Overview 8 kinds of the best action cameras: how to choose what to buy, the pros and cons, features, rating

Such a device as action camera, quickly gained popularity among fans of outdoor activities due to the large angle viewing, miniature size, reinforced hull design, and most importantly - the possibility of attaching to any things from bicycle helmetsEnding elements of clothing. However, as the technology evolved creating such chambers providing high quality shooting in extreme conditions, there was a set of models as a famous brands, and "nouneym".

How to choose a camera action

Action Camera is required to meet certain criteria, which make it a device for extreme conditions of use. Listed below are the main ones.

Durability and protection

For extreme conditions, this is perhaps the most important selection criteria. From the camera, even with the best recording quality is not good if it fails at the first fall. The housing is made of durable plastic or reinforced light metal, for example based on aluminum. This allows you to easily withstand even fall from a great height. If the priority should durability, attention should be paid to the chamber of reinforced polyurethane grilamida. In this housing design must be completely excluded from entering the dust and dirt.

The quality of shooting

By this criterion are both 3 parameters:

• Resolution. The standard here is considered to be of 1920x1080 pixels - FullHD. With the development of technology market gained camera capable to record in 4K UHD format, which affects the cost models. However, until now produced a device designed to record in HD.
• The frame rate (fps). The higher the setting, the sharper and smoother the video will be captured. Current models are able to cope with a frequency of 60 or more frames per second, but with an increase in this index increases the load on the processor, since it is responsible for the flow processing data. As a result, most cameras removes UHD 4K at 30 fps, but with decreasing quality until FullHD at the same load without the problems processor handles 60 and more fps.
• Recording Format. Here the most preferred MP4, which is read on the computer forces the standard software. MP4 support and most modern TVsAnd, therefore, can not transcode video. But there are other formats, for which the need to install additional software. As an example XAVC, which uses Sony.

viewing angle

With the increase of this parameter is increased image distortion. At the same time, large viewing angle allows for longer keep fast-moving objects in sight. For this reason, the priority cameraIn which the figure is 170 degrees or more. There are models with adjustable viewing angle that lets you configure it for specific shooting conditions.

Memory

Almost all cameras Action keep a record of data in video files to external media. Typically, this is a microSD memory card. The higher the recording quality, the greater the required recording speed. The maximum amount of supported media specified in the instructions to the device, as a rule, does not exceed 32 GB.

Mounts

An important characteristic is not only the fixings, but also their number. In other words, it is better to choose a camera with several types of fasteners, for example, for fixing to a helmet, arm, chest. They can go straight to complete a buy separately.

Food

As the power supply for most cameras act removable battery a certain capacity. The higher the value, the longer the continuous shooting. Hours vary, usually in the range of 1.5-2 hours, depending on power electronics and, therefore, depends on the quality of the recorded video. It is recommended to immediately re-buy an extra battery, which will increase the battery life.

Size, weight and shape

These parameters define the conditions under which the camera is used. For example, the device, which is scheduled to be fixed in the bicycle helmetIt should be light and have simple controls. Here it becomes of no small importance, and form. The most versatile - a compact rectangle.

Control

Button operation more reliable, but the touch is much more convenient. However, it will be impossible to operate the camera when the sensor is damaged. There are models with remote control, some of which is in the form wristwatches output from the image directly on the display located on the site of the dial. The presence of a digital interface based on the Wi-Fi module allows you to manage by handheld device smartphone with appropriate software installed.

Additional functions

Their presence greatly simplifies the handling of the camera. This includes and LED lights, and remote control, and a laser target designator. List can be long, but each of the points increases the cost of the camera, at the same time, it may be useless in your particular environmental conditions.

Best Waterproof Action Camera

Clad in the armor of the camera Olympus Tough TG-Tracker capable to sink to a depth of 30 m without akvaboksa. Shooting in the dark it is carried out under the light of a powerful built-in lanternAnd removes the lens at an angle width of 204 degrees. It acts as a viewfinder 1.5 inch flip type display. The model is able to operate for 1.5 hours on one charge of the internal battery whose capacity is 1350 mAh.

Included with the camera is pistol grip and various fasteners, however, when fixing the garment, qualitative armor can interfere, since the weight increases the device. The model looks like an ordinary handheld camera, and its casing is fully assembled with screws.

Characteristics

• matrix Parameters: type - the CMOS, resolution - 7.2 Mpixel, size - 1 / 2.3 ".
• Max. Resolution: video - Ultra HD 4K (30 fps).
• Stabilization - digital.
• Optics Parameters: lenses - 1 autofocus, aperture - F: 2.0, focal length - 13.9 mm.
• Power Options: Type - Li-Ion battery capacity - 1350 mAh running time - up to 95 minutes.
• Display Parameters: type - swivel LCD, resolution - 115200 Peaks, diagonal - 1.5 ".

pros

• resistance to mechanical damage;
• complete water resistance;
• successful equipment;
• Compatibility fixtures;
• built-in lamp High Quality;
• soft stabilization.

Minuses

• the weight;
• lack of compensation "barrel" with a wide viewing angle;
• restriction shooting speed and resolution when recording in 4K;
• oiled or noisy image while working in the dark.

The best action camera 1080p

camera Sony HDR-AS300 It has a strong design and soft-touch housing that is easy to handle. With its small dimensions of only weighs 109 g The model can be mounted both on the bike handlebar or bikeAnd on the helmet of the driver, the image quality remains at a high level even under strong shaking due to the presence of the optical system stabilization. Shooting in 4K format are not available in this model, but in FullHD reveals the full potential of device.

The source of power in favor of lithium-ion battery mounted in a compartment that opens fully for easy battery change. To save power, which is enough for two and a half hours of continuous operation, outfitted model monochrome display. The absence of voice control is compensated by the presence of the compact remote, fixed on the arm. Availability of Wi-Fi module can synchronize with any electronic device.

Characteristics

• matrix Parameters: type - "Exmor R" CMOS, resolution photo / video - 8 Mpixel.
• Max. recording resolution: Video - FullHD (60 fps), photo - 4608h2592 Peaks.
• Stabilization - Optical.
• Optics Parameters: type - Carl Zeiss Tessar autofocus, aperture - F: 2.8.
• Power Options: Type - Li-Ion battery capacity - 1240 mAh, battery life - up to 155 min.

pros

• OIS;
• a microphone input;
• splash protection;
• build quality plastic housing with good ergonomics;
• full opening of the battery compartment.

Minuses

• It does not work when sediments;
• overheating of the heat;
• occurrence of extraneous noise on recording due to lack of the windshield;
• expensive battery.

Best Action 4k camera

Stylish and affordable camera Xiaomi Yi 4k + Action Camera It has almost all the features you need, including 4K video recording at 60 frames per second and a 12-megapixel photography. Compact size and weight of 96 grams make it possible to take this model is always and everywhere. For underwater photography is sufficient to establish a waterproof camera case. The model is equipped with the output HDMI, USB interface, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, support for microSD memory card formats up to 64 GB.

The model is based processor Ambarella H2, there is support for RAW. The special features also relates EIS updated system stabilization. Rechargeable Li-Po battery 1400 mA / h ensures continuous operation of the camera for almost two hours.

Characteristics

• matrix Parameters: type - the CMOS, resolution - 12 Mpixel, phys. Size - 1 / 2.3 ".
• Max. recording resolution: Video - 3840h2160 (UHD 4K support with 60 fps), photo - 4000h3000 Peaks.
• Stabilization - electronic.
• optical parameters: focal length - 2.66 mm aperture - F2.8.
• Power Options: Type - Battery Li-Po, capacity - 1400 mAh.
• Widescreen shooting modes: photo and video.

pros

• high quality photos and video;
• good electronic stabilization;
• the duration of the work.

Minuses

• weak housing;
• objective lens acts that could lead to damage during rough handling with the device.

Best GoPro Action Camera

Camera GoPro HERO6 Black already familiar with the design, but the renewed filling is able to shoot video in 4K resolution with a frame rate of 60 fps. But if you reduce the resolution to FullHD, supported speed of 240 fps. Over all this is in the new processor. The developers have equipped model dynamic range with improved image stabilization system. Waterproof housing provides immersion to a depth of 10 meters. The standard touchscreen in the 2-inch display HERO6 received voice control, which increases the ease of use.

The device sets itself apart from the competition 12-megapixel sensor, a great assembly and ergonomics. Video shooting in snowy or rainy weather is also not a problem. But careless operation of the camera is not allowed, since the device is exposed to frequent shocks due to the absence of the protective unit.

Characteristics

• matrix Parameters: type - CMOS.
• Max. recording resolution: Video - UHD 4K (3840h2160 Peaks) at 60 fps, photo - 4048h3040 Peaks.
• Stabilization - digital.
• Optics Parameters: GoPro c autofocus.
• Power Options: Type - Li-Ion battery capacity - 1220 mAh.
• Display options: front, touchscreen, LCD, diagonal - 2 ".

pros

• accelerated video;
• built-in moisture protection;
• shooting RAW.

Minuses

• camera sensitive to the quality of the memory card used.

Best Action Camera Xiaomi

reliable camera Xiaomi Yi Sport Basic Edition with high-speed processor and modern color system it involves not only its appearance but also the impressive specifications. Supports FullHD shooting in a frame rate of 60 fps. Due to 16-megapixel matrix achieves high image clarity. The angle of view of the lens is 155 degrees. The developers have provided wireless data transmission modules, including the popular Wi-Fi.

The camera body 2 hidden value microphone a noise reduction system that allows video recording in windy weather to use the additional recording equipment unnecessarily. In completing the model does not include mounting, what to consider when purchasing this device.

Characteristics

• matrix parameters: resolution - 16 Mpixel.
• Max. recording resolution: Video - FullHD (1920x1080) at 60 fps, photo - 4608h3456 Peaks.
• shooting angle - 155 °.
• Power Options: Battery model - AZ13-1, capacity 1010 mAh battery.
• Interfaces: Wi-Fi module, Bluetooth, HDMI output.
• Weight - '72

pros

• dimensions and weight;
• sharp image;
• reliable microphone with noise suppression;
• compatible cameras with accessories from other manufacturers.

Minuses

• no custom screen on the case.

Best Underwater Action Camera

Camera Sony FDR-X3000R with wide viewing angle 8.2-megapixel sensor, optical image stabilization and the ability to record in 4K UHD it is perfect for underwater photography. The kit includes a special waterproof box, and the matrix provides a low noise level when operating in low light conditions. The model is based on BIONZ X processor responsible for processing the image.

a video camera can be operated by remote control, constructed in the form hours. In this case, the Control Display is able to perform in the role of the screen for the video stream. Such an interesting solution uniquely adds points rating of the model. Given the fact that the battery can work in 4K mode for almost an hour, FDR-X3000R perfect for underwater photography.

Characteristics

• matrix Parameters: type - Exmor R, resolution - 8.2 Mpixel.
• Max. recording resolution: Video - 3840h2160 Peaks at 30 fps, photo - 4608h2592 Peaks.
• Stabilization - Optical.
• Optics Parameters: type - ZEISS Tessar, viewing angle - 170 °.
• Power Options: Battery model - NP-BX1, capacity 1240 mAh running time - up to 155 min.

pros

• stereo;
• optical image stabilization;
• quality assembly;
• availability of complete cases for underwater photography;
• angle;
• Supports a wide range of modules.

Minuses

• body size;
• Only mono mode for an external microphone.

The best action camera panorama

Camera GoPro Fusion for "spherical" panorama shooting is equipped with two lenses, the viewing angle of each of them is 190 degrees. This design makes it possible to capture a circular image with overlapping edges of each matrix. In this video, "crosslinked" with virtually no distortion. To convert a conventional circular recording format applied OverCapture technology. The model is definitely worth of the purchase price, as it has waterproof, who without akvaboksa allowed to dive to a depth of 5 meters.

As for the memory cards, the need for their operation the camera one for each matrix, and they must have a high rate of data exchange. The very same image stitching happens to records maintained in parallel.

Characteristics

• Max. recording resolution: Video - 5,2K (5228h2624) at 30 fps, photo - 5760h2880 Peaks.
• Stabilization - digital.
• Optics Parameters: Type - GoPro 2 autofocus lens, the overall viewing angle - 360 ° (2 to 190 ° with mutual overlap) aperture - F: 2.0.
• Power Options: Type - Li-Ion battery capacity - 2620 mAh.
• Display Parameters: type - the front LCD, diagonal - 0.5 ".
• Weight - 227g.

pros

• Shooting with viewing angle of 360 ° quality.
• Battery capacity.
• Intuitive management interface.

Minuses

• Mounts are not compatible with quadrocopter Karma from the same manufacturer.

Best Budget Action Camera

Camera Gmini MagicEye HDS4000 deservedly occupies a leading position among the counterparts in the lower price segment. When its value is equipped with Wi-Fi module and supports video recording in FullHD resolution with electronic image stabilization. In the arsenal of models 3.5-megapixel sensor, support for microSD memory card and it weighs only 44 grams. The camera lens is endowed with a viewing angle of 170 degrees.

As a model of the power source is a removable battery type Li-Ion, provides up to 70 minutes of continuous operation at relatively modest capacity of 900 mAh. devaysom can be controlled as a Enclosure buttons, and through smartphone via Wi-Fi. By another aspect relates good equipment, including both kinds of fastening and subsidiary battery.

Characteristics

• matrix Parameters: type - the CMOS, resolution - 3.5 Mpixel, physical size - 1/3 ".
• Max. recording resolution: Video - FullHD (1920x1080) at 30 fps, photo - 4000h3000 Peaks.
• Power Parameters: type - a removable battery Li-Ion, capacity - 900mAch, time - up to 70 minutes.
• Display options: the type - LCD, diagonal - 1.5 ".

pros

• cost;
• high quality recording for the camera in this price range;
• resolution;
• the presence of the module Wi-Fi;
• quality matrix;
• weight and dimensions.

Minuses

• a limited number of fasteners.

Selecting a camera action is always based on the pursued goals. Thus, if it is planned to take pictures underwater, require a device having a significant protection from moisture. In this case, the instructions are always written, how deep immerse the specific model. If the priority should the quality of shooting, then a budget option, even supporting UHD 4K format can be no question.