Is it worth getting an action camera for a vacation?

Wondering around  a new city, or exploring trails and parks, recording it is rarely your top priority in the moment. You’re navigating, looking around, reacting to things for the first time. Holding a phone out, framing a shot, talking to it (all while trying to stay present) doesn’t come naturally to most people.

Even when you try, phones aren’t always ideal. If you’re in a crowded area or it’s raining or you're carrying a backpack and water bottle, pulling out your phone just isn’t convenient. And if the trip includes anything active, like biking or swimming, it becomes even more difficult.

That’s where a vacation action camera actually helps. Not because it takes better footage than your phone, but because it makes recording less of a hassle. Clip it on, hit record, and forget about it until later.

They're small, but they come with gear. You’ll need to think about batteries, mounts, charging cables. And if you’re not careful, you can end up with hours of footage you’ll never have the patience to sort through. I’ve made that mistake myself.

What helped was being more intentional. I now only pull it out when my phone wouldn't cut it. That way, I avoid the backlog and keep things manageable.

I’ve also tried 360 cameras. They’re cool, but require editing,  so for some they’re more trouble than they’re worth. A simple front-facing travel action camera gives me what I need, without the added work.

There’s always a new flagship, but honestly, you don’t need the best one out there. Yes, higher-end models shoot better in low light and offer more refined stabilization, but the mid-range cameras do the job well.

If you’re just testing the waters, try buying secondhand or picking up a slightly older version. You might find that it fits your needs perfectly.

Here are a few vacation action cameras I’ve either used or would recommend:

• GoPro Hero 12 Black – A solid all-around option with great stabilization, waterproofing, and a huge ecosystem of accessories.
• DJI Osmo Action 4 – Compact, excellent in low light, and easy to use. Good if you want something reliable without going full GoPro.
• Insta360 GO 3 – Small and wearable. If you want to stay hands-free and low-profile, this one's a good fit.
• Akaso Brave 8 – If you’re on a budget or just trying things out, this one covers the basics and holds up better than you'd expect.

I've learned the hard way that accessories matter just as much as the camera. A chest mount, a clamp, or a floaty handle can completely change how easy it is to get good footage.

Forget the right cable or mount and your camera might just stay in your bag. That’s happened to me more than once. Like I said, planning ahead makes all the difference.