Many fashions now assist HDR for vibrant colours, slo-mo for dramatic impact and superior settings like adjustable facet ratio and body charges. Some are even designed as a single-lens answer that may nonetheless provide you with gorgeous outcomes, with out the complexity of multi-camera rigs. And when you’re planning lengthy shoots or journey adventures, don’t neglect to search for further batteries and a dependable SD card — two necessities that make an enormous distinction in how a lot you may seize on the go.
Whether or not you are new to the world of video cameras otherwise you’re a seasoned professional, this shopping for information covers our high picks throughout totally different worth factors and use instances. From high-end rigs to the most effective waterproof digital camera choices, we’ll assist you to discover the most effective motion cam with the compatibility and options you must seize each epic second.
Finest motion cameras for 2025
GoPro
GoPro’s Hero 13 continues to be the most effective motion digital camera total, even with DJI nipping at its heels. Whereas it hasn’t modified a lot from the Hero 12 on the within, outdoors is an entire new story. It’s now accessible with a brand new household of modular lenses referred to as the HB collection (ultra-wide, anamorphic and macro), making it much more versatile. It additionally has a barely greater battery that permits longer seize occasions — as much as 90 minutes for 4K 30fps video.
Different specs stay the identical, together with decision as much as 5.3K at 60fps in 10-bit coloration with excessive knowledge charges, and eight:7 seize that makes use of your complete sensor. In any other case, the Hero 13 nonetheless has the most effective digital stabilization (aka Hypersmooth) of any motion digital camera, a full-color entrance display screen and the most effective picture high quality in its class. It additionally has the widest vary of equipment, with all the pieces from mounts to waterproof remotes to harnesses. The principle downside is the mediocre low-light functionality — one space the place DJI’s Osmo Motion 5 Professional is superior.
$450 at Adorama
Steve Dent for Engadget
Options: Waterproof 20m (with out case), 60m (with waterproof case), topic monitoring, sluggish movement, timelapse, stabilization, quick charging | Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth | Storage media: microSD | Sensor: 1/1.3″ CMOS | Photograph decision: 40MP (7296×5472) | Video decision: 4K | Video format: MP4 | Optical zoom: Not specified | Inner storage capability: 64GB
Learn our full DJI Osmo Motion 5 Professional evaluation
DJI has dominated the drone and gimbal classes, however motion cams appeared to vex the corporate. It lastly broke that jinx with the Motion 5 Professional, which stands up effectively to the GoPro 13. Its finest function is the massive 1/1.3-inch sensor that makes it higher than its rival in low mild. It additionally tops the motion cam battery life charts at effectively over two hours whereas capturing in 4K 60p. One other good function is 47GB of inner storage, an enormous assist when you fill or neglect your microSD reminiscence card. And the Osmo Motion 5 Professional works immediately with DJI’s noise-cancelling Mic 2 and Mic Mini wi-fi microphones, offering a straightforward strategy to file high-quality sound.
The Motion 5 Professional’s important downsides are comparatively low decision and barely poorer stabilization in comparison with the competitors. DJI’s system tops out at 4K 120fps, which is decrease than the Go Professional Her 13’s f.3K 60fps (each can file log, although). And whereas the DJI digital camera’s stabilization is succesful, it does not fairly match the excellence of the GoPro 13.
$349 at Amazon
Mat Smith for Engadget
Options: Waterproof 10m, topic monitoring, sluggish movement, timelapse, stabilization, 360-degree seize | Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, USB-C | Storage media: microSD | Sensor: 1/2” | Photograph decision: 72MP (11904×5952) | Video decision: 8K (360 mode), 4K (Single-Lens/Me-mode) | Video format: MP4 | Optical zoom: Not specified | Inner storage capability: None
Cameras that may file 360-degree video can carry out a pleasant trick: letting you reframe motion after you shoot it or seize immersive video for digital actuality. Insta360 merely dominates this class, with no rival even near its newest X4 mannequin. It captures motion at as much as 8K 30fps or 5.7K at 60fps, offering extra element once you reframe it to 16:9 for viewing on an everyday display screen. On the identical time, the Me Mode that produces flat video (with computerized selfie stick removing) has been upgraded from a most 2.7K 30fps to 4K 30fps.
The X4 now has detachable lens guards included to guard the lenses from injury in tough capturing situations. It additionally affords strong battery life, waterproofing to 10m and a free enhancing app. Nevertheless, low-light functionality barely lacks subsequent to the Hero 13 and Motion 5, and the 8K video information are large.
$425 at Amazon
Steve Dent for Engadget
Options: Topic monitoring, sluggish movement, timelapse, stabilization | Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth | Storage media: microSD | Sensor: 1” CMOS | Photograph decision: 9.4MP | Video decision: 4K | Video format: MP4 | Optical zoom: Not specified | Inner storage capability: None
Learn our full DJI Osmo Pocket 3 evaluation
Late in 2023, DJI unveiled the Osmo Pocket 3 and I referred to as it “perhaps the one vlogging digital camera you want.” It has an enormous one-inch sensor, which is similar dimension because the one on Sony’s ZV-1 II compact digital camera. That reinforces picture high quality significantly, notably in low mild. It additionally has a brand new, massive swiveling touchscreen that makes it simpler to change between horizontal and vertical video.
What actually makes it nice for vlogging are the comply with modes mixed with face monitoring. When you’re working solo, you may merely set it up and it’ll rotate and tilt to comply with you round. That additionally applies for walk-and-talk vlogging, so that you don’t have to fret about focus and even pointing the digital camera at your self. There’s little or no to not like in regards to the Osmo Pocket 3, but it surely’s not preferrred for images as a result of lowered decision, and it’s additionally fairly costly.
$718 at Amazon
Steve Dent for Engadget
Options: Waterproof 18m (with out case), 60m (with waterproof case), topic monitoring, sluggish movement, timelapse, stabilization | Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth | Storage media: microSD | Sensor: 1/1.3-inch CMOS | Photograph decision: 10MP | Video decision: 4K | Video format: MP4 | Optical zoom: Not specified | Inner storage capability: None
With the arrival of the Osmo Motion 5, the Motion 4 typically goes on sale at very engaging costs. You’re not giving up a lot compared to the Motion 5 Professional — it has the identical 1/1.3-inch sensor that delivers glorious video high quality, particularly in low mild. And it additionally comes with a D-LogM profile that reinforces dynamic vary in tough lighting situations, like snowboarding within the timber on a sunny day. The principle purpose to purchase an Motion 5 Professional as an alternative is its built-in 47GB of storage, barely higher battery life and a better bit charge that reduces pixelation. If these issues aren’t vital, DJI’s Osmo Motion 4 can presently be discovered for half the value.
$269 at Amazon
Insta360
Options: Waterproof 12m (with out case), 60m (with waterproof case), topic monitoring, sluggish movement, timelapse, stabilization, sprint cam | Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, USB-C | Storage media: microSD | Sensor: 1/1.3-inch CMOS | Photograph decision: 50MP (8192×6144) | Video decision: 8K | Video format: MP4 | Optical zoom: Not specified | Inner storage capability: None
Insta360 additionally builds common, non-360-degree motion cameras and the Ace Professional 2 is good for creators. It’s the one one accessible that shoots at 8K 30fps (or 4K at as much as 120 fps), offering spectacular element, and the 1/1.3-inch sensor is strong in low mild. Importantly for vloggers, it comes with a big flip-up display screen that makes it simpler to border your self when filming. It’s not practically as nimble as rivals, nonetheless, as that flipping display screen provides weight and dimension, making the Ace Professional 2 each bulkier and heavier than its competitors.
$400 at Amazon
What to contemplate earlier than selecting an motion digital camera
Motion cameras have sure traits that separate them from common cameras or smartphones. An important is ruggedness that makes them proof against water, mud and shocks. Most motion cameras at the moment are waterproof cameras with out the necessity for a separate enclosure. On the identical time, you should purchase housing equipment to make them waterproof to even larger depths.
Video high quality can be key. Each mannequin we suggest goes to not less than 4K 60fps, however some fashions like GoPro’s newest Hero 13 increase video decision as much as 5.3K 60fps, and even 8K 30p with the Insta360 Ace Professional 2. That permits you to crop in on photographs and seize vertical video at greater resolutions for social media. One other good function is log video that improves dynamic vary when filming on sunny, contrasty days — and many more recent fashions now assist HDR for much more vibrant footage. Plus, when you movie in dim environments, you’ll need the most important sensor attainable for the most effective low-light efficiency, very similar to with high-end video cameras or mirrorless programs.
For actions with bumps and jolts like mountain biking, picture stabilization is extremely necessary. You need your video to look easy, however nonetheless have to convey the joys and pace of the motion. The Hero 13 continues to be the highest choose on this regard, delivering jolt-free video that makes the viewer really feel like they’re happening the bike path or ski slope, with no annoying digital artifacts. DJI and Insta360’s merchandise are good, however not fairly at that stage but.
Some motion cameras are simpler to deal with and use, so take that into consideration as effectively. You’ll need vibrant and colourful shows each back and front, buttons you gained’t should fumble to search out and easy-to-use menus. Distant management is one other issue that may ease operation. And also you’ll need to examine which software program is on the market to enhance picture stabilization, edit video, take away selfie sticks and extra. Additionally, look out for compatibility with third-party equipment or apps that may increase what your digital camera can do.
Then there’s the world of equipment. Do you want helmet or chest mounts, further batteries, waterproof housings, or a quick SD card? GoPro has the most important variety of these, however DJI makes useful wi-fi mics that join immediately with its cameras. And naturally, battery life is vital for motion capturing because it’s exhausting to alter one once you’re out browsing.
Discover more from Parrotainment
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
