Top Best Action Camera For Hiking 2022
We want to capture the adventures, but we don’t have enough time and accessories to grip every trip. That’s where the best action camera for hiking comes in! These handy little devices allow you to record everything on your hike without added weight.
You can’t go wrong with an action camera. It’s rugged, waterproof, and perfect for capturing the memories of your adventures on film. But which one is best? We have compiled the top 10 best action cameras to help you decide.
There’s no shortage of options when it comes to these cameras. There are so many that it can be hard to find just the right one without some help! That’s why we put together this list of what we think are the best action cameras for hiking. If you need a little more information about each model before making your decision, take a look at our buyer’s guide below:
Factors that must Consider Before Buying a Best Action Camera for Hiking
If you’re looking for the best action camera for hiking, here are some things that can facilitate you.
Camera Handling and Stability
Hiking can be a strenuous activity, especially if it involves climbing steep slopes or scaling mountainsides. A good hiking camera should have no problem dealing with uneven terrain or sudden changes in altitude. It should also have some stabilizer to make your shots steady even when your hands are not. Of course, no stabilizer will work perfectly, but it’s better than having one that does nothing at all.
Size and Weight Matters
Some hikers prefer to bring more equipment with them on their hikes, while some others carry less weight as possible. Most cameras are much heavy and bulky. It would be best if you had a large pack to accommodate the camera and its accessories. Make sure that the camera comes with a strap or harness of its own so you can clip it on when needed. There are still more excellent cameras with Small Size available for hiking, such as those in the lightweight camera, rugged camera, etc.
Design and durability
Durability plays a crucial role because you won’t want to go home with just memories but only damaged cameras! That’s why you must compare the durability and design of different types of cameras before buying. You should test out other models to get a good one for yourself. But, we must say that the best action camera for hiking should be made up of durable material to last longer during your journey without any problems. If you intrested go with your dogs when you are hiking use the harness for dogs
Waterproofing
Some other factors can affect your camera. It includes dusty track routes. If your camera isn’t waterproof, then it will get damaged soon.
Moreover, it cannot fix water damages just like an expert in town because its level goes beyond repair limits after exposure to water. So, suppose you are searching for an effective solution. In that case, this is possible that you will be able to find it out by investing some bucks into waterproofing for your camera.
Camera quality
The resolution of the action camera always matters a lot because it impacts the picture qualities and videos you can shoot using this device. A high-resolution action camera would produce better images than a low-resolution one after capturing them. Moreover, suppose your motive is to take high-quality pictures or top-class record videos. In that case, you should only go for 4K cameras rather than wasting money buying 2Kor 3K models, which are just perfect for showing off, not more than that.
Display size and screen type
The display and screen of the camera play an essential role in any hiking. So, it would help if you kept this in mind before buying the best acting camera. A more prominent display shows a better picture quality but is costlier than a miniature one. Apart from that, you must check out whether the action camera has an LCD screen or not? If yes, then how big is its display? All these points must matter to you if you want yourself to enjoy top-class services.
Ease Of Use
The best action camera for hiking must be easy enough to provide easy access even in emergencies when time matters a lot. So ease of use option means having simple settings and controls so that any person can efficiently operate it compared to other complex options. You can also check out the user manual before buying this camera to be familiar with its works.
Internal storage
Internal storage capacity is another essential factor you should consider when searching for an action camera during hiking. The best action camera for hiking must have a minimum internal storage capacity. It won’t create problems while shooting videos or photos on your journey. Moreover, it will give space to save data without getting connected to any device repeatedly. This feature is beneficial for beginners and professionals who use it to capture images or shoot videos frequently, apart from having fun with it!
Resolution
Resolution is yet another essential factor which a significant impact on picture quality, color, and sharpness. If you want to capture a high-quality picture, you must consider the resolution of the acting camera.
Bluetooth
Bluetooth is another essential feature that makes it possible for you to connect to other devices wirelessly to control the camera with their help. This feature helps add more widgets to your action cameras’ list so that it won’t shoot any photo or video without permission from its master. Before buying, you should check this feature because not every action camera possesses Bluetooth. Still, only a few models have this fantastic feature!
Clear Photo/Video Quality
The best action camera for hiking always shows clear picture quality even in low light conditions. Thanks to their higher exposure features that let them take pictures even in the dark. So you must look for this critical feature before buying your favorite device on your next hiking trip.
Battery Life
Before purchasing, the battery life of any best action camera for hiking is another essential thing. So, you should keep it in mind because it can make or break your journey! A high-quality device always offers good battery life so that you won’t face any problems during shooting videos or taking photos on your journey. You can also check out the best solar power bank if you plan to go outdoor without carrying chargers with you.
Video Stabilization
Almost all action cameras incorporate unique features that let you capture still photos and videos without getting any shake or blur. This feature is highly beneficial for those who like to shoot their journey videos with the help of action cameras. So before buying one, make sure it has this fantastic feature, along with other essential factors we discussed above!
Usage/ Purpose
Usage or purpose is another important factor that you must consider before deciding which best action camera for hiking suits you the most. The users must keep in mind what they want from such devices? Do they require a device during traveling as well as wildlife photography? All these points matter a lot because choosing an advanced model may cost too much if your purpose includes both activities. In contrast, on the other hand, if your sole purpose is to record your hiking trip, then you should choose a simple model which offers one or two basic features only.
Accessories
Another critical factor that comes into play while buying any best action camera for hiking is its accessories. A suitable device must have some standard accessories to work correctly during recording videos or capturing photos on your journey. Before buying, you must check out the accessory list because not every device has the same accessories inside its package. So you can either choose one with all the necessary attachments in its kit or go for an extra addition if it’s available at cheaper rates.
Connectivity
Connectivity is another important feature that increases the value of your action camera. When it comes to taking pictures or recording videos in harsh conditions like high temperatures, rain, or snowfall a good action camera must have good connectivity options which let you control the device remotely.
You can even share captured videos through social media sites like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc. So make sure you look for this feature while choosing an affordable option from a reputed store!It’s a bit of a cop-out, but a lot of the criteria you might use to determine what makes a good action camera for hiking have nothing to do with the camera itself!
For example, suppose you plan to go hiking in icy conditions. In that case, you must check what battery life your selected best action camera for hiking offers. An average device may fail to complete the work when it gets too cold. So the decision is always yours. We have just guided you through common factors that matter a lot before buying any outdoor gear.
Top 10 Best Action Camera For Hiking and Travel Blogging
So after reading this guide, you must be clear about what to look for in the best action camera for hiking. However, still, if you are confused and can’t decide which model is good enough for your next hiking trip, then we have reviewed some of the most amazing devices that offer advanced features with rugged designs. So check out the top 10 best action cameras below.
1) GoPro Hero 9 Black
GoPro is a worldwide known brand when it comes to manufacturing advanced digital devices, and action cameras are one of their best creations to date. The device offers the most fantastic video stabilization feature to record smooth videos even while going on a bumpy journey.
It has a 12 MP photosensor which lets you capture sharp images in outdoor lighting or sunlight. The camera is waterproof up to 33 feet or 10 meters, making it usable in weather conditions.
PROS
- Amazing video stabilization
- Waterproof up to 33 feet
- The advanced image stabilization feature
CONS
- Expensive
2) Sony RX100 V
This fantastic device is considered one of the best action cameras for hiking. It has a 20.1 MP back-illuminated Exmor R CMOS sensor that allows you to capture high-quality images even in dim light conditions or when you are on a mountain trail at night time.
It features 4K video recording at 30 fps along with full HD recording capabilities. Moreover, it has built-in WiFi and NFC connectivity option so you can share images and videos to different online platforms with ease.
PROS
- 20.1 MP back-illuminated CMOS sensor
- 4K video recording at 30fps
CONS
- Battery life is not much impressive (230 shots)
- Expensive than usual
3) CANON POWERSHOT G7X MARK III
Canon is one of the leading brands for manufacturing advanced cameras. Powershot G7X Mark III has everything you can expect in a standard action camera for hiking.
It features an impressive 1.0-inch 20.1 MP High-Sensitivity CMOS sensor and DIGIC 7 image processor, which makes images sharper and much better when compared to other standard action cameras available in the market.
It also provides 4K video recording at 30fps and 1080p Full HD capabilities, which let you share high-quality videos and pictures on different online platforms like Facebook, Instagram, etc.
PROS
- 1.0-inch 20.1 MP High-Sensitivity CMOS sensor
- 4K video recording at 30fps
CONS
- Battery life is not much impressive (200 shots)
- Expensive than usual
4) Sony A6400
Sony A6400 is one of the best options available when you plan to buy an action camera for hiking because it offers some excellent features that can impress anyone looking out for a high-quality product.
It has 4K video recording along with 1080p Full HD capabilities, which means you will get to enjoy videos recorded in any quality without compromising much.
It has a 180-degree tiltable LCD screen to see what image or video is being recorded or captured. if you want for hiking then it should be have best Harness for Dogs. The device also has a six-axis stabilization feature that helps take smooth videos even when the camera moves while hiking on bumpy trails.
PROS
- 4K video recording at 24fps
- 180-degree tiltable LCD screen
CONS
- Pricey than usual
5) Sony A7R III
Sony A7R III is one of the favorite choices for the best action camera for hiking because it offers some imposing features that a standard action camera might not even provide. It has a 42.4 MP back-illuminated Exmor R CMOS sensor. It lets you capture sharp images in low light conditions or when hiking during nighttime.
Along with that, the camera has 4K video recording capabilities which let you record high-quality videos at 30fps. An advanced 5-axis optical stabilization feature also makes the device perfect for shooting stable images and videos.
PROS
- 42.4 MP back-illuminated CMOS sensor
- 4K video recording at 30fps
CONS
- Pricey than usual
6) Olympus E-M5 Mark III
Olympus E-M5 Mark III is an advanced version of its standard predecessor, making it one of the best options for a camera you can use during hiking.
It offers 4K video recording at 30fps along with high-quality 16MP resolution images. Moreover, some cool features like 5-axis sensor stabilization allow you to record stable videos even while walking on rocky trails.
PROS
- 4K video recording at 30fps
- 16MP resolution images
CONS
- Pricey than usual
- An expensive memory card needed
- No USB charging option is available
- battery works with AC adapter only
7) Olympus TG-5 Tough Camera
Olympus TG-5 is a rugged camera that comes with a bright f/2.0 lens and 12MP back-illuminated sensor to let you capture crisp images in any environment.
It has an impressive optical zoom capability of 4x, which lets you get closer to your subject without compromising quality. The device also features 4K video recording, which is another impressive feature that makes it one of the best cameras for hiking.
PROS
- 12MP back-illuminated CMOS sensor
- 4x optical zoom capability
- 4K video recording at 30fps
CONS
- Pricey than usual
8) PANASONIC LUMIX G80/G85 Camera
It is a mid-range rugged camera that lets you record 4K videos and capture 16MP images. It comes with a robust design and bright f/2.8 lens to let you shoot high-resolution pictures even when there is low light or nighttime.
The camera has a flip-up rear LCD screen that allows you to use it even when the camera is taken on a mount or tripod. It features a 5-axis optical image stabilization feature that makes your videos more stable and improves the device’s overall performance.
PROS
- 16MP resolution images
- Flip-up rear screen for easy use
- 5-axis optical stabilization feature
- 4K video recording at 30fps
CONS
- No built-in GPS
- Battery charges slowly; it takes more time for a complete account.
- Pricey than usual
- No USB charging option is available
- Battery works with AC adapter only (included in the pack)
- Only one type of memory card is supported (4GB is enough for 25 minutes of 4K recording)
9) NIKON 5500 Camera
It is one of the best cameras for hiking, which offers similar features as most high-end action cameras. This device can capture crisp images and record stable videos even when moving around on trails or mountains.
It has a versatile zoom capability that allows you to capture images at different focal lengths. The camera also features built-in WiFi and Bluetooth, which let you transfer pictures and videos wirelessly.
PROS
- Built-in WiFi and Bluetooth
- Versatile zoom capability
CONS
- Pricey than usual
- Battery charges slowly take more time for a full charge
10) Canon Rebel T7i Camera
Canon Rebel T7i is an advanced version of its standard predecessor, making it one of the best options for a camera you can use on hiking.
It has some great features like built-in WiFi and Bluetooth to let you transfer images and videos wirelessly. Moreover, there are impressive specifications like 24.2MP resolution images, 4K video recording at 30fps, and versatile zoom capability.
PROS
- 24.2MP resolution images
- Built-in WiFi and Bluetooth
- 4K video recording at 30fps
CONS
- An expensive memory card is needed.
Conclusion
While hiking, you should always have a camera to capture your experience. You can use a smartphone, but the image quality will not be as good as using a dedicated camera. Suppose you want to take crisp images even when moving around on trails or mountains. In that case, rugged cameras will be ideal for challenging hikes.
Moreover, suppose you want to go for an advanced camera with WiFi and Bluetooth capabilities. In that case, Nikon 5500 is one of the best options. If you’re going to get a camera that has similar features without paying too much, then go for Olympus TG-5 or Panasonic Lumix G80/G85.
Finally, if you’re looking to buy an advanced camera that comes with all accessories needed like batteries and chargers, then buy Canon Rebel T7i.
Charles Wesley is a professional writer and editor, and he loves traveling. This has led him to write a blog about his adventures in many parts of the world, and He has plans to explore more of the world over time. He has worked as a freelancer for several years, and He enjoys working with brands on a variety of different projects. Follow me on Pinterest, Twitter, and Facebook.