The Best Action Camera for Action Shots

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Profile picture for user Ivan Slovic
Ivan Slovic | Updated 03 Apr 2025
A man riding a mountainbike in a forest shot with the best action camera for action shots

You don't wake up one day and just find yourself interested in looking for the best action camera for action shots.  I just wanted to capture how my mountain biking buddies fly off dirt ramps like gravity's a polite suggestion. But after a memory card full of blurry disappointment, it became a quest.  

Let me say this straight: action shots are brutal. They’re not Instagrammed #lattes or #notfilter sunsets. They're kinetic chaos. They’re a surfer cutting through a wave at dawn, a base jumper leaping from a cliff with GoPro in tow, a snowboarder mid-spin with frost in the air. If your camera can’t handle movement, light changes, and some serious abuse, you’re just shooting shaky documentaries of failure.

So I did what any sane person would do: I went down a rabbit hole to find the best action camera for action shots I could get my grimy, glove-wrapped hands on. Here’s what I found:

The Old King Still Reigns

GoPro Hero 12 Black
87
 / 100
GoPro Hero 12 Black Score
Learn about our AI Engine

How Our Ai Engine Scores & Analyze

We worked very hard on our Ai engine, we analyzed tens of thousands of reviews, products & websites to gather enough data about action cameras to be able to conclude definitively which camera is better and why. We gave all our cameras tags that includes everything from video resolution to activity and weight in order to provide the best most accurate scoring and analysis possible
Our AI did review analysis, here is what it think about this camera
Dive into the action with the GoPro Hero 12 Black, a favorite among those who like to get submerged. Straightaway, users call out its ease of use, making it simple to jump right in – whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out. The 27 MP camera delivers great image quality, capturing every detail with clarity. Effective stabilization means smooth, shake-free footage, no matter how wild the ride gets. Plus, with must-have accessories like trusty selfie sticks, you're always set for the perfect shot. Battery life gets a thumbs up, too, letting you extend your adventures without constantly reaching for a charger. If you want a reliable and user-friendly action camera that performs consistently well, the Hero 12 Black is a solid choice.

GoPro HERO12 Black

The HERO12 Black is the standard for a reason. Its HyperSmooth stabilization is not just good—it’s unfair. I filmed Nate attempting a double backflip, and it looked like it was shot by a Hollywood rig on rails.

  • Why it slaps for action shots: High frame rates (120fps at 4K), excellent stabilization, and it takes a beating without flinching.
  • Downside: Pricey. Also, the menus will make you question your literacy the first time around.

Still, when people ask me what's the best action camera for action shots, my gut screams “HERO12!” even if my wallet weeps.

The Underdog Brawler

DJI Osmo Action 4
82
 / 100
DJI Osmo Action 4 Score
Learn about our AI Engine

How Our Ai Engine Scores & Analyze

We worked very hard on our Ai engine, we analyzed tens of thousands of reviews, products & websites to gather enough data about action cameras to be able to conclude definitively which camera is better and why. We gave all our cameras tags that includes everything from video resolution to activity and weight in order to provide the best most accurate scoring and analysis possible
Our AI did review analysis, here is what it think about this camera
The DJI Osmo Action 4 is making waves, and users are definitely taking notice. Drawing comparisons to GoPro right off the bat, this action cam is turning heads with its user-friendly DJI app and straightforward setup. Words like "great" keep popping up in reviews, especially when users talk about video quality—no surprise there. If you're looking for a reliable alternative to the big names, the Osmo Action 4 offers impressive video capabilities and ease of use that's hard to ignore.

DJI Osmo Action 4

This thing surprised me. It’s like GoPro’s chill younger cousin who secretly bench-presses trucks. Dual screens (front and back) make it perfect for vlog-style shooting, and it excels in low light—hello, sunset mountain runs.

  • Why it rocks for action shots: Great for darker scenes, excellent stabilization, user-friendly interface.
  • Quirks: Slightly bulkier. Not as many mounting accessories (yet).

If the GoPro is Batman, the Osmo Action 4 is Nightwing—just as capable, a little flashier, and trying damn hard to prove itself.

Pocket-Sized Contender

Insta360 Go 3
61
 / 100
Insta360 Go 3 Score
Learn about our AI Engine

How Our Ai Engine Scores & Analyze

We worked very hard on our Ai engine, we analyzed tens of thousands of reviews, products & websites to gather enough data about action cameras to be able to conclude definitively which camera is better and why. We gave all our cameras tags that includes everything from video resolution to activity and weight in order to provide the best most accurate scoring and analysis possible
Our AI did review analysis, here is what it think about this camera
Based on initial feedback, the Insta360 Go 3 is making waves as an action camera. Right off the bat, people are talking about the camera itself, and it's compact portability. Early adopters are diving into real-world testing, with the main topics being battery life and the available accessories, so you can dial in the perfect setup. While most agree this tiny camera packs a punch, there's some chatter that it can be a little slow at times. All in all, if you're after an ultra-portable action cam and don't mind a few compromises, the Insta360 Go 3 is definitely one to keep your eye on.

Insta360 GO 3

This isn’t your typical action cam. It’s tiny. Like, hide-it-in-your-shoe tiny. But it packs enough power to keep up, and the POV-style shooting is ridiculously immersive. Perfect if you want to shoot from wild angles—dog’s back, bike spokes, heck, I mounted it to a frisbee. (Would not recommend.)

  • Why it’s killer for action shots: Insanely small, great stabilization, magnetic mounting system = weird creative freedom.
  • Caveat: Battery life is meh, and it gets hot faster than me in a wetsuit.

Still, it’s a wild little beast. Not the best action camera for action shots, but a damn fun option.

Honorable Mentions

80
Akaso Brave 8 Lite

Akaso Brave 8 Lite

Top 3 Features
  • Resolution:
    20MP
  • Recording Time (1080p, minutes):
    150Min
  • Mobile App Compatibility:
    Yes

Users confirm that the Akaso Brave 8 Lite is a worthy option in the action camera arena. Many highlight its streamlined design and robust feel. The convenience of included batteries can't be overstated if you like longer recording times.

$166.41 on Amazon
77
Sony RX0 II

Sony RX0 II

Top 3 Features
  • Resolution:
    15MP
  • Recording Time (1080p, minutes):
    60Min
  • Mobile App Compatibility:
    Yes

Users say the Sony RX0 II carves out a unique space in the action camera arena. Straight away, the image quality gets high marks—many claim it outdoes even iPhones, delivering crisp photos and videos.

$698.00 on Amazon
84
Insta360 X3

Insta360 X3

Top 3 Features
  • Resolution:
    72MP
  • Recording Time (1080p, minutes):
    81Min
  • Mobile App Compatibility:
    Yes

Based on user feedback, the Insta360 X3 presents a mixed bag of performance and practicality. Straight away, users find themselves immersed in capturing immersive 360 content.

$299.99 on Amazon

Min-Max Your Action Camera

Here’s the thing nobody tells you: the camera’s only half the battle. If you’re serious about finding the best action camera for action shots, you better gear up like you're heading into a low-budget Bond film.

  • Chest Mounts: Want that first-person, dirt-in-your-teeth perspective? Strap your camera to your sternum and go full beast mode. My go-to for biking and parkour.
  • Head/Helmet Mounts: For the classic POV. Works wonders for skiing, mountain biking, or anything where your head is the star of the show.
  • Magnetic Mounts (shoutout Insta360): Slap a cam on your fridge, your car, your metal door frame. I used it to film a cat chase from the side of a trash can. Riveting stuff.
  • ND Filters: For bright days, these let you shoot smoother motion without overexposure. Feels like cheating, but the footage says otherwise.
  • Selfie Sticks / Invisible Poles: Especially with Insta360 cams, this gives that “drone following me” vibe without actual drones. Looks way more expensive than it is.
  • Extra Batteries / Power Banks: Because the best action shots happen after your battery dies.

Don’t cheap out here. The right mount can mean the difference between cinematic glory and a $300 paperweight at the bottom of a lake.

The Thrill is in the Chase

The spray of mud behind a tire. The gasp in midair. The movement of a skateboard during a kickflip. All that chaos somehow turns into fluid beauty when shot with the best action camera for action shots, at 120 frames per second 

For me? I stuck with the GoPro HERO12 Black. It’s like strapping a cinematographer to your chest—if that cinematographer could take a 10-foot drop and still keep filming. But the truth is, the “best” action camera is the one you’re willing to beat the hell out of in pursuit of the perfect shot.

Just remember: it’s not about what camera you use. It’s about what you’re crazy enough to point it at.

Featured image by Joakim Honkasalo.