Top Best Cameras for Paintball and Buying Guide

Paintball is an exciting sport that requires quick reflexes and a sharp eye. A good action camera can help you capture all the thrills and spills of the game, but there are a lot of different action cameras on the market, so choosing the right one can be daunting. If you’re one of those people who find the idea of extensive search for purchasing a product exhausting then you’ve come to the right place!

To make it easier for you I’ve put together this list of the best action cameras for paintball, along with a buying guide to help you make the best decision for your needs. 

List of The Best Cameras For Paintball 2023

PREVIEW PRODUCT PRICE
Best Versatile Camera
    Features:
  • Waterproof
  • 2 inches screen-size
  • CCD Photosensor Technology
  • Timelapse mode included
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Best Cost-Effective
    Features:
  • Great Battery Life
  • Impact Resistant Design
  • High Speed Downloading
  • Built-in Electronic Image Stabilization (EIS)
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Best Professional Camera
    Features:
  • 3 Mics
  • Waterproof
  • 200 FPS Muzzle Velocity
  • 4k Lens
  • Invisible Selfie Stick Effect
  • 360 Camera System & Modular Action
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Overall Best Action Camera
    Features:
  • Waterproof
  • 4x Optical Zoom
  • CMOS Photosensor Technology
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Best Waterproof Camera
    Features:
  • Waterproof
  • 1x Optical Zoom
  • CCD Photosensor Technology
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Detailed Reviews on Top Action Cameras For Paintball

1. GoPro Hero 5 Black

Best Versatile Camera
9.1/10 Our Score
  • Connectivity: Bluetooth & wifi
  • Color: Black
  • Video Resolution: 4K30, 2.7K60, 1080p120 Video
  • Weight: 4.2 Ounces

Capture your world in stunning clarity with the GoPro Hero 5 Black. This camera is designed to be durable and waterproof, making it perfect for capturing your adventures no matter the weather. With 4K video and 12MP photos in Single, Burst, and Time Lapse modes, you can easily capture every moment in incredible detail. It is, hands down, one of my favorite cameras.  

The first ranked on my list is the GoPro Hero 5 Black. If you want to invest in high-quality camera gear for your paintball tournaments, then the GoPro Hero 5 Black is, in my opinion, the finest choice. It includes top features that provide fantastic still photography and video recording outcomes. The GoPro Hero5 Black is an upgraded version of the Hero4 Black with an additional stabilization feature and an improved resolution. This will allow you to enjoy more immersive recording experiences while they are on the move. 

Because I put it through its paces as an underwater recording device, I found its waterproof feature quite outstanding. The GoPro Hero 5 also includes a voice command, but while playing paintball, I suggest you disable it since loud noises can activate it. However, the voice command option is perfect in general. 

GoPro Hero 5 Black camera for paintball

You will most certainly take pleasure in its recording resolution of 4K at 30 frames per second, which creates a stunning impression. I did have an issue with its touchscreen, and there were a few occasions when it got unresponsive; nevertheless, it is a great camera for paintball. It’s small, and it’s very versatile. I give this product a thumbs-up! 

Pros
  • Versatile
  • Excellent microphones
  • Great image quality
  • Enhanced design
Cons
  • Unresponsive touchscreen at times

Expert Reviews:

I give this product a 5/5 for its excellent quality video resolution. It is a great camera overall. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for an extremely versatile camera! 


2. Yi 4K Action & Sports Camera

Best Cost-Effective Camera
9.2/10 Our Score
  • Connectivity: Bluetooth & wifi
  • Color: Night Black
  • Video Resolution: 4K/30fps (100mbps), 2. 7k/60fps, 1080p/120fps, 720p/240fps Video
  • Weight: 3.36 Ounces

The Yi 4K Camera is perfect for paintball. With its 4K resolution, integrated LCD Gorilla Glass Retina Touchscreen, and the ability to capture 12M photos, I assure you your photos will turn out great. Plus, with its Built-in Electronic Image Stabilization (EIS) technology, you can be sure that your shots will be perfectly steady, no matter what the situation. 

The Yi 4k Action and Sports Camera is number two on my list of recommendations that works best with the HK army paintball barrel camera mount. The fascinating aspect of it was the video resolution. The Yi 4K Action Cam features a Sony IMX377 12-megapixel 1/2.3-inch sensor. Additionally, the front side of the Yi 4K features a lens and an LED that indicate the camera’s current status. Since I had issues with the screen preview the and size of a couple action cameras, I was particularly interested in the Gorilla Glass-protected LCD panel with a width of 2.2 inches, it was definitely an upgrade for me. Additionally, it comes with a dual microphone. 

The battery is another fantastic factor contributing to this camera’s placement at number 2 on my list. The battery can be removed and is rechargeable, making it an economical choice. You can benefit from it for up to 120 minutes when shooting in 4K at 30 frames per second. If working in 1080p at 30 frames per second is more your speed, the Yi 4K action cam can efficiently serve you up to 2 hours and 35 minutes of footage. 

Yi 4K Action and Sports Camera for paintball

When I compared Yi 4k to many of the newbie paintball video camera on the market, it surpassed them in terms of performance and pricing. The fact that this camera is not waterproof and has one button to control everything is the only issue I had with it. On rainy days and humid days, you will need additional gear in addition to this camera. In general, the Yi 4k is a durable camera for paintball players.

Pros
  • Great video and image quality
  • Long Battery life
  • Rich-quality touchscreen display
Cons
  • Not waterproof
  • One button to control everything

Expert Reviews

I recommend this camera to anyone looking for a pocket-friendly option that keeps the video and picture quality high. 


3. Insta360 ONE R Twin Edition

Best Professional Camera
9.4/10 Our Score
  • Connectivity: Bluetooth & wifi
  • Color: Black
  • Video Resolution: 5.7K30, 4K60 video
  • Weight: 1.23 pounds

The insta360 ONE R Twin Edition is the perfect choice for anyone looking to take their captures to the next level. What I liked most were its stunning 5.7K resolution and brand-new scene-detection algorithm. You can be sure your footage will be sharper and more detailed than ever. 

The Insta360 ONE R Twin Edition comes at number 3 on my list because it is the best camera for paintball photography. When I compared it to the other cameras, it turned out to be incredibly portable, simple to operate, and compact enough to fit in your pocket. In addition to that, I like how simple the assembly was. It came with a CPU module with a touchscreen, a dual-lens module that could capture 360 degrees, a module that could record in 4K, and a battery base with 1190 mAh. 

Because the Insta360 ONE R Twin combines a direction action camera and a 360° camera in a single device, I highly recommend that you try this feature if you are interested in trying out new recording style.

 Insta360 ONE R Twin Edition top  professional camera for paintball

I really liked its FlashCut, powered by AI, which made editing my videos easy. With only a few simple steps, this camera quickly created videos that looked like they were shot by a professional. This best camera for paintball mask also comes with a mounting bracket that enables it to be used in conjunction with an ‘invisible’ selfie stick, and I didn’t care for this feature since I used it for other activities. Still, if you’re looking for an alternative to purchasing additional selfie sticks, you need to try this feature out. It also has an excellent pictures and quality, and I rate it a ten out of ten for use in professional paintball videos.

Pros
  • High-definition videos
  • Instant editing
  • Robust filming
  • 360 videos and Regular
  • Versatile
Cons
  • Small preview screen
  • Costly

Expert Reviews:

If you’re looking for a camera to record high-quality and professional videos, I highly suggest the insta360 ONE R Twin Edition camera. 


4. DJI OSMO action 3

Overall Best Action Camera
9.8/10 Our Score
  • Connectivity: USB
  • Color: Black
  • Video Resolution: 4K/120 fps Video
  • Weight: 5.1 Ounces

Capture your adventures with the DJI OSMO action 3, the perfect companion for thrill-seekers and content creators. This action camera packs a punch with its 4K HDR Video, 10-Bit Color Depth, Timecode, and easy vertical mounting. 

On my list, the DJI OSMO action 3 earns the spot as the best option overall. Both the appearance and the mounting system have been updated. The fact that the 4K action cam can endure a certain amount of abuse while still capturing the shot is a fantastic feature. 

It has a sturdy construction, is water-resistant up to 16 meters without needing a case, and comes with a brand-new quick-release mounting method that provides more versatility than any other camera I’ve used. This Action Cam comes equipped with two screens, both of which have a hydrophobic covering, which made it a breeze for me to operate it. This camera can record in 4k at 120 frames per second and has a vast field of view (155 degrees), so it can capture any action moment. 

DJI OSMO action 3 best action camera for paintball

There is one issue that I have come into, and that is the fact that the DJI Mimo app has been withdrawn from Google Play because of platform compatibility issues. It is impossible to search for DJI Mimo on Google Play; to obtain the most recent version of DJI Mimo, I was required to log in to the DJI official website.

Pros
  • Dual screen display
  • Good video quality
  • Long battery life
  • Waterproof
Cons
  • Bracket is required for vertical shooting

Expert Reviews:

This camera is a great choice for those who want excellent image stabilization and 1080p video recording. It’s also very durable, making it perfect for use in rough and tumble situations like paintball battles!


5. GoPro Hero 5 Session

Best Waterproof Camera
9.6/10 Our Score
  • Connectivity: Bluetooth & wifi
  • Color: Black
  • Video Resolution: 1080p, 4K video
  • Weight: 0.28 Pounds

The GoPro Hero 5 Session is the perfect action camera for capturing all your thrilling experiences. With 4K video, one-button simplicity, and voice control, you can capture life’s moments faster and easier than ever before. Advanced Video Stabilization ensures your videos stay smooth and steady even if you’re on the go. 

Next on my list is the barrel camera for paintball; GoPro Hero 5 session. It is impressive that this action camera can film in 720p at 120 frames per second, 1080p at 90 frames per second, 2.7 K at 48 frames per second, and 4K at 30 frames per second. 

While the video stabilization is certainly not excellent, it is alright, I do believe it can be improved. It also offers voice commands, but I suggest turning this option off, given all the yelling in the paintball field. Since this GoPro has excellent waterproofing, I didn’t have to worry about the microphones getting clogged up, even when filming in damp environments.

The battery life of the GoPro Hero 5 Session is also quite good—I used it nonstop for two hours—but since it is an internal, non-removable battery, you cannot change the batteries as needed. 

The GoPro Hero 5 Session is an incredible improvement over the prior Silver series models and works in all weather conditions. Even if it is a bit pricey, you won’t have to keep looking for a camera of higher quality because it will last you for years.

Pros
  • Lightweight
  • Simple to use
  • Tons of new features
  • Excellent video quality
Cons
  • A bit pricey
  • No preview for live-recording

Expert Reviews:

For anyone planning to use an action camera in rainy or humid conditions, I recommend the GoPro Hero 5 session. It’s lightweight and easy to use!

Buying Guide

It is no longer difficult to record your exciting paintball action videos and distribute them to your friends via social media or other online platforms. Using an action camera will allow you to register and save footage of your paintball game as it happens in real-time. 

To begin filming, you must get a high-quality action camera, position it where you want it, and press the record button. The process of acquiring a paintball action camera of sufficient caliber, on the other hand, might be rather laborious and challenging. 

It is not easy to choose the best action camera because there is a wide variety of these cameras on the market, each with its unique set of characteristics. I included this buying guide to help you understand what to look for in an action camera. 

Quality Of Filming

Investing in a camera that provides high-quality shooting options will allow you to capture crystal-clear video of your paintball game. There are currently a wide variety of alternatives accessible in terms of video quality, including: 

  • 720P 
  • 1080p 
  • 4K 

I recommend investing in cameras that provide a 1080p video recording resolution system if you plan on filming a paintball game. Investing in a camera capable of recording in 4K resolution to film any action video can be an excellent idea.

Memory Capacity

The amount of storage space or memory capacity is another essential aspect that requires your attention. The majority of cameras need to be equipped with storage techniques that are suitable or effective enough to save extended segments of high-quality footage. As a result, getting a sports camera that provides the capability of expanding capacity through an SD card is essential.

Mounting Option

When shopping for a camera to use for paintball, one of the essential considerations you need to give your full attention to is the mounting choice. Because not all action cameras have the same mounting option, you need to give importance to the features that are most important to you. 

Choose a camera equipped with a helmet mountain system if you want to install it on your head or helmet. In addition, most cameras come with various mount choices, such as those that may be attached to the user’s wrist, biceps, the side of their helmet, and many more.

Battery Life

When shopping for an action camera to use for paintball, the battery life is the most critical factor you need to consider. The entire movie and the fun of playing paintball can be ruined by a battery that doesn’t last long. 

It would be best to look for a camera with a long battery life, preferably at least two hours. If you get a camera that has an average battery life, you should always keep an extra battery or a portable charger with you so that you can continue capturing paintball games.

Water Proof

I recommend you use a waterproof action camera whenever you play paintball, regardless of the weather conditions. You’ll be able to film footage of your paintball games, irrespective of the weather, with the help of the waterproof action camera.

The above buying guide is what you should follow while looking for an action camera to purchase. I’ve listed the main features you should consider if you need clarification on what action camera you want. This guide will make the purchasing process simpler for you! 

FAQs

What is GoPro used for?

GoPro is an action camera that is tiny, tough, and waterproof, explicitly intended for shooting immersive action photos. They make it possible for you to dive right in and become a part of the adventure so that you can capture images and videos in a manner that standard cameras and cell phones simply cannot.

Are action cameras worth buying? 

Yes! Whether going on a crazy adventure or just hanging out with the family by the pool, having an action camera that can withstand abuse and go places that your smartphone or DSLR can only dream of is invaluable. They may be attached to virtually any surface, including your bicycle, backpack, and surfboard. Who, in all honesty, would take the chance of plunging headfirst into any of these activities while holding their phone?

How long can I record on my GoPro camera?

Most action cameras have a battery life that is only good for approximately one to three hours of continuous operation before it dies. The amount of time the battery lasts depends on many factors, including the resolution of the movies you capture, whether you have wifi, Bluetooth, or any other networking functions turned on, and how frequently you use the device. The operational duration of a GoPro camera is around two hours on average; however, this number is still contingent upon the resolution and all of the other recording options used.

Final Thoughts

I’ve listed the best camera to record paintball above. All of these have different features that make them unique in their way. For me, the insta360 ONE R Twin Edition is the best since I record professional videos. It has incredible recording quality and 360-degree features, but if professionalism isn’t your priority, then the GoPro Hero 5 Black dominates. So there you have it – everything you need to know about choosing an action camera for paintballing. 

So what are you waiting for? Grab your action camera today and get going!

Harold Willoughby

Author: Harold Willoughby

I am a paintball enthusiast and a pro with over 12 years of professional experience in the paintball battleground. I have now dedicated my life towards training people in professional paintball competitions and tournaments.