Action Cameras Wide Angle Lens Distortion Test

So you're in the market for an action camera and keep hearing about wide angle lens distortion? You're not alone. As someone who’s tested over 30 action cams—from GoPro to DJI and Insta360—I’ve seen how lens choice can make or break your footage. Let’s cut through the marketing fluff and look at real-world data.

Why Lens Distortion Matters (Especially in Action Cams)

Action cameras use ultra-wide lenses—often 140° to 170°—to capture as much scenery as possible. But that wide field of view comes with a cost: barrel distortion, where straight lines bend outward, especially at the edges. It’s most noticeable in architecture, horizons, or car interiors.

I recently ran a controlled test using five top-selling models under identical conditions: indoor grid lines, outdoor horizon shots, and moving vehicle footage. Here’s what I found:

Distortion Comparison: Real-World Data

As you can see, budget models like the AKASO show extreme distortion with no built-in fix—meaning you’re stuck correcting it in post. Meanwhile, premium options like the GoPro Hero12 apply automatic correction, giving cleaner results out of camera.

The Hidden Cost of “More Degrees”

Manufacturers love touting “170-degree views,” but more isn’t always better. That extra width increases edge warping. In my driving tests, the Insta360 Ace Pro made side mirrors look like they were melting. Not ideal.

If you prioritize clean framing—say, for vlogging or product reviews—consider narrowing the FOV. The DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro offers a ‘Linear Mode’ that flattens the image dramatically, scoring a 3/10 on distortion with minimal cropping.

Pro Tips to Minimize Distortion

• Use in-camera correction: Enable “Linear” or “Horizon Lock” modes if available.
• Avoid close-up static shots: Distortion worsens when subjects are near frame edges.
• Edit smart: Adobe Premiere and DaVinci Resolve have lens profiles that auto-correct GoPro and DJI footage.

Bottom line? Don’t just chase specs. Test real footage or rely on trusted comparisons. A slightly narrower, cleaner shot beats a distorted ultra-wide mess every time.