Compare our top pick action cameras
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Some of our previous picks have good cameras, although their features lag behind more recent releases.
DJI’s Osmo Action 4 camera for $225: The Action 4 is a great action camera. The magnetic mounting system is the best we’ve tried, the menu system makes switching between modes very easy, and the resulting photos and videos are great. The Action 5 beats it in many ways, but if you have the budget, it’s an amazing 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 depends on the software, primarily image stabilization. The action camera is designed to be strapped to a helmet or strapped to your chest as you skydive, rock climb, and ride around town on a scooter. Without stabilization, the results will be something that even your closest friends would not approve of. So yes, you will get 4K footage with a cheap cam, but it will be footage that no one will want to see. In our opinion, you’re better off spending the extra $100 for an older GoPro (Hero 10 or 11) that’s on sale.
The Best Accessories for Tricking Your Camera
Photograph: Scott Gilbertson
Once you have an action camera, you’re ready to go for most use cases. GoPro, Insta360, and DJI all offer helmet mounts and other ways to stick your camera wherever you want. But there are some nice extra features that can make it even easier to get the shot you’ve been dreaming of. Here are some:
a good microSD card: You may have received an SD card with your camera. Insta360’s SD cards are really great, but I use SanDisk’s Extreme Pro cards because they’re faster 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 slightly faster in my tests. You can get a 256-GB one for around $60.
GoPro Media Mod for $80: The GoPro’s sound is fine out of the box, but if you want high-quality audio, start here. Not because the media mod produces great sound—it’s better than the camera, but still not great. What if the offer is a microphone jack. Plug in a high-quality microphone and you’ll end up with amazing sound. (Not recommended when skydiving.)
Handlebar/seatpost/pole mount for $40:This is my favorite mount for mountain biking, but it will 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. This is one of the most secure clamps I have ever used, almost as good as a bench vice.
Yelsem tripod mount for $10: Action cameras offer several ways to mount them, but one that’s 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 others.
Polarizer and ND Filter: If you’re shooting around water, through glass, or in any other high-glare situation, a polarizing filter will help cut down on that glare. Neutral density (ND) filters block light to let you shoot at wider apertures in bright light, helping to increase the amount of motion blur. Both are great additions to your action camera kit. If you have a Hero 13 Black you can get the new GoPro ND Filter Four-Pack ($70), which automatically adjusts camera settings when attached. This is huge because getting the shutter speed right with an ND filter may require some trial and error. GoPro ND filters handle all this for you. If you don’t have a Hero 13, I tested DJI’s ND filter set for the Action 5 ($75) and I liked it. For older GoPros, I like Freewell’s Polarizing and ND Filter ($20). I recommend starting with an 8-stop ND or combo ND and polarizing filter.
Floaty for $35: Another one for water shooters, but worth the money as it will keep your GoPro from sinking to the bottom of the ocean. I haven’t tried it, but here’s one for the 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 grab this Insta360 version whenever I head out the door. It’s lightweight, small enough to fit in the bottom of my bag, and it’s affordable. If you want to go something bigger, this Insta360 Extended Edition Selfie Stick ($100) can mimic a low-flying drone, perfect for use in national parks and other locations where drones are prohibited.