An action camera can capture life’s most exhilarating moments. Whether you need one to strap to your head before leaping into the void on your next bungee jump, or you want something waterproof so you can video the kids in the pool, there’s a good option for you. And Prime Day is the perfect opportunity to score a deal on some new camera gear. Below, I’ve rounded up the best action camera deals you can get right now.
If you're hunting for more deals this week, be sure to check out our Best Amazon Prime Day Deals roundup and dip into our Prime Day liveblog.
The Best 360 Camera Deal
GoPro
Max 2 360 Camera
By far the best camera deal this Prime Day is GoPro's Max 2 360 camera, which is currently 40 percent off. The GoPro Max 2 (7/10 WIRED Recommends) is my favorite 360 camera. The dual 14-mm (35-mm equivalent) lenses of the Max 2 each record up to a 1/2.3-inch chip, yielding what GoPro calls “True 8K” (10-bit) video. The larger sensors of the Max 2 provide sharper, clearer footage than other 360 cameras, and you can record 10-bit color in log for greater flexibility in post-production color grading—a capability you’d be hard-pressed to find in other 360 cameras. Even if editing log footage is too much work (I hear you), GoPro's natural-looking color rendition in the default color profile is still the best I've tested.
As with most GoPros, the Max 2 has three mounting options: folding fingers, a tripod hole, and a magnetic system. This means you can mount the Max 2 just about anywhere. It also has the simplest lens-cover replacement process. To do it, just twist off the lenses with your fingers and pop on the new ones. You’ll get all the usual GoPro video modes, including HyperSmooth video stabilization, horizon leveling, TimeWarp, and more.
The one flaw in the Max 2 is its lackluster audio quality. The best way to avoid that issue is to pair the camera with a Bluetooth mic. Also note that if low-light video is on your list of must-haves in an action camera, the Insta360 X5 (below) is probably a better bet. For everyone else, though, this is the 360 camera to get—especially at this discounted price.
The Best Action Camera for Vlogging
Photograph: Scott Gilbertson
Photograph: Scott Gilbertson
Photograph: Scott Gilbertson
Insta360
Ace Pro 2
The Insta360 Ace Pro 2 (8/10 WIRED Recommends) combines a great Leica lens with an 8K-capable sensor and a handy flip-up rear screen, which is why it's my favorite action camera for vlogging. The 8K video is not that great for action footage, but the camera is nice for slower shots, which you can crop and still export to 4K. The standout feature, though, is the rear screen. Other action cameras offer a small front screen to compose selfies, but the Ace Pro 2's entire huge rear screen is there to help you frame yourself. The rear screen also simplifies shooting from the hip and nailing other unusual angles, especially when paired with the Xplorer Grip Pro ($10 off).
The video quality of the Ace Pro 2 is excellent, especially the low-light performance. It also has great battery life. The big downside to the Ace Pro 2 is that it doesn't support 10-bit color, which means you have fewer options to colorize footage in post-production.
The Best Budget Action Camera for Even Less
Photograph: Scott Gilbertson
Photograph: Scott Gilbertson
Photograph: Scott Gilbertson
Photograph: Scott Gilbertson
GoPro
Lit Hero
The wee little Lit Hero is GoPro's smallest, lightest, cheapest action camera. It's my favorite GoPro for selfies thanks to the included light. The cluster of four LEDs next to the lens ensures this camera keeps you well-lit in every scene. The Lit Hero isn't quite as capable video-wise as the Hero 13 Black (also on sale, see below), but it can shoot 4K at 60 fps, and the battery held up for a respectable 101 minutes during my test (shooting a 4K 60 fps video).
Other Great Action and 360 Camera Deals
Insta360
X5 360 Camera
Intsa360's flagship 360 camera has a lot to offer—twin 1/1.28" sensors with nearly 8K video, good dynamic range, and solid—if sometimes oversaturated—color. It's also got great battery life, and the lens covers are replaceable.
GoPro
Hero 13 Creator Bundle
If you're planning to film yourself, this is the GoPro Hero 13 bundle to get. It includes a light, battery grip, tripod, remote, Media Mod, and an Enduro battery.
Olympus
Tough TG-7
The TG-7 hasn't been updated in years, but it's still the best action camera for shooting underwater. The oversize 1/2.33'' CMOS sensor is wrapped in a camera body that stands up to just about any abuse you can throw at it.
Insta360
X4 Air
Insta360's X4 Air offers very nearly the same video quality as the X5, but at a lower price in a smaller and lighter body. The sensors are smaller, but I haven't noticed a huge quality difference between the two unless you go pixel peeping. The far bigger difference is that X4 Air does not offer Insta360's low-light PureVideo Mode. But for daytime shooting, this is a great budget option.
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