Technology inhabits all parts of society, so taking a camera along on your next hunting trip seems natural.
However, with so many different makes and models on the market, it can be hard to choose. That is where this guide comes in.
We have picked out our favorite action cameras to take with you on your hunting excursions. Each model comes with a strong construction, premium features, and exceptional image quality.
Let’s look at them below.
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Who Should Buy This
If you’re someone who loves to go hunting, you need one of these cameras.
They will allow you to record the action from your point of view. Now you can prove to your friends that you barely missed that massive buck, and they will have to believe you!
All of the cameras here are also great to take fishing. They have water-proof builds, durable construction, and crisp image quality.
Best Action Camera for Hunting: Our Picks
Here are our top recommendations, along with a quick review of each camera so you get to know its pros and cons.
1. Yi 4K Action Camera
The Yi 4K Action Camera has been dubbed the “GoPro Killer” by many of its fans, and for good reason. It has video quality that rivals even the best GoPro, which is saying a lot.
If you want slow motion, this camera has great high frame rate modes as well. The battery life is about 2 hours on a full charge, which gives you plenty of time to record your hunting activities.
There is no image stabilization in 4K, so the footage can be a bit jerky if you don’t have a steady hand.
What We Like:
- Good looking 4K video
- High frame rate capabilities
- Long battery life
What We Don’t Like:
- Lack of image stabilization
Specs:
- Max Resolution: 4K
- Max Frame Rate: 240 @ 720p
- Battery Life: 120 minutes
2. DJI Osmo Action
DJI is known for their high quality drones, so it should come as no surprise that they also make wonderful cameras.
The Osmo Action is one of the best action cameras on the market and has nearly unrivaled video stabilization.
The footage that comes out of this camera is so smooth you would think it was shot on a Hollywood grade cinema camera.
The one downfall here is that you need an external case to make it truly waterproof. However, that’s a small price to pay for this type of quality.
What We Like:
- Fantastic video stabilization
- Great video quality
- Good battery life
What We Don’t Like:
- Need external housing to make water-proof
Specs:
- Max Resolution: 4K
- Max Frame Rate: 240 @ 1080p
- Battery Life: 135 minutes
3. CamPark V30
Most high-end action cameras are going to cost quite a bit, but the CamPark V30 breaks that mold.
This model has all the high-end features you need and comes at a very affordable price. It shoots 4K video and even takes very good still images for an action camera.
There is no external mic support, however. If you like to wear a lavalier or use a shotgun microphone, this one isn’t for you.
What We Like:
- Takes excellent still images
- 4K video
- Good price
What We Don’t Like:
- No external mic support
Specs:
- Max Resolution: 4K
- Max Frame Rate: 120 @ 720p
- Battery Life: 180 minutes
4. GoPro Hero11 Black
GoPro is the leading brand in the action camera world, and for good reason. The company makes quality products that few brands can match. Though they have a range of excellent models, none are more impressive than the Hero11.
Nothing compares to its build or video quality. It comes equipped with excellent 4k video and is able to shoot 60 frames per second at 5K. That comes at a cost of battery life though, as you will get only a little over an hour of recording time on a full charge. If you want the best of the best, the GoPro Hero11 is the way to go.
What We Like:
- Great video quality
- High frame rate
- Good image stabilization
What We Don’t Like:
- Poor battery life
Specs:
- Max Resolution: 5K
- Max Frame Rate: 60 @ 5.3K
- Battery Life: Up to 80 minutes
How to Choose an Action Camera for Hunting
Waterproof
Accidents happen, especially when you’re out in the wilderness. Having an action camera that’s water-proof will help protect your investment in the case of a drop or fall.
It doesn’t matter if you drop your camera in the river or get caught in a storm, you want something that can stand the test of time.
Video Resolution
If you want the best possible video quality, you need a high-resolution camera. Anything lower than 1080p is unacceptable in today’s world, and we highly suggest you get a 4K capable camera. That will ensure everything comes out looking great.
Battery Life
Hunting often takes a long, long time. As such, you want a camera with a lot of battery life so you don’t miss any key moments. There’s nothing worse than rolling all morning and then losing power right when a trophy buck walks into sight.
If your camera’s main focus is hunting, always prioritize battery life first. Next, pay attention to the build construction and water-proof exterior. Video Resolution goes to the end of the line, but is still very important if you want good-looking video.
Other Useful Tips
When getting an action camera, you want a good memory card. Preferably a very fast memory card with plenty of storage capacity.
That will allow you to record hours of footage at extremely smooth frame rates. Don’t skimp out here. Cheap memory cards will likely cause you heartache in the long run.
It is also important to buy a solid action camera accessory kit because it will give you a ton of mounts. Such devices will allow you to strap the camera in a bunch of different positions, providing you with the best shot for each situation.
Setting up your action camera is also super important before filming your hunt, check out this amazing video for some details:
Final Words
There are a ton of cheap, low-quality action cameras on the market. However, the above options break that mold by providing you with exceptional quality on each and every shot.
If you want to capture a great hunting adventure, it’s hard to do any better. Just remember to prioritize the build quality, video resolution, and battery life, and you will be happy with your pick.
Have you ever used an action camera other than GoPro? Let us know in the comments below!
