Whether for spectacular sports shots, breathtaking travel videos or exciting outdoor adventures – action cams are the ideal companion for capturing special moments in the highest quality. These robust, compact and versatile cameras offer you the opportunity to capture your experiences directly from a first-person perspective and then share them with friends, family or followers. However, with so many models, technical features and price ranges to choose from, deciding on the right action camera can be a challenge. In this guide, we give you a clear overview of the best action cams on the market and help you find the camera that perfectly suits your needs.
The best action cams: Our top 6
GoPro Hero 13 Black
Videos can be recorded in 5.3K resolution, which enables razor-sharp and detailed images. Thanks to new image stabilization technologies such as HyperSmooth 6.0 and Horizon Lock Pro, the image remains steady and stable even during the most rapid movements, making it particularly attractive for extreme athletes and outdoor enthusiasts. In addition, the housing is robust and waterproof as usual, so that it can be used in almost all environments without any problems.
In addition to the numerous advantages, there are also some disadvantages. The higher resolution and better stabilization require high energy consumption, which limits the battery life compared to older models. The price of the GoPro Hero 13 Black is also higher than that of many competing products, which makes it less attractive for beginners looking for an affordable alternative.
DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro
The DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro is the best alternative to the GoPro and impresses with a variety of innovative features and offers itself as a strong competitor in the action camera market. The camera has a 1/1.3-inch sensor that films in 4K quality and delivers impressively sharp and vivid images. The strengths of the sensor are particularly evident in low light conditions.
Thanks to the built-in RockSteady 4.0 stabilization, the image remains stable and steady even during intense movements, making it ideal for action shots and sports missions. Another plus point is the dual touchscreen design, which makes the camera easier to operate and increases flexibility when filming. DJI’s action cam even has the edge when it comes to battery life: up to 240 minutes of use are possible.
Despite its strengths, the DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro also has some weaknesses. The housing is slightly larger and heavier than the previous model due to the additional functions, which can affect portability. In addition, the DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro is priced in the upper segment, which makes it less attractive for hobby users or beginners.
Insta360 Ace Pro 2
The Insta360 Ace Pro 2 impresses with its versatile features and unique 360-degree shooting capabilities, making it the ideal choice for immersive and creative video recording. With two powerful sensors and 8K resolution, it offers outstanding image quality that displays details and colors vividly and sharply.
FlowState stabilization ensures blur-free shots even during intense movements and enables seamless editing and stabilization in post-production. A big plus is the camera’s flexibility to adapt to different shooting needs, including slow motion and time-lapse.
However, the camera also has some drawbacks. The wide range of functions and the 360-degree technology put a heavy strain on the battery, resulting in a shorter battery life – a disadvantage if the camera is used for longer periods without a charging option. The Insta360 Ace Pro 2 is also somewhat more complex to operate, which can be a challenge for beginners.
DJI Osmo Pocket 3
The DJI Osmo Pocket 3 differs in its design from most classic action cams, even if the field of application is largely the same. It is a compact and versatile handheld camera that is characterized by its ease of use and high image quality. With a 1-inch sensor, it delivers impressive 4K footage, even in low light conditions, and is ideal for vloggers, travelers and content creators looking for a powerful, portable solution.
One highlight is the integrated gimbal, which provides exceptional image stabilization and enables smooth, blur-free videos even with fast movements. The foldable touchscreen display simplifies operation and offers flexibility in image composition and camera control.
Despite these advantages, there are also a few disadvantages. The battery life of the DJI Pocket 3 is limited, especially for 4K recordings with gimbal stabilization, a maximum of 166 minutes is possible, which makes longer recordings without charging interruptions more difficult. Although the smaller housing offers advantages in terms of mobility, it means that the device is somewhat more sensitive to shocks and less robust than larger action cameras. In addition, the camera’s design offers less flexibility for additional lenses or accessories, which may be a limitation for certain users.
Insta360 Ace (price-performance tip)
The slightly older Insta360 Ace is our price-performance tip, as the action cam is primarily aimed at beginners who don’t want to miss out on modern features. With its ability to record in 6K resolution, it delivers impressively sharp and detailed images in all directions, which can later be flexibly edited and trimmed.
Thanks to the integrated FlowState stabilization, the camera ensures blur-free shots, even with fast movements, and enables a seamless transition between different viewing angles. This stabilization makes the Insta360 Ace a valuable tool for vloggers, content creators and outdoor enthusiasts.
However, some disadvantages should be taken into account. The Insta360 Ace’s battery runs out relatively quickly, especially when taking longer recordings in high resolution, which limits its use without a charging option.
AKASO Brave 4 Pro (price tip)
With an RRP of just 130 euros, the AKASO Brave 4 Pro is our price tip in the action cam sector. With a recording resolution of 4K and 30 frames per second, it delivers good and detailed videos that are perfectly adequate for everyday adventures and hobbies.
The camera is waterproof and robustly built so that it can be used for outdoor activities without any problems, even under water. In addition, it offers some practical functions such as integrated image stabilization and various shooting modes that provide creative flexibility.
Despite its advantages, the AKASO Brave 4 Pro has some limitations that could be particularly relevant for advanced users. Although image stabilization is available, it does not match the quality of more expensive models, which can lead to slight blurring during very fast movements. The battery life is also rather average and does not last as long with high video resolution, which leads to charging interruptions during longer recording sessions.
The camera also has no advanced features such as RAW recording or particularly high low-light performance, which limits the image quality in low light conditions. Nevertheless, the price-performance ratio is absolutely convincing.
Buying action cams: What you should look out for
In recent years, action cams have become indispensable companions for adventurers, athletes and anyone who wants to capture spectacular experiences. But with so many models, prices and functions to choose from, it can be difficult to find the right action cam. In this article, you will find out what you should look out for when buying an action cam so that you can find the camera that perfectly suits your requirements.
1. image quality and resolution
One of the most important features of an action cam is the image quality. Many models now offer 4K resolution, which enables razor-sharp recordings. However, the frame rate is also crucial: the higher the frame rate, the smoother fast movements appear. For fast-paced sports or dynamic shots, we recommend a camera that offers at least 60 fps (frames per second) at Full HD or higher. Some high-end models even support 120 fps or more, which enables great slow-motion effects.
Tip: Think about what you want to use the camera for. Full HD recordings are often sufficient for social media clips, while 4K or higher can be useful for elaborate travel videos or film projects.
2. image stabilization
High-quality image stabilization is essential if you use the camera in motion, e.g. when mountain biking, skiing or running. Without stabilization, videos often look shaky and unprofessional. Many modern action cams offer electronic image stabilization (EIS), some high-quality models even offer optical image stabilization (OIS). A stabilized video looks pleasantly steady even during intense activities and is ideal for action-packed scenes.
3. battery life and removable batteries
Nothing is more annoying than when the battery gives up in the middle of the action. The battery life of action cams varies greatly, usually between one and two hours of continuous recording. If you are planning longer tours, it makes sense to choose a model with a replaceable battery and take one or two spare batteries with you. Also pay attention to how long the camera needs to be fully charged.
Tip: Pay attention to the manufacturer’s information on battery life and, if possible, look at real user reviews to get a realistic picture.
4. robustness and waterproofness
Action cams are designed to document outdoor adventures and therefore have to withstand a lot. If you want to use your camera in the rain, in water or in a dusty environment, a waterproof and shockproof model is ideal. Most action cams are waterproof to a certain depth, often up to 10 meters. For deeper diving, you should make sure that the housing or an additional protective case reliably seals the camera.
5. Connectivity and operation
Simple operation and good connectivity make using the action cam much more convenient. Many models offer Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, which makes it easier to transfer videos and photos to a smartphone or tablet. Some cameras can be controlled via an app, allowing you to adjust settings such as resolution or recording format directly from your smartphone. Voice control can also be helpful, especially if you don’t have your hands free.
Tip: Test whether the connection with the associated app is stable and check whether the camera has an intuitive user interface so that you can access all functions quickly.
6. Accessories and mounting options
The possible uses of an action cam are as varied as the accessories available for it. Some cameras are compatible with a variety of brackets and mounts that can be attached to a helmet, bike, surfboard or car, for example. Before buying, check which accessories are included and whether there are any expansion options. Some brands also offer special filters, waterproof housings or external microphones that can make your recordings even more versatile.
Tip: A wide range of compatible accessories can enhance your camera in the long term, so check carefully whether your favorite action cam offers this.
7. price-performance ratio
Prices for action cams vary greatly. While entry-level models are available for around 100 euros, high-end models can quickly cost over 400 euros or more. Before buying, think about which functions are important to you and what you really need. A more expensive model can be worthwhile if you value high-quality images, long battery life and stable connectivity. Beginners can often find good quality at a reasonable price in the mid-range.
Tip: Compare the functions and performance of the different models carefully to find the best price-performance ratio for your needs.
