The first camera I ever owned was a Kodak EasyShare Sport. It was a waterproof digital camera that could take 12MP photos and was sturdy enough to take with you anywhere. I immediately tried out my first action camera, the GoPro Hero 3+ Silver Edition. However, these waterproof action cameras were not only durable, but also incredibly portable, beating out the camera performance of lower-end cell phones from the early 2010s.
Today, the gap between the best Android camera phones and the top action cameras couldn’t be closer. I haven’t bought an action camera in 5 years, but I’m curious if I’ll need one in 2024. To find out, I’m taking my brand new DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro, my trusty GoPro Max, and Samsung’s Galaxy S24 FE on the road to test them out. The situation is as follows.
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Samsung Galaxy S24 FE is one step away from greatness
facing stiff competition
Smartphone cameras provide sufficient quality
No need for action cam anymore for quality, high frame rate and stabilization
Originally, there were several main reasons for purchasing a dedicated action camera. They are often equipped with wide-angle fisheye lenses with a wide field of view (FOV). Some cameras, such as the GoPro Hero 13, can be retrofitted with lens mods that specialize in specific types of shots, such as macro photography. Additionally, adventurers flocked to action cameras that could shoot at high frame rates with superior image stabilization.
Today, many of these characteristics are present in the best Android smartphones. This test compared the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE to the DJI Osmo Action Pro 5 and GoPro Max. As you may know, the Galaxy S24 FE costs just $650. That means pro-level smartphones like the Galaxy S24 Ultra, Pixel 9 Pro XL, and iPhone 16 Pro all perform better than this device. So if the Galaxy S24 FE can hang on an action camera, chances are all flagships can.
The main camera on the Galaxy S24 FE is a wide-angle lens, which is joined by an ultra-wide-angle camera with a 123-degree FOV. It’s not much compared to the Osmo Action 5 Pro’s 155-degree FOV, but it’s more than enough for most trips. Additionally, the Galaxy S24 FE can shoot at 30 FPS in 8K or up to 120 FPS in 4K, matching or exceeding the capabilities of the Osmo Action 5 Pro at up to 4K 120 FPS.
The following photo was taken with a Samsung Galaxy S24 FE.
With optical image stabilization, support for high frame rate video recording, and an excellent main camera sensor, the Galaxy S24 FE can take great photos and videos. In fact, thanks to Samsung’s computational photography technology, your photos will look great as soon as you take them. As you can see in the photo sample above, the resort shots are bright, colorful, and detailed.
The following photo was taken with DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro.
Osmo Action 5 Pro’s wide FOV can be desirable in some situations, but there are times when you might want to crop it. Immediately after you take a photo or video out of your action camera, you’re unlikely to get a perfect image. The colors in the image samples are dull, dark, and frankly a bit lifeless. This can be resolved with photo editing and manual color grading, but it requires additional effort.
Action cameras offer the best durability
I know I can take my cell phone to the water park, but I don’t.
At this point, we have come to the conclusion that the Galaxy S24 FE has the specs to create photos and videos similar to an action camera. The next issue is durability, which is difficult. Yes, the Galaxy S24 FE, like many other phones, has an IP68 water and dust resistance rating. In theory, your phone can be immersed in 1.5 meters of water for up to 30 minutes without damage.
I don’t recommend it. Sure, the IP68 rating should protect against splashes and light submersion, but the phone isn’t waterproof. Water-resistant seals also weaken over time, especially if your phone is dropped or exposed to the elements. Every time I went into the water, I reached for my DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro on my phone. The result was an impressive video like the one below, but it wasn’t comfortable shooting on the Galaxy S24 FE.
You can further increase your phone’s existing IP rating by placing your phone in a waterproof case or pouch. However, in terms of durability, I think it still has an easy win over action cameras. When it comes to water-related matters, my phone is at home.
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360 degree action camera offers another dimension
Ever since I bought my GoPro Max years ago, I never want to go back.
Other than durability, there’s not much that separates a basic action camera from a top smartphone. More specialized cameras, like the 360-degree GoPro Max, offer another dimension. Max allows you to record your entire surroundings with little effort, creating photos like the one below.
The following photo was taken with a GoPro Max.
The great thing about GoPro Max and other 360-degree cameras is that you can forget about framing your shots and videos. These action cams allow you to record everything and frame it later so you can keep the moment alive. That’s why I don’t plan on ditching my GoPro Max for a cell phone or another action camera anytime soon, even though it’s 5 years old.
Not everyone needs an action camera
Times have changed, but cell phone cameras are still great
As a smartphone reviewer and action camera enthusiast, there’s no question that my use of action cameras has changed over the past decade. I used to use it in a variety of situations, from still images to action-packed videos.
now? My smartphone covers 95% of my photo and video needs, and my mirrorless and action cameras are tools for specific jobs. However, action cameras are not extinct. Anyone who needs the best durability and waterproofness should definitely consider using an action camera instead of a cell phone.
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DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro
The DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro is one of the best action cameras you can buy today, with a 1/1.3-inch wide sensor and support for 4K 120FPS video recording. It’s durable, works with a number of accessories, and comes with important features like subject tracking.
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Samsung Galaxy S24 FE
Believe it or not, the $650 Samsung Galaxy S24 FE has photo and video quality that rivals land-based action cameras. But once you get close to the water, you might wish you had gotten your own camera. Of course, the Galaxy S24 FE is more than just a camera, it’s also a great mid-range phone.
