If you love kite surfing, skiing, rock climbing or other adventure sports and want to shoot your activities, an action camera is the only option. In the past, GoPro has been unique with this type of first-person action shooting. But now, buyers can now choose more options, and DJI and Insta360 also offer models. Each company has its own strengths, Insta360 specializes in using 360-degree video, DJI is known for its low-light video quality, and GoPro is known for its solid all-around cam with a variety of accessories.
This raises the question, which one has the best personal features? Engadget has been testing action cameras More than 16 years With this experience, we can help you find the right model for your budget and needs.
Things to consider before choosing an action camera
Action cameras have certain features that can be used with Regular cameras or a smartphone. The most important thing is water resistance, making them resistant to water, dust and shock. Now, most action cameras are waterproof without a separate case. At the same time, you can purchase housing accessories to make them waterproof to a greater depth.
Video quality is also key. We recommend that each model should use at least 4K 60fps, but some models like this like GoPro’s latest model Hero 13 Improve resolutions up to 5.3k 60fps and even 8K 30p with Insta360 Ace Pro 2. It allows you to shoot and capture vertical videos on higher resolutions of social media. Another nice feature is log video, which improves dynamic range when shooting on sunny contrast days. And, if you shoot in a dim environment, you will want the largest sensor to get the best low-light performance.
For bumpy and vibration activities such as mountain bikes, stability is very important. You want your video to look smooth, but you still need to convey the thrill and speed of the action. In this regard, Hero 13 is still the best, providing shockless videos that make viewers feel like they are following a bike path or ski slope without annoying digital artifacts. The DJI and Insta360 products are good, but not exactly at that level.
Some action cameras are easier to handle and use, so that should be taken into account. You will need bright and colorful displays, both front and back, and you don’t have to fumble to find and easy to use menus. The remote control is another factor that can simplify operation. And you need to check which software can improve stability, edit videos, delete selfie sticks, and more.
Then there is the area for accessories. Do you need a helmet or a chest mount, waterproof housing or battery charger? GoPro is the most numerous, but DJI makes convenient wireless microphones that can be connected directly to the camera. Of course, battery life is crucial for action shooting, as it is difficult to change when surfing.
Gopro
Gopro’s Hero 13 Even if DJI holds DJI tightly, it’s still the best action camera. although It hasn’t changed much From Heroes 12 inside, the outside is a brand new story. A new series of modular lenses (ultra-wide, deformation and macro) is now available to make it more useful. It also has a larger battery that allows for longer capture time – up to 90 minutes of 4K 30FPS video.
Other specifications remain the same, including resolutions up to 5.3K in 10-bit color at 60fps, high data rates, and 8:7 capture using the entire sensor. Otherwise, Hero 13 still has the best digital stability (aka Hypersmooth) for any action camera, full color front screen and best image quality in its class. It also has the widest accessories, from the mount to the waterproof remote to the seat belt. The main disadvantage is mediocre low light energy – DJI’s OSMO Action 5 Pro is superior in the field.
Steve Dent
Read our full DJI OSMO ACTION 5 PRO Review
DJI dominated the drone and positive categories, but the action cam seemed to bother the company. It finally has Action 5 Proit meets the good condition of GoPro 13. Its best feature is the large 1/1.3-inch sensor, which makes it better than its competitors in low light. It also shoots the top of the action cam battery life meter well above two hours when shooting at 4K 60p for over four hours. Another nice feature is 47GB of internal storage, which can be of great help if you fill in or forget about the microSD memory card. The OSMO Action 5 Pro works directly with DJI’s Noise Microphone 2 and MIC Mini Wireless Microphone, which provides an easy way to record high-quality sound.
Compared with competition, the main drawback of the Action 5 Pro is its relatively low resolution and slightly poor stability. DJI’s device is at a high of 4K 120FPS, down from the GO Pro’s F.3k 60fps (although both can log in). Despite the capability of the stability of the DJI camera, it doesn’t match the excellence of the GoPro 13.
Mat Smith for Engadget
A camera that can record 360-degree video can perform a good trick: recreate the action after shooting or capture immersive videos in virtual reality. Insta360 just dominates this category, with no competitors even approaching its latest X4 model. It captures up to 8k 30fps or 5.7k action, and captures at a price of 60fps More details Used to view on regular screens when you reframe it to 16:9. Meanwhile, the ME mode that generates flat video (automatic selfie stick removal) has been upgraded from a maximum of 2.7k 30fps to 4K 30fps.
The X4 now has a removable lens guard to protect the lens from rough shooting conditions. It also offers solid battery life, waterproof for 10m and free editing apps. However, there is a little low light next to Hero 13 and Action 5, while the 8K video file is huge.
Steve Dent
Read our full DJI OSMO Pocket 3 Comments
In the second half of 2023, DJI revealed OSMO Pocket 3 And me Call it “Maybe the only video camera you need.” It has a large one-inch sensor, the same size as it does on Sony’s ZV-1 II compact camera. This greatly improves image quality, especially in low light. It also features a new large rotating touch screen, making it easier to switch between horizontal and vertical videos.
What really makes it a great video museum is the following pattern combined with facial tracking. If you work alone, you can simply set it up and rotate and tilt to follow you. This also works for walk-in vlogs, so you don’t have to worry about focus or even pointing to yourself. The OSMO Pocket 3 is hardly a fan of it, but it is not ideal for photos due to the reduced resolution and it is also expensive.
Steve Dent
With the arrival of OSMO Action 5, Action 4 Usually start selling at very attractive prices. You won’t give up much compared to the Action 5 Pro – it has the same 1/1.3-inch sensor that delivers excellent video quality, especially in low light. It also comes with a D-Logm profile that improves dynamic range under tricky lighting conditions, such as skiing on trees on sunny days. The main reason for buying the Action 5 Pro is its built-in 47GB storage, slightly better battery life, and a higher bit rate that reduces pixelation. If these things aren’t critical, DJI’s OSMO Action 4 can be found for half the price at the moment.
Insta360
Insta360 also builds regular, non-360 degree action cameras and Ace Pro 2 Ideal for creators. It is the only one who can shoot at 8k 30fps (or 4K at up to 120fps), providing spectacular detail, while the 1/1.3-inch sensor has solids in low light. Importantly, for Vlogger, it comes with a large flip screen, making it easier to compose when shooting. However, it is not as flexible as its competitors, as the flip screen adds weight and size, making the Ace Pro 2 both bulkier and heavier than its competitors.
