Compare Our Top Pick Action Cameras
The B-Roll
Some of our previous picks remain good cameras, though their features lag behind more recent releases.
DJI’s Osmo Action 4 Camera for $225: The Action 4 is a fantastic action camera. The magnetic mounting system is the best we’ve tried, the menu system makes switching between modes a snap, and the resulting photos and video are great. The Action 5 trumps it in a number of ways, but if you’re on a budget, this is an awesome camera and it integrates well into the DJI ecosystem.
All those cheap cameras on Amazon: Readers often ask, why spend $400 on a GoPro when they can get a camera with 4K video for $100? It’s a fair question, and the answer comes down to software, primarily image stabilization. Action cameras are designed to be strapped to helmets or clipped to your chest while you skydive, rock climb, and race through the city on a scooter. Without stabilization, the results are something even your closest friends won’t sit through. So yes, you’ll get 4K footage with the cheaper cams, but it’ll be footage no one wants to see. In our view, you’re better off spending another $100 for an older GoPro (Hero 10 or 11) on sale.
Best Accessories to Trick Out Your Camera
Photograph: Scott Gilbertson
Once you have an action camera, you’re good to go for most use cases. GoPro, Insta360, and DJI all provide helmet mounts and other ways to stick your camera where you want it. But there are some nice extras that can make getting that shot you’re dreaming of even easier. Here are a few:
A good microSD card: You may get an SD card with your camera. Insta360’s SD cards are pretty good actually, but I tend to use SanDisk’s Extreme Pro cards because they’re fast and, as a bonus, waterproof. You can pick up a 512-GB card for around $60. I also like Samsung’s Pro Plus microSD cards, which are a little faster in my tests. You can grab a 256-GB for around $60.
GoPro Media Mod for $80: GoPro’s sound is OK out of the box, but if you want higher-quality audio, this is where you start. Not because the Media Mod produces great sound—it’s better than the camera, but still not great. What if offers is a microphone jack. Plug in a high-quality microphone and you’ll finally have awesome sound. (Not recommended while skydiving.)
Handlebar/seatpost/pole mount for $40: This is my favorite mount for mountain biking, but it’ll also work on ski poles and any other round object you want to clamp it to.
Motorcycle accessory bundle for $50: If you ride, this mount for Insta360 cameras (Ace Pro, X5, etc) is a must-have. It’s one of the most secure clamps I’ve ever used, almost as good as a bench vice.
Yallsame tripod mount for $10: Action cameras offer many ways to mount them, but one that’s curiously missing is the traditional quarter-inch tripod screw mount. The GoPro Hero 13 has one, but this three-pack of adapters solves the problem for the others.
Polarizer and ND filters: If you shoot around water, through glass, or in any other high-glare situation, a polarizing filter will help cut that glare. Neutral density (ND) filters hold back light to let you shoot at a wider aperture in bright light, helping to increase the amount of motion blur. Both are great additions to your action camera kit. If you have the Hero 13 Black you can get the new GoPro ND filter Four-Pack ($70), which automatically adjusts the camera settings when attached. This is huge since getting the shutter speed right with ND filters can take some trial and error. The GoPro ND filters handle all that for you. If you don’t have a HEro 13, I’ve tested and like DJI’s ND filter set for the Action 5 ($75). For older GoPros, I like Freewell’s polarizing and ND filters ($20). I suggest starting with an 8-stop ND or combo ND and polarizing filter.
Floaty for $35: Another one for the water shooters, but well worth the money since it’ll keep your GoPro from ending up at the bottom of the sea. I haven’t tried it, but here’s one for DJI Action 5 ($15) and one for the Insta360 Ace Pro 2 ($20).
Selfie stick for $25: I’ve tested a lot of selfie sticks and they’re almost all fine, but I keep grabbing this Insta360 version when I head out the door. It’s lightweight, small enough to fit at the bottom of my bag, and it’s affordable. If you want to go big, this Insta360 Extended Edition Selfie Stick ($100) can imitate a low-flying drone, perfect for use in national parks and other places where drones are forbidden.
