It would seem that action cameras have appeared quite recently. But today such gadgets can be found even among people who are not interested in extreme sports. Choosing a 4K action camera is a good option for those looking for a family device. Also, such devices are ideal for recording concerts, traveling and taking pictures of animals. But first of all, of course, they are intended for fans of extreme sports. But which model should you choose to capture your achievements? This question will be answered by our list of the best 4K action cameras. In compiling it, the emphasis was on real experience, not just performance.
TOP 10 best 4K action cameras
However, you should not completely ignore the parameters, especially when it is not possible to personally test all models of action cameras. Look on the Internet for examples of shooting with the camera you are interested in to evaluate the quality of stabilization and noise reduction. Make sure that you are satisfied with the characteristics of the lens (light sensitivity, angle of view, focal length). An important point is also the hardware component, because the processor must cope with video processing. In order to be able to conveniently change the settings and review the footage, the user should pay attention to action cameras equipped with a color LCD display.
1. GoPro HERO8 Black Edition (CHDHX-801-RW)
The action camera is made in traditional GoPro style. The set of accessories available in the kit does not impress with its variety: the camera itself, battery, several types of mounts, sync cable and documentation. If you need something else, then you need to buy everything separately or immediately look at the extended delivery options.
The camera body is multilayered: a durable metal chassis, high-quality plastic and a rubberized anti-slip coating. There are two screens in the gadget at once: the main 2-inch one, as well as an additional monochrome one. The latter is located in front, allowing you to see basic information (charge, mode, resolution, etc.).
Advantages:
- excellent electronic stabilization;
- variety of shooting modes;
- proprietary media module (option);
- compact size, light weight;
- resolution, wide angle.
Disadvantages:
- high price;
- battery life.
2. Sony FDR-X3000
The FDR-X3000 might not be perfect. But this is definitely one of the best 4K action cameras. Sony has created a wonderful product that can and should be bought by fans of outdoor activities, people interested in extreme sports and even ordinary travelers. Moreover, its cost is very competitive.
If you need a rich set, then pay attention to the modification of the FDR-X3000R. In addition to the action camera, it offers a remote control, a wide range of mounts including a wrist strap for the remote control, and a box for underwater photography.
All the information the user needs is displayed on a small b / w display. It does not allow you to view the footage, but it allows you to save battery power. The interface is well thought out, everything is organized logically. The camera shoots very well, supporting bitrates up to 100 Mbps when choosing Ultra HD resolution.
Advantages:
- excellent ergonomics;
- video recording quality;
- solid assembly;
- high bitrate support;
- thoughtful management;
- stabilization system;
- works for a long time on a single charge.
3. GoPro HERO7 (CHDHC-601)
The good HERO7 action camera comes in several modifications. If you need a device with maximum capabilities, then we advise you to ignore the Silver and White versions and buy Black. It is equipped with a 12 MP sensor against 10 in the younger models and offers HyperSmooth technology - software image stabilization.
One of the best action cameras in the 2020 rankings can record videos in Full HD, 2.7K, and Ultra HD 4K. In the first case, the frame rate is 240 fps, in the second - 120 frames per second, and at the maximum resolution it is limited to quite comfortable 60. The HERO7 interface is well thought out, and additionally provides a voice control function.
Advantages:
- video recording quality;
- reliability and assembly;
- fast stabilization;
- well-developed software;
- voice commands;
- convenient touch control;
- the ability to submerge up to 10 meters under water;
- reasonable cost.
Disadvantages:
- heats up when working.
4. DJI Osmo Action
The DJI compact camera is visually similar to its American competitor. There are also two screens in Osmo Action, but even the front one is colored here, which allows you to conveniently record your tricks and walks, clearly tracking the position of the frame. The lens of the gadget also has an interesting feature - a thread for filters. But since not everyone needs them, they will have to be bought separately. It should also be borne in mind that before immersion in water, one of the best inexpensive action cameras must be screwed on the protection, since without it the declared water resistance (up to 11 meters) is lost.
Advantages:
- good picture quality;
- stabilizer operation;
- water resistance up to 11 m;
- good equipment;
- long battery life;
- two color displays at once.
Disadvantages:
- flaws in the software;
- the viewing angle is inferior to competitors.
5. AC Robin Zed5
One of the most popular action cameras according to customer reviews is the AC Robin Zed5. The device is available in two versions: a standard one with a 170-degree viewing angle and an SE, in which the angle is limited to 90 degrees, but without optical distortion. Both versions are equipped with a good Ambarella A12 processor, which can handle video processing up to 4K. True, the frame rate in this case will be limited to 30 fps. If you need higher, then you can go down to 2K (60 fps) or Full HD (120 frames per second without slowdowns).
Advantages:
- Sony IMX117 sensor;
- maximum resolution;
- convenient control;
- sensitive microphone;
- excellent combination of price and quality;
- capacious 1200 mAh battery;
- iShoxs mounts.
Disadvantages:
- scarcity of settings;
- little additional software.
6. EKEN H5s Plus
The review continues with an action camera from EKEN. It's a budget device that goes out of its way to copy the GoPro. Even the packaging of the H5s Plus is similar: a camera is located on top in a transparent dome, and a package is in the box under it. The latter, by the way, is quite good for its price: an aqua box, a napkin, two mounts, a holder, ties, a control panel with a wrist strap, documentation, and auxiliary elements. For its value, the action camera shoots well. The menu is conveniently organized, but not without nuances. The build quality and materials are average, but nothing critical was found.
Advantages:
- good equipment;
- affordable cost;
- gorgeous functionality;
- all the necessary interfaces;
- additional display.
Disadvantages:
- not the best quality materials.
7. SJCAM SJ7 Star
One of the most advanced low-cost cameras is the SJCAM SJ7 Star. This device can boast of a good proprietary firmware, which is almost as sophisticated as competing solutions. The set of the action camera is very rich, the user gets almost everything he needs out of the box. You can only buy a remote control and microphones.
SJ7 Star also supports smartphone control via the SJCAM Zone App.
The action camera has been praised for its excellent build in reviews. The body of the gadget is made of aluminum, plastic was used here only on the front panel.The location of the built-in microphone in SJ7 Star depends on the party: in the old ones it is on the right, and in the new ones - in the front, which is more convenient (especially for recording vlogs). The camera offers many useful options, including "Improved lighting", slow motion mode, and distortion correction.
Advantages:
- good functionality;
- gyroscopic stabilization;
- high-quality assembly;
- Wi Fi support;
- reasoned price tag;
- excellent equipment;
- control from a smartphone.
8. EKEN H9R
Among 4K UHD action cameras, the H9R model is ready to offer users the best price. It is produced by the Chinese manufacturer EKEN, which first began developing devices under its own brand back in 2006. Since then, the manufacturer has significantly improved both the hardware and software part of its models, having managed to achieve incredible popularity among the mass consumer due to this.
One of the most interesting action cameras in the combination of price and quality is distinguished by a design like GoPro. The weight of the gadget is only 64 grams, but using a case for underwater photography, tripods and other accessories will slightly increase the weight. The action camera is available in several color options including yellow, pink and blue. The H95 comes with a case, a set of mounts, a charger and a wrist remote control.
Advantages:
- low cost;
- practicality and reliability;
- variety of accessories;
- intuitive control;
- high-quality display;
- ease of management.
Disadvantages:
- video in low light;
- poor microphone quality.
9.SJCAM SJ6 Legend Air
Among the available action cameras capable of recording 4K video, the SJ6 Legend Air is a very interesting solution. An impressive package, two body colors to choose from, excellent materials and build quality. The device received a good matrix from Panasonic and a lens with an antireflection layer that improves light sensitivity. But you need to be careful with this coating, since it can be easily peeled off by accident, which will negatively affect the quality of the video in low light. For example, you can carry the popular 4K action camera in a complete box. It is necessary for shooting underwater, withstanding loads up to 30 meters. An alternative to it when diving is the aqua box lid, which improves the sensitivity of the screen, but is slightly less durable (up to 3 m).
Advantages:
- lens adapter 40.5 mm (optional);
- you can purchase various filters;
- additional screen in front;
- compact size;
- quality of branded accessories;
- Panasonic sensor with a resolution of 16 MP.
10. Mijia Seabird 4K motion Action Camera
If we talk about which is the best action camera in the budget segment available on the market today, then first of all I would like to note the Mijia Seabird 4K. Formally, this is a model from Xiaomi, but it is produced by the partners of the Chinese giant. But the design of the device leaves no doubt that in front of us, as they say, is for our money.
Since, in order to ensure a low cost on something, the manufacturer has to save on something anyway, Xiaomi decided to sacrifice the delivery set. In the box, in addition to the camera itself, the user will find only a Micro-USB cable, and all other accessories will have to be purchased separately.
Together with the battery, the Mijia camera weighs only 60 grams. The dimensions of the device are also quite modest. The action camera, capable of shooting in full 4K format, is made of high-quality textured plastic. It is available in several color options, all of which are bright enough (clearly designed for young people).
The interface kit also hints at the amateur use of the gadget. In addition to the connector for the previously mentioned cable, there is only a slot for microSD memory cards. The maximum amount of flash drives supported by the device is 128 GB. The slot and port are hidden under a rubber plug.
Despite its somewhat childish design, the Seabird 4K is reliably protected from dust and water, and its body will withstand even drops on a hard surface. The ergonomics of the camera are good, but for the most convenient control it should be connected to a smartphone via Wi-Fi.Videos for the reviewed model are very good, but only after manual adjustment.
Advantages:
- high-quality assembly, stylish design;
- good dynamic range;
- standard image settings;
- good battery life;
- video up to 120 fps (only at HD or lower);
- you can control the camera via Wi-Fi.
Disadvantages:
- relatively modest opportunities;
- all accessories will have to be purchased.
Which 4K action camera to buy
The best UHD 4K action cameras are available from GoPro. And this is not surprising, because it was the American brand that came up with these devices, so it remains the market leader. But Japanese Sony and Chinese DJI offer good competitors for GoPro products. True, their price is not lower. If you need something on a budget, then you can look at the SJCAM and EKEN brands. The average consumer with minimal needs should also take a closer look at the joint development of Xiaomi and Mijia.
