Editor's Choice - Our Favorite Beginners Action Cameras

1. DJI Osmo Action 4K HDR Waterproof Camera Beginners Bundle - with Free SanDisk Ultra 32GB microSDHC

User Ratings: 70 6

DJI DJIOSMACTNBAB3 First Impressions

"The result was pretty good."

I tried an 128G SD card and it worked. I especially like it simplified design. This little camera will amaze you. So, will definitely keep it instead of Sony cam! I contacted DJI customer service and they were amazing.

• DJI Osmo Action 4K HDR Waterproof Camera Beginners Bundle - with Free SanDisk Ultra 32GB microSDHC
• Dual Screens: Whether you want to record your world from behind a lens or be the star of the show, Osmo Action's dual screens allow you to capture it all with the touch of a button. A vivid front screen lets you frame yourself effortlessly in any setting, while the back screen delivers a crystal-clear, hyper-responsive display.
• RockSteady, Made to Move: RockSteady combines EIS with complex algorithms, delivering stable, shake-free footage no matter how heavy the action gets.
• More Dynamic Detail with HDR Video: Dramatically enhance the dynamic range of your footage when recording with HDR video. This shooting mode delivers natural transitions between light and dark areas, capturing rich details that are often lost in environments with complex lighting.
• 11 M Waterproof: Sporting a watertight seal and a hydrophobic coating on the back touchscreen, Osmo Action is waterproof at depths of up to 11 meters, making it the perfect underwater companion.
• Backed by DJI customer support - Includes Full DJI USA WARRANTY
• Batteries: 1 Lithium Polymer batteries required. (included)

• Editor's Impressions Of The DJI DJIOSMACTNBAB3
• Video Quality
• Picture Quality
• Video Quality
• Quality
• Value For Money
• Affordability

Here Are Some Other Related Action Cameras

2. DJI OSMO Starters Bundle

User Ratings: 72 14

DJI First Impressions

"Great pix."

I accidentally ran 4 of the 1050 MaH through a dryer. Get a stainless steel tether. I was worried that it could be difficult to frame the shots. And it’s not so much the video quality, but rather the size. This action camera is amazing for the price!

• DJI OSMO Starters Bundle

• Editor's Impressions Of The DJI
• Video Quality
• Picture Quality
• Video Quality
• Quality
• Value For Money
• Affordability

3. Nikon COOLPIX AW100 16 MP CMOS Waterproof Digital Camera with GPS and Full HD 1080p Video (Camouflag...

User Ratings: 70 8

Nikon 26363 First Impressions

"It is always in focus."

It can attach to his bike and scooter. Great color, crystal clear video as well as audio. Cost more than half the price of the drone. Comes with lots of accessories and 2 batteries. Nikon 26363 wow is it nice when you come from a hero black.

• Nikon COOLPIX AW100 16 MP CMOS Waterproof Digital Camera with GPS and Full HD 1080p Video (Camouflage) (OLD MODEL)
• Water-proof, Shock-proof, Freeze-proof: ruggedly built for reliable and comfortable outdoor operation. Water-proof to a depth of 33 feet.
• Shockproof if dropped from 5 ft, operating temperature down to 14 degrees F
• 16 effective megapixel CMOS sensor ideal for low light shooting and fast operation
• GPS and e-Compass functions
• Points of Interest (locations, landmarks, etc.) and location information (latitude and longitude) can be added to your photos
• Batteries: 1 Lithium ion batteries required. (included)

• Editor's Impressions Of The Nikon 26363
• Video Quality
• Picture Quality
• Video Quality
• Quality
• Value For Money
• Affordability

4. DJI OSMO Action Camera with DJI Care Refresh, Comes 128GB Extreme Micro SD, with 2 Displays, 11m Wat...

User Ratings: 70 9

DJI AC001 First Impressions

"So exciting!"

The videos have a good quality in both picture and sound. We are taking a cruise and want to capture the moment. First off I would like to commend DJI. If amazon gets these back in stock, I expect to get another. It can attach to his bike and scooter.

• DJI OSMO Action Camera with DJI Care Refresh, Comes 128GB Extreme Micro SD, with 2 Displays, 11m Waterproof, 4K HDR Video, 12MP 145 Degree Angle (Black), with 128GB + Care Refresh (AC001)
• Come with SanDisk 128GB extreme micro SD with adapter and DJI refresh care
• DJI OSMO camera Dual screens technology comes with 1. 4" Front 300Ppi screen and2. 25" Back 325Ppi screen
• RockSteady stabilization technology combines EIS with complex algorithms deliver stable and shake-free footage
• Osmo action camera comes 11M waterproof, 8x slow motion under 1080P and 240Fps
• Dynamic detail HDR 4K/60Fps video recording capability, speed up to 100 MB/s bit rate records
• Batteries: 1 Lithium Polymer batteries required. (included)

• Editor's Impressions Of The DJI AC001
• Video Quality
• Picture Quality
• Video Quality
• Quality
• Value For Money
• Affordability

5. Veho Muvi 1080p HD Pro Mini Camera HD10 with Wireless Remote + Waterproof Case

Veho VCC-005-MUVI-HD10 First Impressions

"This is my first Veho."

This is such a versatile and fun camera to use. Exposed well, good sharpness levels and color saturation. Just took this to Jamaica for 10 days of snorkeling. The quality and features were more than I expected. The order arrived faster than expected, which was great.

• Veho Muvi 1080p HD Pro Mini Camera HD10 with Wireless Remote + Waterproof Case
• 1080p HD resolution (30 frames per second)
• Ultra wide 160 degree field of view
• Sensa wireless remote control
• 5MP snapshot function with timer
• Can be used as a dash camera - loop recording option

• Editor's Impressions Of The Veho VCC-005-MUVI-HD10
• Video Quality
• Picture Quality
• Video Quality
• Quality
• Value For Money
• Affordability

6. RunCam Swift 2 600TVL FPV Camera Mini 2.1mm for Racing Drone FPV Drones 165 Degree 5-36V for Multico...

User Ratings: 76

RunCam First Impressions

"Well done."

Cannot tell the difference from the two that came with it. This works well enough, except when I want to use it. Has loads and loads of accessories. I contacted RunCam customer service and they were amazing. I cant give the RunCam enough stars.

• RunCam Swift 2 600TVL FPV Camera Mini 2.1mm for Racing Drone FPV Drones 165 Degree 5-36V for Multicopter Orange Swift2 with 1 PCS RGB LED BAR

• Editor's Impressions Of The RunCam
• Video Quality
• Picture Quality
• Video Quality
• Quality
• Value For Money
• Affordability

7. VanTop Moment 3 4K Action Camera w/Gopro Compatible Carrying Case,Remote Control,16MP Sony Sensor,30...

User Ratings: 84 3

VanTop MOMENT 3 First Impressions

"Go figure."

This is a very well-made little camera. Overall an okay Beginners Action Camera that is probably more hype. This is such a versatile and fun camera to use. A wonderful assortment of accessories were included. Just used the camera for the first time snorkeling today.

• VanTop Moment 3 4K Action Camera w/Gopro Compatible Carrying Case,Remote Control,16MP Sony Sensor,30M Waterproof Camera w/Gopro Compatible Accessories,2 Batteries,170° Ultra Wide Angle
• 【Stunning 4K Technique & Superb Sony Sensor】Optional [email protected], [email protected],[email protected],[email protected] resolutions, high sensitive Sony sensor with improved image focusing, processing speeds. Moment 3 action camera empowers you to capture any memorable moment without any compromise. Stunning 4K video and 16MP photos in Single, Burst and Time Lapse modes.
• 【Irresistible & Indispensable Accessories】Exclusively customized carrying case for the action camera and accessories: compatible with all Gopro cameras including Gopro HERO 7, Gopro HERO 6. Compact case to keep your action camera-Moment3 and accessories safe, protected and organized. Selected 21 gopro compatible accessories awaits your discovery. (SD Card excluded)
• 【170°Ultra-Wide Lens & Multiple Modes】Discover a big big world your eyes can reach with the intergraded 170 degrees ultra-wide lens. Burst Shooting, loop recording makes it possible to find the perfect moment afterwards. Time-lapse and slow motion exceed human vision with surprising fun.
• 【Remote Control & Wireless Share】A single press of the wireless wrist remote control to freeze and seal the perfect moment. Simple yet convenient. Download the APP “XDV” and you can instantly post the interesting shot or thrilling scene to Facebook/Instagram/Twitter/Youtube/Snapchat effortlessly. Snap the moment, share the moment.
• 【Waterproof Up to 100ft】Waterproof up to 100ft(30m) and up for any adventure such as cycling, hiking, driving, diving, surfing, skiing, snowboarding, skydiving etc. Snap the moment you can’t capture with your phone with VanTop Moment 3 action camera.
• Batteries: 2 Lithium Polymer batteries required. (included)

• Editor's Impressions Of The VanTop MOMENT 3
• Video Quality
• Picture Quality
• Video Quality
• Quality
• Value For Money
• Affordability

8. Gear Pro Ryder Action Camera, Hi-Resolution Full 1080p HD Video, 16 MegaPixel Images, Fold-Out 1.5''...

User Ratings: 54

Gear Pro GDV786GOR First Impressions

"I expected that."

I am very happy that I did it. Good and authentic after replacement. Surprisingly it takes VERY good photos underwater. The quality and features were more than I expected. I took this camera to Greece with me and it was great.

• Gear Pro Ryder Action Camera, Hi-Resolution Full 1080p HD Video, 16 MegaPixel Images, Fold-Out 1.5'' LCD Display, with Waterproof Case and Helmet Camera, Orange
• Records HD Video and Snaps Hi-Res Pictures - 1.5'' Fold-Out LCD Display Screen - GPS Navigation Tracking Software with Integrated Google Maps - Instantly Playback Images & Video - Anti Shaking Function for Image Stabilization - 360° Degree Adjustable and Rotating Camera Lens for Horizontal, Vertical, Angled Mounting - Wirelessly Snap Pics & Record Video via Remote Control - HDMI Mini Connector Port (Connects to HDTVs) - Take Pictures While Recording Video - Waterproof Case Safe in Depths up to 99' Feet - Easy Touch Button Controls - Easily Save and Transfer Files to PC - Built-in Rechargeable Battery - Up to 2 Hour Battery Life - Micro SD Card Slot Reader - Preview Media Files Instantly on the Display Screen - Charges via USB Port or Wall Charger (Included).
• Built-in Speaker & Microphone for Recording Audio - Invertible Screen Display for Upside-Down Mounting/Recording - Up to 4X Digital Zoom Function - Included Gear Pro Ryder GPS Software - Exposure Value, White Balance, Light Frequency Settings Adjustments - LCD Displays Remaining Pictures & Record Time Available - Includes IR Remote: Wirelessly Snap Pics & Record Video - Universal Screw-Threading & Multi-Mount Options - Built-in G-Sensor Activates Video Recording Upon Accident/Collision - Multi-Language Support: English, Chinese (Traditional & Simplified), French, German, Russian, Spanish, Italian, Czech, Portuguese.
• The Gear Pro Ryder GPS Software - Integrated Google Maps for GPS Navigation - Map Displays Traveled Route During Your Recording - Graph Display of Speed and Distance Traveled - Video Playback and Control Interface.
• Snap Pictures: Capture Images in 5 or 16 Mega Pixels - 16MP (Pixels: 4618 x 3464) - 5MP (Pixels: 2592 x 1944) - High, Normal, Low Quality Selectable - Time Lapse (Automatic Photo) Timer Function - Auto Photo Taking: Choose Between 3, 5, 10, 30, 60 seconds - Image File Format: .jpg. - Record Video: Video Capture in 1080p, 720p or VGA - 1080p (1920 x 1080) @ 30FPS - 720p (1280 x 720) @ 60FPS - VGA (640 x 480) @ 120FPS - Motion Detection Recording Ability - Anti Shaking Image Stabilization Assistance - Switchable Video Recording Modes: Normal and Loop - Loop Recording Length: 2 or 5 minutes - Video File Format: .mov
• Technical Specs: Image Sensor: 5 CMOS Mega - Wide Angle Lens: F=2.4 (f=3.2mm) - 160° (1080p) - 170° (720p & VGA) - Battery: Lithium 1200mAh Li-Polymer - Infrared (IR) Remote Control Operation - Supports Micro SD Cards up to 32GB - Light Frequency Options: 50Hz, 60Hz - G Sensor Sensitivity Selectable: 4G or 8G - Date Stamp: On/Off - Camera Weight: 3.35 oz - Camera Dimensions (L x W x H): 3.85'' x 1.77'' x 1.37'' - Accessories Included: Waterproof Case, Helmet/Goggle Belt, 3M Adhesive Pads, USB and HDMI Cables, AC Wall Charger, Velcro Strap.

• Editor's Impressions Of The Gear Pro GDV786GOR
• Video Quality
• Picture Quality
• Video Quality
• Quality
• Value For Money
• Affordability

9. SJCAM WiFi Underwater Camera Diving Action Cam with High-end Chips and Sensors,Sports Camcorder with...

SJCAM SJ4000-WiFi- CBB First Impressions

"It earns 4 stars."

I cannot say enough great things about this Beginners Action Camera. I just love this little camera! It was quick and I had no issues. I'm looking forward to using this SJCAM SJ4000-WiFi- CBB. The SJCAM SJ4000-WiFi- CBB is very easy to use.

• SJCAM WiFi Underwater Camera Diving Action Cam with High-end Chips and Sensors,Sports Camcorder with Dual Charger, Extra Battery, Bag (SJ4000-WiFi +Charger+Battery+Bag, Black)
• Batteries: 2 Lithium ion batteries required. (included)

• Editor's Impressions Of The SJCAM SJ4000-WiFi- CBB
• Video Quality
• Picture Quality
• Video Quality
• Quality
• Value For Money
• Affordability

10. GoPro Hero8 Black Holiday Bundle - Includes Hero8 Black Camera plus Shorty, Head Strap, 32GB SD Card...

User Ratings: 85 4

GoPro CHDRB-801 First Impressions

"Love the layout."

It is easy to mount the GoPro on and it stays in place. My friends are impressed by my work with this Beginners Action Camera. But for action/close filming/pictures-can't beat it. Here's a few underwater pictures from my trip! This works well enough, except when I want to use it.

• GoPro Hero8 Black Holiday Bundle - Includes Hero8 Black Camera plus Shorty, Head Strap, 32GB SD Card, and 2 Rechargeable Batteries
• Streamlined design: The reimagined shape is more pocketable, and folding fingers at the base let you swap mounts quickly. A new side door makes changing batteries even faster, and the lens is now 2x more impact resistant.
• HyperSmooth 2. 0: Smooth just got smoother. Now Hero8 Black has three levels of stabilization—On, High and Boost—so you can pick the best option for whatever you do. Get the widest views possible, or boost it up to the smoothest video ever offered in a Hero camera. Plus, HyperSmooth 2. 0 works with all resolutions and frame rates, and features in-app horizon leveling.
• TimeWarp 2.0: Capture super stabilized time lapse videos while you move through an activity. And now, TimeWarp 2.0 automatically adjusts speed based on motion, scene detection and lighting. You can even slow down the effect to real time—savoring interesting moments—and then tap to speed it back up.
• LiveBurst: Record the moments 1.5 seconds before and after your shot, so you can choose the best single frame for the perfect photo—or an awesome shareable video.
• What's in the bundle: GoPro HERO8 camera, Shorty, head strap, 32GB SD card, and 2 rechargeable batteries.
• Video Capture Resolution: 4K Uhd 2160P
• Lens Type: Fisheye
• Batteries: 1 A batteries required. (included)

• Editor's Impressions Of The GoPro CHDRB-801
• Video Quality
• Picture Quality
• Video Quality
• Quality
• Value For Money
• Affordability