May 2024
Action Video Cameras: MetaRanking
This page highlights the aggregate summary of action video cameras rankings posted by key online experts, as of May 2024.
Summary
On 2 May 2024, ReviewFinder team examined a total of 78 action camera endorsements from 10 reputable publishers.
26 action cameras were endorsed in total, only 15 made it into this month's ranking. (ReviewFinder requires a minimum of 2 endorsements to be included)
As of 2 May 2024, GoPro Hero12 Black takes the cake as the most critically-acclaimed action camera with 9 expert endorsements. 8 experts out of 9 recommended it as the '#1 action camera' this month.
Brand breakdown
-
GoPro: 6 action cameras
(#1 is GoPro Hero12 Black)
-
insta360: 6 action cameras
(#1 is Insta360 Go 3)
-
DJI: 4 action cameras
(#1 is DJI Osmo Action 4)
-
Akaso: 2 action cameras
(#1 is Akaso Brave 7 LE)
-
Olympus: 1 action cameras
(#1 is Olympus Tough TG-6)
Price breakdown
At a glance - May Ranking
Rank | Change | Price | Action Camera |
T3
|
Popular Science
|
Camera Jabber
|
WIRED
|
TechRadar
|
PCMag
|
Tom's Guide
|
Wirecutter
|
Digital Camera World
|
Pocket-lint
|
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1
|
- | $349 |
GoPro Hero12 Black
|
1
|
1
|
-
|
1
|
1
|
1
|
1
|
1
|
4
|
1
|
2
|
- | $398 |
DJI Osmo Action 4
|
8
|
2
|
-
|
2
|
4
|
5
|
2
|
-
|
1
|
3
|
3
|
- | $360 |
Insta360 Go 3
|
5
|
5
|
-
|
5
|
6
|
7
|
5
|
-
|
7
|
4
|
4
|
- | $319 |
GoPro Hero11 Black
|
3
|
-
|
1
|
6
|
-
|
-
|
4
|
-
|
3
|
5
|
5
|
- | $400 |
Insta360 X3
|
2
|
3
|
-
|
7
|
-
|
2
|
-
|
3
|
2
|
-
|
6
|
- | $249 |
GoPro Hero10 Black
|
-
|
-
|
3
|
8
|
8
|
3
|
7
|
2
|
-
|
-
|
7
|
- | $412 |
Insta360 One RS
|
4
|
-
|
-
|
4
|
-
|
8
|
3
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
8
|
- | $400 |
Insta360 Ace Pro
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
3
|
3
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
2
|
9
|
- | $199 |
DJI Osmo Action 3
|
6
|
-
|
2
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
6
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
10
|
- | $110 |
Akaso Brave 7 LE
|
-
|
6
|
-
|
-
|
2
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
9
|
-
|
11
|
- | $199 |
GoPro Hero11 Black Mini
|
-
|
4
|
5
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
5
|
-
|
12
|
- | $399 |
GoPro Max
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
5
|
6
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
13
|
- | $276 |
GoPro Hero 9 Black
|
7
|
-
|
6
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
14
|
- | $268 |
DJI Action 2
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
11
|
-
|
4
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
15
|
- | $489 |
Olympus Tough TG-6
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
9
|
7
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
We ranked GoPro Hero12 Black #1 in May 2024 because:
- 9 independent experts mentioned it in their “best action video cameras” rankings.
- Out of those, 8 experts ranked GoPro Hero12 Black as #1.
T3
Best action camera overall
Serious feature upgrades for pros and beginners
Improved battery life
Bluetooth audio support for headphones
Stabilisation enhancements
|
1/4-20 mounting has its limitations
Max photo/video resolution hasn't changed
|
Popular Science
Best overall
Improved photo performance
Longer run times with the Enduro battery
Award-winning stabilization
Vertical video support
|
Not much of an upgrade over the Hero 11
Low-light performance is still mediocre
|
TechRadar
The best action camera for most people
Versatile mounting options
Shoots stable, high-res video
|
Still not great in low lighting
Average battery life
|
PCMag
Best Overall / Editors' Choice
Class-leading video stabilization
10-bit HDR, GP-Log, and SDR video profiles
Up to 5.3K60, 4K120, or 2.7K240 recording
More useful Easy Controls than on Hero11
Front and rear displays
Pro controls and timecode sync
Tough, waterproof build
Small enough to mount in tight spots
|
Drops long-running GPS feature
Only a few headphones support wireless audio feature
One battery won't last all day
|
Tom's Guide
The best action camera overall
Bluetooth support for audio
Cheaper than previous model
Outstanding video performance
Horizon lock feature
Intuitive to operate
|
Specs largely unchanged from Hero11
Premium editing features paywall
|
Digital Camera World
The GoPro Hero 12 Black adds with one hand and takes with the other
Captures versatile 8:7 content
Excellent image stabilization
Horizon locking at up to 5.3K
Bluetooth audio recording
|
Lowlight video isn't great
Front display is not touch-sensitive
No GPS (unlike last generation)
|
Pocket-lint
Best action camera overall
Mounts to tripods without an adapter
Can record audio with Bluetooth mics/earbuds
Longer battery life and better thermals
|
Very similar to the Hero 11
No onboard GPS
|
We ranked DJI Osmo Action 4 #2 in May 2024 because:
- 8 independent experts mentioned it in their “best action video cameras” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked DJI Osmo Action 4 as #1.
T3
Best mid-range action camera
Improved low-light performance
Goes 18m/59ft underwater without a case
Front and rear LCD touchscreens
Accessory can collect GPS data
Easy to swap between horizontal and vertical
|
No 5.7K video resolution
Small upgrade on predecessor
|
Popular Science
Best for vlogging
Image quality has been improved
Waterproof down to 52 feet
Front and rear touchscreen
High-capacity battery for long recording sessions
|
Video quality tops out at 4K
Limited photo quality
|
TechRadar
The best value alternative to the GoPro Hero 12
Significantly better image quality
Convenient magnetic mounting
|
Average battery life
Pricier than predecessor
|
PCMag
Best Low-Light Action Cam
Wide-angle lens with excellent digital stabilization
Front and rear touch screens
Up to 4K120 slow motion
10-bit D-Log color
Waterproof to 59 feet
Works as a webcam
|
Smartphone-based product activation
Quick-release mount is easy to lose
Rear display isn't visible through polarized sunglasses
|
Tom's Guide
The best GoPro alternative
Great image quality
Large sensor
D-Log recording
Decent internal audio
4K/120p slow-mo
Awesome mounting options
|
GoPro Hero12 Black similarly priced
App missing core editing features
No resolutions over 4K
|
Digital Camera World
Best action camera for low light work
Dual touchscreen control
Good vlogging tool in vertical or horizontal
Best low-light performance
10-Bit D-Log M
|
12-megapixel images and 4K maximum video resolution
No period of cloud backup included
Vertical format use requires a frame
Voice control could be better
|
Pocket-lint
Best GoPro alternative
Superb low-light performance
Brilliant front-facing touchscreen
Awesome magnetic mounting system
|
Very similar to its predecessor
On the pricey side
|
Methodology: combine opinions of key experts
Identify Experts
We identify key publishers and experts that consistently review and recommend action video cameras.
Capture Rankings
For each publisher we find a currently recommended "top 10" list of action video cameras, it must be updated in the last 9 months.
Aggregate Rankings
We put all those lists together and aggregate them. The more frequently a product is recommended, the higher it is in our ranking
Experts chosen for May 2024 ranking
We ranked Insta360 Go 3 #3 in May 2024 because:
- 8 independent experts mentioned it in their “best action video cameras” rankings.
T3
Best action camera for POV shooting
Versatile shooting modes
New magnetic mount system works with or without Action Pod
Action Pod allows for smoother on-the-go operation than GO 2's clamshell pod
|
Resolution doesn't match full-size action cameras
It would be great if the action cam had a replaceable battery so you could record POV footage for longer
|
Popular Science
Best for beginners
Stabilized video
Unique magnetic mounting options
Versatile modular design with the Action Pod
Tiny size is very convenient
|
Photos are only INSP or DNG
Built-in memory is limiting
|
TechRadar
The best modular action camera with a tiny design
Action Pod adds lots of functionality
Convenient magnetic mounting
|
Lower resolution than rivals
Weak low-light performance
|
PCMag
Best Wearable Action Cam
Stabilized 2.7K30 video
Versatile, ultra-compact design
Waterproof to 16 feet
Action Pod attachment has flip-forward touch LCD
|
Action Pod housing isn't submersible
Non-removable battery and no storage expansion slot
Some video modes require post-processing
Wearable footage looks unsteady
|
Tom's Guide
The best tiny action camera
Incredibly small
Good looking 2.7K video
Great auto mode and filters
No recording time limit
|
No removable storage
Camera gets warm
No external mic support
Poor low light performance
|
Digital Camera World
A tiny camera that pops in and out of a flip-screen vlogging case
Use compact or with combo unit
Touchscreen interface
Live streaming
|
Internal storage in camera (microSD cards need secondary unit)
Resolution limited to 2.7K won't beat Osmo Action 4 or GoPro
|
Pocket-lint
Best micro action camera
Tiny and unobtrusive
Remote monitoring with the Action Pod
Excellent mounting options
|
Quality can't compare to larger cameras
More expensive than its predecessor
|
We ranked GoPro Hero11 Black #4 in May 2024 because:
- 6 independent experts mentioned it in their “best action video cameras” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked GoPro Hero11 Black as #1.
T3
Best Action Camera for Vlogging
New sensor amps up the quality everywhere
Better battery life
Same physical dimensions as the Hero 10
|
Only incremental improvements over older model
|
Camera Jabber
Great quality video
Excellent stabilisation and horizon correction
4K 120p video for slow motion creation
|
Doesn't make a significant step-up from Hero10 Black
Can be hard to open the battery compartment
First time connection with a smartphone can be very frustrating
|
Tom's Guide
The best older GoPro
Innovative editing features
Larger image sensor
Amazing motion stabilization
|
Bulky
|
Digital Camera World
The best GoPro for most people is not the newest
Captures versatile 8:7 content
Excellent image stabilization
Horizon locking at up to 5.3K
Simplified interface for beginners
|
Lowlight video isn't great
Front display is not touch sensitive
GoPro membership required to unlock features
|
Pocket-lint
Best value action camera
Now excellent value
10-bit colour video capture with high bitrate
Extremely wide HyperView digital lens
|
Fairly bulky
Misses out on some of the latest features
|
We ranked Insta360 X3 #5 in May 2024 because:
- 6 independent experts mentioned it in their “best action video cameras” rankings.
T3
Best 360° action camera
AI-powered in-app image editing
Solid image performance
Waterproof and rugged design
Allows you to create horizontal and vertical videos of the same footage
Can be used as a webcam
|
Stitching is still not perfect
|
Popular Science
Best for 360-degree video
Impressive stabilization
360-degree video is highly immersive
Lots of editing options
Excellent photo and video quality
|
App is a little confusing to use
|
PCMag
Best 360 Camera for Creators / Editors' Choice
5.7K30 HDR video
Slim, waterproof build
Big touch screen with straightforward interface
Robust desktop and mobile editing tools
Loads of capture modes
|
Video must be processed before editing
A bit of a learning curve to grasp 360-degree editing
Mobile editing app limits resolution
|
Digital Camera World
Best 360 action camera
Phone-based editing
Big touchscreen
Familiar size and shape
|
We wish GPS was built into
5.7K isn't much when re-framing
|
We ranked GoPro Hero10 Black #6 in May 2024 because:
- 6 independent experts mentioned it in their “best action video cameras” rankings.
TechRadar
The best value older GoPro still available
Powerful new processor
Handy 4K/120p mode
Class-leading stabilization
|
Same sensor as Hero 9 Black
Pricier than rivals
|
PCMag
Best GoPro for Budget Shoppers / Editors' Chooice
5.3K capture at up to 60fps
120fps 4K for slow motion
Class-leading video stabilization
Front-facing color screen
Waterproof without an add-on case
Media Mod support
Extended-run Enduro battery available as add-on
Wi-Fi and USB transfer for phones and tablets
|
Included battery drains quickly
Heat limits long-form recording
|
Tom's Guide
GoPro's older, but still very capable action camera
Excellent image stabilization
Removable lens
Media “Mods” add functionality
|
Heavy
|
We ranked Insta360 One RS #7 in May 2024 because:
- 4 independent experts mentioned it in their “best action video cameras” rankings.
T3
Best hybrid action camera (wide angle/360-degree)
Compelling modular design
Outstanding image quality
Good battery life
|
Fiddly SD/Charge port cover
|
PCMag
Best for Mixing 360 and 4K Footage
Compact design
Swappable lens modules
Waterproof to 16 feet
Stabilized 4K60 and 5.7K 360 video
HDR available at 4K30
2:35 wide-screen mode
Mobile and desktop app support
|
In-camera mics disappoint outdoors
Modular design can get in the way
Small touch LCD
Battery only good for 75 minutes of 4K
Heat can limit long-form recordings
|
Tom's Guide
This 360 camera has a modular design
Innovative modular design
Multiple lens options including 360 lens
Reversible screen for front facing option
Impressive in-camera stabilization
|
Small screen size
Needs frame for mounting
|
We ranked Insta360 Ace Pro #8 in May 2024 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best action video cameras” rankings.
TechRadar
The best premium action camera with 8K recording
8K video resolution
Great stabilization
Good HDR shooting
|
More expensive than rivals
Heavier than other options
|
Pocket-lint
Best action camera for low-light
Truly unmatched low-light performance
Handy flip-up screen
The best app in the business
|
The most expensive action camera on the market
FOV not as wide as the Hero 12 or Action 4
|
We ranked DJI Osmo Action 3 #9 in May 2024 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best action video cameras” rankings.
T3
Best action camera for watersports
Excellent value for money
Light and compact body with two LCDs
Can shoot photos in RAW
Excellent battery life
Magnetic mounting is very convenient
|
Comparatively small sensor (poor low-light performance)
Lower maximum video resolution than GoPro HERO 11 Black
No global positioning (a.k.a. GNSS)
|
Tom's Guide
A great budget GoPro alternative
Solid video quality
Innovative mounting options
More affordable than a GoPro
|
Photo quality is limited to 12 MP
Upload and edit process is entirely manual
|
We ranked Akaso Brave 7 LE #10 in May 2024 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best action video cameras” rankings.
Popular Science
Best budget
Comes with waterproof housing
Front and rear-facing screen
Stabilization is fairly effective
Affordable
|
Photo and video quality are lacking
Image stabilization results in heavy crop
|
TechRadar
The best cheap action camera you can buy
Dual screens
Case-free water resistance
Class-leading build quality
|
Poor 60fps footage
Jumpy electronic stabilization
Cheaper options have better 4K
|
Digital Camera World
A front-screen for vlogging and a price for everyone
Front LCD screen
4K video capture
6-axis stabilization
Low price
|
Needs to be put in case to be fully waterproof
|
We ranked GoPro Hero11 Black Mini #11 in May 2024 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best action video cameras” rankings.
Popular Science
Best small
Tiny form factor is less intrusive
Award-winning stabilization
Excellent video quality
Two mounting points
|
No display for framing
No dedicated photo mode
|
Digital Camera World
Super compact and durable option for helmet cam and FPV
Up to 5.3K video
4K at 120fps and 2.7K at 240fps
Dual mounting points
|
No touchscreen
Still bigger than Hero Session
Battery can't be swapped
|
We ranked GoPro Max #12 in May 2024 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best action video cameras” rankings.
TechRadar
The best action camera for shooting in 360
Shoots 5.6K, 360-degree video
In-camera stitching
|
Low-resolution 2D footage
Not the best in low light
|
PCMag
Best Audio in a 360 Cam
360-degree capture
Also works as a single-lens camera
Intuitive software tools
Strong stabilization
Good in-camera audio
Waterproof without a case
Integrated mounting clips
|
Effective resolution is really 1080p
Single-lens capture tops out at 60fps
Requires more editing time to get the best results from spherical footage
|
We ranked GoPro Hero 9 Black #13 in May 2024 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best action video cameras” rankings.
T3
Best budget GoPro action camera
Integrated front-facing screen
Removable lens cover
Native horizon levelling
Very easy to use
|
Not quite as slick as the HERO 10
No hydrophobic lens cover
|
Camera Jabber
No need for waterproof housing
Dual Screen
8X Slow-motion
|
Mods are expensive
Not great in low light
|
We ranked DJI Action 2 #14 in May 2024 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best action video cameras” rankings.
PCMag
Most Innovative Design
Tiny, go-anywhere form factor
Magnetic mount and snap-on accessories
Effective digital stabilization
Up to 4K120 video
12MP photos
Waterproof to 33 feet
Works as a webcam
|
Front screen option pushes price high
Overheating is a concern
No card slot or charging port on main camera module
Front screen and battery aren't waterproof
|
We ranked Olympus Tough TG-6 #15 in May 2024 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best action video cameras” rankings.
TechRadar
The best tough compact camera for action
Internally stacked zoom lens
Up to 4K video resolution
|
Quality drops in bright conditions
Small sensor at its core
|