Which action camera to buy in 2021?

Deciding which action camera to buy can be difficult because there are so many to choose from. Here we list some of the best action cams, and hopefully, make your decision a little easier.

Modern technology makes it possible to shoot even in the most difficult and dynamic conditions. For this, special action cameras are used. Choosing an action camera for an amateur is a rather difficult task, especially if you do not understand the specifics of this market. It is best to understand in advance the types of such devices and consider the proposed range.

What action cameras are there?

There are many different types of action cameras, each of which is most effective in solving specific problems.

The most popular types of devices:

Classic. The most common cameras are rectangular bodies with a lens. Equipped with a large number of mounts and boxes for mounting on bicycles, motorcycles, skateboards, helmets, and more.

Panoramic. Dedicated 360-degree models. They have several lenses, the quantity of which determines the image quality.

Nightly. Equipped with IR LEDs, allowing you to capture everything that happens even in complete darkness.

For a quadcopter. They have a wireless interface for transmitting images to remote control or smartphone.

Best Budget Action Cameras:

Sjcam SJ5000 WiFi – Check price/reviews at Amazon

The Sjcam SJ5000 WiFi is an inexpensive Full HD camera that allows you to shoot video with a 170 ° field of view. Equipped with a 14MP CMOS sensor. Additionally, there is a photo mode, with which you can create pictures of 4254 × 3264 pixels. Complete with a set of mounts for a bicycle, helmet, tripod, or belt.

GitUp Git2P Pro Panasonic – Check price/reviews at Amazon

Rugged camera for shooting widescreen video with 170 ° viewing angle. The 16.35MP CMOS sensor ensures high image quality even when shooting at 120fps. The built-in battery lasts for 2 hours of autonomous work. The device comes with a waterproof case, a power adapter, and a set of mounts.

ThiEye T5 – Check on Amazon

The ThiEye T5 is a compact camera that is capable of shooting 240 fps at a resolution of 1280 × 720. This makes it possible to capture even the most dynamic scenes while maintaining every detail. The clips are recorded on a memory card and can be transferred to other devices via HDMI, USB, or Wi-F.

Transcend DrivePro Body 10 – Check price and reviews on amazon

A very convenient and inexpensive model, which is best attached to clothing with a special clip. Supplied with charger and 32GB MicroSD MLC card. Supports shooting in Full HD 1080p resolution.

Sjcam SJ4000 Wi-Fi – Check on amazon

An affordable photo mode machine. Equipped with all the necessary interfaces for connecting to other devices and transferring data. The package includes a large number of different mounts, Velcro, and clamps for installing the camera. the battery life of the device does not exceed 1.1 hours.

Xiaomi YI Action Camera Basic Edition – Check reviews and price at Amazon.

The Xiaomi YI is a simple camera with a 155 ° field of view. 16MP CMOS sensor guarantees high image quality at any resolution. The device is controlled by a modern processor Ambrella A7LS. And the three-axis G-sensor guarantees correct positioning in space and frame alignment even in very difficult conditions.

Eken H9R – Check on Amazon

The camera has enough capabilities to shoot videos in UHD 4K quality with a 140 ° viewing angle. A 4MP CMOS sensor is installed inside, with which you can also create high-quality images. The set includes a convenient remote control with which you can control all the camera functions.

Mijia 4K Action Camera – Check on Amazon

The Mijia 4K Action Camera is a quality device with a viewing angle of 145 °. Provides a bright 2.4 ″ display with touch control. The maximum frame rate can be up to 200fps at a resolution of 1280 × 720. This is enough to capture even the most dynamic moments. Wi-Fi and Bluetooth interfaces are built-in for data transmission.

Rating of the best action cameras for price and quality

Sony FDR-X3000R – Check reviews and price at Amazon today!

The FDR-X3000R is a convenient action camera with optical stabilization. The 8.20 MP matrix guarantees high-quality videos and photos in any condition. The 3x digital zoom will help you bring separated objects closer with virtually no loss in quality. White balance can be set automatically or manually.

Sony HDR-AS300 – Check the price and reviews at Amazon!

The optimum ratio of price and quality. Full HD 1080p camera with the ability to shoot widescreen video. There are several built-in setting profiles that you can edit depending on your specific machine requirements. Additionally, there is support for ExifPrint.

DJI Osmo Pocket – Check the price and reviews at Amazon!

The DJI Osmo Pocket is a functional camera with microphone input and support for memory cards up to 256 GB. A small viewing angle somewhat limits the scope, but for specific purposes, the device turns out to be simply irreplaceable. The set includes a case and adapters for connecting to a smartphone.

Best Gimbal Action Cameras

Insta360 One X – Check the price and reviews at Amazon!

The Insta360 One X is a lightweight and compact camera that supports high-definition shooting up to 5.7K. Has a viewing angle of 200 °, allowing you to capture all the objects you need in one frame. An optical image stabilizer guarantees correct image positioning even with very intense movements.

Ricoh Theta V – Check the price and reviews at Amazon!

A small device with 19 GB of internal memory for storing videos in high definition 4K. two 12MP sensors provide excellent shooting quality, and the built-in optical stabilizer will not allow the image to twitch too much. White balance is automatically adjusted using preset modes.

Top-rated underwater action cameras

GoPro Hero 7 Black – Check the price and reviews at Amazon!

A reliable device in a waterproof case that can be used for underwater shooting while guaranteeing high image quality in high UHD 4K resolution. There is a 2x digital zoom, as well as electronic image stabilization. White balance can be set automatically or manually.

DJI Osmo Action – Check the price and reviews at Amazon!

The model is perfect for underwater photography. It is durable. Waterproof housing and advanced distortion correction system. There is an additional screen on the front side, which allows you to conveniently shoot yourself. The device can work on battery power for about 2.3 hours.

GoPro Hero 8 – Check the price and reviews at Amazon!

Underwater camera with electronic image stabilization. In addition to the standard modes, sports and time-lapse modes are also provided. With a resolution of 1920 × 1080, the shooting rate can reach 240 fps. There is a full range of interfaces for data transmission: HDMI, USB, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth.

Rating of the best action cameras for motorcycle

Garmin Virb Ultra 30 – Check the price and reviews at Amazon!

The Garmin Virb Ultra 30 is ideal for mounting on a motorcycle. The kit includes all the necessary fasteners and protective blocks that will protect the device from damage. The maximum frame rate is 240 fps at a resolution of 1280 × 720, which is enough for effective shooting while on the move.

GoPro Hero 5 – Check the price and reviews at Amazon!

A modern camera in a shock-resistant case, which contains special moisture-absorbing elements. Equipped with an electronic image stabilizer that functions effectively even when shooting at high frequencies. Additionally, automatic exposure is provided.

GoPro Hero 6 – Check the price and reviews at Amazon!

Camera with a maximum resolution of 3840 × 2160. A high-quality CMOS sensor is configured in such a way that at a resolution of 1920 × 1080 you can shoot at a maximum frequency of about 240 frames / s. The model supports micro SD memory cards up to 128 GB. The set includes a special frame mount, which is convenient to use on a motorcycle.

Rating of the best action cameras for night shooting

Sony HDR-AS50 – Check the price and reviews at Amazon!

A lightweight device with electronic image stabilization and automatic white balance. Perfectly functions at the illumination of 6 lux, which allows you to shoot at night without problems. One battery charge lasts for 2.35 hours of continuous shooting.

GoPro Fusion – Check the price and reviews at Amazon!

Action camera with 18MP CMOS sensor and 190 ° viewing angle. In addition to the standard modes, panoramic shooting capabilities are also provided, even in low light. At the same time, the image quality is at a very high level. Some inconvenience can be associated with the weight of the model, which reaches 227 g.

Drift Ghost 4K – Check the price and reviews at Amazon!

An innovative UHD 4K model that allows you to shoot in near-total darkness. Has 8 GB of internal memory and also supports memory cards up to 128 GB. The main feature can be considered the possibility of remote control using a special remote control.

Rating of the best action cameras for snowboarding:

Panasonic HX A500 – Check the price and reviews at Amazon!

An optimal solution for snowboarding or similar active activities. Has a clever head mount, as well as a special wrist case with remote control. Electronic Image Stabilizer can help smooth out even very intense vibrations. For convenience, all settings are displayed on the screen.

AEE Magicam S70 – Check the price and reviews at Amazon!

An advanced camera with a 170 ° angle of view, and the ability to shoot widescreen video. Easily installed in any convenient place using a set of mounts. Weighs only 56 g, so there shouldn’t be any problems with carrying. Supplied with a set of fasteners, straps, and anti-fog inserts.

GoPro Hero 4 – Check the price and reviews at Amazon!

The model is supplied in a waterproof box, allowing you to use the camera even at great depths. All necessary interfaces for data transfer to other devices are built-in. The maximum shooting rate reaches 120 frames / s at resolutions of 1280 × 720 and 1920 × 1080.

Top 3 Best Chinese Action Cameras:

YILite Action Camera – Check the price and reviews at Amazon!

A Chinese action camera with a sleek design, electronic image stabilization, and high autonomy. One battery charge lasts about 2.1 hours. All functions of the device are controlled by the Hisilicon Hi3556 processor, which provides instant response to commands.

Mijia 360 Panoramic Camera – Check the price and reviews at Amazon!

A compact device supporting 3.5K resolution. installed 2 CMOS matrices of 16 MP, providing high quality shooting with a viewing angle of 190 °. The model is supplied with a USB cable, tripod, case, and instructions. Weighs 109 g.

Conclusion: Before purchasing an action camera, it is important to clearly define what it is for. If the user is going to make underwater photography, it is better to buy a special apparatus for fishing. For entertainment, an inexpensive model with average performance is quite suitable. But for blogs or professional filming, it is better to purchase a modern device with a full range of necessary options.