What's the best action camera for you? There's more out there than just the best GoPro, in fact, there's an abundance of quality action cameras from a host of different manufacturers, boasting a huge range of different features and specialities.
We’ve tested hundreds of models, and we believe that the best action camera right now is the GoPro HERO8 Black. It packs in 4K video at 60fps, is waterproof to 10 metres without a case, and now offers a built-in mounting system (as well as some very clever optional accessories). The arrival of DJI's first action camera, the Osmo Action, feels like that GoPro now has a significant rival, however.
Ultimately though, determining the camera that's right for you will depend pretty heavily on what you plan to use it for. Whether you're a watersports enthusiast, an avid skier or indeed an amateur filmmaker, your exact action camera needs are going to be different, and that means it's worth taking some time to familiarise yourself with the models that are out there.
You might get an action camera that's waterproof down to 30m by itself, or one that requires a housing, or indeed an action camera that isn't up to much in water but can take a serious battering without breaking. Maybe wireless functionality is most important to you, or you prize a camera that you can control via your phone using an intuitive app.
GoPro is undoubtedly the market leader in pretty much every area, however, its products do come at a premium price. Could you save a considerable amount of money by shopping around to see if what you're looking for is available at a cheaper price? Yes, you absolutely could!
Whatever kind of adventurer you are, there's an action camera for you. In this article, we've put together our top picks of the best action cams right now.
GoPro Hero8 Black
The ultimate action camera has got even better!
The 2019 edition of the GoPro dynasty is undoubtedly the action camera specialist's best yet. A key difference from its predecessors is that there are fold-out feet that means that you have a camera mount built-in.
You can then accessorize the Hero8 Black even more with a new series of beautifully designed optional extras called Mods - we particularly like the Display Mod, which adds a second monitor that is perfect for vloggers. These add-ons cost you more - but you don't buy the Hero8 Black if you are looking of a budget camera - you buy it because it offers the best video footage, and the best image stabilization system we have used to date.
GoPro Hero7 Black
Great quality 4K video
The GoPro Hero7 Black is the action camera that brought us HyperSmooth, a brand new video stabilization system that's so good that it awakens new creative possibilities. The shake-buster even works up to 4K 60fps.
Those using a gimbal on their GoPro can ditch it because HyperSmooth gives even handheld video a silky-smooth look. However, it also brings to life a new possibility; handheld TimeLapse video. Called TimeWarp, the Hero7 Black's 2GB memory allows it to apply HyperSmooth to handheld frame-by-frame time-lapse shooting. As well as these stabilized hyperlapses, the Hero7 Black offers great dynamic range, SuperPhoto, and 12 separate voice commands. It may miss out on the new features and add-ons of the GoPro Hero8 Black, but it is still a fantastic action camera... and is that touch more affordable.
DJI Osmo Action
Excellent image stabilization
DJI is best known for its camera drones (and to a lesser degree for its handheld gimbal camera stabilizers) – but has turned its attention to the action camera market with the Osmo Action's arrival.
It looks and feels like it has been made to be a direct competitor to the GoPro Hero7 Black – and does an excellent job of giving the GoPro a run for its money. We particularly like the addition of a full-colour front LCD – which anyone who wants to use an action cam for selfie sequences or vlogging will love.
While the RX0 can produce 4K UHD footage, it can't do so internally and needs to be hooked up to an external recorder, which somewhat limits its efficacy as an action camera. The 1-inch sensor produces beautiful images, whether shooting stills or video, expands the camera's low-light efficacy and provides a gorgeous dynamic range. It's an expensive proposition to be sure, but if you need gorgeous slow-motion footage, then there's nothing better. It's recently been updated with a new Sony RX0 II version that adds a tilting screen – but that will mean that the RX0 is becoming the better value for money.
TomTom Bandit
Auto-editing makes this action-cam stand out
The TomTom Bandit has all the core features, but they’re here offered in ‘lite’. For example, there’s no waterproofing, but an included splash-proof lens cover will be enough for most users (and a 40m-capable lens cover is available).
Ditto the resolutions; 4K at 15fps isn’t great, and effective slow-motion can only be performed in less-than-HD resolution, but neither will be deal-breakers for most. However, the TomTom Bandit has GPS, accelerometer, gyroscope and pressure sensors, and these are used by the smartphone app’s ‘Create a Story’ section to automatically pick out the highlights from your footage. Better still, all it takes is a shake to create a compilation video, which is easy to upload and share. Battery life is also an impressive three hours.
