Best Action Camera That Can Shoot Stars Stunning Night Sky Footage

The best action camera for shooting stars delivers stunning night sky footage with exceptional low-light performance and long-exposure capabilities. Models like the GoPro Hero12 Black and DJI Osmo Action 4 stand out with advanced sensors, starry night modes, and rugged, weatherproof designs perfect for capturing the Milky Way in remote, dark-sky locations. Whether you’re a night-sky enthusiast or adventure filmmaker, these cameras turn celestial moments into breathtaking 4K masterpieces.

Key Takeaways

• Choose a high ISO range: Ensures clear star footage in low light.
• Prioritize wide apertures: f/2.8 or lower captures more starlight.
• Look for 4K night modes: Delivers sharp, detailed night sky videos.
• Stabilization is critical: Reduces blur in long-exposure star shots.
• Check battery life: Longer shoots need extended or swappable power.
• Use manual settings: Adjust shutter speed for Milky Way clarity.

Why Shooting Stars With an Action Camera Is the Ultimate Adventure Hack

Imagine this: You’re camping in the middle of a remote desert, far from city lights, and the sky explodes with stars. The Milky Way stretches across the horizon like a cosmic brushstroke. You reach for your action camera—not to record a bike jump or a dive off a cliff—but to capture the night sky in all its glory. Sounds like a fantasy? It’s not. With the right action camera that can shoot stars, this dream is totally within reach.

Most people associate action cameras with adrenaline-pumping activities—surfing, skiing, skydiving. But these compact, rugged devices have evolved into powerful tools for astrophotography. Whether you’re a night-sky enthusiast, a backpacker chasing the northern lights, or a content creator looking to diversify your visuals, shooting stars with an action camera opens up a whole new world. No bulky DSLRs, no complicated setups. Just point, shoot, and let the stars do the rest.

What Makes an Action Camera Great for Shooting Stars?

You might be thinking, “Can’t I just use my phone?” And sure, some smartphones have impressive night modes. But when it comes to reliability, durability, and consistent performance in extreme conditions, an action camera that can shoot stars beats a phone every time. Here’s what separates the good from the truly stellar.

1. Low-Light Sensor Performance

The heart of any star-shooting camera is its sensor. For night sky footage, you need a sensor that can capture faint light without introducing too much noise. Look for cameras with larger pixel sizes (measured in micrometers, like 2.4µm or higher) and high ISO sensitivity (up to 6400 or more).

For example, the GoPro Hero12 Black uses a 1/1.9” sensor with improved low-light performance over its predecessors. It’s not the biggest sensor out there, but thanks to advanced noise reduction and HDR processing, it delivers surprisingly clean footage at night.

Pro tip: Shoot in RAW or ProTune mode (if available) to preserve more data for post-processing. This gives you flexibility to adjust exposure, shadows, and color grading later.

2. Wide-Aperture Lens

Aperture is just as crucial as sensor size. A wide aperture (low f-number, like f/2.0 or f/2.8) lets in more light, which is essential when capturing stars. The wider the aperture, the faster you can shoot without needing super long exposures that risk star trails.

The DJI Osmo Action 4 shines here with its f/2.0 aperture and 1/1.3” sensor—one of the largest in the action camera market. This combo allows it to capture bright, detailed night sky shots even in near-total darkness.

Real-world example: I once shot the Perseid meteor shower in the Nevada desert. With the Action 4 at f/2.0, ISO 800, and a 15-second exposure, I got clear shots of the Milky Way and a few bright meteors. My friend with a phone (f/1.8, but smaller sensor) had much noisier footage.

3. Stabilization and Mounting Options

Even at night, stability matters. A shaky shot ruins the magic. Look for cameras with HyperSmooth (GoPro), RockSteady (DJI), or similar stabilization tech. These help reduce micro-vibrations from wind, your breathing, or uneven surfaces.

Mounting is just as important. Action cameras thrive because of their versatility. Use a tripod, suction cup, or even a chest mount to keep your camera steady during long exposures. I’ve used a small GorillaPod with my GoPro on a rock during a full moon—worked perfectly.

Bonus: Some cameras have built-in horizon leveling. This keeps your night sky shots perfectly aligned, even if your tripod isn’t.

4. Manual Controls and Night Mode

Auto modes are great for daytime, but at night, you need control. The best action cameras for shooting stars let you manually adjust ISO, shutter speed, white balance, and focus.

GoPro’s “Night Photo” and “Night Lapse” modes are game-changers. They use multi-frame stacking to reduce noise and boost detail. The Hero12 Black, for instance, can stack up to 8 frames in a single shot—resulting in cleaner, brighter night photos.

DJI’s Osmo Action 4 has a dedicated “Starlight Mode” that automatically optimizes settings for low light. It’s not as customizable as GoPro’s manual controls, but it’s great for beginners who want stunning results with minimal effort.

5. Battery Life and Temperature Tolerance

Shooting stars often means cold nights in remote areas. A camera that dies after 30 minutes of night filming is useless. Look for models with swappable batteries and good cold-weather performance.

The Insta360 ONE RS (1-inch edition) has a removable 1445mAh battery that lasts about 70 minutes of 4K/30fps night recording. It also handles temps down to -10°C (14°F)—perfect for alpine or desert nights.

Pro tip: Carry extra batteries and keep them warm (store in an inner pocket). Cold drains power fast. Also, use a power bank with a low-power mode to avoid accidentally triggering the camera’s auto-shutdown.

Top 5 Action Cameras That Can Shoot Stars (2024 Review)

Now that you know what to look for, let’s dive into the best models currently on the market. I’ve tested each of these in real-world night conditions—from city outskirts to high-altitude deserts. Here’s how they stack up.

1. DJI Osmo Action 4 – The Night Sky King

Sensor: 1/1.3”, 16:9 aspect ratio
Aperture: f/2.0
ISO Range: 100–6400
Night Modes: Starlight Mode, 4K/60fps night video
Stabilization: RockSteady 3.0 + HorizonSteady
Battery: 1770mAh, swappable

The Osmo Action 4 is hands-down the best action camera that can shoot stars in 2024. Its large sensor and wide aperture make it a low-light powerhouse. In my tests, it captured the Milky Way with minimal noise—something most action cameras struggle with.

What I love: Starlight Mode is intuitive. Point, press record, and it handles the rest. The footage looks cinematic, with rich colors and smooth transitions between light and dark areas.

What I don’t love: The touchscreen can be sluggish in cold weather. Also, the lens cap is easy to lose (ask me how I know).

Best for: Beginners and pros who want stunning night sky footage with minimal setup.

2. GoPro Hero12 Black – The Reliable All-Rounder

Sensor: 1/1.9”, 8:7 aspect ratio
Aperture: f/2.5
ISO Range: 100–6400
Night Modes: Night Photo, Night Lapse, HDR
Stabilization: HyperSmooth 6.0 + Horizon Lock
Battery: 1720mAh, swappable

The Hero12 Black isn’t the best in low light—but it’s the most consistent. I’ve used it for years, and it never fails. The Night Lapse mode is perfect for capturing the Milky Way moving across the sky. You can set it to take photos every 5 seconds, then compile them into a timelapse.

What I love: The manual controls are excellent. You can tweak every setting, which is great for advanced users. The HDR mode helps balance bright stars and dark shadows.

What I don’t love: The smaller sensor means more noise at high ISO. You’ll need to use noise reduction in post.

Best for: Content creators who want flexibility and proven reliability.

3. Insta360 ONE RS (1-inch Edition) – The Detail Specialist

Sensor: 1-inch, 4:3 aspect ratio
Aperture: f/2.4
ISO Range: 100–6400
Night Modes: 5.3K/30fps night video, AI noise reduction
Stabilization: FlowState + Horizon Lock
Battery: 1445mAh, swappable

The 1-inch sensor is a big deal. It captures more detail and less noise than smaller sensors. I used this to shoot the northern lights in Iceland. The colors were vibrant, and the stars looked sharp—even when zoomed in.

What I love: The modular design lets you swap lenses. You can use a 360 mod for immersive night sky shots or a 4K mod for standard footage.

What I don’t love: The 1-inch mod is bulky. Not ideal if you want to keep your setup minimal.

Best for: Photographers who prioritize image quality over portability.

4. Insta360 Ace Pro – The AI-Powered Night Shooter

Sensor: 1/1.3”, 16:9 aspect ratio
Aperture: f/2.6
ISO Range: 100–6400
Night Modes: 4K/120fps night video, PureVideo AI
Stabilization: FlowState + Horizon Lock
Battery: 1700mAh, swappable

The Ace Pro is a newer model, but it’s already making waves. Its “PureVideo AI” mode uses machine learning to reduce noise and enhance star visibility. I tested it in a light-polluted area—still got decent Milky Way shots.

What I love: The flip-up screen is perfect for framing night shots. Also, the AI works surprisingly well.

What I don’t love: The AI can over-process footage, making stars look too bright or artificial.

Best for: Tech-savvy users who want AI-enhanced night footage.

5. Akaso Brave 8 – The Budget Night Option

Sensor: 1/2.3”, 16:9 aspect ratio
Aperture: f/2.8
ISO Range: 100–3200
Night Modes: Night Photo, 4K/30fps night video
Stabilization: EIS (Electronic Image Stabilization)
Battery: 1350mAh, swappable

Don’t let the price fool you. The Brave 8 can shoot stars—if you’re patient. It’s not as powerful as the DJI or GoPro, but it’s a solid choice for beginners.

What I love: It’s affordable and easy to use. The Night Photo mode works well for single shots.

What I don’t love: The smaller sensor struggles in very dark conditions. You’ll need a tripod and long exposures (20+ seconds).

Best for: Budget-conscious adventurers who want to try star photography.

How to Shoot Stars Like a Pro: Tips and Settings

Having the right camera is just the start. To get stunning night sky footage, you need the right technique. Here’s how to do it.

1. Find a Dark Sky Spot

Light pollution kills star visibility. Use apps like Dark Sky Finder or Light Pollution Map to find areas with low Bortle scale ratings (1–3 is ideal). I once drove 2 hours out of Las Vegas to shoot the Milky Way—worth every minute.

2. Use a Tripod or Stable Surface

Even the best stabilization can’t fix a wobbly tripod. Use a small GorillaPod, a rock, or a car roof. Make sure it’s level and won’t move in the wind.

3. Manual Settings for Night Sky

Here’s a quick cheat sheet for manual mode:

• Shutter Speed: 15–30 seconds (longer = more light, but risk of star trails)
• ISO: 800–3200 (higher = brighter, but more noise)
• Aperture: Use the widest (lowest f-number) available
• White Balance: 3200K–4000K (warmer tones for stars)
• Focus: Manual focus set to infinity (use live view and zoom in on a bright star)

Pro tip: Shoot in 10-bit color if available. It gives you more flexibility in post-processing.

4. Use a Remote or Timer

Every time you touch the camera, you risk blur. Use a remote control, smartphone app, or set a 2-second timer.

5. Shoot in Burst or Time-Lapse

For timelapses: Set intervals of 5–10 seconds. For single shots: Use burst mode to capture meteors or auroras.

Real-World Examples: Night Sky Footage From the Field

Let’s look at some actual footage I’ve captured with these cameras.

Example 1: Milky Way in the Mojave Desert

Camera: DJI Osmo Action 4
Settings: f/2.0, ISO 1600, 20s exposure, Starlight Mode
Result: Crisp Milky Way, minimal noise, vibrant colors. I used a tripod and remote trigger. The footage looked amazing on a 4K TV.

Example 2: Northern Lights in Iceland

Camera: Insta360 ONE RS (1-inch mod)
Settings: f/2.4, ISO 2000, 15s exposure, FlowState stabilization
Result: Smooth, colorful auroras with sharp stars. The 1-inch sensor handled the dynamic range perfectly.

Example 3: Meteor Shower in Arizona

Camera: GoPro Hero12 Black
Settings: f/2.5, ISO 3200, 15s exposure, Night Lapse (5s interval)
Result: Captured 3 meteors in a 2-hour timelapse. The HyperSmooth kept the horizon level, even as the sky rotated.

Action Camera vs. DSLR for Shooting Stars: The Honest Breakdown

You might wonder: “Why not just use a DSLR?” It’s a fair question. DSLRs have larger sensors and better lenses. But here’s the reality.

DSLRs are great for professional astrophotography. But they’re heavy, fragile, and require a tripod, intervalometer, and sometimes a star tracker. Action cameras? They’re lightweight, durable, and can be mounted anywhere.

For example, I once attached my Osmo Action 4 to a drone to capture the Milky Way from 400 feet. Try that with a DSLR and a $3,000 lens.

Action cameras also have better battery life for long night shoots. And with built-in stabilization, you can even handhold short exposures (if you’re steady).

That said, action cameras have limits. They can’t match the dynamic range or detail of a full-frame DSLR. If you’re printing large or doing scientific work, go for the DSLR. But for most adventurers and content creators, an action camera that can shoot stars is the perfect blend of power and portability.

Final Thoughts: Which Action Camera Should You Choose?

After testing dozens of models, here’s my take: If you want the best overall performance, go with the DJI Osmo Action 4. It’s the most reliable, user-friendly, and capable night sky shooter out there.

If you’re on a budget, the Akaso Brave 8 is a solid starter. And if you want maximum detail, the Insta360 ONE RS (1-inch) is unbeatable.

Remember: No camera is perfect. Even the best action camera that can shoot stars will need good technique, dark skies, and a bit of patience. But once you nail it—seeing your footage of the Milky Way, northern lights, or a meteor shower—you’ll realize it was worth every second.

So grab your camera, head to the hills, and point it at the sky. The stars are waiting.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best action camera that can shoot stars?

The DJI Osmo Action 4 and GoPro Hero12 Black are top contenders for capturing stunning night sky footage. Both offer large sensors, advanced low-light performance, and long exposure modes ideal for astrophotography.

Can action cameras really capture the Milky Way?

Yes, high-end models like the Insta360 Ace Pro with 1/1.3″ sensors can shoot the Milky Way using night mode and manual settings. A stable mount and dark sky location are essential for best results.

How do I set up my action camera for star photography?

Enable manual mode, set ISO 800-1600, use 5-30 second exposures, and disable image stabilization. For the best action camera that can shoot stars, pair these settings with a wide-angle lens (like 16mm equivalent) and a tripod.

Which action camera has the best low-light performance for night skies?

The Insta360 Ace Pro excels with its 1/1.3″ sensor and f/2.6 aperture, capturing 4K star footage with minimal noise. GoPro Hero12’s HyperSmooth 6.0 also improves night footage stability.

Do I need a special lens for shooting stars with an action camera?

Most built-in lenses work well, but consider a 4K action camera that can shoot stars with an ultra-wide FOV (like 155°). Some third-party fisheye lenses can enhance constellation visibility in night shots.

Can I use an action camera for time-lapse astrophotography?

Absolutely. Cameras like the DJI Osmo Action 4 have built-in star-lapse modes. Set 2-5 second intervals over 30+ minutes to create stunning night sky movement sequences.