Action cameras are very popular with adventurists and other sports enthusiasts who want to capture their own footage while on the move. Of late, they have also been getting popular with vloggers and content creators because of their portability, and some features like water-proof and high end video recording capabilities. Keeping this in mind different brands have been introducing vlogger oriented features as well in the action camera.
For an action camera to be good enough and versatile, it should check atleast the following boxes
right:
- Compact and water-proof body
- Touch Screen LCD preferable on both sides
- Ability to shoot at 4K 30p
- Good Image Stabilisation
- Good low light performance
- Good audio quality
- Ability to stream live on social media
- Features like Timelapse, Hyperlapse, Slow-Mo etc.
- Bundled with accessories and mounts
These are broad features one must be look at while making a decision. However, you may have your specific requirement which will always weigh more than other features.
Here is our choice of Top 5 Action Cameras. Pls. note we have not considered GoPro Hero9 Black in this because its entry in India has been delayed and we have not been able to test that.
1. GoPro Hero8 Black
Great All-Round camera with good value for money
Video Resolution (Max): 4K at 60 fps | Photo Resolution (Max): 12MP | Touch Screen: Yes | Battery Life in Single Charge: 158 minutes | Water Proof: Yes, up to 33 feet | Size: 2.6 x 1.9 x 1.1 inches | Weight: 119 GMS
Reasons to Buy
- One of the finest Stabilization
- Folding Fingers (Mounting Arms)
- High Quality Audio
- Different Mod
Reasons to Avoid
- Fixed non removable lens
- Poor low light performance
- Small Screen
Though there is now a GoPro Hero9 in market, Hero8 is still a formidable and feature laden choice of action camera. I fact now it becomes more affordable and still offering best in class features. Unique features like HyperSmooth 2.0 and TimeWarp 2.0 enhance its functionality. Optional GoPro Mods transform it into a cinematic camera. Introduction of FoldingFingers ensure ease of use without having to use the waterproof casing to mount the camera.
Another unique feature is its 4 digital lenses viz SuperView, Wide, Narrow and Linear, making shooting simple and seamless.
2. GoPro Hero7 Black
Flagship of 2018, Entry Level of 2020 – Quite a Formidable Option
Video Resolution (Max): 4K at 60 fps | Photo Resolution (Max): 12 MP | Touch Screen: Yes | Battery Life in Single Charge: 158 minutes | Water Proof: Yes, up to 33 feet | Weight: 119 GMS
Reasons to Buy
- Wonderful 4K video and image quality
- HyperSmooth is very useful and effective
- Waterproof that too without housing
Reasons to Avoid
- Struggles with voice commands
- Screen sometimes gets unresponsive
Once a flagship camera of 2018 has now positioned itself firmly as a formidable entry level action camera in GoPro’s rejigged line up. What makes it gain entry in Top 5 despite being an old camera is its affordability and great value for money with its features like HyperSmooth and being water proof without the housing. With a video quality of 4K at 60p its certainly a war horse even after the launch of Hero9.
It was the first camera to introduce both HyperSmooth and TimeWarp which is another reason to get your hands on this one.
3. SJCAM SJ6 Legend
Power packed budget action camera
Video Resolution (Max): 4K at 24 fps | Photo Resolution (Max): 16 MP | Touch Screen: Yes | Battery Life in Single Charge: 70 minutes | Water Proof: Yes, up to 33 feet | Weight: 83 GMS
Reasons to Buy
- Affordable. Suits everyone
- Gyro Stabilisation for super smooth videos
- Waterproof up to 10 mtr
- 4K at 24P
Reasons to Avoid
- No true 4K
- Poor battery life
In a market ruled by GoPro, this SJCAM has been creating its own market with their affordable yet feature rich action cameras. And this SJ6 Legend has features like Gyro Stabilisation, 4K, waterproof body and dual screen camera have made it very popular with masses. It offers multiple mounting options which makes it highly flexible.
4. Insta360 One R Twin Edition
Unique modular, yet impressive 360 Action Camera
Video Resolution: 4K at 30 fps, 5.7K at 30 fps, 1080 at 200 fps | Photo Resolution (Max): 18.5 MP | Battery Life in Single Charge: 70 minutes | Water Proof: Yes, up to 5 mtr with bracket | Weight: 130.5 GMS
Reasons to Buy
- Unique modular design for extreme flexibility
- 360-degree camera with 4K making it unique action camera
- Waterproof up to 5 mtr
- FlowState offering great stabilisation
Reasons to Avoid
- Very Small Screen
- Poor battery life
Insta360 is one unique action camera offering 360 degrees and 4K footages, both of extreme high quality. Its modular design makes it \easy to switch between lenses easily. Option of Leica 1” Wide Angle Lens/Sensor combo ensures you get best in class low light image quality.
While it offers 3 different camera options, does it actually deliver? We can easily say Yes. With Leica 1” option it ensures you get great detail in low light., making it one unique action camera to do that.
5. GoPro Max 360
Dedicated 360-degree camera
Video Resolution: 360 degree 5K at 30 fps | Photo Resolution (Max): 18 MP | Battery Life in Single Charge: 90 minutes | Water Proof: Yes, up to 5 mtr without case | Weight: 154 GMS
Reasons to Buy
- Dedicated 360-degree camera shoots at 5K 30 fps
- Waterproof up to 5 mtr without casing
- In Camera video stitching
Reasons to Avoid
- 2D footage at extreme low resolution
- Poor low light performance
- No 4K option
- Stitching is poor showing stitch lines
This is good 360-degree action camera from GoPro. Though it does offer good 360 footages, if you want equally good non 360 footage, then look elsewhere. Its unique 6 microphone design ensures you get top notch audio. It steals features like TimeWarp, FloatingFingers from Hero8, which again makes it a good action camera option.
The biggest downside is its inability to shoot 4K which makes Insta360 One R Twin Edition take a formidable lead over this. Also it really disappoints with its low light performance where it even struggles to stabilise.