The best action camera is the one you actually take with you, mount without fuss and trust in water, dust and rough terrain. Today’s action cameras shoot crisp 4K or higher, stabilise footage so well that a gimbal is often unnecessary, and some capture every direction at once so you never miss the moment.
This guide explains how to choose the best action camera for the way you ride, dive, hike or fly. It covers 360 versus single-lens cameras, the specs that matter, and six standout picks from the Insta360 range at Drones Direct, with honest notes on who each one suits.
How to choose the best action camera
Spec sheets are full of numbers, but only a few decide whether a camera works for you. Start with how and where you’ll use it, then match the features.
- 360 or single lens. A 360 camera records everything around you, so you choose the framing later. A single-lens camera is simpler and makes framing decisions as you shoot.
- Stabilisation. Strong electronic stabilisation and horizon levelling keep footage smooth on bikes, boards and trails.
- Waterproofing. Check the depth rating without a housing. Many cameras handle 10 m, but diving needs a dive case.
- Size and weight. Smaller cameras mount anywhere and feel less intrusive, especially on helmets and chest mounts.
- Battery life. High resolutions drain batteries quickly, so spare batteries are often essential for long days.
- Sensor size. Larger sensors produce cleaner footage in low light, like dawn surf sessions or dim forest trails.
- Editing app. A good app turns raw clips into shareable edits fast, which matters most for 360 footage.
360 camera vs single-lens: which is the best action camera type?
This is the biggest decision when choosing the best action camera. Both types have clear strengths.
| 360 action camera | Single-lens action camera | |
|---|---|---|
| What it records | Every direction at once | What the lens is pointed at |
| Framing | Choose after recording | Choose while recording |
| Invisible selfie stick | Yes, the stick disappears from the shot | No |
| Editing | More involved, but the app does a lot | Simpler, ready to share |
| File sizes | Larger | Smaller |
| Best for | Riding, travel, vlogging and creative angles | Simple point-of-view footage |
If you often wish you’d pointed the camera somewhere else, a 360 model is likely the best action camera for you. If you want to press record and share without editing, a single-lens camera or a compact clip-on camera may suit you better.
The 6 best action camera picks at Drones Direct
| Pick | Best action camera for | Key strength |
|---|---|---|
| Insta360 X4 | Most people | 8K 360 video and 10 m waterproofing |
| Insta360 GO 3S | Hands-free point of view | Tiny, magnetic and 4K |
| Insta360 ONE RS 1-Inch 360 | Image quality | Dual 1-inch sensors |
| Insta360 ONE RS Twin Edition | Flexibility | Swap between 360 and 4K lenses |
| Insta360 X3 | Value 360 | 5.7K 360 at a lower price |
| Insta360 X3 Motorcycle Kit | Riders | Camera plus motorcycle mounts |
1. Insta360 X4: the best action camera for most people
The Insta360 X4 is our pick for the best action camera overall. It records 360 video at up to 8K, so you can reframe a crisp traditional video from any angle after the fact. It’s waterproof to 10 m without a housing and has a large touchscreen that’s easy to use with gloves.
Removable lens guards protect the curved lenses, and the invisible selfie stick effect produces drone-like shots without a drone. A single-lens mode also lets you shoot traditional 4K when 360 isn’t needed.
Best for: riders, travellers, vloggers and anyone who wants maximum creative freedom.
2. Insta360 GO 3S: the best action camera for hands-free filming
The Insta360 GO 3S is a tiny 4K camera weighing about 39 g. It clips magnetically to your clothing, a cap or a car dash, so you can film point-of-view footage without anything bulky in the way.
The camera docks into an Action Pod with a flip screen for framing and extra battery life. It’s also available in white.
Best for: parents, everyday vlogging, pets, cooking and discreet point-of-view clips.
3. Insta360 ONE RS 1-Inch 360: the best action camera for image quality
The Insta360 ONE RS 1-Inch 360 uses two 1-inch sensors, co-engineered with Leica, to deliver 6K 360 video and 21 MP photos. Bigger sensors mean better dynamic range and cleaner footage in low light.
If image quality matters more than ruggedness, this is the best action camera for landscapes, real estate tours and sunrise or sunset shoots.
Best for: photographers, virtual tours and low-light scenes.
4. Insta360 ONE RS Twin Edition: the best action camera for flexibility
The Insta360 ONE RS Twin Edition is modular. You get a 360 lens and a 4K Boost wide-angle lens, and you can swap between them in seconds.
That makes it the best action camera for people who want 360 for creative shots and a traditional lens for quick, ready-to-share clips. It’s like two cameras in one kit.
Best for: content creators who want both shooting styles.
5. Insta360 X3: the best value 360 action camera
The Insta360 X3 records 5.7K 360 video and 72 MP 360 photos, with a 2.29-inch touchscreen and 10 m waterproofing. It’s a proven, capable 360 camera at a lower price than the X4.
If you want 360 features without paying for 8K, the X3 is the best action camera for value. The X3 Quick Reader makes transferring footage to your phone faster.
Best for: first-time 360 users and budget-conscious buyers.
6. Insta360 X3 Motorcycle Kit: the best action camera bundle for riders
The Insta360 X3 Motorcycle Kit pairs the X3 with mounts designed for motorbikes. Mount it on the bike and the 360 lens captures you, the road and the scenery in one take.
Add a motorcycle U-bolt mount for more mounting options.
Best for: motorcyclists and adventure riders.
Best action camera comparison table
| Camera | Type | Max video | Waterproof (no case) | Standout feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Insta360 X4 | 360 | 8K 360 | 10 m | Removable lens guards |
| Insta360 GO 3S | Single lens | 4K | 10 m (camera) | Magnetic, 39 g |
| ONE RS 1-Inch 360 | 360 | 6K 360 | Check listing | Dual 1-inch sensors |
| ONE RS Twin Edition | Modular | 5.7K 360 / 4K | 5 m | Swappable lenses |
| Insta360 X3 | 360 | 5.7K 360 | 10 m | Great value |
Figures are manufacturer specifications. Check each product listing for full details.
The best action camera for your activity
Different sports put different demands on a camera. Use this as a quick guide.
- Motorcycling and cycling: a 360 camera such as the X4 or X3 Motorcycle Kit captures the rider and the road together.
- Surfing, snorkelling and swimming: choose a model rated to 10 m, and add a dive case for deeper water.
- Hiking and travel: the X4’s invisible selfie stick creates drone-style shots anywhere.
- Skiing and snowboarding: a large screen that works with gloves helps, and spare batteries matter in the cold.
- Everyday vlogging: the GO 3S is small enough to wear all day.
- Fishing and boating: waterproofing and a floating mount or tether prevent losing the camera overboard.
Action cameras and drones: a perfect pairing
Many drone pilots also carry an action camera. The drone captures the big aerial shots, while the action camera records the ground-level story of the day.
Insta360 even makes the Insta360 Sphere, a 360 camera designed to mount on compatible DJI drones for an invisible-drone effect. For an all-in-one 360 flying camera, see the Antigravity A1 8K 360 drone. Our camera drones range covers the rest of your aerial kit.
Resolution and frame rates explained
Resolution numbers on 360 cameras can be confusing. An 8K 360 video spreads those pixels across a full sphere, so when you reframe it into a normal flat video, the result looks closer to a high-quality HD or 4K clip. That’s why higher 360 resolutions make such a visible difference.
Frame rate matters too. Here’s a simple guide to choosing settings:
| Frame rate | Look | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| 24 or 25 fps | Cinematic | Travel films and storytelling |
| 30 fps | Natural | Everyday clips and vlogs |
| 50 or 60 fps | Smooth | Fast action and gentle slow motion |
| 100 fps and up | Very smooth | Dramatic slow motion |
Higher frame rates often reduce the maximum resolution and drain the battery faster. Pick the setting that suits the shot rather than always choosing the highest number.
Stabilisation and horizon levelling
Stabilisation is one of the biggest reasons modern cameras look so good. Electronic stabilisation uses the camera’s motion sensors to smooth out bumps and vibration, while horizon levelling keeps the horizon flat even if the camera rolls.
On 360 cameras, stabilisation is especially strong because the camera captures the whole scene and can crop smoothly in any direction. That’s why riders, mountain bikers and skiers often get rock-steady footage without a gimbal. To make the most of it, mount the camera firmly and avoid loose straps that let it wobble independently.
Memory cards: don’t skip this step
A slow or unreliable memory card is one of the most common causes of dropped recordings and corrupted files. High-resolution and 360 video write a lot of data every second.
- Choose a card from a reputable brand with a high sustained write speed. Look for a V30 rating or better.
- Pick enough capacity for a full day. 128 GB or 256 GB cards suit most users.
- Format the card in the camera before each trip rather than on a computer.
- Carry a spare card in case one fails or fills up.
- Back up footage every evening, especially on long trips.
Battery life and charging
Battery life varies hugely with settings. Recording at the highest resolution, using the screen a lot and filming in cold weather all shorten run times.
- Carry at least one spare battery for long days out.
- Lower the screen brightness and use auto screen-off to save power.
- Keep spare batteries warm in cold conditions, such as in an inside pocket.
- Use a fast charger or charging case between sessions.
- Let the camera cool before charging after heavy use in the heat.
Editing 360 footage made simple
Editing 360 video sounds daunting, but the free app from Insta360 does much of the work. You can reframe clips by tapping on your subject, use automatic tracking to follow a person, and apply AI-powered edits that pick the best moments for you.
For more control, desktop software lets you keyframe camera angles, add transitions and export in high resolution. Start with the phone app for quick social posts, then move to desktop editing as your skills grow.
Tips to get better action camera footage
- Mount it securely. A loose mount ruins footage and risks losing the camera. Use tethers for water sports.
- Keep the lens clean. A smudge or water drop is the most common cause of poor footage.
- Turn on horizon levelling. It keeps the horizon straight even when you tilt or roll.
- Shoot more than you need. With 360 footage, extra clips give you more angles to choose from later.
- Manage heat. High resolutions in hot Australian sun can trigger overheating warnings, so keep the camera in airflow or shade between takes.
- Carry spare batteries. Cold, heat and high resolutions all shorten battery life.
How much should you spend on an action camera?
Price usually tracks resolution, sensor size and features. Spending more makes sense if you’ll use those extras, but the best action camera for you may not be the most expensive one.
- Compact clip-on cameras like the GO 3S suit casual users who value convenience over ultimate image quality.
- Value 360 cameras like the X3 give you the creative freedom of 360 at a friendly price.
- Flagship 360 cameras like the X4 add higher resolution, a bigger screen and better battery life.
- Premium image-quality cameras like the ONE RS 1-Inch 360 suit photographers who prioritise low light and dynamic range.
Remember to budget for a memory card, spare batteries and the mounts you need. These extras often decide whether a camera becomes the best action camera you’ve owned or one that stays in a drawer.
Looking after your action camera
A little care keeps any camera performing for years, even after plenty of rough use.
- Rinse after salt water. Soak the camera in fresh water after the beach to remove salt and sand, then dry it fully.
- Protect the lenses. Fit lens guards for risky activities and use the lens cap in your bag.
- Check the seals. Make sure battery and port doors are clean and fully closed before going near water.
- Update firmware. Updates often improve stabilisation, battery life and features.
- Store it carefully. Keep it in a padded case away from heat, such as a hot car dashboard.
Accessories that make a difference
The right accessories help any camera become the best action camera for your needs. Popular additions include an extended selfie stick such as the Insta360 3 m Extended Edition Selfie Stick, spare batteries, lens guards, a dive case and a fast card reader.
Browse the full range of cameras and accessories in our Insta360 collection.
Best action camera FAQ
What is the best action camera overall?
For most people, the Insta360 X4 is the best action camera thanks to its 8K 360 video, 10 m waterproofing, large touchscreen and flexible single-lens mode.
Is a 360 camera better than a regular action camera?
It depends on how you shoot. A 360 camera captures every angle so you can frame shots later, while a regular action camera is simpler and quicker to share. Many people find 360 more versatile once they try it.
Are action cameras waterproof?
Many are. The X4, X3 and GO 3S camera are rated to 10 m without a housing, while the ONE RS Twin Edition is rated to 5 m. For diving deeper, use a dedicated dive case.
Which action camera is best for low light?
Larger sensors perform better in low light. The Insta360 ONE RS 1-Inch 360, with its dual 1-inch sensors, is the strongest low-light option in our range.
What is the best action camera for vlogging?
The X4 suits vloggers who want creative angles and the invisible selfie stick effect, while the GO 3S suits vloggers who want something tiny and hands-free.
Do I need a gimbal with an action camera?
Usually not. Modern stabilisation and horizon levelling produce smooth footage without one. A phone gimbal like the DJI OSMO Mobile 4 is a different tool, designed for smartphones.
Can I use an action camera as a dashcam?
Some people do, but action cameras aren’t designed to record continuously for hours in a hot car. A dedicated dashcam is usually a better choice for everyday driving.
What is the best action camera for motorcycle riders?
A 360 camera works brilliantly on a bike because it captures the rider and the road together. The Insta360 X3 Motorcycle Kit bundles the camera with suitable mounts, while the X4 adds higher resolution.
How long does an action camera battery last?
It depends on resolution, temperature and screen use. Expect anywhere from under an hour to a couple of hours of recording per battery, and carry spares for full days. Cold weather and high frame rates shorten run times the most.
Find the best action camera at Drones Direct
The best action camera is the one that matches your adventures. Choose the Insta360 X4 for all-round versatility, the GO 3S for hands-free filming, the ONE RS 1-Inch 360 for image quality, or the X3 for great-value 360.
Explore the full Insta360 range, compare camera drones for aerial shots, or browse the drone shop.