Best Action Cameras 2019
We don’t just accept smartphone-shot films at the Mobile Motion Film Festival. You can also submit films shot on action cameras such as the famous GoPro. Although the majority of films we receive are shot on a smartphone, one GoPro film we did receive ended up winning the Best Swiss Film Award.
You can watch the whole film here:
You can see the GoPro is the perfect choice of camera for this story – about two men stranded in the middle of the ocean on a rubber lifeboat.
Action cameras are designed to be sturdy and resistant to various normally camera unfriendly elements such as rain and water. For that reason they’re very popular with folks involved in action sports such as skiing, skateboarding, cliff diving, paragliding and so on. They’re also useful for filming your pets (some companies make an action cam harness for your dog, for example).
If you are looking for an affordable option for shooting 4K footage, some action cams can be bought for very little money. There are certainly some decent models at below $50.
As a film festival, we never get tired of telling aspiring filmmakers to start making films, no matter what camera you have. So if a £30 action camera is all you can afford, then go for it – the quality of the film you create is down to the artistry of the filmmaker, not the blurry backgrounds created by a $2000 Panasonic GH5S and lens.
1. GoPro Hero7 Black
The GoPro was the company that first saw and exploited the market for action cameras. You probably don’t need telling, but despite hot competitors GoPro is still by far the most dominant name in the game. And they have yet to be knocked off their perch by their close rivals.
The Hero7 comes with a bunch of new features compared to older models. The ability to livestream direct from the camera to the Hero7’s new image-capture capabilities. What really stands out is the quality of the inbuilt stabilization from the Hero7, due to the new HyperSmooth Video feature.
The new TimeWarp feature combines perfect stabilization with time-lapse videos. Of course, the Hero7 shoots up to 4K video resolution at up to 60fps and is waterproof (without the need of a special casing). There’s also voice activation and the ability to shoot 12MP photos.
So, the new GoPro Hero7 Black just about keeps the top spot as the best all round action cam on the market.
Check Price of GoPro Hero7 on Amazon
If you don’t have the budget for the Hero7 Black might also want to look at the more affordable GoPro Hero7 White. The white version of the camera doesn’t have the 4K image resolution or the HyperSmooth feature, but does shoot at full HD and has the same stabilisation as older GoPro models.
2. DJI Osmo Action
The closest competition to the GoPro action cam crown is the new DJI Osmo Action. The camera provides a slightly narrower field of view, which some people (such as vloggers) might prefer. Some claim the image quality is better than the Hero7, but personally I still prefer the GoPro on that basis.
In terms of video specs, the DJI Osmo Action is a virtual equal to the GoPro Hero7 Black: 4K @ 60fps and 12MP stills. The DJI is water resistant up to 11 meters (compared to Hero7 Black’s 10 meters). The Osmo also has very powerful inbuilt stabilisation. Maximum slow-mo is the same as the Hero7 with 240 fps @ 1080p.
One distinguishing feature is the 1.4-inch colour screen on the front, making it easier for vloggers to frame themselves correctly. So, with the narrower field of view and the “selfie-screen”, we can conclude the DJI Osmo Action (like the DJI Osmo Pocket) is angling to capture vloggers as well as action sport types.
To compete with the Hero7’s HyperSmooth stabilization, the Osmo Action comes with it’s own highly impressive version called RockSteady. When it comes to inbuilt stabilization, the DJI probably just edges it. However, what causes it to lose out in my opinion is the actual quality of the video.
Check Price of DJI Osmo Action on Amazon
3. Ultra Budget: Campark
This is a top value action camera. At a cost far less than the top range action cameras, the Campark does a very good job for your $.
In terms of camera specs, the Campark shoots at 4K and gives you 16MP photos (The newer model gives you 20MP photos). Once housed in the waterproof camera case, the Campark can operate at 30 meters depth (100 feet).
The camera is very cheap, but bear in mind you will need to buy a microSD card for memory. So that’s an extra cost. But 4K video comes out pretty well especially when used with a fast microSD card. The camera contains removable 3.7V 900mAh Li-ion battery which last about 90 minutes and take 2-3 hours to recharge.
The newer model Campark (X20) includes inbuilt stabilisation and as mentioned a 20MP photo capability.
Check Price of Campark on Amazon
Check Price Campark X20 on Amazon
NEW: Campark X30 Action cam. The latest version of the Campark action cam is a bit more pricey (but still very cheap). However, the new version comes with 4K (3200×1800) @ up to 60fps or 4K (3840×2160) @ 30fps. There is EIS but not up to the standard of a GoPro Hero7 Black or a DJI Osmo Action.
It’s really a good sign to see new models of the Campark appearing and improving the device. It shows they are fully comitted to producing cut-price GoPro competition.
Check Price of Campark X30 on Amazon
Check out this comprehensive review of the Campark X30.
4. AKASO V50 Pro
Another interesting budget option for an action camera. AKASO have a wide range of action cameras plus accessories. The AKASO V50 Pro while being their more expensive model is still a lot cheaper than a GoPro Hero 7 or DJI Osmo Action.
The AKASO V50 Pro records at 4K up to 60fps and has pretty good inbuilt EIS. An interesting feature is the ability to switch between different fields of view: Super Wide, Wide, Medium and Narrow. However, it looks like this is done digitally (rather than swapping a lens) and so the results are pretty variable in quality. Keeping it set to wide or medium will result in the better quality footage.
Good news for vloggers is the V50 Pro’s ability to use an external mic. But you’ll probably need to use the AKASO external microphone designed specifically for this camera but sold separately.
Another downside is the buggy app which can be installed into your smartphone for remote control of the camera.
The underwater casing allows you to go down to depths of up to almost 40 meters (130ft). Again, you’ll need a microSD card for storing videos as an extra cost as the card is not included.
Check Price of AKASO V50 Pro on Amazon
If you intend to use the AKASO for underwater filming, you might want to take a look at some of the tests on YouTube. Here’s a decent one.
Like with the Campark models, the number of AKASO models and accessories shows they are dedicated to their product and are looking to keep updating and improving.
5. Firefly 8SE 4K
The 8SE takes all the goodness of the original Firefly and adds a touch screen, better audio quality and a USB mic. Firefly 8SE action camera records at 4K @ 30fps, 2.5K @ 60fps and 1080P @ 120fps. Photo resolution is up to 16MP.
Inbuilt stabilization operates at 1080p but not at higher resolutions. But if you mount the action cam to a gimbal, you’re better off without inbuilt stabilization anyway.
The camera comes with a USB lavalier mic, which will help out vloggers looking for better audio.
One downside – there’s no single button that you could press to get into the main menu/settings’ option, while using the touch screen can be fiddly. However, the Firefly 8SE does support a Bluetooth remote controller. Therefore, you could pair it with the optional Bluetooth remote and avoid the touch screen that way.
Bear in mind there are 2 versions of this camera: a 90 degree and a 170 degree field of view. The 170 degree is going to give you more like a fisheye lens, with the expected curving distortion you get from those lenses.
Check Price of Firefly 8SE 170 degree on Amazon
Eager to learn more?
Join our weekly newsletter featuring inspiring stories, no-budget filmmaking tips and comprehensive equipment reviews to help you turn your film projects into reality!
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
