Mini size, featherweight, numerous options and good enough video quality… Action cameras remain a safe bet and adapt to all situations. And to all the purses.
To film your sporting exploits, your daily bike ride, your child’s first steps or even the mischief of your pet, there’s nothing like always having a small action camera easy to use, which will follow you everywhere and will resist all the unexpected, or almost. There are very affordable options, but also premium models, ultra-rugged devices and others that are ultra-light and compact. In short, there is something for all tastes and budgets.
1 GoPro Hero 11 Black
What is the best action camera for most people? GoPro has a solid reputation for excellence in this area. And la Hero 11 Black is no exception. Very rich in features, its 8:7 framing allows you to crop at will, both for publishing on YouTube and on social networks. Finally, we particularly like the Horizon Lock system, which keeps the 5.3K/30p video stable and level over 360 degrees.
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The reference brand maintains its dominance in the market with this model released this fall. If the look remains the same, the components evolve, in particular with a 27 Mpx sensor with an unprecedented 8: 7 ratio.
Still compact, this camera seems a little heavy, but it’s not that much (153 g in the palm of your hand). The rear screen (2.27 inches) is touch sensitive to manage all the parameters and we appreciate the small video feedback screen at the front. Two physical buttons (on-off and recording) complete the device.
Our handling showed the excellent stabilization of the images, which is very practical when filming in selfie mode. Waterproof to 10 m, resistant to cold (-20°C), it can film around 1h30 in classic setting (4K, 30 fps), but beware of heating: the case quickly climbs in temperature!
Out of that, we appreciate the extensive integration with the Quik home application. This is free, but gives access to two very interesting subscription options (€49.99/year): storage of videos in the cloud and – above all – automated editing of the best video moments thanks to artificial intelligence. . A real success and a safe bet.
Features
- Weight: 153g
- Water resistance: 10 meters
- Battery: 1720mAh
- Vidéo : 5,3K 60 ips / 4K 120 ips / 2,7K 240 ips
The +
- Excellent stabilization
- Video quality
- Well thought-out ecosystem with the Quik app
The –
- Gets a little too hot
- Less complex menus
2 DJI Osmo Action 3
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The Chinese DJI, drone specialist, also knows how to do it when it comes to action cameras. If his bias seems to have been to take over the main characteristics of GoPro, it is clear that he does it well. It even goes beyond in some aspects, such as an autonomy that seems better (more than 2 hours) or a waterproofness of 16 meters when the Hero 11 is limited to 10.
In contrast, l’Osmo Action 3 is equipped with slightly less efficient sensors, whether for video or photo, even if they remain quite correct and will suffice in most situations. Similarly, the stabilization is less efficient, but does the job.
Its big strong point is its fast charging. With the right charger, it takes less than 45 minutes to get the battery back to 100%. In short, cheaper than the GoPro Hero 11 Black, it will give complete satisfaction, unless you are looking for very advanced image quality.
Features
- Weight: 145g
- Water resistance: 16 meters
- Battery: 1770mAh
- Vidéo : 4K 120 ips / UHD 60 ips / 2,7120 ips / 1080p 240 ips
The +
- Quick charge
- Cage for filming vertically
- Autonomy and charge ++
The –
- Video quality a notch below the GoPro
- Hard buttons
3 Insta360 One RS 1-inch 360 Edition
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This is an action camera with a very different look and functions. A little heavier and bulkier than the other cameras listed here (53.2×49.5×129.3 mm for 239 grams), it can be easily handled.
Above all, it has very advanced photo and video capabilities, since it is capable of filming at 360 degrees in 6K and capturing 21K shots, once more at 360°. She can say thank you in this to the two 1-inch CMOS sensors and the co-design of the device with Leica. This makes it an exceptional product (and the price goes with it).
A little less robust than other models, it was nevertheless designed for action since it has good stabilization and a horizon leveling function. This camera is aimed at content creators who are looking for stunning image quality, but also to film in 360°.
Features
- Weight: 239g
- Waterproof: IPX3, splashing
- Battery: 1350mAh
- Vidéo : 6K 30 ips / 4K 30 ips / 3K 50 ips
The +
- Impressive image quality
- Ergonomics that allow great flexibility of use
- Interchangeable lenses
The –
- Less robust than other action cams
- Perfectible software
- Slightly limited autonomy
4 Akaso Brave 7
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It’s not the latest model from Chinese Akaso, but the Brave 7 has the advantage of being ultra-affordable today in terms of its characteristics.
Sold for less than 170 €, this action camera can nevertheless film in 4K at 30 frames per second and has two screens (one at the back and a small return to the front). We also like the small remote control supplied with the camera. The Akaso Brave 7 does well in video, even if the stabilization is much less efficient than a GoPro or DJI. On the other hand, the quality of the photos is really average. Finally, the app requires a reconnection to the camera each time. Annoying…
Features
- Weight: 137g
- Water resistance: 10 meters
- Battery: 1350mAh
- Vidéo : 4K 30 ips / 2,7K 30 ips / 1080p 60 ips
The +
- Affordable
- Easy to use
- 4K video despite the price
The –
- Inaccurate touch screen
- Stabilization might be improved
- Slightly limited autonomy
- App to be improved
5 Denver ACV8305W
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It’s hard to beat the price, but that doesn’t mean this action camera isn’t well made.
Equipped with two cameras – with a viewing angle of 220° – placed back to back, it films 360°. There is therefore no control screen. It will be particularly useful for daily commuter use (moreover the camera is supplied with a helmet mount and a bike mount) or even to transform it into a surveillance dash cam in a car.
Obviously this does not prevent you from using it also in more sporty and playful conditions, but its video quality and stabilization will not sparkle. In addition, its built-in battery offers a fairly limited autonomy… A little extra: this Denver camera is compatible with software that allows you to transform shots into 360° YouTube videos and for virtual reality headsets.
Features
- Weight: 104g
- Water resistance: 30 meters with box provided
- Battery: 1500mAh
- Video: 1920×960 / 30 fps.
The +
- Little price
- Quality of shots OK
- Supplied accessories
The –
- Limited autonomy
- No control screen
- No dedicated app
