There are many reasons someone would want to own an action camera for hunting. Maybe you want to share videos of your hunts with your children or your hunting buddies. Maybe you want to study your footage to see your shot placement and improve your shooting and hunting skills.
Or maybe you are looking to become YouTube famous by creating your own YouTube hunting channel.
Whatever the reason for wanting an action camera for hunting, it is important that you purchase a quality camera that will shoot great footage, hold up to some punishment while in the field, and that is compatible with your other devices.
Let us take a closer look at everything you should consider about hunting cameras before making a purchase as well as you give you the list of our favorite hunting cameras currently on the market.
Action Cameras for Hunting – Our Top Picks
- Tactacam Hunting Action Camera – Best Overall for Bow and Rifle Hunting
- iON CamoCam – Best Stealth Action Camera
- Tactacam Spotting Scope Camera – Best for Long Range Shots
- Go Pro Hero 8 – Most Versatile
- AKASO Sports Action Cam – Best Budget Option
- LiDCAM LC-WF – Best Mounted POV Angle
Note: Our individual reviews are below, but you can also click any of the links above to check current prices on Amazon and other retailers
Table of Contents
Can You Film Hunts with a GoPro?
Yes, of course, you can use a GoPro to film your hunts.
GoPros are exceptionally durable, completely waterproof, and have shock absorption capabilities. GoPros also have a variety of mounting options including a front-end chest mount with elastic bands.
For more information on using a GoPro for capturing your hunts, check out this YouTube video created by the nice folks over at Realtree.
Is a Cheap Action Camera Worth Using?
Basically, for the most part, you get what you pay for.
If you have a YouTube channel or want to make more professional-looking videos for your blog, then investing a little more in a camera that puts out higher quality resolution is a must.
Also, more expensive cameras will be constructed from more durable materials and possess better waterproof and shock absorption qualities.
When purchasing something as important as a hunting action camera, you do not want to skimp on the details to save a few bucks.
However, if budget is a major concern that you have, we have done you the favor to include the best quality budget camera in our top 6 list.
What Makes a Action Camera for Hunting?
There are several characteristics that a good hunting camera should have. The camera should have some level of waterproofing and contain shock absorption capabilities. At the very least it should be weatherproof.
They should be lightweight, yet durable, and be able to take a little bit of a beating. Outdoor activities demand durability.
You may want to look into cameras that feature image stabilization for action shots. And of course, they should not make any loud beeping noises when pressing any of the buttons so that you do not scare off any animals.
Also, look at the different ways you can send your footage to your other devices or your friends and family. Wifi? USB? HDMI? Find which way is best suited for your devices.
What about charging? Do you need a car charger for your drive out to your hunting locations? Maybe a camera that has a backup battery so you can film longer without a charge?
These are just some of the characteristics you should examine before purchasing a new action camera for hunting. Let us look at some of these characteristics in more detail as well as cover a few more.
Waterproofing and Shock Proofing
Waterproofing and shock absorption are critical features to look for in action cameras for hunting. You need a camera that can be exposed to the elements as well as be able to be dropped and still function perfectly.
Normally, waterproofing and shock absorption are measured using the international IPX rating system, however, not every seller knows this system and they may simply give you the waterproofing capabilities by telling you how deep the device may be submerged.
For a fully detailed explanation of the IPX system and how it is used to describe the waterproofing and shock absorption capabilities of electronic equipment, check out this link here.
Some action cameras may be fully functional submerged at 30 to 100-feet, while some may only tolerate a light drizzle. Read the product specifications carefully.
Mounts
You will want to be able to mount your action camera to keep you hands-free while you are hunting. There are several types of mounts and you should explore which mount is best for you based on your equipment.
If you are bow hunting, some action cameras like the iON CamoCam replace and act as your stabilizer on your compound bow.
There are also mounts for your firearm that either attach underneath the barrel or to your scope.
If you use a spotting scope, there are special cameras that mount directly to the spotting scope.
Also, look into hunting action cameras that can clip to your hat or be worn as a headband. These are ultra-lightweight and can be incredibly convenient.
Quiet Operation
Imagine you have been waiting all morning in your deer stand and a large buck enters into view. You go to turn on your hunting action camera and suddenly it beeps loudly to signify it is on and the deer bolts. You now have missed your shot.
For this reason, you will want a hunting action camera that operates with vibration only.
Quality
The quality of the action camera is determined by two factors.
First, the quality of the camera in the materials used for construction, the durability, the water and shock proofing, as well as the quality of any of the mounting hardware.
The second factor to consider when it comes to quality is the quality of the video footage itself. Do you want 4K 1080p full HD? Or is that overkill for your needs?
If you are uploading your videos to your YouTube channel, you will want to choose a camera with the higher video quality.
Weight
If you are attaching an action camera to your spotting scope, weight may not be as big as a factor.
However, if you are attaching the hunting action camera to your hat, or your hunting equipment like a rifle or a bow, then you will want something that is more lightweight.
Having a camera attached to your hunting equipment that is too heavy could ultimately affect your shot. No matter the weight of your camera, you should take some practice shots at the range to get a good feel of how the added weight affects your aim, especially for a bow.
Image Stabilization
Image stabilization is important for taking action shots or to maintain smooth video while you are shooting your bow or rifle.
Features / Connectivity
Most action cameras will connect to your laptop or tablet using a Wifi connection. They may also include an app for your smartphone to help you organize, edit, and save your videos.
Other options of connectivity could be a USB or HDMI. Look at your laptop or tablet to determine which connectivity features are most ideal for your situation.
Other features to look at include batteries, recharge methods, and operating system compatibility.
You will want to make sure your camera is compatible with your iOS, Android, or Windows device.
Hunting Action Camera Reviews
Tactacam 5.0 Hunting Action Camera
The Tactacam 5.0 is a wonderful 4K full HD action camera for hunting. This hunting action camera mounts to firearms, hunting bows, and crossbows. The microphone has 360-degree recording capabilities, and the camera has a low-light sensor for filming at dusk or in the early mornings.
The Tactacam 5.0 contains several filming modes that can easily be toggled through using the quick-change button located on the side of the camera. Constructed from heavy-duty and durable materials, this camera is rugged, is both water and weather-resistant, and can handle a little abuse when out in the woods.
Other features of the Tactacam 5.0 include an external battery life indicator, 8-times zoom capabilities, and the ability to be operated and installed for both right and left-handed hunting equipment.
This purchase includes batteries, USB cable and wall adapter, a user manual with all details of installation and operation, and a Tactacam decal as an additional gift.
What we liked:
- Water and weather resistant.
- Footage shot in full 4k HD. 8X zoom capabilities.
- Replaces and acts as the stabilizer on your compound bow.
- Durable.
- Possesses an external battery life indicator.
What we didn’t:
- Mounting hardware sold separately. (Choose from a stabilizer mount or the Tactacam custom gun/scope mount for additional purchase).
iON CamoCam
The iON CamoCam is an incredible hunting action camera that packs a lot of quality into a small package. With dimensions of 8.51” x 5.52” x 3.19”, and weighing less than 1.3-pounds, you will hardly know this camera is there.
The exterior of the iON CamoCam is wrapped in Reeltree Xtra Texture camouflage making it incredibly stealth. Adding to its stealth is a silent one-click recording button to turn on and off without scaring away any potential targets.
This camera films in full 1080p HD at 30fps and or at 60fps with a 720p HD resolution. Also, take photo captures while filming for amazing 14-megapixel color photographs.
Also included with the iON CamoCam is a high-grade aluminum mount allow you to attach the camera to the barrel of a rifle or shotgun, a bow, or even a fishing rod. The mount is camouflaged as well to keep to the stealth theme.
The CamoCam is also Wifi-enabled to allow you to transfer your footage to your other devices, share with friends and family, or upload your videos to the cloud. Included with the purchase of this camera is access to 10GB of free cloud storage.
The iON CamoCam is completely waterproof up to 30-feet or 9-meters.
What we liked:
- Able to shoot in both 1080p and 720p HD.
- Completely waterproof submerged up to 30-feet deep.
- Compact and lightweight.
- Incredibly stealth with silent power on/off switch and camouflage wrap.
- 10 GB of free cloud storage.
What we didn’t:
- Only 2.5 hours of battery life per charge.
Tactacam Spotting Scope Camera
This Tactacam camera is designed specifically to be mounted on your spotting scope. Having a spotting scope, and then having a hunting camera mounting on to the spotting scope, frees your field of view and does not add additional weight to your hunting bow or rifle.
The Tactacam Spotter LR Scope Camera shoots in 4K HD, is both water and weather-resistant, and has an adjustable HD screen that allows you to view your footage in real-time.
This scope camera also has Wifi capabilities that allow you, using the Tactacam app, to wirelessly transmit your videos to your home computer. There you can edit your videos, send them to your friends and family, and post them online.
Compatible with most spotting scopes. Contact Cabela’s to ensure your spotting scopes make and brand is compatible with the Tactacam Spotter LR Scope Camera.
What we liked:
- Contains a 4-inch HD adjustable screen to see what your scope sees without straining your eyes.
- Water and weather resistant.
- Compatible with most spotting scopes.
- Wifi capabilities to send videos wirelessly.
What we didn’t:
- Does not mount directly onto a bow or a rifle and only works with a spotting scope.
GoPro Hero 8
GoPro has developed quite the reputation over the years of being the sporty action-packed camera of choice for extreme sports and outdoor recreation. So, if this camera can go with you while white-river rafting, sky diving, or skiing, then hunting should be no problem.
The GoPro Hero 8 shoots 1080p HD footage with the help of 3-levels of HyperSmooth stabilization: On, High, and Boost. The stabilization offers the smoothest video possible for any level of movement you anticipate. Great for capturing video during a kickback from a rifle or shotgun, or during the draw and release of an arrow from your hunting bow.
Other filming capabilities include TimeWarp 2.0 for time-lapse video, live streaming, SuperView, WideView, Linear, and NarrowView. Also, there is a slow-motion feature to capture those extra-thrilling moments on film.
The GoPro Hero 8 is small, compact, completely waterproof, and the newly designed lense is twice as impact resistant as previous models. This camera can take a beating and keep on ticking.
Included with this purchase are rechargeable batteries, curved adhesive mount, mounting buckle, USB-C cable, The Handler*, a sleeve, and a lanyard.
*The Handler is a floating hand grip for stable shooting in and out of water.
What we liked:
- Extremely durable and waterproof.
- HyperSmooth 2.0 captures excellent video while in motion.
- Live-streaming capabilities.
- Impact-resistant lens.
- Time-lapse and slow-motion capabilities along with several digital lens modes.
- Can be used for any purpose, not just hunting.
What we didn’t:
- More expensive than other hunting action cameras.
AKASO Sports Action Cam
The AKASO Sports action camera is our favorite, and in our opinion, the best quality budget camera. With a lot of the features of the higher-end cameras at a low price point, you may want to take advantage of this great offer.
This camera captures 4K Ultra HD at 25fps or 2.7K video at 30fps. Also, take stunning pictures at 12-megapixels.
Use the built-in Wifi connection or an HDMI cable to edit and share all your videos or to send them to your other devices.
The AKASO Sports action camera is incredibly durable, weatherproof, and waterproof submerged up to 100-feet.
One feature this camera has that others do not is a wrist remote control. Set up your camera anywhere you want to capture your action shots and control it from a distance with the wrist remote control.
Contains two rechargeable 1050mAh batteries with 90 minutes of runtime each.
What we liked:
- Comes with two batteries each with 90 minutes of runtime.
- Includes a wireless remote.
- Wifi capabilities and a built-in HDMI slot.
- Shoots 4K and 2.7K video.
- Waterproof submerged up to 100-feet.
- Versatile.
What we didn’t:
- Only shoots at a maximum of 30fps.
LiDCAM LC-WF
The LiDCAM LC-WF has a genius design and clips onto the bill of any baseball cap. Weighing only 4-ounces, the clip-on feature is an excellent option to capture video while hunting, fishing, or other outdoor recreational activities.
Capture video in 1080p HD with full audio through a wide-angled lens.
Connect to the LiDCAM via Wifi and using your smartphone, preview your shots, take photographs, and record video using your phone and the LiDCAM app.
This purchase includes a wall charger, car charger, USB cable, and a removable lithium-ion battery.
What we liked:
- Shoots 1080p HD video with full audio.
- Contains a wide-angle lens.
- Wifi connection is available.
- Lightweight, weighing only 4-ounces and clipping to the bill of your hat.
- Includes both a wall charger and a car charger.
What we didn’t:
- You have to wear a baseball-style cap to use the camera.