Independent UK action camera guide
ISAW cameras explained, plus the best alternatives from GoPro, DJI, Insta360 and budget brands, with specs side by side and links to Amazon UK.
Brand spotlight
ISAW is a South Korean brand that calls itself Korea's first action-cam specialist. Its cameras were sold in the UK from the early 2010s, and its current flagship, the Edge 2, packs 4K recording and front and rear screens into a compact body.
Current ISAW models are hard to find in the UK, so our ISAW guide covers the range, the older listings still on Amazon UK, and the cameras that come closest today.
Read the ISAW guide
Shop by brand
Every brand has a strength. Start with the one that matches how you'll film.
The South Korean action-cam specialist. Model history, UK listings and alternatives.
Brand guide
The benchmark for action cameras, with a huge range of mounts.
5 listed
A strong GoPro rival, known for battery life, low light and quick-release magnetic mounts.
4 listed
360° cameras that let you frame shots after you film, plus tiny wearable cams.
4 listed
Get started for much less. Ideal for kids, holidays and trying out a new hobby.
4 listed
Fast microSD cards, mounts, spare batteries and floating grips.
10 listed
Shortlist
A spread of current cameras across brands and budgets.
GoPro GoPro
Best for The best all-round GoPro
GoPro's flagship records 5.3K at 60fps, with HyperSmooth 6.0 stabilisation, front and rear screens, and support for swappable HB-Series lens mods.
GoPro GoPro
Best for A first action camera, or a tiny second angle
GoPro's smallest 4K camera weighs just 86g, with a rear touchscreen and simple controls. A light, low-cost way into the GoPro range.
Stabilisation is applied afterwards in the GoPro Quik app, not in the camera.
DJI DJI
Best for Low light and the best DJI image quality
DJI's latest flagship has a large 1/1.1-inch square sensor with a variable aperture, records up to 8K30, and is waterproof to 20m without a case.
Insta360 Insta360
Best for 360° filming for motorbikes, snow and creative edits
A 360° camera that records 8K30, with replaceable lenses, a built-in wind guard and a large touchscreen.
Insta360 Insta360
Best for Vlogging and low-light action
A traditional action camera co-engineered with Leica, with a 1/1.3-inch sensor, 8K30 recording and a large flip screen for framing yourself.
AKASO Budget
Best for The best all-rounder on a budget
AKASO's step-up model records 4K60 and is waterproof to 10m without a case, with front and rear screens and a wrist remote.
Choose by activity
Strong stabilisation and a chest mount give the smoothest, most natural point of view.
DJI Osmo ActionPick a camera that's waterproof without a case, and add a floating grip so it can't sink.
GoPro HEROCold drains batteries fast. Look for cold-rated batteries and carry a spare.
Spare batteriesA front-facing or flip screen lets you frame yourself. Good audio matters too.
Insta360 Ace Pro 2A 360° camera captures everything, so you choose the angle later.
Insta360 X-seriesA budget camera with a case and mounts in the box is a low-risk way to start.
Budget picksNo. isaw.co.uk is an independent guide and isn't run by or affiliated with ISAW. For warranty or support on an ISAW camera, contact ISAW or the seller you bought from.
4K is plenty for most people sharing to phones and YouTube. Higher resolutions give you room to crop, stabilise or reframe in editing, which matters most for 360° cameras and serious editors.
Most current GoPro, DJI and Insta360 models are, typically to between 5m and 20m. Many budget cameras are only waterproof inside the supplied housing. Check the "without case" figure in our comparison table.
For 4K, choose a branded microSD card rated V30 (U3) or faster, from a trusted seller. Some high-bitrate cameras recommend specific cards, so check the manual. See our accessories.
Max video, waterproofing, stabilisation and screens for every camera we list.