The Best Action Cameras For Capturing Your Adventures
Don't lose out on capturing some amazing footage!
Image Caption: Image from GoPro
Technology advances pretty quickly. I remember the first GoPro camera hitting the market in 2004 and that seems so long ago now.
Before that, we were still winding those waterproof disposable cameras and waiting until we could get the film developed to find out if we actually capture a decent photo of that turtle we saw on our snorkeling trip.
Whether you want something for snorkeling, mountain biking, kayaking, or any other type of outdoor activity, you will need one of the best action cameras for capturing your adventures. Luckily, we are going to provide a few options for you to consider.
GoPro Hero9 Black
Image from Manufacturer
Key Specifications
- Weight: 158 grams
- Waterproof Rating: Up to 10 meters (roughly 33 feet)
- Battery Life: ~ 1-3 hours
- Still Frame Resolution: 20 megapixels
The newest iteration of the GoPro action camera incorporates a new display on the front of the camera. That is in addition to the larger display on the back that helps you make sure you are framing your footage the way you want to.
It is waterproof up to a little more than 30 feet and now features a detachable lens that delivers an even wider angle than before. The Hero9 Black records in 5K, 4K, 2.7, 1440P, and 1080P. It is also capable of capture 14.7-megapixel frame grabs.
GoPro’s newest design also includes several other modifications that allow you to capture even higher quality imagery and sound. It now allows you to add a directional microphone and includes an HDMI port for easier camera-to-screen casting.
It also features a modification that allows you to attach a light on top of the camera while maintaining its durable and waterproof characteristics. Finally, the flip screen on the back of the camera makes it easier for you to make sure you are framing yourself correctly when filming vlogs and other content intended for your channel.
If you don’t want to spend quite this much on GoPro’s newest flagship model, their Hero8 Black, Hero7 Black, and GoPro Max models are all among the top 10 action cameras out there. For the sake of variety, however, we have chosen to include several models from other companies below.
DJI Osmo Action
Image from Manufacturer
Key Specifications
- Weight: 134 grams
- Waterproof Rating: Up to 11 meters (roughly 36 feet)
- Battery Life: ~ 1-2.25 hours
- Still Frame Resolution: 12 megapixels
DJI is well known for its drone video technology, but they also make this great little Osmo action camera. It records 4K HDR video and has some impressive image stabilization ability to keep you from winding up with a bunch of blurry images.
This camera can also boast dual displays on the front and back so that you have an easier time keeping your subjects in the frame. It can capture down to 8x slow-motion video and also includes a timelapse feature for capturing long natural landscapes.
Night sky photography is an acquired skill, but the DJI Osmo Action camera does allow you to customize your exposure settings. It has both manual and semi-automatic exposure settings that allow you to dial in up to 120 seconds of exposure for capturing the stars on your dark sky adventures.
Akaso EK7000 Pro
Image from Manufacturer
Key Specifications
- Weight: 61 grams
- Waterproof Rating: Up to 40 meters (roughly 130 feet)
- Battery Life: Up to 90 minutes
- Still Frame Resolution: 16 megapixels
One of the Akaso action camera’s best features is that it is way, way more affordable than most of the other high-end action cameras out there. As you will notice, it also boasts one of the most impressive waterproof ratings if you are looking for a camera that can handle scuba or free diving adventures.
This camera also features a diving mode that can be programmed for deep-water environments. This setting automatically compensates for the lack of red light that can often make it difficult to capture crisp underwater imagery.
It also comes with a remote control but it doesn’t feature Bluetooth connectivity that allows you to operate it from a phone. It does, however, come with a wrist strap to make it easier to keep secure to your body while keeping your hands free.
Sony RXO II
Image from Manufacturer
Key Specifications
- Weight: 110 grams
- Waterproof Rating: Up to 10 meters (roughly 33 feet)
- Battery Life: Up to 60 minutes
- Still Frame Resolution: 3 megapixels
The main feature that differentiates the Sony RXO II from most other action cameras is its ability to capture short bursts of slow-motion video at speeds of up to 1,000 feet per second. That is definitely something that you won’t find in the GoPro, DJI, or Akaso cameras and it is the main reason why the RXO II is slightly more expensive.
That feature makes this camera most suited to any applications that require smooth, super slow-motion video. But this camera also captures 4K video and now stores it internally (an upgrade from the original RXO camera).
In addition, it has a flip-up, front-facing screen that makes it much easier to frame your imagery when capturing vlogs or other content where you are the camera operator and primary subject. It also boasts a one-inch sensor that improves the quality of both still and video images while improving this camera’s ability to capture clear images in low-lighting conditions.
Tactacam Fish-I Camera Package
Image from the Manufacturer
Key Specifications
- Weight: 3 pounds
- Waterproof Rating: Up to 30 feet
- Battery Life: ~ 2.5-3 hours
- Still Frame Resolution: Captures video only
The Tactacam Fish-I Camera is designed specifically for fishing applications. It comes with a head mount, but you can also use the loop mount to attach it to your fishing rod, net, or even the side of a kayak or other watercraft.
It is made for easy, one-button operation so that you can quickly start recording as soon as you have a fish on the line. It can also be equipped with an Ultra-Wide lens and a 2x Zoom lens if you want to change the way your images appear.
Although it does not allow you to capture still images on command, it does boast continuous loop recording. This allows you to go back and save only the images or video clips that you want when you return home. It is also compatible with micro SD storage cards up to 64 GB in size, although it doesn’t come with one on its own.
iJoy Arize Action Camera
Image from Manufacturer
Key Specifications
- Weight: 8 pounds
- Waterproof Rating: IPX7 (Up to one meter or roughly three feet)
- Battery Life: Up to 80 minutes
- Still Frame Resolution: Records video only
The iJoy Arize Action Camera looks a lot like some of the earlier GoPro models. If you don’t need a super high-end model, you can save a little money with this camera while still having a fun toy to play with on your action adventures.
Plus, one of the largest benefits of this camera is that it comes with a bunch of different mounts for bikes, helmets, backpacks, vehicles, and more. So you can even put those mounts in place and then move the camera back and forth as needed.
The iJoy Arize camera also captures 1080p video at speeds of up to 30 feet per second and it has a wide-angle of view (120 degrees). Perhaps its best quality, however, is affordability. It is a great action camera for young kids to experiment with their first video capturing and editing endeavors!
Conclusion
Action cameras can seriously be fun for the whole family. I know it sounds cliché, but some of my best memories from childhood are gathering after a vacation to look at pictures, watch videos, and re-live our favorite memories.
You don’t have to be starting your own YouTube channel to enjoy one of these action cameras, although you could do that too. Nowadays, these action cameras do allow some full-time travelers to showcase their journeys and secure funding for new adventures.
We hope you have enjoyed our brief overviews of these action cameras and we can’t wait to see some of the footage you capture on your next adventure!
