By Chris George
Contributions from Tom May
Keep yourself safe, collect video evidence and more, with the best body cameras for work, leisure and content creation
Jump to:
- The Quick List
- Best for security
- Best tough
- Best adjustable
- Best for simplicity
- Best for fun
- Best budget
- Best hybrid
- Best head-worn
- How to choose
The best body cam can help you stay safe, by collecting video as you work. Law enforcement and security personnel have the most obvious need for them, but anyone wanting evidence for a potential insurance claim or legal battle will find them useful too. They might not be a bad idea if you have to walk through a bad neighborhood, either. Plus, content creators can use them to collect behind-the-scenes footage, or stream their process to followers in the most immersive and personal way possible!
In other words, just like cyclists use helmet cameras, and motorists use dash cams, all sorts of people can find body cameras handy. But how do you choose the right one for your needs?
For most people, the best body camera will be compact, unobtrusive, easily attached to clothing, and have a lens with a wide angle of view. You’ll also want something that’s robust and, ideally, can be worn out in all weathers and conditions.
Other desirable features will be a long battery life (especially if you work a long shift), decent camera resolution, and large (possibly expandable) data storage capacity, so you don’t run out of juice or memory at that crucial moment. Plus if you're working in the wee small hours, you'll be looking for night vision functions such as infrared capture.
You should also think about how you want to transfer video. Some offer Wi-Fi links to phones, though you might have to pay more, while others accept a removable microSD card, and/or USB connection to your PC. Unlike most cameras, a built-in screen for composing and reviewing images is not always provided (or needed).
Most users, however, just want a wearable camera they can fix to their clothing and then forget about. So we've included a couple of candidates in this category too – including the remarkable little Insta360 Go 2, and DJI’s magnetic Action 2.
Chris George
Chris has been writing about photography professionally for nearly 40 years and has tested hundreds of different cameras. He has advised lots of parents about choosing the right cameras for their children – and has bought a fair few for his four children too! He has been the editor of What Camera, N-Photo, PhotoPlus, Video Camera, and Digital Camera magazines.
The Quick List
1. Rexing P1
Aimed largely at professionals, this camera with a built-in alarm can see in the dark and lasts all night on one charge. Read more below…
2. Transcend DrivePro Body 30
This robust camera has passed stringent drop tests and is dust- and water-resistant. You also get night vision and a long charge. Read more below…
3. Boblov A22
The simple trick this camera offers is the ability to reposition the lens if your clothing prevents it from shooting straight. Read more below…
4. Ehomful Mini
This compact option works with a clip or on a pendant, with all the basics you need for capturing up to three hours of footage. Read more below…
5. Insta360 Go 2
With its tiny body and go-anywhere aesthetic, the Insta360 Go 2 is capable of delivering some really unusual perspectives. Read more below…
6. Losfom Z03
Available at bargain prices, the Z03 has a versatile clip mechanism and a handy four-light torch, plus the ability to save 5-6 hours of video. Read more below…
View the full list ⤵
7. DJI Action 2
It’s officially an action cam, but its magnetic mount works through a T-shirt, enabling the Action 2 to double up as a bodycam. Read more below…
8. Ordro EP8
It’s not exactly discreet, but this headgear camera gives a precise first-person eye-level view that vloggers will love. Read more below…
Best body cameras in 2024
Why you can trust Digital Camera World Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out how we test.
Best body camera for personal security
1. Rexing P1 Body Worn Camera
With lights and sirens to call for help in the dark
Specifications
Stills resolution: 24 megapixels
Video resolution: 1080P
Field of view: 170°
Screen: Yes
Storage: 64GB built in
Wi-Fi: -
Infrared: Yes, effective up to 15m/50ft
Operating time: 10 hours (20 hours in standby mode)
Dimensions: 76x51x25mm
Weight: 112g
Reasons to buy
+ Long range night vision Built-in 2-inch display Siren and light can act as panic button
Reasons to avoid
- Operates in loop mode automatically Need computer to transfer files
The Rexing P1 is a great option for bouncers and others working in the dark, thanks to its built in infrared illumination, which can light subjects as far off as 15m at night. What might seem a little silly to some – the siren and flashing lights –also offers a good panic button option in some less-than-salubrious working environments.
The 3,000mAh rechargeable battery is charged via USB and the connection weather-sealed securing an IP67 waterproof rating. There is also capacity to augment the memory with an microSD card, but despite that the casing is definitely successfully ruggedized and will survive a drop (possibly even a hammer blow).
The rear LCD displays useful info – the time left and battery remaining – plainly (if not graphically), as well as allowing in-field playback, which is handy; and with no Wi-Fi, you can’t be hacked.
- Back to the top ⤴
Best tough body camera
2. Transcend DrivePro Body 30
The best tough body camera
Specifications
Stills resolution: not given
Video resolution: 1920 x 1080 at 30 fps
Field of view: 130°
Screen: No
Storage: 64GB internal memory
Wi-Fi: Yes
Infrared: Yes
Operating time: Up to 12 hours
Dimensions: 96 x 52 x 28mm
Weight: 130g
Reasons to buy
+ Robust construction Infrared 12-hour battery life
Reasons to avoid
- No screen Not the most discreet
Though not the cheapest option in our roundup, this Transcend camera features a robust construction. It comes housed in a IP67-rated enclosure for outdoor use and conforms to rigorous US military drop-test standards for shock resistance (the MIL-STD 810G 516.6 transit drop test, to be exact.)
With built-in Wi-Fi, a 130° field of view and the ability to take snapshots while recording video, it ticks the necessary boxes. You also get Full HD video capture, a fixed-aperture 2.0mm lens, a built-in mic and battery life of up to 12 hours, plus useful 64GB internal memory to get you started out of the box.
If you're out at night, there are four IR LEDs for recording in low-light conditions. Operation is one-touch, although the loud activation bleep and recording light may not be ideal if what you’re looking for is a device for discrete filming.
- Back to the top ⤴
Best adjustable body camera
3. Boblov A22
Tiny camcorder with an adjustable camera
Specifications
Stills resolution: 2 megapixel
Video resolution: 1080P
Field of view: 160°
Screen: No
Storage: MicroSD slot
Wi-Fi: No
Infrared: Yes
Operating time: up to 4 hours
Dimensions: 37x96x16mm
Weight: 41g
Reasons to buy
+ Small and unobtrusive Camera angle can be adjusted Built-in 1/3-inch display
Reasons to avoid
- LCD will drain battery if used Not IP rated Screen very small
One of the biggest issues with body cameras is that the lens points in the direction your clothing chooses. This device helps provide a solution in the form of rotating lens on a simple friction mount. This also affords the ability to re-direct the camera and place discretely in different places, like the top of a fridge.
Despite its small size, the camera also manages to cram in a color screen for menus and playback, though we’d recommend viewing via USB on a computer. We also liked the physical sliding switch to start video capture. Though they’ll draw power faster, there are four IR LEDs for night use and the option of a pocket clip (included) or screw mount.
- Back to the top ⤴
Best body camera for simplicity
4. Ehomful Mini 1080P Body Camera
The best body camera for spying
Specifications
Stills resolution: not given
Video resolution: 1080P
Field of view: 120°
Screen: No
Storage: microSD (upto 64GB)
Wi-Fi: No
Infrared: No
Operating time: 3 hours
Dimensions: 4.4x1x0.6-inches
Weight: 55g
Reasons to buy
+ Small and unobtrusive Full HD video capture
Reasons to avoid
- No built-in viewing screen Battery life
Discretion is the name of the game when it comes to this personal security device or, cough, spy cam. It’s a small and lightweight body camera option that also comes supplied with a clip, or, alternatively, can be worn about the neck, pendant-style.
Chief among its enticing features is Full HD video up to 30fps, for which you’ll want to make use of the 32GB card supplied out of the box. Alternatively, a 64GB microSD card is offered. If there’s a compromise due to its diminutiveness, it’s that battery life can’t match others here at a comparatively paltry 180 minutes from a full charge.
What some may find useful here, however, is that the device features a built-in USB port for connecting directly to a laptop or PC for transferring footage. If you want simplicity, this device delivers.
- Back to the top ⤴
Best body camera for fun
5. Insta360 Go 2
The best tiny body camera
Specifications
Stills resolution: 9 megapixels
Video resolution: 1440p
Field of view: Not quoted (11.24mm focal length equivalent
Screen: Info screen in charge case
Storage: Internal, 32GB
Wi-Fi: Yes
Infrared: No
Operating time: 15-30 minutes
Dimensions: 52.9x23.6x20.7mm
Weight: 26.5g
Reasons to buy
+ Tiny when used 'naked' High resolution for its size Charge case and mounts included
Reasons to avoid
- Short run time Can 'flick' out of mounts
The Insta360 Go 2 is not a long-lasting security device for law enforcement. In fact,it's quite the opposite. It's a cute and tiny wearable camera you can clip to your clothing, snap to a magnetic pendant around your neck, prop up on our own desk in its own holder, stick to a car dash or window... and more.With this much versatility, you can get some truly distinctive point-of-view shorts.
But the Insta360 Go 2 is far from being a mere novelty device, with features such as image stabliization and horizon lock adding to its capabilities. Is it a body camera? Not in the professional security sense. But it is a 'body camera' for the rest of us that's small, clever and a whole lot of fun.
- Back to the top ⤴
Best budget body camera
6. Losfom Z03
Best body camera for cycle helmets
Specifications
Stills resolution: -
Video resolution: 1080P @ 30fps
Field of view: 80°
Screen: No
Storage: microSD
Wi-Fi: Yes
Infrared: Yes
Operating time: Approx 5-6 hours recording
Dimensions: 43x38x20mm
Weight: 50g
Reasons to buy
+ Clip-shaped design can be used anywhere Modern USB-C charging port Built-in white lights improve visibility
Reasons to avoid
- Not waterproof No GPS or Wi-fi connectivity Battery life won’t cover a full shift
Designed more like a clip-on torch than a camera, the Losfom Z03 might not have the deterrent effect a bouncer or police officer might need, but for others it’s a handy tool. Cyclists, especially, will be able to strap it round their helmet not only to record drivers’ transgressions, but to use the light at night for more visibility on the road. You can balance the battery charge by opting for one of three brightness options, up to 200 lumens.
Video is recorded to the included TF/microSD card (check the supplied size with the retailer as this varies). In the box are head and wrist straps.
Read more: Losfom Z03 review
- Back to the top ⤴
Best action cam and body camera hybrid
7. DJI Action 2
Action camera that can be worn on a T-shirt
Specifications
Stills resolution: 12 megapixels
Video resolution: 4K
Field of view: 155°
Screen: 1.76-inch OLED screen (x2)
Storage: 32GB internal memory (+ detachable microSD slot)
Wi-Fi: Yes
Infrared: No
Operating time: 70 minutes (camera unit only)
Dimensions: 39 x 39 x 22.3 mm
Weight: 56g
Reasons to buy
+ 12 megapixel camera Multi-use (can be used as helmet camera, or vlogging camera etc)
Reasons to avoid
- Battery won't last all day More recent DJI Action 3 doesn't use this form factor
The DJI Action 2 is not built as a body cam but, thanks to its compact design and magnetic mount, it can serve as one in a certain scenario. If you need to capture video for a limited period and don’t want to wear more than a T-shirt or tank top, then the camera module of the Action 2 can be secured in place to a magnetic grip on a lanyard beneath the fabric; it’s much more discrete than a body belt or head mount yet gets quality first-person footage.
You can even review it on the unbelievably sharp built-in screen, or play it back on your phone thanks to its wi-fi connection. The camera’s range of attachments also makes it a great choice for cyclists (in which case the classic helmet mount may be preferable).
Read more: DJI Action 2 review
- Back to the top ⤴
Best head-worn camera
8. Ordro EP8 4K Head Mounted Camera
The best 4K body camera
Specifications
Stills resolution: 13MP
Video resolution: 4K @ 60fps
Field of view: 130°
Screen: Yes
Storage: microSD
Wi-Fi: Yes
Infrared: No
Operating time: Approx 170minutes recording
Dimensions: 98x28x29mm + head grip
Weight: 85g
Reasons to buy
+ 2-axis gimbal stabilization 4K recording Improved field of view over EP7
Reasons to avoid
- Can’t be worn discretely Expensive, especially compared to action cameras No IR night mode
The Ordro EP8 and its less-well specified sibling the EP6 offer, if not a unique perspective, then a rare means of capturing it that will appeal to some. Body-worn cameras are often clipped to a chest pocket (beneath the eyes), while an action camera with head strap can be excessively distracting. Instead this camera can be charged up and worn at exactly eye height thanks to the head band. It’s not invisible, but it’ll get the ideal first-person angle for certain vloggers –driving or cycling videos for example – and the head band can be worn over glasses.
The EP8 (as well as the EP7 it replaces) has a two-axis gimbal that serves to capture reasonably stable imagery. The app allows you to align your shot live, or you can just shoot ‘blind’ with the side buttons.
The 4K video is a little aggressively sharpened by the software, but nice and crisp for editing (or one-click sharing from the app). Sadly there's no night mode for bouncers, though there is IPX5 ingress protection for action fans. The cheaper EP6 lacks the powered gimbal, but might be a useful alternative if you’re pushed for cash.
- Back to the top ⤴
How to choose the best body camera
- Viewing Angle, or Field of View, is important because if a camera has a relatively narrow field of view important events can be missed at the sides of the frame. The human field of view is around 114˚ not counting peripheral vision, but most body worn cameras don’t turn with your head so a wider field of view is usually better.
- Attachment. How you wear your camera is crucial, so think about what you wear (a uniform?) when you’ll be wearing the camera and where you can attach the camera. Will the weight of the camera pull your clothing and make it sway? How will that affect the video?
- Battery life, or operating time, is important. It’s also worth remembering that features like night modes with IR lighting can use power a little faster, so better not cut this too fine.
- Cellular. It’s also possible to source cameras – like the Halo Connect and Reveal K-7 –with built-in streaming, but these devices are designed for large corporate installations rather than the average user. Hopefully, some of the features will trickle down soon.
- Infrared. A night mode with built-in lighting results in a slightly spooky red glow from ‘invisible’ lights but can capture details near you with no other light. It will draw more battery, though.
- Storage. Choosing between removable memory cards –useful for quick copying to a computer –or simple built-in memory for looped recording will depend on your needs. However, it is possible to record in a loop to removable cards too. In either case, when a significant event has occurred, you need to be sure to transfer and copy it before you use the camera again in case the data is lost.
- Back to the top ⤴
Get the Digital Camera World Newsletter
The best camera deals, reviews, product advice, and unmissable photography news, direct to your inbox!
Chris George
Chris George has worked on Digital Camera World since its launch in 2017. He has been writing about photography, mobile phones, video making and technology for over 30 years – and has edited numerous magazines including PhotoPlus, N-Photo, Digital Camera, Video Camera, and Professional Photography.
His first serious camera was the iconic Olympus OM10, with which he won the title of Young Photographer of the Year - long before the advent of autofocus and memory cards.Today he uses a Nikon D800, a Fujifilm X-T1, a Sony A7, and his iPhone 15 Pro Max.
He has written about technology for countless publications and websites including The Sunday Times Magazine, The Daily Telegraph, Dorling Kindersley, What Cellphone, T3 and Techradar.
With contributions from
- Tom May
Related articles
- Nikon announces winner of Marilyn Stafford FotoReportage Award 2024
- Another new 35mm film camera has launched –meet the Yes!Star S1
- 247MP! A medium format camera with ungodly resolution is on the way (report)
- Enemy turned friend? Global digital photography market to grow—thanks to smartphones!