Photo by Frame Harirak on Unsplash
Nowadays action camera is a must for all kinds of trips that involve some actions. Or when you want to be more flexible than with the standard camera.
If you like to do a lot of outdoor activities or if you are passionate about extreme sports, action cameras are the ideal solution.
First of all, you get as compact as a possible camera. Second, they are usually water-resistant (and weather-sealed) and rugged. Third, their electronic stabilization makes videos smooth almost as you use a gimbal (with some limitations we will outline later). And last but least, action cameras are powerful because of additional mounts which enable you to find angles you won’t find with any other types of the camera!
In this article, you will learn when you should consider an action camera as the main travel camera. Also, we will cover how action cameras fit into the travel setup as additional gear. You will find out which are their advantages and disadvantages in our opinion.
In the end, you will find our recommendations for action cameras in higher and lower price tags.
Table of Contents
P.S. If you don’t have a time to go through the whole article, below you will find quick overview of our favorite action cameras:
| Title | Buy |
|---|---|
| GoPro HERO10 Black | Buy Today on Amazon |
| Insta360 ONE R Twin Edition | Buy Today on Amazon |
| DJI Action 2 | Buy Today on Amazon |
| GoPro Hero7 Black | Buy Today on Amazon |
Should You Use an Action Camera as a Main Travel Camera?
When you see the size of an action camera, the logical conclusion is that everyone should use them on travels. And in the last few years, a lot of travelers started using them. Especially action-oriented travelers.
For those of you who like cycling, surfing, hiking, snorkeling, skiing… an action camera is a must. There is no smartphone camera or any other type of camera which will replace action cameras in this situation.
For others, an action camera is a great gear for vlogging, for making ultra-wide photos, time-lapses, time-warps… So, there is a lot of usages even for people which are not going to add some “action activities” into their travel routine.
But before you consider concrete camera models, let’s back one step back and see the main advantages and also limitations of action cameras.
Advantages of Action Cameras
Compact and lightweight
When you want to have as compact travel camera as possible you should look at an action camera. They are smaller than any other camera, even smaller than your smartphone. But at the same time, they are powerful, especially in making videos.
When you want to have a camera you can keep in your smallest pocket, no matter if you are an action-kind of traveler, you should consider investing in an action camera.
Bad weather and water are not a problem
If you consider using the camera on a beach or hiking, or whenever you need a water-resistant camera, an action cam will be your best friend.
However, we need to let you know that is not all action cameras weather sealed and water-resistant equally. So, before you invest in an action camera, make sure if it’s fully weather sealed, and by which depth the camera is water-resistant.
Gimbal-like video stabilization
In the past few years, electronic image stabilization has improved a lot. Today’s action cameras are capable of making extremely stabilized videos (when there is enough light). Almost like you have a gimbal.
However, you shouldn’t expect such good electronic stabilization on cheap / no-name or older action cameras. But all cameras we outlined here are equipped with gimbal-like stabilization.
Extreme flexibility
Yes, we definitely used the right phrase – it’s extreme flexibility. No matter if you want to fix a camera on the windscreen of your car, helmet, surfboard, snowboard… or want to mount it on your head, chest, hand, there is a mount to fix it.
We can even say that the power of your action camera is in direct correlation with the mounts you have. There is no sense to invest in an action camera if you are not going to buy any additional mount.
Disadvantages of Action Cameras
You will get the ultra-wide-angle or digitally cropped or zoomed image
Considering that action cameras are very compact they are equipped with a single lens. This lens is with an ultra-wide angle, considering the nature of its usage.
You will see that some producers market their models with additional zoom or the ability to change the field of view, but you should be aware that it’s not an optical zoom, but a digitally adjusted image.
Of course, when you take a look at the video quality, there is usually no difference between ultra-wide and normal modes, because its systems make it perfect. But you should know that zoom ability will be limited.
Low light performance are usually so-so
Compact design requires producers to rely on small sensors. It’s the main reason why action cameras usually aren’t so brilliant in low light. Recently some producers introduced cameras with 1” sensors.
We expect that in following years these sensors will become the new standard for action cameras.
Some accessories are very small and easy to lose
Considering that action cameras are compact, you should count that some accessories can be even smaller.
For example, ND and CPL filters are very small, and you can lose them easily. So, we encourage you to have this in mind and try to keep them organized.
3 Things You Should Pay Attention to
Photo by JESHOOTS.COM on Unsplash
1. Accessories & Mounts
As we previously said mounts and accessories define how much power you have in hand. In other words, think about what do you need from an action camera. What kind of content you will produce. Then invest in the accessories and mounts you need.
It’s a simple and straightforward process to avoid buying unimportant stuff and focus on accessories that will leverage your action camera’s full power.
2. Available Combinations of FOVs, Resolutions & Frame Rates
Action cameras come with a lot of combinations of FOVs (field of views), resolutions and frame rates. However, it doesn’t mean that you can combine all this stuff. For example, maybe with the 5K resolution, you will be limited only to 30 fps and a few fields of view, or stuff like that.
So, research a bit about the action camera you want to buy. Think about if you need to use 4K, 2.7K or you are satisfied with 1080. Then find out which of the combinations with frame rates and FOVs will work the best. And make sure that your favorite action camera supports it.
3. Underwater Capabilities
Maybe you are not going snorkeling or diving, but we are pretty sure that you will at least think about making some interesting photos or videos in the water. No matter if it is a pool, sea, or river.
Before the first water drops stick your camera, make sure that you can put it inside the water and what is the maximum depth.
P.S. first-hand experience: avoid putting your camera to sea (saltwater) because there is a chance that salt will be very hard to clean. Always use a dedicated underwater case, no matter if your camera is cable to be in saltwater.
What to Choose as an Action Camera for Travel?
First, we want to uncover our methodology:
We outlined our recommendations of the absolute best and budget-friendly flags. Namely, we wanted to give you at options for each category. So, you have the absolute best choices (where budget is secondary) and the budget-friendly choices (but not too expensive middleground solutions).
Absolute Best
Image source: GoPro
Overview
GoPro Hero 10 Black is the best GoPro so far. It’s the successor of a very popular Hero 9 Black with which it shares a lot of features. But they also added a few new and improved things. One of these new features is a new GP2 processor. New processor makes Hero 10 to be the fastest GoPro ever. Responsiveness of a touchscreen has improved a lot over previous models.
The camera is powered by a 1/2.3” sensor with 23 Mpix so it’s capable of taking great photos as well. There are 5 FOVs: SuperView, wide, linear, linear + horizon leveling, narrow. GoPro calls them digital lenses which is a software simulation of how much of the scene is captured by the camera.
We especially like the liner + horizon leveling which is our default setup for videos and time lapses. It’s now capable to hold horizon up to 45 degrees. With this, you won’t worrying about catching a straight horizon. There is also digital zoom available, but you won’t need to use it – who buys GoPro to make zoom photos and videos?
In the SuperView mode, you will get an image close to 16 mm objectives, with wide 16-34 mm, with linear 19-39 mm, with narrow 27 mm. Narrow mode emulates the “standard” lens and you will get an image without fisheye distortions. RAW is available in all photo modes.
Also, there is protune mode which enables you to do a lot of manual adjustments (ISO, white balance, shutter speed…).
An improved HyperSmooth 4.0 electronic image stabilization will get you very close to gimbal stabilized videos. Furthermore, there is TimeWarp for hyperlapse videos, and a lot of other time-lapse options including night lapse with photo and video.
If you want to connect an external microphone, you can do this using the 3.5 microphone input you get with a Media Mod or the microphone adapter. Media Mod (compatible for both GoPro 9 and 10) has also an integrated microphone with windscreen and you can try this first before you invest in an additional external microphone.
GoPro Hero 10 Black is the same as Hero 9 in terms of design and size, but a bit lighter. Also like Hero 9 and 8, Hero 10 comes naked without a protection case. So, if you want to avoid scratches we highly recommend you buy a sleeve to protect the body from them. It’s also waterproofed up to 33ft (10 m). Battery is the same as on Hero 9, but with lower life than on previous model.
There are Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connections as well as GPS. Also there is faster than on previous models wired connection if you prefer to transfer your photos and videos on that way.
How it performs for stills?
The overall quality of photos is very good, especially if we add into the equation that you probably won’t be able to take these kinds of photos with normal cameras or smartphone (can you imagine taking a DSLR while you’re riding a bike or while surfing?).
The rule of thumb will be to keep the ISO levels at a minimum to get better photos. In good light with ISO 100, the quality of photos is close to flagship smartphones. However, considering the sensor is small (even smaller than on flagship smartphone cameras) when you shoot indoors and in low light, the quality of photos you get from your flagship smartphone will be better. So in such conditions you should avoid using GoPro as your main photo camera.
However, the most interesting feature for us is live burst – when you turn this feature on and click the shutter button the camera has already recorded 1.5 seconds before you click on the button and 1.5 seconds after. It means that you will be able to find a perfect shoot with this 3 seconds extra and get 90 extra photos in 4K resolution.
There is also a SuperPhoto feature (advanced image processing so you will get more vivid/saturated photos than with normal settings) and a very good HDR.
Last but not least important, you can also shoot RAW files.
How it performs for video?
GoPro is most famous for its fantastic ultra-wide videos. GoPro Hero 9 Black is capable of making excellent videos in all resolution and frame rates. In 5.3K you can shoot videos up to 60 fps. In 4K up to 120 fps, and in 2.7K up to 240 fps.
In daylight, we could say that videos are almost perfect in all digital lens modes. However, in lower light and night conditions, the quality drops due to the small size sensor. It’s still useful, but you shouldn’t expect miracles in low light. Especially if you count on the HyperSmooth stabilization because it’s useless in low light conditions.
But we need to stress that videos look very good in ISO range from 100 to 800 because of new noise reduction algorithm. Videos in higher ISOs than 1600 will lack details so we recommend use them only when it’s necessary.
If you want to share your videos on social media you should know that Hero 10 is capable of making live stream videos in 1080p. Another there is a 100 Mb/s mode for higher quality footage.
There is support for both H.264 and H.265 video codecs. We recommend you use H.265 because it will save you storage and will become the new standard in the future.
GoPro is also famous for its slow-motion videos, and Hero 10 is no exception. You will be able to record up to 8x slow-motion videos. If you like to shoot time-lapses, this camera will become your best friend because there are a lot of options (time-lapse video & photo, hyperlapse, night-lapse video & photo).
All in all GoPro Hero 10 Black is an awesome action camera capable of recording great videos and very good (daylight) photos, while you can mount it almost elsewhere.
Samples
Sample images:
#goprohero10 hashtag on Instagram
Sample videos:
Daylight sample video with enabled HyperSmooth 4.0
Low light sample video
Pros as a travel camera:
- Excellent video quality + ability to create 5K videos;
- 100 Mb/s video to maximize the quality;
- A lot of flexibility with 5 FOVs;
- Great flexibility for additional accessories attaching;
- Horizon leveling directly in-camera without needing to edit video with an external app;
- Ability to capture 1.5 seconds of photos or video before shooting;
- RAW is available in all photo modes;
- Excellent electronic image stabilization for gimbal-like footage;
- A lot of time-lapse modes;
- Mount for accessories integrated into the body;
- Waterproof up to 33 ft / 10 m;
- Ability to charge via USB-C.
Cons as a travel camera:
- No protective case for the body in the default package;
- Small sensor so low light performance is not so good;
- No stabilization in low light;
- Battery life could be better;
- In-camera horizon leveling is available only in linear FOV and can be added to all other fields of view with the Max Lens mod that you need to buy separately.
- Revolutionary processor
- High-res photos plus videos, high frame rate
- Unbelievable image quality
- HyperSmooth 4.0
- Fast, reliable connectivity
Image source: Insta360
Overview
Insta 360 One R is a modular action camera that enables you to easily change lenses according to the situation. There are 3 mods available right now: 360° dual-lens mod, 4K wide-angle lens mod, and 1-inch wide-angle mod.
With 360° dual-lens mod you are capable of making great 360° videos and photos. This mod can capture videos up to 5.7K and photos up to 18.4 Mpix. Videos in 5.7K are in 30 fps. In lower resolutions, you can record videos up to 100 fps.
The most interesting feature for this mod is the ability to reframe videos. It enables you to get an infinite number of combinations because you have the 360° angle in your videos. Of course, it’s time-consuming to explore all possibilities for reframing. Because of that Insta360 One R can reframe your videos automatically using an advanced image recognition algorithm.
4K wide-angle lens mod enables you to shoot standard 4K video in 60 fps (in 1080 up to 200 fps) and photos in 12 Mpix equivalent to 16.4mm focal length. When you use this, you can also flip LCD screens from the rear to front to see yourself when taking selfies.
The 1-inch mod has a Leica fingerprint which is proof that image and photo quality is top level for an action camera. It’s equipped with a 1″ sensor able to capture videos in 5.3K resolution and 19 Mpix photos. 5.3K videos are recorded in 30 fps, 4K up to 60 fps, and 1080 up to 120 fps. The focal length is equal to 14.4 mm.
The biggest advantage of a bigger sensor is the low light capability. This mod currently offers you the best quality of low light photos and videos among the action cameras.
The camera is equipped with a very good electronic image stabilization (called FlowState) which works with all mods and provides you gimbal-like stabilization. The camera has very good subject tracking integrated and you can use it with a 360° lens mode. There are also a lot of time-lapse options including the hyperlapse.
Image processing is very good in both photo and video modes, there is the Color Plus feature which offers slightly more color-graded photos and videos. There is also an HDR feature for videos. The camera can record videos in H.265 as well (of course, the old H.264 video codec still exists).
The quality of the internal microphone is very good. There is a built-in wind reduction which works very well. If you prefer using an external microphone there is a socket for it. Also, the camera is waterproof up to 16.4 ft / 5 m without an additional case (up to 197 ft / 60 m with an additional case).
How it performs for stills?
The quality of photos is very good with all modes. The colors, exposure, dynamic range, and noise levels are excellent for an action camera. If you use the 1-inch mode, the quality of photos is even better, especially in low light. With all 3 modes, you have support for the RAW format.
How it performs for video?
There are 2 advanced features you will especially like (very useful for travel footages): invisible selfie stick and auto frame.
Invisible selfie stick is, we can say, a revolutionary feature. So this camera, using a 360° dual-lens mod, is capable of hiding a selfie stick on videos. When you look at the final video it will appear like someone else is holding the camera or you are using a drone. You can move the camera whenever you want, and the selfie stick will still be invisible on video.
On the other hand, the auto frame will use the whole 360° view to automatically frame it to the best point of view on the final video using the image recognition technology and subject tracking. Of course, if you like to reframe video by yourself you can do this straight on the camera (on the touchscreen) or manually in the app.
The same is with subject tracking which you can use in real-time or in post-processing. Reframing can be done with subject tracking, you just need to mark the subject around which you want to get in the final video.
So, videos on Insta360 ONE R camera are more than useful considering that you can be creative when making and post-processing videos.
Samples
Gallery of official sample images and videos
Gallery of sample images on Flickr
Sample video (in Color Plus mode)
Another sample video (with 360 camera)
Wind noise & low light test
Pros as a travel camera:
- Modular with 3 modes (360° dual-lens mod, 4K wide-angle lens mode, and 1-inch wide-angle mod);
- Videos up to 5.7K and up to 100 fps;
- Very good low light videos and photos with 1-inch mode (because of 1″ sensor);
- Ability to reframe videos;
- The LCD screen on the rear can be easily swapped to the front;
- Excellent electronic image stabilization for gimbal-like footage;
- Very good wind reduction with internal microphone;
- Waterproofed up to 16.4 ft / 5 m without an additional case;
- RAW photos.
Cons as a travel camera:
- 5.7K only at 30 fps;
- The LCD screen could be bigger;
- Apps have bugs from time to time, as well as the camera software;
- Not so rugged because protective cases are not included in the standard package.
- 5.7K 360 + 4K wide angle
- FlowState stabilization
- Super 5.7K
- IPX8 Waterproof
- Invisible selfie stick effect
- AI editing
Image source: DJI
Overview
It’s the newest modular action camera by DJI. DJI is more famous as a producer of high-quality gimbals and drones, but with the 2nd generation of DJI Action, they introduce a bit different approach than old DJI Action 1.
First of all, DJI Action 2 is a modular action camera. It means that the main module is ultra-lightweight (with only 65 g / 1.97 oz in weight). Basically, you can use the camera without any other module. The other 2 modules are the power module and front screen module. We need to stress that only the main part of the camera is water-resistant (up to 33 ft / 10 m), the other 2 modules are not.
DJI Action 2 is powered by a 1/1.7” CMOS sensor with 12 Mpix. It’s capable to produce a field of view about 155 degrees. The maximum aperture is f/2.8 which compensates for a bit small sensor in low light performance. The LCD screen on the main module is excellent in terms of the image quality it offers.
There is also fantastic electronic image stabilization for a gimbal-like experience. Also, there is excellent horizon leveling which enables you to keep a straight horizon up to 180 degrees. However, this feature is not available at 4K, but only on full HD and 2.7K.
One thing that you will probably like is that accessories use magnetic mount which is fantastic, considering that attaching and de-attaching will be much faster than on other action cameras with clamps.
Also, the camera comes with 32 GB of internal storage (expandable with an additional module where you can add an SD card). Regarding battery life, it is so-so, without an additional module, but if you add a power module it will extend battery life to be very good.
How it performs for stills?
DJI Action 2 can shoot photos with a resolution of 12 Mpix. As we previously said, the ultra-wide angle on this camera is even wider than on competitors.
The image quality is very good. It’s a bit different than on GoPro because colors are flatter (as on DJI Drones and Pocket) so we could say you will have more space for post-processing if you want to do so. On the other hand, low light photos are not so great, because of the small sensor.
How it performs for video?
The video is really excellent in daylight with natural colors. We like to see a more professional-looking video, considering that colors are not so saturated. However, in low light, this camera won’t excel. The same is on other action cameras, so we don’t want to stress it as a huge disadvantage.
DJI Action 2 can shoot 4K, 2.7K, and full HD videos. 4K videos are up to 60 fps, 2.7K up to 120 fps, and Full HD up to 240 fps. It means that for slow-motion you can not use 4K, but all other resolutions you can use.
Unfortunately, there is no option to connect external microphones and headphones. However, the sound quality from internal microphones is pretty solid.
Samples
4K 60 fps sample video
Sample videos in different lighting conditions
Low light sample video (in comparison with DJI Pocket 2)
Pros as a travel camera:
- As compact as possible action camera (without additional modules);
- Excellent colors reproduction;
- Ultra-wide angle lens;
- Horizon leveling up to 180 degrees;
- Magnetic mounts for additional accessories enables the quickest possible release;
- Fantastic LCD screen.
Cons as a travel camera:
- Not suitable for longer video clips because of overheating;
- Low light performance could be better;
- No external audio inputs;
- Modules other than the main module aren’t waterproofed.
- Snap into your environment
- Action on the go
- Footage that speaks for itself
- Share-worthy content in a tap
- Make a splash
- Upgraded stabilization
Budget-Friendly
Overview
GoPro Hero 7 Black could be a great alternative for GoPro 9 if you want to save a few bucks. This camera is equipped with a 1/2.3” sensor with 12 Mpix. Digital lenses are called differently, more naturally – FOV, and you can switch between SuperView, wide, and linear. There is no narrow mode nor horizon leveling.
GoPro 7 Black is equipped with the first generation HyperSmooth electronic video stabilization. It works slightly worse than the third generation in 9 Black, but it’s still close to gimbal-like stabilization. On some resolutions and FOVs hyper smooth stabilization won’t work (i.e. in 4K linear). There is also the first generation of TimeWarp video and a lot of other time-lapse options including night lapse.
There are 3 differences in favor of GoPro 7.
The first is that this camera is equipped with a protective housing which comes as a part of the standard package. The protective housing is also mounted for accessories, so the rugged is better than on 8 Black.
Second is that low light capabilities are better than on GoPro 9. The reason for this is clear. Sensor size is the same but GoPro 7 has 12 Mpix instead of 20. Fewer pixels on the same size will enable more light to come in.
And third difference is that GoPro 7 is smaller and lighter than GoPro 9.
Waterproof quality is the same, so you can use it without additional dive housing up to 33 ft / 10 m. You can add an external microphone if you buy an adapter. There are also wireless connections options (Wi-Fi and Bluetooth) and a GPS, along with a USB-C port for battery charging (an external charger can be bought separately).
How it performs for stills?
The overall quality of photos is good and in daylight, you will get good, more vivid photos if you use SuperPhoto mode; we recommend you to turn it on if you don’t like flat colors. Furthermore, you can also take RAW photos to post-process them later.
In low light, the quality of photos is not as good as in daylight. If you have a flagship mobile phone, we are pretty sure that in low light the photo quality will be much better than on GoPro.
How it performs for video?
The quality of the video is excellent in all resolutions, frame rates, and FOVs. Colors are saturated by default, contrast and exposure are matched, skin color is also perfect.
You can use 4K in 60 fps in all modes (in some modes HyperSmooth stabilization will be disabled). In 1080p you can record videos up to 240 fps. You can choose between H.264 and H.265 codecs in almost all resolutions. But 4K is limited just on H.265 which is good, because it will save you some storage.
HyperSmooth stabilization works perfectly in daylight. In low light it works similar to Hero 9. So it’s either disabled or works much lower to avoid artifacts of electronic image stabilization in low light.
An internal microphone is equipped with wind reduction. But we recommend you turn it off because with wind reduction it will record audio in mono, instead of stereo.
Samples
Sample images:
Gallery of sample images on Flickr
#goprohero7 hashtag on Instagram
Sample videos:
Sample 2.7K linear FOV video
Sample 4K 60 fps video (wide & SuperView FOVs)
Hyperlapse sample video
Pros as a travel camera:
- 3 FOVs: SuperView, wide, linear;
- Gimbal-like stabilization for video;
- Time-lapse, hyperlapse, night lapse;
- Excellent 4K video in 60 fps + ability to shoot 120/240 fps in some modes;
- Waterproof up to 33 ft / 10 m;
- Ability to charge via USB-C;
- RAW photos;
- Protective housing in the standard package.
Cons as a travel camera:
- Small sensor, so low light performance can be better;
- No stabilization in low light;
- HyperSmooth stabilization produces artifacts in slow panning;
- No option for 100 Mb/s videos;
- Small bugs that bother you and ruin the UI (touchscreen is not so responsive, voice commands sometimes work, but sometimes don’t. The same is with 2 external buttons, GoPro app is bugging, etc.);
- Battery life is a bit shorter, so you need to keep at least 2 spare ones;
- No external charger in the standard package.
- HyperSmooth Stabilization
- Super Stabilized Time Lapse Videos
- Live Streaming in 720p
- Rugged Plus Waterproof
- Get Brilliant Photos Automatically With SuperPhoto
- Voice Control
- 4K60 Video Plus 12MP Photos
- 8x Slo-Mo Video
- Intuitive Touch Screen
Travel Accessories for Action Cameras
When choosing your ideal action camera you definitely need to evaluate additional accessories in order to leverage the full performance.
Once again, the power of an action camera is in its accessories.
To Get Better Photos & Videos
Photo by Arun Anoop on Unsplash
1. Mounts
Without any doubt, the greatest strength of your action camera lies in mounts you have. There are lot of original mounts and lot of 3rd party mounts.
That’s said you should first think about which kind of content (photos & videos) you would like to create. And where are you going to mount your action camera.
We will give you some ideas for a start:
- To fix action camera on a car window;
- To fix it on a helmet or a bike;
- To make point of view content;
- To make vlogging footage or unusually angle selfies;
- To make a slow motion footage;
- To use it underwater;
- Etc.
For all of above ideas you will find at least one mount to help you doing so quickly and easily.
2. Filters
The second most important thing if you want to have a professional look footage and images is to leverage filters.
There are 2 types of filters for action cameras:
- ND filters;
- Filters for underwater shoots.
ND filters will enable you to reduce shutter speed and get a cinematic look of your footage.
Filters for underwater shoots will help to get natural colors in your underwater footage and photos.
Should you buy ND or underwater filters, or both? It just depends on what you are going to shoot. And if you want to get more professional look in the final.
3. External microphone
Considering that action cameras are being used more videos than for photos, external microphone should be one of your priority.
Built-in microphones in most action cameras are not so powerful. You will often hear unwanted sounds like the sound of the wind and whenever you touch the camera with a finger it will also be recorded. Plus, the sound reproduction is pretty basic.
These are the reasons why you should invest in an external microphone. You will get a much better sound quality and no unwanted sounds. Of course, in some challenging situations, external mic will be hard to use or you would like to avoid it at all, but it’s better to have it instead not to have it.
To Protect Your Camera
Photo by Felipe Vieira on Unsplash
1. Protective housing, screen, and lens protectors
When you use your action cam outdoor it would be great to think to protect some vital elements of it.
There are 3 things you should protect:
- Body
- Lens
- Screen(s)
For body protection it’s the best solution to invest into either hard-cover housing or silicone cover.
For lens and screen the good practice is cover them with tempered glass which should keep them unbroken if your camera accidentally drops.
2. Underwater housing
No matter that action cameras are usually water-resistant till some depth, if you are going to use it underwater, we encourage you to invest in underwater housing.
The main reasons are: first, salt water can left some stains on the lens and the screen; second, you never know if you accidentally left open any of the door of the camera.
So, it’s better to have additional protection when you want to use it underwater.
3. Bag(s) for camera & accessories
Beside of the action camera you will have lot of another accessories.
It’s an essential, but we still need to remind you that it’s better to have all stuff organized in single place than to risk to lost any accessory.
If you have lot of accessories the best practice is to have one big bag for storage of all stuff, and one small bag you will put things you will actually use.
Also, try finding bag with internal dividers in order to avoid accidental scratches on your gear.
For Easy Storage and Power Backup
1. Spare batteries and external charger
There is no need to explain it except to remind you of times when you wanted to use your camera but ran out of battery. Especially if you make a lot of 4K footage which will drain the battery faster. So, make sure to have 1 or 2 spare batteries on you while traveling.
The good thing is that the action camera can be easily recharged via USB port, so you can use a power bank as a backup.
2. Additional memory card
If you record a lot of 4K videos there won’t ever be too much free space. Especially if you will use an action cam as your main travel camera.
So, it’s better to have enough space for all of them instead of deleting some stuff before the end of your trip.
Conclusion
With an action cam you will get a lot from a pocket size camera. Nowadays they are improved a lot than if you compare it with some old models. Hence, many professionals use them to make footage and photos from unusual angles.
For some travelers an action camera could be even main travel camera, especially if you are an action/outdoor kind of traveler. For others it is a great additional gear to get some ultra-wide content + to be able use it underwater or on any kind of action.
On the other hand, they are pretty dependable of additional accessories and mounts in order to leverage their power in full capacity.
In the end, there are lot of cameras that fits every pocket. In this article we forced more advance models because currently they are much more advanced than cheap cameras.
What’s your ideal action camera for traveling? Which mounts you prefer to use it? Can you share your tips with us? Is there anything else we forgot to mention?
