Action cameras: These are the tough, go-anywhere gadgets you need to record your travel adventures
From modular systems to 5.3K and 360 cameras, capture your adventures with these tough, reliable devices.
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The rugged, go-anywhere build quality of action cameras also makes them ideal for recording activities like family vacations and vlogging. Photo: GoPro
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You might assume that action cameras are best suited to moto-cross riding, wingsuit-wearing, big wave-surfing thrill seekers. However, the very features that make them so attractive – small size, rugged build and ability to capture high-resolution videos – makes them ideal for more sedate activities like family vacations and vlogging.
That’s right, even if your idea of adventure is rushing into the hotel restaurant minutes before the breakfast buffet closes, an action cam could be ideal for chronicling your family’s journey. They’re easy to carry, allow for more creative shots and can be used even when the weather takes a turn for the worse.
We’ve compiled a helpful list of options (some of which are currently discounted) that will help record your adventures in high-resolution video and included an option for 360 capture.
GoPro HERO12 Black (S$484.90; Usual Price S$590)
The GoPro Hero 12 Black captures high dynamic range (HDR) video at resolutions of up to 5.3K (5,120x2,880)/30FPS (frames per second). Waterproof to a depth of 10m, it also captures 27MP photos. The HERO 12 captures slow-motion footage at 4K/120FPS and 2.7K/ 240FPS. If you’re capturing your kids in action, HyperSmooth 6.0 Stabilization records smoother videos with reduced image cropping. Its Horizon Lock feature keeps the horizon level even when your camera rotates 360° – ideal if you’re on a roller coaster ride with your kids. It captures vertical 9:16 video natively, making it easier to export to social media. It also supports Bluetooth wireless external microphones and has a built-in 1/4 inch threaded mount so it can be fixed to standard camera tripods.
- Waterproof to 10m
- Video resolution: 5.3K/30FPS, 4K/120FPS, 2.7K/240FPS
- 1/1.9inch image sensor
- Battery life: 98 mins (5.3K/30FPS)
GoPro HERO11 Black (S$370.70; Usual Price S$590)
At its currently discounted price on Amazon US, the GoPro HERO 11 represents a sweet entry point into the world of GoPro ownership. It shares the same sensor and battery with the GoPro HERO 12 Black and captures video at similar resolutions and frame rates, so you’re still getting a capable camera. Trade-offs are relatively minor. Compared to the HERO 12 Black, the HERO11 Black has shorter run times, doesn’t capture HDR video or vertical 9:16 video natively and only supports wired external microphones.
- Waterproof to 10m
- Video resolution: 5.3K/30FPS, 4K/120FPS, 2.7K/240FPS
- 1/1.9inch image sensor
- Battery life: 80 mins (5.3K/30FPS)
DJI Osmo Action 4 Standard Combo (S$373.22; Usual Price: S$428)
The DJI Osmo Action 4 features a larger 1/1.3inch image sensor than the GoPro HERO 11 and 12. This offers enhanced low-light performance. Waterproof to a depth of 18m, it also captures 10MP photos and slow-motion footage at a maximum of 4K/120FPS. A magnetic mount makes it easy to remove to review footage or reposition on a separate mount. Front and rear touch screens making it easy to adjust settings even when filming selfies. RockSteady 3.0 offers enhanced image stabilisation while 360° Horizon Steady keeps your horizon level – good if you’re windsurfing or paddleboarding.
- Waterproof to 18m
- Video resolution: 4K/120FPS, 2.7K/120FPS
- 1/1.3inch image sensor
DJI Osmo Action 3 standard combo (S$250.16; Usual Price: S$529)
Currently discounted on Amazon Japan, this is worth considering if you want a capable action camera at a more wallet-friendly price. It shares a lot in common with the Osmo Action 4. Key differences: The Osmo DJI Action 3 uses a smaller 1/1.7inch image sensor which affects low-light performance and is waterproof to a depth of 16m instead of 18m.
Insta360 GO 3S, 128GB, White (S$589; Usual Price: S$639)
The Insta360s GO 3S is a modular system that includes the camera and an Action Pod with a flip-out rear screen and extra battery life. The camera module is about half the size of a GoPro HERO12 and has a magnetic mount which allows for creative shooting angles. It’s been mounted below skateboards, pets’ toys and even inside containers for unique food-preparation or unboxing shots. It can also be worn on T-shirts by attaching it to the included Magnet Pendant or clipped onto caps. The GO 3S adds the ability to overlay stats like GPS and speed from your Garmin device or Apple Watch.
- Waterproof to 10m
- Video resolution: 4K/30FPS, 1,080p/200FPS
- 1/2.3inch image sensor
- Battery life: 38mins (camera only)/ 140 mins (with Action Pod)
Insta360X4 360 camera (S$729; Usual Price: S$739)
The Insta360 X4 places 360 video content in the hands of the average content creator. It uses two lenses to capture and stitch together 360 footage and can also operate in single-lens mode for more conventional shots. The Insta360 app gives users the option of reframing 360° shots after recording, so you’ll always get the angle you want. The Insta360 app also automatically erases its Invisible Selfie Stick from your video for incredible third-person shots and drone-like perspectives.
- Waterproof to 10m
- Video resolution (360 mode): 8K/30FPS, 5.7K/60FPS
- Video resolution (single-lens mode): 4K60FPS
- 1/2inch image sensor
- Battery life: 135mins
WHAT TO LOOK OUT FOR IN AN ACTION CAMERA
Resolution: We’d suggest a camera that can at least capture 4K video, given the popularity of 4K TVs and displays. Even if you’re using a lower-res display, this helps future-proof your videos as 4K content becomes more widely adopted.
Frame rates: Slow motion is a sure-fire way to make any shot look more epic. We’d suggest a camera that can record at least 60FPS – though models that can record at 120FPS and 240FPS (albeit at lower resolutions) are becoming more common.
Durability and waterproofing: Any action camera worthy of the name is waterproof to at least 10m. If you want to go deeper, check that diving cases are available for your model.
Thermal management: Recording at high resolutions and frame rates in a small body generates a lot of heat, which can cause thermal shutdowns. Check manufacturer specs for runtimes, which can also be affected by how you use your camera. If it’s mounted on your helmet where it receives plenty of airflow or is used in the water, thermal management will be less of a concern.
App support: The cameras we’ve highlighted offer apps with AI support that can help edit your videos. This means you can still produce epic clips of your latest adventures, even if you’re not the next Martin Scorsese.
WHICH ACTION CAMERA WORKS FOR YOU?
If high-resolution, high-framerate video capture and the ability to take high-resolution photos are your main considerations, the GoPro HERO12 Black and HERO11 Black are good choices. They’re currently discounted on Amazon US which makes both cameras compelling options.
The DJI Osmo Action 4, with its larger sensor offers good low-light performance while the DJI Osmo Action 3 is a sound budget option from a reputable manufacturer.
If you want a small, wearable camera that offers more creative video angles, the Insta360 GO 3S is a good option that offers 4K video capture and extended battery life when docked with its Action Pod.
For easy-to-edit, high-resolution 360 videos, the recently launched Insta360 X4 is a versatile choice that offers greater freedom during the editing process.
Action cameras are surprisingly versatile devices, suited to chronicling family vacations, vlogging and your latest adventures. Their rugged construction and small size make them ideal for capturing unique perspectives of your latest adventures.
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