How to choose the right action camera?

Aggressive Shooting

What is an action camera

The question of shooting video in an aggressive environment has been open since the advent of compact video cameras until recently. Not so long ago, various models of so-called action cameras entered the wide consumer market. They are a digital device for shooting, provided with special protection and additional details that ensure good quality video at high speeds or with vibration. In addition to the presence of specific components, the action camera features a protected housing of small size, which is not afraid of moisture, dust or dirt.

If we talk about the characteristics of the lens, then it is worth mentioning the increased sharpness and wide viewing angle.

Perhaps the most important thing in the action camera is the presence of a special fixed focus, which is not lost during vibration and produces a clear picture at the output.

You might think that the presence of such features will affect the quality of shooting. However, modern devices do their job perfectly, capturing the most important and interesting moments in high definition formats.

When use the action camera

Using

Thanks to the features of action cameras, they have found application in a huge number of areas. They are actively used by hunters, fishermen and of course athletes. Skydiving, river rafting and other extreme activities are perfectly combined using action cameras. The versatility of the mounts allows you to shoot from the most unusual angles. Shooting in motion perfectly retains the very drive that you so often want to share.

This is all possible thanks to the almost complete autonomy of the devices. There is no need to do the settings yourself. Just fix the camera in the right place. You can mount it on clothes, a helmet or a head. A variety of belts and carabiners that securely hold the camera are usually included with the device. For sophisticated users, there is a huge amount of additional accessories on sale.

Sometimes action cameras can even be used as an observation of animal life. In this case, they are fixed on the body of the animal with the help of special Velcro or straps. The information received is often very useful to biologists.

The wide distribution of flying drones gave a tangible impetus to the development of action cameras. After all, drones are most often used for aerial photography, and only an action camera can give a good picture with such active movements.

Vehicle owners also did not bypass the device. Motorcycles and cars are increasingly acquiring action cameras. And sometimes they are used for their intended purpose - shooting breathtaking frames in motion, and sometimes even replace the DVR. For a motorcycle, this is the only possible way to register.

Widely used devices for shooting amateur video reports. The possibility of fixing on the head helps to obtain high-quality video of real events from the first person.

It is impossible not to mention that video blogs, which are gaining popularity, are increasingly using action cameras to get interesting and unusual material.

Despite all the advantages of action cameras, they are unlikely to be able to displace conventional video cameras. Their use is advisable precisely in cases where a conventional device simply can not cope.For shooting family celebrations and ordinary reporting, they use good digital video cameras that are not related to action devices.

Is it possible to use the camera as a DVR?

As a dash cam

Using a DVR today has become commonplace. Recording of what is happening on the road has proved its worth more than once. But many motorists are not happy with the quality of the video that the standard recorder gives them. The question arises: is it possible to use an action camera instead of a registrar? The answer to this question is yes, you can. Moreover, this solution will have several advantages:

• picture quality is much higher and comes to Full HD;
• extended viewing angle;
• high speed shooting;
• comfortable and, most importantly, reliable mounts.

However, it should be understood that the action camera is not a DVR. It may not have some necessary functions, which are installed by default in registrars. Before buying, you should make sure that the device has:

• cyclicity;
• additional battery or GSM module;
• high-quality microphone;
• motion tracking;
• touch sensors and gyroscope;

All these functions will allow the car owner to feel confident on the road, and in which case, provide evidence of their innocence.

An important parameter is cyclicality. What is cycling on an action camera? The same as on the DVR. The ability to automatically free memory when it is full. Not all models have this feature, so you need to approach the choice of camera responsibly.

In addition to the advantages of using an action camera as a DVR, it also has its drawbacks. These include:

• high price compared to DVRs;
• lack of fastenings on a car;
• exclusively manual start of shooting;
• not every camera can be charged from the cigarette lighter;
• the device does not display the shooting date and coordinates.

These are very serious limitations, but they can also be removed using special 2-in-1 devices. Such devices are suitable for those who plan to use the camera not only in the car. Otherwise, paying a very impressive amount makes no sense. Where it is more expedient to get a good video recorder.

How to choose the right action camera

The choice of modifications will allow you to choose what is needed in each case

To choose the right action camera, you must first clearly determine what it will be used for. In general, it is recommended that you choose light weight and small models with a good battery.

If the full use of the model is not planned under water, then a device without a special protective cover may be quite suitable. For the amateur, general moisture resistance will be enough.

How to choose an action camera for fishing is determined by the style of fishing. Calm and measured fishing does not require large strength characteristics of the device. Active fishing - on the contrary should take place with a device that is well protected from water.

If the device is bought by an avid traveler and extreme, then more emphasis should be placed on the durability of the device and its functionality. Less attention can be paid to sound, as in this case it is not required. Much more important is the resolution and shooting frequency. Now the maximum frequency for action cameras is 240 frames.

In any case, a comparison of the action cameras is carried out on the processor, lens and matrix of the device. After all, it is these components that most affect the quality of the video being shot.

As for the lens, the known parameters are the viewing angle and focal length. The viewing angle varies between 120-170 degrees. This is enough to cover all the important details. The focal length is related to the angle as follows - the larger the angle, the smaller the focus. This fact makes shooting at any distance the most comfortable.

The matrix in action cameras has much smaller capabilities and sizes than in standard digital cameras.The average size is reduced almost 6 times and is 6.17x4.55 mm. Matrix resolution is given particular importance. After all, at very large values ​​there is a risk of significantly reducing photosensitivity, which will affect the quality of the video. It is very important to strike a balance between resolution and image size.

And of course, one cannot but say a few words about the device’s processor. It is he who is the “brain” of the camera and the data transfer speed will depend on its quality. A bad processor can easily disrupt the coordinated operation of the matrix and lens, and then just ruin the footage.

Additional options

Additional functions

The popularity of action cameras has prompted manufacturers to improve models and create universal devices with a wide range of functions. The most popular options are:

• zoom zoom;
• remote control;
• wireless information transfer modules;
• display;
• variations of stabilizers.

There is no need to talk much about zoom. The ability to zoom in on the subject has always been popular. Using this feature requires direct human involvement.

Since the camera can be mounted anywhere, including in hard-to-reach places, a remote control is a must. At a distance, managing a recording is often very convenient.

Wireless data transmission requires appropriate equipment. Bluetooth, GPS or Wi-Fi will not only allow you to control the device from a distance, but also receive an image directly from the camera directly to any gadget. This feature is extremely popular among drone users.

The screen on such devices is usually not provided, but sometimes it is still mounted. This may be due to many reasons, the main of which is the need to control the operation of the camera.

What action camera to choose. Top 5

SJCAM SJ4000

SJCAM SJ4000

List best action cameras Opens SJCAM's Low Cost Device. Despite its very small dimensions, the model was able to accommodate a good 3 megapixel matrix, and a lens with a viewing angle of 170 degrees. Zoom is digitally available. Unfortunately, the camera does not have a built-in stabilizer, however, all modern tripods will quickly correct their situation. The display is present, which is very unusual for a similar price category. Shooting takes place in the H.264 format. This model is worth paying attention to those who choose the action camera for a motorcycle.

Benefits:

• light weight 44 g;
• small size;
• low price;
• screen availability.

Disadvantages:

• low resolution;
• low battery capacity;

The cost of the model does not exceed 3000 rubles.

Xiaomi MiJia 360 Panoramic Camera

Xiaomi MiJia 360 Panoramic Camera

The popular electronics company has not ignored the action camera segment. The leader in this area is the professional device MiJia 360 Panoramic Camera, which has all the parameters of a good action camera. Viewing angle of 190 degrees. There is the possibility of panoramic shooting at 360 degrees. The resolution of the matrix is ​​an impressive 16 megapixels. Video is recorded on memory cards up to 128 GB in size.

Benefits:

• excellent security;
• small size;
• good equipment with mounts;
• wireless data transmission.

Disadvantages:

• lack of stabilization;
• no display;
• big weight 109 g;
• high price.

The cost of the model is approximately 17500 rubles.

Contour Contour + 2

Contour Contour + 2

The company Kontur has always been a company with a narrow profile. Focusing on video equipment, they were able to create an excellent apparatus for shooting in an aggressive environment. This device is equipped with a lens with a viewing angle of 170 degrees and a 5MP sensor. A stylish and ergonomic body makes this camera stand out for their own kind. A great addition is the ability to connect an external microphone. Battery life - 2 hours.

Benefits:

• strong case;
• the presence of a Bluetooth module;
• good battery;
• reliable processor.

Disadvantages:

• big weight of 170 g;
• lack of stabilization;
• high price.

You can buy a device for 21,000 rubles.

Gmini MagicEye HDS5100

Gmini MagicEye HDS5100

Another inexpensive device, rightfully received the silver of this top. The price is low, and the filling is very impressive. Great lens with a viewing angle of 170 degrees. 4MP resolution matrix There is also an LCD display. Support for all popular wireless protocols and memory cards makes the device truly universal.

Benefits:

• good lens with the ability to shoot in 4K;
• light weight 45 g;
• reliable case;
• the ability to use as a webcam;
• high performance.

Disadvantages:

• poor sound recording quality;
• weak battery.

Device price: 3700 - 3900 rubles

Ricoh theta v

Ricoh theta v

Top gold is rightfully getting an innovative solution from a large company. This is the most expensive model on the list, but its price is fully justified. First of all, the unusual camera design catches your eye. In a reliable case, manufacturers were able to put together two powerful 12 megapixel matrices and 19 GB of video space. Auto exposure is an additional feature. Records the device in all popular video formats, and there is a choice.

Benefits:

• almost unlimited possibilities in shooting the environment;
• good battery;
• average weight 125 g;
• case included.

Disadvantages:

• lack of display;
• no support for memory cards;
• high price.

Model price: from 29990 rubles.