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- Best overall: GoPro HERO13 Black
- Best budget: GoPro HERO8 Black
- Best premium: Insta360 X5
- Best for 360-degree travel footage: Insta360 ONE X2
- GoPro HERO8 Black records up to 4K at 60 frames per second and suits shoppers who prefer a traditional action-camera view.
- Insta360 ONE X2 captures 5.7K 360-degree video, giving creators more flexibility to reframe footage after recording.
- Insta360 X5 and GoPro HERO13 Black are stronger current-generation alternatives for shoppers prioritizing upgraded capture features.
- Compare the camera, included accessories, warranty and return terms before choosing a Black Friday 2026 listing.
GoPro HERO8 Black and Insta360 ONE X2 serve different camera needs: GoPro HERO8 Black records traditional 4K video at up to 60 frames per second, while Insta360 ONE X2 captures 5.7K 360-degree video. For Black Friday 2026, the better choice depends on whether you want a familiar forward-facing action camera or flexible 360-degree footage.
I researched and compared specs, reviews and owner feedback across eight action and 360-degree cameras to make the choice easier. GoPro HERO8 Black remains a practical pick for straightforward action footage, while Insta360 ONE X2 stands out for immersive recording and reframing. The guide also covers newer alternatives, with picks for different budgets and uses. Compare the exact model, bundle contents and seller terms on each listing before you buy.
How We Picked
- Compared maximum video resolution and frame rates for action and 360-degree recording.
- Reviewed stabilization, waterproofing and other features that affect everyday use.
- Considered owner feedback and the practical differences between traditional and 360-degree cameras.
- Included newer alternatives for shoppers who want updated capture features alongside older models.
- Prioritized clear use cases, so each recommendation matches a distinct type of buyer.
Comparison Table
| Product | Best for | Max video resolution | Photo resolution | Waterproof depth |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GoPro HERO8 Black | Simple action footage | 4K at 60 fps | 12 MP | 10 m |
| Insta360 ONE X2 | Reframing travel footage | 5.7K at 30 fps | 18.4 MP | 10 m |
| GoPro HERO12 Black | High-resolution action video | 5.3K at 60 fps | 27 MP | 10 m |
| GoPro HERO13 Black | A newer GoPro system | 5.3K at 60 fps | 27 MP | 10 m |
| Insta360 X4 | 8K 360-degree recording | 8K at 30 fps | 72 MP | 10 m |
| Insta360 X5 | Premium 360-degree video | 8K at 30 fps | 72 MP | 15 m |
| DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro | High-frame-rate action | 4K at 120 fps | 40 MP | 20 m |
| Insta360 Ace Pro 2 | High-resolution standard video | 8K at 30 fps | 50 MP | 12 m |
Best Picks Reviewed
#1
GoPro HERO8 Black
The GoPro HERO8 Black is the best straightforward action camera for shoppers who want familiar controls and 4K capture, with video up to 4K at 60 frames per second. The GoPro HERO8 Black's compact, waterproof build suits travel and outdoor clips.
Best for: Simple action footage
- Max video resolution
- 4K at 60 fps
- Photo resolution
- 12 MP
- Waterproof depth
- 10 m
- Stabilization
- HyperSmooth 2.0
- Traditional forward-facing footage is simple to frame.
- HyperSmooth 2.0 stabilization supports active shooting.
- Waterproof without a separate housing to 10 m.
- Lacks the 360-degree reframing of Insta360 ONE X2.
- Older generation than current action-camera options.
Is the GoPro HERO8 Black worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
GoPro HERO8 Black is worth considering for shoppers who want a familiar action camera with 4K60 video and 10 m waterproofing. Compare its listing and bundle with newer cameras before deciding, especially if high-resolution or 360-degree capture matters.
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#2
Insta360 ONE X2
The Insta360 ONE X2 is the best 360-degree camera for travelers who want flexible reframing, with 5.7K 360-degree video. The Insta360 ONE X2's dual-lens view captures the surroundings, then supports choosing the angle during editing.
Best for: Reframing travel footage
- Max video resolution
- 5.7K at 30 fps
- Photo resolution
- 18.4 MP
- Waterproof depth
- 10 m
- Video format
- 360-degree capture
- Captures a broad 360-degree view.
- Reframing supports varied edits from one recording.
- Waterproof to 10 m.
- Editing 360-degree footage adds steps compared with standard video.
- 5.7K capture is below newer 8K 360-degree alternatives.
Is the Insta360 ONE X2 worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Insta360 ONE X2 is worth considering if 360-degree recording and post-capture reframing are your priorities. The Insta360 ONE X2's 5.7K video and 10 m waterproofing make it a travel-friendly option, while shoppers seeking 8K 360-degree video should compare newer Insta360 cameras.
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#3
GoPro HERO12 Black
The GoPro HERO12 Black is the best GoPro upgrade for shoppers who want high-resolution traditional action footage, with 5.3K video at up to 60 frames per second. The 27 MP sensor also gives creators detailed still images.
Best for: High-resolution action video
- Max video resolution
- 5.3K at 60 fps
- Photo resolution
- 27 MP
- Waterproof depth
- 10 m
- Stabilization
- HyperSmooth 6.0
- Higher video resolution than GoPro HERO8 Black.
- 27 MP still photos.
- Waterproof to 10 m without a housing.
- Does not record a full 360-degree view.
- Check accessory compatibility when comparing bundles.
Is the GoPro HERO12 Black worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
GoPro HERO12 Black is a strong choice for shoppers seeking a traditional action camera with 5.3K60 video, 27 MP photos and 10 m waterproofing. Compare it with GoPro HERO13 Black if newer features and accessory compatibility are part of your decision.
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#4 · Top pick
GoPro HERO13 Black
The GoPro HERO13 Black is the best traditional action camera for shoppers who want a newer GoPro system, with 5.3K video at up to 60 frames per second. The GoPro HERO13 Black's 27 MP photos and lens-mod compatibility support a range of shooting styles.
Best for: A newer GoPro system
- Max video resolution
- 5.3K at 60 fps
- Photo resolution
- 27 MP
- Waterproof depth
- 10 m
- Lens system
- HB-Series lens mods
- High-resolution 5.3K video.
- 27 MP still photos.
- Supports compatible HB-Series lens mods.
- Traditional framing does not offer 360-degree reframing.
- Lens mods and accessories add gear to manage.
Is the GoPro HERO13 Black worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
GoPro HERO13 Black is worth considering for shoppers who want a newer GoPro with 5.3K60 video, 27 MP photos and HB-Series lens-mod compatibility. Check the specific bundle contents and accessory fit before choosing a listing.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
#5
Insta360 X4
The Insta360 X4 is the best 360-degree camera for shoppers who want 8K capture without moving to Insta360 X5, with 8K video at up to 30 frames per second. The Insta360 X4's 72 MP photos add detail for still-image creators.
Best for: 8K 360-degree recording
- Max video resolution
- 8K at 30 fps
- Photo resolution
- 72 MP
- Waterproof depth
- 10 m
- Video format
- 360-degree capture
- Records 8K 360-degree video.
- 72 MP 360-degree photos.
- Waterproof to 10 m.
- 360-degree footage needs reframing for standard-view edits.
- Insta360 X5 is the newer option in this guide.
Is the Insta360 X4 worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Insta360 X4 is worth considering for creators who want 8K 360-degree video and 72 MP photos. Compare it with Insta360 X5 on features, bundle contents and listing terms to see which camera better fits your travel or action-video plans.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
#6
Insta360 X5
The Insta360 X5 is the best premium 360-degree camera for shoppers who want high-resolution immersive footage, with 8K video at up to 30 frames per second. The Insta360 X5's 72 MP photos and 15 m waterproofing suit demanding travel use.
Best for: Premium 360-degree video
- Max video resolution
- 8K at 30 fps
- Photo resolution
- 72 MP
- Waterproof depth
- 15 m
- Video format
- 360-degree capture
- Records 8K 360-degree video.
- 15 m waterproof rating.
- 72 MP photos support detailed stills.
- Reframing and editing are part of the 360-degree workflow.
- Premium features are more than casual users need.
Is the Insta360 X5 worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Insta360 X5 is worth considering for shoppers who want an 8K 360-degree camera with 72 MP photos and 15 m waterproofing. The feature set suits frequent travel and immersive video; casual users should also compare simpler traditional action cameras.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
#7
DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro
The DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro is the best action camera for shoppers who prioritize a large sensor and high frame rates, with 4K video at up to 120 frames per second. The DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro's 1/1.3-inch sensor supports action shooting in a compact body.
Best for: High-frame-rate action
- Max video resolution
- 4K at 120 fps
- Sensor size
- 1/1.3 inch
- Photo resolution
- 40 MP
- Waterproof depth
- 20 m
- 4K120 video supports slow-motion footage.
- 20 m waterproof rating.
- 40 MP still photos.
- Does not capture a full 360-degree view.
- Check which accessories are included in each bundle.
Is the DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro is worth considering for action shooters who want 4K120 video, a 1/1.3-inch sensor and 20 m waterproofing. Compare the camera with GoPro HERO13 Black if compatible GoPro accessories are important to your setup.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
#8
Insta360 Ace Pro 2
The Insta360 Ace Pro 2 is the best choice for shoppers who want a traditional action camera with high-resolution video, with 8K recording at up to 30 frames per second. The Insta360 Ace Pro 2's 50 MP photos offer another reason to consider it over older models.
Best for: High-resolution standard video
- Max video resolution
- 8K at 30 fps
- Photo resolution
- 50 MP
- Waterproof depth
- 12 m
- Video format
- Traditional action-camera view
- Records 8K video.
- 50 MP still photos.
- Waterproof to 12 m.
- Does not offer the full 360-degree view of Insta360 X5.
- Higher capture specs can require more storage.
Is the Insta360 Ace Pro 2 worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Insta360 Ace Pro 2 is worth considering if you want a traditional action-camera view with 8K30 video, 50 MP photos and 12 m waterproofing. Choose Insta360 X5 instead if capturing and reframing a full 360-degree scene is your priority.
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Which is better, GoPro HERO8 Black or Insta360 ONE X2?
GoPro HERO8 Black suits conventional action footage, with 4K video at up to 60 frames per second and waterproofing to 10 m. Insta360 ONE X2 records 5.7K 360-degree video and 18.4 MP photos, also with waterproofing to 10 m.
Choose GoPro HERO8 Black for a straightforward aim-and-record workflow. Choose Insta360 ONE X2 to capture the whole scene and select the viewing angle during editing.
What should I look for in an action camera for Black Friday 2026?
Compare video format, resolution, frame rate, waterproof rating and included accessories. GoPro HERO13 Black records 5.3K at up to 60 frames per second; DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro records 4K at up to 120 frames per second; Insta360 X5 records 8K 360-degree video at up to 30 frames per second.
Check seller, warranty, return terms and bundle compatibility alongside the camera. Confirm that included mounts, batteries and protective accessories suit your setup.
Is a 360-degree camera better than a regular action camera?
A 360-degree camera captures the full scene for reframing in post-production. Insta360 ONE X2 records 5.7K 360-degree video, making it useful for moving subjects, travel and group activities. Editing takes more steps than conventional video.
GoPro HERO8 Black records traditional 4K footage at up to 60 frames per second. Choose it for a simpler capture-to-share workflow; choose Insta360 ONE X2 when flexible framing matters more.
Which cameras in this guide have the highest video resolution?
Insta360 X5, Insta360 X4 and Insta360 Ace Pro 2 record up to 8K at 30 frames per second. Insta360 X5 and Insta360 X4 capture 360-degree footage; Insta360 Ace Pro 2 records a conventional action-camera view.
For standard footage, GoPro HERO13 Black offers 5.3K at up to 60 frames per second. DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro records 4K at up to 120 frames per second for high-frame-rate action. Consider storage and editing needs alongside resolution.
Which camera is best for waterproof travel and outdoor use?
DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro is rated to 20 m, Insta360 X5 to 15 m, and Insta360 Ace Pro 2 to 12 m. GoPro HERO8 Black, Insta360 ONE X2, GoPro HERO12 Black, GoPro HERO13 Black and Insta360 X4 are rated to 10 m.
Follow manufacturer instructions for water use and inspect seals before recording. Choose based on your activities, preferred video format and editing workflow as well as waterproof depth.
Buying Guide
Choose the video format first
GoPro HERO8 Black, GoPro HERO13 Black and DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro record conventional action footage. Insta360 ONE X2, Insta360 X4 and Insta360 X5 capture 360-degree video for reframing.
Compare resolution and frame rate
GoPro HERO13 Black records 5.3K at up to 60 frames per second; DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro records 4K at up to 120 frames per second; Insta360 X5 records 8K 360-degree video at up to 30 frames per second.
Check waterproofing for your activities
Ratings range from 10 m for GoPro HERO8 Black and Insta360 ONE X2 to 20 m for DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro. Follow care instructions and verify the rating for the exact model.
Review bundle contents and compatibility
Check included mounts, batteries and protective gear. GoPro HERO13 Black supports HB-Series lens mods; confirm compatibility before buying accessories for any camera.
Compare the full listing
For Black Friday 2026, review seller details, warranty, return terms and accessories. Choose a bundle that fits your setup rather than paying for unused features.
FAQ
GoPro HERO8 vs Insta360 ONE X2: which is better for Black Friday 2026?
GoPro HERO8 Black is better for traditional 4K60 action footage, while Insta360 ONE X2 is better for 5.7K 360-degree recording and reframing. Choose based on your preferred video format and editing workflow, then compare listing contents and terms.
Does the Insta360 ONE X2 record 360-degree video?
Yes. Insta360 ONE X2 records 5.7K 360-degree video, allowing creators to select a viewing angle during editing. The format suits travel and unpredictable action, while GoPro HERO8 Black is a more direct option for traditional forward-facing clips.
Is GoPro HERO8 Black waterproof?
GoPro HERO8 Black is waterproof to 10 m without a separate housing. Follow GoPro's care instructions and check the camera's doors and seals before water use. For deeper-rated options in this guide, compare DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro at 20 m.
Which camera records 8K video?
Insta360 X5, Insta360 X4 and Insta360 Ace Pro 2 record video up to 8K at 30 frames per second. Insta360 X5 and Insta360 X4 capture a 360-degree view; Insta360 Ace Pro 2 records a traditional action-camera view.
Which action camera has the best slow-motion specification here?
DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro offers 4K video at up to 120 frames per second, making it the strongest high-frame-rate specification in this guide. Compare the intended resolution and recording settings with your editing and playback needs.
Should I buy an older camera or a newer model?
Choose GoPro HERO8 Black or Insta360 ONE X2 when the format and features match your needs. Consider GoPro HERO13 Black, Insta360 X5 or DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro for newer capture options. Compare the exact model, bundle and seller terms before buying.