Best Action Cameras for Live Streaming (updated 2023)
It’s no secret that the new generation of outdoor sports, adrenaline junkies and X-game fans have all created a boom for live streaming!
What’s not to love when you can share these awesome moments with the world! Here’s a review of the best action cameras for live streaming!
My name is Ali G, and I’m an internationally published professional photographer, NFT Artist and social media workshop instructor.
Live streaming is an excellent tool for anyone who wants to connect themselves with the world because it allows you to share information with audiences interested in the content you create. Plus, you get to interact with people who like your content to create a community of fans and followers.
Helping students master the live streaming technique is a big part of my work.
The GoPro Hero 10 is my choice for the best overall action camera for live streaming for the year. It will provide you with great video quality and stabilization, unbeatable weatherproof ability, and high photo resolution.
I will list out several other great options here to help you find the best action camera to meet your needs!
Let’s go for it!
Quick Summary
- GoPro Hero 10: Best overall
- Akaso Brave 7: Best budget
- GoPro Hero9 Black: Best Versatile
- DJI Osmo Action 4: Best Waterproof
- GoPro Hero8 Black: Best Stabilization
Who Should Get This
An action camera is perfect for those who want to do live streaming at any time, anywhere. Whether you’re just starting out or a renowned influencer already or an adventure seeker, a high quality camera can be used for producing vlogs and streaming.
If you love outdoor activities and want to document your adventures and great memories, you will need an action camera as well due to the weatherproofing aspects.
Of course you can capture a lot of content on your phone, however, do note that your phone may not be able to function properly if you need to do some live streaming in harsh weather.
5 Best Action Cameras for Live Streaming
Here are my top picks of the best action cameras for live streaming.
GoPro Hero 10
- Key Features: new GP2 processor, HyperSmooth 4.0 video stabilization, wireless offloading to an app, 1080p live stream and webcam mode, 3 microphones with stereo and raw audio, fast charging
- Video Resolution: 5.3K, 4K, HD (1920 x 1080)
- Photo Resolution: 23 MP
- Frame Rates: 60 fps, 120 fps, 240 fps
- Best for: Overall
The latest release in the GoPro series of action cameras is the GoPro Hero 10. The new processor delivers top notch video quality, improved video stabilization, the option to charge while uploading your video, and 23 megapixels of photo resolution.
The 1080p Livestream together with HyperSmooth 4.0 video stabilization will deliver exceptional streams to your audience. Plus, the removable 1720mAh battery will make sure you’ve got power to last long. It also has 3 microphones with the option for stereo and raw audio. This will ensure your great audio quality during streams.
If you’re aiming for the best action camera with the latest and greatest features, this is it.
Akaso Brave 7
- Key Features: IPX8 waterproof rating, dual color screens, voice control, up to 100 minutes of 4K recording
- Video Resolution: 4K, 2.7K, 2K, 1080p, 720p
- Photo Resolution: 20 MP
- Frame Rates: 30 fps, 60 fps, 120 fps, 240 fps (720p)
- Best for: Budget
For those on a tight budget, the Akaso Brave 7 is a great action camera to pick. It is weatherproof with an IPX8 waterproof rating and great for all kinds of conditions, especially if you’re an active live streamer. It has a clear and vivid dual color screen to help you take POV or selfie footage as well.
It may not have all of the advanced features of a GoPro but it’s got the basics right. It already has 4K video which can be used for streaming. Plus, it’s got built-in WiFi and HDMI to easily connect it to the computer whenever you want to stream. There’s also no need to install a driver if ever you want to use this as a webcam. The battery lasts for up to two hours of video.
The Akaso Brave 7 has the essentials if you want an affordable action camera for live streaming.
GoPro Hero9 Black
- Key Features: Waterproof, 23.6 MP sensor, HyperSmooth 3.0 Boost stabilization, TimeWarp, shooting modes via GoPro Labs, 2.27 inch rear touchscreen, 1.4 inch front display, WiFi and Bluetooth-enabled with app connectivity
- Video Resolution: 5K, 4K, 2.7K, 1440p, 1080p
- Photo Resolution: 20 MP
- Frame Rates: 24 fps, 25 fps, 30 fps, 50 fps, 60 fps, 100 fps, 120 fps, 240 fps
- Best for: Versatile
The GoPro Hero9 isn’t only a waterproof, rugged action camera. It’s amazing and reliable, especially for a live streamer. The HyperSmooth video stabilization is there to ensure you’ve got stable footage. It also has a full-color front display so you can see yourself clearly when shooting.
Using the GoPro app, you can stream directly to Twitch, Youtube, Facebook, and other social media platforms as well. It’s even got a battery that’s 30% longer lasting than previous generations so you can capture video and stream longer. 20 megapixels for photos is also great if you ever need to take stills. The GoPro Hero9 Black is sure to please.
DJI Osmo Action 4
- Key Features: 1/1.3″ Sensor & Low-Light Imaging, 10-bit & D-Log M Color Performance, Deep-Freeze Resistant & Long-Lasting Battery Life, Magnetic Quick Release & Native Vertical Video
- Video Resolution: 4K/120fps & 155º Ultra-Wide FOV
- Special Feature: 155 Degree Ultra-Wide Angle: this gives you super cool wide angle shots that add another layer of creativity to your content!
- Stabilization: 360 Degree HorizonSteady – this is one of the newest features on the market
- Frame Rates: 24 fps, 25 fps, 30 fps, 50 fps, 60 fps, 100 fps, 120 fps
- Best for: Waterproof
The DJI Osmo Action 4 goes beyond the standard stabilization features with a new feature called 360 Degree HorizonSteady. In addition, it’s one of the top waterproof cameras on the market, as well as being quite rugged. The 10-bit D-Log M Color Performance is unmatched, giving you over one billion colors and a wider dynamic range to play with in post production. For the price point, it offers great value, especially as a kit.
GoPro Hero8 Black
- Key Features: GP1 chip, SuperView, Wide, Linear, and Narrow lenses, Night Lapse and Time Lapse, up to 33ft waterproof without a case, voice control
- Video Resolution: 4K, 2.7K, 1080p
- Photo Resolution: 12 MP
- Frame Rates: 24 fps, 30 fps, 60 fps, 240 fps
- Best for: Stabilization
Do you want a basic but solid GoPro without the newer bells and whistles? Then the GoPro Hero 8 Black is for you. It might be two generations behind the latest GoPro, but don’t underestimate this action camera as it can still compete with its younger siblings.
It has killer 4K video to deliver top-notch video quality. The video stabilization is decent and can still compete with newer versions. Aside from the amazing Night Lapse, it’s got four digital lenses: Narrow, Linear, Wide, and SuperView which you can use as options when streaming. It’s rugged and waterproof for up to 33ft.
Although the specs aren’t as robust as the newer versions, the Hero8 is still an excellent action camera with much to offer, and at a cheaper price point, too!
Best Action Camera for Live Streaming – What to Consider
Here are some essential factors to consider when shopping for a good action camera for live streaming.
Frame Rates
A great action camera must get the frame rates right to provide great streaming quality. The usual frame rate for most countries is 30 fps (frames per second). In Europe, it’s a bit higher at 50 fps. If you’re live streaming sports, then you should go for an action camera that provides at least 60 fps.
Video Resolution
In terms of video resolution, 720p is the minimum resolution. Meanwhile, 1080p is considered high definition (HD) and will already produce clear video quality. Nowadays, many modern action cameras already offer this resolution. You can consider 4K if most of your viewers watch your streams on a 4K device.
Photo Resolution
If you plan to take pictures with your action camera, then the photo resolution will be a factor to consider. The lowest photo resolution on this list of action cameras is 12 megapixels. This is already sufficient for taking stills. What’s more important is the sensor’s ability to process the information from the pixels.
Battery
Battery life is also something to prioritize when live streaming. Make sure that your action camera’s batteries can cover your streaming time. The higher the mAh (milliamp hour) rating, the better. It would also be best if your camera can charge while connected to the computer.
FAQs
Here are some quick answers to a few common questions relating to live streaming with action cameras.
Is it possible to live stream from an action camera?
Yes, it is! You can connect your action camera to your computer to live stream to a platform. To do this, you can link your camera through USB, HDMI, or other means. You can then use your action camera’s app, such as the GoPro app, or use OBS as a program.
Do YouTubers use action cameras?
YouTubers that feature extreme sports or underwater activities comprise most of the users of action cameras. Activities such as mountain biking, skiing, diving, surfing, fishing, swimming, and other water sports are just some examples. Thus, it’s vital that these cameras are rugged and waterproof, making action cameras a great choice for these YouTube channels.
Useful Tips and Resources
Make sure you check the battery and all the gears before you take the action camera out, and make sure the lens is clear and clean, with no dust or specks of dirt.
If you happen to film under challenging conditions like a snowy or heavy rain day, you may need to keep cleaning the lens.
Please take out your camera from the case every time you arrive home from streaming or recording, inspect, clean, and air dry it to extend its lifespan.
If you live in humid and tropical countries, then consider getting a dry cabinet to store your cameras.
Wrapping Up
The GoPro Hero 10 is my pick for the best action camera for live streaming. This model will have you covered for almost all sorts of conditions. It’s super easy to use, able to produce excellent video and photo quality, and comes with many great features for live streaming.
All options listed on this list come with great features for a live streaming setup. Simply pick up one that suits your need, and you will be happy with what they offer you.
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Ali G Studios IG: @aligphoto1 Youtube: @AliGStudios
A big thanks to Phottix for the professional lighting equipment provided to Ali G Studios.
Disclosure: As an amazon associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.