Capturing every adventure has never been easier. Over the past decade, the market for increasingly affordable action cameras has grown with gusto - and consumers are the winners when it comes to finding value-driven and highly-functional devices. Whether you fancy strapping a camera to your cycling helmet, sticking one on a selfie stick or attaching them to your dog’s collar at the beach, the sky’s the limit when it comes to the footage you can capture.
Image quality is the key feature to look for when buying an action camera. While max resolution might seem the most crucial measure of performance, framerate is actually the feature to watch. This is because recording in anything below 30fps (frames per second) runs the risk of looking jumpy, even at high resolutions of 4K.
A further consideration is the type of shooting lens. Some cameras come with a range, including wide angle and 360°; but whether you invest in this type of tech really depends on how you intend to use the footage.
Electronic image stabilisation is included as standard in all action cameras - it’s just worth noting that the quality varies considerably. Depending on where you’ll be shooting, buying a waterproof action camera is also a sensible choice, although rugged waterproof casing can be bought to protect those that aren’t.
Smartphone apps to seamlessly enable editing and sharing are also included with many brands, making these ideal for vloggers, bloggers or those who want to keep families and friends up-to-date on their adventures.
Here are our top action cameras, from GoPro powerhouses to sub-£100 devices.
GoPro Hero10
- Weight: 153g
- Video resolution: 5.3K at 60fps, 4K at 120fps and 2.7K at 240fps
- Camera resolution: 23MP with 15.8MP video stills
- Waterproof: 10m
- Battery: 1720mAh
Leading the field when it comes to crisp, smooth footage recorded at 4K and 5K, the Hero10 proves that GoPro aren’t giving up their stronghold on the industry any time soon. Released in September 2021, the latest Hero shows how the brand has continued to improve on previous versions and is easily the best action camera that money can buy right now.
Recording with 5.3K video at 60fps, 4K at 120fps and 2.7K at 240fps, the Hero10 offers a big jump up from the Hero9. The new GP2 processor ensures much smoother filming and interesting slo-mo rates that can transform your footage. In testing, the Hero10’s electric image stabilisation completely outperformed the competition, too.
Two screens, including the 2.27-inch rear touchscreen and 1.4-inch front LCD, show how GoPro have managed to corner the market when it comes to vloggers and other users who can watch themselves as they record, and they’ve successfully ironed out some touchscreen responsiveness niggles in the previous version. Voice control continues - a feature found in all of the GoPros we reviewed - for easy, handsfree functionality.
The timelapse, night lapse and slo-mo modes make this action camera particularly fun to use, helping you craft incredibly varied footage that, once you send over to the GoPro Quik app on your smartphone, can easily be edited and shared. It’s worth noting, however, that it struggles with low-light conditions - an issue raised, and clearly not resolved, with the Hero9, too.
There have also been no advances on battery size from the Hero9, so you can expect a comfortable 1.5 hours of footage on one charge with this camera. What has been notably improved, however, is the addition of a water-repellent coating to the lens that keeps it drop-free during water sports and other damp conditions.
Another excellent addition is the widening of the additional modules that you can add to your Hero. A directional microphone, wide angle lens, light and flip-up screen can be bought and used to transform the Hero10 into an all-round workhorse.
Ultimately, Go Pro still lead the pack when it comes to sharp footage in challenging conditions and the Hero10 is an absolute essential for your adventure videos.
GoPro Hero9
- Weight: 158g
- Video resolution: 5K at 30fps and 4K at 60fps
- Camera resolution: 20MP with 14.7MP video stills
- Waterproof: 10m
- Battery: 1720mAh
Want functionality close to those offered by the flagship Hero10, just with a smaller price tag? The Hero9 is an outstanding action camera that’ll be more than a match for most thanks to its industry-leading image stabilisation and exceptional shooting capabilities.
While 5K is possible with this camera, you’ll probably want to opt for the slightly lower-quality 4K at 60fps instead. Thanks to Go Pro’s Hypersmooth 3.0, every shot is perfectly smooth and stabilised. It also has plenty of the other key features of the Hero10, including TimeWarp 3.0 for footage that alternates between fast and slow speeds, as well as the Hindsight feature to ensure you never miss a shot.
The Hero9 also benefits from access to the Max Lens Mod. While not having anywhere near the same functionality as the three modules available to the Hero10, this is a welcome means of upgrading your lens to an ultra-wide 155°.
It’s worth noting that this was the first of the Hero line to have a 1.40inch front-display - a worthwhile feature that sets it apart from the Hero8 and other cheaper modules if you film a lot of selfies. Throw in the upgraded Quick app and you’ve got yourself an easy-to-use and exceptionally high-quality action camera.
Insta360 One R
- Weight: 121g
- Video resolution: 5.7K at 30fps and 4K at 60fps
- Camera resolution: 12MP and 19MP
- Waterproof: 5m
- Battery: 1190mAh
Find outstanding flexibility that knocks even GoPro off its post in the Insta360 One R that comes close to having as many iterations of itself as there are action cameras available to buy.
It all comes down to the versatility of the module design, where you can swap out camera modules depending on the situation and your shooting needs. These include a 4K wide-angle lens, a Leica-engineered 1-inch sensor capable of shooting the highest-quality pictures in low light and a dual-lens module that shoots 360° footage. Our favourite feature of the latter it the included selfie stick that is automatically erased from your footage, all thanks to the camera’s clever processing software
The dual 360° can shoot up to 5K and offers live-streaming, as well as using clever Auto Frame technology to identify and frame action in any live 360° video. Other nifty software tricks include Starlapse (great for long exposure nightscapes) and Deep Track (whereby you can choose a subject to track).
It handles low light conditions far better than any of the Go Pros we tested and it’s also waterproof down to five metres, with a dive case extending this to 60 metres if you need it.
Thanks to its modular design, you can also rotate the touchscreen so that you can see yourself when filming in front of the camera - a clever touch without the need for an extra screen. The smartphone app has advanced editing capabilities, too making creating a video to share a breeze, although you do need an up-to-date iPhone or Android to do this.
All in all, this is a fun action camera for vloggers and others who want sharp picture-quality and extremely smooth FlowState image stabilisation, plus a huge variety of versatility when it comes to switching out lenses.
GoPro Hero8
- Weight: 126g
- Video resolution: 4K at 60fps and 1080 at 240fps
- Camera resolution: 12MP
- Waterproof: 10m
- Battery: 1220mAh
Want an action camera with top-of-the-range image stabilisation but without the high price tag? Few competitors can compete with Hero8 on value now it’s been superseded by the 9 and 10, so if you’re looking for a bargain then this could well be it.
Lacking the front-facing camera, 5K recording capability and the ability to grab stills from video clip - features that are exclusively reserved for the 9 and 10 - the Hero8 isn’t for you if you’re a stickler for having the very latest tech.
However, if you want 4K video and a tiny, rugged camera from which to take it, then this is the perfect fit.
DJI Osmo Action
- Weight: 134g
- Video resolution: 4K at 60fps and 1080 at 240fps
- Camera resolution: 12MP
- Waterproof: 11m
- Battery: 1300mAh
Lauded for its design and image stabilisation when it was first released back in 2019, the DJI Osmo Action was seen as a promising competitor that would keep GoPro’s Hero series on their toes. However, since then, it’s lagged behind the improvements we’ve seen in the Hero 9 and 10, although word has it that the Osmo Action 2 may well be available for purchase very soon.
At its current price tag, it underperforms against the capabilities of the Hero8, although those who want a front-facing screen on their device will appreciate the 1.4-inch display on the Osmo Action.
That said, the 4K video is among the best in the industry, and you can enjoy settings such as slow motion and timelapse, as well as production software that makes footage vibrant and perfect for sharing with your family, friends and followers.
Akaso Brave 7 LE
- Weight: 61g
- Video resolution: 4K at 30fps and 1080 at 60/30fps
- Camera resolution: 20MP
- Waterproof: 1m
- Battery: 1350mAh
With a cost below £200, the Akaso Brave 7 LE is accessibly priced for practically anyone, whether you’re a videography veteran or a complete beginner. The ideal introductory action camera (or a good choice if you’re prone to breaking your tech), it offers fantastic value and 4K video, plus a handy front display screen for selfie shooting.
While the camera alone is waterproof only to one metre, diving housing is included in the box and has a depth rating of 40 meters. There’s also a very handy second battery, as you’ll likely only get an hour to an hour and a half out of each charge.
Like the Hero9, 10 and DJI Osmo Action, it has a front display that enables you to view yourself while shooting, but it’s a feature you get at close to half the cost. The touchscreen back display is also exceptionally intuitive, allowing you to adjust modes and camera settings with a quick tap.
It’s worth noting that the image stabilisation isn’t anywhere near as good as its more expensive rivals but that feels neither here nor there with this price tag.
Apeman A100S Action Camera
- Weight: 74g
- Video resolution: 4K at 50fps and 1080 at 60fps
- Camera resolution: 20MP
- Waterproof: N/A (40m with included case)
- Battery: 1350mAh
When it comes to sub-£100 cameras, nothing quite competes with Apeman’s A100S.
What’s so impressive is how surprisingly sharp the 4K video is on this action camera, which is close to competing with cameras more than double its price. At night time, it performs as well as you’d expect for a sub-£100 camera; sound quality is also unfortunately poor.
However, its two-inch touch screen is responsive and easy to use, and image stabilisation is decent enough for casual users.
Various modes, including loop video, time lapse, slow motion and burst photo add to its repertoire of shooting, making it a fun all-rounder that’s an inexpensive addition to your camera kit.
Garmin Virb Ultra 30
- Weight: 88g
- Video resolution: 4K at 30fps and 1080 at 90fps
- Camera resolution: 12MP
- Waterproof: N/A (40m with included case)
- Battery: 1350mAh
Want an action camera that can keep up with you? The Garmin Virb Ultra 30 is a great choice for cyclists and runners who plan on using it while raising a sweat. It uses G-Matrix technology, which captures performance information including speed, G-force and altitude, plus has an in-built GPS.
We loved its handsfree voice control functionality - something that’s more than useful if you’re speeding down a hillside. You can also live-stream to YouTube thanks to its Wi-Fi smartphone control functions for instant sharing with your followers.
Unfortunately, there’s no image stabilisation at 4K, so you’ll want to opt for a GoPro Hero8 or DJI Osmo Action if that’s a deal breaker. It’s also not waterproof unless used with the included case, which does tend to affect the quality of audio when you’re using this housing.
There are more capable action cameras at lower prices, but if you’re a lover of Garmin products and keen to sync this up with your existing devices, it may well be the ideal choice.
Verdict
Predictably, GoPro still hold the crown for the most impressive action cameras, with the GoPro Hero10 proving they continue to be at the top of their game. If you’re seeking a more affordable option, the Akaso Brave 7 LE is a superb sub-£200 device with an intuitive touchscreen and sharp 4K video at a fraction of the cost of most other action cameras.
