Action cameras are ideal for capturing those extraordinary, quick-action moments. If you are shooting videos and posting them on YouTube, a lot of camera will do, but if you are trying to attract and retain viewers, video quality is important. We are going to check out the top 5 best action cameras for vlogging on the market.
We made this list based on our personal opinions and hours of research and we listed them based on recording and shot quality, features, build quality, and price. We’ve included options for every type of consumer so if you’re looking for a no-frills budget camera or top-performing action camera, designed for vloggers and adrenaline enthusiasts. We will have the product for you.
- Best excellent choice - Sony RX0 11
- Best Good performance - GoPro Hero8 Black
- Best overall - DJI Osmo Action Cam
Table of Contents
ToggleThe best 4k action camera for vlogging at glance:
Best action cameras for vlogging Reviews:
- 4K Ultra HD action camera.
- Wireless wrist remote control sports camera.
- Longer battery life.
- Built-in Wi-Fi & HDMI, edit & share YOUR action in minutes.
- 100 Feet waterproof camera.
The fifth product in our list is AKASO EK7000. This is our best budget action camera. The AKASO EK7000 is the right choice for those who want a capable action camera, but will eschew some of the premium features and functions of higher-priced models in favor of staying within a slightly smaller budget. It is perfectly suited for a family or casual videographer who does not need any fancy facilities.
The AKASO EK7000 is waterproof up to 30 meters which is ideal for surfing, water skiing or snorkeling. It has a 170-degree wide-angle lens that is wider than traditional 120 or 90-degree action cameras. It records 4K video up to 30Fps and 1080p up to 60Fps. The latter allows for smoother video playback and slow motion as this may be the choice of Vloggers.
The camera takes photos up to 30 frames per second with a burst frame shooting mode with a 12 megapixel quality that is ideal for capturing that perfect action moment. The included remote control allows you to quickly change the shooting mode from video to photo, burst photo, or time-lapse with the push of a button at just 2 x 1.5 x 0.9 inches in 12 ounces. The AKASO EK7000 is lightweight and portable. These include a swappable battery, which holds 90 minutes of charge every minute so you can keep recording without interruption.
Key Features
- Shooting Options: This camera records 4K video and takes 12MP photos, making it a versatile shooter.
- Remote control: This camera includes shot framing shooting mode and a wireless wrist remote to control recording.
- Waterproof: This camera is waterproof up to 30 meters for shooting based on wet weather and water.
Pros
- Portable
- Battery
- Lens
Cons
- Limited 4K
Portable: This camera weighs very little, making it easy to move around and set up for any shot.
Battery: The swappable battery with a 90-minute charge provides the option to extend the recording.
Lens: 170 degree wide-angle lens gives more action in one shot than some competitors.
Limited 4K: The camera only shoots 4k video at 30fps which is lower than some other models.
For those who want to take action videos or photography without spending a lot of money, the AKASO EK7000 is a great option. It is more than capable of capturing the magic of your day. Thanks to its simple design which is easy to operate and very convenient.
- Stunning 4k video and 12MP photos in single, burst and time lapse modes charger not included.
- Durable by design, Hero5 black is waterproof to 33 feet (10 meter) without a housing.
- Additional GoPro Hero5 black features, benefits below on item page time lapse photo intervals: 05, 1, 2, 5, 10, 30, 60 seconds.
- Preview and playback your shots, change settings and trim your footage, all on your GoPro.
The fourth product in our list is GoPro Hero5 Black. Adrenaline Junkies that have never had an action camera before will undoubtedly enjoy the GoPro Hero5 Black. It may not offer the most features or the highest quality recording options, but it is a great entry-level action camera for those who rely on the GoPro name and want to get into action recording.
The GoPro Hero5 Black can offer 4K video up to 30Fps QHD video at 80Fps and 1080P Full HD video at 120Fps for slow-motion recording which helps to produce a good quality video when you are Vloggers. It also takes pictures at 12 megapixels and features a 30Fps burst shooting mode so you can take that perfect frame out of a sequence. The build quality is good and includes some good features for adventurers such as mounting buckles.
Some other good features include voice-activated camera controls, USB C port for high-capacity data transfer and support for the Gore Karma drone kit. When recording 4K video at 30Fps the battery life is maximized to about one and a half hours. But the Hero 5 Black allows you to swap on-the-fly batteries to continue recording.
Key Features
- Recording Quality: This action camera can shoot 4K, 2K and 1080p videos.
- Waterproof: This action camera is waterproof up to 10 meters without needing a case.
- Features: This camera has voice-activated shooting, a USBC interface, and support for many GoPros add-on kits.
Pros
- Portable
- Quality
- Waterproof
Cons
- No 60FPS 4K
- Waterproof Limitation
Portable: This action camera is small enough to go anywhere and record anything.
Quality: This camera takes very good 4K video and has detailed 12-megapixel images that even offer a burst shooting mode.
Waterproof: This action camera is waterproof for light underwater shooting at shallow depths.
No 60FPS 4K: This action camera can only record 4k up to 30fps.
Waterproof Limitation: This action camera is waterproof up to 10 meters only.
The GoPro Hero5 Black is well priced at just half the price of the newest GoPro Hero8, making it a solid purchase option. If you are looking for the functionality, flexibility and quality of a GoPro Hero camera, but do not feel the need to get more money for the latest model.
- Dual Screens
- The RockSteady technology combines EIS with complex algorithms, delivering stable, shake-free footage no matter how heavy the action gets.
- Action camera with 1/2.3″ CMOS Sensor, 12MP, wide-angle 145°.
- 8x Slow Motion
The third product on our list is the DJI Osmo Action Cam. If you want an action camera that provides front and back screens to help you keep a better track of your footage and shots then DJI Osmo Action Cam is a great choice. Not only is it rugged enough for the outdoors, but it shoots 4K video which makes it a great action camera with lots of features.
After finishing the guesser during closing, vloggers will like the DJI Osmos dual-camera design. The back screen provides a sharply detailed picture which is still very good. RockSteady frame stabilization technology reduces the shakiness associated with handheld shooting which is great for snowboarders, water skiers and skydivers.
The camera shoots 4K video at 60Fps and includes support for HDR to provide deep rich contrast between lights and darkness. There is support for 8 time slow-motion and time lapse features when shooting video in 1080p full HD, as well as allowing for 240Fps recording.
The DJI Osmos Action Cam is waterproof up to 11 meters and is very portable with a footprint of only 2.6 x 0.7 inches and weighs just 4.3 ounces. The durability is excellent with temperatures as low as 14° F and a focus on the atmosphere.
Key Features
- Dual Screen: This action camera includes two separate screens at the front and back for greater shot freedom.
- Anti-Shake: This camera has rockSteady technology to eliminate the shakiness associated with hand recording.
- 4K HDR Video: This camera shoots 4k video in HDR mode for UHD picture quality.
Pros
- Dual Screen
- Video quality
- Slow-Motion
Cons
- Average photo quality
Dual Screen: This action camera has a dual screen on the front and back, which is good for vloggers.
Video quality: This camera features 4K HDR recording at 60Fps for high frame rate and smooth playback quality.
Slow-Motion: This camera records 1080p at 240 Fps for super slow-motion playback.
Average photo quality: This action camera takes 12-megapixel shots, but struggles in low-light conditions.
The DJI Osmo Action Cam packs a few more functions not seen in the GoPro Hero 5 Black such as high frame rate recording and dual screens. If you prefer a bit more control over your framing and shooting then this is the camera that may suit your taste.
- HyperSmooth 2.0
- Streamlined Design
- Expandable Mods
- Live Streaming in 1080p
- TimeWarp 2.0, LiveBurst
- SuperPhoto + HDR
- Video Capture Resolution: 4K UHD 2160p
The second product in our list is GoPro Hero8 Black. GoPro Hero 8 Black is a solid action camera that appeals to a wide range of users. If you are an adventurous adrenaline addict, then you will love its durability. If you are a vlogger, you will appreciate its recording quality and if you are simply interested in a great action camera, you will be pleased with its features.
This GoPro is just 1.1 x 1.9 x 2.6 inches and weighs less than one ounce which is great for helmets and bike mounting. The build-quality is superb with an impact-resistant camera lens. Vloggers and video creators would quickly like the ability to add microphones, flash, and LCD screens for a little more creative control over their productions.
Hybrid Smooth 2.0 offers three levels of shot stabilization that work together with all shooting resolutions and frame rates while TimeWorp 2.0 technology controls time-lapse photography and is easy to use. The camera shoots 4K HDR video still photos at 60fps and 12 megapixels. It can achieve up to 2 hours of battery life which is about 25% more than many competitors.
Key Features
- Streamlined Design: This camera is very digestible and allows you to swap quickly by turning fingers on the base.
- Versatile: Vloggers and video creators can take advantage of quick-loading accessories such as flash, microphone, LCD screen, and more.
- Features: Hyper Smooth 2.0 provides best-in-class image stabilization. TimeWrap 2.0 creates great quality time-lapse videos and live burst records 1.5 seconds before and after your shot.
Pros
- Great Built
- Stabilization
- Battery Life
Cons
- Poor Picture Quality
Great Built: This action camera is small, lightweight and is resistant to greater durability in harsh environments.
Stabilization: Hyper Smooth 2.0 provides best-in-class image stabilization.
Battery Life: This action camera can get up to 2 hours on a single charge.
Poor Picture Quality: This action camera is not well suited for photography shooting due to poor low-sensitivity.
GoPro Hero8 Black is a flagship action camera for action videographers. For the price, you get the best in class image stabilization. A versatile design that can handle all kinds of add-on & mount and great 4K quality recording for your next adventure.
- 1” (1.0-Type) stacked back-illuminated Exmore RS CMOS sensor
- Internal 4K movie with Pro features and image stabilization.
- 24mm F4 Zeiss tessar T* lens delivers high-resolution images
- Matchbox sized durable Duralumin, water/shock/crush proof body
- 15.3MP raw up to 16Fps continuous and interval REC. For time-lapse
The first product on our list is the Sony RX0 11. Vlogger and hardcore adventurers definitely want to take a look at the Sony RX0 11 if premium build and features top the list. It is well suited to adventure action junkies who are spending $700 in exchange for a top-tier action camera.
Demanding shooters will appreciate the camera 4K recording quality at up to 30 Fps with oversampling technology. It can shoot beautiful 15.3-megapixel photos even in low light conditions. It is a very portable device with some nice features including a 180 degree tilt able LCD screen that can shoot in portrait or landscape mode.
It features wireless control, time-lapse video, super slow-motion functionality and BIONZ X image processing engine for richer colors in detail. Those who like to adventure in rough territory will love the Sony RX0 11 Crushproof design that can withstand a reported 440 pound-feet of pressure which is perfect for those who venture off the beaten path. The amazing shot quality means that you will capture those perfect moments every time.
Key Features
- Quality: This action camera shoots a very detailed 4K video and takes incredible 15-megapixel photos.
- Durable: This action camera is one of the toughest in the market with high crushproof ratings.
- Features: This camera has a super low-motion, detailed image processing, time-lapse video recording and a tilt table 180 degree screen.
Pros
- Durable
- Photo Quality
- Tilt Able Screen
Cons
- 24 Millimeter Lens
Durable: High crushproof rating makes it perfect for harsher environments.
Photo Quality: This action camera shoots great top quality photos.
Tilt Able Screen: This action camera includes a tilt table 180 degree screen that can quickly frame shots at different angles.
24 Millimeter Lens: This action camera 24-millimeter lens means less field of view than other cameras.
The Sony RX0 11 is undoubtedly the price for the high end of the spectrum, but for those who want the most rock-solid action cameras on the market that shoot 4K and take great photos, this is a clear winner. It’s guaranteed to go the distance while providing the widest range of features for an action camera.