Best Action Camera + How to Choose

Are you looking for a camera you can take anywhere? A camera that will survive hiking in the rain, snorkelling in the Caribbean, white water rafting in Colorado, or skiing in the Alps?

Well, you’re in the right place. With our guide to the best action cameras on the market today, we’re going to help you find the right action camera for you.

I bought my first action camera for a summer trip to Finland in 2014, when I knew I was going to be doing a lot of water-based activities like swimming and kayaking. For that I knew I would need a more sporty, waterproof camera. The first action camera I bought was a Go Pro Hero 3, which certainly got the job done.

It has started to age a bit though, so I’ve recently upgraded to an AKASO action camera. This does everything I need in an action camera, which is basically to perform in situations where I’d not want to take my main camera, and was definitely the right choice for me.

As with any buying decision, there are many factors to consider when it comes to buying an action camera. In this post, we’re going to go through all the various features you need to look out for when buying an action camera so you can make the right decision based on your specific needs.

There are a lot of choices of action camera across a variety of manufacturers, ranging from well-known brands through to some options you might be less familiar with.

And whilst they are all designed to be able to withstand more extreme operating conditions than your average camera, they differ when it comes to price, features, and accessories.

Hopefully, by the end of this post you’ll know exactly what to look for in an action camera, and also have some ideas as to which action camera is going to be best for you from our selection.

Of course, there are a lot of different cameras out there for all kinds of different uses. If you read through this guide and think an action camera might not be for you, check out some of our other camera buying guides.

These include our guide to the best travel camera, the best camera for backpacking and hiking, the best compact camera, the best mirrorless camera and the best DSLR camera.

Now, let’s get started with our guide to the best action camera, starting by answering the question of what an action camera is!

 

What is an Action Camera?

An action camera is a specific type of camera which is designed for capturing photos and videos of action. This action might vary, and will include anything from swimming and diving, through to mountain biking, skiing, skateboarding and more.

Due to the range of environments that an action camera will need to work in, they are usually designed to offer weather resistance, water proofing, impact protection and more. They are also usually simple to operate so you can focus on catching the moment rather than worrying about settings.

Basically, an action camera will usually survive situations and scenarios where you wouldn’t want to take your normal camera, and still let you capture some great moments, be those photos or videos.

 

What to look for in an Action Camera

The action camera market is packed with options and buzzwords. To help you decide on the right camera for you, we’ve come up with some of the most important factors you should consider when picking an action camera, so you can more easily narrow down the options to one that suits your needs.

 

Sensor Size

The sensor is arguably the most important part of any camera, as it is what actually captures and records the light information and saves it as an image file. A sensor in a camera is the digital equivalent of a roll of film.

Camera sensors come in a variety of sizes. Note that this relates to the physical size of the sensor rather than the megapixel count.

Smaller sensors are found in smaller cameras like smartphones and compact cameras, whilst larger sensors are found in larger cameras like mirrorless cameras and DSLR cameras.

The size of the sensor directly impacts the performance of the camera, particularly when there is less light available. A smaller sensor won’t perform as well in low light situations, which is why you might find your smartphone doesn’t take great photos at night.

For an action camera, the sensor is also very important. Action photography often requires high shutter speed to freeze the action. If you read my guide to the exposure triangle, you’ll know that faster shutter speeds let less light in, meaning the sensor has to be capable of working with less light and still getting a great image.

Most action cameras have fairly small sensors, around the same size as that found in a compact camera.

Usually they are 1/2.3″ sensors. However, some action cameras have larger one-inch sensors, which means better low light performance, and the ability to capture amazing photos and videos even at higher shutter speeds.

 

Aperture Size

The aperture is the hole inside the camera lens that lets the light through. In the majority of action cameras, the aperture is fixed open to allow the maximum amount of light through. In general, the wider the aperture, the more the light, and so the better the performance of the camera – everything else being equal.

The aperture will be marked as a number preceded by an “f/”, for example, f/4 or f/1.8. The small the number after the “f/”, the wider the aperture. Most action cameras have an aperture that falls into the f/1.8 – f/4 range.

As a general rule of thumb, look for wider apertures that will let more light in.

 

Focal Length / Zoom

All camera lenses have what is known as a focal length. This is the case even for cameras where you can’t actually change the lens, including action cameras, compact cameras, and smartphones.

In simple terms the focal length lets you know how much of the scene you can capture with the camera. It’s a number measured in mm, with smaller mm being able to capture a wider field of view, and bigger numbers capturing less field of view.

If a camera has a zoom, all this means is that you can change the focal length from one setting to another setting, letting you make objects seems further away or closer.

Most action cameras have a fixed focal length, so they have no zoom option. This is usually quite wide, meaning you get a lot of the scene into the shot. This is by design, as you often have the camera mounted quite close to whatever it is you are filming, and a wider field of view lets you capture more of the shot.

An action camera might have the option of a digital zoom. However, this is usually just a crop feature – it’s not actually changing the focal length, all it is doing is zooming in digitally on a part of the sensor to simulate zoom. This results in lower quality results, and isn’t usually of much value.

Extremely wide-angle lenses can lead to distortion or so called “fish-eye” effects, where the horizon starts to curve inwards. Some people like this look, but if you don’t like it, you can usually fix it in post-processing with lens corrections software.

Note that often action cameras don’t list the focal length in mm, instead sharing the field of view in degrees. 180 degrees would mean that everything in front of the camera is going to be captured, and then smaller number mean less and less of the scene will be in shot.

We’d suggest that for an action camera you are likely going to want as wide a field of view as possible to get all the action in. Generally 140 degrees or wider is ideal.

 

Photo / Video Modes

The main reason you are buying an action camera is to record action, either as still photos or as videos.

Action cameras have a wide range of shooting options, and it’s important to understand what the camera can do before you decide to buy it.

In evaluating an action camera’s photography capabilities, you’ll want to know the megapixel rating of the camera as a starting point. This will tell you the resolution of the images. 12MP would be the minimum to aim for. Higher isn’t necessarily better, but it will mean you can crop your images a bit more.

The camera will also likely have a number of photo modes. For example, it might be able to shoot time lapses or high-speed burst shots. The importance of these modes will vary depending on whether or not you plan to do time lapse photography or shoot fast action scenes with the camera.

For video, there will be a variety of different film formats that the camera will be able to take. The main capability you need to look at to start with are the resolution that the camera can shoot at, and the frame rate to go with that.

Most action cameras these days can shoot at 4K resolution. They will also likely include support for lower resolutions, perhaps 1080 and 720. As well as the resolution, they will be able to shoot at different frame rates.

For example, if a camera supports 4K/60, that means it can capture very high-resolution video at 60 frames a second. This will give you really smooth results, and also give you more flexibility when it comes to slow motion scenes.

Speaking of slow motion, many cameras also feature slow motion video at very high frame rates, meaning you can slow action down a tremendous amount. Usually this requires a lot of processing power, and most cameras will shoot high frame rate video at lower resolutions as a result.

If slow motion video of action footage is important to you, definitely make sure the camera has the capability to shoot high frame rate video at a resolution that works for your production needs.

 

RAW recording

As with many other types of camera, some action cameras support shooting photos in RAW. RAW is basically an image file type where the uncompressed image data is directly saved to the camera’s memory card without editing applied to it.

You can read much more about RAW in my guide to RAW in photography.

From a photography perspective, RAW gives you more control over the final file as it’s uncompressed. RAW files also take up more space.

Ideally, you will want to buy a camera that at least gives you the option to shoot both in JPEG and RAW if possible, so you have the flexibility should you choose to use it.

Of course, if you don’t plan to do any major post-edit processing of your photos, this function may not be important to you.

 

Waterproofing

One of the main reasons to buy an action camera is because it can be used anywhere—even underwater. However, not all action cameras are created equally when it comes to waterproofing.

Some action cameras are waterproof as they are, without needing any kind of external housing.

Usually, this waterproofing capability will work down to depths of around 10 metres, which is fine for most uses except for diving. After this rated depth, you would need to use a special waterproofing case to ensure the camera is still waterproof.

However, some action cameras are not waterproof at all. For these, you will need to get a special waterproof case in order protect your action camera from water damage.

In either situation, the waterproof housing will add bulk to the camera, and may also increase the price of the camera as they aren’t always included in the package. Ideally you would get a camera that is either waterproof out of the box, or includes the waterproof case as part of the package.

 

Screen

In the old days of action cameras, they were very simple devices without any kind of screen at all. You just had to point them in the direction of your subject, hit the shutter button, and hope for the best. This was the case with the first action camera I bought, the GoPro Hero3.

Thankfully, for the most part, this situation has significantly improved!

The majority of action cameras on the market today offer a screen so you can see what you are taking a picture or video of. This makes it a lot easier to frame your shot. Some also offer a second screen on the front of the camera, which makes taking selfies a lot easier.

Screens vary in capability. Some offer touchscreen functionality for example, whilst others might flip out to make taking selfies easier. They may also have different resolutions, with higher resolution screens displaying sharper images. This isn’t that important, but can make reviewing photos in the moment easier.

We’d suggest picking an action camera with a screen these days. A touchscreen is also nice to have, but isn’t necessarily essential as most cameras have a decent set of buttons for configuration. In addition, the touchscreens don’t work when they are wet or underwater.

 

Connectivity

Nearly every action camera on the market these days comes with some sort of wireless connectivity feature, be it wireless or Bluetooth.

This connectivity can be used for a number of features, including remotely controlling the camera, changing settings, reviewing images, and even copying images wirelessly to your phone.

Usually, you will need to download a companion app to your phone in order for this to work, and you will want to check if an app is available for your device in advance if this sort of functionality is important to you.

We think using your smartphone as a remote is definitely an important feature of an action camera, so definitely keep connectivity in mind when researching models.

 

Voice Control

This is a relatively new feature that some action cameras have started to include. Voice control does what you think it would—it lets you trigger camera functions with your voice.

To be honest, we think this feature is a bit gimmicky. Whilst the ability to take a photo hands-free with your voice sounds useful, the reality is that the number of times you’ll want to yell out commands at your camera is probably quite low.

Still, it’s a nice to have a feature that you might find yourself using, so keep it in mind when considering extra features if you think you’ll use it.

 

Bundled Accessories / Available Accessories

This is actually quite a big consideration when buying an action camera. Usually, you are going to need a number of accessories to get the most out of an action camera.

These accessories might include mounting systems so you can attach the camera to your bike / surfboard / helmet, a waterproof housing, spare batteries, a selfie-stick, memory cards, and more.

Obviously, all these accessories can quickly add up in price. Some cameras come with a number of accessories included, but most require you to buy them.

In terms of essentials, we think a spare battery, memory card and some sort of selfie-stick or mounting system are definitely required purchases when you buy an action camera.

The more popular action camera brands like GoPro tend to have a lot of accessories available for purchase, both made by GoPro and from third parties, whilst less popular brands might have fewer options available. That said, many cameras are compatible with the GoPro range of accessories, so it is worth checking this when making a buying decision, as this will open up a wide world of accessories.

 

Specialization

Before you buy your action camera, you should definitely consider what you want to use it for exactly. Different manufacturers have created cameras that are better for some things than others.

Maybe you want a camera that is better for slow motion, or one that is going to be better for vlogging, or perhaps one that you can attach to your mountain bike that will track your route by GPS.

If you have a specific scenario in mind like that, then definitely look to see if there’s a specific camera designed for your kind of action. Whilst all the action cameras on our list are generally good for action, some of them are definitely more specialized in certain areas than others.

 

Battery Life

Because most action cameras are quite small, the majority of them have a fairly limited battery life. This is especially the case if you plan on using them to shoot high quality video.

Most of them will average around an hour of non stop video shooting before you need to switch batteries. They nearly all charge via USB, but you are definitely going to want to consider buying extra batteries depending on your needs.

 

Weight / Size

Most action cameras are pretty compact and small and travel well. This is because they are designed to be attached to a helmet or other part of your body, and so a lighter camera is going to be less cumbersome for getting those great shots.

When buying a camera, whatever kind it is, weight and size are important to think about, especially in relation to what you plan to do with the camera. It’s also worth considering the weight of any accessories you plan to buy.

 

Price

Obviously, budget is going to be a major factor when it comes to picking an action camera. Prices vary wildly, from cameras priced at the very budget end, through to cameras priced in the hundreds of dollars.

We’d suggest that you should aim for around $150 at the budget end, and expect to pay $300 – $400 for a more high-end camera. Don’t forget any accessories or spare batteries you might need for your camera, which will also add to the overall cost.

Whilst you can pick up cameras for well under $100, in our experience you do get what you pay for. Someone bought me a really cheap action camera once, before I bought my first GoPro, and the image and video quality left something to be desired.

Of course, if you really want an action camera and don’t have the budget, there are models available. You might also consider the second-hand market, or picking up a slightly older model of one of our recommendations instead of the newest version.

It’s also worth considering the use of your camera. If you are a content creator who does a lot of action photography and video work, then you will likely want a really high-quality camera, and so spending a bit more might be worth it.

On the other hand, if the camera is just going to be used for one or two trips a year, perhaps to capture some water based fun or other action adventure, then a cheaper camera will likely make more sense.

For us, we don’t do a great deal of video work, and we don’t do too many adventure activities that require a dedicated camera. For this reason, we use a more budget oriented action camera (currently the AKASO Brave 7 LE) that does everything we need but doesn’t break the bank.

 

Best Action Camera 2024

Here’s our guide to the best action cameras on the market today. We’ve tried to include for each camera all the relevant information from our list of what to look for, but not every manufacturer provides every detail unfortunately.

We’ve also included only the more recent cameras released onto the market. Many brands have tried to launch into the action camera market, but after a strong first offering, they’ve not updated their products with the latest technology.

The technology in the action camera space moves quickly, and whilst cameras like the TomTom Bandit (2015) and Olympus TG-Tracker (2016) were good in their day, they have been superseded by more capable and less expensive alternatives.

This list is approximately ordered by price, starting with least expensive and moving to more expensive options. However, prices can change, so this might vary.

Let’s get started!

 

AKASO V50 Elite

If you are looking for a more budget oriented action camera, then we can definitely recommend the action cameras from AKASO. We have used and travelled with both the V50 Elite and the Brave LE model a little further on in the post.

The AKASO v50 Elite is one of AKASO’s more premium action cameras. Features include video at up to 4K/60fps and slow-motion video at 720p/240fps. Photos can be shot at 20MP on the 1/2.3″ sensor.

There’s a touch screen, electronic image stabilisation, voice control, Wi-Fi connectivity and RAW support. It shoots at up to a 170 degree field of view, which is very wide, and battery life is around 90 minutes for video. Note that image stabilisation is only supported at video resolutions of 4K/30fps and below.

The camera isn’t waterproof by itself, but it does come with an included waterproof case, which will let you use it down to 131 feet / 40 metres underwater.

What we really like about this camera is that it comes with pretty much everything you need to get going. The package includes 2 batteries, a battery charger, the waterproof case, a wide variety of attachments and tethers, and a remote control.

We think this makes it a great value proposition, and in fact this is the action camera that we currently use. It might not produce the absolute highest quality video or audio, or have the most advance image stabilization, but unless you are shooting professionally, we think this is a great budget action camera for general use.

In our opinion, the AKASO range offers compelling features at a very affordable price compared to many of the other cameras on our list. They are particularly good if you are looking for an action camera with all the features and accessories but at an affordable price point for the odd trip rather than professional level video production.

Check price on Amazon here

 

Akaso Brave 7 LE

If you love the sound of the AKASO v50 Elite but would prefer something with a front facing screen and built-in water resistance, I have good news for you!

The Akaso Brave 7 LE, launched in 2020, offers you just that.

Key upgrades over the v50 Elite are the dual colour screens, one on the front which is perfect for selfies, and the touchscreen on the back for everything else. It also has a water-resistant body that can withstand immersion in 1 metre / 3.3 feet of water for up to 30 minutes.

So you don’t need to worry about putting it in the case if it looks like rain, or it’s going to get splashed on a trip. Of course, there’s also a case which comes with it, which will let you go all the way down to 131 feet / 40 metres if you wish.

Otherwise the specifications are fairly similar to the Akaso V50 Elite. It is missing 4k/60fps recording, instead topping out at 4K/30fps. You also don’t get the super slow motion 720p/240fps, instead the highest frame rate is 720p/120fps.

However it does have improved image stabilization for smoother footage. You also get a huge range of accessories, which is standard with Akaso gear from what I can tell. So you get an external battery charger, remote control, two spare batteries, waterproof housing, cables, a lens cloth and a wide array of mounts.

It is slightly more expensive than the V50 Elite. You’ll have to decide for yourself if the extra screen and water resistance are worth it for you, and there are a couple of trade-offs in terms of the higher frame rates.

Overall though, we think this camera offers excellent value for money, and this is our current go-to camera for action photography.

Note in 2022 Akaso launched the Brave 8. This offers better performance and a larger sensor, but at quite a price hike. We think most people will be happy with the 7LE, but it’s up to you!

Check price on Amazon here

 

GoPro Hero 9 Black

The GoPro brand is pretty much synonymous with action cameras. This is to be expected, given that they pretty much invented the category.

Since the company launched its first action camera in 2004 (it used 35mm film!), it has released a number of models under the HERO brand. Our first action camera was the GoPro Hero 3.

For a long time, we recommended the GoPro Hero 7 Silver as the more budget-friendly GoPro option. However, the GoPro Hero9 is almost the same price, and offers some significant upgrades to the Silver, including front and rear screens.

The Hero9 camera is waterproof down to 10 metres / 33 feet without needing a special housing, although you can buy a waterproof housing for deeper diving.

The 23.6MP 1/2.3″ sensor sits behind a 15mm f/2.8 aperture lens and can capture still images at 10MP. Video can be shot at 5K/30fps and 4K/60fps. It also supports 120fps and 240fps at lower resolutions for slow motion. It supports shooting at up to a 149 degree field of view for wide shots.

The camera has built in electronic image stabilization. GoPro stabilization, dubbed “HyperSmooth”, is regarded as some of the best in the business. So if you need super stable video footage, it’s definitely worth considering. You also get GPS tracking, and timelapse modes. The camera supports WiFi connectivity for remote control.

As you might expect, GoPro cameras probably have the widest choice of accessories on the market, although the basic kit doesn’t come with much beyond the camera itself. So you’ll need to budget a bit for some extra accessories.

Battery life is rated from 90- 100 minutes of video depending on resolution.

If you want a good value camera from a very well-established brand that will produce great quality video and photo, it’s hard to go wrong with a GoPro. If you want something even more full featured, see the more expensive and newer GoPro Black camera further on in the guide.

Check price on Amazon here and B&H here

 

DJI Osmo Action

DJI are very well known for producing some of the most popular drones on the market today. However, they have also gotten into the action camera market, launching the DJI Osmo Action in 2019.

This camera has some unique features that make it a compelling option. The main differentiator it has over the cameras in our action camera roundup is the fact that it has two full color screens, one on the front of the camera, and one touchscreen on the back.

This makes using the camera for selfies a lot easier, as you can see exactly what you are shooting.

The camera is also waterproof down to 11 metres / 36ft without a case.

Specs wise, you are looking at an f/2.8 aperture camera paired with a 12MP 1/2.3″ sensor which offers a 145 degree field of view. This can shoot 4K/60fps, and supports 240fps slow motion at 1080p. There’s also built in electronic image stabilization, which works at up to 4K/60fps.

Other features include HDR video at up to 4K/30fps, RAW photo support, time lapse modes, and WiFi connectivity for remote control with a smartphone. It also has voice control, but does lack GPS.

Battery life varies between 60 minutes and 135 minutes, depending on the video resolution.

This is definitely an excellent action camera which competes directly with the top of the range GoPro model. It offers superb image stabilization, a full range of photo and video modes, and those two screens make composing your shots a lot easier when you want to include yourself in the shot as well.

Check price on Amazon here, B&H here and Adorama here

 

GoPro Hero 11 Black

The current top of the range GoPro camera is the Hero 11 Black. It is definitely the most costly GoPro on the market, but it has a lot of features to justify the price bump.

The sensor is 1/1.9″, with a 27MP resolution. The camera has up to a 151 degree field of view, and supports shooting all the way up to 5.3K/60fps.

Of course, lots of other modes are also available, including 4K/120fps shooting as well as 2.7k/240fps, meaning you can capture great slow motion. The camera is also waterproof down to 10 metres / 33 feet without a housing.

Upgraded technology includes a “superphoto mode”, which aims to let photographers capture better images by analysing the scene and adjusting the camera’s settings. It also comes with Protune mode which lets you set advanced features like shutter speed and white balance for both photo and video.

You also get voice control, GPS tagging, WiFi, NFC and Bluetooth connectivity as well as the ability to stream live to Facebook directly from your camera. There’s also a front facing full color screen that makes capturing videos and photos with you in them a lot easier.

The video stabilization technology on the Hero 11 Black, called HyperSmooth 5, is definitely a step up from previous models in general. It is regarded as being among the best stabilization technologies on the market today. If you’re looking for smooth stabilised video, this would definitely be our first pick.

If you don’t want to spend too much time comparing specifications and features and the price fits within your budget, we don’t think you’ll be disappointed by this camera. GoPro are experts in the field of action cameras, and this is a superb camera with very few downsides.

Check price on Amazon here and B&H here

 

Insta360 Go 3

If you can’t decide between an ultraportable action camera and one with a screen, then we’d highly recommend checking out the Insta360 Go 3, which offers the best of both worlds, and is one of the action cameras we currently use.

The camera itself is tiny, weighing around 35g (1.2oz). Despite the diminutive size it’s still fully featured though, supporting 2.7K video. It’s also waterproof without a housing and features a powerful magnet system which allows you to mount and attach it almost anywhere.

If you use the camera on its own then there’s no screen. However, pop it into the “action pod” and it turns into a more traditional looking action camera with a full size tiling touchscreen, control buttons and additional battery life.

Check price on Amazon here.

 

Insta360 X3

Most cameras on the market today shoot what’s in front of you. However, if you want to capture all the action, then you might consider a 360-degree action camera.

 

If that’s the case, then the brand we recommend is Insta360. They’ve been making 360-degree cameras for a number of years, and we have used a number of their cameras on trips around the world.

Their latest 360 action camera is the Insta360 X3. It comes with two cameras, meaning it can capture a 360-degree view of the world at 5.7K. It’s no slouch at photography either, able to capture a 72MP 360-degree photo.

That means that you can get the shot and then crop down as you wish to frame the exact action moment you want. Alternatively, you can shoot with a single lens if you want. Both front and rear facing cameras are equipped with a 1/2″ 48MP sensor. It also supports HDR mode and is waterproof to 33ft (10 metres).

If you are looking for a 360-degree action camera, this is the one to get.

Check price on Amazon here and B&H here

 

Insta 360 ONE RS Twin Edition

If you can’t decide between a standard action camera and a 360-degree action camera, then check out the Insta 360 ONE RS Twin Edition.

This action camera offers the unique capability, amongst action cameras anyway, that you can actually switch out the lenses. So you can switch between the 4K boost lens for traditional action camera content, and the 5.7K 360 lens when you want to capture a 360-degree view of the world.

You also get FlowState stabilization for smooth video, waterproofing down to 5m / 16.4ft, 3K/100fps slow motion support, a full color touchscreen, support for HDR Photo and Video as well as RAW support.

Overall this makes for a very flexible action camera that should get you some great shots.

Check price on Amazon here and B&H here

 

Sony RX0 II

If photos are more important to you than video, then we would suggest taking a look at Sony’s RX0 II camera. Sony have somehow managed to cram a 1-inch sensor into this action camera body, meaning higher quality images and video than most action cameras.

Other features include 4K video at 30fps, 1080p at 120fps, and a rather staggering 960fps at 1136×384. Sure, that last option is a very low resolution, but at least the option is there if you want it.

It has full manual controls and will shoot in RAW as well, with still support up to 15.3MP. The camera is waterproof without a housing down to 10 metres / 33 feet, not to mention crush and drop proof from around 2 metres.

The lens is a fixed 24mm with an f/4.0 aperture. This fixed focal length offers a more narrow field of view than most other action cameras, so you’ll be capturing less of the action. The aperture is also a little more narrow than other cameras.

The camera features a flip screen (no touch interface though), which is also uncommon on an action camera, and makes filming yourself a lot easier. Battery life is about average, at around 60 minutes (the battery is removable) and it weighs 132g.

It has electronic image stabilization, but this isn’t as capable as that offered by competitors like GoPro, and the focus tracking is also limited. So this camera is really more suited to shooting on a tripod or for slower scenes, rather than blasting down the side of a mountain at high speed.

Overall, we think this camera is ideally suited for vloggers or photographers who want a camera that will withstand tough conditions but still get great images. If you’re going backpacking or hiking for example, this would be an awesome action camera to take with you.

However, for more extreme action, we’d suggest one of the other models on our list, as the image stabilisation is likely to be better, the cost will be lower, and the wider field of view will let you get more in.

Check price on Amazon here, B&H here and Adorama here

 

Action Camera Accessories

Once you’ve bought your action camera, you are going to need a few accessories to get the most out of it. Some of the camera on our list come with some accessories, whilst others will require you to purchase these separately.

Fast memory cards

Unless you buy your action camera as a bundle, it won’t come with a memory card. All the cameras in this guide use MicroSD cards, so you’re going to want to buy at least one memory card so you can use your camera.

Memory cards are not created equally. For 4K video, you’re going to need a fast memory card. Fast means it supports write speeds of at least 80 – 100 megabits per second. Ideally this memory card would have a capacity of at least 64GB, so you can get plenty of footage and don’t have to worry about running out of space.

We’d recommend a UHS-I rated memory card at the minimum. You can also get a UHS-II memory card, which is faster, but most cameras don’t need the extra speed, and so the price premium isn’t justified.

For example, check out this Sandisk UHS-I MicroSD card

 

Underwater housing

Many of the action cameras in our guide are waterproof without any additional housing, but only down to a certain depth. Others are not waterproof at all, and require a housing.

So if you want to dive deeper than the rated depth, or the camera requires a housing and doesn’t come with one, then this is definitely going to be an accessory you want.

Different cameras will require different housings. This is the housing for the GoPro range to get you started.

 

Selfie Stick / Mounting system

One of the reasons to get an action camera is that it lets you get great photos in situations that a normal camera wouldn’t be able to get to. However, out of the box most action cameras need a few additional accessories to make them easier to use.

For example, if you plan on using your camera in the water, you’re going to want some kind of floating hand grip. If you want to capture adventure hands free, you might want a head strap, chest strap, or other mount system.

There’s a huge amount of accessories out there for action cameras, so figure out which is going to meet your requirements ahead of time, so you’re ready when the time comes to capture your epic adventures!

 

Spare Batteries / Battery Charger

If there’s one thing that nearly every action camera has in common, it’s relatively poor battery life. Shooting high resolution video, especially with stabilization enabled, can eat through battery life very quickly.

The good news is that nearly every camera in our list has removable batteries, so if your battery runs low, you can just switch to a fresh battery and keep recording the action.

If you get an extra battery, you’ll likely also want to get an external battery charger so you can charge your batteries whilst you are using the camera. You can buy batteries individually, or in a set with a charger.

 

Further Reading

And that’s it for our guide to the best action cameras. Hopefully you found it useful. Before you go, we wanted to share some more resources that we think you’ll find useful.

• If you want more camera gear advice, we also detailed guides to the best travel camera, as well as specific guides for the best compact camera, best mirrorless camera, best DSLR camera and best camera for hiking and backpacking.
• We also have a guide to the best camera lenses for those using mirrorless and DSLR cameras.
• We have a detailed guide to how to use a DSLR camera
• We have a beginner’s guide to photography to help you get started
• Knowing how to compose a great photo is a key photography skill. See our guide to composition in photography for lots of tips on this subject
• We have a detailed guide to the exposure triangle, which is a key photography concept to get to grips with
• We have a complete guide to depth of field in photography with tips on what it is and when you would want to use it.
• If you have a lens with a zoom feature, you can take advantage of something called lens compression to make objects seem closer together than they are.
• We are big fans of getting the most out of your digital photo files, and do to that you will need to shoot in RAW. See our guide to RAW in photography to understand what RAW is, and why you should switch to RAW as soon as you can.
• Whatever your camera, you’re going to need some way of editing your photos. See our guide to the best photo editing software, as well our our guide to the best laptops for photo editing
• We have a guide to improving Adobe Lightroom Classic CC performance. It’s our favourite editing software, but can be a bit slow if not properly configured!
• If you’re looking for advice on specific tips for different scenes, we also have you covered. See our guide to Northern Lights photography, long exposure photography, fireworks photography, tips for taking photos of stars, and cold weather photography for starters.
• You may hear photographers talking about a concept called back button focus. If you’ve ever wondered what that is, and want to know how to start using it, see our guide to back button focus.
• For landscape photography, you might find you need filters to achieve the look you want. See our guide to ND filters for more on that.
• If you’re looking for a great gift for a photography loving friend or family member (or yourself!), take a look at our photography gift guide for some inspiration
• We have a guide to why you need a tripod, and a guide to choosing a travel tripod
• Finally, if you want to improve your photography overall, you can join over 2,000 students on my travel photography course. I’ve been running this since 2016, and  it has helped lots of people take their photography to the next level.

And that’s it! As always, if you have any questions, comments or feedback on this post, just pop them in the comments section below, and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can!