Best Action Cameras of 2024

The first one on our list is the Insta360 Ace Pro. The Ace Pro has stormed into the wide-angle action camera market, making a significant impact with its impressive features and performance. Boasting 8K video resolution, a substantial 2.4-inch flip screen, and exceptional video quality, this camera positions itself as a formidable competitor in the action camera realm.

One of the standout features is its partnership with Leica, evident in the 1/1.3-inch sensor that, coupled with the AI-boosted chip, delivers outstanding video and photo quality even in challenging lighting conditions such as low light and highlights. The camera supports up to 8K video and 48MP stills, setting a new standard in resolution within the industry.

The magnetic mounting system, along with a variety of mounts, adds versatility to the Insta360 Ace Pro, catering to different action sports like cycling, diving, and surfing. The inclusion of a multi-mount enhances its adaptability, allowing users to mount the camera on a tripod or use it as a selfie stick.

The design of the Ace Pro is commendable, featuring a well-engineered 2.4-inch flip screen that provides a superior viewing experience. While slightly heavier than some competitors, the added weight contributes to better heat dissipation, addressing a common challenge in action camera design.

Despite its remarkable features, the Ace Pro comes with a relatively higher price tag compared to alternatives, and its weight might be a consideration for those seeking the lightest action camera.

In terms of image and video quality, the Ace Pro excels in low-light performance, with minimal noise. The HDR technology in video mode and a dedicated HDR photo mode handle highlights well, although there’s room for improvement, especially in video mode.

In conclusion, the Insta360 Ace Pro is a powerhouse in the action camera market, offering cutting-edge features and exceptional performance. With its 8K capabilities, innovative design, and robust build, it poses a serious challenge to contenders like GoPro and DJI. 

Next up, we have the GoPro Hero 12 Black. The Hero 12 Black is a commendable action camera that caters to both novice users and seasoned editors, offering a range of features that enhance its versatility. While the hardware updates are minimal, the inclusion of pro features makes it a powerful tool for content creators.

In terms of design, the Hero 12 Black maintains a similar look to its predecessor, the Hero 11 Black, with a few cosmetic tweaks such as a speckled blue-on-black finish and a new 1/4-inch 20 tripod thread. The addition of the tripod thread is a welcome feature for those who use accessories like GorillaPods, adding to its adaptability.

Video modes are a standout feature, with the introduction of HDR video, a new GoPro log capture mode, and easier access to vertical and 8:7 video. The HDR video capability, reaching up to 5.3K resolution, provides enhanced dynamic range, making it ideal for various shooting conditions. The GP-Log mode allows for more versatile video editing, though low-light recording remains a challenge.

GoPro’s HyperSmooth video stabilization, known for its smooth footage, has evolved over the years. The latest version, HyperSmooth 6.0, is smoother than the previous HERO11’s 5.0 and includes features like Horizon Levelling and 360 Horizon Lock. 

Additional features like Bluetooth upgrades, timecode sync for multi-camera edits, and improved battery performance contribute to the camera’s overall appeal. The removal of the GPS feature is justified by GoPro’s focus on maximizing battery runtimes. 

Overall, the Hero 12 Black impresses with its powerful features, including fantastic stabilization, HDR video capabilities, and Bluetooth mic support. The camera maintains the sleek design of its predecessor while incorporating significant upgrades, positioning it as a top choice for both action enthusiasts and video editors. 

The Insta360 Go 3 is on our list as well. The Go 3 is a game-changing hybrid camera that seamlessly transitions from a traditional action cam to a versatile, portable wearable. This tiny camera opens up a world of new shooting possibilities with its minuscule size and innovative magnet mounting system. The stabilized 2.7K video quality ensures crisp and clear footage, while the Action Pod attachment takes it to the next level with a flip-forward touchscreen for monitoring shots and two microphones for enhanced sound.

The major evolution in the Go 3 lies in its redesigned charging case, known as the Action Pod, which transforms the pendant-like Go into a GoPro-like form factor. This base-station-type attachment adds versatility and significantly extends the camera’s battery life, making it a go-anywhere, shoot-everything device.

While the Go 3 is slightly bulkier than its predecessor, the added features and accessories enhance its overall functionality. The magnetic attachment to the Action Pod is robust, providing a secure connection even during bumpy rides. The 2.2-inch touchscreen on the Action Pod is a notable improvement, offering a user-friendly interface for framing shots.

New shooting modes, such as stills and time-lapse, along with higher-resolution video up to 2.7K at 30 frames per second, showcase the Go 3’s versatility. The absence of limits on clip length, improved battery life, and resolved overheating issues make it a reliable companion for extended shoots.

However, the Go 3 has some drawbacks, including no microSD card slot, a non-removable battery, and the Action Pod not being waterproof. The camera’s image quality, while good, may not match up to the GoPro Hero 11.

In conclusion, the Insta360 Go 3 is a capable and innovative camera, offering unique advantages with its tiny size and magnetic mounting system. It provides a different shooting experience compared to larger competitors, making it a worthwhile investment for those seeking creative flexibility in a portable action camera.

Next up, we have the DJI Osmo Action 4. The Osmo Action 4 proves to be an outstanding performer, catering to both professional and enthusiast FPV drone videography. Boasting a seamless blend of user-friendly features, exceptional image quality, and impressive image stabilization, this action camera stands out in the market.

The device’s ease of use is highlighted by its intuitive interface and dual touchscreens—1.4 inches on the front and a larger 2.25-inch screen on the back. The minimalist design includes only two physical buttons, a power button on the side, and a record/shoot button on the top. The absence of onboard storage is a drawback, but this is mitigated by the affordability of high-speed professional microSD cards.

Waterproof up to 18m and operational in temperatures as low as -20°C, the Osmo Action 4 is built to withstand challenging conditions. Its key specifications include a 1/1.3-inch sensor, f/2.8 aperture, and a 155° field of view, catering to larger FPV drones.

Video capabilities are impressive, supporting resolutions up to 4K at 60FPS, with slow-motion options including 120FPS at 4K and up to 240FPS at 1080p. The camera offers Normal and flat D-Log M color profiles, providing flexibility for different shooting scenarios. The image stabilization options, namely RockSteady, RockSteady+, and Horizon Balancing, perform exceptionally well, ensuring smooth footage even in challenging conditions.

The Osmo Action 4’s versatility extends beyond FPV drones, excelling in various shooting modes, including Photo, Video, Slow Motion, and Timelapse. Its performance is enhanced by the DJI Mimo app, allowing for remote control, Live View, and video editing features.

The camera provides up to 2.5 hours of recording time and supports fast charging. It also features DJI’s magnetic mount system and incorporates wind-reduction technology with three microphones, making it appealing to streamers.

In conclusion, the DJI Osmo Action 4 stands out as a top-tier action camera, excelling in image quality, video performance, and user-friendly features. 

The next one on our list is GoPro Hero 11 Black. The Hero 11 Black, while not the latest in the GoPro lineup, remains a commendable upgrade with several notable improvements. Its successor, the Hero 12 Black, may have taken the spotlight, but the Hero 11 Black still stands out in terms of enhanced user experience.

One key enhancement is the larger 1/1.9″ sensor, providing a 16% increase in the vertical field of view compared to its predecessor. This allows shooting in an 8:7 aspect ratio, offering greater flexibility for post-production cropping. The new HyperView Digital Lens complements this feature, delivering an ultra-immersive video experience tailored for action shots and expansive scenes.

A significant leap is the adoption of true 10-bit color processing, providing over 1 billion shades of color data. This results in more vibrant and detailed videos, with reduced color banding and smoother gradients. Coupled with the powerful HyperSmooth 5.0 stabilization, the footage remains remarkably smooth even in challenging conditions.

Night photography enthusiasts benefit from the new Night Effects feature, offering three preset time-lapse options for capturing stunning night scenes effortlessly. The included Enduro Battery provides 38% more battery life and improved cold-weather performance. The camera maintains advanced features like 5.3K 60fps video, 4K 120fps, and 2.7K 240fps for 8x slow motion.

While the more compact Hero 11 Black Mini excludes LCD screens, the full-sized HERO 11 Black is the preferred choice for those seeking the complete experience. In practical use, the camera excels with a responsive LCD touch screen, fast setup, and impressive image and video quality. The improvements in 10-bit color and HyperSmooth 5.0 make it a worthwhile upgrade, although an optical zoom feature would have been welcomed.

In conclusion, the Hero 11 Black earns a solid recommendation, offering impressive features, enhanced performance, and a user-friendly design. Whether you’re an adventure enthusiast or a content creator, this action camera delivers a superior experience in capturing life’s moments.

The last one on our list is Insta360 X3. The X3 is a noteworthy upgrade to its predecessor, the One X2, offering a versatile and user-friendly experience for action camera enthusiasts. Released in September 2022, this 360-degree camera impresses with its handheld usability, allowing for comfortable shooting without the need for additional mounts. The standout feature is its significantly upgraded 2.29-inch touchscreen, a major improvement over previous models, providing a more enjoyable and intuitive interface.

The camera boasts dual 48MP 1/2” sensors, delivering impressive 5.7K 360-degree videos and 4K footage at up to 30fps. The addition of Active HDR mode sets the X3 apart, effectively preserving highlight details in various lighting conditions. While single-lens 4K videos may appear slightly soft, the camera outperforms competitors like the GoPro Max in terms of clarity.

Design-wise, the stick-like form factor of the X3 feels comfortable in hand, with a 10-meter water resistance adding durability. The large touchscreen simplifies navigation and enhances the overall user experience. The camera’s 1800mAh battery offers a commendable 81 minutes of 5.7K recording, and its stabilization features, including FlowState stabilization and Direction Lock, contribute to smooth and professional-looking footage.

Editing footage with the Insta360 X3 is a breeze, thanks to the powerful and user-friendly editing tools. The camera supports various shooting modes like Timelapse, Timeshift, and Bullet Time, catering to different creative preferences. The unique Me Mode leverages lens overlap to create compelling shots with an invisible selfie stick.

While the X3 isn’t without minor drawbacks, such as a brief startup time and occasional bugs, its overall performance and feature set make it a top choice for those seeking an all-in-one action camera. Whether mounted on a bike or used handheld, the Insta360 X3 shines as a versatile and capable device for capturing immersive 360-degree content.