Action cameras are small, rugged cameras for filming sport, travel, cycling, diving and everyday outings hands-free. Our range of over 100 models includes traditional front-facing cameras and 360-degree cameras from brands such as Insta360, SJCAM, DJI and GoPro. They suit riders, skiers, divers and vloggers who want footage from a helmet, handlebar or chest mount.
How to choose an action camera
Camera type. A standard action camera records one forward view and is the simplest to use straight out of the box. A 360-degree camera captures everything around you and lets you pick the framing afterwards, which is handy for cycling and vlogging but means more time editing. Both types are in our range.
Video resolution and frame rate. 4K at 30 or 60 frames per second is the usual benchmark for sharp footage. Higher resolutions such as 5K give you room to crop or reframe later, while 120 frames per second or more at a lower resolution is what you want for slow motion. Simpler budget models may stop at 1080p or 4K at 30 frames per second, which is fine for casual clips.
Stabilisation. Electronic stabilisation smooths the shake from running, mountain biking or skiing, and the better systems also keep the horizon level when the camera rotates. Stronger stabilisation often crops the image slightly, so check how it behaves at your preferred resolution.
Waterproofing and durability. Many action cameras are waterproof to a modest depth without a case, enough for rain, splashes and snorkelling. Deeper diving usually needs a dedicated housing, so check the rated depth and whether the lens can be replaced if it gets scratched.
Battery, storage and mounts. Battery life drops noticeably when you record at the highest settings, so a spare battery is worth having for a full day out. Most models record to microSD cards, and a fast card rated U3 or V30 helps avoid dropped footage at high bitrates. Check which mounts come in the box, because helmet, handlebar and chest fittings are often sold separately.
Action camera brands we carry
- Insta360: known for 360-degree cameras that hide the selfie stick in the final video and reframe footage after recording, alongside its standard action models.
- SJCAM: a long-established maker of affordable action cameras, popular with people buying a first camera or a spare for risky mounts.
- DJI: the drone and gimbal specialist, known in this category for its Osmo Action cameras with strong stabilisation and a good low-light reputation.
- GoPro: the brand that created the modern action camera, with the Hero series and a very large range of mounts and accessories.
Also in our range: LAMAX, Kandao, AgfaPhoto, Blow and GoXtreme.
Action camera FAQ
What is the difference between an action camera and a smartphone?
An action camera is built to be mounted, dropped and splashed, while a smartphone is not. It is also lighter and cheaper to risk on a helmet or handlebar, and it usually offers stronger stabilisation for moving shots. A phone can still be a better choice for casual filming in calm conditions.
Are action cameras waterproof?
Many action cameras are waterproof to a certain depth without a case, but the rating varies by model. Always check the stated depth before swimming or snorkelling. For scuba diving you will normally need a dedicated waterproof housing.
What is a 360 action camera?
A 360 action camera records in every direction at once using two or more lenses. You then choose the viewing angle in an app or editing software, so you cannot miss the moment by pointing the camera the wrong way. It also lets you export a normal flat video from the full sphere.
Which memory card do I need for an action camera?
Most action cameras use a microSD card, and a fast one rated U3 or V30 is the safest choice for 4K video. Slower cards can cause recording to stop or footage to stutter. Capacity depends on how much you film, as high resolutions fill a card quickly.
