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You shuld buy 5 Recommended Sports/Action Cameras 2022

edward robinson

Camera sporadically

For the first case, sporadic use, I would perhaps recommend a simple second-brand sports camera, especially considering the price.

Information, opinions, and advice to choose the sports camera that best suits your needs and your budget.

Quick index of contents:

Recommended action cameras

Technical specifications to take into account:

Choose sports camera based on use

In this section I am not going to talk about specific uses. In the next section we will see the difference between a ‘standard’ sports camera and 360º cameras, which do tend to have slightly more differentiated uses.

I am referring rather to whether we are going to use the camera sporadically, to record 10 minutes on the beach with the family, or if we want a camera to do professional projects or we are simply going to use it on a regular basis.

For the first case, sporadic use, I would perhaps recommend a simple second-brand sports camera, especially considering the price.

I think it is not worth buying a top brand camera (GoPro, DJI, Insta360…) because it is very possible that we will not pay off the investment.

For the second case, as soon as we are going to use the camera and look for something more quality and reliability, I think it is worth going directly to the reference models .

The reference sports cameras are still those of GoPro today.

It is the most experienced manufacturer, it probably has the best image stabilization system/algorithm and its products are of very good quality: materials, construction, finishes.

Another manufacturer of reference is DJI . With a lot of experience in developing drones and external stabilization systems, it also offers some interesting sports camera models.

I would also include Insta360 in this reference group because it is perhaps the most innovative manufacturer, although its flagship model (the ONE R modular camera) I think is not yet a fully mature product, it does offer very good features.  SJCAM also had very competitive cameras a few years ago.

And then we have a group of manufacturers with good products for value for money, but who compete in a medium-low range: Apeman, Akaso, Victure…

In summary…

If I had to choose a sports camera for more or less regular or intensive use, I would probably play it safe: GoPro (it doesn’t have to be the latest model), the DJI Osmo Action Cam or the DJI Action 2

For more sporadic use, if I don’t need very advanced technical specifications, an old model could perfectly suit me: GoPro from previous versions, one of the Xiaomi models, SJCAM, or one of the lesser-known brand models (Akaso, Victure…)

For more specific uses, taking into account its particularities, the Insta360 ONE R / ONE RS can be a very interesting option because they are modular and have a lot of options and accessories.

Sports camera vs 360º camera

‘Standard’ sports cameras are designed to offer a first-person view .

In other words, the resulting content is very similar to what I see when I do a sporting activity.

The workflow is very simple: I record the scene and it’s almost ready to post (the camera records in a standard video format).

If I want to edit the content I could do it with any standard video editor.

360º cameras start from a different concept.

They are capable of recording the entire environment (360º around the camera). There is no specific point of view, the camera records everything.

You always have to do an editing process in two parts :

Another advantage is that from a recording we can obtain infinite versions of the final video : different points of view, different camera movements, etc.

Image stabilization is also very good: ultra-wide cameras are used, which already minimize vibrations, and the raw information has a lot of spatial margin to apply stabilization algorithms during processing.

But its limitations must also be taken into account:

Although the two systems can be used in many similar situations, I think they don’t really compete with each other, rather they should be seen as complementary systems.

The conventional sports camera offers a higher quality final content, with a more natural point of view, in the first person.

The 360º camera offers much more original points of view and we don’t have to worry much about framing during the recording, later in editing we can ‘compose’ the sequence that most interests us.

Recommended action cameras

As soon as you plan to make more or less intensive use of the camera, or if you are going to make content to publish on a social network, YouTube, etc. in a more or less serious way (looking for a certain quality, consistency and reliability) I would choose an upper mid-range camera: GoPro , Osmo Action  or Insta360 ONE R

GoPro Hero8 Black / Hero9 Black / Hero10 Black

NOTE: For most situations, I think the Hero8 Black offers more than enough features. The Hero9 and Hero10 have better features, yes, but they are features that I think are not going to be used in most cases. If you are not looking for those specific features, I think it is worth choosing the model that you find cheaper at the time of purchase.

Summary of features and differences

GoPros allow clean HDMI output. They can be used as cameras for streaming through a computer.

DJI Osmo Action Cam

Insta360 ONE R / RS

The Insta360 ONE R is not a camera as such. Rather, it should be understood as a modular system in which we can combine different modules according to the purpose or needs.

Processing modules (include LCD screen):

Camera modules:

Battery modules:

Add-ons:

The ONE RS is a later version of the ONE R. The battery is slightly larger and so is the case. The casing is also easier to fit and use.

All modules are compatible between the ONE RS and the ONE R, but the cases are different (eg the ONE R case would not fit the ONE RS)

When we buy the camera we can choose the kit we want. At a minimum we need:

We can choose a basic kit and later we can buy the other camera modules, add-ons, etc.

The camera can be submerged in water up to about 5 meters without using any additional housing (the housing that includes the camera is open, to hold the camera on some support, it is not a waterproof housing for immersion)

Keep in mind that the tightness depends on the rubber gaskets that each module includes in the connection area with the rest of the modules. It is necessary to verify that they are in good condition, that they do not have dirt, sand, etc. and that we have perfectly connected the modules and secured them with the external casing.

GoPro Hero7 Black

Summary / opinion on the GoPro Hero7 Black

From the point of view of hardware and external appearance, the GoPro Hero7 Black is practically identical to the Hero6. The main changes are in the firmware and the extra features it offers compared to the Hero6.

One of these features is the HyperSmooth electronic stabilizer , which works very well and can be activated even in 4K 60fps mode. As with other electronic stabilizers, when activated the image is a bit cropped at the edges (approximately 10% angle of view is lost) but the result is quite impressive.

Another of the new functions is Timewarp, which allows you to make hyperlapses. And the possibility of direct streaming to different video platforms in real time.

Pros : Waterproof without external housing, records 4K/60pfs, HyperSmoth stabilizer, high bitrate, rear screen, ease of use, very good options for slow motion

Cons : Basically the price. The external casings seem to me generally safer because you can check their tightness at any time and replace them in case the gaskets, etc., have deteriorated.

 GoPro Hero 6 Black

Summary / opinion on the GoPro Hero6 Black

It is perhaps the best sports camera for image quality and performance. The format and camera concept is practically identical to the Hero5 Black, but with better features, especially the option to record 4K at 60fps and the possibility of using the electronic stabilizer (very good, by the way) in 4K (although only at 30fps). )

Pros : Waterproof without external housing, records 4K/60pfs, high bitrate, rear screen, ease of use, very good options for slow motion

Cons : Basically the price. Also the fact that it does not need a case is both a pro and a con, as we mentioned with the Hero5. The external casings seem to me generally safer because you can check their tightness at any time and replace them in case the gaskets, etc., have deteriorated.

Low cost action cameras

action best cameras and choose a camera of this type if it is for sporadic use and for family videos, memories, etc.

Each one has to assess whether it is worth choosing a high-end camera, a high-end camera but older versions (if it is at a good price, of course) or a low-end camera.

As I say, if you are not going t use it much and you do not need incredible features, these models work very well in typical situations. If you are unlucky and it gets damaged over time or falls and breaks etc. it will not be a very painful loss either I am not going to recommend any specific model because it is not worth it.

I would put the limit at about 150 euros. On top of that, maybe I’d consider saving up and looking for some older GoPros at a good price.

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