Our Honest Review of the Best Action Cams of 2024
Our Honest Review of the Best Action Cams of 2024
The reviews of the products in this article are created by a team of experts that is independent from CTech's editorial team. If you make a purchase through the links mentioned below, we may receive a commission.
Our Top Picks
The action cam is your reliable companion for capturing life's most thrilling moments in vivid detail. Whether you're navigating rugged mountain trails or exploring the depths of the ocean, these cams endure the elements, delivering top-notch footage. We've thoroughly researched and compared specifications to present you with the best options. Whether you're a seasoned videographer, an aspiring YouTuber, or an adventure enthusiast, our selection ensures the perfect action cam for your needs. Each choice caters to distinct requirements, guaranteeing an ideal fit for your recording adventures.
1 . AKASO EK7000 4K Action Camera
This ultra-high-definition underwater action camera is a perfect companion for capturing your adventures. Boasting a wide-angle lens with a 170-degree field of view, it ensures every moment is recorded in stunning clarity. Whether you're exploring crystal-clear waters or navigating challenging terrain, this camera is built to withstand depths of up to 98 feet. A standout feature is the ability to connect an external microphone, which enhances your footage with exceptional sound quality to perfectly complement the incredible visuals captured by this camera.
Pros
4K video quality, Waterproof up to 98ft, External microphone support
Cons
No SD card included
2 . Dragon Touch 4K Action Camera Vision 3
This action camera boasts a 20MP camera and a 170° wide-angle lens, delivering crystal-clear 4K video and high-resolution photos that vividly capture your memories. Waterproof and versatile, it effortlessly adapts to any environment, from deep-sea dives to mountain slopes. It includes two batteries and a mounting accessories kit, ensuring you're always ready to capture every moment. With WiFi connectivity and remote control, sharing footage with loved ones or controlling the camera remotely is a breeze.
Pros
4K video quality, WiFi connectivity, Comes with 2 batteries
Cons
Battery life could be better
3 . DJI Osmo 4K Action Camera
This action camera features a 12MP digital camera with a 145° angle, ideal for capturing every detail of your action-packed moments. With two displays, including a front-facing screen, framing your shots and staying in the frame is effortless. Plus, it's waterproof up to 36ft underwater. Its WiFi connectivity enables easy footage transfer to your phone or tablet, while HDR video ensures bright and vibrant videos even in low light.
Pros
4K video quality, Dual display, Waterproof up to 36ft
Cons
Audio quality could be enhanced
4 . HLS Sport Action Camera 4K with Accessories.
This action camera features a 12MP digital camera with a 145° angle, perfect for capturing every detail of your action-packed moments. It boasts two displays, including a front-facing screen, enabling easy framing of shots and ensuring you're always in the frame. Additionally, it's waterproof up to 36ft underwater. Its WiFi connectivity allows seamless footage transfer to your phone or tablet, while HDR video ensures bright and vibrant footage even in low light conditions.
Pros
4K video quality, Includes 2 batteries, Comes with 64GB TF card
Cons
Limited storage capacity with 64GB max SD card
5 . DJI Osmo Action Camera Standard Combo
This action cam is equipped with features to enhance adventure videos. Its 4K/120fps capability captures smooth footage, even in fast-paced action scenes. The 1/1.3-Inch sensor ensures excellent low-light imaging for crisp videos in any lighting. Enjoy rich, vibrant colors with 10-bit & D-Log M color performance, making your videos look professional. Additionally, with up to 160 minutes of battery life, you can record all day without worries. Waterproof and durable, it's perfect for outdoor adventures.
Pros
Waterproof and durable, High-quality low-light imaging, Long-lasting battery
Cons
A bit pricey
6 . Surfola Waterproof Action Camera Kit
This action camera boasts 4K-Ultra HD resolution and a high frame rate of 60FPS for clear and smooth adventures. With a 24MP sensor and 8X zoom, it captures sharp images, even underwater up to 40 meters. Its dual-screen design aids framing and playback, with EIS stabilization for steady footage. Stay connected via WiFi, control remotely, and enjoy extended shooting with two batteries. Plus, the included accessories kit ensures you're ready to capture memories instantly.
Pros
4K Ultra HD video, Waterproof up to 40m, Dual screen and wireless mic
Cons
May limit recording time at high resolutions
7 . SJCAM C300 Mini Action Camera with EIS
This action camera boasts a 1000+2800mAh battery with a remarkable 7-hour lifespan, ensuring you have uninterrupted adventures without any power concerns. Featuring noise reduction technology, it guarantees crystal-clear audio in your videos. With a waterproof capability of up to 98ft underwater, you can confidently take it scuba diving or for a swim. The EIS 2.0 stabilizer ensures smooth and steady footage, even during high-intensity activities like cycling. With 20MP image quality, it delivers incredibly accurate results, elevating your photos and videos to stunning levels.
Pros
4K video quality, Long battery life, Waterproof up to 98ft
Cons
The screen could be too sensitive
FAQ
Q: What are action cameras used for?
A: Action cameras are built for capturing thrilling adventures. These compact, rugged cameras are waterproof and shockproof, allowing you to take them anywhere a traditional camera wouldn't dare to go. They excel at capturing high-quality photos and videos of fast-paced action, making them perfect for everything from extreme sports to vlogs.
Q: Can action cameras be used for everyday shooting?
A: Absolutely! While action cameras shine in capturing dynamic moments, they might not offer the same level of features or image quality as dedicated point-and-shoot or DSLR cameras.
Q: Can I use an action camera as a dashcam or for vlogging?
A: In a pinch, action cameras can double as dashcams, though dedicated dashcams might be a better long-term solution. Action cameras are popular with vloggers because of their compact size and ease of use.
Q: Do action cameras record video?
A: Yes, video is a core function of action cameras! They're designed to capture high-quality video footage in challenging environments, on the go, or during fast-paced activities.
Q: What are some things to consider when choosing an action camera?
A: When selecting an action camera, consider factors like image quality, battery life, durability, waterproof capabilities, and features important to you (e.g., slow-motion capture, image stabilization). Also, consider how you'll be using the camera to ensure it meets your needs.
Article Contributors
Johnathan Mross
John Mross is an editor for tech coverage. With a specialty in computer tech, he is also well-versed in home appliances and fancy gadgets. He has spent two years writing about specialized technology, and it's clear that once you start doing your research, the rabbit hole never ends. With all the complicated terms and complex concepts involved with seemingly straightforward products, he aims to equip his readers with the knowledge to feel safe making informed purchases.
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