Best Action and 360 Cameras: DJI Osmo Action 6 vs Action 5 Pro vs GoPro HERO13 Black vs Insta360 Ace Pro 2, X5, GoPro Max 2 and DJI Osmo 360

Action cameras head to head: Osmo Action 6 vs Action 5 Pro vs HERO13 Black vs Ace Pro 2

The two DJI models share the highest rating in this round-up, 4.5/5, but they win for different reasons. The Osmo Action 6 has the largest sensor of the four action cameras, a 1/1.1-inch square chip. That square shape lets you choose landscape or portrait framing after you shoot. It also has a variable f/2.0–f/4.0 aperture, which none of the other action cameras here offer. The Action 5 Pro is the endurance pick. It has class-leading battery life, the claim that it is more freeze-proof than its rivals, 47 GB of internal storage and 960 fps slow motion.

The GoPro HERO13 Black wins on headline video specs. It records 5.3K at up to 60 fps and 4K at 120 fps, while the Action 5 Pro has no 5.3K option at all. It is also the only action camera here with GPS and Wi-Fi 6. However, its 1/1.9-inch sensor is the smallest among the action cameras, and its image quality is nearly unchanged from the HERO12.

The Insta360 Ace Pro 2 has the highest resolution on paper at 8K30, plus a flip-up screen and the best audio story in the group. That means excellent built-in microphones and USB mic support, which makes it the vlogger's choice. The catch is that its 8K mode can't use High stabilization and shows artifacts in motion.

Image quality and low light: Ace Pro 2 leads, GoPro trails

Low light is the clearest dividing line in this group. The Ace Pro 2 is the only camera whose summary rates its low-light performance among the best for action cameras, so it wins this category outright. The HERO13 Black sits at the other end with weak to mediocre low-light results. The Action 5 Pro's SuperNight mode also underwhelms, although its 13.5 stops of dynamic range is a useful spec.

The Osmo Action 6 pairs its 1/1.1-inch sensor with close-focus ability from its variable aperture and optional macro lens. That makes it the most creatively flexible camera for detail shots. Its trade-offs are reported lens flare and a lossless zoom that isn't truly lossless.

Among the 360 cameras, the GoPro Max 2 is the weakest in low light, and its own review says it trails the DJI Osmo 360. The Insta360 X5 improves in this area thanks to its larger dual 1/1.28-inch sensors. The Osmo 360 has the largest sensors in the whole round-up, dual 1/1.1-inch chips with an f/1.9 aperture, so it should do best in dim conditions.

360 cameras head to head: Osmo 360 vs X5 vs Max 2

On raw specs the DJI Osmo 360 wins. It shoots 8K at 50 fps where the X5 manages 8K30. Its 120 MP stills dwarf the Max 2's 29 MP 360 photos. It also adds a single-lens mode of up to 5K and a 2-inch OLED touchscreen. Its problems are outside the hardware. The DJI Mimo app isn't on the Google Play Store, FCC rulings cloud US availability, and there are no Final Cut Pro X or Premiere plugins.

The Insta360 X5 is the safer all-rounder. Its lenses are replaceable, so a damaged lens doesn't end a shoot. Its 2400 mAh battery is larger than the Max 2's 1960 mAh, and its low-light performance has improved. The downsides are a high price, lens guards that now cost extra, and a frequent need for additional accessories. At 200 g it is also the heaviest camera with a listed weight in this round-up.

The GoPro Max 2 has the lowest rating here at 3.5/5. It does have two real strengths. Its 10-bit colour gives the most grading latitude among the 360 cameras, and its mounting is the most versatile, with GoPro mounts, a tripod thread and magnetic mounting. Against those, it has the smallest sensor in the group at 1/2.3-inch, short 8K battery life and a heavily mobile-focused workflow.

Battery, waterproofing and durability

For battery life the Action 5 Pro is the leader, with class-leading endurance. The HERO13 Black's higher-capacity Enduro battery is its best answer, especially in hot and cold weather. Among the 360 models, the X5 has the largest battery, while the Max 2 lasted only about 30–40 minutes at 8K in one test.

For water use, the two DJI action cameras are the ones to buy. The Action 5 Pro is rated to 65 feet without extra protection. The Osmo Action 6 is rated to 20 m without a housing, or 60 m with a waterproof housing, and carries an IP68 rating. The X5 is limited to 10 m, and the Ace Pro 2's underwater modes performed poorly in testing.

For durability, the X5 and Max 2 both have user-replaceable lenses, which matters on 360 cameras because their lenses stick out. Lens add-ons are positive for the Osmo Action 6, which supports a macro lens. On the HERO13, by contrast, lens mods are costly extras.

Verdict: which camera should you buy?

Best overall action camera: DJI Osmo Action 6. It has the largest action-camera sensor here, a unique variable aperture, post-shoot reframing and strong waterproofing. It is the most versatile pick at £329.

Best for endurance, cold and diving: DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro. It offers class-leading battery life, freeze resistance, 65 ft waterproofing and 960 fps slow motion. Skip it if you need 5.3K video or strong low-light footage.

Best for low light and vlogging: Insta360 Ace Pro 2. It has the best low-light performance, audio and flip-up screen of the action cameras. Keep it out of the water.

Best for GPS data and high-resolution, high-frame-rate video: GoPro HERO13 Black. It is the choice if you need 5.3K60, 4K120 or GPS. HERO12 owners have little reason to upgrade.

Best 360 camera on paper: DJI Osmo 360. It has the biggest sensors, 8K50 video and 120 MP stills. Android users and US buyers should check the app and availability caveats first.

Best reliable 360 all-rounder: Insta360 X5. It combines replaceable lenses, the largest 360 battery and improved low light, if you can stomach the price and the extra accessories.

GoPro Max 2 makes sense mainly for colourists who want 10-bit 360 footage and GoPro-ecosystem mounting. Otherwise it is outclassed by the Osmo 360 and X5 in low light and battery life.