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This guide is for anyone buying their first action camera, or replacing an old one, for biking, travel, hiking, snorkelling or just filming the family on holiday. We will explain what actually separates these cameras, then walk through four options worth a look. To be upfront about method: nobody here has tested them. The picks rely on manufacturer specs and published reviews, mainly Amateur Photographer’s 2026 roundup, and we name the source for each claim.
What matters when buying an action camera
Stabilization first, resolution second. Most action footage is shot while moving, so smooth video matters more than a bigger number on the box. Look for strong electronic stabilization and horizon levelling. DJI lists RockSteady 3.0 and HorizonBalancing on the Osmo Action 6, and Amateur Photographer calls the GoPro HERO13 Black’s stabilization superb.
Sensor size and low light. A larger sensor generally helps in dim light, such as dusk rides or indoor shots. DJI lists a 1/1.1-inch sensor for the Osmo Action 6, while Amateur Photographer lists a 1/1.9-inch sensor for the HERO13 Black.
Waterproofing without a case. Check the native depth rating, because a camera that needs a separate case is more to carry and one more thing to forget. DJI lists 20 metres native for the Osmo Action 6, Amateur Photographer lists 10 metres for the HERO13 Black, and 15 metres for the Insta360 X5.
Battery life. Manufacturer runtimes come from best-case tests. DJI says the Osmo Action 6 reached 240 minutes at 1080p/24 with RockSteady on and Wi-Fi off, and notes the figure is for reference only. Higher resolutions drain far faster, as Amateur Photographer’s GoPro numbers show: about 1.5 hours at 5.3K30 versus over 2.5 hours at 1080p30.
Mounts and accessories. Magnetic mounting, filters and a wide choice of third-party mounts make daily use easier, and this is where the long-established brands tend to lead.
What to mostly ignore. Photo megapixels and peak video resolution. If you will share clips on a phone, the quality of the stabilization, colour and battery matters more than 8K on a spec sheet.
Quick picks
DJI Osmo Action 6: best all-rounder, per Amateur Photographer
Who it suits: People who film in all conditions, including after dark. Amateur Photographer names it best overall.
Strengths: The sensor is 1/1.1-inch, native waterproofing is 20 metres (60 metres with the waterproof case, per DJI), and there are two screens: a 1.46-inch front display and a 2.5-inch rear one. It weighs 149 g and has 64 GB of built-in storage with about 50 GB available, plus a microSD slot. The reviewer also praises SuperNight mode.
Drawback: Amateur Photographer notes that digital zoom cannot be adjusted while recording.
GoPro HERO13 Black: best for accessories and stabilization
Who it suits: Riders, skiers and anyone who wants the biggest accessory ecosystem. Amateur Photographer names it the best GoPro action camera.
Strengths: It records up to 5.3K at 60 frames per second, with 4K at 120 and 2.7K at 240, and Amateur Photographer praises its stabilization, video and photo quality, magnetic mounting, and HB-series lenses and ND filters.
Drawback: The same review says it offers little improvement over the HERO11, and that there are cheaper rivals.
Insta360 X5: best 360-degree camera
Who it suits: Creators who want to shoot first and frame later. Amateur Photographer names it the best 360 action camera.
Strengths: It records 360-degree video up to 8K at 30 frames per second, is natively waterproof to 15 metres, and is rated for 208 minutes in Endurance mode. The reviewer calls the editing software simple and the image bright and detailed.
Drawback: It costs more than the GoPro or DJI options, and the studio software lacks some basic functions.
OM System Tough TG-7: best for rough, compact shooting
Who it suits: Hikers and snorkellers who also want a real zoom lens and strong macro. Amateur Photographer names it the toughest compact camera on its list.
Strengths: It has a 4x optical zoom with a bright f/2 aperture at the wide end, built-in GPS, 15-metre native waterproofing and 4K 30 video.
Drawback: It is bigger and bulkier than an action camera, and the reviewer lists very short maximum recording times at 4K.
OM System Tough TG-7 on Amazon
Common mistakes
The most common one is buying by resolution alone and then finding the camera runs out of battery in an hour. Carry a spare battery. A second mistake is skipping the memory card: use a reputable high-speed microSD card and back up regularly, and our guide to choosing a portable SSD covers where to store big video files. A third is forgetting the power side of travel, where a good power bank can keep a day of filming going.
Also remember that a 360 camera records everything around you, so you will spend more time editing, and that wide lenses make distant subjects look small. Check mounts before you buy, since some are brand-specific.
Bottom Line
For most people, the DJI Osmo Action 6 is the most capable general-purpose choice according to Amateur Photographer, and the GoPro HERO13 Black is the safer pick if mounts and accessories matter most. Choose the Insta360 X5 if you want 360-degree footage, and the OM System TG-7 if you prefer a rugged compact with a real zoom.
FAQ
Do I need 4K or 5K for an action camera?
4K is plenty for most phone and web viewing. Higher resolutions give you more room to crop but cost battery life and storage, so many people shoot 4K or 1080p most of the time.
Do action cameras need a waterproof case?
Not for shallow water. Native ratings vary: DJI lists 20 metres for the Osmo Action 6, while Amateur Photographer lists 10 metres for the HERO13 Black. Check the rating and use a case for deeper dives.
Is a 360 camera better than a normal action camera?
It depends on how you work. A 360 camera lets you choose the framing afterwards, but it takes more editing. A standard action camera gives you ready-to-share clips with less work.
Featured image: Photo by Franco Salcedo on Unsplash. Inline image: Photo by santosh verma on Unsplash. Both used under the Unsplash License.
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