Action Camera vs. Mirrorless Camera: Which Is Right for Your Video Work?

The debate about whether an action camera or mirrorless camera is better is always on people's minds. However, the truth is that these are two very different types of tools. An action camera (such as the GoPro HERO13 Black), is basically a compact waterproof device that can be attached to just about anything and record video. In contrast, a mirrorless camera (like the Sony ZV-E10 II), has an interchangeable lens system and larger sensor in order to produce high-quality images.

The main problem here is that both are being marketed towards the same type of user, which typically will be someone who desires to capture video but does not want to have to carry a full-blown cinematic setup. Therefore, we'll break it all down in terms of how each model is truly better at certain tasks.

We used the GoPro HERO13 Black and the Sony ZV-E10 II as our references because these are probably the cameras that most customers are comparing when looking to make their purchases.

The Real Difference Is Sensor Size and Lenses

Once you strip away all of the marketing hype, there are really only two differences. Those are sensor size and lens options.

The GoPro HERO13 Black uses a 1/1.9 inch sensor. The Sony ZV-E10 II uses an APS-C sized sensor with a surface area about 10x larger than that of the GoPro. This difference in sensor size shows up across the board, from reduced low-light noise to improved dynamic range when filming in mixed lighting environments.

Larger sensors allow you to take a greater amount of latitude while grading footage. Also, this larger sensor allows for true background separation (this is why mirrorless footage looks "cinematic" and action camera footage does not).

Lens selection is another one-sided battle. The GoPro uses a fixed ultra-wide-angle lens. While the GoPro's ultra-wide angle lens is fantastic at what it is designed to do, you have limited creative control as you cannot change lenses.

On the other hand, the Sony ZV-E10 II has an enormous advantage using its E-mount system. The ZV-E10 II will accept virtually any Sony E-mount lens making the same body capable of shooting a wide frame for vlogs, compressing frames for telephoto b-roll shots, and detailed macro images. The camera shoots video at 4K resolution at 60p in 10-bit 4:2:2 color, according to Sony's spec sheet, which was previously available only on much more expensive cameras.

However, once the need arises for protection against water, mud, and impacts (the three areas where GoPros excel), the advantages provided by mirrorless systems quickly disappear. The GoPro is waterproof to 33 feet without additional housings. Drop a ZV-E10 II off a mountain bike and it will likely be time to purchase a new camera.

GoPro HERO13 Black: What an Action Camera Does Best

The HERO13 Black captures video at 5.3K at 60 frames per second, 4K at 120fps for slow motion and 2.7K at a crazy 240fps. According to GoPro's official specs, this device is waterproof to 33 feet and comes equipped with a 1900mAh Enduro battery that's larger than previous generations.

Reviewers keep repeating the same strengths. HyperSmooth stabilization works so well that your handheld shots look like you used a gimbal.

Users have mentioned how easy it was to get their 5.3K files edited right next to mirrorless files in a real project. Another repetitive topic is the mounts. There are mounts for every conceivable type of surface (helmet, chest, handlebar, suction points etc.) to attach your GoPro.

Complaints appear to be similar. Users have reported battery times of around 60-90 minutes of continuous video (depending upon resolution) with a few reporting overheating while continuously recording 5.3K video in warmer temperatures.

Low lighting is likely going to be your biggest limiting factor. The small size of the image sensor causes it to quickly degrade when recording low light conditions. Many reviewers mention that this would typically require them to switch to another camera for their indoor and evening shots.

The HERO13 Black is also available at B&H if you'd rather shop there.

Sony ZV-E10 II: What a Mirrorless Camera Buys You

The Sony ZV-E10 II has the same sensor technology as Sony's professional grade FX30 cinema camera. That tells you a lot about the image quality. The camera is able to record 4K at 60 frames per second using 10-bit, it weighs less than one pound, and will cost roughly the price of an action camera plus all of the accessories if you purchase a kit lens along with it.

Reviewers give the most praise to the autofocus system of the ZV-E10 II. Reviewers have been impressed with how well face and eye tracking stay focused when moving around. Users who purchased an upgrade from the first model (ZV-E10), say that they would be shocked by the difference in performance.

In addition to this, the 10-bit files are very good when being graded for color. Travel creators specifically appreciate how easy it was for them to go from shooting in low-lighted areas into lighted areas and back again without issue.

On the other hand, there are some negative aspects mentioned by reviewers. For example, there is no image stabilization inside the body of the camera. When taking walking shots, electronically stabilized video may crop the frame. Many users say that even though they used electronic stabilized video, their handheld videos did not appear to be as smooth as those shot with a GoPro.

There is also no built-in viewfinder. When using your camera in the bright sunlight, it can be difficult to see what you are doing.

Lastly, many users feel that the 16-50mm kit lens provided with the camera is probably the weakest link in the whole system. Thus, many recommend that users plan on spending money on a better lens.

If you want to get into detail about cameras in this class, the best camera for video blogging guide does an overview of the ZV-E10 II compared to its primary competition. The camera is also available at B&H with the kit lens.

Where Each Camera Actually Wins

Sports and Adventure: Action Camera

This one is no contest. For cameras attached to helmets, chest straps, surfboards, etc., where speed and possible collision could be an issue, the action camera will win hands down. These cameras have been made waterproof without additional housings, their stabilizing capabilities were created with rapid motion in mind, and their very wide-angle view ensures that fast paced activity remains in focus. There is a more detailed review in the best sport video camera roundup.

Vlogging and Talking-Head Video: Mirrorless

The ZV-E10 II has been specifically created to address vlog style. Its features include the ability to turn the LCD screen forward for selfie-style filming, an option to create a soft background blur, and greatly improved audio features including an actual microphone input and a multi-interface shoe.

While action cameras can capture walking and talking vlogs with great success when shooting in good lighting, users generally cite the audio and low-light performance differences as the reason why they switch to a mirrorless body for everyday vlogging. A more in-depth look at the best video camera for YouTube can be found here.

Filmmaking and Client Work: Mirrorless, With an Action Cam in the Bag

While there is certainly some overlap between mirrorless and action cameras, when it comes to filmmaking, commercials, and documentaries, the mirrorless camera should always be your primary camera. The lens selection, 10-bit color space, and clean low-light capability cannot be replaced by the other type of camera.

That being said many professional filmmakers carry a GoPro in their kit as a crash cam, car interior camera, or POV rig. In these cases the two types of cameras are not competing against each other but rather providing coverage of different shots on the same project.

Alternatives Worth Considering

While GoPro and Sony are the most popular choices in both categories, there are many other options to consider.

If looking for an alternative to GoPro, the DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro has a 1/1.3 inch sensor, which is larger than the HERO13's sensor. In addition to having better low-light capability, users of this device have reported getting much more use out of their batteries than they did when using a GoPro, but it also has a significantly less developed mounting system.

If you're considering purchasing a mirrorless camera as an alternative to the Sony series, the Canon EOS R50 provides an affordable way into the world of Canon's RF mount cameras. While some users have praised the color accuracy of this model and its easy-to-use touchscreen display, others have noted that while the RF-S lenses available provide good quality images, there are fewer lens options available than those for Sony's E-mount.

And if your "action" footage is more about immersive travel content than mounted sports shots, the Insta360 X5 shoots 360-degree video you can reframe in post, which solves the "where do I point the camera" problem entirely.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can an action camera replace a mirrorless camera for YouTube?

Outdoors, yes. Indoors, not really. Most users do find the action camera's small sensor and limited audio options very frustrating by around three months. An action camera makes a great secondary, or "B," camera while using a camera like the Sony ZV-E10 II (or another mirrorless body) as your primary.

Is the GoPro HERO13 Black good in low light?

That is probably the best example of how an action camera fails when compared to other types of cameras. The small sensor on this camera creates obvious "noise" indoors and during twilight hours. Reviewers usually refer to low-light issues as the biggest reasons why they bring a second camera. If most of your shooting occurs later than sunset, then you would be much better off using a mirrorless type of camera, or the DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro.

Do I need a gimbal with a mirrorless camera?

While it won't hurt anything, it really helps. The ZV-E10 II doesn't have built-in image stabilization, which means its electronic stabilization crops images and still doesn't give you anywhere near the same level of smoothness as an action camera. This is where a compact gimbal comes into play. While it adds to the overall weight and setup time for each shot, it will help provide you with much smoother shots while walking.

Which is better for travel video?

It all depends on what kind of trip you're going to take. Action cameras win out if you are backpacking, scuba diving, or you plan on taking a bunch of riskier shots. These cameras also weigh less and can withstand just about anything.

In contrast, city trips, documenting food, and capturing people are all better suited for mirrorless cameras due to their ability to capture higher-quality images and shoot well in lower lighting conditions. Many travel videographers choose to carry both, letting the GoPro HERO13 Black do the harder work.

Are action camera accessories worth the money?

The mount accessories are, simply put, they are the entire purpose behind a product such as this. Reviewers continually recommend buying the official mounts. Getting a couple of extra batteries is also a good idea, since real-world battery life on most action cameras runs about 60-90 minutes per charge. When it comes to those huge 50 piece kit bundles, you likely aren't going to end up using any of those accessories except for maybe a case.

What about the DJI Osmo Pocket 3 instead of either?

The Pocket 3 falls somewhere between the two. It uses a mechanical gimbal and a 1 inch sensor, so when you are shooting in low-light with the Pocket 3, it will outperform an action camera.

When your goal is to shoot a smooth walking shot with little effort, it will outperform a mirrorless body. However, it does not have waterproofing or crash resistance or the ability to swap lenses, which means that it can complement other cameras rather than replace them.