The best things we can get out of travels and adventures are definitely memories. And one sure way of capturing it is with a camera.
Opting for an action camera spares you of the bulk of point-and-click cameras. They are usually body mounted cameras – on your headgear or the front part of your body. This way, your hands are free and you will not miss any moment.
An action camera also ensures you are not missing on capturing candid but priceless moments – that first bike jump, the last mountain ascend, or the momentous approach to the finish line. Since it is already digital, equipping it with a large-capacity memory card ensures that you capture all the moments you want. Some models can directly upload your videos and photos on cloud storage that you can access anytime.
The compactness of an action camera is also favorable for your adventure-packed trip. It is portable and easy to stash in your bag or pocket. You just have to be wary about the battery life if you don’t intend to bring the charger with you.
Another advantage of using an action camera is its image stabilization technology. This automatically makes up for movements by ensuring clear footage with less distortion and blur. It is best to opt for at least an action camera 4k for the best quality videos and photos.
Looking for the best sport cam for your next adventure? Your hunt ends here. Check out Top Best Reviewss’ most recommended action camera models you can bring with you on your next adventure.
The Best Action Camera for Your Next Adventure – (Comparison)
| Name | Key Feature | |
| GoPro HERO9 Black – Waterproof Action Camera – (Editor’s Choice) | The 20-megapixel camera shoots 5K-resolution videos | Check Price |
| DJI Osmo Action – 4K Action Cam | RockSteady technology ensures stable footages | Check Price |
| Insta360 ONE X2 360 Degree Waterproof Action Camera | 5.7K resolution videos captured at a 360-degree angle | Check Price |
GoPro HERO9 Black – Waterproof Action Camera – Editor’s Choice
You’ll definitely encounter fewer arguments about GoPro always bringing the best action camera models to the table. And this latest action camera on the line is something irresistible – whether you are looking at purchasing your first sports camera or upgrading to a new one.
This action camera’s best asset is its video stabilization technology. You capture smooth videos with impeccable clarity. It is complemented by the HyperSmooth 3.0 technology that allows for in-camera horizon leveling both in photos and videos. GoPro claims it to be the best in its class to date.
The GoPro HERO9 Black – Waterproof Action Camera also boasts of its high-quality video resolution at 5K which is about seven times better than HD. That translates to more realistically looking and stunning footage that can help you relieve your moments as vividly as possible.
The latest in the GoPro line is now equipped with a 20-megapixel camera. This is a significant jump from the 12-megapixel resolution of its predecessor, the HERO8. And aside from capturing stunning and view-worthy photos, this action camera also has other features for you to maximize every video and photo opportunity.
This sports cam has a Live Burst feature that starts capturing 1.5 seconds before and after you press the shutter. You can also schedule when it will start capturing and set the duration of the capture.
As for the videos, you can also do both time-lapse and slow-motion (up to 8x). You can also take advantage of HindSight and start capturing 30 seconds before the activity starts so you sure will not miss a thing. Meanwhile, you can also Livestream your adventure by connecting it to your computer or laptop.
The GoPro HERO9 Black – Waterproof Action Camera comes in dual-display. The rear touch screen is now made larger for better control while the front display allows for easy framing.
Pros
- Shoots 5K-resolution videos
- Equipped with a 20-megapixel camera
- Live Burst, time-lapse, slow-motion (8x), Livestream
- Dual display (front display and a bigger rear touchscreen)
- Waterproof down to 33 feet
- Can do Live Streaming and function as Webcam
- Utilizes HyperSmooth 3.0 – with horizon leveling (video and photo); the best video stabilization technology for GoPro cameras to date
- Scheduled capture, Duration capture
Cons
- Expensive
Conclusion
Again, the GoPro HERO9 Black – Waterproof Action Camera still leads the race when it comes to action camera technology and ruggedness – perfect for adventure seekers and sportspeople.
DJI Osmo Action – 4K Action Cam
Bringing in some good competition on this list is this action camera from DJI. It utilizes the RockSteady technology to ensure smooth, clear, and stable footage even they are captured in action.
This small camera can shoot 4K resolution HDR videos and capture scenes with its 12-megapixel, 145-degree wide-angle camera guaranteeing professional quality footage of your most precious adventures.
The DJI Osmo Action – 4K Action Cam provides intuitive controls and settings for your convenience. This eases you from maximizing your action camera’s features and divert more time to enjoying the moments while it captures them all.
This tiny camera has two displays – the front one allows you to frame your shots well within any background while the wider rear display helps you set and review the settings and get yourself ready for the action.
Aside from touchscreen controls, the DJI Osmo also utilizes some in-camera buttons for accessibility. Yet, for more convenience, you can also use voice control to ask your action camera to do what it has to do – power on or off, capture photos, film, etc.
As a waterproof action camera, it can still work 11 meters down, capturing vividly beautiful underwater scenery in full motion. You can explore more ways of capturing the world around you with its slow-motion feature, allowing you to focus on details and wind down moments with raw emotions. Meanwhile, you can also cram the memories, sights, and actions in a time-lapse video.
To maximize this action camera’s features, you can purchase separate compatible accessories like a floating handle, a waterproof case (to extend the depths you can cover from 11 meters down to 60 meters), and a backup battery. With the right accessory, you can also use it as a motorcycle helmet cam.
Pros
- Captures 4K resolution HDR videos
- Equipped with a 12-megapixel camera
- RockSteady technology ensures stable footages
- Time-lapse and slow-motion videos
- Waterproof down to 11 meters
- Dual-display
- Voice command
- Custom mode
Cons
- Some users complain the camera getting damaged after being used in water
Conclusion
The DJI Osmo Action – 4K Action Cam’s RockSteady technology surely delivers what it promises – stunning, vivid, and noise-free action videos. This small video camera is also the most affordable piece on this list.
Insta360 ONE X2 360 Degree Waterproof Action Camera
Content creators will definitely love this action camera as it has tons of features for capturing and presenting moving stories with compelling details.
This 360 action camera can capture details around it, literally. You have the choice to orient it that way then choose the best angled shot later, or, just pick one lens for a more focused capture in ultra-wide-angle and more stabilized footage.
The Insta360 ONE X2 360 Degree Waterproof Action Camera can capture 5.7K resolution videos and uses the FlowState stabilization technology. Insta360 claims it to be the best in its class since it combines advanced stabilization and horizon-leveling algorithms for that visually appealing footage that unleashes your creative side.
In addition, it boasts professional AI editing features for the best expression of your art and real life. The invisible selfie stick automatically omits the wand in the videos for that realistic third-party shots or drone-like footage.
You can also use this action camera for live streaming and as a webcam – it integrates with your computer’s Zoom application, for example. This action camera is equipped with 4 microphones for 360-degree voice capture, great for conferences, podcast interviews, etc.
The Insta360 ONE X2 360 Degree Waterproof Action Camera is also a waterproof camera down to 10 meters. Then, you can further enhance the videos your waterproof digital camera captured by turning on the AquaVision setting in the app.
This action camera can also do time-lapse and slow-motion via the TimeLapse. The PureShot feature works on low-light scenarios by enhancing the subject while omitting photo noises around. AI editing allows you to express your creativity with adjustable settings as well as templates in the Insta360 app.
Pros
- 5.7K resolution videos captured in a 360-degree angle
- Invisible selfie stick
- AquaVision feature – enhances underwater shots
- TimeLapse feature – slow-motion and time-lapse videos
- PureShot feature – enhances low-light images
- Can do live streaming and become a webcam
- FlowState stabilization technology
Cons
- Expensive
Conclusion
The Insta360 ONE X2 360 Degree Waterproof Action Camera‘s asset is the 360-degree capture capability, both in footage and even in sound for a complete sensory experience with every footage.
Final Verdict
Using a compact camera does not mean experiencing short – it only just made everything portable and more convenient on your end.
The best sports camera on this list, though the other two did put up some great competition in here, is still the GoPro HERO9 Black – Waterproof Action Camera.
The GoPro HERO9 Black – Waterproof Action Camera remains to be top-notch in terms of technology, visual appeal, hardware, and everything an adventurer and sports enthusiast needs in an action camera to capture their best moments.