This post explains how to choose the right action camera setup for the ONYX RCR.
It starts with simple recommendations for mounts and budget buying, then moves into specific Insta360 and GoPro models, including 360° cameras, ultra-small POV cameras, and low-light performers.
Quick Overview
If you just want the short version:
- Insta360 and GoPro both work great on ONYX
- Models from 2021+ already have strong night performance
- Buying used on eBay saves a lot with little quality loss
- 360° cameras = easiest multi-angle shots
- Tiny cameras = best for helmet POV
- Traditional action cams = best all-around choice
Recommended Mounts
Solid mounting matters more than the camera itself.
Buying Used on eBay (Best Value)
Action cameras reached strong low-light quality around 2021. Improvements since then are incremental.
What this means in practice:
- A Hero 9-12 or Insta360 from 1-4 years ago still looks great
- Night footage differences are small to most people
- You can often buy two used cameras for the price of one new model
- More cameras = more angles = better edits
This is the cheapest way to level up your footage without sacrificing quality.
Camera Types at a Glance
| Type | Best For | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tiny POV cam | Helmet / chest | Light, invisible, simple |
| Traditional action cam | All-around use | Best balance of quality + mounting |
| 360° camera | Cinematic shots | Reframe later, no aiming needed |
Insta360 GO 3S (Tiny POV)
A thumb-sized 4K camera (39g) designed for hands-free filming.
Highlights:
- Magnetic helmet / chest mounting
- FlowState stabilization
- Ultra-wide MegaView lens
- Waterproof (IPX8)
- Action Pod with flip screen + ~140-minute runtime
Insta360 X4 (360° Camera)
A rugged 360° camera that mounts cleanly on the ONYX.
Highlights:
- 8K 360° or 5.7K60 video
- FlowState stabilization + Horizon Lock
- Reframe later using the app
- Invisible selfie-stick effect
- Waterproof and cold-resistant
- ~135-minute battery life
Insta360 Ace Pro / Ace Pro 2 (Traditional Action Cam)
A classic action-cam form factor optimized for quality and low light.
Highlights:
- 1/1.3" 8K sensor (Ace Pro 2)
- Leica optics
- 4K60 Active HDR
- Dual AI chips
- Wind Guard audio
- 157° wide lens
- Flip touchscreen
- Waterproof
GoPro HERO 13 Black
GoPro’s latest flagship.
Highlights:
- 5.3K60 video
- HyperSmooth 6.0 stabilization
- New HB-Series lenses
- Enduro battery for cold weather
- Auto highlight videos + cloud uploads
GoPro MAX (360°)
360° capture made simple.
Highlights:
- 5.6K30 360° video
- Reframe later in the Quik app
- 3K60 slow-motion mode
- One camera = multiple angles
GoPro Hero Tiny
Ultra-compact 4K camera.
Highlights:
- One-button operation
- Waterproof to 16 ft (5 m)
- HyperSmooth stabilization
- Cloud auto-upload + instant highlights
Final Recommendations
- Want cinematic shots -> Insta360 X4
- Want best POV -> Insta360 GO 3S or GoPro Hero Tiny
- Want best all-around quality -> Insta360 Ace Pro 2 or GoPro Hero 13
- Want best value -> buy used models from 2021+ on eBay
You don’t need the newest camera to get great ONYX footage, good mounts and smart buying matter more.