If you’re ready to ride those epic waves and capture every exhilarating moment, you’ve come to the right place. In this blog, we’re diving headfirst into the thrilling world of action cameras for surfing. These nifty little devices are designed to withstand the salty splashes and wild waves, ensuring you never miss a single epic ride. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, we’ve got you covered with the ultimate guide to the best action cameras for surfing. So, grab your board, wax up, and let’s explore the top contenders that will help you relive your surfing adventures like never before!
Now, imagine you’re effortlessly gliding across the waves, carving up the surf like a pro. The sun is shining, the sea spray is refreshing, and you’re living the dream! But wait, wouldn’t it be incredible to capture all these exhilarating moments on camera and share them with the world? That’s where action cameras for surfing come to the rescue! These rugged and waterproof companions are tailor-made for water sports enthusiasts like you. Whether you’re looking to shoot jaw-dropping 4K videos or snap stunning high-resolution photos, there’s an action camera that perfectly suits your needs. So, get ready to take your surfing game to the next level and dive into our handpicked selection of the best action cameras for surfing. Your aquatic adventures are about to get even more epic – read on to end your blog!
| Action Camera | Waterproof Rating | Video Resolution | Photo Resolution | Image Stabilization | Live Streaming | Battery Life | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GoPro HERO11 Black | 10m (33ft) | 5.3K at 60fps | 24.7MP | Yes | Yes (1080p) | Up to 2.5 hours | High |
| Insta360 One X2 | Not specified*^1 | 5.7K at 30fps | 108MP | Yes | No | Up to 80 minutes*^2 | High |
| DJI Osmo Action | 11m (36ft) | 4K at 60fps | 12MP | Yes | No | Up to 135 minutes*^3 | Mid |
| Akaso Brave 7 LE | 10m (33ft) | 4K at 30fps | 20MP | Yes | Yes (1080p) | Up to 90 minutes | Low |
| Ricoh Theta Z1 | 1m (3ft) | 4K at 30fps | 23MP | No | No | Up to 25 minutes*^4 | High |
| Whisport 4K Action Camera | 30m (98ft) | 4K at 30fps | 20MP | Yes | No | Up to 120 minutes*^5 | Mid |
| Sony Action Cam FDR-X3000 | 60m (197ft) | 4K at 30fps | 8.2MP | Yes | No | Up to 155 minutes*^6 | High |
What to Look for in an Action Camera for Surfing
When choosing an action camera for surfing, there are a few things you’ll need to keep in mind.
- Waterproof rating: The camera should be waterproof to at least 33 feet, so you can use it in the ocean without worrying about it getting damaged.
- Rugged construction: The camera should be built to withstand the elements, so it can handle being bumped, dropped, and splashed.
- Image stabilization: This is an important feature for capturing smooth footage, even when you’re surfing in rough conditions.
- Battery life: You’ll want a camera with a long battery life, so you can record for extended periods of time without having to worry about it running out of juice.
- Mounting options: The camera should come with a variety of mounting options, so you can attach it to your surfboard, helmet, or body.
Best Action Cameras for Surfing in 2023
#1. GoPro HERO 11 Black: Unleash the Surfing Hero Within
- Brand: GoPro
- Connectivity Technology: USB
- Flash Memory Type: MicroSDHC
- Color: Black
- Special Feature: Waterproof
- Screen Size1.9 Inches
- Photo Sensor Technology: CMOS
- Camcorder type: Action Camera
- Model Name: GoPro HERO11 Black – Waterproof Action Camera with 5.3K60 Ultra HD Video, 27MP Photos, 1/1.9″ Image Sensor, Live Streaming, Webcam, StabilizationGoPro HERO11 Black – Waterproof Action Camera with 5.3K60 Ultra HD Video, 27MP Photos, 1/1.9″ Image Sensor, Live Streaming, Webcam, Stabilization
- Included Components: HERO11 Black Camera, Enduro Battery, Carrying Case, Curved Adhesive Mount, Mounting Buckle + Thumb Screw, USB-C CableHERO11 Black Camera, Enduro Battery, Carrying Case, Curved Adhesive Mount, Mounting Buckle + Thumb Screw, USB-C Cable
The GoPro HERO11 Black is the ultimate surfing companion, packed with cutting-edge features that make it stand out as a surfing hero among action cameras. With a waterproof rating of up to 10 meters (33 feet), this camera fearlessly rides the waves, capturing every breathtaking moment in stunning 5.3K video and 24.7MP photos. The rugged construction ensures it can handle all the bumps, drops, and splashes that come with the surfing territory.
One of the standout features of the GoPro HERO11 Black is its exceptional image stabilization technology. Even in the choppiest waters, your footage remains buttery smooth, offering a professional-grade cinematic experience. Whether you’re carving through barrels or executing gravity-defying tricks, this action camera ensures you get crystal-clear, blur-free footage.
The HERO11 Black is equipped with a range of shooting modes, including TimeWarp, SuperPhoto, and LiveBurst, providing you with the creative flexibility to capture stunning stills and dynamic time-lapse videos. Its intuitive touchscreen interface makes it a breeze to operate, even when your hands are wet or sandy. Plus, with voice control, you can simply command your GoPro to start recording or take a photo without having to press a button.For surfers who love sharing their adventures in real-time, the GoPro HERO11 Black supports live streaming in 1080p, allowing you to connect with your audience and showcase your epic rides as they happen. With its built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, you can easily transfer footage to your smartphone and edit and share it on the go.
| GoPro HERO11 Black |
|---|
| Waterproof Rating: 10m (33ft) |
| Video Resolution: 5.3K at 60fps |
| Photo Resolution: 24.7MP |
| Image Stabilization: Yes |
| Live Streaming: Yes (1080p) |
| Battery Life: Up to 2.5 hours (depending on usage) |
| Price Range: High |
#2. Insta360 One X2: Immersive Surfing 360° Experience
- Brand: Insta360
- Connectivity Technology: Wi-Fi
- Flash Memory Type: Micro SD
- Color: Black
- Screen Size: 3 Inches
- Photo Sensor Technology: CMOS
- Video Capture Resolution: 5.7K
- Minimum Focal Length: 1
- Lens Type: Fisheye
- Maximum Aperture: 2 f
If you’re after a truly immersive surfing experience, the Insta360 One X2 is the action camera for you. This camera takes a unique approach by capturing 360° footage, allowing you to relive your surf sessions as if you were right back on the waves. With its 5.7K video and 108MP photos, the level of detail is astonishing, putting you at the center of the action.
The Insta360 One X2 comes with FlowState Stabilization, which is known for its exceptional image stabilization capabilities. It ensures that all your 360° footage stays smooth and steady, no matter how intense your surfing gets. And if you prefer more traditional angles, you can easily edit and reframe your footage to create stunning traditional videos.
Another fantastic feature is the “Point to Track” mode, where you can simply tap on a subject in your footage, and the camera will track it throughout the frame, making sure you never miss a moment of the action. Moreover, the One X2 offers various shooting modes like HDR video, time-lapse, and slow motion, giving you endless creative possibilities.
Thanks to the innovative Insta360 app, you can control the camera, edit, and share your content seamlessly from your smartphone. The app’s AI-powered editing features make it easy to create captivating videos with just a few taps. Additionally, the One X2 is equipped with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, ensuring quick and effortless file transfers.
| Insta360 One X2 |
|---|
| Waterproof Rating: Not specified (requires a waterproof housing for underwater use) |
| Video Resolution: 5.7K at 30fps |
| Photo Resolution: 108MP |
| Image Stabilization: Yes |
| Live Streaming: No |
| Battery Life: Up to 80 minutes (depending on usage) |
| Price Range: High |
#3. DJI Osmo Action: Affordable Excellence on the Waves
- Brand: DJI
- Connectivity Technology: Wi-Fi Protocol 802.11a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth Protocol BLE 4.2
- Flash Memory Type: Micro SD
- Color: Black
- Special Feature: Waterproof
- Screen Size: 2.25 Inches
- Optical Zoom: 0.01 x
- Photo Sensor Technology: CMOS
- Camcorder type: Action Camera
- Model Name: DJI Osmo Action
For surfers seeking a budget-friendly yet powerful action camera, the DJI Osmo Action is an excellent choice. With a waterproof rating of up to 11 meters (36 feet) without the need for an additional housing, this camera is well-prepared to accompany you on your water adventures.
The Osmo Action records stunning 4K video and 12MP photos, ensuring you can capture all the action in rich detail. Its image stabilization system, known as RockSteady, effectively reduces camera shake, resulting in smooth and steady footage even when you’re carving through turbulent waters.
This camera features a front-facing screen, which is perfect for vlogging or checking your framing when you’re mounting the camera on yourself. The responsive rear touchscreen interface makes it easy to control the camera settings, preview footage, and navigate menus.
The Osmo Action offers a range of shooting modes, including slow motion, time-lapse, and timelapse-then-motion, adding creativity to your surf videos. Furthermore, its custom exposure settings and a variety of manual modes cater to more experienced photographers and videographers.
With the DJI Mimo app, you can connect your Osmo Action to your smartphone for easy file transfer and remote control. Plus, you can use the app to access the camera’s editing features, allowing you to create polished videos on the go.
| DJI Osmo Action |
|---|
| Waterproof Rating: 11m (36ft) |
| Video Resolution: 4K at 60fps |
| Photo Resolution: 12MP |
| Image Stabilization: Yes |
| Live Streaming: No |
| Battery Life: Up to 135 minutes (1080p at 30fps) |
| Price Range: Mid |
Other Action Cameras for Surfing:
While the GoPro HERO11 Black, Insta360 One X2, and DJI Osmo Action take center stage, there are other action cameras that deserve recognition for their performance in the surfing arena.
| Action Camera | Price | Waterproof Rating | Video Resolution | Photo Resolution | Image Stabilization | Live Streaming | Battery Life | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Akaso Brave 7 LE | View at Amazon | 10m (33ft) | 4K at 30fps | 20MP | Yes | Yes (1080p) | Up to 90 minutes | Low |
| Ricoh Theta Z1 | View at Amazon | 1m (3ft) | 4K at 30fps | 23MP | No | No | Up to 25 minutes | High |
| Sony Action Cam FDR-X3000 | View at Amazon | 60m (197ft) | 4K at 30fps | 8.2MP | Yes | No | Up to 155 minutes | High |
Each of these action cameras brings its unique strengths to the table, and depending on your budget and specific needs, they can be excellent alternatives to consider for your surfing adventures.
Conclusion: Ride the Waves and Capture the Magic!
Surfing is a thrilling sport that deserves to be cherished and shared with others. Action cameras for surfing allow you to do just that, capturing every moment of your aquatic escapades with stunning clarity and detail. Whether you’re carving through barrels, mastering tricks, or simply enjoying the beauty of the ocean, a reliable action camera will be your ultimate companion.
In this guide, we’ve explored some of the best action cameras for surfing, from the versatile GoPro HERO11 Black to the immersive Insta360 One X2 and the budget-friendly DJI Osmo Action. Each camera has its unique features and advantages, catering to different preferences and budgets.
So, if you’re ready to take your surfing to the next level and document your stoke on camera, don’t hesitate to pick one of these fantastic action cameras and ride the waves while capturing the magic! Remember to use the recommended mounting options, protect your camera with a reliable waterproof case, and experiment with different settings to create epic footage that will make you relive those unforgettable surfing moments again and again.
Video’s Surfing with an Action Camera
FAQs
Action cameras suitable for surfing are designed to be rugged and waterproof, allowing them to withstand the harsh conditions of the ocean. They should have a high waterproof rating (ideally around 33 feet or more) to ensure they remain functional even when submerged. Additionally, a reliable image stabilization feature is essential to capture smooth footage while riding the waves.
Yes, most action cameras come with various mounting options, including adhesive mounts, chest mounts, head mounts, and more. This allows you to securely attach the camera to your surfboard, helmet, or even your body, providing unique and dynamic angles to capture your surfing adventures.
The GoPro HERO11 Black stands out with its impressive 5.3K video resolution, allowing you to capture your surfing adventures in stunning detail. The high resolution ensures your footage looks professional and captivating, making it a top choice for surfers who want the best video quality.
Yes, the Insta360 One X2 is an action camera that offers 360-degree video capabilities. This feature allows you to capture everything around you while surfing, providing an immersive experience for you and your viewers.
Battery life is crucial for action cameras used in surfing, as surf sessions can last for extended periods. Look for cameras with long battery life, ideally lasting at least a couple of hours, to ensure you can capture all your thrilling moments without worrying about running out of power.
Absolutely! Many of the action cameras listed are versatile and suitable for a range of other activities like skiing, snowboarding, hiking, and more. Their rugged construction and excellent image quality make them great companions for various adventure sports.
Most action cameras come with built-in Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connectivity, allowing you to transfer your footage directly to your smartphone or computer. You can use dedicated apps provided by the camera manufacturer to edit and enhance your videos before sharing them with friends and family.
The price range varies based on the features and specifications of each camera. High-end models like the GoPro HERO11 Black and Insta360 One X2 may be relatively more expensive, while budget-friendly options like the DJI Osmo Action offer excellent performance at a more affordable price point.
Yes, all the action cameras mentioned in this guide are designed to be rugged and durable, capable of withstanding the challenges of surfing. They are built to handle bumps, drops, and splashes, ensuring they remain fully functional even in challenging environments.
Yes, as long as the action camera has a sufficient waterproof rating (at least 33 feet or more), you can use it to capture underwater footage while surfing. However, always ensure that the camera is securely mounted and protected with a waterproof case when submerging it underwater.
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