Best action cameras in 2015: 6 top options tested and rated

Action cameras are quite different from your traditional SLR, or even your compact system camera. They’re small, rugged and designed to go with you everywhere your traditional camera can’t.

As well as their small body size, action cameras also afford a dramatic perspective, which suits the subjects of extreme sports.

Below, our testing team got to grips with six of the best action cameras on the market to see which camera best suits your needs.

Best action cameras: 01 Drift Ghost-S

Price: £329 / $376
Web: www.driftinnovation.com
The Ghost-S looks like it could withstand a war zone. A sturdy mount design enables the camera to be attached flush, rather than sitting proud like other cameras – a huge advantage.

A small screen and Wi-Fi connectivity are bonuses, but what really appeals is the no-fuss operation.

The Ghost-S offers 1080p at 60, 50, 30 and 25fps, as well as lower resolutions with higher frame rates. It is water-resistant only, so not a choice for water sports.

We say: A solid, accessible all-rounder.

Score: 3/5

SEE MORE: DSLR vs Mirrorless – key differences explained

Best action cameras: 02 Garmin Virb Elite

Price: £159 / $237
Web: www.garmin.com
The Virb shows Garmin’s GPS expertise, with tracking technology to record your location as well as the action. The Garmin arrives with a GoPro mount adapter for use with GoPro accessories.

This camera shoots at 1080p at 30fps and is water-resistant only, so not suitable for water sports. The whole package is well thought out, with a Virb Elite App for iOS and Android and editing software for Windows and Mac OS X.
We say: A good choice if you like to record navigation data.

Score: 4/5

Best action cameras: 03 GoPro Hero4 Black

Price: £359 / $499
Web: www.gopro.com
The Hero4 Black is GoPro’s flagship model, with loads of video options and accessories. These options enable 4K or slow-motion full HD video at 120fps alongside more standard 1080p full HD options.

This makes it a great choice for pro videographers. The removable waterproof housing protects the camera to 40m. If you just want a camera that captures the action, however, the Hero4 Black may be overkill.

We say: If you want advanced features, this is the one you need.

Score: 5/5

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Best action cameras: 04 iON Air Pro 3

Price: £269 / $239
Web: http://uk.ioncamera.com
The bullet cam style of the Air Pro 3 makes it popular with cyclists who don’t want a camera that sticks out. The solid design provides a slide switch to activate recording. Vibrations along with LEDs indicate when recording starts and stops.

1080p or 720p at 30fps can be selected, while 720p at 60fps can be adapted to slow motion through software. The Air Pro is waterproof to 10m.

We say: One of the easiest-to-use action cameras you can get.

Score: 3/5

SEE MORE: Best budget camera – 6 top options under £350 / $450 tested and rated

Best action cameras: 05 Muvi K-Series K2NPNG

Price: £221 / $299
Web: www.veho-muvi.com
Veho has put a great deal of effort into its Muvi range. The wealth of mounts included in the box is a great move. It’s built to withstand the action, and an ultra-tough dive case quotes a maximum depth of 100m – more than we can test.

1080p at 60fps or 720 at 120fps for slow motion can be easily selected. The click-on LCD with zoom buttons is a great addition.

We say: This action camera delivers all that most people will need.

Score: 4/5

SEE MORE: The 12 most popular cameras of Digital Camera World readers

Best action cameras: 06 Panasonic HX-500E

Price: £295 / $298
Web: www.panasonic.co.uk
Panasonic’s unconventional design for the HX-500E splits the device in two: a camera and a power & control unit. The two sections are connected by a cable, so you must find two different ways to fix the camera to your person or vehicle.

However, video quality is excellent, and it’s easy to access the options to switch between 1080p and 4K as well as other resolutions and frame rates.

NFC, Wi-Fi and a screen are all welcome features that enable you to connect quickly to a mobile device and watch the action back.

We say: Video quality is good, but the connecting cable gets in the way.

Score: 3/5

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