Action camera - which one to choose?

Action camera - which one to choose? This question worries progressive people who are accustomed to the fast pace of life, where the movement and new modern technologies rule. And if the wedding or birthday events can be photographed without problems with a regular camera camera, then with dynamic scenes everything is much more complicated - you will need a more serious device. A quality action camera can easily do this. With it, epic moments will be saved not only in your memory. An overview of action cameras of the best model and the main parameters of the equipment can be found in this article.

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What is an action camera?

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

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

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How to choose an action camera? Instrument Specifications

The main function of this device is to capture high-quality photos and videos in a dynamic movement. Therefore, the camera should have a fairly high resolution, a large amount of memory, be resistant to external factors and conveniently and firmly fixed. Consider all the basic parameters of the device in more detail.

Video quality

For the quality of the video, various device parameters are responsible.

Mode

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

However, do not rush to the novelty, because if your TV does not have support for 4K format for playing pictures, then such a device will be absolutely useless to you. As for Full HD, it is worth noting that the parameters declared by the manufacturer do not always correspond to reality.

Important! Before buying a device, be sure to look at the video shot on such a camera model on the Internet so as not to get a worse image than the manufacturer promises.

Frame frequency

Frame rate (fps) plays an important role as a device. The higher this value, the smoother and smoother the video will be.

Important! It should be borne in mind that the fps parameter affects to a large extent the state of charge of the device’s battery. Therefore, when buying, keep in mind that a device with a higher frame rate will “sit down” faster.

What to give preference to:

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

Important! The cost of such an action camera will be approximately two times more than a device with average performance.

Format

Also, if the question is which action camera is better, you should definitely pay attention to the video format:

• Modern models are written in the most common formats MP4, AVI, MOV.
• But if you want to get the best quality, then you should make sure that the device supports H.264.

Viewing angle

This option also affects the quality of shooting. The larger the viewing angle, the larger the area of ​​space you can capture. How to figure it out here:

• Standard models have a view from 100 to 170 degrees. There are devices with a wide viewing angle.
• Small angle devices should not be considered bad. Many, on the contrary, are looking for similar models, as they like to focus their attention on a particular detail during shooting, rather than on a general plan.
• If you plan to create videos in both versions, then you should purchase action cameras with an adjustable viewing angle. The model can adjust this parameter from 90 to 170 degrees.

Matrix:

For 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, an 8 MP matrix is ​​quite suitable.

Important! A larger number of pixels only allows you to stabilize the image during photography.

It is worth paying attention to the physical size of the matrix. Its larger size will reduce noise during shooting in a poorly lit place, thereby improving the quality of the movie recording.

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

Digital media

Typically, camcorders store recordings on hard drives, SSDs, or memory cards. The latter option is considered today the most convenient. It is worth noting that such media have different recording speed indicators.

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

Mount

Modern devices are characterized by various types of mounts that allow you 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 suction cup. Such a fixation is very convenient for snowboarders, cyclists, skiers.

Important! Inexpensive devices may not be attached as securely as we would like. Therefore, before buying, make sure that the fixation is secure.

• Also, the camera can be mounted on a tripod, hand, glasses, mask or swivel brackets.

Important! Sometimes such devices are used as a DVR.

Other characteristics

In addition to the main characteristics, it will be useful to pay attention to other parameters:

• Remote control. A fairly convenient feature for adherents of extreme or outdoor activities. Using the remote control, you can quickly turn the camera on and off or take a photo. Modern models allow you to control the device from a tablet or smartphone.
• Optical stabilization. Such gadgets are rarely equipped with an optical system, which is associated with compact size. However, larger devices can shoot without the effect of camera shake.
• Viewfinder. Such a system has more expensive cameras. The viewfinder allows you to adjust focus, color gamut and other shooting parameters.

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

• Wi-fi Support for wireless Internet allows you to upload captured frames and videos from a camera to the network without a computer.

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Rating Chinese Action Cameras

A feature of Chinese devices is the low price. At the same time, they are rarely inferior in their characteristics to the 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 Xiaomi, SJCAM, AEE. Devices of these brands appear in our top Chinese action cameras.

3rd place. Xiaomi YI ACTION CAMERA BASIC EDITION:

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

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 formats 480p, 720p, 1080p. The minimum number of frames is 60 per second.

Important! Based on the feedback from real users, the picture is slightly blurred in the dynamic shooting mode at 1080p.

• The biggest drawback of this camera can be considered a weak battery. Full charge is sufficient for shooting at a maximum of 1 hour.

2nd place. SJCAM SJ4000 WIFI:

• The gadget comes with many mounts (for a car, a helmet, a bicycle wheel) and various 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 useful for those who do not want to use a smartphone. However, the application 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.

1st place. AEE MAGICAM S71

The first place in the ranking of action cameras in Chinese production is occupied by the AEE MAGICAM S71 model. She is much more progressive than the first two cameras:

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

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

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Top best action cameras in terms of price and quality

If you don’t trust the Chinese brands that have just begun to appear on the market, then we present to your attention the best action cameras in the ratio of technical parameters and their cost.

3rd place. SONY HDR-AS200V:

• The Japanese device for its segment has average characteristics: 11 MP matrix, the ability to shoot in 1080p.
• The camera is equipped with an LCD screen and has an intuitive menu.
• There are three ways to manage your gadget:
  1. The live-view remote control that comes with the kit. It can be mounted on a bracelet.
  2. Using the PlayMemories Mobile app for iOS and Android.
  3. Using the buttons on the device itself.
• Thanks to the integrated Steady Shot stabilization system, vibrations when shooting off-road will be almost invisible.
• Filming is performed in FullHD format. However, with Action Cam Movie Creator, you can create a TimeLapse in 4K.

Important! Another feature of this camera model is the ability to shoot at a depth of 60 meters and withstand falls from a meter and a half.

2nd place GOPRO HERO4 SILVER:

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

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

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

1st place. POLAROID CUBE

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

• It is considered the easiest in terms of development - on the device there is only one button that takes a picture with one click, and with a double - takes a video.
• The gadget is equipped with a 5 MP matrix. The video shoots in HD format at a frequency 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, which allows you to fix the gadget, for example, to a bicycle without buying additional accessories.

Important! There is no motion sensor in the device, therefore, when shooting dynamically, one should take into account the fact that if the camera flips over, the picture also flips over.

In our ranking of the best action cameras, this model is in the first place and this is due to the following characteristics:

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

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

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Conclusion

If you are an adherent of an active lifestyle, capable of performing complex stunts or just love outdoor recreation, then you should definitely choose an action camera to capture 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 a DVR.

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Stock footage

The rating of the best low-cost action cameras given in this article will help to make a choice in favor of a quality product that you won’t have to regret about buying.