Whether you're planning a ski trip or want to have a go at surfing for the first time, an action camera is brilliant when it comes to capturing those special experiences in the moment.
Action cameras are a lot smarter than your everyday camera as they're mainly waterproof, extremely durable, and very small, all while being powerful enough to capture crisp and clear content in 4K or even in some cases, 5K.
Before you buy your first-ever action camera, it's important to consider the quality you need your footage to be. If you're looking for HD film, you'll be looking at spending a bit more than what the more basic cameras offer.
You might also want to think about what exactly you'll be using your camera for, with some cameras being great for all sorts of extreme sports and activities, while others require added extras when being taken in water for example.
From GoPro to Sony, we've rounded up the best action cameras on the market that are perfect for every activity and will capture your special memories whether they're deep in the ocean or high in the sky.
The best action cameras 2021
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Action cameras
1 of 8HERO9 Black
Editor's ChoiceThis GoPro bundle is brilliant for all your action shots as well as being compatible with a range of different accessories. It comes with a floating hand grip, magnetic swivel clip, and spare battery. Measuring just 55mm, this action camera has a front display for easy-viewing live previews, and a large rear touch screen for intuitive controls. The improvements over the Hero 8 are incremental, but they add up; the 9 is bursting with features, including punchy-looking 5K and the latest generation of its class leading HyperSmooth 3.0. New stabilization tech can even keep the horizon perfectly level – adding another dimension to your footage.Key features: Photo: 20MP | Video: 4K60 + 5K30Water resistance: 33ft (10m)32GB SD card includedHypersmooth 3.0 | Built-In MountingSlo-Mo | Data Overlays | RAW1080p Live Streaming | Voice ControlScheduled Capture | Superphoto + HDR
2 of 8DJI Pocket 2 Gimbal
Best for photo qualityThis action camera fits perfectly in your pocket or handbag and is brilliant for capturing more smooth video or shots thanks to the motorised stabilisation. With 64MP photos, you can enjoy sharp and detailed images that can take 8x zoom shots. The HDR videos come with DJI Matrix Stereo technology for immersive and dynamic sound that perfectly suits the scene.Key features: Photo: 64MP | Video: 4K/60fpsPocket-sized and extremely portable3-axis stabilized camera1/1.7-Inch sensor | Hybrid AF 2.0ActiveTrack 3.0 | AI Editor
3 of 8Removu K1 4k Camera and Stabiliser
Best for family holidaysGreat for taking selfies on the go, this camera is brilliant for family holidays. At only 340g, it's lightweight to carry on the go and will capture your adventures in ultra HD. Instantly view your snaps on the 1.5 inch LCD screen, and enjoy a battery life of 4 hours.**Key features:**Photo: 12MP | Video: 4K ultra HDSmartphone control and playbackVideo Stabilisation - 3 motor gimbal1.5" LCD screen | Lightweight 340gNot water resistant
4 of 8Insta360 One R Action Camera - 1-Inch Edition
Best for adaptive designThis camera comes with an interchangeable lens. Everything with this camera is backed up using the One R app where you can edit all of your footage. Impressively small at only one inch and engineered with an adaptive design for the action, it even comes with voice control and is waterproof up to 5 metres.Key features: Camera: 19MP | Video 4K 60fps Water-resistance: Waterproof up to 5m (16.4ft)Dual-lens 360 mob | FlowState Stabilisation1 inch wide angle mob | Night mode shootingHyperlapse | HDR photo | Voice control
5 of 8Sony RX0 Premium Tiny Tough Camera
Best for durabilityThis Sony camera is a durable option as it's shockproof, waterproof, and crushproof making it excellent for any activity. It's ultra-compact and combines cutting-edge imaging performance and rugged, ready-for-anything design for more versatile operation all around. Inside, there's a 1-inch sensor and 24mm Zeiss lens for super detailed shots, and although the Sony can only manage 30fps at 4k (GoPros can double that) it does so at an advanced bit-rate for extra detail. The RX0 II gives you more control over settings for that footage, too – in some ways it's more like a normal camera than a GoPro is.Key features: 2.0m/6.5ft shockproof10m/33ft waterproof200kgf/440lbf/2000N crushproofAnti-distortion shutter of up to 1/32000 sec4K Clean HDMI outputCan shoot in both slow motion or fast continuous shooting
6 of 8HERO8 Black
Best all-rounderAnother compact GoPro option for adventure seekers, this is a brilliant all-rounder action camera. With this GoPro, there are three mods you can switch between; media mod for premium shotgun-mic performance; display mod with a flip-up screen to vlog and perfectly frame your shots; and light mod with powerful LED lighting.Key features: Photo: 12MP | Video: 4K60 1080p240Water-resistant: Waterproof up to 33ft (10m)Touch Screen | HyperSmooth 2.0 + BoostRAW | Built-in mountingSlow-Mo | TimeWarp 2.0 | LiveBurstSuperphoto + HDR | 1080p Live Streaming
7 of 8Olympus Tough
Most like a digital cameraDesigned more in the style of your usual digital camera, this tougher option is brilliant to have no matter where you are. We love that it comes with integrated Wi-Fi and OI.Share app compatibility, great for remote control and sharing your footage via your smartphone. It also has an integrated field sensor system including a temperature sensor, manomater, GPS, and a compass for fast and accurate location data on the go.Key features: Photo: 12MP | Video: 4K120fps 30PWater-resistant: Waterproof up to 15 mShatterproof up to 100kgFrostproof up to -10°CShockproof up to 2.1 mRAW | Four-mode variable macro system
8 of 8DJI Mavic 2 Pro Drone with Controller
Best for aerial shotsIf you're wanting to take clear birds-eye shots and landscape views from up above, then a drone is just what you need, especially if you want to capture any special moments on that once-in-a-lifetime trip. Key features: Photo: 20 MP | Video: 4K 10-bit HDRMax flight time: 31 minDimensions: 214 x 91 x 84 mm (folded)Flight speed: 72 KPH3-axis gimbal | Includes controller
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