Can We Take Photos in Action Camera The Ultimate Guide

Yes, you can absolutely take photos with an action camera—most models are designed to capture high-resolution stills alongside video, often up to 20MP or more. From burst modes to time-lapse and RAW support, action cameras offer versatile photography features perfect for adventurers and content creators alike.

Key Takeaways

• Yes, action cameras can take photos – Most models offer high-resolution photo modes alongside video.
• Use burst mode – Capture fast-moving subjects with rapid sequential shots for better results.
• Adjust resolution settings – Choose higher MP for quality or lower for longer storage use.
• Stabilize your camera – Use mounts or tripods to reduce blur in still photos.
• Master lighting conditions – Optimize exposure by adjusting settings in low or harsh light.
• Shoot in RAW format – Retain more detail for post-processing and editing flexibility.

Can We Take Photos in Action Camera? The Ultimate Guide

Imagine this: you’re hiking a rugged mountain trail, the sun peeking through the trees, and you spot a rare bird perched on a cliffside. You reach for your action camera—because let’s be honest, who carries a DSLR on a 10-mile trek?—and you wonder: Can we take photos in action camera? The short answer is a resounding yes. But the longer, more interesting answer? It depends on what you’re trying to capture, how you set up your gear, and what your expectations are.

Action cameras have come a long way since their early days of grainy, shaky footage. Today’s models—like the GoPro Hero12, DJI Osmo Action 4, and Insta360 Ace Pro—aren’t just for recording your mountain biking stunts or underwater dives. They’re fully capable of snapping high-quality still photos, often rivaling traditional compact cameras in resolution and dynamic range. But here’s the catch: they’re built for motion, not stillness. So while you *can* take photos, doing it well requires understanding their strengths, limitations, and some clever tricks. In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know—from photo modes and settings to real-world examples and pro tips—so you can confidently use your action camera as a versatile photo tool.

How Action Cameras Handle Photography (And Why It’s Different)

Let’s start with the basics. Action cameras are designed to be small, rugged, and easy to use in high-motion scenarios. But when it comes to photography, they operate differently than traditional cameras. Understanding these differences is key to getting the best results.

The Sensor and Lens Design

Action cameras typically use wide-angle lenses with a field of view (FOV) between 120° and 170°. This is great for immersive video and capturing a lot of scenery, but it can distort photos—especially at the edges. Think of it like looking through a fisheye lens. For landscapes or group shots, this can be a creative advantage. But for portraits or detailed close-ups, it can be a challenge.

Most modern action cameras use 1/1.3” to 1/2.3” sensors. While smaller than full-frame or even APS-C sensors, newer models use advanced image processing (like computational photography) to punch above their weight. For example, the DJI Osmo Action 4 uses a 1/1.3” sensor with a 50MP mode, which sounds impressive—but it’s achieved through pixel binning, not a true 50MP sensor.

Photo Modes: What’s Available?

Here’s where things get interesting. Action cameras offer multiple photo modes tailored to different situations:

• Single Shot: The default mode. Great for quick snaps, but limited in dynamic range.
• Burst Mode: Captures 10–30 photos per second. Ideal for action moments like jumping off a cliff or catching a wave.
• Night Mode: Uses longer exposure and stacking to reduce noise in low light. Available on GoPro Hero11/12 and DJI Action 4.
• HDR Mode: Combines multiple exposures to preserve highlights and shadows. Perfect for high-contrast scenes (e.g., a sunset).
• Time-Lapse Photo: Takes a photo at set intervals (e.g., every 5 seconds) for creating time-lapse videos or capturing slow changes.
• SuperPhoto (GoPro) / AI Enhance (DJI): Uses AI to optimize exposure, color, and sharpness automatically.

Tip: I once used burst mode to capture my friend mid-backflip on a skateboard. Out of 20 shots, 3 were perfectly framed. Without burst mode, I’d have missed it entirely.

Resolution and File Formats

Most action cameras shoot in JPEG, but higher-end models (like GoPro Hero12) offer RAW (DNG) mode. RAW files give you more flexibility in post-processing—ideal if you’re editing photos for print or social media. However, they take up more storage and require editing software (e.g., Lightroom).

Resolution varies by model:

• 12MP (common in older models)
• 20MP (GoPro Hero12, DJI Action 4)
• 50MP (DJI Action 4’s “High Resolution” mode, achieved via pixel binning)

Note: Higher resolution doesn’t always mean better photos. A well-exposed 12MP photo can look better than a noisy 50MP one.

When to Use Your Action Camera for Photos (And When to Avoid It)

Not every photo scenario is a good fit for an action camera. Here’s how to decide when to reach for it—and when to grab your phone or DSLR instead.

Best Use Cases: Where Action Cameras Shine

• Landscapes and Wide Scenes: The wide-angle lens captures sweeping vistas. I once shot a sunset over a canyon with my GoPro, and the HDR mode preserved the orange sky and shadowed rocks perfectly.
• Adventure Sports: Skiing, surfing, rock climbing—action cameras are built for this. Use burst mode to freeze motion.
• Underwater Photography: With a waterproof housing (or a model rated to 10m+), you can shoot coral reefs or fish. Just avoid backlit scenes (light coming from behind the subject).
• Low-Light Night Shots: Night mode works well for cityscapes or starry skies. I shot a time-lapse of the Milky Way using my DJI Action 4’s 8-second exposure mode.
• Creative Perspectives: Mount the camera on a helmet, bike, or drone for unique angles.

When to Avoid: Limitations to Consider

• Portraits and Close-Ups: The wide-angle lens distorts faces. If you’re shooting a friend, keep them centered and step back.
• Low Light (Without Night Mode): Without stabilization, handheld shots in dim light will be blurry. Use a tripod or lean against a wall.
• Fast-Moving Subjects in Low Light: Autofocus can struggle. Pre-focus on a fixed point (e.g., a tree) before the action happens.
• High-Detail Scenes: A DSLR with a macro lens will outperform an action camera for intricate details (e.g., insect eyes, fabric textures).

Real-World Example: I once tried to photograph a flower up close with my GoPro. The result? A blurry, distorted mess. Switching to my phone’s macro mode fixed it instantly.

Hybrid Scenarios: Mixing Video and Photos

Action cameras excel at hybrid use. For example:

• Record a 4K video of your hike, then extract a frame as a high-res photo (GoPro calls this “Frame Grabs”).
• Use time-lapse mode to capture a sunset, then pick the best single frame for a photo.

Settings and Tips for Stunning Action Camera Photos

Great photos aren’t just about the gear—they’re about how you use it. Here are the settings and techniques that made the biggest difference for me.

Master Your Exposure Settings

Most action cameras offer manual control over:

• ISO: Lower ISO (100–200) = less noise. Higher ISO (800+) = brighter but grainy.
• Shutter Speed: Fast speeds (1/1000s) freeze motion. Slow speeds (1/30s) create motion blur (e.g., waterfalls).
• White Balance: Use “Auto” for most scenes, but set “Daylight” for sunny days or “Cloudy” for overcast.

Tip: In bright sunlight, use a fast shutter speed (1/1000s) and low ISO (100) to avoid overexposure.

Use HDR and Night Mode Strategically

• HDR: Turn it on for high-contrast scenes (e.g., a bright sky and dark foreground). It prevents blown-out highlights or crushed shadows.
• Night Mode: Use for static scenes (e.g., a city skyline). Hold the camera steady or use a tripod. I once shot a night market with my DJI Action 4’s night mode—the colors were vibrant, and the noise was minimal.

Stabilization and Mounting

Action cameras have excellent built-in stabilization (e.g., GoPro’s HyperSmooth), but for photos:

• Use a tripod for time-lapses or night shots.
• Lean against a wall or rock for handheld low-light photos.
• For moving subjects, pre-focus on a fixed point (e.g., a tree) before the action arrives.

Composition Hacks

• Rule of Thirds: Most action cameras have a grid overlay in the app. Use it to place subjects off-center.
• Leading Lines: Use paths, rivers, or shadows to guide the viewer’s eye.
• Negative Space: Let the sky or water fill most of the frame for a minimalist look.

Example: I shot a lone hiker on a ridge with the sky taking up 70% of the frame. The result? A powerful, atmospheric photo.

Comparing Top Action Cameras for Photography (2024)

Not all action cameras are equal when it comes to photos. Here’s how the top models stack up:

Model	Max Photo Resolution	Sensor Size	HDR/Night Mode	Best For
GoPro Hero12	27MP (5.3K frame grab)	1/1.9”	HDR, Night Lapse	All-around versatility
DJI Osmo Action 4	50MP (High Res mode)	1/1.3”	HDR, Night Mode	Low-light and high-resolution
Insta360 Ace Pro	48MP	1/1.3”	HDR, PureVideo (AI denoise)	AI-enhanced photos
GoPro Hero11	27MP	1/1.9”	HDR, Night Lapse	Budget-friendly

Key Takeaway: The DJI Action 4’s larger sensor and 50MP mode make it the best for high-res photos, while the Insta360 Ace Pro’s AI features excel in low light. The GoPro Hero12 balances both.

Post-Processing and Sharing Your Action Camera Photos

Even the best action camera photos can benefit from a little editing. Here’s how to polish your shots for social media, prints, or just your personal collection.

Editing Basics (No Expertise Needed)

• Crop: Fix composition or remove distractions. I often crop out edge distortion from wide-angle shots.
• Exposure: Adjust brightness, shadows, and highlights. Use the histogram to avoid over/underexposure.
• Color: Boost saturation slightly for vibrancy. Reduce highlights if the sky is too bright.
• Sharpness: Add subtle sharpening (avoid overdoing it—it can look artificial).

Tip: Use free tools like Snapseed (mobile) or Lightroom Mobile. For RAW files, Lightroom Classic or Capture One.

AI Tools for Quick Enhancements

• DJI’s AI Enhance: Built into the Action 4. Automatically adjusts exposure and color.
• GoPro’s Cloud Editing: Syncs photos to the cloud and suggests edits.
• Third-Party Apps: Luminar Neo and Topaz Photo AI can upscale, denoise, and enhance details.

Sharing and Storage

• Social Media: Resize photos to 1080×1350 (Instagram) or 1200×630 (Facebook). Compress to JPEG for smaller file sizes.
• Prints: Use RAW files for high-quality prints. Aim for 300 DPI resolution.
• Backup: Transfer photos to a computer or cloud storage (Google Photos, iCloud) regularly.

Conclusion: Yes, You Can Take Great Photos—With the Right Approach

So, can we take photos in action camera? Absolutely. But it’s not as simple as point-and-shoot. Action cameras are incredible tools, but they require a different mindset than traditional photography. They thrive in dynamic, wide-angle, and low-light scenarios—but struggle with portraits, close-ups, and high-detail work.

The secret? Embrace their strengths. Use burst mode for action shots, HDR for landscapes, and night mode for cityscapes. Master manual settings, stabilize your camera, and don’t fear post-processing. And most importantly—experiment! Some of my best photos came from trying something risky, like mounting my camera on a drone or shooting at dusk with a slow shutter.

Action cameras are no longer just for video. With the right settings, techniques, and a bit of creativity, they can capture stunning stills that rival dedicated cameras. So next time you’re on an adventure, don’t hesitate to switch from video to photo mode. You might just surprise yourself.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can we take photos in action camera besides recording videos?

Yes, most action cameras allow you to capture high-resolution photos alongside video recording. Many models feature a dedicated photo mode or a quick snapshot button for instant shots.

What photo resolutions do action cameras support?

Action cameras typically offer resolutions ranging from 12MP to 20MP or higher, depending on the model. Higher-end options like the GoPro Hero series can even capture 23MP stills for crisp, detailed images.

Can we take photos in action camera while recording a video?

Yes, many action cameras let you snap photos simultaneously while recording video. This is a handy feature to ensure you never miss a key moment in both formats.

Are action camera photos as good as DSLR images?

While action cameras deliver impressive quality for their size, they can’t match the detail and dynamic range of a DSLR. However, they excel in portability, durability, and capturing action-packed scenes.

How do burst mode and time-lapse work in action cameras?

Burst mode captures multiple photos in quick succession, ideal for fast-moving subjects. Time-lapse mode takes photos at set intervals, perfect for creating dynamic videos of slow-changing scenes.

Do action cameras work well for low-light photography?

Some modern action cameras have improved low-light performance with larger sensors and night modes. However, they still struggle in very dark environments compared to dedicated low-light cameras.