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The best action cameras are impressive when you take them on daring adventures. After all, isn’t that what they are made for? And if no one can see the exploits you’ve been up to, how can you convince them?
This article is for the adventurous ones, the ones who embrace the unknown. The best action cameras on this list are written for them. You will find different cameras for different occasions and pockets. The action cameras on our list can take on dirt, spills, drops, and falls. Also, action cameras are known to be compact, making it easy to put them in your bag or mount them on bikes and helmets.
Beyond compactness, the best action cameras can record every activity you are engaged in. this implies that they can capture impressive stunts and movements irrespective of the situation – whether you are on the top of a ten-thousand-meter hill or deep below the sea. You also have a variety of shooting modes with these cameras. What’s more, you may even wear gloves and keep operating your action cameras.
As a result of their qualities, the best action cameras for adventure can also double as the best cameras for vlogging. If vlogging is something that you are already involved in, this article is more important to note as well as the cameras we have listed.
Let’s get down to business.
Best action cameras to take on adventures in 2022
1. GoPro Hero11 Black
The GoPro Hero11 Black is the newest version of the GoPro Hero series. With a huge 1/1.9-inch image sensor, this action camera also packs an aspect ratio of 8:7. It has a square look which allows adventurers to capture extensive views. It also allows for flexibility while editing the captured footage thereafter. Users can output their video in several formats using the GoPro Quik app which includes the popular 9:16 aspect ratio, making it a great choice for uploading TikTok videos.
Another great reason to buy the Hero11 Black is the fact that it is the best action camera we have tested. It has superior image stabilization. Users can easily rotate this camera at any angle they desire, and the horizon level will be at the same angle. Plus, the new shooting modes make it possible to capture star trails and experiment with light painting. The GoPro Quik app makes video editing an experience to anticipate.
2. GoPro Hero10 Black
The GoPro Hero10 Black may not be the latest guy on the block, but it remains an exciting action camera. A successor to the Hero9 Black, the Hero10 Black is a powerful action camera with a well-polished look. The Hero10 Black comes with a new GP2 processor which is capable of unlocking several great features such as its ability to capture 4K videos at 120 frames per second (fps). There are other features including the responsive touchscreen which is a nice upgrade over Hero9 Black’s flaws.
The Hero10 is just a super versatile action camera built for the outdoors, and that is a lot more fun to use than its older sibling – the Hero9 Black. Also, Hero10 is a waterproof action camera that is ideal for vlogging in 4K and sharing your outdoor experiences on YouTube and TikTok. Even better, the HyperSmooth stabilization feature is one of the best features we have come to love with the Hero10 Black. If you are going to shell out money just to get the premium quality shooting modes that come with this action camera, then it is a great value for money.
3. Akaso Brave 7 LE
The Brave 7 LE offers users an impressive range of utility and features for its price. Per our recommendation, this is the best action camera on a budget. With a front-facing screen and weather sealing, the best budget action camera packs such a quality audio that we haven’t seen on a non-GoPro action camera. Its intuitive touchscreen interface is another selling point.
The only drawback we have noticed here is the video quality. It is not bad. Not at all. It captures 4K resolution videos. The camera features just do not match some of those that we have seen with other action cameras on the list. It leans more on the side of noise reduction in low-light situations while the image stabilization is decent (not super premium quality). Nonetheless, it is a great buy at the price. It is unrivaled in its class in terms of the things you can do with it.
This is also a great option for vloggers thanks to its front screen which ensures that you shoot videos while seeing yourself on the screen. You can also shoot videos using selfie sticks. Although it cannot be compared with the GoPro10, it rivals the GoPro9 Black well, while coming at a fraction of the cost of a GoPro9. With 20 megapixels and a 6-axis stabilization system, there is an impressive range of features and accessories included with the Brave 7 LE. This is your best budget action camera by a long shot.
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4. Insta360 ONE R 1-Inch
The Insta360 ONE R 1-Inch has proven to be a great rival to the GoPro Hero series. The Insta360 ONE R 1-Inch is a successor to the Insta360 ONE R, but available with a 1-inch sensor. The additional sensor offers low-light abilities that are more detailed, cleaner, and brighter than its GoPro competitors. Also, it has given the Insta360 ONE R 1-Inch a native dynamic range with better quality than other action cameras. It retains an impressive image stabilization feature, while its videos remain punchy and sharp either in 4K at 60fps or 5.23K at 25fps.
Having said that, the Insta360 ONE R 1-Inch’s software is not as breezy as the GoPro’s, affecting other aspects of the camera’s functionality such as the slow procedure when exporting videos. Nonetheless, the Insta360 ONE R 1-Inch produces an incredible still motion and is easily one of the best you can get from any action camera today.
5. GoPro Hero9 Black
We have mentioned the Hero9 Black severally in this article, but haven’t named it on the list. Having been succeeded by two newer versions, the GoPro Hero9 Black may not be the outright best action camera, but it is more than enough to capture your favorite adventure moments thanks to its many cutting-edge features including a 4K video quality at 120fps.
When you factor in the price difference between the GoPro Hero9 Black and the latest version (Hero11), the GoPro Hero9 Black is worth a look if you don’t need the incremental differences as it comes with the same design, sensor, and similar features. Also, the option of shooting 5K videos on the GoPro Hero9 Black, and you have an excellent camera to capture every detail as you move.
Thanks to the front color display as well as the HyperSmooth Boost which is one of the best features of any GoPro action camera, the GoPro Hero9 Black is a very versatile tool that can preserve your fun memories.
6. DJI Action 2
The DJI Action 2 is another alternative to all the GoPro action cameras, and it might be the perfect action camera for certain adventurers. The DJI Action 2 introduced a front screen to their very first action camera, making it a popular choice among vloggers and forcing competitors including GoPro to rethink their range of action cameras. The Action 2 comes with a square camera that you can operate alone or attach to a magnetic clip. With a 1/1.7-inch sensor, HorizonSteady image stabilization, and RockSteady 2.0, the DJI Action 2 is one of our top alternatives to GoPro.
When paired, the action camera is still around the size of your usual GoPro. It also has an interesting range of accessories, as well as the Mimo app which allows you to control the camera using your phone, making it a difficult camera to overlook.
7. Insta 360 One R
The Insta 360 One R is a modular action camera that comes with control, battery, and camera block. This allows users the opportunity to switch the Insta 360 One R at will for an optimized shot while choosing between shooting a 360-degree and a 4K action. It has a 1-inch sensor variant which has been reviewed above. Nonetheless, this base model has lots of promising features and it feels quite sturdy in the hand as well. It also captures images in good detail with good low-light capabilities and excellent stabilization.
It has some drawbacks that we noticed such as the 4K image processing being slower than the Hero9 Black and the 1.3” touchscreen not being large enough for a 16:9 coverage. Despite these, we expect that software updates can fix the image processing lag. Also, there is a dual-lens bundle that costs less than the GoPro. These being said, the Insta 360 One R remains a great buy for its audience.
Conclusion
While the action camera you decide to buy will largely come down to the one you like, you should also factor in the cost, image stabilization, touchscreen, and mobile app inclusion. These features are make or break for many buyers. You should also look at the image resolution as 4K is now standard, getting an action camera whose resolution is below 4K may not serve its purpose.
