Imagine capturing every single moment of your wildest adventures, not just from one angle, but from every direction at once. Sounds like magic, right? That’s the incredible power of 360 action cameras. They let you relive your experiences as if you were right back in the middle of the action, no matter how you move your head.
But let’s be honest, diving into the world of 360 cameras can feel a bit overwhelming. With so many brands and features, it’s tough to know which one is the perfect fit for your next epic trip or even just a fun day out. You want to capture those amazing memories without the headache of picking the wrong gear. We’ve all been there, staring at a screen full of confusing specs!
That’s why we’ve put together this guide. We’ll break down what makes a great 360 action camera, explore the top contenders, and highlight what to look for so you can make a smart choice. Get ready to discover how to find the camera that will truly bring your adventures to life!
Our Top 5 360 Action Camera Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 360 Action Camera Detailed Reviews
1. Insta360 X5 – Waterproof 8K 360° Action Camera
Rating: 9.0/10
Get ready to capture your world like never before with the Insta360 X5! This amazing action camera shoots stunning 8K 360° video, making your adventures look super real. It’s tough, waterproof, and has cool AI features to make your videos look professional without a lot of editing. Plus, it works great even when it’s not very bright outside!
What We Like:
- Shoots super clear 8K 360° video for amazing detail.
- Takes great pictures and videos even in low light thanks to its triple AI chips.
- The Invisible Selfie Stick effect makes it look like the camera is floating! (Stick sold separately).
- InstaFrame Mode makes sharing flat videos super easy and fast.
- FlowState Stabilization keeps your footage smooth and steady, even when things get bumpy.
- The lenses are tough and can be replaced if they get scratched.
- A new wind guard helps your audio sound clear, even outdoors.
- It’s waterproof up to 49 feet, so you can take it diving!
- The long-lasting battery gives you up to 185 minutes of recording time.
- Fast charging gets you back to shooting quickly.
- AI editing can automatically create highlight clips for you.
What Could Be Improved:
- The Invisible Selfie Stick needs to be bought separately.
- A MicroSD card is also needed and not included.
The Insta360 X5 is a fantastic tool for anyone who wants to capture their experiences in an exciting and immersive way. It’s packed with features that make creating awesome videos easier than ever.
2. GoPro MAX — Waterproof 360 + Traditional Action Camera with Touch Screen Spherical 5.6K30 HD Video 16.6MP 360 Photos 1080p Live Streaming Stabilization
Rating: 8.9/10
The GoPro MAX is a super versatile camera that shoots in 360 degrees and also like a regular action camera. It’s waterproof and has a touch screen. You can shoot amazing 5.6K 360 video and 16.6MP 360 photos. It even lets you stream live at 1080p and has great stabilization.
What We Like:
- You can capture everything around you in 360 degrees, so you don’t miss any action.
- It’s easy to reframe your 360 videos later using the Quik app to get the perfect shot.
- The Quik app has cool features like Object Tracking to keep your subject in focus.
- You can make it look like a pole is disappearing in your shots for awesome self-recorded videos.
- It also works like a normal GoPro camera, shooting regular video, photos, and time lapses.
- It comes with a long-lasting Enduro battery.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 360 editing can take some practice to get used to.
- While it’s versatile, some users might find the dual functionality a bit overwhelming at first.
The GoPro MAX truly lets you capture and share your adventures from every angle. It’s a fantastic tool for anyone who wants to tell their story in a whole new way.
3. Insta360 ONE X2 360 Degree Waterproof Action Camera
Rating: 8.6/10
The Insta360 ONE X2 is a super cool action camera that lets you capture everything. It shoots in amazing 5.7K 360, so you don’t miss a single moment. You can even choose your best shot later! It also has a Steady Cam mode for awesome, steady wide-angle videos. This camera is tough and can go anywhere with you.
What We Like:
- You can shoot in every direction first and pick your favorite angle later.
- Steady Cam mode makes your wide-angle videos super smooth.
- The camera has amazing stabilization that keeps your shots steady, no extra gear needed.
- It’s waterproof up to 10 meters, so you can take it surfing or in the rain without a case.
- The touch screen makes it easy to use.
- It can even be used as a webcam and supports live streaming.
- Voice control is a handy feature.
What Could Be Improved:
- The AI editing features, while helpful, can sometimes be a bit tricky to master.
- For truly extreme underwater adventures beyond 10 meters, an extra waterproof case would be needed.
The Insta360 ONE X2 is a powerful and versatile camera that makes capturing memories fun and easy. It’s a fantastic tool for any adventure.
4. AKASO 360 Weatherproof 360° Action Camera Creator Combo- 5.7K 360 Video with 1/2″ 48MP Sensors
Rating: 8.9/10
Get ready to capture your world like never before with the AKASO 360 Weatherproof 360° Action Camera Creator Combo. This camera shoots incredible 5.7K 360° video, making your adventures super immersive. It also takes amazing 72MP 360° photos, so every detail pops. Plus, it’s tough and weatherproof, perfect for any adventure.
What We Like:
- It shoots stunning 5.7K 360° video, so you don’t miss any action.
- The 360° Supersmooth video feature makes your footage look professional, even without extra gear.
- Horizon Steady keeps your videos level no matter how you move or spin.
- The Invisible Selfie Stick lets you take cool third-person shots all by yourself.
- With dual 1/2″ 48MP sensors, your photos and videos are super sharp and clear.
- You can capture 72MP 360° photos, which is the highest megapixel count for action cameras, making your pictures incredibly detailed.
- AI Subject Tracking keeps your main subject perfectly in the center of the shot.
- The “Shoot First, Frame Later” feature means you can just record and choose the best views afterward.
- DNG8 RAW Photo Mode helps you get great-looking photos, even in dim light.
- AKASO 360 Studio provides tools to make your 360° videos even more exciting.
What Could Be Improved:
- The touchscreen can sometimes be a bit unresponsive in wet conditions.
- The editing software, while powerful, has a learning curve for beginners.
The AKASO 360 Action Camera Creator Combo is a fantastic tool for anyone who wants to capture and share their experiences in a truly immersive way. It offers impressive features for both video and photo enthusiasts.
5. Insta360 X5 Essentials Bundle – Waterproof 8K 360° Action Camera
Rating: 8.6/10
The Insta360 X5 Essentials Bundle is your ultimate adventure companion. This waterproof 8K 360° action camera captures everything you see with incredible detail. Its advanced features make filming epic moments, even in low light, a breeze. Plus, the invisible selfie stick effect makes your shots look like magic!
What We Like:
- Incredible 8K 360° Video: Dual 1/1.28″ sensors shoot super sharp 8K video, making your adventures look amazing.
- Amazing Low Light Performance: The triple AI chip helps capture clear, bright footage even when it’s dark.
- Invisible Selfie Stick Effect: Get unique third-person shots with no stick in the way. You can choose your best angles later.
- Instant Flat Videos with InstaFrame Mode: Quickly get shareable videos. The camera can even track you automatically.
- Super Smooth Footage: FlowState Stabilization and 360° Horizon Lock keep your videos steady, no matter what.
- Tough and Replaceable Lenses: The new lenses are strong and easy to swap out if they get scratched.
- Clearer Audio: The new Wind Guard cuts down on wind noise, so your voice or narration is heard loud and clear.
- Waterproof and Long Battery Life: Dive up to 49ft without a case. The battery lasts over 3 hours and charges fast.
- Easy Export with AI: Get quick clips with one tap, or let the app create highlight reels for you automatically.
- Everything You Need Included: The bundle comes with the camera, a selfie stick, battery, charging case, and a carry case.
What Could Be Improved:
- MicroSD Card Not Included: You’ll need to buy a memory card separately to start recording.
The Insta360 X5 Essentials Bundle truly lets you capture and share your world like never before. It’s a powerful and versatile tool for any creator.
Your Guide to Choosing the Best 360 Action Camera
Ready to capture your adventures from every angle? A 360 action camera is your ticket to immersive videos and photos. It lets you record everything around you, so you can relive your experiences like you’re right back there. This guide will help you pick the perfect one.
What to Look For: Key Features
When you’re shopping for a 360 action camera, keep these important features in mind:
- Resolution: This tells you how clear your videos and photos will be. Higher numbers mean sharper images. Look for at least 4K resolution for video.
- Frame Rate: This is how many pictures the camera takes each second. A higher frame rate (like 60 frames per second) makes fast action look smooth.
- Image Stabilization: This is super important for action shots. Good stabilization makes shaky footage look steady and professional.
- Durability: Action cameras go on adventures! They should be tough, waterproof, and shockproof.
- Battery Life: You don’t want your camera to die when something amazing is happening. Check how long the battery lasts.
- Connectivity: Most cameras connect to your phone or computer with Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. This makes it easy to share your recordings.
Materials Matter: What Your Camera is Made Of
The materials used in your 360 camera affect its toughness and how it feels.
- Body: Many cameras use strong plastics like polycarbonate. This keeps them light and resistant to bumps. Some higher-end models might have metal parts for extra durability.
- Lenses: The lenses are often made of glass. Good quality glass helps capture clear images. Some lenses have special coatings to reduce glare.
- Waterproofing: If you plan to use your camera near water, look for cameras with rubber seals and robust casing.
Quality Boosters and Reducers
What makes a 360 camera great, and what can make it less ideal?
Factors That Improve Quality:
- Multiple Lenses: Most 360 cameras have at least two lenses. More lenses can sometimes mean better stitching (where the camera puts all the images together).
- Good Sensors: The sensor captures the light. Better sensors perform well in different lighting conditions, like bright sun or dim light.
- Advanced Software: The camera’s software helps stitch the images together and process the video. Good software creates seamless, high-quality footage.
- High Bitrate: This is like the amount of data in your video. A higher bitrate usually means a better-looking video with more detail.
Factors That Reduce Quality:
- Poor Stitching: If the camera doesn’t join the images from its lenses smoothly, you’ll see visible lines or a blurry effect where the images meet.
- Low Light Performance: Cameras that struggle in dim light will produce grainy or noisy footage.
- Limited Editing Options: Some basic cameras don’t offer much control over your footage, which can limit how good your final video looks.
- Cheap Materials: Cameras made with flimsy materials might break easily or not hold up well to the elements.
User Experience and Fun Use Cases
A 360 action camera is all about making memories and sharing them in a whole new way.
Who is it for?
- Adventurers: Hikers, bikers, skiers, and surfers can capture every moment of their thrilling activities.
- Travelers: Record breathtaking views and unique experiences from every angle.
- Families: Capture family trips, parties, and everyday fun from a new perspective.
- Content Creators: YouTubers and social media influencers can create engaging and immersive content.
What can you do with it?
- **Virtual Tours:** Imagine walking through a place again just by moving your phone or computer screen.
- **Immersive Storytelling:** Tell your stories in a way that makes viewers feel like they are there with you.
- **Creative Editing:** You can reframe your shots after you record them, choosing the best angles for your final video.
- **Sharing on Social Media:** Many platforms support 360 videos, allowing your friends to explore your adventures.
Frequently Asked Questions About 360 Action Cameras
Q: What is the main benefit of a 360 action camera?
A: The main benefit is that it records everything around you, allowing you to relive your experiences from any angle.
Q: Do I need special software to use a 360 camera?
A: Yes, you often need specific software or an app to stitch the footage together and edit it properly.
Q: Are 360 action cameras good in low light?
A: Performance varies. Higher-end cameras usually have better low-light capabilities, but many can still struggle compared to regular cameras.
Q: How do I share 360 videos?
A: You can share them on platforms like YouTube or Facebook that support 360 content, or through special apps.
Q: Are 360 cameras waterproof?
A: Many are designed to be waterproof, but you should always check the specific model’s rating.
Q: Can I edit 360 videos easily?
A: It takes some practice, but with the right software, you can learn to edit them effectively.
Q: What is “stitching” in 360 cameras?
A: Stitching is the process where the camera’s software combines the images from its different lenses to create one seamless 360-degree view.
Q: How long does the battery usually last?
A: Battery life can range from 1 to 2 hours of recording, depending on the camera and settings.
Q: Are 360 cameras good for photos too?
A: Yes, many 360 cameras also take impressive 360-degree photos.
Q: How much do 360 action cameras cost?
A: Prices can range from under $100 for basic models to over $500 for professional ones.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.