Action Cam Buying Guide: Tips for Finding Your Ideal Camera
By Naila Syifa
Updated July 2024

Choosing an action cam can feel overwhelming with so many options available. Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie capturing extreme sports or a parent documenting family adventures, finding the perfect camera can make all the difference. A well-chosen action cam enhances your experiences and helps you relive those special moments vividly.
When I was searching for my first action cam, I remember feeling lost amidst the technical jargon and myriad of features. It took some time, but I learned what really mattered for my needs. These insights might help you avoid the confusion I faced and streamline your decision-making process.
From understanding your primary purpose to considering battery life, image quality, and durability, several factors play a crucial role. This guide breaks down these aspects to help you make an informed choice. Let’s dive in and find the best action cam that suits your adventures perfectly.
Determine Your Purpose

DJI Osmo Action 4
Choosing the right action cam starts with understanding why you need one. Are you planning to document extreme sports, underwater adventures, or everyday activities? Think about the types of activities you plan to capture and the environments you'll be filming in, as this will help narrow down the features you need.
For instance, if you're into diving, a waterproof camera is essential. Most action cameras are already waterproof to a certain depth without additional housing, but DJI Osmo Action 4 is the best option that can withstand water pressure up to 18 meters (59 feet) out of the box.

DJI Osmo Action 4
True Action Camera
✓ 4K Video, 10 MP Photo
✓ 1/1.3” CMOS Sensor
✓ Timecode Sync
✓ Waterproof to 18m

Night Capture with Insta360 ONE RS 1-inch 360 Edition
If you plan on documenting activities at night, such as a concert or nighttime city scenes, you'll want an action cam with excellent low-light performance. Insta360 ONE RS 1-inch 360 Edition has the industry's largest 1" CMOS sensor for exceptional low-light imaging, but it captures 360-degree footage instead of a standard flat video and photo.

Insta360 ONE RS 1-inch 360 Edition
Swappable 360 Camera
✓ 6K/30 fps 360 Footage
✓ Dual 1-inch Sensors
✓ Live Streaming & Webcam
✓ Modular Design with ONE RS Core
Professional vs Casual Uses

GoPro Hero 12
The best action cam for you can depend on whether you use it for professional or casual purposes. Think of whether you'll create more professional-quality videos and films or just fun clips to share with friends and family. Professional users might require more advanced features like timecode sync and 10-bit color, while casual users tend to prioritize ease of use and simplicity.
If you're a professional, I recommend the GoPro Hero 12. The camera offers a range of professional-level features, including Timecode Sync to seamlessly stitch together footage from multiple cameras, as well as 10-bit color for enhanced color grading and post-processing capabilities, making it a great choice for professional video production.

GoPro Hero 12 Black
Professional Action Camera
✓ 5.3K Video, 27 MP Photo
✓ Dual LCD screen
✓ HyperSmooth 6.0 with Horizon Lock
✓ Timecode Sync & 10-bit Log
On the other hand, if you're a casual user who values simplicity and ease of use, the Insta360 GO 3S is one option that stands out. The camera supports Voice Control & Gesture Control for easy hands-free operation, and it offers a unique Interval Video Mode and free AI Auto Edit feature, which makes it extremely easy to record and create ready-to-share videos with just a few taps.

Insta360 GO 3S
Tiny Mighty Action Cam
✓ 4K Video + 12 MP Photo
✓ Compact, Lightweight, Magnetic
✓ FreeFrame & Interval Video Mode
✓ Waterproof to 10m
Read also: Insta360 GO 3S vs GoPro Hero 12: Tiny Titan vs Pro Powerhouse
Consider If You Need a 360 Camera

360 Footage
360 cameras are on the rise, offering immersive 360-degree capture that covers the entire scene around the camera. 360 cameras have the advantage of allowing you to reframe the footage after recording, giving you more creative control over the final video.
For example, recording 360-degree footage during skiing means you can produce one video that captures the full panoramic view and another video that focuses on your skiing technique. You can also export the footage in any desired aspect ratio to suit different social media platforms, making it a versatile choice for content creators.
If this excites you, the Insta360 X4 is an excellent 360-degree action camera option with impressive stabilization and image quality. It also supports the Invisible Selfie Stick for seamless third-person shots without any visible support.

Insta360 X4
Flagship 360 Camera
✓ 8K/30 fps 360 Footage
✓ 4K/60 fps Single-lens Footage
✓ FlowState Stabilization with 360° Horizon Lock
✓ Invisible Selfie Stick
Note that 360-degree footage has the disadvantage of having to be edited and processed before sharing, which can be more time-consuming compared to standard flat video.
If you don't mind giving up the flexibility of 360 cameras for easier post-processing, a traditional action camera may be the better choice.
Read also: Insta360 X4 vs GoPro Max: 360-Degree Camera Compared
Assess Image and Video Quality

Insta360 Ace Pro
Image and video quality are critical when selecting an action cam. The higher the resolution, the more detailed your videos will be. 1080p is the lowest you can expect, while 4K has become the standard for most modern action cameras.
Frame rate is another important aspect. A higher frame rate, like 60fps or more, ensures smoother motion capture, which is vital for fast-paced activities. Think about your specific needs—whether you need to capture slow-motion shots or record high-speed action without blurring.
Insta360 Ace Pro leads the industry with a stunning 8K resolution, but it has a very low 24fps frame rate. For a better balance of resolution and frame rate, GoPro Hero 12 is one of the best options, supporting a maximum 5.3K video resolution at a 60fps frame rate.

Insta360 Ace Pro
Powerful Action Camera
✓ 8K Video, 48MP Photo
✓ 1/1.3” Sensor with PureVideo
✓ 2.4” Flip Touchscreen
✓ AI Selfie Stick Eraser

GoPro Hero 12 Black
Professional Action Camera
✓ 5.3K Video, 27 MP Photo
✓ Dual LCD screen
✓ HyperSmooth 6.0 with Horizon Lock
✓ Timecode Sync & 10-bit Log
Read also: Insta360 Ace Pro vs GoPro Hero 12: Ground-Breaking Differences
Consider Durability and Build

Insta360 GO 3S
Durability is a must for action cams. These devices are designed to withstand tough conditions, so choose one built to last. Look for models with robust, shockproof housings and waterproof features if you plan to use the cam in harsh environments or underwater.
Pay attention to the materials used. High-quality plastics, metal housings, and reinforced lenses contribute to a camera's longevity. A durable action cam can survive drops, bumps, and rough handling, ensuring it performs well over time. Investing in quality builds saves you from frequent replacements.
Choosing the right action camera can also depend on the size and weight of the device. Most action cameras today are compact and lightweight, but if you want to take portability to the next level, the Insta360 GO 3S is nearly as small as a thumb, weighing only 39 grams. Such a size makes it extremely flexible to mount virtually anywhere discreetly and unobtrusively.

Insta360 GO 3S
Tiny Mighty Action Cam
✓ 4K Video + 12 MP Photo
✓ Compact, Lightweight, Magnetic
✓ FreeFrame & Interval Video Mode
✓ Waterproof to 10m
Evaluate Battery Life

GoPro Hero 11 Black Mini
Battery life is crucial, especially for long adventures. Look for action cams with extended battery performance to avoid frequent recharging. Some cameras offer swappable batteries, allowing you to carry spares and keep shooting longer. Think about how often you'll use the camera and for how long.
If you plan on using your action cam for full-day hikes or long bike rides, battery life becomes even more important. Consider how quickly the battery drains while recording high-resolution videos. Consider also how temperatures may impact the battery life, as cold weather can significantly reduce the runtime.
GoPro Enduro battery is known to perform exceptionally well in cold conditions, making it a great option for outdoor enthusiasts. GoPro models that feature the Enduro battery include the GoPro Hero 11, Hero 11 Mini, and Hero 12. GoPro Hero 10 and older models use typical lithium-ion batteries instead of Enduro.

GoPro Hero 11 Black
Standard Action Camera
✓ 5.3K Video, 27 MP Photo
✓ Dual LCD screen
✓ HyperSmooth 5.0 with Horizon Lock
✓ 10-bit Color

GoPro Hero 11 Black Mini
Small Action Camera
✓ 5.3K Video, 24.7 MP Frame Grabs
✓ 0.55” Status Only Display
✓ HyperSmooth 5.0 with Horizon Lock
✓ 10-bit Color

GoPro Hero 12 Black
Professional Action Camera
✓ 5.3K Video, 27 MP Photo
✓ Dual LCD screen
✓ HyperSmooth 6.0 with Horizon Lock
✓ Timecode Sync & 10-bit Log
Check for Connectivity and Compatibility

Insta360 X4
Modern action cams come with various connectivity options. Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are two common connectivity protocols that allow you to control the camera remotely, transfer files, connect to mobile apps for editing and sharing, or connect to other devices like external microphones.
With Bluetooth connectivity, some cameras like GoPro Hero 12 and Insta360 X4 support connection to Bluetooth devices like Apple AirPods and Samsung Galaxy Buds. Insta360 X4 even adds compatibility with motorcycle helmet Bluetooth headsets.

Insta360 X4
Flagship 360 Camera
✓ 8K/30 fps 360 Footage
✓ 4K/60 fps Single-lens Footage
✓ FlowState Stabilization with 360° Horizon Lock
✓ Invisible Selfie Stick
Meanwhile, Insta360 GO 3S offers Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity, but it doesn't support an external microphone connection. Therefore, make sure the connectivity features of the action camera align with your needs, whether it's remote control, file transfer, or connecting accessories like microphones.

Insta360 Extended Invisible Selfie Stick
Additionally, explore the range of compatible accessories. Mounts, gimbals, and remote controls can enhance your filming experience. GoPro is known for its vast ecosystem of mounts and accessories available, but Insta360 has a unique Invisible Selfie Stick accessory that allows for seamless first-person perspective shots without any visible support. The Extended Invisible Selfie Stick model is also unique with its 3-meter length, making it ideal for capturing drone-like aerial footage.
Read also: Jaw-Dropping Aerial Shots Without a Drone? Find Out How!
Final Thoughts

Insta360 GO 3S
Choosing the right action camera can be a game-changer for your content creation journey. With the wide array of features and capabilities available, it's essential to carefully consider your specific needs and preferences.
Whether you prioritize image quality, durability, connectivity, or battery life, there's an action cam out there that can elevate your video and photography to new heights.
The key is to thoroughly research and compare the options to find the perfect match for your unique requirements. With the right action camera in hand, you'll be empowered to capture your adventures with unparalleled precision and creativity.
If you would like to read more about Action Camera, check out our other relevant guides here:
Best Action Cameras
Best GoPro Alternatives
Insta360 X4 vs GoPro Hero 12
GoPro Hero 12 vs DJI Osmo Action 4
Insta360 X4 vs Ace Pro
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