Best Action Cameras 2020 – Updated
Vlogging is becoming a new trend nowadays and a lot of people have started vlogging and many have plans to start. People love to make travel videos of Tourist Spotswhile driving their Car or Bikes.
So keeping this in mind a lot of people need an Action Camera to vlog so After several hours of research, I established my selection of the best action cameras of 2020 among all the models currently available on the market.
In my opinion, the best value at the moment is the YI 4K+, but if you are looking for an Action Camera bluffing in terms of image quality, my preference goes to the GoPro Hero7 Black.
But I invite you to consult my buying guide at the end of the article, to determine your own needs for an action camera.
The best cheap Action Cameras
GoPro takes almost all the space on the Action Camera market. And for a good reason, they practically invented the concept. But no need to run to get an Action Camera that holds up.
| Action Cameras | Rating | Price on Amazon |
|---|---|---|
| Yi Lite | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Check Price |
| WiMius L2 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Check Price |
| Yi 4K+ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Check Price |
| GoPro Hero 5 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Check Price |
| Olympus TG-Tracker | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Check Price |
| GoPro Hero7 🏆 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Check Price |
Yi Lite – The best & Cheap Action Camera
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Light Weight
- Excellent photo & video Quality
- Compatible with accessories from other cameras in the Yi range
Cons
- 4K not really usable
- Poorly placed microphones
Do you know Chinese giant Xiaomi? The one who is currently invading us with his cheap smartphones? Well, they are also active in the field of action cameras.
The Yi Lite, as its name suggests, is the light model of the range. With its dimensions of 6.5 x 4.2 x 3 cm, it is the same width as the Yi 4K, which allows it to be compatible with some of its accessories such as the waterproof cover (which helps immersion to 30 meters). It is however much lighter with only 72 grams on the scale. This makes it an easily transportable asset.
On the design side, we have a uniformly gray rectangular camera with the logo on the front. The two-inch screen is smaller than that of the YI 4K (which also explains its lower weight). This touch screen, 320 x 240p resolution, is very responsive and easy to use. Nothing wrong with this level. And if you do not like working on the screen, it is possible to install an application on GSM that allows a remote setting.
The power button on the camera is on the top, as well as the two microphone ports. It’s quite amazing to find these here because that’s where fingers are naturally placed while filming, which prevents any capture of sound. Apart from that, there is no lack of ergonomics. Everything seems solid and well made.
But behind its compact and lightweight design, it embeds a series of more than correct components.
With its Sony Exmor 16 Mpx sensor, and its 150° lens, we already have exciting features and good shooting options.
It is possible to film in 4K, but this can only be done at 20 IPS. However, to obtain a smooth image, it takes at least 25 IPS. The 4K will be the only accessory. On the other hand, one can film in Full HD (1920 x 1080) in 30 and even in 60 FPS. But the most impressive result, in my opinion, will still be obtained in 2K (1920 x 1440) 30 FPS.
An effective electronic stabilizer is involved, but it does not work beyond the 2K IPS mode (hence the fact that it is in this mode that the most satisfactory results are obtained). It ensures crisp and good quality shots. Besides that, this action cam embeds some excellent features like a distortion corrector, accelerated and slowed modes, and an automatic trigger.
Connectivity level, we have something pretty basic: the Yi Lite is equipped with Bluetooth and a USB 2.0 port. On the other hand, its memory is extensible by Micro-SD up to 128 GB.
And autonomy in all this? This is one of the good points of this model! With a 1400 mAh battery, it works for about 2 hours in Full HD 60 FPS recording. A defect, however, is to emphasize it: once in charge, it is impossible to access its screen.
In the end, this Yi Lite, despite its small price, small weight and small size, has very nice features. It allows to capture with high video quality and charming photo quality and has the advantage of being compatible with accessories of other models of the range Yi. Some functions do not find any real usefulness, like the 4K which does not give much with a low IPS, but it is also not a sales argument put forward by the brand, It is just a bonus.
WiMius L2: The Action Camera that challenges all prices
Pros & Cons
Pros
- compact
- Little price
- Amazing image quality
Cons
- No real 4K
With WiMius, I propose this time a super compact model, which is rare enough for action cams small budget. With only 57 grams on the scale.
On receipt of the WiMius L2, we receive an impressive number of accessories. Two 1000mAh batteries at 3.7Wh, a waterproof shell, no less than 6 mounting accessories for various GoPro-friendly mounts, a charger and even a small microfiber cloth to clean the screen. The battery life of these two batteries is approximately 1:30, which is enough for a little fun, but it is possible to buy drum kits separately for longer sessions.
The WiMius proudly displays “4K” on its hull, soberly silver and black in a plastic that looks good. Under the lens, there is a small speaker and WiFi activation button. On the other hand, the lens of the camera is not bad (about 1.2 cm). It is, therefore, better to mount it directly with the protection delivered, to avoid shocks.
The LCD screen 2 inches, this time, is non-touch (it would have been fantastic for the price). Date, time, access to settings: everything is done via buttons, the old way. On the other hand, the menu is a little clutter, and the access to the different options could have been a little better conceived: one ends up being in submenus of memory and parameters video without one understood how one there arrives.
What about the video?
The manufacturer proudly announces 4K (going, contrary to its Chinese counterpart, to register it on the hull). Really? It is equipped with a Novatek chip, which allows a digital 4K adaptation. The 24 IPS promised are also very unstable, and the fluidity of the image is not at the rendezvous. As with the Yi Lite, it will be better to upgrade to Full HD 60 IPS or even HD 60 IPS.
Digital stabilization, it is correct. It does not compete with that of the Yi Lite but allows for good quality shots. The sound is not its strong point, with crackling noises, but it is not a tool highlighted by WiMius.
Photo point of view, the sensor 12 Mpx offers a somewhat surprising image quality: the colorimetry is not perfect, but the necessary settings in daylight provide a sharp and contrasting capture.
In terms of connectivity, a pleasant surprise! A micro-SD port (memory this time expandable up to 64 GB), a mini USB and, especially, an HDMI. And, of course, we can also export the content by plugging it into WiFi.
Among the excellent little features, we have three angles of view (up to 170 degrees, which is correct, and more comprehensive, even, than the Yi Lite), but also time-lapse, slow-motion and detection modes movement (for automatic triggering).
What fun, so for a reduced budget!
The best mid-range Action Cameras
Yi 4K+: The best Midrange Action Camera
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Registration 4K 60 IPS
- Image quality
- Good touch screen
- USB-C
Cons
- Autonomy perfectible
- Essential protection box
Under its sober looks, the Yi 4K + is not an amateur Action Camera. And for good reason: this is the first action camera that is offering a record 4K 60 IPS to be released on the market!
Design point of view, nothing new on the horizon and it’s not worse, since it allows compatibility with the accessories of the Yi 4K (the previous model), as the waterproof case, the spare battery or the bindings. The only thing that physically distinguishes the 4K+ from its previous model is its carbon fiber effect layer at the front, the most beautiful effect in my opinion.
Its 2.2-inch touch screen is very responsive, with the same pleasant and intuitive menus that I talked about for the Yi Lite, many more options. Among these, there is the possibility to manually adjust the shutter speed in video and lock the sensitivity, to better fit the desired rendering. In short, under its clean air, with its single button, the Yi 4K+ is a real expert!
And the image quality, what is it?
First, although I was intrigued by the fact that the sensor offers “only” 12 Mpx (as a reminder, it is 16 MP on the Yi Lite), the image quality is remarkable. Proof, again shows that quality is not measured by the number of pixels. The coverage angle, it is at 155°. Without being a champion in this area, it’s already a good result.
As I said, this Action Camera was the first in the market to offer a 4K video in 60 IPS. On the other hand, recording in Full HD “caps” at 120 IPS while the trend is at 240 IPS. Special mention, however, for the stabilizer, which still works in 4K 30 IPS (the results are not more accurate, but it’s a big plus compared to models that I propose just after).
Point of view connectivity, we have a pleasant surprise to see a USB-C connection. As a result, the manufacturer provides you with a USB-C to RCA cable directly to connect to the TV and a USB-C to 3.5mm female jack cable to connect to an external microphone. Not bad is not it?
Finally, I come to autonomy, for which the results are mixed. Indeed, it is almost 1h in 4K 60 IPS, which is not bad. But it is disconcerting to see that only by navigating through the menus, and the battery is emptying very quickly. It is therefore strongly advised to invest in an additional array.
Elegant design, compatibility with the accessories of old ranges, recording 4K in 60 IPS, many settings of the image. One has here a small champion. Admittedly, it is not perfect (a waterproof model would be welcome, like a battery of better quality), but it has under the hood!
GoPro Hero 5:
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Real 4K video
- Affordable price
- Waterproof up to 10 meters
Cons
- Stabilizer does not work in 4K
It was inevitable to approach the GoPro in my selection, they who practically invented the action cam! If the brand had gone through a difficult period, between the stormy exit of their GoPro Karma drone, the exhaustion of a niche market now saturated, and the competition of smartphones with excellent video, they have recovered their head in 2016 with the Hero 5, an upscale Action Camera that can now be found at just under €300.
In the box of the Hero 5 Black version, we have the camera (thankfully) a frame, a lithium battery, several mounting brackets, and a USB-C cable. No waterproof case? No, no! The Hero 5 is already built to be insensitive to dust and water, up to 10 meters deep.
The design is cleaner than the Hero 4. Fewer angles, fewer frills. The small front screen has higher contrast. It shows the characteristics and the time of the recording, the remaining memory, and the battery level. On the back, we have the iconic 2 “LCD image return, whose return is more faithful and bright than on previous models. And GoPro caught up with its competitors by finally proposing a reactive touch screen (at the time of the release of the Hero 5, it was not won).
The mobile application is, in itself, free. Attention, however, automatic cloud services are subject to a monthly subscription of about €5.
One of the characteristics that sow its competitors is the voice command. Well-calibrated enough for a Marseille to be understood, it allows giving simple orders. “GoPro Record Video,” “GoPro Start Accelerated”. The full list is available on the web. Convenient to control the camera when you have both hands on the handlebars!
On the other hand, we must recognize that the multiplication of options, including GPS, connectivity with a host of GoPro sensors (there is one for each sport) seriously undermines the battery life (otherwise, it takes about 1h 30 minutes recordings in 4K).
The 4K with 30 IPS finally offers a right fluid image. Also, you can mount up to 120 IPS in Full HD for impeccable slow-motion renderings. But, alas, the 4K still does not support digital stabilization. This is understandable since stabilization consists of trimming an image more significant than the final rendering. But 4K is its limit. But in this price range, it’s a shame that the problem has still not been resolved. The shooting in 4K is therefore somewhat limited to shooting on a tripod or gyro-stabilizing pod.
The first thing I like about this GoPro is its simplicity for shooting. We have three solutions: the camera itself, the smartphone or the voice command. And the intelligence of the embedded firmware allows automatic calibration more than correct. Also, the companion app offers plenty of editing options that can edit your photo in an instant before sharing.
In the end, the GoPro Hero5 was a competitive beast on its way out. And its significant advantage, at the moment, is its significant price decrease (that’s normal since we are now at Generation 7), which ranks it among the mid-range action cams. Without a doubt the best quality/price ratio at the moment!
Olympus TG-Tracker – The Champ
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Waterproof and shock resistant
- Excellent ergonomics
- Real 4K video
Cons
- No stabilization in 4K
- Weight and shape of the camera
Many users were eager to see Olympus launch into the action cam market, and they were not disappointed.
The first thing you can not miss is the format. The Olympus is the only action cam of this test not to be compatible with GoPro products. And for a good reason, it looks like a compact version of the camcorders of the 2000s, with a rectangular shape and the camera placed at the end.
This is, in part, a problem. The TG-Tracker comes with some accessories, but it will be a bit lacking for those who already had the hardware for GoPro. Nevertheless, selfie boom, underwater protection, and stabilizing handle will be enough to start. It also comes with some mounting brackets for bike helmets, for example.
It is, therefore, a model a little larger. 180 grams and 10 cm long for 3 wide. It comes with a rather weak battery, but that was correct at the time of its release (2016): about 35 minutes in continuous recording 4K.
Level design is a success. Aggressive, serious, robust, it withstands 100kg of pressure. The finish is impeccable. Nothing is superfluous. The 3.8 “LCD touch screen can be opened for better shooting. A series of sensors and robust buttons allow many follies. And above the camera is an LED lamp that acts as a flash with more than 60 directional lumens.
You can, of course, connect it to HDMI and attach it in WiFi to the OI. Share app which, for the moment, is still one of the best with GoPro. It can be used as a remote control, video feedback, GPS tracker or sharing platform to social networks. However, the photo and video setup options must be managed from the device itself.
Regarding the shooting, it is rather bluffing. The 4K is present at 30 IPS, although, as for the GoPro Hero 5, the stabilization is not active at such a resolution. In contrast, the angle of view of 204 degrees – a record! – Allows a stabilization from 2K with 60 fps and it must be. Because of the slightly high weight of the camera, the image tends to move a little more than other action cams lighter.
The details are there, the adjustment to the exposure is very responsive – if we film a sun glare, for example – and the color balance is visually impeccable.
I regret a cam action that comes a bit too much nails compatibility level, and whose many features start autonomy. But it is a quasi-pro model adapted to all extreme situations. Negative or hot temperatures, snow, rain, sand: it follows you everywhere. It is also easy, at the moment, to buy an extra battery without the bill being too salty.
The Best Action Cameras of 2020
At this price, we expect the top in all areas: image quality, connectivity, accessories, image options. Only one model has passed (hand-held) my selection criteria.
GoPro Hero7 Black: (The best High-End Action Camera)
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Improved image quality
- Many automatic settings
- Hyper Smooth Stabilization
Cons
- Lack of responsiveness in photography
Released this fall of 2018, the GoPro Hero 7 is without a doubt the best cam action currently available on the market. Why exactly?
If you compare it with the Hero 5 (or even the Hero 6 that I do not speak about in this test), the differences do not jump immediately to the eyes.
Indeed, the Hero 7 ships the same waterproof chassis to 10 meters, the same processor and the corresponding sensor 12 Mpx, WiFi, Bluetooth, GPS, voice control, the same battery. Basically, why pay more? Because the few additions that distinguish it from previous models make it a model at the forefront.
At the screen level first, we are dealing with the same interface with clear menus and excellent ergonomics, but it has undergone a welcome refreshment that makes it even more readable and now includes a tutorial.
The screen is always very responsive, but it is advisable, for easier handling, to go through the application, which is complete and generally much more comfortable to access than on a small screen 2.2 inches.
The number of photo settings is quite impressive, and we can find a mode that is more or less adapted to each situation (I am thinking for example here of the night mode, which allows you to go from a photo full of noises to a picture rather rich in details). And if there is not a revolution in terms of image quality, it is still more accurate, and its color is even more precise.
Video level, it is now possible to shoot in 4K 60 IPS, but what is undoubtedly the most impressive is the Full HD 240 IPS mode. This one makes it possible to realize very useful slow-downs.
If only with the Hero 5 that GoPro has integrated the digital stabilization, they have improved it here, adding the stabilization “HyperSmooth,” which promises the same result as an optical stabilization, and is revealed a frankly bluffing quality. This will not be usable in any mode, but you can use HyperSmooth stabilization up to 2.7 K 60 IPS, and standard stabilization up to 4K 24 IPS. It’s already not bad considering the competition.
Like the photo mode, several fields of view are available in the video: linear (without distortion), Large and SuperView (the third does not exist in photo).
We add to all this the arrival of several automatic modes (for example the TimeWarp, which allows you to create a temporal distortion effect) and the addition of certain features such as sharing on social networks and direct access to Facebook Live.
In short, if the GoPro Hero 7 does not revolutionize the world of action cams, it does not add unless you need more features and image quality, who hoist it handily on the first step of the podium.
Even if the exterior design remains close to the previous models (same chassis), it is at the software level that most of the modifications are found. With featured, hyper smooth stabilization, worthy of a natural stabilizer, it’s simply bluffing. But we can also talk about automatic videos like Timewarp (temporal distortion), Facebook live, the user interface reviewed, improved audio recording, and many photos, and video settings. Not to mention what was already present on previous models such as voice control, touch screen. Even if it is not perfect and does not revolutionize the environment, it is simply what is doing best. “
How to choose your Action Camera?
Since 2010, Action Cameras have invaded several areas. It’s straightforward, and Youtube is full of videos taken with these small machines.
And even if their sales tend to decrease in recent years, I predict that they will not disappear anytime soon.
Also Read: The best cheap Drone for Beginners
Types of Action Cameras
Overall, there are two types of templates for an Action Camera, the rectangular GoPro type, or bullet-shaped.
The rectangular shape
The advantage of this type of action camera is that it can be fixed on any surface in a reasonably stable way. Whether for use on the dashboard of a car, on the shoulder, head or torso, they usually do not lack attachment accessories.
The Bullet Shaped
It looks like a flashlight. Its advantage is its aerodynamics, compared to rectangular action-cams that offer more grip to the wind. It is a must for high-level cyclists; for example, it is attached to the handlebar and offers (almost) no resistance.
Video Quality
We are here facing the first trap. In front of a series of action-cams, we are tempted to jump on a 4K version. But in fact, the majority of action-cams are stabilized via digital software that does not work in 4K.
Also, if you do not have a computer screen or a UHD tingling, it’s useless.
In reality, what to watch, together with the resolution of the camera, is the IPS – (or FPS, Frame per second ). This one allows a better fluidity of the movements.
So, better a 2K image at 60 IPS than a 4K that does not fulfill its promises and caps at 20 IPS.
The number of IPS can allow you, moreover, to play more with the image, for example by performing slow-motion fluid effects.
The FOV
The FOV – the Field of View – is what gives GoPro images their bubble effect.
The presence of peripheral vision can be significant, but you must also have the choice. Beyond 160 degrees, the deforming effect can be troublesome. Ideally, it’s a setting mode 90 (natural), 110 (peripheral), or 160 degrees (wide), so you can choose what is best for each situation.
Setting Options
Post-production is good. Pre-setting options that allow you to calibrate your image directly is better! Brands from photography such as Nikon or Olympus are generally the best-equipped from this point of view.
Resistance
At present, it is almost unthinkable to see an action camera come out on the market without being equipped with the waterproof function or without being at least compatible with a waterproof case.
Also, if you want to shoot in extreme conditions, always check the minimum and maximum temperatures it can withstand, as well as its impact resistance.
Autonomy
The maximum autonomy of the action-cams generally turns around 3 hours. But the multiplication of options (WiFi, Bluetooth, 4K, GPS, video return) can drain the battery much faster.
The actual autonomy recorded on mid-range and high-end products often runs around 1h 30. A model with a removable battery allows to always have spare parts on oneself.
Connectivity
Generally, all the action cameras are equipped with a USB port, which makes it possible to transfer the sequences filmed on the computer.
Nevertheless, some also include other options, such as an HDMI port, which allows viewing images directly on TV.
The WiFi or Bluetooth functions are often only used to connect the camera to a specific smartphone application.
In conclusion, which action cam to choose?
The choice of your action cam will depend on several criteria: your level of expertise in the field, the image quality and options you need and, of course, your budget.
If you are a beginner and your image requirements are not too high, a minimal model like the WiMius L2, with all the accessories that come with it, is an ideal choice to embark on the adventure.
But a model like the Yi Lite will probably prove more satisfactory in the long term, with a general quality (and a price) a little higher.
If you need superior video quality, as well as more options, older models like the GoPro Hero 5 and Olympus TG-Tracker can be smart choices. They now benefit from a price reduction that makes them very affordable despite the components that these action cams embark.
But real picture quality will be offered by the Yi 4K + or GoPro Hero7 Black, both capable of recording in 4K at 60 FPS. The second, a bit more expensive, has the merit of being also more complete, if only at the level of its very design, since it is useless to integrate it into a protective box, which allows a more direct, more “organic” use of your cam action.
Anyway, do not hesitate to bring your various “gadgets” to optimize the performance of your action cam. While they may sometimes seem futile, they may change your view of what you can record, like a stabilizer or an external microphone.
Honorable Mentions
GoPro Hero 2018: This is the “affordable” version of GoPro. If it does not have a 4K recording, it allows quality Full HD 60 IPS recordings and is waterproof up to 10 meters. Value for money fascinating!
Olympus Tough TG-5: If this camera is primarily classified in the category of compact cameras, it is no less action cam action of quality, with its resistance to any test, with, among other things, a tightness at 15 meters, resistance to temperatures down to -10 ° C, and anti-fog double glazing. The 4K recording is allowed up to 30 IPS.
GoPro Hero6 Black: Unlike the Hero 2018 above, the version 6 Black is currently suffering from its value for money less attractive, since it is, at the time of writing, offered at a higher price than the 7, without possessing all the small innovations of the latter which justify precisely its higher price compared to the competition.
Sony FDR-X3000R: If you have the means, this Sony camera, a little older (2016), is also a great option, in that it incorporates an optical stabilization, mechanical and electronic, which makes its catch of success on any occasion. The image quality is merely irreproachable.
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