Best Action Cameras for Vlogging with External Microphone Compatibility

Products from the SJCAM brand are in demand in the mid-budget price league of action cameras. The SJ8 Dual model is perfect for a wide variety of shooting conditions.

The camera confidently handles video recording of various activities and won't disappoint when shooting vlogs. It is equipped with a front screen measuring 1.3 inches diagonally, which is convenient for framing in "selfie" mode. Additionally, the model features a USB type C port for connecting an external microphone, ensuring that high-quality visuals are complemented by excellent sound. The main screen of the action camera measures 2.33 inches diagonally and supports touch control.

The camera is equipped with a Sony IMX335 sensor. The model can capture video in resolutions up to 4K at 30 fps with effective compression using the H.265 algorithm. In Full HD frame format, the frame rate can be increased to 60 fps or even 120 fps (for slow-motion shooting). The camera also features a Starlight night vision mode, allowing for high-quality images in low-light conditions.

The SJCAM SJ8 Dual is equipped with wide-angle optics (170°), an electronic image stabilization system (EIS), a Wi-Fi wireless communication module, and a removable 1200 mAh battery (providing approximately 120 minutes of 4K recording). The action camera comes with a waterproof case (up to 30 m) and several mounts for various surfaces.

Action cameras from Akaso serve as worthy alternatives to the giants from DJI and GoPro. Most importantly, they are much cheaper, as demonstrated by the Brave 7 model.

The camera is designed in a traditional form factor with a front-facing lens. Next to it is a 1.2-inch color screen for framing when shooting selfie shots. The main display of the model occupies the entire rear panel of the body, measures 2” diagonally, and supports touch control. However, you can do without the screens altogether — the action camera recognizes basic voice commands, comes with a remote control, and works in conjunction with smartphones or tablets via Wi-Fi.

The Akaso Brave 7 shoots stabilized video at a maximum resolution of 4K at 30 fps. The camera's lens coverage angle can be adjusted between 70 / 110 / 140 / 170°. The heart of the model is a high-quality Sony IMX458 sensor with a resolution of 20 MP. Overall, the model performs well in challenging video shooting conditions. For high-quality sound recording, it provides a port for an external microphone.

The action camera comes with a large set of accessories for mounting on a helmet, bicycle or motorcycle handlebars, car windshield, drone body, etc. The model is supplied with two replaceable batteries and a charger for them — both batteries can be charged simultaneously. As for water resistance, it is basic — without a case, the Akaso Brave 7 can be safely submerged to a depth of up to 5 m.

At first glance, the DJI Osmo Action 4 action camera is easily mistaken for its predecessor model. Indeed, the cameras are as similar as two peas in a pod.

The main innovation in the 4th generation model is the increased sensor size, which has grown from 1/1.7” to 1/1.3”. This allows the sensor to capture more light and deliver better quality in low-light conditions. Recording on the camera is still done at a maximum frame resolution of 4K at up to 120 fps. The same frame rate can be achieved in 2.7K shooting format, and in Full HD resolution, it increases to 240 fps.

When shooting at maximum quality, advanced RockSteady 3.0 image stabilization algorithms are available to the operator. If the resolution is reduced to 2.7K format, the proprietary HorizonBalancing and HorizonSteady systems become available, which reliably keep the horizon level during significant body rotations of the action camera. Also new is the 10-bit D-Log M color profile, allowing for maximum dynamic range for flexible post-processing of captured video materials.

The camera is equipped with a wide-angle lens with a field of view of about 155°, a main screen measuring 2.25 inches diagonally, and a front display measuring 1.4 inches. Both screens support touch control. For vlog shooting, an external microphone input will come in handy, and the built-in microphones on the model recognize voice control commands. The action camera's body can withstand submersion to a depth of up to 18 m. Finally, the DJI Osmo Action 4 battery can charge at an accelerated pace (from zero to 80% in about 18 minutes). In the Adventure Combo configuration, the camera comes with three batteries, a case for their storage and charging, and a convenient telescopic handle Osmo 1.5m Extension Rod.

The American company GoPro is a trendsetter in the arena of cameras for active shooting. In the fall of 2024, its portfolio was replenished with the flagship model HERO13.

The top action camera from GoPro performs video shooting with a high resolution capability of up to 5.3K — 5312x2988 pixels at 60 fps in terms of the traditional pixel grid. At the same time, more traditional frame formats are available: 4K (3840x2160 pixels), 2.7K (2720x1530 pixels), Full HD (1920x1080 pixels), HD (1280x720 pixels). In the latter option, ultra-slow-motion videos can be shot with a frame rate of 400 fps. The operator is kindly provided with electronic stabilization systems HyperSmooth 6.0 and 360° Horizon Lock.

The model features a dual-screen configuration with a main display on the rear of the body (2.27 inches diagonally) and an auxiliary one on the front panel (1.4 inches). Support for voice control commands frees up hands during shooting — the camera understands 11 languages. Simultaneously, the possibility of connecting an external microphone and wireless headphones for better sound recording control is provided. And according to the GPS module data, current coordinates are attached to the video sequence.

For vloggers and advanced videomakers, the camera provides 10-bit video shooting in G-Log with LUT. The model is also used for RAW photo shooting. Without the proprietary waterproof case, the action camera can be submerged to a depth of 10 meters under water. The camera is powered by an Endure Battery with a capacity of 1900 mAh, which now supports convenient magnetic charging. In the Creator Edition Bundle version, the model comes with a Volta Battery Grip monopod, Media Mod media block, and Light Mod LED lighting — all of which will be useful for bloggers and professional content creators.

Insta 360° X4 is an all-seeing camera for experienced bloggers, taking video production capabilities to the highest quality level.

Let's start with the fact that the model can capture everything happening around — its field of view is 360°. Recording on the camera is done in resolutions up to 8K (7680x3840 pixels). Then, the best angles are selected from the captured video sequence thanks to intelligent video material processing algorithms. During post-processing, the image can be flexibly reformatted and resized. For importing clips into a conditional Adobe Premiere, the proprietary Insta360 Reframe plugin is used.

The camera is housed in a compact body measuring 123.6x46x37.6 mm and weighing about 200 g. The front panel is largely occupied by a 2.29-inch touchscreen, which is "protected" by Gorilla Glass. The model features a system of four built-in microphones with noise reduction for recording ambient sounds and perceiving voice control commands. A special adapter allows an external microphone to be connected to the camera.

When shooting with the camera, the proprietary FlowState stabilization along with the HorizonLock horizon retention function will come in handy. Naturally, the model includes Wi-Fi and Bluetooth communications, and it also has a capacious 2290 mAh battery. The battery is removable and easily hot-swappable during shooting. On a full charge, it provides over 2 hours of video recording.