Action cameras can be a practical choice for vlogging, depending on your specific needs and style. Their compact and lightweight design makes them highly portable and easy to mount or carry, which is ideal for capturing on-the-go footage or adventures where traditional cameras might be cumbersome. With features such as wide-angle lenses, high-resolution video capabilities, and robust image stabilization, action cameras can produce high-quality videos even in dynamic or rugged environments. They are also often designed to withstand harsh conditions, being water, dust, and shock resistant, which adds to their versatility.
However, they may have limitations such as the lack of advanced audio input options, smaller sensors compared to dedicated vlogging cameras, and more limited manual controls, which can affect video quality and creative control. The ultra-wide-angle view, while immersive, might not be suitable for all types of vlogging content, particularly if you want a more focused shot or a background that isn't distorted. Additionally, some action cameras might not perform optimally in low-light conditions.
Ultimately, whether an action camera is good for vlogging will depend on balancing the type of content you want to create with the strengths and weaknesses of these devices. If mobility, durability, and ease of use in active settings are your priorities, an action camera could be an excellent choice for your vlogging endeavors.
Best Action Cameras of March 2025
1
Rating is 5 out of 5
AKASO Brave 7 LE 4K30FPS 20MP WiFi Action Camera with Touch Screen EIS 2.0 Zoom Remote Control 131 Feet Underwater Camera with 2X 1350mAh Batteries Support External Microphone Vlog Camera
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BORN ALL-WEATHER ACTION CAMERA - Brave 7 LE action camera is weatherproof and distinct to unlock all the filming scenarios and ease your vlogging experience. Its IPX7 water-resistant design can protect the action camera from rain, snow and water splashing. Your underwater adventure can even down to 131FT/40M while equipped with the included waterproof housing.
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CONVENIENT DUAL-DISPLAY - With innovate dual color screens design, you can change framing and monitoring views between back and front, especially the vivid front screen can satisfy your selfies need and 2-inch back touch screen makes it easy to use than ever. Press and hold Mode button to switch between the front screen and the touchscreen camera view.
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SHOOT 4K VIDEO & 20MP PHOTO - This action camera can take hyper-quality 4K 30Fps video and 20MP photo, recording your adventure without missing any details!
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ELECTRONIC IMAGE STABILIZATION 2.0 - This action camera is equipped with improved 6-axis EIS, it can provide gimbal-like stabilization and greatly boost the stability and fluency of your recording. It can enable excellent footage even you or the object is in fast-moving.
2
Rating is 4.9 out of 5
Upgrade 4K60FPS WiFi Action Camera 64MP Waterproof Camera with Touch Rear Screen, 8X Zoom Underwater Camera Snorkeling 65FT No Need a Waterproof Case with 64GB Card, Ideal for Travel Sports Vlog
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【4K 60FPS Action Camera & 8X Zoom】 The 4K 60fps video and 64MP photos provide crisp and vibrant footage that captured the fast-paced fun and stunning scenery. Equipped with the 8x digital zoom, the action camera allows you to get closer to your subject. Perfect for hiking, climbing, biking, skateboarding, snowboarding, skiing, skydiving, hunting, and other outdoor adventures.
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【Dual Screen & Compact Design】The dual-screen design, featuring both front 1.5” and rear 2” IPS, is a game-changer for framing shots. The rear screen is touch screen that is intuitive and easy to adjust settings and capture great shots. The sports camera's compact size and durability design make it perfect for capturing action-packed moments and handle a bit of extreme sports.
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【Without the Waterproof Case up to 65 Feet 】 The IP68 waterproof design of underwater camera can withstand depths of up to 65 feet (20 meters) without the waterproof case. Perfect for water sports like swimming, surfing, kayaking, snorkeling, and diving. While the two rechargeable 1350mAh batteries ensure extended recording time, making it a reliable companion on a recent road trip.
3
Rating is 4.8 out of 5
AKASO Brave 4 4K30fps 20MP WiFi Action Camera Ultra Hd with EIS 131ft Waterproof Camera Remote Control 5xZoom Underwater Camcorder with 2 Batteries and Bicycle Helmet Accessories Kit
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4K30fps Video & 20MP Photo: Capture every detail of life’s most beautiful moments with video resolutions from 4K 30fps to 1080P 60fps and 20MP photos so you can relive them anytime, anywhere. Start recording the wonders of your life.
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170° Adjustable View Angle and Image Stabilization: With four customizable viewing angles of 170°, 140°, 110°, and 70°, capture the perfect perspective for any situation. Built-in smart gyroscope technology ensures shock-resistant and stable shooting, leading to incredibly smooth, professional-looking footage that stands out from the competition.
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Sport Camera with Wifi and HDMI: This action camera comes equipped with both Wi-Fi and HDMI capabilities, allowing you to quickly and effortlessly share and edit videos with the free app. Simply download the app on your phone or tablet and connect with the camera. With a Wi-Fi signal range of up to 10 meters and an HDMI port for TV connectivity, you can easily share your exciting experiences with friends and family in high quality and on a bigger screen.
4
Rating is 4.7 out of 5
ODDV 4K60FPS 30MP Action Camera with Front LCD and Touch Rear Screens, Underwater Camera with 64GB Memory Card, 132FT Waterproof Camera, EIS, 5X Zoom, WiFi Remote Control（Black）
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CAPTURE ADVENTURE IN 4K60FPS: Record stunning 4K60FPS video and 30MP photos with sharp precision. Shoot up to 60 frames per second of crystal-clear stills, providing 4 times the resolution of standard HD cameras. Plus, with the INCLUDED 64GB MEMORY CARD, you won't have to worry about storage limitations or missed moments. Perfect for high-action environments like snowboarding, biking, motocross, hiking, climbing, skateboarding, skydiving and ziplining
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DUAL SCREEN DESIGN: This action camera features a dual screen design, including a 2.0-inch touch-sensitive HD rear screen and a 1.4-inch non-touch front screen. The intuitive interface allows for easy adjustments to settings, seamless switching between shooting modes, and convenient previewing and playback, while also catering to your selfie needs
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EXCEPTIONAL STABILIZATION PERFORMANCE : Built-in six-axis electronic image stabilization (EIS) provides exceptional anti-shake performance for steady and smooth videos, eliminating the frustration of shaky footage. Whether capturing thrilling adventures or everyday moments, this feature ensures smooth footage even in fast motion, letting you relive your experiences with clarity and confidence
5
Rating is 4.6 out of 5
DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro Essential Combo, Waterproof Action Camera with 1/1.3" Sensor, 4K/120fps Video, Subject Tracking, Stabilization, Dual OLED Touchscreens, Action Camera 4K Ideal for Sports, Vlog
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Capture Urban Nightscapes - Osmo Action 5 Pro features a new 1/1.3″ sensor for stunning low-light. Great for nighttime biking adventures in dark environments.
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Enhanced Subject Tracking - 4nm Chip for fast, reliable framing. Keep fast-moving subjects centered. [7] The 4nm chip ensures smooth and fast framing in 16:9 or 9:16.
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Action 5 Pro must be activated in the DJI Mimo App. Due to platform compatibility issue, the Mimo app has been removed from Google Play. To ensure a better usage experience, please scan the QR code on the camera screen prompt to download the latest version of DJI Mimo.
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Long Lasting All-Condition Use - Experience the satisfaction of up to 4 hours of extended battery life.[1] Ideal for all scenarios, ensuring continuous performance and unbroken recording.
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Vibrant, Precise Control - Enjoy vibrant, true-to-life colors with dual OLED touchscreens. Crisp viewing ready for any scenario makes outdoor recording and rewatching fun again.
6
Rating is 4.5 out of 5
i3 4K Thumb Action Camera, Tiny Size, Mount Anywhere, Small Body Camera with Spring Clip, Portable Vlogging, Hands-Free POV Recording, Helmet Cam for Cycling, Motorcycle (64G-Card, Black)
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1.25 OZ (35.7G) & THUMB SIZE: The Sixmou i3 4K tiny action camera is so compact it’s smaller than your thumb and weighs just 1.25 ounces (35.7 grams). You can mount it on your body without even noticing it’s there, blending seamlessly with you. It offers a whole new amazing experience.
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MOUNT ANYWHERE: The i3 sports camera features a magnetic design, allowing you to attach it to an Iron metal surface. It also comes with a magnetic lanyard pad that lets you quickly mount it to your chest in just one second. With a 360° rotating spring clip, you can effortlessly secure the camera to your collar, pocket, waist, and more. Additionally, it includes seven other mounting accessories, making it easy to attach to bikes, motorcycles, helmets, and other gear.
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131 FEET DEEP WATERPROOF:This mini camera includes a waterproof case, you can take the camera underwater up to 131 feet (40 meters), making it ideal for diving, snorkeling, and surfing. Just remember, the camera itself is not waterproof without the housing.
7
Rating is 4.4 out of 5
AKASO Brave 4 Action Camera 4K 30fps with 64GB MicroSD U3 Card Bicycle Helmet Accessories Kit Bundle, 20MP Ultra HD 131FT Waterproof Underwater Camera EIS WiFi Remote Control 5X Zoom Sport Cameras
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4K30fps Video & 20MP Photo: Capture every detail of life’s most beautiful moments with video resolutions from 4K 30fps to 1080P 60fps and 20MP photos so you can relive them anytime, anywhere. Start recording the wonders of your life.
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170° Adjustable View Angle and Image Stabilization: With four customizable viewing angles of 170°, 140°, 110°, and 70°, capture the perfect perspective for any situation. Built-in smart gyroscope technology ensures shock-resistant and stable shooting, leading to incredibly smooth, professional-looking footage that stands out from the competition.
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Sport Camera with Wifi and HDMI: This action camera comes equipped with both Wi-Fi and HDMI capabilities, allowing you to quickly and effortlessly share and edit videos with the free app. Simply download the app on your phone or tablet and connect with the camera. With a Wi-Fi signal range of up to 10 meters and an HDMI port for TV connectivity, you can easily share your exciting experiences with friends and family in high quality and on a bigger screen.
8
Rating is 4.3 out of 5
icefox Action Camera 4K 60FPS 20MP,131FT Underwater with EIS,5XZoom,App Support Video&Photo Editing,Waterproof Camera WiFi Remote Control for Cycling, Swimming, and Diving
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【4K60FPS Ultra HD Action Camera】- Professional 4K 60fps & 2.7K 60fps video（60fps is only available when EIS is turned off.） and 20MP photos provide up to 30 frames per second, delivering exceptional photo quality that is four times higher in resolution compared to standard HD cameras
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【131ft Waterproof Camera】- The 4K underwater camera is waterproof up to 131 feet (40M) and has an IP68 enclosure to ensure durability in challenging conditions. Whether you enjoy water sports such as swimming, surfing, and snorkeling, or take part in other exciting outdoor activities, this camera is the perfect companion for you. In addition, it comes with a range of free accessories to enhance your experience, making it suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. It should be noted that the accessory remote control needs to be waterproof before entering the water
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【5 Hours Long-lasting Experience】- This action camera comes with 2 x 1350mAh batteries, providing up to 2 hours of continuous shooting, eliminating concerns about recording time and ensuring extended usage without interruptions
9
Rating is 4.2 out of 5
AKASO EK7000 4K30FPS 20MP WiFi Action Camera with EIS Ultra HD Underwater Camera 131FT Waterproof Camera Remote Control 4X Zoom in Photo Mode Support External Microphone Black
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4K Ultra HD action camera: Professional 4K30Fps & 2.7K30Fps video with 20MP photos at up to 30 frames per second for incredible photos, which is 4 times the resolution of traditional HD cameras.
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Smooth Stabilization: Built-in Electronic Image Stabilization (EIS) delivers steady and smooth videos. It can enable excellent footage even you or the object is in fast-moving.
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131ft waterproof camera: AKASO EK7000 is designed to withstand extreme environments, together with durable waterproof case. With the accessories, transform it for indoor and outdoor activities.
What is time-lapse functionality in action cameras?
Time-lapse functionality in action cameras allows users to capture a series of photos at set intervals, which can then be compiled to create a video that shows changes occurring over time. This is useful for capturing slow processes that happen over longer periods, such as sunsets, city traffic, crowds, or natural events like plant growth.
Key aspects of time-lapse functionality include:
- Interval Setting: Users can select the time interval between shots—ranging from seconds to minutes or even hours, depending on the desired effect.
- Playback Speed: The captured images are played back at a normal video frame rate (like 24 or 30 frames per second), which speeds up the action significantly. For example, an hour's worth of footage might be condensed into a few seconds.
- Storage Efficiency: Since time-lapse involves taking still photos rather than recording continuous video, it requires less storage space, which is practical for lengthy captures.
- Battery Life: Time-lapse can be more battery-efficient compared to continuous video recording, as the camera may not need to operate continuously at full power between shots.
- Creative Control: Users can experiment with different settings to capture unique perspectives and can adjust factors such as exposure or focus to enhance the final result.
By using time-lapse, action cameras provide a dynamic way to visualize events that unfold too slowly to appreciate in real time, making them popular for both amateur and professional videographers seeking to add creative variety to their projects.
How to live stream using an action camera for vlogs?
Live streaming with an action camera can be a great way to enhance your vlogs, especially if you're capturing dynamic scenes or action-packed activities. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you set up your action camera for live streaming:
- Check Compatibility:
Ensure your action camera supports live streaming. Popular models like GoPro HERO8 and later versions, DJI Osmo Action, or some Sony models offer live streaming capabilities.
Update the camera’s firmware to the latest version for the best performance and features.
- Choose a Streaming Platform:
Decide on a platform where you want to live stream, such as YouTube, Facebook, Twitch, or any other streaming service. Each has different requirements and procedures for setting up a live stream.
- Set Up Your Streaming Account:
On platforms like YouTube, you may need to verify your account for live streaming, which can take up to 24 hours.
Adjust privacy settings according to your preferences (public, unlisted, private).
- Install Necessary Apps:
Download the corresponding app for your action camera on your smartphone. For GoPro, it’s the GoPro Quik app.
- Connect Your Camera to the App:
Use Wi-Fi or Bluetooth to connect your action camera to your smartphone via the camera app.
Follow the app’s instructions to pair the devices.
- Configure Live Stream Settings:
Using the app, navigate to the live stream settings.
Sign in with your account credentials for the streaming platform you’ve chosen.
Input the necessary streaming details like title, description, resolution, and privacy settings. Some cameras allow you to choose between resolutions like 720p, 1080p, etc.
- Establish a Network Connection:
Ensure you have a stable internet connection, ideally via Wi-Fi. Some cameras can stream using a mobile hotspot, but you’ll need strong cellular data coverage.
- Prepare Your Setup:
Mount your action camera on a suitable mount or tripod that allows you to capture the desired angle.
Ensure the battery is fully charged, or connect to an external power source if available.
- Test Your Stream:
Do a test run to ensure the video quality and connection are adequate.
Check audio quality and make adjustments if necessary, such as using external microphones if supported.
- Start Streaming:
- Once everything is set up and tested, you’re ready to start your live stream.
- Use the app to begin streaming, and keep an eye on comments or interactions if you are able to engage with your audience live.
- End Your Stream:
- Once you’ve finished streaming, ensure you properly stop the live stream using the app or the camera controls.
- Save the recorded footage if you plan to use it for future content.
By following these steps, you can effectively live stream using your action camera and engage your audience with high-quality video content.
What is the maximum resolution available on modern action cameras?
As of the latest available data up to October 2023, modern action cameras have pushed the limits of video resolution significantly. Some of the top-tier action cameras now support video recording in 5.3K resolution at various frame rates. For example, the GoPro HERO11 Black supports 5.3K video at 60 frames per second. There are also other cameras in the market that offer similar or slightly higher resolutions, including 6K or even 8K capabilities, though these higher resolutions are less common and typically found in specialized or high-end models. Keep in mind that resolution is only one aspect of camera quality; factors like frame rate, stabilization, lens quality, and low-light performance are also crucial in determining overall video performance.
What is the field of view offered by most action cameras?
Most action cameras offer a wide field of view, typically ranging from 140 to 170 degrees. This wide-angle perspective is designed to capture more of the scene, making it ideal for recording dynamic and immersive footage, especially in sports and adventure settings. Some cameras also provide the option to adjust the field of view, offering settings such as narrow, medium, and linear to help reduce distortion or focus on specific details.
How to connect an action camera to a smartphone for vlogging?
Connecting an action camera to a smartphone can significantly enhance your vlogging experience, allowing you to control the camera remotely and transfer files easily. Here’s how you can typically connect an action camera to a smartphone:
- Check Compatibility: Ensure that both your action camera and smartphone are compatible. Most modern action cameras support smartphone connectivity via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.
- Install the App: Download the corresponding app for your action camera. Popular action camera brands like GoPro, DJI, and Insta360 have their own apps available on the App Store for iOS devices and Google Play Store for Android devices.
- Turn on the Camera’s Wi-Fi/Bluetooth: Enable Wi-Fi or Bluetooth on your action camera. This is usually done through the camera's settings menu.
- Connect to the Camera’s Network:
Wi-Fi Connection: Go to the Wi-Fi settings on your smartphone and look for your camera’s Wi-Fi network. It’s typically named after the camera model, like "GoPro-XXXX". Connect to it using the default password provided in the camera manual.
Bluetooth Connection: Sometimes, initial connection might still require Wi-Fi, but Bluetooth can be used for syncing and other functions. Follow the app's instructions to establish a Bluetooth connection.
- Launch the App: Open the action camera app on your smartphone. The app will search for available cameras and prompt you to connect to yours.
- Pair the Devices: If prompted, verify the connection between your smartphone and the camera by following on-screen instructions, which may include entering a code displayed on either device.
- Remote Control and Settings: Once connected, you can remotely control your camera using the app. This functionality generally includes starting/stopping recording, changing camera settings, and switching modes.
- Preview and Transfer: Use the app to view a live feed from the camera on your phone. You can also transfer photos and videos from the camera to your phone for editing and sharing.
- Troubleshooting: If you encounter any issues, consult the support section of the app or the action camera’s user manual. Common issues include Wi-Fi interference or needing firmware updates.
- Additional Accessories: Consider using mounts or selfie sticks to enhance your vlogging setup. These accessories can be paired with the camera’s app functionalities to improve your filming experience.
Using these steps, you can easily connect your action camera to your smartphone and make the most out of your vlogging sessions. Remember that the exact steps can vary slightly depending on the brand and model of your devices.
