Yes, action cameras can shoot in 4K. Many modern action cameras are equipped with the capability to record video in 4K resolution, which offers a high level of detail and clarity. This feature is particularly popular among sports enthusiasts, vloggers, and filmmakers who are looking to capture high-quality footage in a compact and durable form. The development of action cameras with 4K capabilities has been driven by advancements in camera sensor technology and video processing power. This allows users to not only achieve greater image quality but also take advantage of features like image stabilization, high frame rates, and various shooting modes that enhance the versatility and performance of these cameras in different environments and activities.
Best Action Cameras of May 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 are the challenges of shooting in 4K with an action camera?
Shooting in 4K with an action camera can provide stunning video quality, but it also comes with several challenges:
- Storage Needs: 4K footage requires significantly more storage space than lower resolutions. This means you need larger capacity memory cards and the ability to transfer and store large files on your devices.
- Battery Life: Recording video in 4K consumes more power, leading to shorter battery life. This necessitates carrying extra batteries or ensuring opportunities for recharging.
- Processing Power: Editing 4K video requires a more powerful computer with adequate RAM and a capable graphics card, which might necessitate hardware upgrades.
- Heat Generation: Filming in 4K can cause action cameras to overheat, especially during extended shoots or in warm environments, potentially leading to shutdowns or reduced performance.
- Frame Rates: Some action cameras might not support high frame rates at 4K resolution. This can limit the ability to capture fast motion smoothly or produce slow-motion effects.
- Stabilization: Achieving smooth, stabilized footage can be more challenging at 4K, especially in extreme action scenarios, even though many cameras have advanced stabilization systems.
- File Handling: Larger file sizes can complicate importing, exporting, and rendering processes, requiring more time and computational resources.
- Lens Considerations: Limited lens options can affect the dynamic range and overall quality of the footage. High-resolution sensors are often paired with small lenses, which may not exploit the full potential of 4K.
- Cost: Action cameras capable of shooting high-quality 4K footage can be more expensive than ones limited to lower resolutions.
- Internet and Streaming Limitations: If you intend to upload or stream 4K content online, the requirements for faster internet speeds and the compatibility of platforms should be considered.
- Environmental Conditions: Dust, water, and other conditions can affect the camera’s performance and necessitate additional protective gear, which can sometimes impact footage quality.
- Learning Curve: Mastering 4K shooting involves understanding settings, exposure, and post-production techniques to leverage the full benefits of the resolution.
By preparing for these challenges, users can better manage the demands of shooting in 4K with an action camera.
What file formats are used for 4K video in action cameras?
Action cameras typically use several common file formats for 4K video to balance quality, file size, and ease of editing. Here are some of the most common formats you might encounter:
- MP4: This is one of the most widely used video file formats due to its broad compatibility with various devices and platforms. It usually utilizes the H.264 or H.265 (HEVC) codecs, providing a good balance between quality and file size.
- MOV: Often associated with Apple's QuickTime, the MOV format is also popular for 4K video recording. It might use similar codecs as MP4, such as H.264 or H.265, and is widely supported across different software and platforms.
- AVI: Although less common for action cameras due to larger file sizes, AVI can also be used for 4K recording. It supports a wide range of codecs, but its lack of compression efficiency compared to formats like MP4 or MOV makes it less ideal for many users.
- MXF: Some professional-grade action cameras might use the MXF format, known for its ability to store high-quality video and audio in a single file. It's more common in professional broadcasting.
- MKV: While not as common as MP4 or MOV in action cameras, MKV is an open standard format that can store high-quality video and is favored for its flexibility and support for various codecs.
These formats focus on compatibility with editing software and playback devices while ensuring efficient compression to handle the large file sizes typical of 4K content.
How do I transfer 4K videos from my action camera to my computer?
Transferring 4K videos from your action camera to your computer can be done in several ways, depending on your camera model and available equipment. Here are some common methods:
- USB Cable:
Step 1: Connect your action camera to your computer using the USB cable that came with the camera.
Step 2: Turn on the camera. It might automatically go into a "USB mode" or prompt you to select a connection option. Choose "Mass Storage" or "File Transfer" if prompted.
Step 3: Your computer should recognize the camera as an external device. Open File Explorer (Windows) or Finder (Mac) to view the contents.
Step 4: Navigate to the folder containing the videos and copy/paste them to your desired location on your computer.
- SD Card Reader:
Step 1: Power off the camera and remove the SD card.
Step 2: Insert the SD card into an SD card reader connected to your computer. Some computers have built-in SD card slots.
Step 3: Open File Explorer (Windows) or Finder (Mac) and access the SD card.
Step 4: Locate the video files on the SD card and transfer them to your computer.
- Wi-Fi Transfer:
Some action cameras have built-in Wi-Fi capabilities that allow you to transfer files wirelessly.
Step 1: Make sure both your camera and computer are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
Step 2: Use the camera’s app (usually available for both Android and iOS) on your smartphone to connect the camera to Wi-Fi.
Step 3: Follow the instructions in the app or camera manual to transfer files to the computer, which might involve using a specific software provided by the camera manufacturer.
- Bluetooth:
If your camera supports Bluetooth, you might be able to transfer files directly to your computer, but Bluetooth is generally slower and not ideal for large files like 4K videos.
- Third-Party Software:
Some action cameras come with their own software that facilitates file transfers. Install any software provided by your camera manufacturer and follow the instructions.
- Cloud Upload:
Some modern cameras offer cloud upload features. If this is available on your camera, you would typically upload your videos to the cloud and then download them to your computer.
Make sure to have adequate storage space on your computer, as 4K video files can be quite large. Additionally, ensure your computer has the software or codecs necessary to play and edit 4K video files.
What is the best software for editing 4K action camera footage?
When it comes to editing 4K action camera footage, you want software that can handle high-resolution files efficiently and offers a broad range of editing tools. Here are some of the best options available:
- Adobe Premiere Pro: Widely regarded as one of the top professional video editing programs, Premiere Pro supports 4K video and offers powerful editing features, excellent color correction tools, and a robust ecosystem of plugins. It also integrates well with other Adobe products.
- Final Cut Pro: Exclusive to macOS, Final Cut Pro offers a smooth editing experience for 4K content with its magnetic timeline and advanced color grading tools. Its optimized performance for Mac hardware makes it a popular choice among Apple users.
- DaVinci Resolve: Known for its advanced color correction and grading features, DaVinci Resolve also offers a full suite of editing tools. The basic version is free and supports 4K editing, while the Studio version adds more features.
- iMovie: A more basic option, iMovie is great for Mac users looking for simplicity and ease of use. While it lacks the advanced features of other software, it can still handle 4K video editing for straightforward projects.
- CyberLink PowerDirector: Offering user-friendly tools and a range of effects, PowerDirector supports 4K editing and is suitable for those who want quick results without a steep learning curve.
- HitFilm Express: A free option that is surprisingly robust, HitFilm Express includes basic features for 4K video editing along with advanced VFX tools, making it a good choice for editing action-packed footage.
- Shotcut: An open-source, cross-platform editor, Shotcut is free and supports a wide range of formats. It’s a solid choice for those on a budget who still need to edit 4K video.
Each of these programs has its strengths and may suit different types of users and projects. Your choice should depend on your specific needs, budget, preferred platform, and whether you prioritize ease of use or access to advanced features.
