HomeBuying Guide9 Best Action Cameras (2023): Underwater, 360, Compact, and More

9 Best Action Cameras (2023): Underwater, 360, Compact, and More

May 18, 2023

9 Best Action Cameras (2023): Underwater, 360, Compact, and More

  • Photograph: GoPro

    Best On Sale

    GoPro Hero 9 Black

    The GoPro Hero 9 (9/10, WIRED Recommends), was a huge update for the Hero camera line. GoPro brought in a new 23.6-megapixel sensor, which is the same sensor that's in the Hero 10. It produces great video, and I still shoot with this camera on a near-daily basis. It's still got great stabilization, shoots 5.3K video (although without stabilization—this is one place the Hero 10 and Hero 11 clearly win), captures 20-MP still images, and can extract 14.7-MP images from the 5K video.

    The Hero 9 can do 80 percent of what the Hero 10 can do, and it's usually $100 cheaper. That's great value for the money. We've seen this one dip below $300 quite a few times now so I would suggest not paying more than that. Ideally, you'll be able to score a deal down in the $250 range.

    $380 at Amazon
    $350 at GoPro
    $400 at B&H

  • Photograph: Best Buy

    Best Ultralight

    DJI Action 2 Camera

    DJI's Action 2 camera (6/10, WIRED Review) was a significant departure from the company's first action camera and it abandoned the design for its third, which leaves the Action 2 in an odd spot. The Action 2 takes a page from Insta360's playbook and is a modular camera system. The difference is that DJI's camera doesn't have to have any extra modules—you can shoot with just the tiny lens.

    It's unclear what support for the Action 2 will be going forward, given that the Osmo Action 3 (see above) has replaced it with a totally different design. That is to say there is some risk you're buying a system DJI has no plans to support in the future. That said, if size is your deciding factor, the Action 2 is a great choice; even the new GoPro Hero 11 Mini is larger than this.

    $339 at DJI
    $340 at Best Buy
  • Photograph: Dragon Touch

    The B Roll

    Honorable Mention

    You can buy cheaper action cameras, but they won't offer all the features of our top picks, and likely aren't as durable. Typically they have lower build quality, inferior lenses, no waterproof ratings, and crappy chipsets and specs. Still, depending on your needs, something like the Dragon Touch ($70) might be good enough. 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.

    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 intended 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 GoPro Hero 9.

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