Top 5 best GoPro Alternatives 2024

The greatest action camera is necessary for filming adventurous activities like skydiving and surfing. We’ve thoroughly examined every model of the best action camera, from entry-level to high-end choices, and have ranked our picks in the helpful guide below. We’ve put together this extensive list to assist you in finding the best action camera for your needs and budget, regardless of what you intend to capture.

Our reviews lead us to believe that the GoPro Hero 12 Black is now the best action camera available for the majority of users. With an impressive array of shooting options and excellent image stabilization, it’s the most advanced GoPro to date. Support for Bluetooth audio is also a nice inclusion. Our best choice for an action camera at a far lower cost is the Akaso Brave 8 Lite.

The best action cameras are included in our roundup for every customer. Our knowledgeable evaluators put each model through its paces in a variety of real-world circumstances to assist you in making the best decision. We put durability and usability to the test to make sure every camera can hold up in the heat of the moment. We also evaluate the quality of the images and the degree to which picture stabilization reduces bumps. Below is a summary of the findings along with helpful purchasing guidance to help you make a decision.

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Last update on 2024-06-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon.

Top 5 best GoPro Alternatives 2024

1. GoPro Hero 12 Black

Last update on 2024-06-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon.

A variant on the tried-and-true GoPro recipe is the GoPro Hero 12 Black. GoPro is able to update its lineup without completely revamping it, much like Apple, and the 12 Black’s hardware isn’t all that new this year. However, considering the improved software experience, familiar hardware would not be a problem—especially for filmmakers and anyone hankering after external wireless audio capabilities.

Starting with the GoPro Hero 11 Black’s return for 2023, let’s talk about what it has. First, there’s the 27MP 8:7 sensor, which allows you to record in 16:9, 9:16, and 8:7 aspect ratios without having to flip your camera. It has a maximum resolution of 5.3K 60 frames per second and 4K 120 frames per second. You can also reduce the resolution to 2K, it even captures 240fps, something the DJI Osmo Action 4 can’t do.

The Hero design from GoPro is back for cycle six, or is it seven? Next up. To be honest, GoPro hasn’t strayed too far from its overall appearance because it is devoted to the style that was first launched with the Hero 5 Black.

The GoPro Enduro (1720mAh) cell, which has higher specifications than the Hero 11 Black, is the same battery that was used in earlier Hero cameras. Moreover, the 12 Black is identical to the 11 Black in terms of weight, CPU, and size.

With so many similarities, you may be wondering what’s new and if the Hero 12 Black has a chance to be considered among our top action cameras considering that its predecessor, the GoPro Hero 11 Black, is more affordable while yet providing comparable capabilities.

The 1/4-inch thread mount between the Hero 12 Black’s flip-out feet—ideal for small tripods—is perhaps the most immediately practical innovation. In order to enhance the way the camera handles highlights and shadows, GoPro has included HDR video capture, which is a really effective feature.

For even more dynamic range footage and 10-bit color, filmmakers who wish to go a little further can activate GP-Log capture. This allows video to be easily color-matched and stitched into a timeline alongside clips from other cameras.

The 12 Black now supports wireless audio from a Bluetooth microphone, adding to the better audio possibilities. Any Bluetooth headphones or earphones will work with this, so if you have a set of the greatest wireless earbuds available, you can just pair them with your GoPro and hit record – it really is that simple.

The new Hero 12 Black can record two audio channels, which you can access in Premiere Pro or the GoPro Quik app. This is in addition to capturing audio with an external Bluetooth microphone or the Media Mod, GoPro’s modular housing that enhances audio and connection choices. Using the Media Mod to record device audio or the mod’s built-in tiny boom mic allows you to combine ambient and directed sounds to create the ideal clip, which is why it’s so awesome.

2.Akaso Brave 8 Lite review

Last update on 2024-06-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon.

If you want to take action shots but don’t want to shell out a lot of money for a flagship model, the Akaso Brave 8 LE is an affordable option. The sleek, contemporary design is quite attractive and feels incredibly light in the hand, but the plastic construction—particularly in the port hatches—made me worry that I might smash it. Under typical lighting conditions, the quality of the video and images is excellent, however the sensor experiences difficulties as soon as the light levels decrease. Another flaw in the Brave 8 Lite is the absence of strong video stabilization.

Consequently, the video and image quality of this camera is not only lower than that of the Brave 8, but also worse than that of other flagship models like the GoPro Hero 12 Black and the Insta360 Ace Pro. This is especially apparent in poor light, which adds so much noise to the footage that it frequently becomes unusable.

But before you write off the Brave 8 Lite, keep in mind that it comes with a number of features like HDR video, a longer runtime, and Hindsight that aren’t on the more costly Brave 8. The final one allows you to record for a longer period of time before hitting the record button, in case you were too late to begin shooting.

One of the tiniest action cameras on the market, the Brave 8 Lite fits easily into any pocket or backpack. You can place the camera on any surface—including a tripod, bike, or helmet—thanks to the wide variety of extra cases. Though it prevents you from replacing the battery, the metal shell comes in especially useful when you know you’ll have trouble keeping the camera safe from impacts.

Creative shooting modes abound, including slow motion, slow motion hyperlapse, timelapse, and HDR video. However, not all of these are available in 4K, and in order to achieve the highest editing capabilities in terms of accelerating and decelerating the video, the resolution must be reduced.

Overall, the Brave 8 Lite is a very good entry-level action camera that functions just as well as most flagships from two or three years ago. It is also more reasonably priced than the Brave 8.

3.Insta360 Ace Pro

Last update on 2024-06-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon.

The first action camera to achieve the incredible 8K video output is the Insta360 Ace Pro, which is an amazing beast. Although it only provides this at 24 frames per second, GoPro and DJI should definitely take note of this. The video quality is remarkable in all resolutions, exhibiting good performance under various lighting circumstances. Although there is always space for improvement, low-light performance is generally good, and photo mode handles highlights better than video mode. The stunning 2.4-inch flip screen provides a large output for watching video in real time and going over previous clips. It is perfect for all action sports because to its assortment of mounts, and its durability allows it to be used in a variety of The first action camera to achieve the incredible 8K video output is the Insta360 Ace Pro, which is an amazing beast. Although it only provides this at 24 frames per second, GoPro and DJI should definitely take note of this. The video quality is remarkable in all resolutions, exhibiting good performance under various lighting circumstances. Although there is always space for improvement, low-light performance is generally good, and photo mode handles highlights better than video mode. The stunning 2.4-inch flip screen provides a large output for watching video in real time and going over previous clips.

As Insta360’s first fully featured wide-angle action camera, the Ace Pro is among the best on the market because to the brand’s impeccable execution. However, Insta360 is not a newcomer to this industry; it offers a variety of 360-degree cameras, including the Insta360 One R 1-inch, which is the low-light champion, along with mobile gimbals.

Although it is the first of its kind to offer 8K footage, the Ace Pro competes with devices like the GoPro Hero 12 Black and the DJI Action 4. Take that, DJI and GoPro. Additionally, you receive 48MP stills, both of which are probably larger than what most users will want. But overall, the output quality is excellent, with the HDR Photo mode being especially effective at capturing detail in highlights.

There is clearly space for higher frame rates to be introduced in future iterations of this camera, as the maximum resolution 8K video is only accessible at 24 frames per second. But 4K slow motion can record at up to 120 frames per second.

Leica, which built the 1/1.3-inch sensor for the Ace Pro, has been a longtime collaborator of Insta360, and it appears that this cooperation is paying off. The sensor performs admirably at recording superb video and photo quality, especially in more challenging lighting conditions like low light and highlights, thanks to the camera’s AI-boosted processor.

This camera is a very flexible choice for all kinds of creatives because of its magnetic mounting technology and variety of attachments. Especially helpful is the multi mount, which allows the camera to be mounted on a tripod or carried around on a selfie-stick, and Insta360 provides mounts that would work with all types of action sports, including cycling, diving, and surfing.

4. DJI Osmo Action 4

Last update on 2024-06-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon.

The Action 4 is made to compete with the newest GoPro, just like its predecessor. In doing so, it resolves the primary issue with the Action 3 by utilizing a bigger 1/1.3-inch sensor. While video resolution stays at up to 4K/120p, stills resolution is reduced to 10MP. The primary distinction is the size of the pixels: based on our testing, the Action 4 performs better in low light than the Hero 12 Black, collecting more light overall.

Additionally advantageous to the Action 4 is DJI’s D-Log profile with 10-bit color. Our research indicates that this captures finer details in the highlights and crisper shadows, significantly enhancing color depth and dynamic range. The wider 155-degree lens and larger sensor have the drawback of having a higher minimum focus distance, which makes close-up photography more difficult.

The Osmo Action 4 is a fantastic action camera; it’s tiny, rugged, versatile, and crucially it delivers better image quality than its predecessor, packing more detail in challenging shooting environments and low light. A price hike over its predecessor pitches the Action 4 squarely against GoPro’s best offerings, and it outdoes the GoPros with its quick and convenient magnetic mounting. This is an incredibly fun and capable camera for your active pursuits and vlogging, and comes highly recommended.

We adore the DJI Osmo Action 3, and now, a year later, the DJI Osmo Action 4 has arrived, following in its footsteps with the same design philosophy. It features the same small size but tough construction, best-in-class waterproofing, easy magnetic attachment, detachable battery, and useful front touchscreen.

What’s new, then? The primary shortcoming of the Action 3 was its poor quality for photos and videos; DJI has addressed this by introducing a brand-new, bigger 1/1.3-inch sensor.

If the size of the sensor doesn’t mean anything to you, it’s the same as the one in the top cameraphone, the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra, and it’s around 25% larger than the 1/1.7-inch sensor in the Osmo Action 3.

This time, the 12MP to 10MP photo resolution is actually lower than before, but the 4K video resolution up to 120 frames per second and an 8x slow-motion option in Full HD are still present. The GoPro Hero 11 Black and other top action cameras struggle with low light conditions. However, with a larger sensor and comparable resolution, the pixels are larger than before and can capture more light, improving image quality overall.

Together with that larger sensor, we now also get DJI’s D-Log color profile with 10-bit color, which significantly improves image quality, particularly in terms of color depth and dynamic range. While shadows appear crisper, highlights like brilliant clouds and evening lights are retained to a degree not achievable with the Action 3. While D-Log isn’t compatible with every video mode, it’s the profile to choose if the available frame rates work well for the footage you’re shooting.

The larger sensor in a camera with the same size and a 155-degree field-of-view lens has the unfavorable effect of raising the minimum focus distance from 0.3 to 0.4 meters. Although that might not seem like a major concern, using that ultra-wide lens in real-world situations you’re consigned to all-encompassing views and not the details.

5.GoPro Max

Last update on 2024-06-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon.

With its new Max 360-degree action camera, GoPro is determined to make spherical video widely available. The main challenges in producing 360-degree videos are eliminated by a new set of on-camera processing tools, which also incorporate editing and resizing capabilities into the GoPro mobile apps. In addition, it features flat 16:9 digital shooting lenses, a 5.6K spherical resolution, and Full HD live streaming. Regretfully, the restricted 2D shooting modes are still far below action cameras with a single lens. Having said that, the GoPro Max makes it simple to take reframed, 360-degree, and captivating photos that are essentially unattainable with conventional action cameras.

The most recent firmware update for GoPro includes a few new capabilities. Time Lapse functionality has been added to 360 mode to enable the capture of longer spherical photo sequences. You can now shoot at 60 frames per second in 3K 360-mode, which you may slow down to ½ speed later if desired. In the event that you would like to snap pictures with the camera, it also has a few new multi-photo shooting features.

The Hero 8 Black from GoPro takes up a lot of space when it comes to action cameras, but the Max 360-degree action camera from GoPro is undoubtedly a much bigger update with a more innovative feature set.

Similar to the GoPro Fusion, the Max employs two 180-degree fisheye lenses to record nearly anything that comes into its direct line of sight.

GoPro’s OverCapture reframing software, which can clip your 360-degree video into a 2D format and allow you to track, frame, zoom, pan, and tilt towards anything taken in the spherical footage in the past, is included in the app update. This implies that you may just hit record on the camera and worry about shot composition or framing until you’re ready to edit assuming you’re okay with videos being generated in Full HD.

This innovative method of photography greatly broadens the range of shots that media professionals may produce, and it works especially well with action cameras since it relieves the burden of having to focus on getting everything in the frame.

HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST ACTION CAMERA FOR YOU

How to choose the best action camera

While many of the top action cameras offer distinctive features that help them stand out from the competition, all action cameras need to have a few basic abilities.

A good action camera should be waterproof down to a few meters and durable enough to withstand your travels. Even in harsh circumstances, it should be simple to use and function. An action cam with a touchscreen can be quicker to use, but choosing a model with physical buttons can make more sense if you intend to film while wearing gloves.

Since you’ll most likely be using your action cam while moving, image stabilization is a crucial function. This should reduce camera shake and result in more visually appealing footage. The degree of image stabilization varies greatly, so consider how smooth you want your video to be (or whether you can tolerate any tremors). A higher resolution sensor can be beneficial because digital image stabilization frequently crops the picture to remove motion. Videos trimmed from 4K resolution will appear more professional than those downsized from 1080p.

A lot of the best action cameras are also compatible with smartphones, so you can instantly edit and share your most recent recordings. Additionally, certain models enable live broadcasting directly to websites like YouTube. Although it can be taxing on battery life, this is helpful if you intend to post your vlogs directly to social media.

The majority of action cameras can record in slow motion at up to 120 frames per second, and some of the best ones even have more imaginative shooting options like hyperlapses. While editing software can duplicate certain in-camera effects, if you want to add variation to your movies with less work, you might want to check into getting a camera with creative presets.

What is an action camera used for?

The greatest action cameras are small, robust, and simple to use. Action cameras can be used to record footage in situations where most regular cameras would not be able to survive because of their durable construction. Action cameras are also perfect for capturing fluid video while you’re on the go because the best models have excellent picture stabilization.

Action cameras are widely used by individuals to record their daring activities, such snowboarding, skydiving, and mountain riding. Since the greatest action cameras are waterproof, some outdoor enthusiasts use them to record underwater video while diving or swimming, or to capture action shots of watersports. The majority of action cams include a variety of mounts that make it simple to fasten them to your handlebars, helmet, or even a strap.

Action cameras can also be installed inside cars, either to record what the driver is doing or to record the road like a replacement dash cam. Action cameras installed in cars are used by a number of motorsport series to record racers.

Action cameras aren’t just for extreme sports, though. Several vloggers utilize models like the GoPro Hero 10 Black to record videos for social media since the best ones are simple to use, have imaginative shooting modes, and have great connectivity choices (including support for live streaming). Action cameras are useful for filming while on the go because of their small size and image stabilization, which makes them excellent for walking and chatting.