In the realm of action cameras, GoPro has long been the reigning champion, known for its rugged design, exceptional video quality, and plethora of features tailored for adrenaline junkies and outdoor enthusiasts. However, with the rise of competitors offering their own take on the action camera market, such as DJI, Insta360, and Sony, consumers now have more choices than ever before.

The top action camera is essential for adventure shooting, whether it’s surfing or skydiving. From entry-level to high-end models, we’ve compiled a list of the top action cameras based on our testing and evaluation. With this detailed guide, you’ll be able to choose the best action camera for your needs and budget, no matter what you film. We have provided a comprehensive comparison between GoPro and its competitors, evaluating factors such as durability, video quality, and additional features, to help you make an informed decision when choosing the perfect action camera for your adventures.

Best Action Camera: GoPro Hero 12 Black (Around $400)

Going back to our former favorite, the GoPro Hero 11 Black, there isn’t much of a change with GoPro’s upgraded flagship. It captures high-resolution 5.3K video using the same 1/1.9in sensor and has an 8:9 aspect ratio, making it suitable for exporting to various social media platforms. Filmmakers now have the potential to shoot more dynamic range with the inclusion of HDR video and GP-Log compatibility, however low light remains an Achilles’ heel. We were impressed by the Hero 12 Black’s ability to capture bright scenes with clean and incredibly smooth footage, especially when combined with the return of 10-bit color option.

With the exception of a speckled exterior, the design is virtually indistinguishable. The Hero 12 Black has a 1/4-inch thread mount, making it compatible with tiny tripods, and it is also compatible with accessories that have been on earlier GoPro models. We found the basic Enduro battery to have average battery life, but the inclusion of Bluetooth audio capability is great because it eliminates the need to purchase the Media Mod to improve the built-in audio.

Cheap Action Camera: Akaso Brave 7 LE (Around $150)

For the money, the Akaso Brave 7 LE has an amazing array of features. It ought to be toward the top of your list if weather sealing and a front-facing screen are more important to you than pure video quality. We found the touchscreen interface to be incredibly user-friendly, and the model’s audio quality to be superior to any of the non-GoPro models we’ve tested (in less noisy settings, at least).

While the 4K video quality is respectable, it falls short of the other features offered by the Brave 7 LE, which is the only minor drawback. Its electronic image stabilization is adequate but not exceptional, and its reliance on noise reduction in low light makes for grainy video. Still, it’s one of the greatest action cameras you can buy, and it offers more capabilities than any other action cam on the market at that price point.

Best Premium 8k Camera: Insta360 Ace Pro (Around $ 575)

The Insta360 Ace Pro, a rugged wide-angle fighter, boasts 8K video output, making it the first action cam of its kind. Many may find that quality, along with the 48MP stills it can capture and the hefty price tag, to be excessive. However, the Ace Pro is your best bet for tough 8K recording.

The Ace Pro was well-built in our review. It weighs in around 179.8g, making it heavier than its rivals and giving it a robust feel in the hand. We also gave it high marks for its top-hinged flip-up screen, which lets you take selfies with more responsive controls than competing products from GoPro and DJI. A magnetic base plate allows for easy swapping between mounting choices, and there are plenty of them.

With a sensor that was co-engineered with Leica, the image quality is absolutely top-notch. Excellent clarity, vibrant colors, and strong noise-handling in low light (with the help of AI processing) were the results we observed across all resolutions. When it comes to balancing illumination with high contrast, Active HDR does a decent job, and the stabilization features of FlowState and Horizon Lock have been tested and confirmed to work.

Best Value for Money Alternative for GoPro: DJI Osmo Action 4 (Around $300)

The Action 4, like its forerunner, is an attempt to take on the newest GoPro models. Consequently, it uses a bigger 1/1.3-inch sensor to fix the Action 3’s biggest issue. While video resolution stays at 4K/120p, stills resolution drops to 10MP. The biggest distinction is the size of the pixels; in our testing, we found that the Action 4 collected more light than the Hero 12 Black, even in low light.

The 10-bit color D-Log profile from DJI is also useful for the Action 4. Our testing shows that this significantly improves the dynamic range and color depth, allowing for more accurate capture of highlights and cleaner shadows. Unfortunately, shooting close-ups becomes more of a challenge due to the higher minimum focus distance caused by the larger sensor and wide 155-degree lens. Additionally, the microSD memory marginally reduces overall performance.

Concluding Remarks

Competitiveness among action camera manufacturers like GoPro and others keeps things interesting and gives adventurers more choices. Every camera has its own set of advantages and disadvantages, catering to various tastes and price points. For example, the GoPro Hero 12 Black is known for its unrivaled performance, while the Akaso Brave 7 LE is known for its affordable adaptability. While GoPro continues to dominate the market, premium solutions like the Insta360 Ace Pro are pushing the limits with revolutionary technologies. DJI Osmo Action 4 is an alternative that aims to rival GoPro with innovative features and improved image quality.

There is an action camera for everyone, regardless of how important features, video quality, or longevity are. With the ever-changing market and the introduction of new innovations, thrill seekers can be confident that they will have all the necessary equipment to record their most thrilling moments with unparalleled clarity, precision, and excitement. The ideal action camera is now available and ready to go on your next adventure, be it on land, sea, or in the sky.