Kayaking can be a fun and enjoyable experience anyone can enjoy regardless of their age. But do you know what can be even more memorable? Keeping the memory of your kayaking adventure through exciting photos and videos.
However, due to the water and instability of kayaking, normal cameras aren’t enough for the task, and that’s where action cameras come in. Below I have compiled a list of the 5 best action cameras for kayaking after extensive research. Let’s have a look.
How to buy the best action camera for kayaking?
If you are new to action cameras, it will be challenging to pick the best action camera for kayaking. So, here are a few things you should consider before investing your money into an action camera.
Photo and video quality
The whole point of using an action camera is to get the best photo and video quality in challenging conditions. The resolution and frame rate play important roles in deciding an action camera’s quality. Moreover, a wide field of view is also implanted to get the most action. While purchasing, ensure the action camera has at least 4K 60 GFPS shooting capability.
Durability
Due to the extreme nature of adventure activities, action cameras feature sturdy and rugged outer shells. Also, the size, weight, and portability are important for efficient shooting and storage. As the action cameras often need to be mounted on your body or helmet, ensure they aren’t too heavy or flimsy.
Waterproofing
Action cameras are meant to survive extreme weather conditions, including snow, dust, rain, etc. As we are talking about the best action camera for kayaks, you need to be particularly careful about the waterproofing your camera has. Ensure your action camera is waterproof and has a diving depth of at least 10 meters.
Stabilization
Action cameras are used for adventuring activities where quick movement ND wobbling can ruin your footage. So, amok sure the camera you purchase has enough stabilization to give you the best footage. Typically, action cameras have EIS to minimize the shakiness and blurring caused by motions.
Camera mount
Action cameras are mostly used on mounts as users cannot hold them by hand in most adventure activities. So, before you purchase your action camera, check whether it has multiple mounting options to conveniently attach to your helmet, vehicle, or any other place.
Battery
The battery is one of the key limitations of many action cameras. No matter how much money you spend on an action camera, a lack of backup at crucial moments can ruin the objective of getting an action camera. So, before purchasing an action camera, ensure the battery backup is sufficient for you and your planned activity.
Software and connectivity
If you wish to get the best out of your action camera and have a convenient user experience, action cameras are a must. Optimized software makes using the camera seamlessly. As for the connectivity, it’ll allow you to connect your smartphone or other devices to the action camera for easier control and file transfer.
GoPro HERO11 Black
GoPro has been the undisputed industry leader in the action camera segment for many years. Every year GoPro comes out with their latest model, and if you are asking what GoPro is best for kayaking right now, HERO11 is the answer.
My Impression
GoPro HERO11 is more than just a camera; it can also become an integral part of your kayaking. The biggest upgrade for the previous generation GoPro 10 is the larger 1/1.9″ sensor. It’s impressive how GoPro has put such a large sensor into a compact body that allows users to take photos at an 8:7 aspect ratio.
Color accuracy has always been a concern, and HERP11 takes care of that by adding 10-Bit color. This upgraded form 8-bit will ensure that you have the most accurate colors on the camera.
Lastly, I would like to discuss the HyperSmooth feature first introduced in HERO7. Now, the HERO11 comes with HyperSmooth 5.0, arguably the best video stabilization feature on any camera. Combining it with the 10 meters waterproofing out of the box, GoPro Hero 11 is one of the best cameras for sea kayaking.
Standout Features
- The latest 1/1.9″ sensor
- HyperSmooth 5.0 for the best stabilization
- 10-bit color for accuracy
- Up to 27 megapixels for still images
- RAW photo capability
DJI Osmo Pocket – Handheld 3
DJI Osmo Pocket isn’t about providing the best audio or video quality. Instead, it focuses on making things compact and simple. So if you want something that can fulfill your kayaking video and vlogging needs, the DJI Osmo pocket can be a great choice.
My Impression
DJI Osmo isn’t a traditional action camera. Instead, you can consider it a tiny camera that sits on a tiny three-axis gimbal. Because of the gimbal, you get next-level stabilization without processing. I said earlier the video quality isn’t the best, but it isn’t bad either, as the camera can shoot 4K 60 FPS videos without cropping.
The best part about the DJI Osmo pocket is that it eliminates the need to carry bulky gears on your fishing expedition. Everything is built-in in this tiny package, whether it’s gimbal or time lapse tripods. The camera weighs only 116 grams, but the durability can be a concern if you use it as an action camera.
As for the video quality, it can shoot great footage without barrel distortion. Osmo pocket also features different modes for different types of videography with a recording time of 140 minutes with a full battery.
Standout Features
- Shoots 4K video up to 60fps
- Gimbal-level stabilization
- Records one of the best time lapses
DJI Osmo Action 3
If there is one brand that has been giving tough competition to GoPro, it’s DJI’s Action lineup. With the release of their latest Action 3, DJI has taken the game to the next level, offering the best value action camera.
My Impression
DJI Osmo Action 3 has shown much improvement compared to its predecessor. Aside from the great pricing, there is a wider field of view and waterproofing up to 16 meters. As one of the best kayaking action cameras on water, the wider field of view and diving depth can come in handy.
Action 3 also comes with many extra accessories, making it the best value option and convenient. These extra batteries, multiple mounts, and an extended grip ship with the camera. The software of this camera is pretty user-friendly, and you’ll appreciate the smooth touch screen experience on both screens. The heating issue from previous versions is also taken care of.
In bright lighting, the camera shoots great at super-wide 155º FOV up to 4K 60 FPS resolution. Unfortunately, the lacking of low light is still visible with Action 3.
Standout Features
- Large 1/1.7-inch CMOS sensor
- RockSteady 3.0 for great stabilization
- Capable of shooting up to 4K 120fps
- A dual screen allows for a convenient user experience
Insta360 X3
Until now, every option on this list was conventional and action cameras for your kayaking adventure. But if you are planning to stand out from the bunch with your kayaking videos, Insta360 X3 can help you do that.
My Impression
Insta360 X3 features multiple cameras inside the casing, allowing you to showcase all the action going around without moving the camera. On top of that, it has a diving depth of 10 meters too. So, is there really anything preventing it from being one of the best action cameras for kayak fishing?
The best part about the design is the compact form factor. You can slide it into your jeans pocket and forget about it. The beautiful and responsive display on the tiny body is also a great improvement from the previous X2 model.
Regarding photo and video quality, there is a significant bump with a larger sensor on board. Insta360 X3 can shoot up to 5.7K resolution at 30 FPS and 4K at 60fps. It shows its strength in detailed photography when you use the 72-megapixel sensor at full use.
Standout Features
- Large 1800 mAh battery for continuous shooting
- 6 axis gyroscope offers gimbal-level stabilization
- Apps for editing and exporting videos easily
- Waterproof up to 10 meters
AKASO Brave 8
If you want to film your kayaking action, there is no alternative to using an action camera. However, the price of a camera like GoPro HERO 11 or DJI Osmo Action 3 isn’t very affordable for everyone. This is where KASO Brave 8 comes in with a competitive price.
My Impression
AKASO Brave 8 is the latest addition to AKASO’s action camera category. However, instead of just a mere name change, AKASO put real effort into this camera a revamped its hardware and feature set.
At an affordable price, the camera performance isn’t the best. However, it does a great job for the price and gives tough competition to other budget-friendly action cameras. The 4K 60fps is good to have on board. However, AKASO has a lot left to do in the stabilization department.
The sturdy construction and 10-meter waterproofing is another great feature to have while you sail with your kayak on deep water. The last feature I would like to special mention is the accessories. This camera has many accessories, including different mounts, traps, etc. So if you are looking for the best action camera for your kayak helmet mount, you should invest in AKASO Brave 8.
Standout Features
- It features a 48MP, 1/2″ CMOS sensor
- Waterproof up to 10 meters
- Considerably larger 1550 mAh battery
- Capable of shooting at 4K 60fps
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the purpose of an action camera?
Before you get an action camera, you need to know why it’s’ used. The main difference between the regular and action cameras is the rugged body, portability, wide FOV, waterproofing, and mounting options. In addition, action cameras are used in different adventure activities where traditional cameral might fail to withstand the condition.
Should I be careful about the action camera waterproofing?
Cation cameras offer the best waterproofing of any camera. But that doesn’t mean you can do whatever you want. For example, if you don’t need to submerge the camera underwater, you shouldn’t do it. Also, carefully look for the recommended diving depth as the water presser at deeper depth results in water r penetration in the camera.
How good are action cameras for still photos?
As I said earlier, action cameras are used for action videos with wide FOV and excellent stability. However, that doesn’t mean it can’t take good still photos. Action cameras have considerably large sensors, which allow more light into the camera and take beautiful still shots and selfies.
How do you attach an action camera to a kayak?
There are several ways of attaching an action camera to a kayak. Some kayaks offer mounts on board to attach the camera. You can use tripods, mount the action camera on your helmet, or even your partner can hold the camera with your hands if it’s a tandem kayak.
How do you use a GoPro while kayaking?
There are several ways you can use a GoPro on a kayak. Typically, there are mounts available on the market to install at the front of the where you will get the best view. Otherwise you can also try mounting the GoPro on your helmet.
How do you record on a kayak?
Recording on a kayak is just like how you record normally. All you have to do is press the shoot button and the shooting is on. As both hands are occupied while kayaking, people usually use a mount to record on kayak.
Final Thought
That’s a wrap for today. I hope my best action camera for kayaking review will help you better understand action cameras. A capable action camera can take your kayaking photos/ videos to the next level. Despite including some lesser-known brands, the list above represents the absolute best options you can purchase from today’s market.
