Action Camera - which one to choose?

Action camera - which one to choose? This issue worries progressive people who are accustomed to the rapid rhythm of life, where movement and new modern technologies control. And if the events of the wedding or birthday can easily be photographed with a normal camera camera, then with dynamic scenes everything is much more difficult - you need a more serious device. With this case it's easy to cope with a quality action camera. With her help, epic moments will be saved not only in your memory. The review of action cameras of the best type and the basic parameters of the technique can be found in this article.

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What is an action camera?

This device is a compact device with a low weight. As a rule, its weight does not exceed 150 g. Thanks to this, the device can be easily attached to a helmet, motorcycle or bicycle. Typically, the kit includes special boxes that are able to protect the camera from water or shock.

All products differ in their technical characteristics, so to determine which action camera is better, these parameters should be paid attention first.

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How to choose the right action camera? Features of the device

The main function of this device is to shoot high-quality photos and video in dynamic motion conditions. Therefore, the camera should have a fairly high resolution, a large amount of memory, be resistant to external factors and conveniently and securely fixed. Let's consider all the basic parameters of the device in more detail.

Video quality

Different video parameters are responsible for video quality.

Mode

Modern devices support Full HD mode with parameters of 1080 pixels per inch. There are also models with the best video parameters, which can record a movie in high precision 4K format( 3840x2160).

However, do not rush to the novelty, because if your TV does not have 4K format support for picture playback, then such a device will be completely useless for you. As for Full HD, it is worth noting that the manufacturer's declared parameters are not always true.

Important! Before buying a device, be sure to watch the video shot on such a model of the camera on the Internet, so as not to get the worst image on the output, rather than the producer promises.

Frame rate

The frame rate( fps) plays the role of the device as a last resort. The higher this value, the smoother and smoother the video will be.

Important! It should be taken into account that the fps parameter influences to a considerable extent the state of the battery charge of the device. Therefore, when buying, consider that the device with a higher frame rate will "sit down" faster.

What to give preference:

• The optimal option for this parameter is the average of 60 frames per second. This is quite enough for a colorful and clear video.
• To create unusual effects, accelerate and slow down the video sequence, the device with a frame rate of 120 fps and Time-lapse mode will do.

Important! The cost of such an action camera will be about twice as large as a device with average performance.

Format

Also, if the question is, what kind of action camera is better, you should pay attention to the video format:

• Modern models write in the most common formats MP4, AVI, MOV.
• But if you want to get better quality, then it's worth making sure that the device supports H.264.

Angle of View

This parameter also affects the quality of the survey. The larger the viewing angle, the larger area of ​​space you can capture. How to understand:

• Standard models have an overview of 100 to 170 degrees. There are devices with a large viewing angle.
• Do not count devices with a small angle bad. Many people, on the contrary, are looking for similar models, since they like to concentrate their attention during shooting on a particular detail, rather than on a general plan.
• If you plan to create videos in both versions, then you should buy action cameras with an adjustable viewing angle. The model can adjust this parameter from 90 to 170 degrees.

Matrix:

For the video, the matrix parameter, namely the number of megapixels, is not critical:

• To get a movie as 1080p, a 2 MP matrix is ​​enough.
• For 4K mode, a matrix of 8 MP is quite suitable.

Important! The greater number of pixels only allows you to stabilize the image while taking a picture.

It is necessary to pay attention to the physical size of the matrix. Its larger size will reduce noise during shooting in a poorly lit place, thus, improve the quality of recording the video.

Important! For shooting in the dark, the matrix should have at least 1 / 2.5 inches.

Digital media

Typically, camcorders store recordings on hard disks, SSDs or memory cards. The latter option is considered the most convenient for today. It is worth noting that such carriers have different rates of recording speed.

Important! For an action camera it's better to choose a memory card, at least, class 6, or even better - 10 or 16. It's worth noting that not all cards can save video with a resolution of 1080p or 4K.

Fastening

Modern devices are characterized by different types of fastening, which allow to fix the device in the most convenient position for the operator.

Important! The best action cameras are those that have a universal mount. Thus, you can shoot in any position and in any situations.

What options are available:

• The most popular is the helmet mount. It is a special sucker. Such fixation is very convenient for snowboarders, cyclists, skiers.

Important! Inexpensive devices can not be attached as reliably as we would like. Therefore, before buying make sure of the reliability of the fixation.

• The camera can also be mounted on a tripod, arm, glasses, mask or swivel brackets.

Important! Sometimes such devices are used as a DVR.

Other characteristics of

In addition to the main characteristics, it is not out of place to pay attention to other parameters:

• Remote control. Sufficiently convenient function for adherents of extreme or active rest. With the remote control, you can quickly turn the camera on and off, or take a picture. Modern models allow you to control your device from a tablet or smartphone.
• Optical stabilization. Similar gadgets are rarely equipped with an optical system, which is associated with a compact size. However, larger units can be removed without the effect of camera shake.
• Viewfinder. Such a system has more expensive cameras. The viewfinder makes it possible to adjust the focus, color gamut and other shooting parameters.

Important! This camera function will be useful to operators with experience. A novice can do without it.

• Wi-Fi. Wireless Internet support allows you to download from the camera to the network the captured frames and videos without the participation of a computer.

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Rating of Chinese action cameras

The feature of Chinese devices is the low price. At the same time, they rarely give in to their characteristics models of famous brands. This is not surprising, because today 90% of all equipment is assembled in China. The best Chinese action cameras are produced by manufacturers Xiaomi, SJCAM, AEE.The devices of these brands also appear in our top Chinese action cameras.

3 place. Xiaomi YI ACTION CAMERA BASIC EDITION:

• The gadget is made of matt corrugated plastic, it is nice and comfortable to hold in hands.
• The kit includes a booklet for downloading software, a USB cable, the camera itself and a battery.
• Despite the lack of accessories, the device has to use the aquabox, tripod and screen, which the camera itself does not have.
• Recording is performed on a microSD card, for video compression the A7LS processor from the well-known manufacturer Ambrella answers.

Important! Such processors also use more expensive brands in their technology.

• It is possible to control the camera from your smartphone, thanks to a special application.
• Recording is carried out in the formats 480p, 720p, 1080r. The minimum number of frames is 60 per second.

Important! Based on the reviews of real users, the picture is slightly blurred in the dynamic shooting mode in 1080r.

• The biggest drawback of this camera can be considered a weak battery charge. Full charging is enough for shooting duration of at most 1 hour.

2 place. SJCAM SJ4000 WIFI:

• The gadget includes many attachments( for a car, a bicycle helmet, a bicycle handlebar) and a variety of accessories, which already gives a considerable advantage over the previous model.
• The device is equipped with a 1.5-inch display, which will be very handy for those who do not want to use a smartphone. However, the application also proved to be a convenient and functional camera control program.
• The battery makes it possible to continuously shoot video for two hours, and this is twice the limit of the Xiaomi Yi device.

1 place. AEE MAGICAM S71

The first place in the rating of Chinese-made action cameras is occupied by the AEE MAGICAM S71.It is much more progressive than the first two cameras:

• The delivery set includes many different fasteners( even more than in the previous model) and accessories.
• All parts of the camera are made securely and firmly fixed, which is especially important in extreme shooting conditions.
• The Matrix has 16 megapixels. Shooting can take place at 4K resolution, but in this case, recording is possible only at a rate of 12 frames per second.
• The viewing angle reaches 170 degrees, which makes it possible to make really high-quality pictures.
• The interfaces are located on one side face and are protected by a dense plug.

In general, this model - the best budget action camera from China.

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Top of the best action cameras in terms of price-performance ratio

If you do not trust the Chinese brands that just started to appear on the market, then we present to your attention the best action cameras in the ratio of technical parameters and their cost.

3 place. SONY HDR-AS200V:

• The Japanese device for its segment has average characteristics: a matrix of 11 MP, the ability to shoot at 1080r.
• The camera is equipped with a liquid crystal display and has an intuitive menu.
• The gadget can be managed in three ways:
  1. The remote control of live-view that comes with the kit. It can be attached to a bracelet.
  2. Using the PlayMemories Mobile app for iOS and Android.
  3. Use the buttons on the device itself.
• Thanks to the built-in stabilization system Steady Shot, vibration when taking off-road photography will not be practically noticeable.
• The video is shot in FullHD format. However, using Action Cam Movie Creator you can create TimeLapse in 4K.

Important! Another feature of this camera model is the ability to shoot at a depth of up to 60 meters and withstand drops from a height of 1.5 meters.

2nd place GOPRO HERO4 SILVER:

• The popularity of this gadget has earned not so much reliability and quality of shooting, but rather a number of interesting "bells and whistles":
  1. The device has the function SuperView, which is used to increase the viewing angle to the maximum value when shooting video.
  2. The AutoLowLight mode activates the smart adjustment of the settings when changing the lighting level.
  3. The QuickCapture function can almost instantly turn on the device and start shooting.

• This camera has the most convenient software for smartphones, it makes it possible to transfer photos at a distance of 180 meters without any appreciable delays.

Important! This model is not the best of the series GоPro. Its most significant drawback is the frame rate of 15 per second with a resolution of 4K.Therefore, you have to shoot in 2.7 k / 30 mode, but as a rule, the average user has enough of this.

1 place. POLAROID CUBE

This model is a very peculiar camera from the budget segment:

• It is considered the easiest in terms of development - the device has only one button that takes pictures at one click, and when it is double - it takes a video.
• The gadget is equipped with a matrix of 5 MP.The video shoots in HD format at a rate of 15 frames per second.

Important! At the end of the survey, users noted that the device heats up to almost 70 degrees.

• The camera has a magnetic mount that allows you to fix the gadget, for example, to the bike without buying additional accessories.

Important! In the device there is no motion sensor, so when dynamic shooting should take into account the fact that if the camera turns over, then the picture will turn over.

In our rating of the best action cameras, this model comes first and is explained by the following characteristics:

• The camera has the lightest weight among all three samples of top( 45 g);
• The price for this product is the best, 3-4 times less than for the previous models.

Important! In fact, this is a good inexpensive action camera for beginner extremals. It allows you to shoot at a depth of up to 1.5 meters and has a dust-protective coating.

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Conclusion

If you are an active lifestyle enthusiast, able to perform complex tricks or just like outdoor recreation, then you should definitely choose an action camera for capturing the best moments of relaxation. In addition, this device will be useful in everyday life, as it can be used as a camera for communicating via Skype or DVR.

Rating of the best inexpensive action cameras, given in this article, will help make a choice in favor of a quality product, the purchase of which you will not have to regret.