Every vlogger and filmmaker needs a kit they can rely on, and in the modern age we're absolutely spoiled for choice. Along with accessories like gimbals to make your videos look more professional, you can shoot on smartphones, DSLRs, and mirrorless cameras. If you also shoot on your phone, our tips for shooting video on your phone can help you get the most from every device in your kit.
But if you're serious about producing the most cinematic footage, we recommend adding a rugged action camera to your collection. Here are 5 reasons why you'll want one on hand for your next adventure.
#1 They're the Best Option for POV Shots
One of the hallmarks of action photography is taking your audience with you. The GoPro Hero lineup and other popular models are compatible with a huge variety of accessories and mounts, making them the best choice for capturing POV videos and vlogs.
The POV style is perfect for walk-around travel vlogs as well as exhilarating extreme sports like skiing, surfing, and cycling. Since action cameras can be worn or mounted almost anywhere, you can go hands-free and bring your audience along for the ride.
Ted's top pick: For unparalleled POV shots, the GoPro Hero range is hard to beat. Current models feature front and rear-facing screens so you can always see what's in frame, plus voice command support so you can start recording even when your hands are busy.
#2 They're Tough and Durable
Action cameras are built to handle whatever you throw at them. They're tough, durable, and designed to withstand spills, shocks, and splashes. Most models are waterproof to at least 10 metres, so you can capture close-up shots of surf or marine life without worrying about water damage. And if you want to push further underwater, dedicated housings are available to extend that depth rating significantly.
As a filmmaker, you won't always know where your shoot will take you — an action camera is ready for anything.
#3 They're Incredibly Compact
If you haven't seen an action camera before, you might be surprised at just how small they are. Designed for use on the go, action cameras are portable and discreet, without the protruding lenses you'll find on other filmmaking cameras.
On a practical level, a smaller and lighter camera is ideal for adventurous days where you're walking, hiking, or exerting a lot of effort — it won't weigh you down, so you can shoot for longer. An action camera is also a great option when you don't want to draw attention to yourself while travelling, and it fits easily in a pocket.
#4 They Can Be Paired with Action Camera Accessories
Beyond mounts and stands, there are plenty of accessories that can elevate your action camera footage. External microphones capture better audio, while portable lighting devices can professionally illuminate your scene even in dim conditions. Check out our guide to the best LED video lights for vlogging to find a compact option that pairs perfectly with your action camera.
Most current action cameras — including the latest GoPro Hero and DJI Osmo Action models — have dedicated accessory ecosystems with media mods, microphone adapters, and more. These are one-off purchases that, once in place, open up a world of high-quality filmmaking possibilities.
#5 They Have Excellent Video Quality
Action cameras may be small enough to fit in your pocket, but they punch well above their weight when it comes to video quality. The best models can shoot 4K or even 5.3K resolution video, so you can return from your adventures knowing you captured crisp, clean footage that blends seamlessly with your larger filmmaking equipment.
Action cameras from GoPro and DJI are also equipped with advanced electronic stabilisation systems, delivering smooth, steady footage even from handheld or mounted shots. Add slow-motion modes, built-in editing apps, and Wi-Fi sharing to Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube — and you have a complete filmmaking tool in the palm of your hand.
Never Miss Another Adventure
For vloggers and filmmakers, the goal is to capture the feeling behind the action. With their portability, durability, and ability to capture crisp, blur-free footage, an action camera is one of the best tools you can add to your kit.
Ready to find yours? Browse our full range of action cameras at Ted's Cameras, or visit your local store for expert advice.
Vlogging with an Action Camera: Why It Works So Well
If you're vlogging with an action camera, the wide-angle lens is a big part of the appeal — it captures more of your environment naturally, giving travel and lifestyle vlogs an immersive, authentic feel that a standard lens can't match. Many models also offer excellent in-body stabilisation, so your footage stays smooth even when you're walking, running, or navigating uneven terrain. Pair your action camera with a compact tripod or chest mount, and you have a complete, lightweight vlogging setup that fits in a jacket pocket. Our guide to the best tripods for photos and video covers compact options well-suited to action camera setups. For Australians heading into the bush, onto the beach, or through the city, it's hard to beat.
The Best Handheld Action Camera Options for Creators
A handheld action camera gives you the flexibility of a traditional camcorder with the ruggedness and portability of an action cam. Models like the GoPro Hero series and DJI Osmo Action range are designed to be gripped and shot one-handed, making them ideal for run-and-gun filming. Look for a handheld action camera with a front-facing screen so you can frame yourself accurately while recording, and built-in wind noise reduction for cleaner audio outdoors. Many handheld models now support external microphones via USB-C adapters, closing the gap between action cameras and dedicated vlogging cameras. Whether you're shooting on a beach in Queensland or exploring a city laneway, a handheld action camera keeps you nimble and ready.
Using an Action Camera for Filmmaking: More Capable Than You Think
Using an action camera for filmmaking was once considered a compromise — not anymore. Modern action cameras shoot 4K or even 5.3K footage at high frame rates, enabling smooth slow-motion sequences that rival dedicated cinema cameras. Their small form factor makes them perfect as B-roll cameras, crash cams, or for mounting in tight spaces a DSLR simply cannot reach. Filmmakers use action cameras to capture underwater sequences, vehicle-mounted driving shots, and aerial perspectives via drone. If aerial shots are your goal, our roundup of the best drones for photography in Australia is worth a read. Some models support LOG colour profiles, giving editors greater flexibility in the colour grading process. If you're building a versatile filmmaking kit on a budget, adding an action camera for filmmaking is one of the smartest investments you can make. Browse our full action camera range to find the right model for your filmmaking kit.
GoPro Hero 13 and Top Action Camera Models Worth Considering
If you're ready to buy, here are two standout options available at Ted's Cameras. The GoPro Hero 13 Black shoots up to 5.3K video, features HyperSmooth 6.0 electronic stabilisation, is waterproof to 10 metres without a housing, and supports the full GoPro accessories ecosystem including media mods and magnetic mounts. For a compelling alternative, the DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro offers excellent low-light performance, a long-lasting battery, dual front-and-rear touchscreens, and supports 4K/120fps slow motion — making it a favourite among travel filmmakers and vloggers. Both are compact, rugged, and ready for Australian conditions. Compare the full range at Ted's Cameras to find the right fit for your kit.
What Is a POV Camera — and Why Action Cameras Do It Best
A POV camera (point-of-view camera) is any camera mounted to capture footage from the shooter's perspective — helmet, chest, handlebar, or board. Action cameras are the definitive POV camera choice because they're small enough to mount almost anywhere without affecting balance or comfort, and wide-angle lenses naturally replicate what the human eye sees in motion. Unlike DSLRs or mirrorless cameras, a POV camera needs to be hands-free and shockproof — requirements action cameras are specifically engineered to meet. Whether you're surfing at Bondi, mountain biking in the Dandenong Ranges, or skiing in the Snowy Mountains, clipping a GoPro Hero 13 or DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro to your helmet delivers immersive, first-person footage that no other camera type can replicate as conveniently.
Action Camera vs Camcorder: Which Should Filmmakers Choose?
The action camera vs camcorder question comes down to use case. Camcorders offer longer continuous recording, larger sensors, optical zoom, and XLR audio inputs — advantages for event, documentary, or studio work. Action cameras win on portability, durability, and versatility: they're waterproof, mountable, and far lighter. For filmmakers who shoot outdoors, travel, or adventure content, an action camera handles conditions a camcorder cannot survive. Many professional productions now use both — a camcorder or mirrorless as the primary A-camera, with an action camera as a rugged B-camera or POV unit. If your budget allows only one, consider your shooting environment: if you're ever outside, in water, or mounting your camera to a moving subject, the action camera is the more practical long-term investment.
