Compare our top Pick Action cameras
A roll
Some of our previous picks remain great cameras, even though their features lag behind the latest releases.
OSMO Action 4 Camera by OSMO for $225: Action 4 is a great action camera. The magnetic installation system is the best we’ve tried, the menu system makes it easy to switch between modes, and the image and video output are great. The Action 5 beats you in many ways, but on a budget, this is an amazing camera and integrates well into the DJI Ecosystem.
All those cameras are cheap 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 comes down to software, primarily image stabilization. Action cameras are designed to be strapped to helmets or strapped to your chest while you Skydive, Climblive, and race around town on a scooter. Without stability, the results are something even your closest friends will not stay. So, you will get 4k footage with cheap cams, but it will be for the brain no one wants to see. In our opinion, you are better off spending another $100 to sell a gopro (hero 10 or 11).
The best accessories to trick your camera
Photo: Scott Gilbertson
If you have an action camera, it is good to attend many cases. GOPPro, Insta360, and DJI all offer helmet mounts and other ways to stick your camera where you want it. But there are some great additions that can make getting that dream shot a whole lot easier. Here are a few:
Good microSD card: You can get an SD card with your camera. Insta360 SD cards are actually great, but I tend to use the larger SandIsk cards because they’re faster and, as a bonus, waterproof. You can pick up a 512-GB card for about $60. I also like Samsung’s Pro Plus MicroSD cards, which are the fastest in my testing. You can grab 256-GB for about $60.
GoPro Media Mod for $80: GoPro audio is fine out of the box, but if you’re looking for high-quality audio, this is where you start. Not because the Media May produces great sound – it’s better than the camera, but still not great. What if the offer is a microphone jack. Plug in a quality microphone and you’ll end up with awesome sound. (Not recommended while skydiving.)
Assembly / Seatpost / Pole Mount for $40: This is my favorite mount for mountain biking, but it will also work on ski poles or any other round object you want to mount.
Motorcycle Accessory Bundle for $50: If you ride, this mount for Insta360 cameras (ACE Pro, x5, etc) is a must have. It’s one of the safest foams I’ve ever used, almost as good as a bad Vice.
Yallsame Tripod Mount for $10: Action cameras offer many ways to mount them, but one that is missing is the traditional Three-Inch Screw. The GoPro Hero 13 has one, but this three-pack of adapters solves the problem for others.
Polarizer and ND filters: If you’re shooting around water, through glass, or in any other bright situation, a color filter will help cut that grind. Neutral Density (ND) filters hold the light to allow you to shoot in wide exposures with bright light, which helps increase the amount of Motion blur. Both are great additions to your action camera kit. If you have a black hero 13 you can get the new gopro ND filter with a four-pack ($70), which automatically changes the camera settings when attached. This is great since finding the shutter speed with the ND filter can take some trial and error. GOPPro ND filters handle all that for you. If you don’t have the hero 13, I tested and said Dji’s ND filter for Action 5 ($75). Of the old gopros, I like the freewell and nd filters ($20). I suggest starting with an 8-Stop ND or a combo ND with a polarizing filter.
Oil for $35: Another one for water shooters, but it’s worth the money because it will keep your gopro from ending up at the bottom of the ocean. I’ve never 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 pretty good, but I keep grabbing this Insta360 version when I walk out the door. It’s lightweight, small enough to fit in the bottom of my bag, and cheap. If you want to go big, this Seldiover Insta360 notebook ($100) can simulate a flying drone, perfect for use in national parks and other places where drones are prohibited.
