A 360 cam is the answer. I’ve used my X3 for this with great results. It will lock the horizon, so even if you go from taking a landscape photo to a portrait, it will stay locked on your subject. You can reframe it to show what you’re shooting then reframe it on yourself. Stabilization. Zoom way out to show more of the scene plus your lens, then zoom it in to show your subject better. Just a better way to get more dynamic, interesting shots with a 360 cam.
I don't have an Action 5 but I do have an Ace Pro 2 (and GoPro Hero 9 and One X)... one of the things I really like about the AP2 is the flip up screen, which is surprisingly useful if you're mounting this in various places, makes everything so much easier. However as far as image quality goes I think the average normal person won't see much difference between all the main action cams, it's just something "influencers" obsess on in order to try and sell units.
Use your phone! Everything else is either expensive or not worth it especially in low light. Alot of DJs are using 360 cameras now as it can capture both audience reaction and your moves. The latest insta360 one is good in low-light but it's expensive. Maybe you can justify it with some of your other hobbies too.
The GoPro one was on sale for $299. I already have 6 GoPro Cameras, 4 of which I use all the time, I just decided to stay in the same Ecosystem. I also have an Insta360 One which was my first 360 camera. Sure, the Insta Software on the Mac is better than what is offered through GoPro but I will grab clips off my phone and then dump them to my computer to put them together into the video. I would never have considered the Max 2 at the retail price of $619 each including the bundle with the pole, 2x batteries, memory card and a set of the replaceable lenses. $299 was a heck of a deal for what you get.
The user replaceable lense was a MAJOR selling point for me, yes, the Insta360 5 has them now but the GoPro just works and is easier.
If you want to stay with insta360, then you should look at the ace pro 2. I find the 3s quality to be just ok, and the battery life is quite short. When you put it in the action pod, and want to slip it in and out of a pocket, you may find it slips out of the pod and is easy to drop. It does however work really well for mounting to your body on a running belt or cap. So you can get some good hands free POV shots.
The ace pro 2 has much better quality and battery life. It is however larger. You can get a small selfie stick with built-in tripod, and it will allow you to get some shots of yourself doing stuff.
I find the problem with the x series is that you need a decent length selfie stick, and the lenses are much more fragile and prone to scratching. It's also larger and heavier than the other options. It will however give you a lot of flexibility in shooting interesting looking footage. Yes, I know the x5 lenses can be replaced. I carry mine occasionally, and when I do, I put it in the quiver of my running pack. But I have a lens cover on it whenever I'm not using it. I find this to be a much less practical choice for running and hiking.
I didn't really talk about use on the bike, so there you could use just about anything.
Top Action Cameras on Reddit
1
DJI
Osmo Action 5 Pro
79% positive of 546 users
Great low-light, mic integration; watch out for lens flare.
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