Best Action Camera in 2023: GoPro, Insta360, and more
By Linus Tan
Published Feb 2023
If you're an adventurer and traveller, you need reliable gadgets to accompany you. But how do you capture every moment while sightseeing, especially over rocky terrain without losing your footing? The answer is a small, rugged action camera designed to take immersive shots. With it, you can record your journey without worry.
Best Overall: GoPro Hero11 Black
✓ 5.3K video resolution
✓ 27-megapixel images
✓ HyperSmooth 5.0 stabilisation
✓ Front-screen display
Best 360 Action Camera: Insta360 ONE RS
✓ Shoot in 360
✓ Outstanding image stabilisation
✓ Reversible screen
✓ Modular design
Best for Budget: Akaso Brave 7 LE
✓ High-quality video
✓ Dual screens
✓ Excellent build quality
✓ Budget-friendly
Best for Value: DJI Osmo Action 3
✓ 4K video resolution
✓ 12-megapixel images
✓ Novel magnetic attachment system
✓ Front-screen display
#1 Best Overall: GoPro Hero11 Black
GoPro Hero11 Black
The GoPro Hero11 Black is an excellent choice if you're looking to upgrade from your current action camera as it boasts some of the best features. With its 5.3K video resolution and 27-megapixel images, you'll be able to capture stunning visuals and videos with unprecedented clarity. It also features an upgraded HyperSmooth 5.0 video stabilisation system which can stabilise your footage even when you're on the go.
The Hero11 Black also comes with a range of advanced photo and video modes, including ProTune and SuperPhoto HDR. Additionally, it is waterproof up to 10 metres and has improved scratch resistance. Plus, with its new processor, you can now shoot 1080 videos at 270 fps, allowing you to produce slow-motion videos with ease.
GoPro Hero11 Black
The Hero11 Black also has an improved microphone system which can record audio in more detail and clarity. Furthermore, the Hero11 Black has an improved front-facing screen, allowing you to preview images whether you're shooting traditionally or vlogging.
All in all, the GoPro Hero11 Black is a great choice if you want a reliable action camera that packs superior features. It's definitely worth considering if you're looking to splurge on the best action camera available.
GoPro Hero11 Black
Best Overall
✓ 5.3K video resolution
✓ 27-megapixel images
✓ HyperSmooth 5.0 stabilisation
✓ Front-screen display
#2 Best 360 Action Camera: Insta360 ONE RS
Insta360 ONE RS
If you're looking for a tool that offers the convenience of an action camera and the versatility of a 360 camera, the Insta360 One RS is a great choice. With its innovative design and range of features, the Insta360 One RS stands out from the competition, offering a range of capabilities that traditional GoPros simply do not have.
The Insta360 One RS is waterproof up to 5 meters deep. Its most impressive feature is its reversible design, allowing you to preview images whether you're shooting traditionally or vlogging. At 1.5 inches, the camera's screen is small and more suitable for checking angles and framing than for judging the video's final look.
Insta360 ONE RS
The Insta360 One RS offers a unique advantage: two cameras in one. You can easily switch out components, so you don't need to bring both a 360 and an action camera with you. It features 4K Boost and a larger 0.5-inch sensor, resulting in clearer, sharper video and 48-megapixel still images. Additionally, the One RS's stabilisation has two modes: 'default' and 'high', allowing for customisation.
The ONE RS's smartphone app takes creativity to the next level with its fine features. You can edit filters, colours, contrast, and add music. You can also speed up or slow down a section of your video and take a picture of a specific moment with Snapshot. Plus, there's subject tracking to keep individuals in the centre of your frame, and Freeze Frame to freeze the video for 5 or 10 seconds as the viewpoint changes.
From its 360-degree panoramic shots to its advanced time-lapse mode, the Insta360 One RS gives you the freedom to capture and share your memories in brand-new ways. With its intuitive design and simple setup, you'll be able to get up and running quickly and easily, so you can start capturing amazing memories with ease.
Insta360 ONE RS
Best 360 Action Camera
✓ Shoot in 360
✓ Outstanding image stabilisation
✓ Reversible screen
✓ Modular design
#3 Best for Budget: Akaso Brave 7 LE
Akaso Brave 7 LE
A budget alternative, the Akaso Brave 7 LE is an all-rounded option, especially for vloggers.
The Akaso Brave 7 LE has screens on its front and rear, allowing the flexibility to switch depending on how you're shooting. Although the front-facing screen is smaller compared to the rear camera, the Akaso Brave 7 LE is still perfect for vlogging. What's neat is the rear screen which has a touchscreen ability but there are also buttons to control the settings. The camera comes with a bonus waterproof case that's easy to attach and remove. Popping it on means it's waterproof up to 40 metres underwater.
Akaso Brave 7 LE
For a budget camera, the Akaso Brave 7 LE impresses. Firstly, it captures high-quality video under bright and light conditions. Next, you have the option to pick nine different manual combinations of frame rates and resolutions. You can also choose between four different zoom options depending on how much of the scenery you want to capture. Additional shooting modes include burst photos, looping videos, fast and slow motion and time-lapse of both photos and videos.
The Akaso Brave 7 LE uses 6-axis stabilisation which gives videos a smooth finish. While it's not as crisp in quality, the image stabilisation knocks off shaky and wobbly edges making videos appear more watchable. Reviewers praised the excellent built-in microphone but recommend having the camera mounted and the wind-reduction setting turned on if you're filming outdoors.
Akaso Brave 7 LE
Best for Budget
✓ High-quality video
✓ Dual screens
✓ Excellent build quality
✓ Budget-friendly
#4 Best for Value: DJI Osmo Action 3
DJI Osmo Action 3
If you're after the amazing features that a GoPro offers, but don't want to break the bank, the DJI Osmo Action 3 is an outstanding purchase. This device has been designed to offer a great balance of quality and affordability, making it one of the best options for those looking for a reliable action camera without the hefty price tag.
The DJI Osmo Action 3 retains its original front screen display and now it is even more user-friendly, as it is now touch-sensitive. The camera also has a new magnetic attachment system which makes it much easier to attach and detach the Osmo 3. This novel attachment system helps ensure a secure and reliable connection, which is a must for achieving good-quality footage. Moreover, the magnetic attachment system makes it easy to switch the Osmo 3 between different mounts and surfaces quickly, making it an extremely versatile camera for different situations.
DJI Osmo Action 3
The DJI Osmo Action 3 boasts of 4K video resolution and 12-megapixel still photos, providing a great level of quality for the average user. However, this is not as impressive as what the GoPro Hero11 Black offers, which features a dazzling 5.3K video resolution and an even more impressive 27-megapixel image resolution.
The DJI Osmo Action 3 has a wide range of features that make it a great choice for those who want to capture their adventures in stunning detail, from its 4K video capabilities to its range of shooting modes. Plus, with its durable build and waterproofing, it can take whatever you throw at it. So, if you're after a reliable action camera that packs value, the DJI Osmo Action 3 is definitely worth considering.
DJI Osmo Action 3
Best for Value
✓ 4K video resolution
✓ 12-megapixel images
✓ Novel magnetic attachment system
✓ Front-screen display
Compare Actions Cameras
Final Thoughts
Action cameras are an excellent way to take photos and videos that regular cameras and phones can't. Despite their small size, they offer the same features. With so many options available, it can be hard to choose the best one for you. But no matter your needs, you'll surely find the ideal action camera for you on this list.
If you like to read more on Action Cameras, check out our other relevant guides here:
GoPro Hero11 Black vs GoPro Hero11 Black Mini
GoPro Hero11 Black vs GoPro Hero10 Black
GoPro Hero11 Black vs Insta360 X3
Insta360 X3 vs Insta360 ONE X2
Insta360 X3 vs Insta360 ONE RS
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