Hello! I’m Yuan Hehe. Please follow me for more exciting content. action cameras of 2025

Whether you enjoy adventure sports or simply want to document everyday activities, an action camera is the perfect choice. In addition to standard models like GoPro, DJI, and Insta360, you can also use 360-degree models and newer miniature cameras to film your adventures. In other words, there are more options than ever before for action shooting or vlogging.

With all these new options, which features are best suited for your personal photography? Having tested action cameras for over 16 years, I have extensive experience and can help you find the right model for your budget and needs.

The best action camera for most people: GoPro Hero 13 Black

While very close, GoPro’s Hero 13 remains the best action camera overall, though DJI comes close behind. The biggest upgrade compared to its predecessor is the new modular lens family, called the HB series (ultra-wide, anamorphic, and macro), making it more versatile. It also features a slightly larger battery for longer recording time—up to 90 minutes of 4K 30fps video.

Other specifications remain unchanged, including 10-bit high-bitrate recording at up to 5.3K/60fps and 8:7 aspect ratio shooting using the entire sensor. Furthermore, the Hero 13 retains the most powerful digital image stabilization technology among all action cameras, a key factor in its continued top position.

This model also features a full-color front-facing screen, best-in-class image quality, and the most comprehensive accessory ecosystem, from stands and waterproof remotes to shoulder straps. Its main weakness lies in its mediocre low-light shooting capabilities—precisely where the DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro excels.

Second best action camera: DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro

Action cameras have always been a weak point for DJI, but the Action 5 Pro has finally achieved a breakthrough. Its biggest highlight is the 1/1.3-inch large sensor, which outperforms the Hero 13 in low-light conditions.

In 4K 60fps recording mode, it leads the action camera battery life charts with over two hours of battery life. Another advantage is its built-in 47GB of storage, which is very useful when you forget to bring your microSD card. The Osmo Action 5 Pro can also be used directly with the DJI Mic 2 noise-canceling microphone and the Mic Mini wireless microphone, providing a convenient solution for high-quality audio recording.

The main drawbacks of the Action 5 Pro are its relatively low resolution and slightly inferior image stabilization compared to its competitors. This DJI device supports up to 4K 120fps, lower than the GoPro Hero 13’s 3K 60fps (although both can record log format). While the DJI camera’s image stabilization is commendable, it doesn’t quite reach the exceptional level of the GoPro 13.

Best 360-degree action camera: Insta360 X5

Cameras capable of recording 360-degree video can perform a remarkable feat: allowing you to recompose actions after shooting or capture immersive VR video. Insta360 still maintains its lead in this field, with its… latest X5 model, though competitors are catching up.

The latest model features a 1/1.28-inch ultra-large sensor, a significant improvement over its predecessor, enabling superior low-light shooting performance and a higher dynamic range. Insta360 has also added a PureVideo mode, which uses AI noise reduction and dynamic range optimization technology to make images clearer and brighter in low-light environments.

It can still capture motion at up to 8K 30fps or 5.7K 60fps. More details when you adjust it to a 16:9 aspect ratio for viewing on a normal screen.

Meanwhile, the Me mode, capable of generating flat video, can shoot at up to 4K 30fps. Other features include 10-meter water resistance, a removable lens hood, and the free built-in Insta360 excellent editing application.

Second best 360-degree action camera: DJI Osmo Mobile 360

DJI made a strong debut in the panoramic camera market with the Osmo 360, almost matching its competitor, the Insta360, in its initial launch. Its core competitiveness stems from its newly developed 1-inch square sensor, capable of shooting up to 8K 50fps video and possessing excellent low-light performance.

The device also supports 10-bit D-LogM resolution to improve dynamic range, a specification superior to Insta360’s 8-bit I-log video format. The Osmo 360 exhibits excellent image stabilization in daylight, but falls slightly short in low-light conditions. The 360° image stitching is generally stable, with imperfections only appearing when the subject is too close to the lens.

Battery life is comparable to the Insta360 X5, and the battery is compatible with the Action 4 Pro and Action 5 Pro. A major highlight of the Osmo 360 is its 105GB of built-in storage, while competitors… have no built-in storage at all.

The main reason why the DJI Osmo 360 failed to reach the top is that its 360 footage editing software, DJI Studio, is not yet comparable to Insta360 Studio.

Honorable Mention: GoPro Max 2

GoPro’s new 360-degree panoramic camera is the GoPro Max 2, a major upgrade from the original Max. The main improvement lies in image quality; the new sensor, according to GoPro, can achieve true 8K 30fps resolution without the common pixel waste issue. However, the 1/2.3-inch sensor size is relatively small, resulting in lower performance in low-light conditions compared to competing products.

However, the GoPro Max 2 truly boasts superior stability thanks to GoPro’s excellent HyperSmooth system. Other features include excellent battery life, a new HyperWide 180-degree shooting mode, and new burst shooting capabilities.

The GoPro Max 2 also comes with GoPro’s excellent Quik editor, which outperforms DJI’s applications.

Best gimbal camera: DJI Osmo Pocket 3

In late 2023, DJI released the Osmo Pocket 3, which I call “maybe the only vlog camera you need.” It features a large one-inch sensor, the same size as the Sony ZV-1 II compact camera, significantly improving image quality—especially in low light. This camera also boasts a new large rotating touchscreen, allowing for easy switching between portrait and landscape shooting modes.

What truly makes it perfect for vlogging is the combination of follow mode and face tracking. If you’re working alone, simply set it up and it will rotate and tilt to follow you.

This also applies to video bloggers who talk on the go, so you don’t have to worry about focusing or even pointing the camera at yourself. There’s nothing inherently bad about the Osmo Pocket 3, but it’s not ideal for taking photos due to its lower resolution, and it’s also quite expensive.

Best mini action camera: DJI Osmo Nano

Mini action cameras are a completely new category, with only two major brands currently competing—DJI and its inventor, Insta360. These cameras can be used with a screen or have the screen removed for extreme lightweight design, while still providing high-definition image quality.

DJI has taken the lead with its first product, the Osmo Nano, which is waterproof to 10m and can be used for mountain biking, water skiing, or attached to children or pets.

Meanwhile, it features a 1/1.3-inch large sensor that offers almost the same functionality as the larger Action 5 Pro, including 4K 120p video recording and 10-bit D-LogM color acquisition.

This means that video quality remains excellent even in low-light conditions, although image stabilization performance will decrease in dimly lit scenes. Battery life is solid, and it comes with up to 128GB of built-in storage.

The best value action camera; DJI Osmo Action4

With the arrival of the Osmo Action 5, the Action 4 has also been frequently sold at a very attractive price. Compared to the Action 5 Pro, it hasn’t given up much—it has the same 1/1.3-inch sensor, providing excellent video quality, especially in low-light conditions.

It also comes with a D-LogM profile, which improves dynamic range under challenging lighting conditions, such as skiing through trees on a sunny day.

The main reasons for buying the Action 5 Pro are its 47GB of built-in storage, slightly longer battery life, and higher bitrate that reduces pixelation. If these things aren’t important, you can currently find DJI’s Osmo Action 4 at half price.

The best action camera for content creators: Insta360 Ace Pro 2

Insta360 also builds regular non-360-degree action cameras, and the Ace Pro 2 is ideal for creators. It’s the only one capable of shooting in 8K at 30 fps or up to 120 fps in 4K, delivering stunning detail, and its 1/1.3-inch sensor works reliably in low light.

Importantly for vloggers, it features a large flip screen, making framing easier while shooting. However, it’s not as flexible as its competitors, as the flip screen adds weight and size, making the Ace Pro 2 bulkier than its rivals.

If you enjoyed this article, please consider giving a tip! Also, don’t forget to share, like, comment, and follow!