No matter the season — whether you’re heading out on the waves or the slopes. Action cameras can help capture your biggest adventures. Since their birth in the early 2000s, action cameras have offered an amazing way to capture a first-hand, POV perspective that has become a necessity for content creators, thrill-seekers, and filmmakers. In 2020, the best action cameras have advanced even further, offering features that make your content that much better. So, whether you’re dropping in on your next half-pipe run or putting in fresh lines in the backcountry, here are the top 8 best action cameras for your upcoming adventures.
The Best Action Cameras:
- GoPro HERO12 Black
- GoPro Max 360 Action Camera
- Insta360 ACE Pro 8K Action Camera
- Insta360 X3 Pocket 360 Action Camera
- Sony RX0 Mark II Digital Camera
- DJI Osmo Pocket 3
- DJI Osmo Action 4 Camera
- Ricoh THETA X 360 Spherical Camera
What to look for in an action camera:
Size, shape, and weight
Since you’ll be doing strenuous and adrenaline-pumping activities, it’s important to keep in mind that the more portable the action camera is, the better. Also, consider a camera that’s ideal for different mounting options because it allows for hands-free recording.
Image and video quality
It’s also important to consider the image and video resolution of an action camera. Choose a camera with a high frame rate (measured in frames per second or fps) for smoother cinematic footage. As for still photos, action cameras that that are higher in megapixels will result in better resolution. You should also look for RAW capability, as this is the best format for those who want to post-process their photos.
Battery life
Action cameras are meant to be taken on long bike rides, mountain treks, and other types of athletic or adventurous excursions, which is why it’s important to choose one with a long battery life. This way, you won’t have to worry about charging or changing the battery every time the camera’s power runs out.
Durability
One criteria you should never overlook is durability. This will give you an idea of how adventurous you can get with your camera. Most action cameras are shockproof, freezeproof, and waterproof, but it’s best to look specifically for those features before making a decision. After all, you want an action camera that can push the limits and survive the most rugged of environments.
Best Action Cameras Breakdown:
GoPro HERO12 Black ()
The GoPro HERO12 is your rugged companion for wild escapades, featuring the buttery-smooth
HyperSmooth 6.0 stabilization that keeps your footage serene, even when your adventures are
anything but.
Dive in — literally! It’s safe in water up to 33 feet deep. And if you don’t quit, its battery won’t
either. The camera offers up to 70 minutes of relentless 5.3K60 filming. Each feature in the GoPro HERO12 comes together to help ensure a user’s most dynamic moments are captured perfectly.
• 2x longer recording (70 minutes when shooting at 5.3K60)
• HDR Video and Photo for true-to-life color footage
• Up to 8x slo-mo at resolutions of up to 2.7K
See the camera in action as Ryan Ditch puts it to the test on the beaches of San Diego in this first look review.
GoPro MAX 360 Action Camera ()
The GoPro MAX 360 offers the smoothest video stabilization in its class. Featuring Max HyperSmooth for unparalleled stabilization, Max TimeWarp for captivating time-lapse videos,and a sharp 16.6MP resolution. Record in breathtaking 5.6K at 30fps with 2x slow-motion, and stream live in 1080p. Moreover, it has an intuitive touch screen and 16-foot waterproof capability, all packed in a sleek, rugged design.
• Six built-in microphones for 360 audio
• 13 voice commands
• Waterproof up to 16 feet
Insta360 ACE Pro 8K Action Camera ()
The Insta360 ACE Pro 8K Action Camera houses a flagship 1/1.3” sensor, co-engineered with
Leica for superior imaging. Boasting Active HDR Video, 4K120fps slow-motion, and unbeatable
low light performance via a 5nm AI chip, it ensures crisp, vivid captures.
Its 2.4” flip touchscreen and FlowState stabilization guarantee smooth, precise shots. Waterproof up to 33ft and featuring fast charging, it’s adventure-ready, with smart shooting and sharing capabilities that enhance every experience.
• 80% Battery in 22 mins of charging
• Gesture Control & Voice Control 2.0
• Magnetic Mounting System
Insta360 X3 Pocket 360 Action Camera ()
The Insta360 X3 delivers creativity and ease of use to every user. With a 1/2″ sensor for detailed 5.7K 360° captures and innovative features like the Invisible Selfie Stick, 72MP photos, and 4K120fps Bullet Time, it’s designed for creators, adventurers, and athletes.
The camera’s standout FlowState Stabilization ensures smooth footage in any scenario, making it the ideal tool for those seeking to push the limits of their storytelling.
• Single Lens Mode for wide-angle videos
• Rugged and IPX8 waterproof up to 33 feet
• 10% more battery life capacity than predecessor
Sony RX0 Mark II Digital Camera ()
We have the small but mighty Sony RX0 Mark II. It comes packed with features that make it stand out as a premium, ultra-compact digital camera. The RX0 Mark II features a Zeiss Tessar T* 24mm f/4 wide-angle lens, 1.0-type Exmor RS™ CMOS sensor, and BIONZ X™ image processor. They all ensure you can capture footage and images with maximum quality and color fidelity. This high-end sensor and processor allow for more premium features like super slow-motion recording at 1000 fps. It’s the only camera on this list capable of that.
The Sony RX0 Mark II also features internal 4K30fps recording, and a 180-degree tilting LCD screen that’s perfect for vlogging. It also packs a punch with stills, being able to capture 15.3MP5 RAW images and shoot up to 16fps continuous and interval rec. for beautiful time-lapses.
Despite its small, lightweight duralumin frame, the Sony RX0 Mark II is also incredibly tough. This tiny camera is waterproof down to 44 feet, crushproof up to 440 pounds of force, and shockproof from a height of 6.5 feet. It may be on the more expensive end, but the Sony RX0 Mark II combines performance, portability, and ruggedness in a tiny hybrid digital camera that can do it all and is ready for any type of action.
DJI Osmo Pocket 3 Gimbal camera ()
The DJI Osmo Pocket 3 comes in a compact body, coupled with a 2-inch rotatable touchscreen. With its size and ease of use, the Osmo Pocket 3 offers unmatched flexibility and control. Capture life in motion at 4K/120fps with three-axis mechanical stabilization, ensuring every shot is smooth. Features like Product Showcase mode and compatibility with DJI Mic 2 are enhanced for content creators, vloggers, and streamers.
• Glamour Effects 2.0
• 3-axis gimbal mechanical stabilization
• ActiveTrack 6.0
Check out more of this lightweight and easy to use as a go-to video recorder as Seth Miranda showcases its features.
DJI Osmo Action 4 Camera Adventure Combo ()
The DJI Osmo Action 4 Camera has a 1/1.3-inch sensor, 10-bit D-Log M color for exceptional dynamic range, and enhanced battery life. Its rugged design is perfect for extreme adventures, being waterproof up to 59 feet, deep-freeze resistant, and featuring advanced stabilization with360 HorizonSteady. Offering 4K/120fps video, omnidirectional audio combined with its standout feature, 360 HorizonSteady, this camera offers adventurers a unique advantage.
• Built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity
• Memory Card: microSD Memory
• 69% sensor increase compared to predecessor
Ricoh THETA X 360 Spherical Camera ()
Last, but not least, boasting a compact design, 2.25-inch touchscreen, swappable battery, and expandable memory. The Ricoh THETA X delivers stunning high-resolution 60MP stills and seamless 5.7K video, effortlessly connected to smartphones without SSID hassle.
Unique to THETA X, its Android-based OS opens doors for customized app development, transforming it into a versatile tool for action enthusiasts seeking to capture, share, and elevate their dynamic experiences with unparalleled clarity and creativity.
• Android-based operating system offers third-party plug-in compatibility
• A new sensor with approximately 48MP
• 360-degree videos at 5760 x 2880 pixels at 30fps
Looking for more options? Check out our entire line of action cameras at Adorama.
