2020 Gift Guide: Best Action Cameras

While many of the best smartphones of 2020 are waterproof or water-resistant, that doesn’t necessarily mean that you want to take them for a swim. But if you know that you want to record some videos or take some pictures on a summer trip, you’ll want to pick up an action camera.

For more amazing gift ideas, make sure you check our 2020 Holiday Gift Guide.

Best Overall Action Cameras

If you simply want the “best of the best” when it comes to Action Cameras, you’ll be happy to know there are more than enough options out there. From GoPro to Insta360 and even Ricoh, there’s something here for everyone.

GoPro HERO8

The latest HERO8 from GoPro features a streamlined design, with an improved side door to swap the battery even faster. There are also new Mods that can be added and swapped to the HERO8, giving creators and newbies everything they need for great footage.

Insta360 ONE R

This unique camera doesn't only offer 360-degrees of recording, but also one-ups the GO with 4K recording. But what makes this unique is the fact that the lenses are interchangeable, and it sports an IPX8 waterproof rating.

Sale

GoPro MAX

This 360-degree camera shoots in 5.6K resolution while allowing you to turn those videos into standard 1440p versions. As for being waterproof, the Fusion is waterproof up to 16 feet deep.

Sale

Ricoh Theta V

In addition to recording in up to 4K resolution, this 360-degree camera features a Qualcomm processor for enhanced image processing. Plus, you won't have to worry about using another mic, thanks to the four-channel microphone that is built-in.

Sale

GoPro HERO 9

If you want an action camera that can take high-resolution videos and great pictures, the HERO 9 from GoPro is fantastic. Video recording is possible in up to 5K resolution, and you can even use this as a live-stream camera at 1080p.

Best Budget Action Cameras

The problem with the best Action Cameras is that they can drain your bank account pretty quickly. But the market has opened up quite a bit over the past few years, and newcomers have arrived to provide great action cameras, with most of the same features of the flagships, at a fraction of the price.

Sale

AKASO EK7000 Pro

Those looking for a budget action camera will love the AKASO EK7000 Pro. The camera sports a built-in touchscreen while being able to record up to 4K video at 25fps and 16MP photos.

Neewer G2

Chances are that you never just purchase the camera and go. The included kit with the Neewer G2 provides just about everything you could ever need with an action camera, with 50 different accessories. The camera itself is capable of recording in up to 4K/ 30fps, with a 170-degree wide-angle lens.

Insta360 GO

The Insta360 GO provides 360-degrees of video, while recording 1080p video and 18MP stills. There's an auto-editing mode with FlashCut, but you'll miss out on water resistance.

Sale

DJI Osmo Action

With the DJI Osmo Action, you'll be able to record video in up to 4K, while taking 12MP pictures, all of which can be lined up perfectly with the dual displays. But the biggest benefit comes in the form of the water-resistance, as you can use take this camera up to 36-feet deep.

Phandroid’s 2020 Holiday gift guide

While the list above highlights a few of our favorite gadgets of 2020, we’ve put together a comprehensive list of 250 products in 19 different categories to make it easy for you to find the best gifts for your family members, friends (or yourself) this holiday season. We’d also like to thank MediaTek for sponsoring the Chromebooks, Smart Home, and Smart Speakers & Displays sections of our 2020 Holiday Gift Guide.

Note: the article contains affiliate links that help support Phandroid and its writers.