Best Prime Day Action Cameras Deals I've Found (2026): Go Pro, Insta 360 | WIRED

Overview

An action camera can capture life’s most exhilarating moments. Whether you need one to strap to your head before leaping into the void on your next bungee jump, or you want something waterproof so you can video the kids in the pool, there’s a good option for you. And Prime Day is the perfect opportunity to score a deal on some new camera gear. Below, I’ve rounded up the best action camera deals you can get right now.

If you're hunting for more deals this week, be sure to check out our Best Amazon Prime Day Deals roundup and dip into our Prime Day liveblog.

Details

Updated Wednesday, June 24: I've added new deals on the DJI Mic 3, Osmo Action 5 Pro, and Osmo 360 camera.

By far the best camera deal this Prime Day is Go Pro's Max 2 360 camera, which is currently 40 percent off. The Go Pro Max 2 (7/10 WIRED Recommends) is my favorite 360 camera. The dual 14-mm (35-mm equivalent) lenses of the Max 2 each record up to a 1/2.3-inch chip, yielding what Go Pro calls “True 8K” (10-bit) video. The larger sensors of the Max 2 provide sharper, clearer footage than other 360 cameras, and you can record 10-bit color in log for greater flexibility in post-production color grading—a capability you’d be hard-pressed to find in other 360 cameras. Even if editing log footage is too much work (I hear you), Go Pro's natural-looking color rendition in the default color profile is still the best I've tested.

As with most Go Pros, the Max 2 has three mounting options: folding fingers, a tripod hole, and a magnetic system. This means you can mount the Max 2 just about anywhere. It also has the simplest lens-cover replacement process. To do it, just twist off the lenses with your fingers and pop on the new ones. You’ll get all the usual Go Pro video modes, including Hyper Smooth video stabilization, horizon leveling, Time Warp, and more.

The one flaw in the Max 2 is its lackluster audio quality. The best way to avoid that issue is to pair the camera with a Bluetooth mic. Also note that if low-light video is on your list of must-haves in an action camera, the Insta 360 X5 (below) is probably a better bet. For everyone else, though, this is the 360 camera to get—especially at this discounted price.

The Insta 360 Ace Pro 2 (8/10 WIRED Recommends) combines a great Leica lens with an 8K-capable sensor and a handy flip-up rear screen, which is why it's my favorite action camera for vlogging. The 8K video is not that great for action footage, but the camera is nice for slower shots, which you can crop and still export to 4K. The standout feature, though, is the rear screen. Other action cameras offer a small front screen to compose selfies, but the Ace Pro 2's entire huge rear screen is there to help you frame yourself. The rear screen also simplifies shooting from the hip and nailing other unusual angles, especially when paired with the Xplorer Grip Pro ($10 off).

The video quality of the Ace Pro 2 is excellent, especially the low-light performance. It also has great battery life. The big downside to the Ace Pro 2 is that it doesn't support 10-bit color, which means you have fewer options to colorize footage in post-production.

The wee little Lit Hero is Go Pro's smallest, lightest, cheapest action camera. It's my favorite Go Pro for selfies thanks to the included light. The cluster of four LEDs next to the lens ensures this camera keeps you well-lit in every scene. The Lit Hero isn't quite as capable video-wise as the Hero 13 Black (also on sale, see below), but it can shoot 4K at 60 fps, and the battery held up for a respectable 101 minutes during my test (shooting a 4K 60 fps video).

While both action and 360 cameras offer pretty decent mics these days, nothing will improve your video quality more than adding an external mic for high quality sound. DJI's Mic 3 wireless system is our favorite way to do that. The sound quality is great, the noise canceling handles wind and other issues when shooting outdoors, and there's even support for professional timecodes. The best reason to upgrade from earlier models is that everything now fits in the charging case—yes, the mics fit even with the windscreens on.

Intsa 360's flagship 360 camera has a lot to offer—twin 1/1.28" sensors with nearly 8K video, good dynamic range, and solid—if sometimes oversaturated—color. It's also got great battery life, and the lens covers are replaceable.

If you're planning to film yourself, this is the Go Pro Hero 13 bundle to get. It includes a light, battery grip, tripod, remote, Media Mod, and an Enduro battery.

The TG-7 hasn't been updated in years, but it's still the best action camera for shooting underwater. The oversize 1/2.33'' CMOS sensor is wrapped in a camera body that stands up to just about any abuse you can throw at it.

Insta 360's X4 Air offers very nearly the same video quality as the X5, but at a lower price in a smaller and lighter body. The sensors are smaller, but I haven't noticed a huge quality difference between the two unless you go pixel peeping. The far bigger difference is that X4 Air does not offer Insta 360's low-light Pure Video Mode. But for daytime shooting, this is a great budget option.

This is the lowest price I've seen on DJI's Osmo Action 5 Pro. The Action 5 Pro can record 4:3 ratio video at up to 4K at 120 frames per second. It also has Super Night mode, which shoots up to 4K/30-fps footage at 16:9 and uses noise reduction to get usable footage, even in low light situations. Battery life is solid as well, shooting about 2 hours of 4K video in my tests.

The DJI Osmo 360 camera produces excellent video, and integrates tightly into the DJI ecosystem, pairing directly with the DJI Mic 3, and offering frame rates and codecs that will mix well with drone footage. The rear two-inch touchscreen is sharp and responsive, the three-button control layout is simple to use, and it can work with accessories that use both a standard tripod mount and DJI’s magnetic quick-release system.

Key Takeaways

• An action camera can capture life’s most exhilarating moments
• If you're hunting for more deals this week, be sure to check out our Best Amazon Prime Day Deals roundup and dip into our Prime Day liveblog
• Updated Wednesday, June 24: I've added new deals on the DJI Mic 3, Osmo Action 5 Pro, and Osmo 360 camera
• By far the best camera deal this Prime Day is Go Pro's Max 2 360 camera, which is currently 40 percent off
• As with most Go Pros, the Max 2 has three mounting options: folding fingers, a tripod hole, and a magnetic system