action cam seemed to bother the company. Ultimately, it broke Jinx with Action 5 Pro, which stood well on the GoPro 13. Its best feature is the large 1/1.3-inch sensor, which makes it better than its competitors in low light. It also shoots the top of the action cam battery life meter well above two hours when shooting at 4K 60p for over four hours. Another nice feature is 47GB of internal storage, which can be of great help if you fill in or forget about the microSD memory card. The OSMO Action 5 Pro works directly with DJI’s Noise Microphone 2 and MIC Mini Wireless Microphone, which provides an easy way to record high-quality sound.

Compared with competition, the main drawback of the Action 5 Pro is its relatively low resolution and slightly poor stability. DJI’s device is at a high of 4K 120FPS, down from GO Pro’s F.3k 60fps (although both can log in). Despite the capability of the stability of the DJI camera, it doesn’t match the excellence of the GoPro 13.

$349 for Amazon

Mat Smith for Engadget

feature: Waterproof 10m, theme tracking, slow motion, time disintegration, stable, 360 degree capture| connect: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, USB-C | Storage media: microSD | sensor: 1/2”| Photo resolution: 72MP (11904×5952) | Video resolution: 8K (360 mode), 4K (single lens/me mode) | Video format: mp4 | Optical zoom: Not specified | Internal storage capacity: Nothing

A camera that can record 360-degree video can perform a good trick: recreate the action after shooting or capture immersive videos in virtual reality. The Insta360 just dominates this category and doesn’t even get close to its latest X4 model. It captures up to 8k 30fps or 5.7k operations at 60fps, and can be viewed on the regular screen when you reframe it to 16:9. Meanwhile, the ME mode that generates flat video (automatic selfie stick removal) has been upgraded from a maximum of 2.7k 30fps to 4K 30fps.

The X4 now has a removable lens guard to protect the lens from rough shooting conditions. It also offers solid battery life, waterproof for 10m and free editing apps. However, there is a little low light next to Hero 13 and Action 5, while the 8K video file is huge.

$425 on Amazon

Steve Dent

Read our full DJI OSMO Pocket 3 Comments

In the second half of 2023, DJI unveiled the Osmo Pocket 3, which I call “maybe the only video camera you need”. It has a large one-inch sensor, the same size as it does on Sony’s ZV-1 II compact camera. This greatly improves image quality, especially in low light. It also features a new large rotating touch screen, making it easier to switch between horizontal and vertical videos.

What really makes it a great video museum is the following pattern combined with facial tracking. If you work alone, you can simply set it up and rotate and tilt to follow you. This also works for walk-in vlogs, so you don’t have to worry about focus or even pointing to yourself. OSMO Pocket 3 is hardly a fan of it, but it is also expensive due to the reduced resolution rather than the ideal photo.

$718 on Amazon

Steve Dent

With the arrival of OSMO Action 5, Action 4 usually starts selling at very attractive prices. You won’t give up much compared to the Action 5 Pro – it has the same 1/1.3-inch sensor that delivers excellent video quality, especially in low light. It also comes with a D-Logm profile that improves dynamic range under tricky lighting conditions, such as skiing on trees on sunny days. The main reason for buying the Action 5 Pro is its built-in 47GB storage, slightly better battery life, and a higher bit rate that reduces pixelation. If these things aren’t critical, DJI’s OSMO Action 4 can be found for half the price at the moment.

$269 on Amazon

Insta360

feature: Waterproof 12m (without shell), 60m (with waterproof shell), theme tracking, slow motion, time liberating, stability, dashboard | connect: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, USB-C | Storage media: microSD | sensor: 1/1.3-inch CMOS | Photo resolution: 50MP (8192×6144) | Video resolution: 8k | Video format: mp4 | Optical zoom: Not specified | Internal storage capacity: Nothing

The Insta360 also builds a regular non-360-degree action camera, and the Ace Pro 2 is perfect for creators. It is the only one who can shoot at 8k 30fps (or 4K at up to 120fps), providing spectacular detail, while the 1/1.3-inch sensor has solids in low light. Importantly, for Vlogger, it comes with a large flip screen, making it easier to compose when shooting. However, it is not as flexible as its competitors, as the flip screen adds weight and size, making the Ace Pro 2 both bulkier and heavier than its competitors.

$400 on Amazon

Things to consider before choosing an action camera

Action cameras have certain features that can separate them from regular cameras or smartphones. The most important thing is water resistance, making them resistant to water, dust and shock. Nowadays, most action cameras are waterproof cameras without a separate housing. At the same time, you can purchase housing accessories to make them waterproof to a greater depth.

Video quality is also key. Each model we recommend is at least 4K 60fps, but models like GoPro’s latest Hero 13 can improve video resolution up to 5.3k 60fps, and even use the 8k 30p of the Insta360 Ace Pro 2. , allows you to play and capture vertical videos on higher social media. Another nice feature is log video, which improves dynamic range while shooting on sunny contrast day – many new models now support HDR for a more dynamic lens. Plus, if you shoot in a dim environment, you will want the largest sensor to get the best low-light performance, just like a high-end camera or mirrorless system.

For activities with bumps and vibrations like mountain bikes, image stabilization is very important. You want your video to look smooth, but you still need to convey the thrill and speed of the action. Hero 13 remains the top pick in this regard, providing shockless videos that make viewers feel like they are following a bike path or ski slope without annoying digital artifacts. The DJI and Insta360 products are good, but not exactly at that level.

Some action cameras are easier to handle and use, so that should be taken into account. You will need bright and colorful displays, both front and back, and you don’t have to fumble to find and easy to use menus. The remote control is another factor that can simplify operation. And, you need to check which software can improve image stability, edit videos, delete selfie sticks, etc. Also, be aware of compatibility with third-party accessories or applications that can extend the actions the camera can perform.

Then there is the area for accessories. Do you need a helmet or chest mount, an extra battery, a waterproof case or a quick SD card? GoPro is the most numerous, but DJI makes convenient wireless microphones that can be connected directly to the camera. Of course, battery life is crucial for action shooting, as it is difficult to change when surfing.

admin 12 hours ago

0 2 7 minutes read