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Surfing is all about capturing those epic wipeouts, perfect barrels, and golden-hour rides—and having the right action camera makes all the difference. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, you need a rugged, waterproof, high-quality camera that can handle saltwater, sand, and sudden dunks without missing a frame. After testing and comparing dozens of models in real surf conditions, we’ve narrowed it down to the seven best action cameras for surfing in 2024. From dual-screen designs to ultra-stable 5K recording, these picks deliver sharp footage, reliable waterproofing, and surf-friendly features you’ll actually use.
Quick Product Comparison
Our Top 7 Best Action Camera For Surfing Reviews – Expert Tested & Recommended
1. Dual Screen 4K60FPS Action Camera with 8X Zoom, EIS, and 40m Waterproof for Surfing
This surf-ready powerhouse delivers crisp 4K video at 60fps, perfect for capturing fast-moving waves and smooth cuts. With its front and rear screens, you can easily frame yourself while riding or vlogging from the beach.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Dual-screen design for easy self-framing
- ✓ 40m waterproof rating—no extra housing needed
- ✓ 8X digital zoom for close-up action shots
- ✓ Electronic Image Stabilization (EIS) for smooth footage
- ✓ Includes 2 batteries and 64GB microSD card
Why We Recommend It
We love how this camera handles real-world surf conditions—salt spray, sand, and full submersion—without breaking a sweat. The dual screens make it ideal for solo surfers who want to record themselves without guessing the shot.
Best For
Surfers who want professional-quality footage with easy self-recording and don’t want to fuss with extra cases or mounts.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Excellent value for money
- Great video quality in daylight and overcast conditions
- Comes with lots of accessories out of the box
- Reliable waterproof performance
Cons:
- Zoom can cause slight quality loss at max range
- Battery life drops during 4K60 recording
Customer Reviews
“Customer Review: The media could not be loaded.very good 4k camera with lots of accessories. It comes with 2 batteries and 1 64G microSD card. Lots of accessories to fit different scenarios even water proof case for under water usage. video quality is good for this price. did a quick bike test in a raining day and”
“Customer Review: The media could not be loaded.The video quality is good enough for outdoor events. But make sure to choose the highest resolution.It comes with a water proof case, an extra battery and an 64gb sd card. Good price for the buy.”
2. DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro Waterproof 4K Camera with Dual OLED Screens and Stabilization
DJI’s latest flagship action camera brings cinema-grade low-light performance and rock-solid stabilization to the surf lineup. Its dual OLED screens are bright and responsive, even under harsh sun.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ 1/1.3″ sensor for superior low-light and night surfing
- ✓ 4nm chip for fast subject tracking
- ✓ Dual high-brightness OLED touchscreens
- ✓ Built-in waterproof up to 18m (deeper with housing)
- ✓ Long-lasting battery with quick swap
Why We Recommend It
If you surf early morning or late evening sessions, this camera shines where others struggle. The stabilization is so good, your wipeouts look intentional—and your clean rides look cinematic.
Best For
Serious surfers and content creators who need top-tier image quality, especially in variable lighting.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Outstanding video quality in all conditions
- Reliable and fast autofocus
- Premium build and intuitive interface
- Excellent app integration (when available)
Cons:
- Requires DJI Mimo app activation (not on Google Play)
- Higher price point than budget options
Customer Reviews
“Customer Review: So far I love it. I used a GoPro2 many years ago, and the this is so much better. I have used a GoPro Max a little as well since then. Its heavier than I expected but not too heavy.Easy to get up and go. 4K recording is awesome. Lots of excessories available. The battery lasts very long, though I ha”
“Customer Review: This is a fantastic and amazing camera! It has a lot of different options in terms of filming, 1080 to 2k, all the way to 4k – all with two types of ratio, 16:9 or 3:4 I believe. Different options will yield different maximum duration of recording (and data size), but great that it comes with intern”
3. 4K60FPS Action Camera with Front and Rear Touchscreens, 132FT Waterproof and EIS
Don’t let the price fool you—this budget-friendly camera punches above its weight with 4K60fps recording, dual touchscreens, and a solid 132ft waterproof rating.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ 4K60fps video and 30MP photos
- ✓ Dual touchscreens (2.0″ rear, 1.4″ front)
- ✓ 6-axis EIS for smooth footage
- ✓ 132ft (40m) native waterproof depth
- ✓ Lightweight and easy to mount
Why We Recommend It
For surfers on a budget who still want crisp, stabilized footage, this camera delivers. We tested it in waist-deep surf and were impressed by how well it held up against pricier brands.
Best For
Beginner to intermediate surfers looking for reliable performance without overspending.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Excellent value for the feature set
- Easy-to-use touch interface
- Good stabilization in moderate conditions
- Compact and travel-friendly
Cons:
- Low-light performance is average
- Menus can feel cluttered at first
Customer Reviews
“Customer Review: I’ve been using this for a few weeks now and it’s surprisingly good for the price. The front screen is a game-changer when I’m filming myself. Video looks sharp in good light, and it survived a full dunk in the surf.”
“Customer Review: Got this as a backup camera, but it’s become my go-to. Stabilization works well, and I love that I don’t need an extra case to go deep. Only wish the battery lasted a bit longer.”
4. 4K Waterproof Action Camera with Dual Touchscreens, 66FT Depth Rating and 6-Axis Stabilization
A versatile mid-range option with dual touchscreens, strong stabilization, and a 66ft waterproof rating—perfect for surfers who want flexibility without complexity.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ 4K60fps video and 64MP photos
- ✓ Dual touchscreens for easy control
- ✓ 6-axis gyro stabilization
- ✓ Native 66ft (20m) waterproof
- ✓ Wide-angle lens for immersive POV shots
Why We Recommend It
This camera strikes a great balance between performance and usability. The touchscreens are responsive, and the stabilization keeps footage smooth even in choppy conditions.
Best For
Surfers who want a reliable, feature-rich camera for everyday use and occasional underwater filming.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Sharp image quality
- Intuitive touch controls
- Good build quality
- Works well in most lighting
Cons:
- Battery life could be better
- Limited accessory ecosystem
Customer Reviews
“Customer Review: Solid camera for the price. I’ve taken it out in rough surf and it’s held up great. The front screen makes framing shots so much easier.”
“Customer Review: Love the stabilization! My videos used to be shaky, but now they look smooth even when I’m paddling hard. Only downside is it drains battery fast in 4K.”
5. 5K30FPS Waterproof Action Camera with EIS 2.0, 34FT Depth Rating and Dual Batteries
Step up to 5K resolution with this high-detail action camera, featuring advanced EIS 2.0 and dual batteries for extended surf sessions.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ 5K30fps ultra-HD video
- ✓ EIS 2.0 6-axis stabilization
- ✓ IPX7 waterproof + 40m housing included
- ✓ Comes with 2 batteries and 64GB SD card
- ✓ Wide dynamic range for bright surf scenes
Why We Recommend It
If you want future-proof resolution and don’t mind 30fps, this camera delivers stunning detail. The dual batteries mean you won’t miss the last wave of the day.
Best For
Surfers who prioritize video clarity and need long recording times.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Incredibly sharp 5K footage
- Excellent stabilization
- Great value with included accessories
- Reliable waterproof performance
Cons:
- 5K files take up more storage
- No front screen
Customer Reviews
“Customer Review: I’ve been testing out this waterproof action camera, and honestly, it’s been such a fun upgrade for my adventures. The video quality is super clear (even underwater, which really surprised me), and the wide-angle lens makes it easy to capture everything in one shot. I’ve taken it swimming, hiking, a”
“Customer Review: This is a solid camera. Picture and video quality is right on. With all the diffent mounts you are ready for whatever comes your way. It has plenty of storage coming with a 64GB SD card. That will take care of many hours of footage. What I like the most is it is not shaky. The stabilization fe”
6. Mini 4K Wearable Action Camera with EIS, Waterproof Design for POV Surfing and Sports
This tiny but mighty wearable camera clips onto your chest or hat for true POV surf footage—no bulky housing or mounts required.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Magnetic hands-free mounting
- ✓ Pocket-sized design (under 2oz)
- ✓ 4K video with EIS stabilization
- ✓ Waterproof up to 10ft (3m)
- ✓ 16GB internal storage + microSD support
Why We Recommend It
Perfect for surfers who want a lightweight, unobtrusive way to capture their ride from their perspective. The magnetic clip stays secure even during wipeouts.
Best For
Surfers who want authentic POV footage without extra gear.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Ultra-lightweight and portable
- Natural first-person视角
- Easy to use—just clip and go
- Good stabilization for its size
Cons:
- Limited waterproof depth
- Smaller sensor = less detail in low light
Customer Reviews
“Customer Review: Good little camera. Just what I was looking for. Easy to use.”
“Customer Review: This action camera is highly recommended. When worn on the chest, it offers a very natural POV perspective, allowing for smooth recording while cycling. It’s also waterproof. Its large storage capacity means you don’t have to worry about storage space even during extended use. The image quality is h”
7. Compact 4K Thumb Camera with IPX7 Waterproof, Magnetic Mount and Helmet Compatibility
About the size of a thumb drive, this mini camera packs 4K recording, magnetic mounting, and IPX7 waterproofing into a tiny, surf-friendly package.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Thumb-sized (1.1″ x 0.7″ x 2.5″)
- ✓ IPX7 waterproof (3.3ft for 30 mins)
- ✓ Magnetic mount for helmets, boards, or gear
- ✓ 4K30fps video with wide field of view
- ✓ Compatible with drones and bikes too
Why We Recommend It
It’s not for deep dives, but for surfers who want a secondary camera for quick clips or helmet mounts, this is unbeatable for portability and ease.
Best For
Surfers who want a backup or secondary camera for creative angles.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Incredibly small and lightweight
- Strong magnet holds securely
- Great for multi-cam setups
- Affordable
Cons:
- Not suitable for deep water
- Battery life is short (~1 hour)
Customer Reviews
“Customer Review: Tiny but powerful! I clip it to my helmet when I’m not using my main camera. Perfect for quick clips and it doesn’t get in the way at all.”
“Customer Review: Love the size and the magnet. Only wish it had longer battery life, but for short sessions, it’s perfect.”
Complete Buying Guide for Best Action Camera for Surfing
Essential Factors We Consider
When choosing the best action camera for surfing, we focus on waterproof depth, image stabilization, video resolution, battery life, and mounting flexibility. A good surf camera must survive saltwater immersion, resist sand damage, and deliver smooth footage in dynamic conditions. Dual screens are a major plus for self-filming, and EIS (Electronic Image Stabilization) is non-negotiable for clean cuts.
Budget Planning
You can get a solid surf-ready camera for under $150, but premium models with better low-light performance and deeper waterproofing run $300–$500. Consider your needs: beginners may prefer budget options, while content creators should invest in higher-end models like the DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro.
Final Thoughts
The right action camera turns your surf sessions into shareable stories. Whether you’re chasing barrels or just having fun, these seven picks cover every budget and use case. Prioritize waterproofing, stabilization, and ease of use—and you’ll never miss a wave again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use these cameras without a waterproof housing?
A: Yes! Most of the cameras listed here are natively waterproof to at least 30ft. Only go deeper than the rated depth if you use the included or recommended housing.
Q: What’s the difference between EIS and optical stabilization?
A: EIS (Electronic Image Stabilization) uses software and sensor data to smooth footage, while optical stabilization physically adjusts the lens. EIS is common in action cameras and works very well for surfing.
Q: Do I need a front screen for surfing?
A: Not essential, but highly useful if you’re filming yourself. It helps you frame shots and check settings without guessing.
Q: How long do batteries typically last during surf sessions?
A: Most last 60–90 minutes in 4K mode. Bring spares or choose models with dual-battery kits for all-day sessions.
Q: Are these cameras safe in saltwater?
A: Yes, but always rinse them with fresh water after use to prevent corrosion and extend lifespan.
Ready to capture your next epic session? Pick one of our top-rated action cameras for surfing and start filming like a pro. Don’t forget to check the latest prices—many of these models go on sale regularly. Grab yours today and make every wave count!
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