The weather’s getting warmer, which means more outdoor adventures. If you tend to take a lot of photos on your travels, it might be a good idea to consider an action camera or a drone. DJI’s second take on its GoPro competitor—the Action 2—is currently on sale and makes a great way to record your hiking, biking, climbing, and other adventures.
We still like the GoPro better for its larger screen, but DJI’s Action 2 is great for the times when weight counts, like when it’s strapped to your helmet or chest. If you’re planning on visiting areas where drone photography and videography are allowed (make sure you check!), then take a look at the Mavic 3, which is also on sale (more details further below).
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Why We Like the DJI Action 2
DJI’s Action 2 uses a modular design to keep the core camera unit tiny and lightweight. The top module in the image above detaches from the screen and can be used on its own, making it so light I hardly noticed it when I strapped it to my head. DJI’s RockSteady 2 image stabilization tech smooths out your video for gimbal-like shots even when you’re bouncing along.
The company recently updated the Action 2 firmware, fixing several of the things we didn’t like in our initial review. There’s now built-in stabilization when shooting 4K 60 frames per second video, along with horizon stabilization, meaning you can keep your footage level even when the camera is tilted up to 45 degrees. DJI has also improved battery life and added a new stabilization mode. The result is a much more compelling camera, especially if you really want to travel light.
There are trade-offs to the modular design though. The battery in the camera module only lasts about 12 minutes (shooting 4K video), and the built-in storage is limited to 32 gigabytes, but for a quick run down the slope or trail, that’s plenty. (You can add a battery module to extend its runtime to around 180 minutes) Another downside is that only the lens portion of the camera is fully waterproof. There is a waterproof case you can buy to make the whole thing waterproof to 196 feet (60 meters), but you lose the advantage of the fast-change magnetic clip system. Still, if your primary concern in an action camera is size and weight, this is the system to get. Read our Best Action Cameras guide for more.
Why We Like the DJI Mavic 3
DJI’s Mavic 3 is the oldest model in the company’s drone lineup, but it’s still one of the best drones you can buy right now if the price is no concern (even with this discount, it’s still expensive). The image and video quality are amazing, thanks to the 20-megapixel four-thirds sensor, and the ability to travel and track objects at 45 miles per hour means you’re not going to miss a shot.
There’s omnidirectional obstacle avoidance to help you stay away from trees and other drone-ruining landscape features, and the 45-minute flying time means you can stay aloft for a while. It’s spendy, but this is the lowest price we’ve ever tracked. Read our Best Drones guide for more recommendations.
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