Best Action Cameras with Effective Video Stabilization

SJCAM products are in consistently high demand in the category of inexpensive action cameras. The SJ11 Active is rightfully considered a successful model of the brand. And here's what's good about it.

In fact, the camera is a simplified variation of the SJCAM SJ10 Pro Dual Screen. The model in question has a simpler image processing processor, which is why it can shoot video in 4K resolution only at 30 fps. But in all other respects, the action camera turned out to be a very successful product. It records in Quad HD and Full HD formats at a frame rate of 60 fps, and 6-axis gyroscopic stabilization ensures the proper smoothness of the video sequence.

The model is equipped with a 2.33-inch touch screen on the back of the case. Double tapping on it is supposed to quickly switch to the front display, which is useful for viewing in selfie mode. In the active pairing mode with mobile devices, the camera can be used for online streaming. It also has modes of operation as a car DVR and a webcam.

The action camera can dive to a depth of 5 meters in fresh water. The aquabox increases the waterproofness to 30 m, and it is also allowed to swim in sea water. As for autonomy, the operator can count on an hour and a half of shooting in 4K format without the need to recharge the 1300 mAh battery. The battery is removable and can be easily "hot swapped".

The mid-priced action camera Akaso Brave 8 knows exactly how to attract attention to its person. In terms of its feature set, it is in no way inferior to its more venerable and expensive competitors.

The camera has a 48-megapixel Sony image sensor with physical dimensions of 1/2". The model also has a wide-angle lens with a field of view of about 170°, which consists of 9 glass lenses(including 4 aspherical elements). Video recording on the action camera is carried out in a maximum frame resolution of 4K - 3840x2160 pixels at 60 fps. At the same time, Quad HD (2560x1440 pixels up to 120 fps), Full HD (1920x1080 pixels up to 240 fps) and HD (1280x720 pixels up to 400 fps) shooting formats are available.

To ensure smooth video and eliminate image shaking , the Akaso Brave 8 uses 6-axis electronic stabilization. The camera understands voice control commands in seven different languages, is equipped with a remote control(operates at a frequency of 2.4 GHz), supports pairing with mobile devices via Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. During filming, you are supposed to use two screens for viewing: the main one has a diagonal size of 2 ", the auxiliary one on the front panel of the case extends diagonally by 1.22 ".

The model is equipped with two removable batteries of 1550 mAh, a charger for these two batteries, a mounting frame, helmet and pipe mounts. By the way, a full battery charge is enough for an hour and a half of filming in 4K resolution. Accordingly, the camera can continuously operate for about 3 hours in Ultra HD video recording mode from two batteries.

GoPro HERO13 Black is a flagship model from a reputable American manufacturer of action cameras, released in the second half of 2024.

The camera borrowed the appearance and image sensor from the previous 12th generation. It uses a 1/1.9-inch sensor with a resolution of 27 MP. The action camera records at a maximum frame resolution of 5312x2988 pixels (up to 120 fps). And in the conditional HD format, the model can squeeze a frame rate of up to 400 fps. The operator can shoot 10-bit video in HDR with the G-Log profile.

The HyperSmooth 6.0 and 360° Horizon Lock systems are responsible for image stabilization during video shooting. They cope with the tasks set perfectly, but they can accidentally fail in conditions of insufficient frame lighting. The camera takes photos in the "raw" RAW format, which opens up wide possibilities for post-processing of the footage.

The GoPro HERO13 Black design includes two screens (rear and front), built-in GPS, wireless communications Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth v 5.3 (with support for connecting headphones to control sound recording). You can "talk" to the camera in 11 languages - the model recognizes many voice control commands. And also for it, various ND filters and replaceable optics overlays (ultra-wide 177 °, macro lens, anamorphic lens) are released. Finally, it is worth mentioning the increased battery capacity (up to 1900 mAh) and convenient magnetic battery charging.

The Insta360 Ace Pro action camera is designed for demanding users. The model has a convenient magnetic mounting system for quick rearrangement of accessories and allows video recording in resolution up to 8K (7680x4320 pixels at 24 fps).

The camera has a recognizable form factor with a protruding lens on the front panel of the case, but its "feature" is the rear flip-up screen. In the blink of an eye, the 2.42-inch display flips into the "selfie" position, thereby providing convenient viewing when shooting vlogs. Well, the key recording parameters are displayed on the auxiliary front screen, which has a diagonal size of 0.89 ".

The model is equipped with a large 1/1.3” image sensor, which is supported by high-class Leica optics. Video recording on the action camera is possible in 4K and Full HD frame formats at 60 fps. The smoothness of the video sequence is guaranteed by FlowState stabilization algorithms, and in low-light conditions, the PureVideo mode will come in handy. In addition, Insta360 Ace Pro supports the Horizon Lock function for capturing and holding the horizon.

The action camera body can withstand immersion in water to a depth of 10 m, and the included aquabox increases this limit to 60 m. The model is powered by a 1650 mAh battery, the charge of which is enough for up to 100 minutes of filming. Among other things, voice and gesture control commands, built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth communications are worth noting. In terms of the combination of qualities, the Insta360 Ace Pro is a real top for its money. The camera is suitable for any active filming and can even serve as a car DVR with cyclic recording of video.

The DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro model belongs to the guard of top action cameras with remarkable potential in video shooting. In addition, it comes in an expanded Adventure Combo package.

The standard delivery set of the camera includes two "extreme" batteries with a capacity of 1950 mAh each, a case for storing them and charging external devices, an Osmo 1.5m Extension Rod monopod, and various quick-release mounts. Without using an aquabox, the model is capable of diving to a depth of 20 meters. The action camera has a standard layout: on the front panel of the case, you can see a wide-angle lens with a field of view of 155 ° and an OLED screen with a diagonal size of 1.46 ", and on the back there is a 2.5-inch OLED screen with touch control support.

The camera records videos in a maximum resolution of 4K — 3840x2160 pixels at 60 fps. The recording bitrate reaches 100 Mbit, for which you will need a fast microSD card with a capacity of up to 1 TB inclusive. Note that in 4K and Quad HD it supports slow-motion video shooting with a frame rate of 120 fps, and in the usual Full HD resolution — with a frame rate of up to 240 fps. The RockSteady 3.0+ and HorizonSteady systems are responsible for image stabilization. To improve the quality of the video sequence in conditions of insufficient ambient light, the AI algorithms of the SuperNight night shooting mode come into play.

DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro Adventure Combo supports voice control commands and is compatible with the DJI Mimo mobile app. The smartphone app provides a variety of tools for editing photos and videos, as well as their quick publication on social networks. The model provides stunning quality and can handle any active types of filming (including dynamic movements in the frame).