Finest Motion Cameras (2025), Examined and Reviewed
The B-Roll
A few of our earlier picks stay good cameras, although their options lag behind newer releases.
DJI’s Osmo Motion 4 Digital camera for $299: The Motion 4 (8/10, WIRED Recommends) is a incredible motion digicam. The magnetic mounting system is one of the 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 quite a lot of methods, however when you’re on a price range, that is an superior digicam and it integrates nicely into the DJI ecosystem.
Insta360 ONE RS Twin Version for $300: I cherished the interchangeable lens system when this digicam 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 digicam, I like to recommend the Insta360 X4 above. It has higher picture high quality, a greater display screen, and higher battery life for not way more cash.
Oclu Motion Digital camera for $199: Oclu has a really completely different tackle the motion digicam, eschewing the standard design for a flat physique with the first display screen on prime. The result’s a digicam 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, then again, is superb; I obtained far much less wind noise than with different cameras. All issues thought of, it is exhausting to beat the Oclu’s efficiency for the worth.
All these low-cost cameras on Amazon: Readers usually ask, why spend $400 on a GoPro once they can get a digicam with 4K video for $100? It is a truthful 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 by way of the town on a scooter. With out stabilization, the outcomes are one thing even your closest pals will not sit by way of. So sure, you may get 4K footage with the cheaper cams, however it’ll be footage nobody needs to see. In our view, you are higher off spending one other $100 for a GoPro Hero 11 or 12 on sale. The outcomes will not be GoPro-caliber, however when you’re simply entering into motion cams, this can be a good method to take a look at the waters.
Finest Equipment to Trick Out Your Digital camera
Upon getting an motion digicam, you are good to go for many use instances. GoPro, Insta360, and DJI all present helmet mounts and different methods to stay your digicam the place you need it. However there are some good extras that may make getting that shot you are dreaming of even simpler. Listed here are just a few:
A very good microSD card: Chances are you’ll get an SD card along with your digicam. 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 checks. 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 digicam, however nonetheless not nice. What if gives is a microphone jack. Plug in a high-quality microphone and you may lastly have superior sound. (Not advisable whereas skydiving.)
Joby GorillaPod 3K for $70: This versatile tripod extends your motion digicam’s mounting potentialities to incorporate absolutely anything. My GoPro hardly ever leaves this tripod. It coils round SUP guys, tree branches, and even my dashboard. Remember to seize some tripod adapters under.
Motorbike accent bundle for $50: In case you experience, this mount for the Insta360 X4 (and Ace Professional, and many others) is a must have. It is some of the safe clamps I’ve ever used, nearly pretty much as good as a bench vice.
Sametop tripod mount for $8: Motion cameras supply some ways to mount them, however one which’s curiously lacking is the normal quarter-inch tripod screw mount. The GoPro Hero 13 has one, however this four-pack of adapters solves the issue for the others.
Polarizer and ND filters: In case you shoot round water, by way of glass, or in every other high-glare state of affairs, a polarizing filter will assist reduce that glare. Impartial density (ND) filters maintain again gentle to allow you to shoot at a wider aperture in shiny gentle. Each are nice additions to your motion digicam equipment. I’ve examined and like DJI’s ND filter set for the Motion 5 ($59). For the GoPro, I like Freewell’s polarizing and ND filters ($20), or you probably have the Hero 13 Black you may get the brand new GoPro ND filter 4-Pack ($70), which robotically adjusts the digicam settings when hooked up. I recommend beginning with an 8-stop ND or combo ND and polarizing filter.
Floaty for $30: One other one for the water shooters, however nicely definitely worth the cash since it’s going to hold your GoPro from ending up on the backside of the ocean.
Selfie stick for $25: I’ve examined loads of selfie sticks and so they’re nearly all positive, however I hold grabbing this Insta360 model after I head out the door. It is light-weight, sufficiently small to suit on the backside of my bag, and it is inexpensive. If you wish to go large, 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.
