: If you are looking for the best action cameras in a compact size and with stable and highly detailed video recordings, here are the top ten.
1. SJcam Legend SJ6 Action Camera
The SJcam Legend SJ6 features a 16-megapixel sensor with an ultra-wide angle 7G lens for up to 4K/24fps recording. This action camera also features a couple of LCD screens, measuring 24.4 mm and 5.08 mm. Its touch backdoor is water-resistant for up to 3 metres, and it even packs a 1000 mAh lithium-ion rechargeable battery.
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Specification
Price: Rs. 10,890
Connector Type: USB, Wi-Fi
Screen Size: 2 inches
Display Type: LCD
Optical Sensor Resolution: 16 MP
Video Capture Resolution: 16 MP
Product Dimensions: 5.9 x 4.1 x 2.11 centimetres
Weight: 84.9 g
Pros
Cons
Stabilised 4K capture
Outdated mini USB charging port
Compact
Restricted raw image conversion assistance
Comes with a waterproof casing
Touch-screen interface
2. GoPro Hero 9 Action Camera
Featuring a large touchscreen at its rear side and a smaller one in front, the GoPro Hero 9 comes with a 23.6-megapixel sensor for superior quality videos up to 5K resolution. The SuperPhoto option in this action camera automatically chooses the best possible picture processing option to produce the perfect shot.
Specification
Price: Rs. 36,883
Connector Type: USB, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
Screen Size: 2.27 inches
Display Type: LCD
Optical Sensor Resolution: 20 MP
Video Capture Resolution: 5K
Product Dimensions: 2.9 x 4.8 x 6.6 centimetres
Weight: 131 g
Pros
Cons
Great price
Redundant accessories
Enhanced battery life
Batteries are not backwards-compatible
Useful front-facing screen
Unresponsive touchscreen
Rugged build quality
Buggy voice controls
3. DJI Osmo Action Camera
Get the DJI Osmo action camera if you want a device with a hyper-responsive display. The DJI packs a highly responsive display on its rear side and an intense screen in front for improved framing. Its 140-degree view field wide-angle lens and 12-megapixel CMOS sensor make for up to 4K HDR recordings. The camera also captures 8x slow-motion videos at 240 fps and 1080 pixels.
Specification
Price: Rs. 28,999
Connector Type: USB
Screen Size: 2.25 inches
Display Type: OLED
Optical Sensor Resolution: 12 MP
Video Capture Resolution: 4K
Product Dimensions: 6.5 x 4.2 x 3.5 centimetres
Weight: 124.74 g
Pros
Cons
Screw-on filters
No live streaming
Waterproof and rugged build
No GPS
Superior stabilisation and video quality
The mobile app requires improvement
4. SJcam SJ4000 Action Camera
With a 12-megapixel sensor and wide-angle lens with a 170-degree view field, the SJcam SJ4000 is one of the best action cameras. It is perfect for recording all kinds of water activities, all thanks to its waterproof cover that can protect the device in up to 30 metres of water depth.
Specification
Price: Rs. 5, 990
Connector Type: USB, Wi-Fi
Screen Size: 2 inches
Display Type: LCD
Optical Sensor Resolution: 3 MP
Video Capture Resolution: 1080p
Product Dimensions: 23 x 6.2 x 16 centimetres
Weight: 557 g
Pros
Cons
Can use webcam
Difficult to open the battery door
Auto screen rotation
No back or forward button
Good price
The delete button is missing
Assorted mounts provided
Cover doors not available for HDMI, SD card and MicroUSB slots
5. PROCUS Rush 3.0 16MP 4K HD Digital Action Camera
This 16 MP 4K ultra HD camera will help you relive every adventurous moment whenever you like with its assortment of in-built features. The camera also has an underwater waterproof casing and 23 accessories that make it your perfect adventure and travel partner.
Specification
Price:Rs. 8, 299
Connector Type:Wi-Fi
Screen Size:2 inches
Display Type:LCD
Optical Sensor Resolution:16 MP
Video Capture Resolution:4K
Product Dimensions:28 x 21.59 x 17.78 centimetres
Weight: 58 g
Pros
Cons
Go-anywhere compact design
Poor touch quality when wet
Waterproof structure
Battery life needs to improve
Solid digital stabilisation
Slow-motion video options available
6. DJI Action 2 Dual Screen Combo-12MP Action Camera
This modular form factor of this device reimagines the action camera genre with proper support for magnetic mounting. The DJI Action 2 dual-screen combo action camera is an innovative and modular device with impressive 4K video recording potential and a compact body. Its F2.8 lens offers a 155-degree FoV or field of view, and the new colour temperature sensor helps the camera adjust to shooting location changes quickly.
Specification
Price: Rs. 29, 990
Connector Type: USB
Screen Size: 1.76 inches
Display Type: Touchscreen
Optical Sensor Resolution: 12 MP
Video Capture Resolution: 4K
Product Dimensions: 3.9 x 3.9 x 2.2 centimetres
Weight: 56 g
Pros
Cons
Go-anywhere, tiny form factor
High price
Effective digital stabilisation
Overheating issue
Magnetic mount
A charging port or card slot is not available on the main camera module
Snap-in accessories
The battery and front screen is not waterproof
7. PROCUS Viper 16MP 4K HD Digital Action Camera
Packing the latest and highly advanced chip, the Procus Viper is one of the best action cameras to record all kinds of adventurous activities in superior quality. The device comes with a waterproof casing ensuring safe underwater adventures. It also includes more than 12 accessories for the perfect motor vlogging experience and has refined capturing ability and incredible attributes.
Specification
Price: Rs. 4, 819
Connector Type: Wi-Fi
Screen Size: 2 inches
Display Type: LCD
Optical Sensor Resolution: 16 MP
Video Capture Resolution: 4K
Product Dimensions: 2.98 x 5.92 x 4.1 centimetres
Weight: 58 g
Pros
Cons
Up to 10 metres of Wi-Fi signals
Indoor lighting sensitivity should improve
Time-lapse recording
8x slow-motion recording
8. FitSpark Eagle i9 Action Camera
Featuring 4K UHD recording up to 60 fps, the FitSpark Eagle i9 action camera is waterproof up to 40 metres and comes with a specialised water-resistant cover. The camera also features a 6-axis gyroscope that offers superior quality image stabilisation for smooth videos even when capturing high-speed subjects. This Wi-Fi-enabled action camera has a 1.3-inch LCD front screen and a 2-inch main LCD screen.
Specification
Price: Rs. 9, 999
Connector Type: Wi-Fi
Screen Size: 2 inches
Display Type: LCD
Optical Sensor Resolution: 20 MP
Video Capture Resolution: 4K
Product Dimensions: 6.5 x 2.6 x 4.35 centimetres
Weight: 66 g
Pros
Cons
4K recording up to 60 fps
The battery indicator is missing
Energy efficient
Comes with 18 mounting accessories
9. Cason CS6 Real 4K 30fps HD Dual Screen Action Camera
Moving on with this list of the best action cameras, here's the Cason CS6, yet another dual-screen camera with 4K video shooting potentials at 30 frames per second. The camera packs a 170-degree wide-angle lens that lets you shoot stunning videos. Not to mention, its 6-axis gyro stabilisation with EIS works very well. One of the best things about this device is it comes along with several accessories to make your audio and video recording job easier.
Specification
Price:Rs. 9, 889
Connector Type:Wi-Fi
Screen Size:2 inches
Display Type:Touchscreen
Optical Sensor Resolution:16 MP
Video Capture Resolution:4K
Product Dimensions:6 x 4 x 2.5 centimetres
Weight:800 g
Pros
Cons
Durable
Poor-quality camera lens
Ability to capture slow-motion video
Expensive
Long battery life
10. AKASO EK7000 4K Wi-Fi Sports Action Camera
If you want the best alternative to a GoPro action camera within an affordable range, then the Akaso EK7000 sports action camera is for you. It may not have the same bells and whistles as the GoPro, but it is one of the best action cameras with simple menu architecture. The shutter button on the top of this camera starts and stops recording and can also be used to capture stunning images.
Specification
Price:Rs. 11, 269
Connector Type:Wi-Fi
Screen Size:2 inches
Display Type:LCD
Optical Sensor Resolution:12 MP
Video Capture Resolution:4K
Product Dimensions:5.84 x 4.06 x 2.41 centimetres
Weight:50 g
Pros
Cons
Responsive Wi-Fi remote
Muffled audio in the case
Comes with several accessories
Image stabilisation is missing
Burst photo and time-lapse functionalities
Cannot change the field of view
Best 3 important features for consumers
Product
Feature 1
Feature 2
Feature 3
SJcam Legend SJ6
LCD
16 MP
16 MP
GoPro Hero 9
LCD
20 MP
5K
DJI Osmo Action
OLED
12 MP
4K
SJcam SJ4000
LCD
3 MP
1080p
PROCUS Rush 3.0 16MP 4K HD Digital Action Camera
LCD
16 MP
4K
DJI Action 2 Dual Screen Combo-12MP Action Camera
Touchscreen
12 MP
4K
PROCUS Viper 16MP 4K HD Digital Action Camera
LCD
16 MP
4K
FitSpark Eagle i9 Action Camera
LCD
20 MP
4K
Cason CS6 Real 4K 30fps HD Dual Screen Action Camera
Touchscreen
16 MP
4K
AKASO EK7000 4K Wi-Fi Sports Action Camera
LCD
12 MP
4K
Best value for money
If you are looking for better value, go for the DJI Osmo Action Camera. While it does not have excellent picture quality, it is robust, more affordable and powerful, with top-notch diving chops and a wider field of view. With some of the most valuable features and ease of use, it is the best value-for-money action camera at Rs. 28,999.
Best overall
GoPro boasts a strong record of action camera excellence, and the Hero 9 is no exception. Easily one of the most feature-packed models you can purchase right now, the camera offers an array of attributes for smooth and steady action capture. At Rs. 36, 883, you cannot expect a better action camera than this.
How to find the best action cameras?
Choosing the ideal action camera depends on your requirements and what you like to capture. Besides that, consider the following:
Mounting Options:If you want to use the best action camera for more niche activities, it must have the proper attachment to fit your requirements. Some models go a step further and offer modular setups that let the users augment their shoots with accessories, like lights, 360-degree lenses and microphones.
Image Stabilisation:You will use an action camera on the go, so check its image stabilisation feature. Ensure the camera's image stabilisation smooths out camera shakes to deliver better shots. Remember that image stabilisation quality may vary from model to model; therefore, it is worth considering how smooth your video needs to be. A higher resolution sensor may help as digital image stabilisation often crops the frame to exclude movement.
Best action cameras price list
Product
Price
SJcam Legend SJ6
₹10, 890
GoPro Hero 9
₹36, 883
DJI Osmo Action
₹28, 999
SJcam SJ4000
₹5, 990
PROCUS Rush 3.0 16MP 4K HD Digital Action Camera
₹8, 299
DJI Action 2 Dual Screen Combo-12MP Action Camera
₹29, 990
PROCUS Viper 16MP 4K HD Digital Action Camera
₹4, 819
FitSpark Eagle i9 Action Camera
Rs. 9, 999
Cason CS6 Real 4K 30fps HD Dual Screen Action Camera
Rs. 9, 889
AKASO EK7000 4K Wi-Fi Sports Action Camera
Rs. 11, 269
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FAQs
An action camera is a small, waterproof, rugged digital camera specifically designed for capturing highly immersive action shots. These cameras let you jump in and become an integral part of the adventure by taking videos and pictures.
GoPro is one of the leading brands of action cameras. They are durable and compact, have impressive attributes, and have incredible picture quality for different activities.
Yes, action cameras can take all kinds of rough use and go places where DSLRs and smartphones may serve as useless. You can mount these cameras on almost anything, including your backpack, surfboard or bike.
Modern action cameras can capture top-quality 20MP images such as burst shots, stills, RAW and long exposure. These cameras also give professional photographers immense flexibility to edit their images.
Action cameras require UHS or Ultra-high-speed micro SD cards for superior-quality audio and video recordings. Most of these cameras support microSD cards up to 32 GB, and the premium options may go up to 128 GB or even more.
Disclaimer: At Hindustan Times, we help you stay up-to-date with the latest trends and products. Hindustan Times has an affiliate partnership, so we may get a part of the revenue when you make a purchase. We shall not be liable for any claim under applicable laws, including but not limited to the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, with respect to the products. The products listed in this article are in no particular order of priority.