Action camera: what is it, and how is it different from a regular one?

The main purpose of action cameras

Action cameras were originally designed to be mounted on moving objects, most often an athlete's helmet, to capture exciting moments. This could be a parachute jump, extreme and dangerous stunts, skiing or snowboarding, and even filming fishing with an action camera can seem very exciting. Recently, the use of action cameras has become widespread. They are used in racing competitions, be it Formula 1 or RedBull racing. Action cameras provide excellent views of cars.

When shooting with such a camera, there is no need to control the process itself. This is the main feature of action cameras; you just need to attach such a camera to an object and start shooting. There are many options for mounting the camera:

on the head or helmet;
on clothing or on the body, using special belts;
on the handlebars of a bicycle or motorcycle;
on the body of a car or airplane;

The resulting footage, shot with an action camera, is perceived as seen with one’s own eyes, conveying to the viewer all the drive and exciting sensations. Such a camera does not interfere with limiting a person’s freedom of movement, and when mounted on the body or helmet, the “operator” can perform any action, filming everything without exception.

Special mounts for a camera on the head or a helmet provide a wide range of fastening straps, suction cups, Velcro and other fastening mechanisms. With their help, you can securely mount your action camera without fear that it will fall and break.

A wider selection of fastenings is also available for other objects. There are sets of mounts that allow you to mount the camera on animals and vehicle bodies. Everything is limited by the operator's imagination.

The main purpose of action video cameras is determined by such design characteristics as:

light weight and miniature devices;
hull strength;
waterproof (not on all models; some models come with an aquabox);
a basic set of special mounts for installing the camera in some places.

Which action camera to choose

Based on the abundance of offers on the market, it can sometimes be difficult to decide which device is worth buying. We'll give you some tips.

A standard action camera is a fairly versatile option. It is convenient for both extreme activities and just active recreation.
Goggles with a built-in action camera are most suitable for skiing, mountaineering, diving and cycling.
Models with 360-degree recording are good for shooting panoramas from elevated locations or when using quadcopters and other unmanned devices. In addition, such videos look good with VR glasses.
When choosing a model, you should not immediately buy a camera with 4K resolution; this is a waste of money, since despite all the ease of use, you will need to understand how best to install the camera to get an excellent picture. In addition, in most cases, even FHD video looks more than good.
Don't forget about shooting speed. The optimal option is 60 fps.
The screen in an action camera is not the most necessary thing. You should make sure that it will really be useful during shooting, and only in this case does it make sense to overpay.
Autonomy. Many budget cameras are not designed to last for long periods of time. You should focus on models with autonomy of 2 hours or more. It is worth understanding that most of the 2-hour video will be unsuitable for viewing, and you will have to choose really good shots.

Characteristics and parameters of action cameras

Proven models of action cameras have high resolution, usually Full HD, but some cameras are also equipped with UHD 4K. Also on such models there is a setting for selecting the desired resolution.

Camera viewing angle

Many cameras in this segment have a wide viewing angle of 135 degrees. Some cameras have rotating lenses that allow you to rotate 180 degrees. This angle adjustment function allows you to get a picture from the desired angle when you fix the camera.

There is a segment of action cameras with panoramic views, that is, the viewing angle reaches 360 degrees. This opportunity is realized thanks to wide-angle lenses that are directed in different directions.

Underwater photography

Video filming under water is carried out with special action cameras that were made with a waterproof housing. But even if the camera body is not intended for water, there is probably an aquabox for it. The video, shot underwater with an action camera, allows you to feel all the drive and emotions, and also feel like a real diver.

"Infinite" focus

Focusing on action cameras is beyond the hyperfocal plane, which means there is no need for manual focusing.

Automatic focusing is also absent on action cameras, since the conditions for which these cameras were originally created do not provide for focusing on any one object. All action camera lenses have an infinity focus.

Memory and video stabilizer

Video captured from action cameras is recorded, most often on an SD or Micro SD memory card. Some cameras have their own built-in memory, which is small in size. Before you start shooting, you should select the drive where the camera will record. The conditions in which action cameras are used imply the presence of such a useful function as image stabilization.

Action camera manufacturer SONY, for example, produces cameras with electronic and optical stabilizers. The user has the opportunity to select the type of stabilizer he needs through the settings and work with it.

Action cameras: what to choose in 2021

Action cameras (from the English action cams) are unlike any other type of camera. Small and easy to use, they attach to any type of surface and record high-resolution video and photos with an incredibly wide viewing angle. Many travel and outdoor enthusiasts attach a camera to a monopod and talk about their adventures; extreme athletes film stunts in first person; for divers, these are the most affordable underwater cameras. Video industry professionals also liked them for the opportunity to place a camera where other equipment simply would not fit: on the wing of an airplane, or on a live bird.

Before you decide to purchase one of them, you should decide on the key parameters that will determine the price of the action camera. In this article, in addition to general recommendations, we will look at the most interesting models on the market that set the tone in 2017 and explain for which tasks which model is better suited. But first, a little theory.

Characteristics of action cameras

HD, Full HD or 4K. If you want to relive exciting emotions while watching a video, then buy a high-resolution camera. HD means shooting at a resolution of 1024x720 pixels - not that much by today's standards. Full HD provides shooting with a resolution of 1920x1080 pixels, and this is something of a standard today. But the 4K format, which has a resolution of 3840×2160 pixels, is currently used mainly in professional environments. Cameras that shoot in this format are more expensive, require very expensive flash drives, and not every TV or monitor will allow you to watch the captured video. However, the 4K format is increasingly becoming part of our lives; The detail in the videos shot in it is truly amazing!

Number of frames per second (FPS). This parameter is very important for comfortable viewing of dynamic scenes. At a low frame rate, videos may look “jerky” on a TV or monitor screen. The more frames per second the camera takes, the smoother the picture will be. In most cases, a speed of 25 fps is enough, but when shooting fast scenes, a speed of 50 fps is recommended. Speeds of 120 fps and higher allow you to create the effect of time slowdown during editing.

Image stabilization . Since shooting with action cameras involves the most action, stabilization is necessary to obtain a better picture. This technology allows you to compensate for camera vibrations when shooting, eliminating image shake and reducing the time for video processing. There are several types of stabilization in action cameras: digital and optical.

Memory card. Most action cameras work with MicroSD and SD cards. For a camera with Full HD resolution, it makes no sense to buy a card with a capacity of less than 32 GB, and for shooting in 4K - less than 128 GB, since a minute-long video can take up about 400 megabytes. Usually the manufacturer gives recommendations on choosing a memory card, but you can choose it yourself by reading our article on choosing a memory card.

Wireless technologies. More and more action camera models are equipped with Wi-Fi, NFC and Bluetooth wireless modules. Remember that due to their small size and complexity of design, action cameras rarely have a built-in LCD screen. But with the help of free apps, you can turn your tablet or smartphone into a comfortable display for watching and recording videos. It is also more convenient to make parameter settings through the application. And you don’t need to take out the memory card every time to transfer material to your computer. Therefore, our selection includes only models with wireless capabilities.

Accessories. The ability to attach to different surfaces and dive to great depths requires the availability of appropriate accessories. Before purchasing, we recommend that you familiarize yourself with the technical characteristics of the models you are interested in. Some of them are not protected from the elements, so they are hidden in compatible boxes (often included with the camera). Others have such protection and allow you to shoot even underwater without an additional accessory. Be sure to check how many fasteners are included in the kit: the more, the better.

GoPro HERO5 Black

Buy GoPro HERO5 Black

To remain a leader in your field, you need to constantly improve your product. The GoPro HERO5 is proof of this. The camera has voice control (English, Russian in the future), a large 2-inch screen with a touchscreen and a GPS module. The following formats are available for video recording: 4K video: 30/25/24 fps, Full HD up to 120 fps and HD up to 240 fps. The 12-megapixel sensor can save photos in RAW format and enable High Dynamic Range (HDR).

For the first time in a long time, the camera does not need an additional protective box and is capable of diving to a depth of 10 meters without it. The company is especially proud of the presence of an image stabilizer when shooting video. An additional bonus of GoPro is its proprietary Capture and Quick applications. With their help, you can view, record and edit your own videos, and then share them with the whole world. A free desktop video editing program is also available. We highly recommend the GoPro HERO5 for purchase and the only thing that can stop it is the not-so-tasty price.

SJCAM SJ6 Legend

Buy SJCAM SJ6 Legend

Affordability and technology in one package - that's the SJCAM SJ6 Legend. At an average price of half that of a GoPro, this action camera has a 16-megapixel sensor from Panasonic and records video in 4K resolution at 24 fps. In addition, the following formats are available: 1080p 60 fps, 720p 120 fps and 480p at speeds up to 240 fps. You can save photos in RAW format, or use Time Lapse to compress hours-long events into just a few seconds.

Supports connecting an external microphone to improve the quality of recorded sound. For image stabilization, the SJCAM SJ6 Legend has a gyro sensor. You can control the camera using a 2-inch LCD touch screen or via Wi-Fi and Bluetooth modules. To harness the full potential of wireless connectivity, the SJCAM ZONE app is available. The camera body itself is not protected from the weather, but it comes with a protective waterproof box. Not a bad solution from Chinese manufacturers!

Sony FDR-X3000R

Buy Sony FDR-X3000R

The Sony FDR-X3000R is Sony's flagship action camera, and its oblong shape makes it easier to mount the camera on a helmet. Included with the camera itself is a wireless remote control, also known as the camera screen, which resembles a clock. With its help, you can quickly change all shooting parameters, crop the image, and turn the camera on and off.

Optical stabilization, which has proven itself in traditional video cameras, an 8.2 megapixel sensor with back-illumination technology, and a fast f/2.8 ZEISS® Tessar lens can provide the best picture in its class. The maximum supported resolution is 4K. In Full HD resolution, the Sony FDR-X3000R records video at 120 fps to create a slow-motion effect.

Xiaomi YI 4K+

Buy Xiaomi YI 4K+

Xiaomi YI 4K+ became the first action camera that is capable of recording video in ultra-high resolution at up to 60 fps thanks to a new generation video signal processing chip. To make the picture even smoother, Xiaomi YI 4K+ is equipped with an electronic image stabilizer. You can control the camera using both the 2.2-inch LCD screen and voice commands, and the USB Type-C connector makes data transfer much faster. This is very relevant for 4K video.

For those who like to organize live broadcasts, Xiaomi YI 4K+ will provide access to most well-known streaming platforms. Photos from the 12-megapixel Sony sensor can be saved in RAW format. Of course, the new product is not deprived of wireless technologies. With a Wi-Fi connection and the YI Action Camera App, you can view, edit, and upload videos and photos online.

Nikon KeyMission 170

Buy Nikon KeyMission 170

Nikon entered the action camera market quite recently, but already has three models with completely different characteristics. We decided to go with the Nikon KeyMission 170. The viewing angle of the Nikkor lens, as the name suggests, corresponds to 170 degrees, it also has an electronic image stabilizer, and video is recorded in a maximum resolution of 4K. The camera body is already protected from dust and moisture, is not afraid of frost down to -10°C and can withstand immersion of up to 10 meters for 1 hour.

The Nikon KeyMission 170 provides shooting modes such as slow-motion, interval, time-lapse, and serial. Using the Wi-Fi module, you can control the camera while shooting, download and edit video. Nikon KeyMission 170 also has a Bluetooth module. With its help, you can save battery energy while constantly maintaining contact with your mobile device. Not a bad solution from a renowned manufacturer!

Operating parameters and settings

The characteristics that we will now consider will help you decide on the choice of action camera before purchasing. Based on the purpose of using an action camera, certain parameters will matter to a greater or lesser extent, but all the characteristics given will help you understand how well the product is made:

freedom to choose the resolution for shooting video;
option to turn night photography on and off;
matrix, number of pixels and physical size;
available fps or frames per second, you can choose in the settings;
image stabilizer - electronic or optical;
additional functions - work via WiFi, geolocation or GPS, remote control or voice control function, and other minor functions.

Regarding the HD format, it is worth noting that in terms of price, such cameras can be in the middle price segment and their capabilities for shooting in Full HD format are justified. The resulting image from inexpensive cameras can be broadcast on a TV screen without loss of quality.

For demanding users, there are action cameras that shoot video in Ultra HD 4K. These cameras are the most sophisticated and the most modern.

The ability of an action camera to shoot at night is increasingly necessary.

The matrix used in action cameras is developing as rapidly as that of digital cameras. In this regard, matrix components have become available for photo and video equipment. The matrix of action cameras is almost no different from the matrix of semi-professional cameras.

Frame rate per second

One of the important indicators of video quality is the frame rate. The most optimal frequency is 60 fps (frames per second). But we also shouldn’t exclude the possibility of working at frequencies of 120 and 240 fps. Modern action cameras are ready to work at such frequencies.

In order for the video to be smooth and not “jerky” when viewed, it is important that the camera has an image stabilizer. Many cameras already come with image stabilizers by default. It is important to know that there is an optical stabilizer and a digital one. You will feel the difference if you conduct a test, or watch a video from two cameras. There is already a ready-made video on the Internet where they compare the differences between stabilizers. I advise you to look.

Voice control

Very convenient voice control function. New GoPro models have this feature. It works on command, for example, “GoPro, take a photo.” GoPro has 12 such teams in total; Russian is not on this list yet. It happens that the command does not work, which means you need to practice a little on the pronunciation.

GoPro cameras are well equipped in this regard. For example, if we compare GoPro and Garmin Virb, the latter has only 4 commands in English. As for working over WiFi or using the remote control, in some situations it is convenient to use these features.

The most affordable and high-quality action cameras are made under the XIAOMI brand. They are almost as good as expensive cameras, showing decent video quality. This company is on the rise, gaining more and more attention for its brand.