To find the best action camera is hard as the market has a lot to offer. There is not only an abundance of brands, but the features are also ever-increasing. From full HD to 4K via image stabilization and activity sensors to auto-editing and waterproof, there is so much to look at, which can confuse you.

So to decide what’s the best action camera for you, we have compiled a list of quality action cameras from a host of different manufacturers. These cameras boast a vast range of various specialties, and they are perfect for all kinds of adventure.

Top 10 action cameras

We tested hundreds of products before deciding on the right ones for you. We cannot limit our choices because there was so much versatility; thus, we leave you with ten of our best picks for you to decide. Each one of these is a top player and have their qualities. They not only deserve a place on our list but also in your action kits!

Ultimately though, selecting the right camera for you will heavily depend on what you want to use it for. So if you are a water sports enthusiast, your requirements will be different from those who are avid skiers or amateur filmmakers. Nevertheless, you will find a camera for every activity on this list as it is comprehensive and lists the right action cameras for all your needs.

Instead of making the wrong choice by getting baffled with hordes of option in the market, it is worth familiarizing with the best models in here and selecting one of them as per your requirements. This way, not only will time be saved, but you won’t regret wasting your money on the wrong sort!

From GoPro and Sony to SJCAM and Nikon, we have done thorough research and have come with these top 10 action cameras:

1. GoPro Hero7

It is indeed the ultimate action camera, but it comes with a hefty price. You can trust a high-end brand like GoPro to offer you everything.

Product specifications:

• Video Resolution: 4K up to 60 fps, 1080 up to 240fps, 720 up to 240fps
• Max Photo Resolution: 12 MP
• Touch Screen: Yes
• Battery Life: 158 minutes
• Water Resistance: 33 feet
• Weight: 4.2 ounces
• Waterproof: 10m
• Battery life: 1-3hrs

Product overview:

GoPro has always been synonymous with action cameras due to its quality and abundance of features. This is exactly the reason why this GoPro Hero7 has topped our list. Not only has this action camera implemented new features, but the designs and build are also better than its counterparts. It is a versatile camera that can fulfill all your needs; that is why it scooped the Best Action Camera award at the T3 Awards 2019.

The bevy of updates and refinements makes it remain unchallenged in the action camera arena. The best part is that it is waterproof down to 10 meters on its own, and this can be expanded to an impressive 30 meters with the waterproof housing.

Moreover, it comes with a positively enormous amount of mounts and accessories compatible with all other GoPro action cameras. These allow the camera to be securely placed so that you can shoot anywhere and everywhere without any hassle. You no longer have to hold the camera and won’t have any difficulty placing it in unique places such as handlebars, helmets, skateboards, etc. The only thing we feel about the kit is that you need to buy separate accessories for fast charging.

Coming on to optics, this camera can record video at frame rates up to 60fps. Not only that, the new HyperSmooth image stabilization has refined smoothness to the point that users don’t even need a gimbal. This shake-buster even works up to 4K 60fps and awakens new creative possibilities by giving even handheld footage a silky-smooth look.

This camera’s bonus is the Time-Warp video function, which leads to the HyperSmooth application of handheld frame-by-frame time-lapse shooting. Another plus point of this camera is the flawless face, smile, and scene detection, but a lack is that sometimes the stills can be distorted.

Another of our favorite features that make Hero7 <- Affiliate Link 🙂 the market leader is the great dynamic range it offers. Not only that, but it also employs 12 separate voice commands, which give it an oomph factor as it comes in handy when you can’t physically reach it. For example, when it is attached to your helmet or fixed on the end of your surfboard.

An additional perk is that it has a touchscreen on its rear, which has also been updated for smoother gestures. The only drawback is of this screen is that it can sometimes be unresponsive. Finally, this camera offers another surprising and hugely usable plus creative feature of live streaming on Facebook.

Thus, now you can delight your social media fans instantly! Like previous models, it also has the GoPro QuikStories app to condense all of your buttery smooth footages into one shareable nugget.

Pros:

• Hyper Smooth feature
• Great quality 4K video
• Shoots impressively
• Improved touch controls on the viewfinder
• 12 separate voice commands
• Livestreaming
• Waterproof on its own
• Time Warp feature takes great time-lapse videos

Cons:

• The screen can sometimes be unresponsive
• Hefty price
• Fast charging requires you to buy a separate accessory
• Stills can be hit-or-miss

2. GoPro HERO6

An old but gold version which never fails to impress and that too at a reasonable price!

Product specifications:

• Max Video Resolution: 4K/30 fps
• Max Photo Resolution: 12 MP
• Touch Screen: Yes
• Battery Life: 1.5-2 hours
• Water Resistance: 33 feet
• Weight: 4.2 ounces

Product overview:

It is GoPro’s last-generation, top-end action camera but remains an excellent option. This is because it has the same specs, build, and quality that newer GoPro models have and only lacks a few subtle features.

When it was introduced, it took action cameras to a whole next level and has led the competition to play catch-up. It is equipped with compelling features such as top-quality 4K video at 30 fps, GP1 chip, better image stabilization to make results look super-smooth, waterproof to 33 feet, voice control, and rear 2-inch color touchscreen LCD. The only lacking compared to Hero7 is that live streaming on Facebook using an exclusive app is missing.

But if you don’t need this feature, you can save a lot by going for Hero 6 <- Affiliate Link 🙂 as it costs considerably less.

It has abundant functions, including transforming your adventures into incredible QuikStories for your smartphone using apps that automatically edit videos. Then it has a fantastic optic, which gives 2x the performance compared to previous models.

As it can record 4K videos at 30fps and 1080 up to 240fps, it results in top-notch footage, which makes shooting a lot easier than before. Not only that, to further enhance results, it has next-level video stabilization, which benefits movies and makes them buttery smooth. Users can now capture super-smooth videos, whether it’s handheld or mounted.

The image quality is also impressive as it is equipped with a GP1 chip optimized for GoPro capture. It also has super-slick slow motion and can even capture crisp and precise results in low-light conditions. Thus, this HERO 6 is perfect for delivering vastly improved images and smooth stabilized footages.

Now coming onto the design, HERO 6’s design is also on point. Not only is it durable, but it is also waterproof up to 33ft without housing. This makes it ideal for water sports such as diving, snorkeling, etc. Its build quality is too tough to make it capable of surviving all sorts of situations, thus making it a perfect travel companion.

It also comes with many accessories that increase its versatility and enable it to be mounted in numerous locations. Moreover, it also has GPS, which captures your path, speed, elevation gain, and more so that you can add your stats to your videos.

Not only is its performance and build excellent, but it also has bonus features such as 3x Faster Offload Speeds, voice control, Wi-Fi, Touch Zoom feature, and many more. These complimentary perks make this GoPro perfect for sharing life as you live.

Now users can not only transfer photos and videos to their phones faster, but they can also share them. The only drawbacks are that live-streaming is not possible, and battery life is not improved. There are occasional charging issues, but the rest of the features outweigh these problems and make it one of the industry’s best action cams.

Pros:

• Impressive image stabilization
• Touch Zoom feature
• High-resolution images and videos (4K/60 fps)
• Good pictures in low light
• Superslick slow motion

Cons:

• Occasional charging issues
• No improvement to battery life over
• No live streaming

3. DJI Osmo Action

The drone king DJI has indeed come a long way in the action cam industry as well, and by introducing this Osmo Action, they have ended GoPro’s free reign.

Product specifications:

• Weight: 134 g / 4.2 ounces
• Water Resistance: 33 feet
• Max Video Resolution: 4K video up to 60fps, 1080 up to 240fps, 720 up to 240fps
• Max Photo Resolution: 12MP
• Battery life: 1-2.25hrs
• Touch Screen: Yes

Product overview:

With Osmo Action’s launch, there remains only a very close call between it and GoPro. With functions like a front color LCD monitor, amazing image stabilization, and voice activation, it has become a fierce competitor to the Hero series. The only lacking is that it doesn’t have all the accessory options like the GoPro range, and its applications need some improvements. Apart from that, DJI has been successful in pouring its know-how from the world of aerial shooters to develop this action camera with class-leading image stabilization.

Using its intuitive tech DJI has done an outstanding job by stealing GoPro’s attention and arriving with Osmo Action. Not only does it look and feel the same as Hero 7, but it has additional features as well.

These features include the addition of a full-color front LCD, which makes it perfect for vlogging. Even though it makes Osmo Action fractionally bigger and heavier than the Hero7, that is acceptable because it has packed a color front-facing screen and the standard 2.25-inch touchscreen at the back.

This makes it much easier for users to frame themselves in photos and videos, and for selfie enthusiasts, this front-facing camera alone could be worth the price. Moreover, this camera also has excellent electronic image stabilization, making it stand out from its counterpart. Not only that, but it also can shoot HDR video.

The only drawback is that users cannot use HDR and image stabilization simultaneously. An added perk is that it is waterproof up to 33 feet on its own. It is also designed to be rugged and tough so that you can use it on all sorts of adventures!

Like GoPro, this Osmo Action <- Affiliate Link 🙂 also offers a range of control options, such as voice activation. To give the best audio quality, there are two built-in microphones as well. This makes it an ace for Vloggers. However, there is no live streaming support, and Osmo’s Mimo app is also limited compared to GoPro’s established app.

Even though the GoPro dwarfs its range of accessories but it is compatible with third-party mounts. But it also cost is about £50 less, which makes it better value for money!

Ultimately, the Osmo Action is easy to use, benefits from Rocksteady electronic image stabilization, produces excellent images, offers a front-facing screen, and provides a reliable, durable, and easy setup, which outweighs its cons. It rocks out everywhere, be it in the surf, at the bike park, or when skateboarding. Thus, it is an ideal companion for extreme sports too.

Pros:

• Good motion stabilization
• Forward-facing screen
• Rich colors in the video
• Voice activation
• Waterproof
• Durable

Cons:

• Motion stabilization doesn’t work with HDR.
• No live streaming

4. DRIFT GHOST 4K

One of the best low-profile action cameras that is ideal for cyclists and bikers

Product Specifications:

• Weight: 120g
• Waterproof: No
• Recording modes: 4K UHD at 30fps, 2.7K at 60fps, 1080P at 120fps, 720P at 240fps
• Stills resolution: 12MP
• Battery life: 2hrs

Product overview:

This camera launched by Drift not only offers a range of resolution and frame rate options but also ensures that users bag the best footage and stills in all kinds of situations. It features max 4K Ultra HD resolution at 30fps, records up to DCI 4K resolution at 25 fps HD, captures 1080p resolution at up to 120 fps for slow motion, and can even deliver slower-motion playback of 720p at the much higher frame rate of 240 fps.

Thus, with this camera, your antics shine on-screen when shooting sedate activity. The Digital image stabilization is also excellent and kicks in below 1080p. This tames all the vibrations and camera shake when capturing high-octane action to minimize blur, resulting in smoother footage. It has proven that Drift cameras never fail to impress and indeed deserve a place in our top action cameras list.

It has indeed become trendy and is the best of the Ghost series. It has become a bullet-style action camera due to its 4K capability or image stabilization and image quality. It can shoot at up to 12MP individually and capture bursts of multiple images with the same resolution.

It also supports time-lapse recording. Moreover, it also has other features such as dual built-in microphones at the front and the rear, capturing dynamic sound and reducing wind noise to complement its performance.

There is an option to support an optional external microphone, which can be connected to the USB port using a USB-to-mic adapter cable included in the kit.

It also has other numerous functions, such as switching from sleep to record in an instant by just pressing a single button, a side dock that supports an optional Drift LCD module, a 1500mAh battery in-built with an additional 500mAh external module included.

Users can separately purchase larger capacity battery modules as well. For storage, it includes a 4GB of in-built NAND flash memory, and it also supports micro SD cards up to 128GB. The mobile app, especially for Drift, is compatible with iOS/Android devices and is free to download.

This allows users to start, stop, control, record, capture remotely, and access all their recordings from up to 33 feet away. It also enables users to live stream recordings on platforms such as Facebook Live. This is all due to built-in Wi-Fi in this Ghost 4K.

The Ghost 4K <- Affiliate Link 🙂 also has an excellent, rugged modular design. It comes with numerous accessories such as curved and flat adhesive mounts for safe attachment to pretty much all objects and mounting clips to secure it onto the given mounts by quick-release functionality.

There is also a wrist-wearable Bluetooth remote control included, allowing users to control main functions from a distance, and waterproof housing to explore underwater depths to up to 40m. These features make this Ghost 4K perfect for both two-wheeled adventures and water activities.

Pros:

• 4k video
• 12-megapixel images
• Dual microphone
• Low-profile design
• Impressive audio
• Remote control

Cons:

• Not designed to be waterproof without casing
• No stabilization above 1080p

5. Sony RX0

This Sony is a slow-motion master who does have a hefty price but also delivers hefty performance:

Product specifications:

• Weight: 3.4 oz / 96.4 g
• Waterproof: 10m
• Video resolution: 4K only with external recorder, 1080: up to 1000fps 720: up to 1000fps
• Stills resolution: 15.3MP
• Battery life: 60 mins

Product overview:

This Sony RX0 has reigned our best action cameras guide for a long time. It is indeed a tough cam with a rugged build to ensure that it withstands knocks and scrapes. This makes it perfect for both outdoor adventures and everyday use. It features its own electronic image stabilization (EIS) and another imaging tech like all Sony cameras.

Its drawback compared to other action cameras featured above, is that its controls are fiddly for properly capturing spontaneous bursts of action. This is because you have to use buttons as it has no touchscreen.

However, it has its perks firstly that it is super-tough and so far the most outdoors-friendly camera in the market. Not only that, but it is also compact and can capture both fantastic stills and video. It’s monster 1-inch sensor can be relied upon to give smooth videos. It also provides users with extended dynamic range, high-speed readout at super slow-motion, and expands the camera’s low-light efficacy as well. This anti-distortion shutter feature can speeds up to 1/32000 per second and ensures freezing the action with minimal skew.

With it, you can even customize your image capture with multiple picture profiles, including the versatile S-Log2 gamma setting. Even though 4K requires an external recorder that limits its efficacy as an action camera, it offers internal recording options of 24, 25, 30, 50, and 60 fps at 1080p. Photos can also be captured with high quality and in both raw and JPEG. It also has continuous-shooting bursts up to 16 fps, which GoPro can’t do. It is decidedly expensive, but the abundant features offered merits consideration.

It can even record video clips longer than 30 minutes and features Clear Image Zoom available to enable up to 2x zoom with minimal loss of quality. So, all in all, it produces natural-looking details with rich tonal gradations and that too, with reduced noise.

Moreover, all these sharp, high-resolution still photos and movies are packed into its tiny body, which holds a wealth of cutting-edge technology. Other additional pro-style features are also there, such as auto-focus modes, a 20″ minimum focus distance, on-camera control buttons, NTSC, and PAL compatibility.

It also includes a rechargeable NP-BJ1 battery, a micro-USB cable, an AC adapter, and a wrist strap. It is also waterproof by design to up to 33 feet depth and can be extended to up to 330 with the waterproof housing, which has to be purchased separately. It is also a very durable RX0 camera <- Affiliate Link 🙂 is also shockproof from impacts up to 6.5″.

It is crush-proof to weights up to 440 pounds as well. Last but not least, it also sports Timecode sync, and its control is greater than five cameras when connected to Wi-Fi via the Sony Play Memories app, which is compatible with both iOS and Android versions

Pros:

• Clear Image Zoom
• Wide dynamic range
• Reduced noise
• Rich tonal gradations
• Compact
• Super tough

Cons:

• Need external recorder for 4K videos
• Fiddly controls as no touch screen

6. Nikon W300

This W300 is the most rugged, pocket-sized point-and-shoot action camera we have come across. It is designed to withstand anything and everything that life can throw at it.

Product Specifications:

• Waterproof: 30 meters
• Still resolution: 16MP
• Video resolution: 4K video recording
• LCD: 3in 921,000-dot LCD screen
• Wi-Fi and Bluetooth: Yes
• GPS: yes
• Weight: 231 g

Product overview:

If you want the most dust-proof, waterproof, freeze-proof, and shockproof camera, then this is for you. It can survive up to -10ºC, explore up to 30 meters, and be dropped from up to 2.4 meters without causing any damage. Nikon W300 <- Affiliate Link 🙂 comes with numerous features such as GPS to track all your adventures, built-in Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, and above all, 4K video recording plus a 16-megapixel sensor.

The outlook is also nice with a moody finish, and it is available in numerous colors such as bright yellow, orange, black, etc. Not only does it look decidedly serious, but it certainly isn’t messing around when it comes to toughness. The body is thick, hard plastic, and feels that it could be used as a hammer all day and be still in perfect shape.

Its battery, ports, and card slot are placed underneath a rubber-sealed flap with a twist-lock for durability and protection from damage. At the same time, the lens plus screen is protected by an additional layer of transparent plastic. This is to keep dust and water away from damaging the camera vitals.

Coming on to functionality, it has a side panel that has dedicated buttons to switch on the front LED, for opening the camera’s in-built compass, and to bring up a motion-controlled mode. The motion control mode is designed for usage when wearing thick gloves, and pressing the normal controls is impossible.

These are very useful. The GPS and GLONASS features enable the user to geotag their photos and videos without connecting them to a smartphone. Then there are depth gauge, altimeter, barometer, and compass, enabling further furnishing of photos’ EXIF data with more information. These allow users to know how high or low they were and their direction when they were taking the photo.

Coming on to the screen, this camera has a 921,000 dots screen with VGA resolution. This provides more detail than other competitors. The only drawback is that the aforementioned second layer of plastic protection leads to further reflections, making it difficult to see in bright light.

The build and design also make it sits nicely in your hand. It has a bumpy grip and thumb rest, which puts users’ thumb in the right position to control settings. The controls are also easy to operate and quickly bring up flash, macro, camera’s scene shooting mode, and timer and exposure compensation controls. However, there is no way to change white balance or ISO manually without using the main menu.

The autofocus locks on quickly and accurately outdoors in good lighting but can hunt a bit when you’re inside or the sun has dipped below the horizon. It has all the feature which users expect from a compact point-and-shoot. Even though it has limitations such as no options to shoot in RAW, it is fairly easy to work with and cost considerably less!

Pros:

• Tough
• Waterproof construction
• Easy to use operation
• Built-in GPS
• Strong image quality in good light

Cons:

• Reflective screen
• Not as strong as rivals in low light
• No option to shoot in RAW

7. SONY FDR-X3000 4K

The perfect bullet-shaped camera which fulfills all your action needs beautifully and reliably.

Product specifications:

• Weight: 114g
• Waterproof: 60m with case
• Video resolution: 4K video, 1080 at 120fps, 720 at 240fps
• Stills resolution: 8MP
• Battery life: 2hrs 5mins

Product overview:

Sony’s FDRX3000 <- Affiliate Link 🙂 is designed with features like larger video cameras but feels and relays images like an action camera. Users will feel perfectly at home with it as its body is rated IPX4 splash-proof and freeze-proof. The supplied Underwater Housing is also durable and reliable as it is both dust-proof and shockproof.

Users can also explore up to 60 meters deep with this waterproof case. This camera can also easily be strapped to helmets, cars, skateboards, or handlebars without any hassle. The build is also streamlined and rugged, thus making it a perfect travel companion.

Optics this Sony can record 4K 30 fps video taking them to a new level with higher resolutions. The optically-stabilization is also three times more stable than its counterparts due to the advanced Balanced SteadyShot system. Not only that, but it also supports live streaming and time-lapse.

The only lack of GoPro is that it doesn’t have many accessories, and their still-images are on the soft side. It employs a ZEISS lens to ensure that footages are sharp, smooth, and free from glare to enhance results further. Another significant advantage of this camera is that it has an in-built measure to reduce wind noise. This gives impeccable audio quality.

The image quality is also enhanced due to the Exmor R™ CMOS sensor and BIONZ X™ image processor. The cutting-edge sensor sensors enable it to shoot in the dark with dim light as it improves sensitivity while the processor reduces distortion.

Sony also has numerous complementary features such as an adjustable field of view, zoom freedom, Live-View Remote, maximum SD card storage, GPS, etc. Our favorite feature is the wrist-wear, a compact new remote controller and doubles as a mountable controller, thus allowing convenient usage.

It also has options for additional accessories like Finger Grip, which attaches and joins it with Live-View Remote to shoot while walking. MC Protector protects the lens without the housing. All in all this, Sony is an all-rounder at a reasonable price, unlike other action cameras in the market.

Pros:

• Slim and streamlined design
• 4K video
• Powerful Zeiss lens and Exmor sensor
• Time-lapse Capture
• GPS
• Rugged shielding

Cons:

• Limited accessories
• Images not that crisp

8. Olympus Tough TG-Tracker

A perfect blend of a camcorder with an action camera that breathes new life into action videos:

Product Specifications:

• Max Video Resolution: 4K: up to 30fps, 1080: up to 60fps, 720: up to 240fps
• Max Photo Resolution: 8 MP
• Touch Screen: No
• Battery Life: 120 minutes
• Water Resistance: 100 feet
• Weight: 6.35 ounces

Product overview:

Even though the TG-Tracker is on the large size for an action camera, it has features that give it a deserving position on our list. The 3.8in flip-out screen enables easy viewing of recording as it flips out to the side to give different viewpoints and 60-lumen light, illuminating darker scenes to image stabilization and waterproof design that can withstand a depth of 100 feet. This camera has it all.

Moreover, it can also track temperature, elevation, latitude/longitude, depth, distance traveled speed and barometric pressure. Thus, users can capture more than just amazing moments, but it does drain a lot of battery!

Not only is it data-hungry, but it is also exceptionally tough. It can survive extreme climates and is built to be both rugged and compact. Even though it looks odd as its appearance is of a miniature version of old school video cameras, the Olympus TG-Tracker works better than most of all action cameras.

Coming onto optics, this TG Tracker sports an ultra-wide lens that delivers a full 204-degree viewing angle. The only weak point of this data-hungry, pocket-sized shooter is its low-resolution photos of 8Mega pixels.

It also has a wealth of interesting video features as it can record at up to an impressive 240fps when dropped down to 720p HD. This makes it ideal for heavy activities such as mountain biking, zip-lining, and snowboarding. It also has 4K available at up to 30fps, and the video quality is similar to the top-end action camera.

Additionally, the price is comparatively low, making it a juicy option for those who want a good yet value for a money-action cam.

Coming on to durability, not only is it waterproof but also drop-proof, crush-proof, and freeze-proof. It is designed to cope with the tough stuff and withstand up to -10ºC, dropped from 2m, and even crushed till 100kg. The only drawback in design is that fog usually builds up on the screen.

Other than that, it is a must-have action camera <- Affiliate Link 🙂 for those who love adventuring to the core.

Pros:

• Good color and definition
• Waterproof to 100 feet
• Built-in 60-lumen light
• Fold-out monitor
• Drop-proof, freeze-proof, and crush-proof

Cons:

• Sensors drain battery
• Low stills resolution
• Occasional fog buildup on the lens

9. SJCAM SJ8 Pro

A 4K action camera that offers not only surprisingly high-quality footage but also great value for money

Product specifications:

• Weight: 85g
• Waterproof: 30m
• Video resolution: 4K up to 60fps, 1080: up to 120fps, 720: up to 240fps
• Stills resolution: 12MP
• Battery life: 90 mins

Product overview:

This SJCAM SJ8 Pro <- Affiliate Link 🙂 is GoPro-match when it comes to 4K at 60fps resolution but at a snip of the price. It is popular because it is considerably cheap and a good contender due to its stealthy features. It has a lot to offer, including plenty of other video options too, including 1080p at 120fps and 720p at 240fps for acing slow-motion shots.

The focusing is also clear as this SJ8 Pro has a lens that comprises of 7 layers of glass to give added clarity and reduces distortion. The focal length is a fixed 2.8mm at f2.8 aperture and 170° field of view. Its best feature is the powerful SONY IMX377 sensor and Ambarella H22 S85 chipset.

Another stunning feature that ace up this camera is the 8x digital zoom function so that extreme action close-ups can be shot. The cherry on the top is the 6-axis image stabilization, which smoothens out footage even during the bumpiest activities.

Even the viewing option is extraordinary as this camera sports a 2.33-inch IPS Retina touchscreen, which delivers crystal clear playback and tweaking settings. The only drawback is that you cannot easily share what you view, as the SJCAM Zone app is elementary. Coming on to waterproof capability, this camera is waterproof down to 30m with a housing that is a bit clunky as the lever lock system is tricky to operate.

Other than that, it has taken all the cues from GoPro and provides plenty of functionality within a significantly friendlier price point. It is also compatible with a standard GoPro-style mount; thus, you can mount this SJ8 anywhere you want and easily substitute it for the Hero series!

Pros:

• Stabilized 4K footage
• High-quality touchscreen
• 8x digital zoom function
• Cheap

Cons:

• Clunky housing
• Basic app for smartphone

10. Garmin VIRB XE

An unbeatable waterproof camera with a suite of sensors and impeccable performance

Product specifications:

• Weight: 151g
• Waterproof: 50m
• Video resolution: 1080: up to 60fps, 720: up to 120fps
• Stills resolution: 12MP
• Battery life: 2hrs

Product overview:

The Garmin VIRB XE <- Affiliate Link 🙂 is one of the most popular Waterproof cameras with up to 50m depth capacity without a casing. Not only has that, but it also had terrific optics as well as the best audio options. Even though Garmin is new at making action cameras, it has proven that it can compete with top brands like GoPro with the XE.

The XE is an entirely new model and doesn’t feature a bullet-camera format like other Models in the VIRB generation. It is a bit expensive and only deals in Full HD resolution, but it is waterproof by design, giving a compelling reason why it should be bought.

Moreover, it can withstand temperatures as low as -20C and operate under five atmospheres of pressure, making it one of the most stringent action cameras on the planet. This is due to its design, which has a secure locking panel on the front to make accidental knocking open very difficult.

Additionally, this action camera isn’t just tough but is also smart. It is equipped with a suite of G-Metrix sensors, enabling users to measure GPS, compass direction, temperature, and speed. These functions add an informative layer of data atop your high-quality video. Users can even get data from compatible ANT+ devices like smartwatches and rate devices.

It also has other innovations that separate it from the crowd, such as a Bluetooth microphone for those who believe audio is as important as video and removable 980mAh. It gives it a two-hour quoted battery life, which is more than many action cameras offer.

Both the video and image quality are on point. The stills resolution is 12 megapixels, while videos can be shot at 1080: up to 60fps, 720: up to 120fps. The only drawback is that there is no 4k video, and the handy screen on the previous VIRB models has been lost.

It has been replaced by a monochrome LCD panel, which makes angling the camera a bit difficult but at least allows configuring its settings without a smartphone connection.

Pros:

• Bluetooth microphone
• Waterproof by design
• GPS plus other measures
• Freeze-proof

Cons:

• No 4K video
• Angling the camera is a bit difficult.

Our top 10 action cameras conclusion:

When buying an action camera, a lot of things have to be taken into account. Everything should be checked from image quality, frame rates, and max resolution to the bundle of accessories, build, and durability. Functions like GPS and stabilization should also be mainstays, while complimentary features such as voice commands, Livestream, etc… should also be preferred.

In the cameras listed above, you will find that they all are well-equipped in the above functions to fulfill your needs; thus, they have paved their way into our list. We have tested them personally under various conditions, and we guarantee you that you will find them to be the most versatile ones in the market.

If you’re looking for another opinion about the best waterproof action cameras, you’re invited to check Alfredo Brock’s post.

But the perfect one amongst them will depend upon your preference. For example, if you want a versatile one and want to spend a fortune, maybe GoPro should be your go-to, but if you wish smoother images and are ready to let go of some additional features, then DJI should be your choice.

For slow-motion, Sony should be checked, while for waterproof excellence, Garmin should be preferred. There are less expensive options for those who want the best value for money in a budget!

We just hope this list helps you find the right action cam for you, and our top action cameras become your favorite as well!