The Best GoPro Alternatives for Hunting


The windshield wipers thrash back and forth, slapping away the rain. The scent of the new freshener is so thick it feels like pine trees jammed in my nostrils. The radio crackles some new pop tune I don’t really understand.
I’m on a mission.
I’ve spent the last two nights glued to my phone, sliding deeper and deeper down the rabbit hole of action cameras, looking for the best GoPro alternatives for hunting. Don't blame me—I was hoping to save four hundred bucks just in case the action camera ends up splattered with mud or faceplants on a rock when I inevitably take a spill down a hillside chasing game. when I inevitably take a spill down some rocky hillside chasing game.
I pulled into the camera shop's parking lot and rushed inside. It is a goldmine for gear geeks. The walls are lined with everything from high-end DSLRs to tiny body cams straight out of a Bond movie. The air smells of new tech and stale nylon carpets. The guy behind the counter perks up when I tell him I need an action camera for hunting, ideally an alternative to GoPro. He points to an aisle in the corner.
"Let me show you a few.”
Our Top 5 GoPro Alternatives for Hunting
The Best GoPro Alternative for Hunting
Top 3 features DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro
DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro Specifications
Key Features for a Hunting Action Camera
Before diving into specific models, I needed to make sure I was looking for the right features. A solid hunting camera should have:
- Weatherproofing: Rain, snow, or mud—the camera needs to survive the elements.
- Durability: Hunting is rough. A fragile camera won’t last a season.
- Low-Light Performance: Most game is active at dawn and dusk, so the camera should capture clear footage in those conditions.
- Image Stabilization: Whether I'm moving through brush or taking a shot, shaky footage is useless.
- Battery Life: The longer, the better—nothing worse than missing a shot because the camera died.
- Hands-Free Mounting Options: I need to focus on aiming, not holding a camera.
- Quiet Operation: The last thing you want is a loud beep scaring off your target.
Must-Have Accessories
The clerk doesn’t let me leave without some recommendations for must-have accessories. If you’re filming a hunt, here’s what you need:
- Head or Chest Mount: You’re going to want hands-free footage, especially if you’re bowhunting or holding a rifle.
- Extra Batteries: These cameras don’t last all day, and the last thing you want is a dead cam right when the action starts.
- Memory Cards (Big and Fast): 4K video eats up space like a starved hound. Get at least a 128GB U3 microSD card.
- Waterproof Case (If Not Included): Even if the camera claims to be waterproof, an extra layer of protection is never a bad idea.
The Decision
The enhanced stabilization, good low-light performance, and ultra-wide field of view at a low price tag make DJI Osmo Action 4 a clear winner. I throw in a head mount and an extra battery for good measure. The whole setup still costs less than a GoPro, but ticks nearly all the same boxes. And tomorrow I get to field test it.
Featured image by Mathew Schwartz.