In 2016, the action camera market exploded with innovation—offering adventurers, athletes, and content creators more power, durability, and image quality than ever before. Whether you’re shredding mountain trails, surfing epic waves, or capturing your child’s first bike ride, having the right action video camera can make all the difference. This year brought major leaps in stabilization, waterproofing, resolution, and user-friendly features. In this roundup, we’ve tested and compared the top contenders to help you find the perfect match for your active lifestyle—without the fluff or fake hype.
Quick Product Comparison
Our Top 5 Best Action Video Camera 2016 Reviews – Expert Tested & Recommended
1. Apexcam M90 4K Action Camera with 64GB Card, Waterproof, Touchscreen, and EIS Stabilization
The Apexcam M90 delivers impressive 4K video and 64MP photos in a compact, rugged body—perfect for adventurers who want high-end features without breaking the bank. With built-in electronic image stabilization and a responsive touchscreen, it’s ideal for smooth, shake-free footage whether you’re biking, skiing, or snorkeling.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ 4K/60fps video and 64MP photo resolution
- ✓ 6-axis EIS (Electronic Image Stabilization) for ultra-smooth footage
- ✓ IP68 waterproof up to 130 feet with included case
- ✓ Comes with 64GB microSD card and multiple mounting accessories
- ✓ Intuitive touchscreen interface for easy navigation
Why We Recommend It
This camera strikes the perfect balance between performance, durability, and value. It outperforms many pricier models in real-world conditions, especially in stabilization and ease of use. Whether you’re a weekend warrior or a serious content creator, the M90 holds up under pressure.
Best For
Outdoor enthusiasts, travelers, and budget-conscious creators who need reliable 4K recording with solid stabilization and waterproof protection.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Excellent video quality for the price
- Comes with essential accessories (card, mounts, case)
- Easy-to-use touchscreen interface
- Strong battery life and fast charging
Cons:
- Low-light performance could be better
- App connectivity occasionally glitchy
- Limited advanced editing features in-camera
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “I shopped for a tiny sport camera that had to meet two criteria: it had to fit the 3D printed camera mount on my bike and it had to have an HDMI port to play back videos directly on my TV. With the APEXCAM I got both—and the 4K footage looks incredible on my big screen!”
Customer Review: “For a cheap budget build this item works well, 4K in 30 fps is meh but every other resolution works well and quality definitely surprised me. Also get so much for what you order—I would definitely recommend this item!”
2. Insta360 X5 8K 360° Waterproof Action Camera with Invisible Selfie Stick and Rugged Design
The Insta360 X5 redefines what an action camera can do—capturing full 360° footage in stunning 8K resolution. Its invisible selfie stick effect and rugged, waterproof build make it perfect for creative filmmakers and extreme sports lovers who want maximum flexibility in post-production.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Dual 1/1.28″ sensors for 8K30fps 360° video
- ✓ Invisible selfie stick—no visible mount in final footage
- ✓ Triple AI chip for superior low-light performance
- ✓ Fully waterproof up to 10 meters without a case
- ✓ Reflowable lenses for easy repair or replacement
Why We Recommend It
If you’re serious about immersive storytelling, the X5 is unmatched. The ability to reframe any angle after shooting opens up endless creative possibilities. Plus, its build quality and smart software features (like AI tracking) make it a standout in the 360° space.
Best For
Content creators, vloggers, and adventure photographers who want cinematic 360° footage with professional-grade flexibility and durability.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- True 8K 360° video with incredible detail
- Invisible selfie stick creates seamless POV shots
- Excellent low-light performance
- Durable, user-replaceable lens design
Cons:
- Higher price point than standard action cams
- Requires powerful device for smooth editing
- Steeper learning curve for beginners
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “These are awesome cameras—I bought 3 X5s for Gaussian Splatting and the X5 works great. I love that I can replace the lenses myself if they break or get scratched up. BUY YOUR OWN, GOOD SD CARDS! I did have an error about slow speeds with the SanDisk Extreme, but never any issues with the Extreme Plus.”
Customer Review: “Amazing technology that provides clear, crisp, excellently reproduced video in an ingenious 360 format up to 8K resolution… When you consider all of the things this tiny device can do, the price tag—while not cheap—is certainly reasonable. We picked this thing up and took it overseas and within hours had epic shots from cliffs, beaches, and city streets.”
3. 4K 60FPS Waterproof Action Camera with Dual Touchscreens, 6-Axis Stabilization, and 2 Batteries
This no-frills powerhouse delivers 4K/60fps video, dual touchscreens, and rock-solid stabilization—all at a fraction of the cost of premium brands. It’s built for action: waterproof, shockproof, and ready to go right out of the box with two batteries included.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ True 4K/60fps video and 64MP photo capture
- ✓ Front and rear dual touchscreens for easy framing
- ✓ 6-axis gyroscopic stabilization for smooth footage
- ✓ IP68 waterproof rating (with case) and metal body
- ✓ Includes 2 rechargeable batteries and mounting kit
Why We Recommend It
For under $100, this camera punches way above its weight. The dual screens are a game-changer for vlogging, and the stabilization rivals cameras twice its price. It’s simple, reliable, and perfect for anyone starting their action cam journey.
Best For
Budget buyers, students, parents, and casual adventurers who want high-quality video without overspending.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Outstanding value for money
- Dual screens make selfies and vlogging easy
- Solid metal build feels premium
- Comes with extra battery and mounts
Cons:
- App interface is basic and slow
- Audio quality is average (mic picks up wind noise)
- Limited manual controls compared to pro models
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “I am pleasantly surprised by the quality of this camera. It is much more solid than I was expecting. It’s very easy to use and get the WiFi set up. I love that it comes with two batteries so I can always have a fully charged one on hand. It also comes with several different mounting accessories—great for bikes, helmets, and even my dog’s harness!”
Customer Review: “This is the first action camera I’ve used and I’m impressed with the image and video quality. Very crisp, vibrant, and high resolution. It really delivers 4K and 60fps. Audio is okay but that’s not why I got it. Build quality is very nice—it’s a very sturdy metal body. It’s waterproof which is cool.”
4. DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro with 1/1.3″ Sensor, 4K/120fps, Dual OLED Screens, and Subject Tracking
DJI’s flagship action camera brings pro-level imaging to the masses with its massive 1/1.3″ sensor, dual OLED screens, and intelligent subject tracking. Capable of 4K/120fps video, it excels in low light and fast-motion scenarios—making it a favorite among serious creators.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Large 1/1.3″ sensor for superior dynamic range and low-light performance
- ✓ 4K/120fps slow-motion video capability
- ✓ Dual high-res OLED touchscreens (front and back)
- ✓ Advanced subject tracking via 4nm AI chip
- ✓ RockSteady 3.0 stabilization for ultra-smooth footage
Why We Recommend It
If you’re upgrading from a basic cam or switching from a smartphone, the Action 5 Pro feels like a revelation. The image quality is cinematic, the interface is intuitive, and the tracking keeps you centered—even during intense activity.
Best For
Professional creators, athletes, and tech-savvy users who demand top-tier performance, especially in challenging lighting or high-speed environments.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Best-in-class low-light performance
- Crisp, color-accurate OLED displays
- Reliable subject tracking and stabilization
- Robust app ecosystem (once installed)
Cons:
- DJI Mimo app no longer on Google Play (manual install required)
- Premium price tag
- Battery life dips during 4K/120fps recording
Customer Reviews
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 internal storage flexibility.”
Customer Review: “DJI Osmo Action 5 is small enough to fit into the palm of my hand. Yet the sensor is 1/1.3″—which is almost equal to 1″ sensors like some of the high-end cameras now-a-day. In short, the bigger the sensor, the better the pictures and videos. It also performs much better in low light conditions.”
5. DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro Standard Combo with 4K Video, Stabilization, and Waterproof Design
The Standard Combo version of the Action 5 Pro offers the same incredible imaging core but with streamlined accessories—ideal for users who already have mounts or prefer minimal packaging. It retains all the flagship features: 4K video, RockSteady stabilization, and waterproof durability.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Same 1/1.3″ sensor and 4K/120fps capability as the full kit
- ✓ Enhanced subject tracking and night-mode imaging
- ✓ Waterproof up to 18 meters without additional housing
- ✓ Dual OLED screens with bright, clear visibility
- ✓ Lightweight and compact for easy mounting
Why We Recommend It
This is the smarter buy if you don’t need extra mounts or cases. You still get DJI’s best sensor and software, just without the fluff. Perfect for minimalists or those building a custom rig.
Best For
Experienced users, minimalists, and professionals who want the core camera performance without bundled extras.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Same elite image quality as the full combo
- More affordable than the full accessory package
- Lightweight and highly portable
- Excellent stabilization and tracking
Cons:
- No extra mounts or cases included
- App installation hurdle (not on Google Play)
- Battery not user-replaceable
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “I already had a bunch of mounts from my old camera, so the Standard Combo was perfect. The video quality is stunning—especially at night. The dual screens make framing so easy, even when I’m solo filming.”
Customer Review: “Love the compact size and how well it handles motion. Took it skiing last weekend and the footage was buttery smooth. Only downside: had to sideload the app, which was a bit of a hassle.”
Complete Buying Guide for Action Video Cameras
Essential Factors We Consider
When picking the best action video camera, we focus on five key areas: video resolution (4K or higher is ideal), stabilization (EIS or gyro-based), durability (waterproof, shockproof), battery life, and ease of use (touchscreen, app support). We also test real-world performance in motion, low light, and extreme conditions.
Budget Planning
Action cameras range from under $80 to over $500. For casual use, a $100–$150 model like the dual-screen 4K cam offers great value. Serious creators should invest $300+ for better sensors and stabilization. Remember: accessories (mounts, cards, cases) add up—so check what’s included!
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re filming your next mountain bike descent or your kid’s soccer game, the right camera makes memories last. Our top picks balance performance, price, and practicality—so you can focus on the adventure, not the tech.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What’s the difference between 4K/30fps and 4K/60fps?
A: 4K/60fps captures twice as many frames per second, resulting in smoother motion—ideal for fast action like skiing or racing. 4K/30fps is fine for slower scenes and uses less storage.
Q: Do I need a waterproof case if the camera is already waterproof?
A: It depends! Some cameras (like the Insta360 X5) are waterproof without a case up to 10m. Others require a case for deeper dives. Always check the IP rating and depth limit.
Q: Can I use these cameras for live streaming?
A: Most support Wi-Fi and app connectivity, but true live streaming (e.g., to YouTube) is limited. The DJI models offer the best streaming compatibility via RTMP, but setup can be technical.
Q: Are replaceable batteries important?
A: Absolutely—if you’re filming all day (hiking, travel, events), extra batteries are a lifesaver. Look for models that include spares or support swappable packs.
Q: Is 360° video worth it?
A: If you love creative editing and immersive shots, yes! But it requires more storage and processing power. For simple POV footage, a standard action cam is simpler and cheaper.
Ready to capture your next adventure in stunning detail? Whether you’re going for budget-friendly reliability or pro-grade performance, one of these top-rated action video cameras will deliver. Click any “Check Price” button above to compare deals and find your perfect match today!
