We have done several action camcorder tests for the most popular action cameras in 2025. Read our take here on whether these action cameras are good enough compared to traditional camera systems.
Action cameras have attained a significant market share in the field of videography, and they are everywhere in 2025. They are super sturdy, impressive in specs, and are easy to carry. But they still can't match the professional level of image quality, field of view, and creative control one would get from a camera with a swappable lens.
This year, we tested dozens of new optical hardware and did many action camcorder tests to find out whether they can compare with the quality you would get from a camera with a dedicated and swappable lens.
1.Insta360 One RSThe camera comes with three main swappable lens modules, of which is a 4K Boost Lens for wide action shots made by a 1/2" 48 MP sensor. The other two are a 360 Lens for a surrounding immersive video and a Leica 1-Inch Wide Angle Lens offered for better low-light shots.
Note that these are not just camera lens swapping modules, but are complete modules that are being changed. In our action camcorder test, we found that the optical quality you get from the 1-inch is comparable to APS-C camera sensors and even entry-level full-frame cameras.
2. Zenmuse X Series (DJI)
It is one of the most common interchangeable lens systems used with DJI hardware, the most popular ones being X5, X5R, and X7 for the Inspire 1 drones. The X5 series uses Micro Four Thirds mount systems, and in our testing, they all struggle in low-light conditions. To give an idea of performance, you can place them below APS-C cameras when compared in a darker environment. We found that the X7, being much better than the X5 and can be regarded as comparable to cameras from Canon with APS-C sensors, but still lags in terms of color depth compared to that of a regular full-frame camera. It's a small package and offers stock waterproofing up to 5 meters, making it an attractive, creative production package with minimal optical restrictions.
3.Ronin 4D with X9 integrated cinema camera
This setup from DJI is not just a camera; it is a camera platform with stabilization built into it. You get a camera body with a carbon-fiber and magnesium chassis, which is stabilized with a mechanical 4-axis gimbal system. All this runs with an X9 interchangeable-lens camera module, which is further available in two variants: an X9-6K with a Super 35 sensor, which captures 6K ProRes RAW/CinemaDNG footage, and an X9-8K for K/75fps ProRes RAW.
The DJI mounts come with compatibility for 16mm, 24mm, 35mm, and 50mm f/2.8, and can use lenses from other OEMs with adapters. In our testing, we found that this setup is great for professional video-first productions who are looking to get a cheaper setup as compared to the high-end solutions like Sony Venice and RED V-Raptor, all touching more than $30K.
For professional videographers who are looking to invest in a high-end setup but with a much cheaper price tag, they can look for camera options like the Sony A7S III or Canon R5C kit, which both can cost you around $4K to $6K. Add more for your favorite camera lenses and a good gimbal like the RS3 Pro, and you will get similar performance to the DJI Ronin 4D with X9.
Pairing a Dedicated Camera Lens with Action Cameras There has been a huge improvement in the action camera industry in terms of stabilization, optical quality, and the ability to swap lenses with certain camera lens modules. But in our action camcorder tests, we found that comparing even modern action camera setups with a standard swappable camera lens with a full-frame camera system is still miles behind in terms of creative control and other crucial optical specs.
The hybrid shooting in 2025 requires combining the two worlds of action cameras and traditional camera lenses, and there are now options to do that without spending thousands of dollars. Meet the
SIRUI Jupiter Macro Cine lens series, which is designed to bring in natural compression of long focal lengths, 75 to 100, 28 to 85, and with an option of prime focal lengths of 25, 35, and 50mm.
All these lenses are designed to match your requirements of creative control and deliver a high level of flexibility with their meticulous focus control, stunning cinematic visuals, and professional zoom ranges. Comes with a high-end all-metal construction and a price tag that is suitable for almost every indie and professional filmmaker.
Wrapping Up:
In our action camcoder tests, we found the above three most impressive cameras in 2025, which offer serious specs and real-life performance. Having said that, high-end performance costs 10X more than a regular swappable camera lens system, the SIRUI Jupiter Macro Cine lens series makes itself a great option for those looking to combine action cam footage with creatively controlled one.
