Best Sports Action Cameras

In this article, we have reviewed the 10 best sports action cameras along with a comparison table and a detailed buyer’s guide at the end to help you choose the best camera possible.

Think of sports action cameras, and you cannot stop wondering how small and simple they are.

But do not forget that they are tough too!

These are the perfect cameras for the new generation, thanks to their ease of use.

Their unique design lets you attach these to your helmet, to your car, or to a surfboard too. You can find various models that boast fantastic features and are available at amazing prices too.

But, which is the best sports action camera of them all?

One of the reasons why people prefer sports action cameras is due to their size and their excellent “Point of View.”  These cameras are a hit with people who love sports and adventure junkies as they can easily capture their actions by attaching the camera to their equipment or themselves.

These are also loved by production houses as they can be used in places where a regular camera won’t do the job.

The best sports action cameras like GoPro are fun to own and you can easily carry it along during your holidays or can use it to film those lovable moments with your family.

But, which is the best among the sports action cameras available? Though it depends on the features, you are looking for and of course your budget, we want to make your job easy. We have compiled a list of the best sports action Cameras, with the pros and cons of each.

So, let’s get started!

10 Best Sports Action Cameras

1. GoPro Hero7 Black

GoPro is a leading video shooting brand that specializes in action cameras for the pro. Beginners and intermediate users have also been immensely satisfied with the key features this video cam model gives.

The camera’s video stabilization technology is arguably one of the best USPs, the model offers.

Many critics feel that the GoPro Hero7 is just a carbon copy of the Hero6 version, as the 12MP sensor remains the same as in the previous version. The wide-angle lens remains the same. Video specs configuration remains 4K at 60 fps in both 6 and 7.

The significant contribution to Hero7 is the Hyper Smooth video stabilization. The latest Hyper Smooth technology uses a unique blend of hardware and software. Hence, you get the video-shooting capacity equivalent to a gimbal. It is this factor that beats GoPro Hero 7, among other models.

Hero6 allows a video stabilization of just 30 fps at the full 4K resolution; Hero7 can allow a continuous shooting speed at 60 fps at 4K resolution.

Time Warp Videos is yet another exceptionally cool feature of Hero7. You get an astounding frame-by-frame on a time-lapse shoot. This feature is separately available on a Hyper Smooth option too. You can do the time-lapse footage without the use of a tripod.

This feature always lends you the freedom to move the Hero7 Black. Also, the GoPro model comes to you with 12 voice commands you can utilize at your disposal.

You have the all-new and dynamic performance revamped on Hero 7. You have an exclusive screen-intelligent option that is akin to most of the conventional cameras out there. You have a dynamic range added to the GoPro Hero7 Black.

With more natural bass tones and brighter mid-tones, the subtle sounds of the video cam can be captured. The vivid moments of your life will have power-packed action, for sure.

2. GoPro Fusion

GoPro brings technology right there to your doorstep. It fascinates users just like Apple. You are curious to know what the action cam is all about. This way, you probe more into the usability aspects of the same. The technology helms are therefore covered when you delve deeper into using a GoPro product.

The product and design of the GoPro Fusion connect you with the brand indeed. You have the two-tone matte gray finish. You also discover the frontal view LCD and the two-button interface.

The only difference between the fusion model and the Hero5/6 version is this. The GoPro Fusion model does not have a touchscreen or a monitor display.

You can conveniently mount the Fusion via its base. You have the GoPro mount situated at its base. You do not find a separate case for attaching the mount. This way, you may find it difficult to cover tighter spaces. The extra space can be used in a yet effective manner.

You can attach the fusion with another GoPro camera. You discover two adhesive mounts as a part of the peripherals cum accessory kit. You also get a mini tripod and a selfie stick. These can be used well on a Fusion Grip model.

The 360-degree camera is the most attractive feature of the Fusion series. The ruggedized 360 camera fits beautifully into the mold. This way, you can immerse yourself in taking an amazing variety of shots.

You can try your hands at water-based shoots, stills, portrait, and full HD modes too. In the water, The GoPro Fusion works at a depth of 16 feet.

The Fusion series offers you a seabed of opportunities to explore. You can take photography and video shooting to another level altogether. The extra space is something you can utilize in ways more than one. You get the space as the mounting sticks to the base.

You can, therefore, accommodate larger batteries.

You can do a complete video shoot for 57 minutes using the 5.2K resolution. You can plug in two 32 GB memory cards. Each offers footage split for 59 minutes flat. But there is something you still need to be a little cautious about. After an hour and ten minutes, the device can shut down on account of overheating.

You can take 3K videos at 60 fps and 5.2K videos at 30 fps. You can transfer files seamlessly by connecting the USB port of the device to a Wi-Fi slot. This way, the camera connects itself directly to the computer or your smartphone device. The- two-memory-cards merge themselves seamlessly enough to become invisible to the user.

With these enhanced and superlative features, the GoPro Fusion is worth the buy.

3. Garmin VIRB XE

The Garmin VIRB XE is an excellent action camera that is ideal for professional and personal use.

The device operates at a wide temperature bandwidth ranging from -20 degrees Celsius up to 45 degrees Celsius. You can use the camcorder in waters up to 50 meters deep. The panel reveals a 980mAh removable battery.

And you can video shoot non-stop for almost two hours.

The Garmin VIRB XE can be operated on a full HD resolution. The Slow-motion speed is WVGA (854 x 480) 120 fps. You can further elevate the normal shooting speed at 1440p (1,920 X 1,440) at 30 fps.

Other variations in shooting capabilities can also be achieved with the VIRB series. These include 1,080p at 60fps, 960p at 100fps and 720p at 120fps. The slow-motion mode operates at 480p at 240fps.

The camcorder comes to you with a fascinating 12.4-megapixel resolution. The all-rounder action pro camera also gives users fabulous image stabilization over other action cameras from leading brands.

Garmin has been quite generous about the mounting options. The camcorder has a lavish dose of mounting capabilities. You discover adhesive mounts that can be used for flat or curved surfaces. You also have short and long linkages to insert tripod attachments into.

You can also order extra mounting kits for long-shot, portrait, and close-up photographs. Most of action cameras smudge images when you use them as hand-held devices. While you use a compatible tripod set, the pictures or finishing touches to videos look fabulous.

The VIRB XE offers exciting options apart from mounting capabilities. The field of view can conveniently be configured with two levels of electronic zoom. You have built-in lens distortion correction sensors that can be enabled. Smudge-filled photos now become a thing of the past. You can also take videos by holding the VIRB XE upside down.

Now, what more do you want?

For those precise and sharp videos, you have quite a lot of options to explore. The Garmin VIRB XE offers vivid and flat-color curves. You can almost discover three scintillating levels of video sharpening. The range is between 2,800K to 7,500K.

You can highlight the auto-exposure mode to 6400, 1600, or 400 ISO. This way, you can balance image brightness with the grain. You can also control settings about the shutter or iris.

With such sophisticated features on the video cam, your excursion trips can gather the right kind of momentum.

Go for the brand-new Garmin VIRB XE, and you will surely not get disappointed.

4. Yi 4K+ Action Camera

Well, do you want to go for a highly portable action camera, and would you love sensors or technology that even your granny would master in a jiffy?

If your answers are yes to the questions mentioned above, then the all-new Yi 4K+ Action Camera is just the right pick for you.

As mentioned in the intro, the Yi 4K is a highly portable model. The camera weighs as little as 93 g. The camera has a rectangular frame measuring 65 X 42X 30 mm diameter-wise. The color touch screen measures 2.19 inches.

The touch screen is a sturdy one as it is designed using Gorilla glass. The glass is, therefore of incredible quality. You get colorful as well as contrasting video cum picture shoots. The design, therefore, is an ergonomic one.

You can always carry it in its case. And the camera is especially meant for photo lovers on the go.

The compact Yi 4K comes with a fabulous wide-angling view. With the superb design of the glass, the interface of the action camera becomes bolder, and more beautiful indeed. The cornea glass is extremely sensitive to touch.

The operating system is so crystal clear and concise that it becomes a breeze to use. This way, the Action camera comes to you with the simplest and speediest user interfaces, among other cameras that were launched, especially during the last 15 years or so.

The enhanced video imaging capabilities of the cam comes to you surpass excellence. You can continuously shoot at the speed of 60 fps. The image utilization covers the entire width of 4K. At the complete 4K domain, you get sharp, colorful, and contrasting photoshoots indeed.

It can be a glam thing for the eye.

You also get the smoothest video shoots in full HD measuring 1080p. You can cover all kinds of frame rates like cinematic, slow motion, and ultra-wide angled view. The limits that can unfold with the video stabilization of Yi 4K is endless.

The Yi 4K model comes to you with a tripod thread. In other words, you can attach the tripod to the action camera. Hand-held photos/videos might be a little smudgy. With the tripod, you can get those close-ups, long shots, and subject-centric pictures in a seamless manner.

The action cam also has enhanced voice control software. You can spell the pre-programmed options from the menu. With such amazingly cool features, Yi 4K + Action Camera offers, your buy can never go wrong.

5. Olfi One Five Black

The Olfi camera itself comes to you in a well-conceived carry case. This is nothing but a thin and eco-friendly cardboard sheath. You can store your camera and accessories inside the same.

Olfi One Five Black is one that is extremely light for you to carry during your travel. The device weighs hardly 55 g, lesser than your smartphone device. It comes to you with a diameter of 54 X 40 X 24 mm. The accessories include a waterproof socket, USB pin, flat and curved mount, etc. The slimmer cage houses a short-pocket clip too.

The device is extremely easy and simple to use. You do not find chunky touch screens or a one-button operative node. You need to scroll through the buttons on each side of the menu. Once you have confirmed the picture, press the shutter button.

Else if you want to cancel shooting the photo, you will have to press the power button. The task gets as simple as that!

As you all see here, an LCD screen is a domain where you see the clarity of picture shoots or videos. Hence it must be bright, transparent, and smudge-free. On the Olfi One Five Black, too, you have an LCD screen that is situated at the rear end of the device.

Even under direct sunlight, this LCD screen is easy to see. The screen looks vibrant and bright too. Endowed with a spongy rubber encasing, it lends a neat, carbon, fiber-style finish to the same. Hence, the appearance of the LCD is nothing but fab!

Again, you need to determine where the slot corners are. You need the slot for power-charging the device or for fitting SD cards too. SD card is generally used to enhance the memory capacity of the cam device.

On Olfi, you find the micro SD card slot, Micro USB input, and HDMI output on the right-hand side of the device. This is as you look towards the front of the camera. The 900mAH battery pack lurks behind the door along with the underside gauge of the unit.

Although the power unit is comparatively lesser than its predecessor, Olfi One Five Black designers claim that you get a solid one and a half hours of recording at a stretch. You can power-charge the device completely to help you out on the move.

6. Olympus Tough TG Tracker

Olympus is best known for its exotic point and shoots aspect. The rugged point and shoots, 4G, and the sturdy TG tracker are some of the best features of the cam.

The Olympus Tough TG tracker has a miniature camcorder, camouflaged with a1.5 inches flip-out screen. The insides are power-packed with tech-friendly features along with GPS, compass, accelerator, thermometer, and barometer.

The TG tracker series is waterproof up to an astounding 100 feet. Those swimming pool shoots need not take backstage anymore. You find a sole tripod attachment thread.

You can also have the Go Pro mount adaptor that comes to you along with the case. This way, you can explore the whole world of mounting capabilities.

Your photoshoots can take a whole new dimension among swimmers, adventure sports enthusiasts, and casual crowds alike.

Why miss out on the action with the trendy Olympus TG Tracker? The camcorder contains an f/2 lens that dominates the front face of the camera. You can discover a small LED video light directly above it.

You also have a protective cover that mounts itself directly above the lens. An underwater lens protector that fits into a protective layered flat surface also comes to you as a kit accessory.

The two-staged lock-unlock door fits the battery, Micro SD slot, USB, and HDMI ports. You can change batteries now and then. The USB port also allows you to get the battery or the device completely charged.

Olympus Tough TG Tracker is completely lightweight and easy to carry cam. It measures a length of 3.67 inches. The weight of the device is hardly 6.35 ounces. The action cam makes use of the extra coverage with the physical power switch. These are five clearly labeled buttons.

The recording stop or start buttons are the larger ones. Hence the design overhauling is perfect. The 1.5-inch-out screen displays photos or videos.

The imaging capabilities of the all-new Olympus TG Tracker are spectacular. Although smaller in size, you have power-packed features; the photo cum video shooter will fall in love with.

The device pairs an eight-megapixel sensor with an ultra-wide 204-degree lens. The video cam can fully support a 4K resolution. This way, you can take a variety of landscape pictures. The image distortion or softening of the peripheral background are factors you cannot do away with.

But when you crop pictures to their dimensions, the subjects appear spectacular. Photo shooters can frame their shots on the LED display. You can pan to display more of the surroundings.

7. SJCAM SJ8 Pro

Finding a leading brand on action cameras has always been the inthing. To the likes of brands like Go Pro or Yi 4K+, you find a lot many brands, mushrooming out there. You may find a brand with the compact in-built features of a GoPro at a far lesser price. This is none other than the all-new SJCAM SJ8 Pro for you.

Shooting at full speed of 4K at 60fps is a feature that you find in most of the video cams out there on display. But you have more to the all-new SJCAM SJ8 Pro. The high-end brand is equipped with a powerful Sony IMX377 sensor and the Ambarella chipset.

The Pro’s fish-eye lens comes to you with a fixed focal length of 2.8mm. The field of view is a cool 170 degrees. The aperture measures f2.8. The handy digital 8x zoom also makes the SJ8 Pro, a fabulous pick.

The video shooting speed maximizes at 4K 60 fps. The slow-motion indulges at a beautiful 720p at 240fps. The recordings are done via h264 MP4 files. The 6-axis image stabilization adds to the picture and video quality.

While you want to shoot out at the SJ8’s performance best, the battery can last you a whole 90 minutes. The LED touchscreen measures a whopping 2.33 inches.

The design of the SJ Cam SJ8 Pro is impressively solid. The pocket-friendly action cam measures 62.5 X 41 x 28.8 mm. The designer cam weighs just 90 grams. You can easily carry the device inside its case or in your pockets.

You find a 0.25 inches tripod thread. The battery compartment can house a 1,200Ah lithium-ion battery. You can find slots for placing micro SD cards. You can fit in 16GB- 128 GB. You also find a USB slot for recharging the battery.

The SJ Cam SJ8 Pro is compatible with IOs and Android. You can easily transfer photo cum video files using the app. This can be done over a 5 GHz WI-Fi. On bright days, you can take beautiful portrait pictures of sky-rise buildings.

You get bountiful benefits in terms of a better speed at a slow-motion or performance recording. But the prices are way lesser than a GoPro or Yi 4K+.

The cam is affordable for beginners or photo enthusiasts at the intermediate level.

8. Sony RX0

Sony has always been a leading brand when it comes to designing picture-perfect frames on action cameras. From mirrorless frames up until sophisticated DSLRs, you have them all. Would you love to unbox the features one by one?

The Sony RX0 completely supports a full 4K video resolution. The lens is of very supreme quality. You have the posh 24mm f/4 Zeiss Tessar lens that goes into the making. The dimensions measure 59 X 40.5 X 29.8mm.

You can utilize effective 15.3MP while taking still images. The shoot-out speed can be a reasonable 16 fps. The HDMI output is restricted to the external recorder only.

Sony RX0 can support an HRV or High-Resolution Video frame at 960fps. This is a complete high-frame resolution video output. Videos are limited to full HD at 50/60 fps up until 100 Mbps.

You can use the high-end resolution to take videos of party events, wedding receptions, and baby shower functions. You can use the S Log2 to update your picture profile. You can also use the Wi-Fi app to change profile pictures on your Facebook or Instagram accounts. You find a crystal clear 1.5-inch LCD screen.

The best part about the LCD is that it is not sensitive to touch. You get ample waterproofing capabilities at river lines or cruises with a 10 m deep.

You do not find a separate mode to have the image stabilization figures altered. The Sony RX0 comes to you with a wonderful 2M shock-proof and a 400lb crush-proof capability. Hence rough handling or tampering can be withstood by the device to a greater extent.

You have an in-built mic port and Wi-Fi with Bluetooth. The blue tooth can support apps of five RX0s, at once. The technology has the astounding capability to sync up to 100 RX0s at a stretch.

The device hardly weighs 110 grams. It can fit your pockets, wallets, or easy-to-use handbags or backpacks. The RX0 has a fixed wide-angle lens that makes it convenient for photographers on the go.

If you do not mind spending on an excellent sports action camera, Sony RX0 is the one to choose.

9. TomTom Bandit 4k Action Video Camera

TomTom is a company that is known for its exceptional excellence in mapping and navigation services. TomTom Bandit is its first-time foray into the world of action cameras.

You find a neat and sturdy design with respect to its exteriors. The LCD screen isn’t a live-view screen. You can have a look at the camera’s selected settings or mode options. You find a four-layered control panel with a stop button on top.

The start and highlight buttons are typically located at the back of the camera. Via the highlight button, you can tag video clips as and when the recording starts. You have a mounting slot where you can attach a kit. Else, you can use the peripherals of the camera itself.

In a nutshell, the design is neat, compact, and petite.

The all-new TomTom Bandit completely supports the full 4K HD resolution. At this resolution, you can shoot at 15 frames per second or fps. The other video resolutions include 2.7K at 30 fps and 1080p at 60/30 fps. The slow-motion speed records 720p at 120/60 fps.

The Bandit Action Pro camera can also help you with time-lapse sequences and capture stills. You can do so at a fascinating 16-megapixel.

The TomTom Bandit is available in two versatile packs. You can opt for the basic model. The kit includes your camera, Go Pro adaptor and adhesive mounts. For professional photographers, the Premium package will be the ideal one. The Premium pack is slightly more expensive than the base pack.

Here you get a bike mount; 360-degree pitch mount, water-proof lens, and remote control. You can take underwater shoots with the premium pack of the TomTom Bandit.

You can put the battery to good use when you constantly video shoot 1080p at 30 fps. The recording speed does drop while the Wi-Fi is in use.

But that is fair enough.

The device receives power via its Batt Stick. The power socket fits into the back of the camera. You also find slots for chipping in Micro SD cards and USB adaptors. You can carry additional Batt sticks with you.

The base pack just contains a splash cover. You will have to take it out and replace it with a dive lens cover. The additional lens helps you with underwater video shoots. The lens gives protective coverage in waters up to 40 meters deep.

The premium pack gives a bike mount option where you rotate the device 180 degrees and take shoot-outs. You get a better orientation with the premium mount add-ons.

You switch on the device while you hit the Start button. This is situated at the rear end of the camera. The GPS icon flashes up on the LCD screen. You have the Micro SD card symbol signaling to the users that the card has been installed.

Plus, the battery power indicator tells you how much battery is left.

With these unique features and straightforward design, you can never go wrong with the buy.

10. Yi 4K Action Camera

After so many great choices, are you still confused about what kind of camera you want to buy? Just determine the kind of features you would love on your brand-new photoshoot cum video cam. Taking you through mind-boggling features of Yi 4K Action Camera:

You get a touchscreen interface that is user-friendly indeed. Plus, you have the one-button control and a Wi-Fi direct to connect to a Yi Action phone App. You have plenty of video resolutions too, up until a shooting speed of 30 fps at full 4K resolution. These are features that make the brand-new Yi 4K Action Camera, a complete all-rounder.

You find that the Action Camera is fully power-packed, with all the features a pro-photo-lover would want. You have a fixed lens where you get a wide-angle field of view. The aperture is a fast one with an f/2.8. You can pull off taking those exotic photos using stills, landscape, or portrait options.

You can simultaneously take photos while your video records the scene. For exotic video screening, just cue up the 4K time-lapse and slow-motion sequences while you loop-record for a specified duration. Manual adjustments can consume your time, effort, and energy. So, you just take to the default settings.

Your Yi 4K Action Camera is the one that performs real-time action indeed! A larger touch screen at 2.19 inches takes in 330 pixels per inch. Weighs 95 g, which is 22 g lesser than its own predecessor. The battery lasts longer. The cam is cheaper.

The Yi 4K Action camera comes to you in three sleek colors. These are matte black, white, and rose gold. As you look at the front of the camera, just tilt your vision towards the right. Here is where you discover the lens that slightly protrudes.

Alongside the back, you find a battery compartment. You can house a 4.4V lithium-ion 1400mAH power pack inside the same. You can also discover a slot for punching in your micro SC cards. A 64 GB card can give you an uninterrupted 80 minutes of recording on a full 4K resolution.

The extra lavish LCD screen measuring 2.19 inches gives you extra space and lineage towards scrolling through the menus. You can take sharp and smudge-free photos. The LCD reads out the mode you are in, whether it is on a photo-shoot mode or a video-recording one.

You also have an icon that tells you the amount of battery left on the device. You have two buttons sandwiched between the microphones. One can activate the video cam while the other button deactivates the same.

You can purchase all the Yi 4K accessories separately online too. With these exclusive options, you can become a pro at photo shoots or video recording.

Buyers Guide to Purchase the Best Sports Action Cameras

There are various kinds of sports action cameras available for purchase online, and making a choice can be overwhelming at times. This is one of the reasons why you need to take help from the buyer’s guide as it is filled with information about the camera types, the features you need to look for, and more.

So, without further adieu, let’s get started with our buyer’s guide!

Know the Camera Types

Before you proceed to buy the best sports action cameras, you need to know the different types of action cameras available. There are action cameras that are used for different purposes and have specific features. The action cameras are also available in different sizes like bullet, mini, cylindrical, square, and rectangular.

The cylindrical cameras are ideal to be used when you are on a skateboard, and these can be easily mounted on your helmet as well. Likewise, the mini cameras are easy to use and can be mounted on helmets, your vehicles, and are also used to shoot underwater.

So, you need to choose a camera based on the kind of sport you plan to film.

Size and Design

As mentioned earlier, action cameras are available in different sizes, and you can easily choose one based on your style and requirement. If you wish to use one on bikes, you can choose the GoPro Hero7 camera as it is easier to use, and you can use the “one push button” for recording.

If you are into trekking, you can go with GoPro cameras like the GoPro Hero7, as they are lightweight and boast of amazing sound quality. You can even mount these on your chest and capture videos without any hassle.

The Resolution

You need to focus on the resolution of the action camera you are planning to choose, as the quality of your pictures and videos depends on the same.

Battery Life

Most of us face problems with the battery life of our cameras. Though you can carry a portable charger with you, it is wise to choose a sports action camera that has excellent battery life. This holds true when you are on tour or are shooting underwater. You can opt for GoPro cameras or Sony RX0.

Budget

As action cameras are available in various types and from various brands, you can easily find one that is within your budget. You can refer to the reviews above to know about the specifications and the prices of the best sports action cameras available.

Connectivity

Connectivity is one of the most important features you need to look for when choosing the best sports action cameras. You need to look for cameras that have GPS and Wi-Fi, as you can easily connect them to your phone or a laptop with ease.

Conclusion

Sports action cameras are a must-have if you love to capture your adventure and share it with the world. As the cameras are available in different styles and sizes, pick one based on your needs and your budget and you will never go wrong again.