When it comes to the best action cameras you can buy right now, GoPro is still the undisputed market leader, seeing off some serious competition from DJI. This year the drone royalty introduced its debut action camera, the DJI Osmo Action, and in terms of spec it's very similar to the ground-breaking GoPro Hero 7 Black.
In fact, when we pitted the GoPro Hero 7 Black vs DJI Osmo Action, it was a close call across many key features. It was the same story in our GoPro Hero 8 Black vs DJI Osmo Action comparison review. So when it comes to declaring which is the world's top action camera, there's some extra considerations to make now before answering that.
Of course, the big news is the arrival of the GoPro Hero 8 Black and the GoPro Max. While we haven't yet reviewed the latter, GoPro's new 360-degree camera, we have reviewed the Hero 8 Black and will be updating this guide with it very shortly.
Beyond GoPro and DJI, there are several other genuinely ace action cams worth checking out. Because let's face it, not everyone can afford the flagship cameras, or might not need the intense wealth of tech they offer. If you're on a strict budget, don't forget to check out our guide to the best budget action cameras.
The best action cameras are also super-versatile, and when used with the right mounting system they can be securely attached to anything from bicycle helmets and surfboards, to handlebars and even your pet dog—who wouldn’t want to view the world from their dog’s perspective?
Action cams are small and rugged and, because of the first person POV (point of view) footage they capture, they’ve become the go-to gadget for extreme sports enthusiasts looking to film their high-octane adventures. They’re also brilliant for capturing cool timelapse videos.
Whether you're an MTB rider, a surfer, or you want to capture epic views on a mountainous hike, arming yourself with the right action cam can help you film your adventures to view later, capturing footage to share with family and friends.
Buy one with a waterproof housing and you can take your action camera in the pool, river or ocean to film your surfing, SUP tour or wild swim. There are also models with a degree of waterproofing as standard.
Since their growth in popularity, the number of these cams to choose from has increased, so finding the best action camera for you seem a little daunting. Luckily, we’ve done all the testing and research to help you make an easy decision.
The most important things to consider are what you want features-wise and what your budget is. If you want to shoot super-smooth footage in 4K and control the camera hands-free (so using voice control), be prepared to spend upwards of £250, depending on what current deals are being offered.
Best action camera: our expert pick
We regularly review new contenders for our expert buyer’s guide, and without question our top recommendation is the , which doubles down on the success of the (now with a new low price of just £319 RRP) to bring with it HyperSmooth 2.0, easy to access presets for stills and video, and a new system of GoPro accessories called GoPro Mods.
This rugged action camera is tough enough to be mounted to a variety of outdoor gear, and has voice control for hands-free filming. You can pre-order the Hero 8 Black via GoPro's official site, with shipping to start on 15 October. Worldwide retailer availability begins on 20 October.
As incredibly as GoPro's new flagship Hero action camera is, you might not want the abundance of features packed into it. And that's fine, as we have some solid GoPro alternatives in our guide. It’s also worth noting upfront that all of the GoPro cams are regularly discounted, so there’ll be a deal on whichever one is right for you.
Choosing the best action camera for you
There's massive amounts of choice when it comes to buying an action cam, with big hitters like GoPro and Sony, as well as lesser known brands including Veho and Olfi, all vying to create the best action camera bar none.
Image quality is one of the most important factors when choosing the right one for you, and the GoPro and Sony models in our list excel in this area.
It's always worth checking out frame rates rather than max resolution. This is because while a lot of cameras shoot in 4K resolution, some cheaper models use a frame rate of 15fps, which makes the video look jumpy. If you're shooting in 4K you want at least 30fps, or just shoot in 1080p HD at 60fps.
The best action cameras also come bundled with accessories and a versatile system of mounts – or least ones that you can buy to go with it. If you want to take your camera diving, for example, you'll need a waterproof housing (casing).
If you want to mount your one on your dashboard you'll need a suction mount. Some action cams, such as the Veho and Olfi models, come with plenty of mounts and cases. Other brands are less generous.
Last year, we saw a rise in the number of extra features being added to action cams. Features like image stabilisation and GPS are mainstays, while newer additions such as voice control might be important to you depending upon your chosen sport and whether you need to be hands-free to do it.
The best action cameras to buy now
1. GoPro Hero 8 Black
Meet the new best action action camera in the world
Specifications
Reasons to buy
GoPro has done it again, creating a sensational action camera in the form of the frameless Hero 8 Black. It’s the Hero 7 Black and then some, bringing to the party HyperSmooth 2.0 and TimeWarp 2.0, as well as enhanced functionality.
There’s also lots of easy-to-use presets for enhanced levels of action photography, regardless of whether you’re a beginner or are more experienced. And there’s a new system of GoPro accessories for the Hero 8 Black called GoPro Mods.
The most obvious thing about GoPro’s new camera is that it has a frameless design fitted with two ‘folding fingers’ at the base. These magnetic fingers lie flat when not in use, but pop them out and you can use the camera with a mount.
There’s no integrated front-facing display like you’d find on the DJI Osmo Action further down this best action camera’s buyer’s guide, but the incoming GoPro Max has one. That isn’t to say you can’t have a front-facing display on the Hero 8 Black: you can, via a new GoPro accessory called the Display Mod. This essentially adds a front- or rear-facing flip-up display to the action camera. Unfortunately, you won’t be able to buy one until GoPro makes the Mods available for pre-order in December.
As mentioned above, the Hero 8 Black builds upon the success of the Hero 7 Black with next-gen HyperSmooth 2.0 video stabilisation. It now improves pitch-axis stabilisation and works across all frame rates and resolutions as standard. That’s super-cool.
The action camera also features four digital lenses, making it simple to select the ideal field of view for whatever you’re shooting – choose from SuperView, Wide, Narrow and Linear. This literally takes the guesswork out of action photography for everyone. The audio has also been improved, with enhanced wind suppression on the front-facing mic. Again, the incoming Media Mod will boost the Hero 8 Black’s audio further by delivering shotgun-mic directional audio performance.
There are all-new capture presets too, which GoPro has created so that you can intuitively select the right setting for whatever activity you’re filming. A revamped SuperPhoto feature offers up ghost-free HDR action photos, and all-new LiveBurst captures 1.5 seconds of 12MP (4K 4:3) footage before and after the shutter.
Read our official review of the GoPro Hero 8 Black to find out more about all of these new features, those cool new Mod accessories, and the revamped GoPro app.
Keen to buy our best action camera pick? The GoPro Hero 8 Black is available for pre-order now from GoPro.com, with shipments beginning Tuesday 15 October. It will be available at select retail partners around the world starting Sunday 20 October.
2. GoPro Hero 7 Black
GoPro’s flagship action camera just got even better
Specifications
Reasons to buy
The Hero7 Black scooped the Best Action Camera award at the T3 Awards 2019, and brings a bevy of updates and refinements to the already superb Hero6. Arguably the most important of which is stabilisation at 4K60 (more on that shortly).
For a long time GoPro remained truly unchallenged in the action cam arena, but now drone king DJI has come along and royally put pay to that free reign. So much so, it's now a very close call between the Hero7 Black and the DJI Osmo Action (see below), with both landing five-star reviews from us.
Whether this GoPro is the best action camera for you comes down to what type of pursuits you regularly film, and whether a camera's looks and feel, as well as live streaming capability and great app functionality, are important to you. If they are, you're in the right place with the Hero7 Black.
Waterproof down to 10 metres on its own, you can expand that to an impressive 30 metres with an optional GoPro waterproof housing. Plus, there’s a positively gargantuan amount of compatible mounts and extras that work with a GoPro action camera.
One of our favourite features is the ability to record video at frame rates all the way up to 60fps, while image stabilisation has been improved and refined to the point where you don't need a gimbal. We also love the TimeWarp video function, plus the accurate face, smile and scene detection.
There’s a touchscreen on the rear of the Hero7 Black, which has also been improved for smoother gestures, and you can also use your voice to control the action cam. This is handy in situations where you can't physically reach the Hero7 easily, such as when it's mounted to your helmet during climbing or snowboarding, or fixed on the end of your surfboard.
The hugely useable and creative GoPro QuikStories app is on hand to condense all of your buttery smooth videos and unique shots into one shareable nugget, too, ready to delight your social media fans (and your proud mum, of course).
Check out more of this year's award winners on our main T3 Awards 2019 page.
Read our full review of the GoPro Hero7 Black here
3. DJI Osmo Action
GoPro’s fiercest competition yet, and a solid choice for vloggers too
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Drone royalty DJI has spent the better part of a decade dominating the world of aerial shooters, developing class-leasing image stabilisation tech and intuitive flight control. And now it has poured that know-how into making its first action camera.
The Osmo Action is fractionally bigger and fractionally heavier than the Hero7 Black, but that’s acceptable considering how it’s packing a colour front-facing screen in addition to a 2.25-inch touchscreen at the back.
Just like the GoPro, the Osmo Action offers a range of control options, including voice activation. There are two built-in microphones, but we’d recommend adding an external microphone to enjoy the best audio quality.
As you’ll see from our full review of the Osmo Action, in terms of spec there’s little separating it from the Hero7 Black. Considering the pretty even match, the DJI is £50 cheaper and offers that front-facing screen, which is ace for vloggers or any pursuit where you want the camera trained on you and need to see how you're framed.
However, there is no live streaming support on the Osmo Action, so if that’s important to you, choose the Hero7 Black. Similarly, if you want the widest field of view possible, choose the Hero7 Black with its SuperView wide angle mode. The Osmo's Mimo app is also limited compared to the established GoPro companion app, and its range of accessories are dwarfed by the GoPro canyon. That said, the Osmo Action is compatible with some third party mounts.
Ultimately, the Osmo Action is simple to use, produces excellent images and benefits from RockSteady electronic image stabilisation. It should be attractive to vloggers looking for a rugged, reliable and easy setup. Like the GoPro, this DJI will rock out with you in the surf, at the bike park and when skateboarding, so it’s an ideal playmate for extreme sports too.
Read our full review of the DJI Osmo Action here
GoPro Hero 7 Black vs DJI Osmo Action: which is right for you?
4. SJCAM SJ8 Pro
Pro video quality on a tighter budget? This is the action cam for you
Specifications
Reasons to buy
If you’re on the hunt for GoPro-matching 4K60fps resolution at a snip of the price of our number one action camera, the SJ8 Pro is a worthy contender. This stealthy cam offers plenty of other resolution options too, including 1080p120 and 720p240 for capturing ace slo-mo shots.
With a clear focus on shooting the best quality video footage possible, the SJ8 Pro’s lens comprises 7 layers of glass for added clarity and reduced distortion, alongside a fixed 2.8mm focal length, f2.8 aperture and 170° field of view. Driving the show is a powerful Ambarella H22 S85 chipset and SONY IMX377 sensor.
An ace up this camera’s sleeve is the 8x digital zoom function, on-hand to capture those extreme action close-ups. To cap it all off, 6-axis image stabilization helps smooth out footage during the bumpiest activities.
Out back is a 2.33-inch IPS Retina touchscreen for crystal clear playback and tweaking settings. The SJCAM Zone app (iOS/Android) is a simple affair, but makes post production and sharing easy – footage transfer takes place over 2.4GHz or zippy 5GHz connections.
It might lack the voice control and native waterproofing of the GoPro Hero7 Black (the SJCAM is waterproof down to 30m once nestled in the supplied case), but the SJ8 Pro is a great little shooter if video quality is the main requirement of your next action camera.
5. Sony RX0 II
A one-inch sensor in a 'tiny tough' camera? Say hey to incredible imagery
Specifications
Reasons to buy
The Sony RX0 has long sat in our best action cameras buyer's guide, and now it has been reimagined into the RX0 II, a 'tiny tough' cam with a super-rugged build to help it to withstand knocks, bumps and scrapes during your outdoors adventures and everyday use.
In our full review of the RX0 II, we found that while Sony's camera features its own take on electronic image stabilisation (EIS), plus some nifty imaging tech, overall it's just too fiddly to use for capturing properly spontaneous bursts of action like the other cameras featured above.
Why do we say that? It's because you need to get used to surfing through detailed menus using buttons – there's no touchscreen here! – and you'll need a tripod if you want properly smooth footage (which the likes of the GoPro and DJI don't).
However, if you want a super-tough outdoors-friendly compact camera for capturing fantastic stills plus video (if the camera is stabilised by a tripod), the RX0 II can be relied upon due to its monster 1-inch sensor. It also features a 180-degree tiltable 1.5-inch rear screen, which is handy for vlogging as you can see whether you're in frame.
6. GoPro Hero 5 Black
More affordable than the Hero6 and still a good choice
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
While the GoPro Hero7 Black is the current star in GoPro's line up, the Hero5 Black still features in our best action camera line-up because it offers a decent amount of features for an affordable price.
Surfers, stand up paddle boarders and those of you into snorkelling will enjoy buddying up with this tried and tested action cam, as it's waterproof to 10-metres without a casing. It's just as durable, too, so it can survive some pretty brutal scrapes and knocks during filming.
Video can be recorded up to 4K at 30fps, and the cam also snaps 12MP stills in RAW format. Battery life varies depending on what settings you're using, but you can expect to get anywhere between one to three hours use per full charge.
This GoPro features a two-inch touchscreen on the rear, making changing settings easier. GPS captures your location and the action cam now utilises video stabilisation for nailing buttery smooth shots.
More experienced photographers can also delve into the photo settings to alter white balance, image sharpness and the ISO.
As with all GoPro action cameras, the Hero5 Black connects to a smartphone app for remote control, image previews and video playback. There's also micro USB, micro HDMI and a microUSB port.
Read the full T3 review: GoPro Hero5 Black and GoPro Karma Drone
7. YI 4K+ Action Camera
A well-rounded action cam that won't break the bank
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
If you like the look and feel of the best GoPro action cams but don’t quite have the budget for one, there are a few lookalikes surfacing...
One that instantly springs to mind is the YI 4K+, a well-featured action camera with the ability to record 4K at 60fps. Video recording is smooth, although admittedly not as impressive as what the GoPro delivers at 4K 30fps.
YI technology makes a big deal about the 4K+'s voice command function, but we that it can be a little patchy. The screen is crisp and easy to read, which is handy for viewing and framing in sunlight.
Unlike the GoPro Hero 6, the YI 4K+ isn't waterproof and requires a waterproof casing before you can take it beneath the waves. Not necessarily a deal breaker, but it adds an extra layer of faff and cost that might put you off.
8. GoPro Fusion
A rugged 360-degree action camera for capturing the whole picture
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
An action-ready 360-degree camera was the logical next step for GoPro. The rugged, waterproof GoPro Fusion shoots stunning 5.2K spherical video up to 30fps via dual fisheye lenses front and back.
Settings are accessed via a pair of buttons on the camera body or, far less fiddly, through the GoPro app. Once you’re ready to roll, there’s a single button for instant shooting, or voice commands for deeper control.
For playback, the digitally stabilized footage from both lenses is stitched together. Image quality is excellent and it’s possible to explore every corner of your video within the app or with VR goggles.
GoPro’s OverCapture software (mobile and desktop) is incredibly clever too. Choose the best angle from your footage and OverCapture flattens the video ready for sharing.
9. TomTom Bandit Action Camera
This bullet-shaped cam makes editing easy
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
Thought TomTom only made sat navs and running watches? Well, you're wrong. They also make this rather rugged action camera. The TomTom Bandit is the perfect, low-profile shape to be strapped to the side of your helmet when you're mountain biking, snowboarding or off-roading.
TomTom's software automatically edits the footage (using GPS and a motion sensor), so it's a good choice for holding your hand if you're new to editing video.
The Bandit is certainly one of the heaviest in our best action camera guide, but it's easy to use and captures great footage. Bonus: it's compatible with GoPro mounts.
10. Olympus TG Tracker Action Camera
Get past the odd looks and you'll discover a decent GoPro challenger
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
Looking like a miniature version of old school video cameras, the Olympus TG-Tracker is a bit of an oddball compared to the rest of our best action camera picks.
Still, it’s compact, rugged and waterproof, and the screen flips out to the side to give you a different viewpoint (not including selfies as it doesn’t face forwards). Some will like the sideways screen, some won't.
The TG Tracker sports a wealth of interesting features, including an ultra-wide lens with full 204-degree viewing angle. It records at up to an impressive 240fps if you drop down to 720p HD, making it suitable for mountain biking, snowboarding and ziplining. 4K is available at up to 30fps.
Video quality stands up against some of the big action camera names here, and the comparatively low price most certainly makes it a juicy option for those of you who want a good all-rounder action cam.
11. Drift Ghost 4K
The best low-profile action camera for cyclists and bikers
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
A range of resolution and frame rate options ensure you bag the best footage for any situation. When shooting more sedate activity, the max 4K Ultra HD resolution dialled to 30fps makes your antics shine on screen.
Digital image stabilisation kicks in below 1080p, taming the vibrations of more high-octane action and producing smooth footage.
The camera’s low-profile design and rugged outer shell make the Ghost 4K ideal for two-wheeled adventures (mounted to bars or helmet), or accessorise with Drift’s waterproof housing to explore depths of up to 40m.
Some action cameras fall short when it comes to audio, but not the Ghost 4K. The camera houses dual microphones, front and rear, which enhance sound quality and help combat pesky wind interference.
12. Garmin Virb Ultra 30
One of the most fully featured action cameras we've tested
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
The original Virb introduced GPS and motion sensors to the action camera pie, and the Virb Ultra 30 builds on that with 3-axis image stabilisation, a 1.75-inch touchscreen, GPS capture, high-quality microphones and a G-sensor.
Those of you who ride downhill will get the most of out of the G-Matrix tech, as it captures performance data including speed, altitude, G-force and heart rate; the latter if you pair the action cam with a compatible heart rate monitor.
As with some of our newer best action camera choices, voice control is one of the Ultra 30's key features. You can tell it to start, stop or pause filming, as well as “remember that” to make finding specific events easier.
Video quality is good with 4K at 30fps and 1080p at 60fps, and the Wi-Fi connection and compatible app are well designed.
13. Sony FDR-X3000 4K
This bullet-shaped action camera crams in Sony's imaging nous
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Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
Another 4K offering, this time from Sony. The 4K Action Camera is designed to be three times more stable than previous Sony action cams, thanks to advanced SteadyShot system. A ZEISS lens ensures your video is sharp and free from glare.
One big advantage to this action camera is the built-in measure. This reduces wind noise so the audio on your videos should be clear. This could be particularly important to those of you looking for a camera to take on climbing trips.
The Sony 4K Action Camera also has a waterproof case, micro HMDI output, micro USB, and a microSD card slot, so you're up and running straight out of the box.
14. Nikon KeyMission 360
This action camera makes you the centre of the action
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
Nikon is a key player in the standard camera market, so it’s not much of a surprise to see them pop up in the action cam game too.
It’s got a trio of KeyMission cameras available, but the 360 makes our best action camera round-up because it offers something just that little bit different...
VR content is on the rise, and if you’re interested in creating immersive action videos, then something like the KeyMission 360 is a good choice to enable you to do just that. As the name suggests, it has a completely spherical field of view - so you better make sure you’re not pulling any funny faces when recording your movies.
The KeyMission 360 also boasts waterproofing, as well as 4K video recording. As there’s no space for a screen or a huge array of buttons, you’ll need to make settings changes via an app - which is the KeyMission’s letdown, as it can be on the flaky side.
15. Olfi One.Five Action Camera
Excellent value for money, and a quirky design to boot
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Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
The Olfi One.Five offers amazing 4K HDR video recording at a very reasonable price of £149.99. That's not all this impressive little action camera offers - there's also a rear LCD screen, super slow motion 240fps video mode and gyro stabilisation.
We're digging the design, and it like how it comes with a hard case plus a selection of mounts. Although this is a budget device, it certainly doesn't feel cheap.
