Are you ready to take your adventure vlogs to a whole new level in 2023? Then you’ve landed in the right spot! We’re diving into the world of best action cameras, sifting through the good, the bad, and the super shaky to bring you the Top 10 standouts!
So buckle up, folks, Top10Gohere‘re about to take a wild ride through the land of non-stop action! Let’s get this camera rollin’!
Top 10 best action camera
AKASO Brave 7 LE
Coming in at number 10, we have the best budget action camera, the AKASO Brave 7 LE.
Even with its pocket-friendly price, it doesn’t skimp on quality. Built to last, it’s got an IPX7 rating, meaning it can take a 30-minute underwater dip in a meter deep pool without a glitch.
Thinking about more underwater exploration? No worries! Pop it in its protective case and you’re good to dive as deep as 131 feet.
For the vloggers out there, you’ll appreciate its second front screen, just like the pricier GoPro HERO10 and HERO9 Black.
It’s got a decent stabilization feature, but remember it does crop your view by 1.6x, and it might not be as smooth as more expensive cams.
Video quality? It tops at 30 fps in 4K, but you can rock some epic 120 fps slow-mo in 1080p. So, if you’re cool with those minor hitches, it’s an amazing value-for-money action cam!
AKASO V50X
Rolling onto number 9, we have the best cheap action camera, the AKASO V50X.
In the jungle of affordable GoPro alternatives, the AKASO V50X stands out as our top low-cost pick.
This robust little cam won’t empty your wallet, plus it’s super portable – perfect for all your on-the-go shoots.
Sure, it doesn’t have that GoPro luxe feel, but it comes with a sturdy protective case like its cousin, the AKASO Brave 7 LE.
Just remember, the camera itself isn’t IPX-rated, so keep it cased if you’re planning any underwater adventures.
Now, for the good stuff – this budget-friendly wonder comes packed with a bunch of mounting accessories and a user-friendly interface. So, gear up, hit the power button, and start shooting!
Frame rates are a bit limited compared to the big guns like the GoPro HERO10 Black. You’ll get 4K at 30 fps and 1080p at either 30 or 60 fps.
But hey, if you’re in the market for an easy-to-use, affordable action cam, the AKASO V50X is a great bang for your buck.
Insta360 GO 2
At number 8, we have the Insta360 GO 2, the world’s most portable action camera.
In search of the perfect portable? Look no further than the Insta360 GO 2.
This little gem, also dubbed the world’s tiniest action camera, is likely to catch the eye of vloggers and creators more than it will thrill-seekers.
What sets it apart is its compact size that can squeeze into the tiniest nooks and crannies, plus it features a magnetic pendant necklace for super easy, hands-free shooting.
Also, it’s loaded with cool extras you can access via the Insta360 app, like an integrated editing suite and post-shoot video stabilization.
Now, it’s not perfect. It doesn’t match the 4K recording of the GoPro HERO9 Black (which is around the same price) and offers fewer frame rate options, topping out at 1440p resolution. Prolonged use might lead to overheating issues too.
But hey, if you’re all about super-portability and neat features for your impromptu videos, this pint-sized powerhouse is definitely worth a look.
DJI Pocket 2
Number 7 brings us the DJI Pocket 2, the best handheld action camera.
Okay, classifying the DJI Pocket 2 as an ‘action cam’ may be pushing it a bit, but hear me out.
This pocket-sized buddy is unique for its inbuilt gimbal feature, allowing you to capture slick, professional-like handheld videos, no additional stuff needed.
The gimbal is seriously impressive, offering three-axis stabilization which you can tweak in several ways – like locking the horizon or stopping the camera from tilting and rolling.
Aside from stabilization, it sports an active tracking mode that zeroes in on a specific subject and follows them automatically.
True, it may not offer the plethora of frame rate options like the GoPro HERO10 Black, but its 1/1.7-inch sensor surely outdoes most of its action cam counterparts when it comes to video quality and low-light performance.
So, if you’re after quality handheld video without lugging around tripods or gimbals, this could be just the ticket.
GoPro Hero9 Black
Halfway through our list, at number 6, we have the GoPro Hero9 Black.
Here’s the deal with the GoPro Hero9 Black: not only did GoPro smartly respond to the Hero8’s feedback, but they also added a fab new feature – a front-facing display.
This little screen provides a real-time preview, making it a cinch for selfie buffs and bloggers to perfectly frame their shots.
Plus, the Hero9 has a swappable lens, letting you pop on filters again, like GoPro’s snazzy Max Lens Mod that lets you snag ultra-wide and steady footage.
It can also record up to 5K res, and its chunkier battery copes better in chillier temps. Just a heads up though, it’s quite a weighty fella, so you’ll feel it if it’s strapped to a helmet.
Now, since the Hero11 Black came onto the scene, GoPro discontinued the Hero9 Black. But keep an eye out – if you find it under $300, it’s still a bargain.
DJI Osmo Action 3
Number 5 brings us the DJI Osmo Action 3, the best action camera for low light work.
For all you adventure junkies, the Osmo Action 3 hits the sweet spot of quality and cost. The 4K video stabilization delivers superb footage, and the camera withstands not just bumps and falls, but also temperature swings.
It’s not exactly budget, but the asking price is considerably less than a comparable GoPro, without the annual subscription hassle.
Sure, it’s a bummer that DJI’s modular design seems ditched, but the Action 3 is more user-friendly and powerful. Yeah, it’s a tad bigger and heavier, but it still trumps the standard GoPro.
From its predecessor, the electronic image stabilization (EIS) still rocks; both RockSteady and HorizonBalancing crank out silky-smooth video even from intense action.
For most, 4K is the go-to resolution for action, especially with a sweet 120fps.
Also, thumbs up for Action 3 not being tangled up with subscription software – we’re all for it!
GoPro Hero10 Black
Just missed the podium, but landing at number 4, we have the GoPro Hero10 Black.
Don’t let the familiar look fool you. Inside the Hero10 Black, GoPro has crammed in a snappier processor that packs a punch.
This baby can now handle video recording as high as 5.3K/30 fps, 2K video at 240 fps, and 4K video at a sweet 120 fps.
Plus, it’s got a beefed-up 23MP image sensor and even managed to drop a little weight.
But here’s the real show-stopper – the Hero10’s supercharged image stabilization. You can tilt this guy nearly 45 degrees, and it’ll still smooth your footage out like butter.
The downside? It’s a bit of a battery hog, and the battery life is the same as the Hero9’s.
But hey, on the bright side, you can use the same battery, and all your old accessories still fit like a glove.
Insta360 One RS
Now for the top 3! At number 3, we have the Insta360 One RS.
The Insta360 One RS is more than just one of the best action cameras around; it’s also a top dog in the 360 camera category.
This clever little device has a trick up its sleeve – a modular design that lets you swap its wide-angle 4K camera with a 360 lens or a 1-inch sensor camera.
The video stabilization is pretty impressive, though it’s a notch below the GoPro Hero10.
The One RS gets extra cool points for having a display that flips around, letting you star in your own videos.
However, compared to the GoPro, the smaller size means that scrolling through the on-screen menus can feel like solving a Rubik’s cube.
And yes, you’ll need a frame to attach it to stuff, just like the older GoPros. But hey, we can’t ignore the fact that this cam is one versatile piece of tech.
GoPro Hero 11 Black Mini
Coming in at number 2, we have the GoPro Hero 11 Black Mini.
If you’re into drones or cycling and need something small and lightweight, then the GoPro Hero 11 Black Mini could be your perfect match.
It has no screens and is smaller than the regular Hero 11, making it a dream for FPV drone pilots and cyclists who’d rather not have their helmets feeling like they’re carrying an extra load.
Let’s be real, extreme sports don’t leave much time for fancy shot composition, so why bother with a more complicated device?
You can always check your footage later with the GoPro Quik app or download it onto your computer for some editing magic.
Now, we’re not exactly cheering for the subscription model GoPro seems so eager to push, but there’s no denying this little gadget’s quality.
The thoughtful features like the fold-out action-camera fixtures and the ability to juice up on-the-go from a USB-C power pack just make sense.
GoPro Hero11 Black
And now, the moment you’ve all been waiting for… At number 1, we have the GoPro Hero11 Black.
Though the Hero 11 Black might look like any other GoPro you’ve seen since 2019, don’t let that fool you! It’s got some seriously impressive tech upgrades under the hood.
The new almost-square sensor is wildly versatile, and the software is more streamlined than ever. Plus, GoPro’s sidekick app, Quik, got a little makeover too.
This bad boy has the best stabilization in the game, can shoot some killer video (as long as you’re not in the dark), and has fun new tricks up its sleeve like light painting.
It’s a stellar addition to the GoPro family.
Content creators will flip for the Hero 11 Black’s 8:7 aspect ratio. With its ability to film in 5.3K resolution and up to 30fps, you can take that footage and crop it down without losing any quality, making 4K portrait, landscape, and square clips from a single video.
Not just satisfied with 8:7 video, the Hero 11 Black can shoot 5.3K resolution at a solid 60 fps, 4K resolution at a smooth 120 fps, or 2.7K resolution at a staggering 240 fps.
Plus, you can snap up 27MP stills from 5.3K video. All this makes it a big hit for those posting across multiple social platforms.
Simply put, there’s no other camera out there that does what the 11 Black can do.
Conclusion
And there you have it, folks! The top 10 action cameras of 2023. Let us know in the comments which one is your favorite.
Remember to check out the links below if you’re ready to capture your own action-packed moments!
