Finest Motion Cameras (2025), Examined and Reviewed

Evaluate Our Prime Decide Motion Cameras

The B-Roll

A few of our earlier picks stay good cameras, although their options lag behind newer releases.

DJI’s Osmo Motion 4 Digicam for $276: The Motion 4 is a improbable motion digital camera. The magnetic mounting system is the very best we have tried, the menu system makes switching between modes a snap, and the ensuing photographs and video are nice. The Motion 5 trumps it in numerous methods, however for those who’re on a finances, that is an superior digital camera and it integrates properly into the DJI ecosystem.

Insta360 ONE RS Twin Version for $300: I beloved the interchangeable lens system when this digital camera launched, however it’s been two years because it was up to date and feels slightly like abandonware at this level. If you would like 360 and motion with the identical digital camera, I like to recommend the Insta360 X4 above. It has higher picture high quality, a greater display screen, and higher battery life for not rather more cash.

Oclu Motion Digicam for $199: Oclu has a really completely different tackle the motion digital camera, eschewing the same old design for a flat physique with the first display screen on prime. The result’s a digital camera that may match locations others will not—like the underside of a skateboard. The Oclu shoots 4K at 30 fps or, in order for you slo-mo footage, 1080p at 120 fps. The video and picture high quality is on par with what you get from the GoPro Hero 9. My gripe is the stabilization—it would not assist almost as a lot as what you get with others on this information. Sound, however, is great; I received far much less wind noise than with different cameras. All issues thought-about, it is onerous to beat the Oclu’s efficiency for the value.

All these low-cost cameras on Amazon: Readers usually ask, why spend $400 on a GoPro after they can get a digital camera with 4K video for $100? It is a honest query, and the reply comes all the way down to software program, primarily picture stabilization. Motion cameras are designed to be strapped to helmets or clipped to your chest whilst you skydive, rock climb, and race via the town on a scooter. With out stabilization, the outcomes are one thing even your closest associates will not sit via. So sure, you may get 4K footage with the cheaper cams, however it’ll be footage nobody desires to see. In our view, you are higher off spending one other $100 for an older GoPro (Hero 10 or 11) on sale.

Finest Equipment to Trick Out Your Digicam

{Photograph}: Scott Gilbertson

After getting an motion digital camera, you are good to go for many use circumstances. GoPro, Insta360, and DJI all present helmet mounts and different methods to stay your digital camera the place you need it. However there are some good extras that may make getting that shot you are dreaming of even simpler. Listed below are a couple of:

A superb microSD card: You might get an SD card together with your digital camera. Insta360’s SD playing cards are fairly good really, however I have a tendency to make use of SanDisk’s Excessive Professional playing cards as a result of they’re quick and, as a bonus, waterproof. You possibly can decide up a 512-GB card for round $60. I additionally like Samsung’s Professional Plus microSD playing cards, that are slightly sooner in my exams. You possibly can seize a 256-GB for round $60.

GoPro Media Mod for $80: GoPro’s sound is OK out of the field, however in order for you higher-quality audio, that is the place you begin. Not as a result of the Media Mod produces nice sound—it is higher than the digital camera, however nonetheless not nice. What if provides is a microphone jack. Plug in a high-quality microphone and you may lastly have superior sound. (Not advisable whereas skydiving.)

Handlebar/seatpost/pole mount for $40: That is my favourite mount for mountain biking, however it’ll additionally work on ski poles and some other spherical object you need to clamp it to.

Bike accent bundle for $50: If you happen to trip, this mount for Insta360 cameras (Ace Professional, X5, and many others) is a must have. It is one of the crucial safe clamps I’ve ever used, nearly nearly as good as a bench vice.

Sametop tripod mount for $10: Motion cameras provide some ways to mount them, however one which’s curiously lacking is the standard quarter-inch tripod screw mount. The GoPro Hero 13 has one, however this three-pack of adapters solves the issue for the others.

Polarizer and ND filters: If you happen to shoot round water, via glass, or in some other high-glare state of affairs, a polarizing filter will assist lower that glare. Impartial density (ND) filters maintain again gentle to allow you to shoot at a wider aperture in shiny gentle, serving to to extend the quantity of movement blur. Each are nice additions to your motion digital camera equipment. When you’ve got the Hero 13 Black you will get the brand new GoPro ND filter 4-Pack ($70), which mechanically adjusts the digital camera settings when hooked up. That is enormous since getting the shutter pace proper with ND filters can take some trial and error. The GoPro ND filters deal with all that for you. If you do not have a HEro 13, I’ve examined and like DJI’s ND filter set for the Motion 5 ($75). For older GoPros, I like Freewell’s polarizing and ND filters ($20). I counsel beginning with an 8-stop ND or combo ND and polarizing filter.

Floaty for $30: One other one for the water shooters, however properly definitely worth the cash since it will hold your GoPro from ending up on the backside of the ocean.

Selfie stick for $25: I’ve examined lots of selfie sticks and so they’re nearly all high quality, however I hold grabbing this Insta360 model once I head out the door. It is light-weight, sufficiently small to suit on the backside of my bag, and it is reasonably priced. If you wish to go huge, this Insta360 Prolonged Version Selfie Stick ($100) can imitate a low-flying drone, excellent to be used in nationwide parks and different locations the place drones are forbidden.