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All those cameras are cheap on Amazon: Readers often ask, why spend $400 on a GoPro when they can get a camera with 4K video for $100? It’s a fair question, and the answer comes down to software, primarily image stabilization. Action cameras are designed to be strapped to helmets or strapped to your chest while you’re diving, rock climbing, and running around town on a scooter. Without stabilization, the results are something even your closest friends won’t listen to. So yes, you will get 4K photos with cheap cameras, but it will be video no one wants to see. In our opinion, you’re better off spending the extra $100 on an older GoPro (Hero 11 or 12) on sale.
The Best Accessories to Trick Your Camera
Photo: Scott Gilbertson
Once you have an action camera, you are ready to go for many use cases. GoPro, Insta360, and DJI all offer helmet mounts and other ways to attach your camera where you want it. But there are some great additions that can make it even easier to get that shot of your dreams. Here are a few:
Good microSD card: You can get an SD card with your camera. Insta360’s SD cards are really good, but I tend to use SanDisk’s Extreme cards because they’re faster and, as a bonus, waterproof. You can pick up a 512-GB card for around $70. I also like Samsung’s Pro Plus microSD cards, which are slightly faster in my tests. You can get a 256-GB one for around $96. DJI has some specific recommendations for microSD cards to use with the Action 6. On their list I recommend the Lexar Professional Silver Plus ($24).
GoPro Media Mod for $79: GoPro audio is fine out of the box, but if you’re looking for high-quality audio, this is where you start. Not because the Media Mod produces great sound—it’s better than the camera, but not great. What it does offer is a microphone jack. Connect a high quality microphone and you will finally have amazing sound. (Not recommended while skydiving.)
$40 handle/seat/pole: This is my favorite mount for cycling, but it will also work for ski poles and any other round object you want to compress.
A bunch of motorcycle accessories for $50: If you ride, this mount for Insta360 cameras (Ace Pro, X5, etc.) is a must have. It’s one of the most secure machines I’ve ever used, about the size of a bench.
Yallsame tripod mount for $10: Action cameras offer many ways to mount them, but one that is surprisingly missing is the quarter-inch tripod screw mount. The GoPro Hero 13 has one, but this pack of three adapters solves the problem for others.
Polarizer and ND filters: If you’re shooting near water, through glass, or in any other shiny situation, a contrast filter will help cut that glare. Neutral density (ND) filters trap light to allow you to shoot in a wide area in bright light, which helps increase the amount of motion blur. Both are great additions to your action camera kit. If you have a Hero 13 Black you can get the new GoPro ND Filter Four-Pack ($90), which automatically adjusts the camera’s settings when attached. This is great as finding the shutter speed and ND filters can take some trial and error. GoPro ND filters handle all that for you. If you don’t have a HEro 13, I’ve tested and like DJI’s NDI filter set for Action 6 ($79). For older GoPros, I like Freewell’s polarizing and ND filters ($20). I suggest starting with an 8-stop ND or a combo ND and polarizing filter.
Floating for $35: One of the water shooters, but it’s worth the money because it will keep your GoPro from ending up at the bottom of the ocean. I haven’t tried it yet, but here’s one for Insta360 Ace Pro 2 ($20), and at the time of the review Action 6 is so new it doesn’t see any fault. I can confirm that the old case will work, but the buttons don’t fit well and are a pain to use. Hopefully DJI will release an updated version soon.
Selfie stick for $25: I’ve tested a lot of selfie sticks and almost all of them are good, but I keep grabbing this Insta360 version on my way out the door. It’s light, small enough to fit in the bottom of my purse, and affordable. If you want to go big, this Insta360 Extended Edition Selfie Stick ($100) can simulate a low-flying drone, perfect for use in national parks and other areas where drones are prohibited.
