Can You Take Pictures With Action Cameras Expert Guide

Yes, you can absolutely take high-quality pictures with action cameras, despite their reputation for video. Models like the GoPro Hero and DJI Osmo Action deliver sharp, vibrant photos with advanced features like RAW capture, HDR, and customizable settings—perfect for adrenaline-filled moments or creative stills. They’re not just for video anymore, offering a compact, rugged solution for both photos and footage.

Key Takeaways

• Yes, action cameras can take high-quality photos in rugged, fast-moving environments.
• Use burst mode to capture fast action without missing critical moments.
• Adjust resolution settings to balance image quality and storage space efficiently.
• Leverage wide-angle lenses for immersive shots in tight or dynamic spaces.
• Enable RAW format for greater post-processing control and detail retention.
• Stabilize with mounts to reduce blur and ensure sharp, clear images.

Can You Take Pictures With Action Cameras? The Truth Revealed

Let’s be real—action cameras have a reputation. They’re the go-to gear for adrenaline junkies, extreme athletes, and travel vloggers. You see them mounted on helmets, bikes, surfboards, and even drones, capturing breathtaking footage of skydives, mountain climbs, and underwater dives. But here’s the burning question: can you take pictures with action cameras? Not just shaky clips of your dog chasing a squirrel, but actual, high-quality photos you’d proudly hang on your wall?

Spoiler alert: yes, you absolutely can. But it’s not quite as straightforward as pulling out your smartphone and tapping the screen. Action cameras are built for speed, durability, and motion—not necessarily for the precision and control of traditional photography. That said, with the right settings, techniques, and a little patience, your action cam can surprise you. I learned this the hard way when I tried to document a sunrise hike last year. My GoPro Hero 11 captured stunning video, but the stills? Not so much. After some trial and error, I discovered that action cameras are more than capable of taking great photos—you just need to know how to use them right. And that’s exactly what we’re diving into today.

How Action Cameras Differ From Regular Cameras

Before we jump into the “how,” let’s talk about the “why.” Why do action cameras feel so different from your DSLR or mirrorless setup? Why don’t they just take great photos out of the box? The answer lies in their design philosophy. Action cams are built for one thing above all else: survival. They need to be compact, rugged, and ready for anything—whether that’s a 50-foot drop, a saltwater dunk, or a dusty desert trail. This leads to some trade-offs when it comes to photography.

Sensor Size and Image Quality

Most action cameras use relatively small sensors—often around 1/2.3 inches. For comparison, a full-frame DSLR sensor is about 35 times larger. Smaller sensors mean less light capture, which can result in noisier photos in low light. However, modern action cams like the DJI Osmo Action 4 and Insta360 X3 have made big strides in sensor technology. The Osmo Action 4, for instance, uses a 1/1.3-inch sensor, which is significantly better in low light than older models.

Still, don’t expect the same dynamic range or bokeh (background blur) you’d get from a larger sensor. But for bright daylight, fast-paced scenes, or wide-angle shots, they hold up surprisingly well.

Fixed Lens and Wide-Angle Perspective

Action cams almost always come with a fixed, ultra-wide lens—typically around 14mm equivalent. This is great for capturing sweeping landscapes or fitting a whole mountain biker into the frame. But it’s a double-edged sword. The wide angle can distort faces if you get too close (ever seen a selfie where your nose looks three times bigger? That’s the culprit).

On the flip side, this perspective is perfect for environmental portraits, group shots, and creative compositions where you want to emphasize the setting. Think of it as a built-in storytelling tool—every photo says, “Look at where I am!”

Limited Manual Controls

Many action cameras are designed to be “point-and-shoot” in video mode, with automatic settings for exposure, white balance, and focus. While newer models offer manual photo modes (shutter speed, ISO, RAW), they’re often buried in menus or limited compared to DSLRs.

For example, the GoPro Hero 12 lets you shoot in RAW, which gives you more editing flexibility, but you can’t adjust focus manually. It’s fixed—usually set for hyperfocal distance (everything from 3 feet to infinity is sharp). This works great for action shots but can be frustrating if you want to isolate a subject.

Best Action Cameras for Photography in 2024

Not all action cams are created equal when it comes to stills. Some prioritize video, while others are surprisingly strong in photo mode. Here’s a breakdown of the top contenders for 2024, based on real-world testing, image quality, and usability.

GoPro Hero 12 Black

The gold standard for action cameras, the Hero 12 is a beast for both video and stills. It shoots 27MP photos, supports HEIF and RAW formats, and has improved HDR processing. The new HyperSmooth 6.0 stabilization makes handheld photos look shockingly smooth. I tested it during a rainy hike—despite the gloomy light, the photos had rich detail and minimal noise.

Best for: Travel, adventure, and low-light scenarios where you need reliable, high-res shots.

DJI Osmo Action 4

This one’s a game-changer. With a 1/1.3-inch sensor, it outperforms the GoPro in low light. I took it on a night kayaking trip, and the photos of the stars reflecting on the water were stunning—way better than my phone. It also has a front screen, which is a lifesaver for selfies and vlogging.

Best for: Night photography, underwater shots, and situations with challenging lighting.

Insta360 X3

Unique because it’s a 360-degree camera. You can shoot a full sphere, then reframe the photo later in the app. I used it at a music festival—captured the whole crowd, then picked the perfect angle in post. It’s not traditional photography, but it’s incredibly versatile.

Best for: Creative compositions, immersive storytelling, and situations where you can’t predict the perfect shot.

Sony RX0 II

The outlier here. It’s an action cam with a 1-inch sensor—same size as high-end compact cameras. The image quality is miles ahead of most action cams, with better color depth and less noise. But it’s pricier and less rugged. I used it on a beach shoot—photos looked like they were taken with a $1,000 camera.

Best for: Photographers who want DSLR-like quality in a tiny, tough body.

Comparison Table: Action Camera Photo Specs

Camera	Photo Resolution	Sensor Size	RAW Support	Front Screen	Best Use Case
GoPro Hero 12	27MP	1/1.3″	Yes	No	All-around adventure
DJI Osmo Action 4	12MP	1/1.3″	Yes	Yes	Low light, vlogging
Insta360 X3	72MP (360)	1/2″	Yes	Yes	Reframing, creativity
Sony RX0 II	15.3MP	1″	Yes	Yes	High-quality stills

As you can see, there’s no one-size-fits-all. If you want the best image quality, the Sony RX0 II wins. But if you need ruggedness and ease of use, GoPro or DJI are safer bets.

How to Take Great Photos With an Action Camera

Now that you know which cameras to consider, let’s talk about how to actually take great photos. Action cams aren’t point-and-shoot in the traditional sense. They require a different mindset. Here’s what I’ve learned after years of using them in the wild.

Use the Right Shooting Mode

Most action cams have multiple photo modes:

• Single Shot: Standard still. Good for landscapes and posed shots.
• Time Lapse: Takes a photo every few seconds. Great for sunsets, clouds, or construction.
• Burst Mode: Shoots 3-30 frames per second. Perfect for fast action (e.g., a dog jumping, a wave crashing).
• Night Mode: Long exposure for low light. Use a tripod!
• SuperPhoto: GoPro’s AI-enhanced mode. Automatically adjusts HDR, noise, and sharpening.

I used burst mode to capture a mountain biker mid-air. Got 12 shots—one of them was absolutely perfect. Without burst, I’d have missed it entirely.

Stabilize Your Shot

Even with built-in stabilization, movement can blur your photos. Here’s how to keep it steady:

• Use a tripod or monopod: Especially for night shots or long exposures.
• Lean against something: A tree, wall, or your own body.
• Use the camera’s built-in horizon leveling: Prevents tilted photos.
• Shoot in burst mode: Increases chances of a sharp frame.

I once tried to take a photo of a waterfall from a wobbly kayak. The result? A blurry mess. Lesson learned: stability is key, even for “action” shots.

Master Exposure Settings

If your camera supports manual mode, learn it. Here’s what to tweak:

• Shutter Speed: Faster (1/1000s+) freezes motion. Slower (1/30s or less) creates motion blur (great for waterfalls).
• ISO: Lower ISO (100-400) = less noise. Increase only in low light.
• White Balance: Auto works, but set manually for consistent color (e.g., “Daylight” for sunny scenes).
• Exposure Compensation: Adjust brightness without changing shutter or ISO.

I shot a sunrise using manual mode: 1/125s, ISO 100, f/2.8. The photo had rich golds and deep shadows—exactly what I wanted.

Frame Your Shot Creatively

Action cams have wide angles, so use that to your advantage:

• Get close to the foreground: A rock, leaf, or person in the front adds depth.
• Use leading lines: Trails, rivers, or roads draw the eye.
• Include context: Show the environment, not just the subject.
• Try unusual angles: Mount the camera low for a “ground’s-eye view.”

I once placed my GoPro on a beach, facing the waves. The photo looked like it was taken by a tiny sea creature—unique and eye-catching.

Post-Processing Tips for Action Camera Photos

Great photos don’t end when you press the shutter. Post-processing can turn a good shot into a great one—especially with action cameras, which often need a little help.

Use RAW for Maximum Flexibility

If your camera supports RAW, shoot in it. RAW files retain more detail in shadows and highlights. I shot a sunset in RAW, then pulled out details in the dark rocks and bright sky during editing. With JPEG, those areas would have been lost.

Tools: Lightroom, Capture One, or even free options like Darktable.

Correct Lens Distortion

Wide-angle lenses distort straight lines (e.g., horizons, buildings). Most editing software has a “lens correction” tool. Apply it automatically or manually tweak the perspective.

I once shot a photo of a cabin in the woods. The walls looked like they were leaning. A quick fix in Lightroom straightened them out.

Enhance Colors and Contrast

Action cam photos can look flat. Try:

• Boost vibrance (not saturation): Adds color without oversaturating.
• Adjust contrast: Use curves or sliders for depth.
• Use HDR presets: Recovers lost highlights/shadows.

I edited a photo of a forest hike—added a touch of green vibrance and contrast. Suddenly, the photo felt alive.

Remove Noise

Low-light photos often have grain. Use noise reduction tools, but don’t overdo it—too much can make the photo look “waxy.”

I shot a bonfire at night. The original was grainy. After noise reduction, it looked clean but still natural.

When Action Cameras Shine (And When They Don’t)

Let’s be honest: action cameras aren’t for every photo. They excel in certain situations but fall short in others. Here’s where they truly shine—and where you might want to reach for a different camera.

Best Use Cases

• Adventure and travel: Mount it on your backpack, helmet, or bike. Capture moments hands-free.
• Underwater photography: Most action cams are waterproof to 10-30 meters. Perfect for snorkeling, diving, or pool shots.
• Selfies and vlogging: The wide angle fits you and the background. Front screens help you frame it right.
• Creative angles: Chest mounts, helmet cams, or pole shots give unique perspectives.
• Time-lapse and burst shots: Ideal for fast action or slow changes (e.g., clouds moving).

I used my DJI Osmo Action 4 to film a coral reef dive. The photos of fish and coral looked vibrant, even 15 meters down.

When to Avoid Action Cams

• Portraits: The wide angle distorts faces. Use a phone or DSLR instead.
• Low-light without a tripod: Handheld night photos will be noisy.
• Macro photography: You can’t get close-up detail of insects or flowers.
• Professional work: If you need high-resolution prints or commercial use, a larger sensor is better.
• Controlled environments: In a studio or posed shoot, a traditional camera offers more control.

I tried to take a portrait of a friend on a cliff. The photo was cool, but her face was distorted. Switched to my phone—got the perfect shot.

Conclusion: Yes, You Can Take Great Photos With Action Cameras

So, can you take pictures with action cameras? Absolutely. But it’s not about replacing your DSLR or phone—it’s about adding a new tool to your creative arsenal. Action cameras are for the moments you can’t plan, the scenes you can’t control, and the adventures you want to remember from a unique perspective.

They’re not perfect. The small sensors, wide angles, and limited controls mean you’ll need to work a little harder. But that’s part of the fun. Every great photo you take with an action cam comes from problem-solving, creativity, and a willingness to experiment. Whether you’re capturing a sunrise from a kayak, a mountain biker mid-air, or a coral reef 20 meters below the surface, your action cam can deliver stunning results—if you know how to use it.

So grab your camera, head outside, and start shooting. Try burst mode for action, night mode for stars, and RAW for editing freedom. Don’t be afraid to fail—some of my best photos came from mistakes. And remember: the goal isn’t to mimic a DSLR. It’s to tell your story in a way only an action camera can. Because sometimes, the best pictures aren’t the ones you plan. They’re the ones you capture—mid-adventure, wide-eyed, and ready for anything.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you take pictures with action cameras, or are they just for video?

Yes, you can absolutely take high-quality photos with action cameras! Most models, like GoPro and DJI, offer robust photo modes including single shots, burst mode, and time-lapse, alongside their famous video capabilities.

What kind of photo quality can I expect from an action camera?

Modern action cameras deliver sharp 12MP–20MP photos with excellent dynamic range, ideal for outdoor and low-light conditions. While not a DSLR replacement, they excel in rugged, fast-paced environments where durability matters.

Can you take pictures with action cameras in extreme conditions?

Definitely. Action cameras are built to withstand water, shocks, and extreme temperatures, making them perfect for capturing photos during skydiving, surfing, or mountain biking—situations where traditional cameras would fail.

Are action cameras good for selfies or group photos?

Yes! Many action cameras feature wide-angle lenses and voice controls, making them great for selfies, group shots, and creative angles. Flip screens on some models (like GoPro HERO) help frame your shots easily.

Do action cameras support RAW photo format for editing?

Many high-end action cameras, including recent GoPro and Insta360 models, support RAW photo capture. This gives you greater flexibility in post-processing for exposure, white balance, and color grading.

How do action camera photos compare to smartphone photos?

Action cameras often outperform smartphones in dynamic environments due to superior stabilization, ruggedness, and wide-angle lenses. However, smartphones may offer better detail in controlled lighting and advanced computational photography.