The B-Roll
Some of our previous picks remain good cameras, though their features lag behind more recent releases.
DJI’s Osmo Action 4 Camera for $299: The Action 4 (8/10, WIRED Recommends) is a fantastic action camera. The magnetic mounting system is the best we’ve tried, the menu system makes switching between modes a snap, and the resulting photos and video are great. The Action 5 trumps it in a number of ways, but if you’re on a budget, this is an awesome camera and it integrates well into the DJI ecosystem.
Insta360 ONE RS Twin Edition for $300: I loved the interchangeable lens system when this camera launched, but it’s been two years since it was updated and feels a little like abandonware at this point. If you want 360 and action with the same camera, I recommend the Insta360 X4 above. It has better image quality, a better screen, and better battery life for not much more money.
Oclu Action Camera for $199: Oclu has a very different take on the action camera, eschewing the usual design for a flat body with the primary screen on top. The result is a camera that can fit places others won’t—like the bottom of a skateboard. The Oclu shoots 4K at 30 fps or, if you want slo-mo footage, 1080p at 120 fps. The video and image quality is on par with what you get from the GoPro Hero 9. My gripe is the stabilization—it doesn’t help nearly as much as what you get with others in this guide. Sound, on the other hand, is excellent; I got far less wind noise than with other cameras. All things considered, it’s hard to beat the Oclu’s performance for the price.
All those cheap cameras on Amazon: Readers often ask, why spend $400 on a GoPro when they can get a camera with 4K video for $100? It’s a fair question, and the answer comes down to software, primarily image stabilization. Action cameras are designed to be strapped to helmets or clipped to your chest while you skydive, rock climb, and race through the city on a scooter. Without stabilization, the results are something even your closest friends won’t sit through. So yes, you’ll get 4K footage with the cheaper cams, but it’ll be footage no one wants to see. In our view, you’re better off spending another $100 for a GoPro Hero 11 or 12 on sale. The results won’t be GoPro-caliber, but if you’re just getting into action cams, this is a good way to test the waters.
Best Accessories to Trick Out Your Camera
Once you have an action camera, you’re good to go for most use cases. GoPro, Insta360, and DJI all provide helmet mounts and other ways to stick your camera where you want it. But there are some nice extras that can make getting that shot you’re dreaming of even easier. Here are a few:
A good microSD card: You may get an SD card with your camera. Insta360’s SD cards are pretty good actually, but I tend to use SanDisk’s Extreme Pro cards because they’re fast and, as a bonus, waterproof. You can pick up a 512-GB card for around $60. I also like Samsung’s Pro Plus microSD cards, which are a little faster in my tests. You can grab a 256-GB for around $60.
GoPro Media Mod for $80: GoPro’s sound is OK out of the box, but if you want higher-quality audio, this is where you start. Not because the Media Mod produces great sound—it’s better than the camera, but still not great. What if offers is a microphone jack. Plug in a high-quality microphone and you’ll finally have awesome sound. (Not recommended while skydiving.)
Joby GorillaPod 3K for $70: This flexible tripod extends your action camera’s mounting possibilities to include just about anything. My GoPro rarely leaves this tripod. It coils around SUP guys, tree branches, and even my dashboard. Be sure to grab some tripod adapters below.
Motorcycle accessory bundle for $50: If you ride, this mount for the Insta360 X4 (and Ace Pro, etc) is a must-have. It’s one of the most secure clamps I’ve ever used, almost as good as a bench vice.
Sametop tripod mount for $8: Action cameras offer many ways to mount them, but one that’s curiously missing is the traditional quarter-inch tripod screw mount. The GoPro Hero 13 has one, but this four-pack of adapters solves the problem for the others.
Polarizer and ND filters: If you shoot around water, through glass, or in any other high-glare situation, a polarizing filter will help cut that glare. Neutral density (ND) filters hold back light to let you shoot at a wider aperture in bright light. Both are great additions to your action camera kit. I’ve tested and like DJI’s ND filter set for the Action 5 ($59). For the GoPro, I like Freewell’s polarizing and ND filters ($20), or if you have the Hero 13 Black you can get the new GoPro ND filter Four-Pack ($70), which automatically adjusts the camera settings when attached. I suggest starting with an 8-stop ND or combo ND and polarizing filter.
Floaty for $30: Another one for the water shooters, but well worth the money since it’ll keep your GoPro from ending up at the bottom of the sea.
Selfie stick for $25: I’ve tested a lot of selfie sticks and they’re almost all fine, but I keep grabbing this Insta360 version when I head out the door. It’s lightweight, small enough to fit at the bottom of my bag, and it’s affordable. If you want to go big, this Insta360 Extended Edition Selfie Stick ($100) can imitate a low-flying drone, perfect for use in national parks and other places where drones are forbidden.