Heading outdoors? Which of the three standout action cameras of the moment from DJI, GoPro, or Insta360 should be on your shopping list this summer?
Our feature on the Best Action Cameras of 2025 was wildly popular, so as we're heading to the peak months for their use, at least in the northern hemisphere, we thought it was a good time to revisit the subject and provide an update.
The action camera market has been rather dramatically reshuffled since the start of the year. GoPro has released the Mission 1 series, three GP3-powered cameras, the first of which, the Mission 1 Pro, began shipping on 28 May 2026
Our full review found it lives up to the hype, but as you can see from the table below all that capability comes at a significant cost (though the HERO13 itself remains on sale as a budget option for anyone who wants the old system). Unfortunately, for all the Mission 1 series' chops, all GoPros currently have to come with a flag that the company is up for sale and its future is far from assured. This is what is likely serving to tamp down excitement about the imminent Mission 1 Pro ILS, which adds a Micro Four Thirds interchangeable lens mount to the range.
Meanwhile, the two cameras expected to succeed the Osmo Action 6 and Ace Pro 2 haven't shown up, possibly caught up in the spat between the two companies regarding the DJI Osmo Pocket 4P and the Insta360 Luna Ultra gimbal cameras. The Insta360 Ace Pro 3 was tipped for the first half of 2026 but remains unannounced as of late July, having slipped past its expected window. The DJI Osmo Action 7 is also still unannounced, with rumours now pointing to an October or November 2026 launch.
So, for this summer, the Osmo Action 6 and Ace Pro 2 are still very much current, and it's the Mission 1 Pro that changes the picture from the end of last year. By the end of the year, however, that picture could be very different again.
For further information you can check out the individual reviews and coverage at the following links:
GoPro Mission 1 Pro Review: The GoPro You've Been Waiting For
GoPro Mission 1 Series: New cameras, new direction, no HERO
As with our guide to the best 360-cameras of 2025*, we've reviewed or closely tested all three of these, so here's a snapshot of which one best suits your needs.
*Still current as of Monday July 27, but the Insta360 X6 is expected soon.
| DJI Osmo Action 6 | Insta360 Ace Pro 2 | GoPro Mission 1 Pro | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Release Date | 18 November 2025 | 22 October 2024 | 28 May 2026 |
| Sensor | 1/1.1-inch square CMOS sensor | 1/1.3" CMOS | 50 MP 1" CMOS, Quad Bayer with dual gain output, 4:3 (not square) |
| Max Video Resolution | 8K30, 4K120 | 8K30, 4K120, 1080p240 | 8K60; 8K30 and 4K120 in 4:3 Open Gate; 4K240; 1080p960 burst; all in 10-bit GP-Log 2 |
| Effective Still Resolution | 38 MP | 50 MP | 50 MP (12 MP low-light option) |
| Weight | 149 g / 5.26 oz | 177 g / 6.24 oz | 208 g / 7.34 oz (plus 6 g for the lens hood) |
| Size WxHxD | 72.8×47.2×33.1 mm / 2.87×1.86×1.3 in | 71.9×52.2×38 mm / 2.83×2.05×1.50 in | 80.1×52.1×44.3 mm / 3.15×2.05×1.74 in |
| Waterproof to: | 20 m / 65.6 ft | 12 m / 39 ft | 20 m / 66 ft (without housing) |
| Battery / Runtime | ≈4 hr claimed | ≈3 hr claimed | 2150 mAh Enduro 2; ≈5 hr at 1080p30, 3.1 hr at 4K30; PD2.0 fast charging, 80% in around 20 minutes |
| Built-in Storage | 64 GB built-in (50 GB usable) | None | None |
| Display(s) | Dual OLED touchscreens (front + rear) | 2.5" flip touchscreen | Front: 1.4" / Rear: 2.59" OLED |
| Strengths | • Adjustable iris between f/2.0 and f/4.0 • Larger, square 1/1.1-inch sensor • Add-on lenses and flexible FOV options |
• 8K and 50 MP stills • Leica lens and dual-AI chips for excellent low-light performance • Flip-screen • Videography bundles extend usefulness |
• Best-in-class slow motion for the price, with 4K240 and 1080p960 burst all in 10-bit GP-Log 2 • Low light now on a par with the Ace Pro 2 • Fast PD2.0 charging • Strong pro-audio and monitoring options, including USB mic support, 4K60 monitor out, and timecode sync |
| Weaknesses | • Occasional image artefacts • Smaller accessory ecosystem than GoPro • Mechanical iris unproven in field use |
• No native log mode • Limited waterproof depth without case • Some heat in 8K |
• GoPro's ongoing viability • No front touchscreen • Dynamic range occasionally trails the Ace Pro 2, pending firmware tuning |
| Best Use-Case | Content creators producing both landscape and vertical content in variable lighting | Filmmakers or creators wanting cinematic quality, high resolution, and advanced features | Creators and documentary or professional shooters who want cinema-grade slow motion and log footage in a pocketable body, plus productions needing a compact B-cam |
| Verdict | A meaningful evolution for action cameras, combining sensor, optics and design upgrades | Standout image quality and creative potential. A semi-pro tool in compact form | "The GoPro you've been waiting for." Addresses years of criticism and brings near-mirrorless capability to an action camera body |
| Price | $379 | $399 |
$699 ($599 for GoPro subscribers) |