Used by people involved in extreme sports. But now action cameras are used by video bloggers, fishermen and divers, motorists along with motorcyclists. Catch the buzz from tricks on the edge of the possible! Show off your unreal YouTube videos! Show your friends how you had a rest this summer and what places you managed to visit!

What is the best action camera?

First, you need to figure out what you need. All action cameras that we sell in our store have an aqua box or a waterproof case, respectively, shooting in water and underwater will definitely succeed! By the way, the aqua-box protects the camera not only from water, but also from dirt, dust and shock! Therefore, when cycling off-road, the camera will be protected. And if you are a motorcyclist, then you probably know that not all DVRs are waterproof, so an action camera is definitely your option, because rain can start suddenly!

Also, we advise you to pay attention to the built-in image stabilizer. If you need a camera for action shooting, then a stabilizer is a must because without this feature, your videos will be 90% blurry and blurry. But if you are a vlogger and use a tripod, and the camera is motionless most of the time, then the stabilizer is not so important.

(Camera without stabilizer and with image stabilizer)

Previously, they were produced without a screen, but now manufacturers are trying to equip devices with this very useful thing. It is always convenient to review a video that has already been shot and decide whether a second take is needed. Of course if you If you are going to shoot a parachute jump, then you will hardly look at the screen during the flight. But when driving a car, motorcycle or bicycle, the screen will definitely come in handy. Thanks to the screen, the camera is very easy to set up, but the cameras without a screen, they have fewer potentially breakable elements (although, do not forget about the shockproof box that will reliably protect the camera).

What specifications should you pay special attention to?

With resolution, everything is clear - the higher it is, the better the picture. At the moment, there are already action cameras with a resolution of 4K, although more recently it was for happiness and the usual Full HD. Well, as they say, technology does not stand still!

It's great if the camera captures not the standard 25-30 frames per second, but 60 or 120 - then you can make spectacular inserts in slow motion to see every detail of the footage (it can be tricks, a beautifully swimming fish, a bird of paradise, or a banal accident).

By the way, due to the larger number of frames, there will be much less blurry moments in the video. However, if you are going to use it not for extreme sports, but, for example, for shooting children, dogs and cats, such bells and whistles are not needed. Look in the instructions for the difference between the shooting modes: some of them cut the frame in a special way, adjusting it to the aspect ratio of a certain screen, or adjust the shooting to the lighting, while others transform the picture - clear it of noise, make it softer or, conversely, sharpen it. These effects should be used if you do not plan to process the video in the editor.

The viewing angle is another important point. There are also models that allow you to shoot 360 degrees due to a special software, which converts the video stream on the fly. But On many cameras, the lens captures an image as wide as 170-180 degrees. For those who use it as a DVR - this is what you need! But wide angle shooting is not always good, because the image starts to round off and the fisheye effect is obtained, which is not suitable for everyone. On this account, for example, SJCAM has implemented the FOV function in its cameras, thanks to which you can adjust the viewing angle from 70 to 170 degrees.

It is worth mentioning Wi-Fi - if the action camera has a wireless adapter, then it will be possible to show video online, and most importantly, control the camera from your smartphone remotely (about 10-15 meters). For example, use the camera as a baby monitor. Imagine you put your child to bed, installed an action camera with a built-in Wi-Fi module on the crib using special , and went to another room to do their own d firs, periodically glancing at the smartphone screen and checking how soundly your baby is sleeping.

What to do if the battery capacity is constantly not enough?

The easiest way to solve this problem is to buy a spare battery. Or, more simply, an additional, portable battery, from which you can charge the camera battery anywhere. We advise you to choose large capacity- it will charge more than one device and more than once.

Do I need to purchase mounts and other accessories?

Camera Manufacturers Companies SJCAM complete their products with a set of necessary fasteners. Of course, they cannot put all existing mounts in the kit with the camera, but this is still a very good marketing ploy, because XIAOMI sells the camera "naked", that even the aqua box must be purchased separately. To decide which mounts you need, you need to think about where the picture will be the most spectacular when shooting (and where you can generally mount the action camera so as not to break it). Now on the Internet there are a lot of videos on how to make mounts yourself. Only the fixation strength of such homemade mounts is better to check immediately before using the action camera - it’s better to play it safe here ... Perhaps it makes no sense to sit and invent something, because there is a large assortment on sale at reasonable prices.

In recent years, a special genre of spectacle has appeared on the Internet - videos shot with an action camera. These videos are shot, as a rule, by those who like to tickle their own nerves, who want to capture their adventures. Typical users of action cameras are extreme athletes, roofers, travelers, all kinds of fishermen and hunters.

However, they shoot on such cameras not only videos full of natural beauties and adrenaline. If we are talking about bloggers and various celebrities who lead an active life on the network, then they shoot almost any everyday moments on action cameras:

• shopping trips;
• city ​​walks;
• walking the dog;
• room tours are a popular technique among network characters that involves a virtual tour of an apartment or hotel room.

At the origins

The first action cameras were created by the American company GoPro, and it soon became clear that it opened a new direction in the design of video cameras. Now, few people remember that the first GoPro model called GP Hero from 2005 was film and took only photos - 24 shots on 35mm Kodak film. However, already in 2006, the first GoPro digital camera with 16 MB of built-in memory appeared, and the following year, a model with a slot for a memory card appeared.

In over 10 years of evolution, GoPro has evolved into its current flagship, the Hero6 Black. It can shoot video in 4K (the on-board battery lasts for 1 hour of shooting at this resolution) and dive into water to a depth of 10 m without an additional aquabox.

Except GoPro action cameras produces other useful products for videographers today. One of them is the Karma Drone quadrocopter, designed to lift the same camera into the air on a removable stabilizer gimbal.

Other manufacturers also produce their action cameras, although they remain in the position of catching up with the market leader - GoPro. Many users find interesting models for themselves from Sony, SJCAM, Xiaomi, Garmin and other manufacturers.

Key features of action cameras

The main task of an action camera is shooting on the move and with aggressive equipment (and often the operator) environment. In this regard, we highlight several features of this technique.

Small dimensions and minimum weight

Here the requirement is simple - the camera should not prevent a person from doing what he has in mind: rolling down a mountain on a bicycle, riding on the roof of a train, snowboarding down virgin snow or diving on a coral reef. If an ordinary good camera weighs about 500 g, then the same GoPro Hero6 Black weighs only 74 g.

Good security

Shocks, vibrations, water splashes and simply high humidity, extreme heat or frost are normal conditions work for action cameras. Additionally, they can be installed in aqua boxes and removed at a depth of 50-60 m.

The ability to capture high-quality images regardless of environmental conditions

It may seem that a small action camera will shoot worse than conventional models. In fact, this is not so. If we compare camcorders by the size of the matrix and the lens, then the same latest models from GoPro are not inferior to their “household” counterparts, and even surpass them in some characteristics.

The most striking confirmation of the almost unlimited possibilities of modern action cameras will be that they are often used in the film industry. For example, Ilya Naishuller completely filmed his science fiction action movie Hardcore (2015) with GoPro cameras. The film in the "first-person shooter" genre was screened in Russia, the United States and other countries.

Mandatory components of modern action cameras are digital image stabilization and a system that ensures the quality of photo and video shooting in low light.

Wide viewing angle

Action cameras have a viewing angle of 90 to 170 degrees, ordinary cameras have a much smaller field of view. The use of special lenses is explained by the need to obtain the widest image and minimize the area of ​​"dead zones". Working with an action camera assumes that the shooting is automatic and the operator does not see how accurately the target he needs falls into the frame. With further editing, you can crop and cut off excessively captured shooting areas, leaving only the most necessary.

Increased write speed

Once upon a time, we were surprised and delighted by the video shot at 60 frames per second, but today the bar has been raised - Hero6 Black (and not only it) can shoot in Full HD at 240 frames per second. What is it for? Firstly, there are too many fast-paced actions and fast movements, and the camera must capture them without blurring the picture. Secondly, the same 240 frames per second allow you to make beautiful videos in slo-mo.

Attach to anything

The design features of action cameras and a wide range of accessories allow you to install them almost anywhere. The most common mounting options are a helmet, a bicycle handlebar, a fender or windshield of a car, a drone. However, with the help of all kinds of straps, Velcro and suction cups, action cameras are installed on more unexpected grounds. For example, they are fixed on the wings of aircraft and tank turrets (real, not models, although they are also on them), on dogs, ski socks, spearguns or hang glider frame elements.

If you regularly shoot something on the go, and even more so in difficult conditions, then you cannot do without an action camera in your arsenal. It is not needed, perhaps, only when shooting some static pictures in the studio, for example, a conversation between two people at a table. If spontaneity and the same action are supposed to be, then GoPro or one of its analogues will be simply an indispensable tool.

Choosing an action camera is not an easy task. If a few years ago you could see only expensive devices from famous manufacturers on the shelves, today there are a lot of Chinese devices. Their price is lower, but the characteristics are the same or even better. Let's figure out what needs to be considered when choosing this trendy device.

An action camera is a device that should be small and weigh a little by default. Also an important parameter is Battery capacity.

Advice! Due to its small size, it is impossible to put capacious batteries in the action camera, so it will not be superfluous to have a spare battery on hand.

To protect against damage and water, most often there is shockproof and waterproof box. Some of them are able to dive to a depth of 30 meters, shoot and not leak. In addition, they protect against dirt. It is quite logical that an action camera in a protective box will shoot without recording environmental sounds.

So, before you buy an action camera, you should figure out what it is for and in what conditions it will be used.

1. To kid, who does not plan to shoot extreme and will show off the device to friends, you can take the model without a protective box. The child will be able to shoot a video with good sound, but she will not survive falling into the water.
2. For people who travel a lot, it is better to sacrifice sound and take a device with wide-angle optics and high resolution. In addition, a good action camera is capable of shooting video at a frequency of 240 frames, which can be converted into slow-motion, that is, video with slow motion during post-processing. This feature is now very popular, and many smartphone manufacturers equip their premium devices with the possibility of such shooting.

All of the above is of course quite important for a device that will be used in extreme conditions, however, the quality of the video is not affected at all. Modern models can shoot a picture in HD quality and higher, while the frame rate varies from 30 to 240 per second. It is logical that models with higher resolution and increased frame rates are more expensive than their simpler counterparts. However, very often models with approximately the same characteristics cost differently for different brands. The thing is that they have different equipment, in particular - processor, matrix, lens. These three parameters will largely affect the quality of the final image. And in some cases, Full HD video will look an order of magnitude better than 4K resolution shot on a not the best model.

Lens options

The lens is the first element that is responsible for the image quality. In most cases, it is impossible to know what optics are in an action camera, although there are brands that proudly declare what they put in their models. An example is the SONY brand, which has been using ZEISS optics in its devices for many years. In any case, the characteristics of a lens are usually known to the user as follows − viewing angle and focal length. They are very closely related.

Considering that an action camera, even by its name, implies shooting in motion or movement, as well as constant dynamics, it should not force the user to somehow aim, focus or make additional settings. Most mini cameras have a viewing angle of 120-170 degrees. That is, it is enough to turn around - and all the most interesting will be in sight. Given the fact that the model should not be large, the lens should not protrude much beyond the camera.

It so happened that a wide viewing angle makes the focal length small, which means that the optical element itself does not protrude much above the body. In addition, wide-angle lenses have a high depth of field, which allows you to capture both nearby and distant objects without any blur.

Due to the fact that in recent times action cameras began to be used for other purposes, for example, for blogging and reporting on the streets of the city, some changes began to be applied to the devices. In particular, the wide viewing angle makes it so that there is a lot of excess in the frame. You can correct the situation with various adapters and lenses with a small angle or cropping. This is a function that allows you to crop an image and scale it. Obviously, the quality of the picture from this is somewhat spoiled.

With advice, we single out a separate self-sufficient thought (if there is an explanation of the above, then with a quote)

Advice! That is why for fans of shooting video reports on an action camera or broadcasting with it, it is better to take a model with a viewing angle of 90 degrees. Such devices are not so widespread on the market, but there are already several prominent representatives.

Matrix indicators

The sensor is a photosensitive element that receives light coming from the lens and forms images from it. The matrix is ​​very important for the final picture, more precisely, its size is important. If for SLR cameras the size of 36*24 mm is considered to be a good value, then for an action camera, due to its limited size, a matrix of 6.17*4.55 mm is considered worthy.

Matrix resolution is a conditional parameter, since it ultimately affects the image detail, however, than more quantity pixels, the smaller their size, and, as a result, the light sensitivity decreases. Because of this, everything should be in harmony. So, for a matrix with the ability to shoot in 4K, the size should not exceed 12 inches, provided that the matrix itself physically has a size of 6.17 * 4.55 mm.

Advice! Very often, for a beginner, the number of pixels is a decisive factor when choosing, but it will be right to look at this indicator last.

Device processor

This is an element that generally organizes the operation of the device. If we talk about the direct impact on the quality of shooting, then the processor processes the data that the matrix transmits to it. Sometimes it happens that the matrix has excellent parameters, but the processor itself is not able to process them quickly and efficiently. The result is bad video. One of the best representatives for action cameras is the Ambarella A9 processor.. This is the option that will quite allow you to shoot high-quality video in 3840 * 2160 format. Typically, processor manufacturers write its name in the instructions for the camera, and before doing final choice, it does not hurt to study the processor parameters in the reviews.

Overview of useful additional options

Good camera features can make it possible to make high-quality video, but various useful options make this process more convenient and versatile.

zoom

A zoom device is able to zoom in on the subject, which is very convenient when shooting any holidays and events. Naturally, this function implies that the user controls the shooting process. This is also relevant when driving a quadcopter when you need to shoot something closer from a bird's eye view.

On the camera itself, such a function, as a rule, is not installed, and the approximation is carried out using the remote control or from a smartphone.

Remote control

The remote control is very useful if the model is fixed somewhere away from the subject, for example, a skateboarder wants to film a trick from the side. With remote control, it can start and stop recording. The remotes themselves can have different functionality - from full-fledged camera control to just a separate on / off button. Connection is most often via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.

Wireless interfaces

Modern action cameras are often equipped with various useful modules - Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS, G-sensor. Wi-Fi and Bluetooth devices make it possible to wirelessly transmit video to a smartphone or other device, in addition, through such a connection, the quadcopter is controlled, or the camera itself is connected to the remote control. Models with GPS sensor allow you to record the location of the recording on the video, which is often done when traveling or when using the device as a registrar on a motorcycle.

Models with motion sensor popular among users. If the device has a G-sensor, then the optics reacts to movement or a change in position in space and automatically starts shooting. This is useful for automatic recording when the user does not have the ability to control the device, or he is not around at all at that moment.

Display

Devices with a display began to spread recently, and on the first devices from the same GoPro they could be completely absent. However, in some cases they are necessary. Due to the small size of the camera, the display here also does not differ in grandiose sizes. All displays can be divided into the following types:

• monochrome- used to set the shooting mode using separate buttons;
• external module- a full-fledged color module, which is connected, if necessary, to the camera separately;
• models with a full screen and a sensor- usually these are expensive devices that are more often used for shooting without protective cases, because otherwise there is simply no use from the sensor.

Remote flash

It's no secret that action cameras still don't perform well in low light conditions. The cameras, due to their design features, are not able to shoot decent video in the dark. A new accessory is designed to solve this problem - a remote flash. It is mounted on a tripod next to the camera and allows you to shoot even at night.

The flash significantly limits the possibilities of use, but otherwise you can use the camera with a night mode, which is responsible for the built-in LEDs. At the same time, the video quality on such a camera will be inferior to the option with a remote flash.

Image stabilizer

Due to the fact that the devices in question rarely shoot while at rest, they need to be able to stabilize the picture. Models with image stabilization have always been made, however, the very way to minimize artifacts in video when moving can be different. There are models with optical stabilization and electronic.

1. In the first case, the optics are movable and sensitive to changes in position. The built-in gyroscope is responsible for this.
2. In the second, the processor is responsible for correcting the picture. He tries to align the image by refining the defect to the norm. This method is significantly worse than using floating optics.

SONY FDR-X3000 4K action camera with optical stabilization

External chamber

Models with a remote camera are just those devices that can shoot a full-fledged panoramic video. In this case, the camera connects to the remote control or smartphone. The ease of use lies in the fact that the camera can be left to shoot interesting scenes, and receive and view the video remotely.

Action camera Panasonic HX-A500 with remote lens

Conclusion

Every year, the action camera market is growing rapidly and becoming more flexible. Many additional interesting and not very modules are installed in the models, new functions are introduced. New action cameras in 2018 will allow the user to capture any idea on video, and they will do it very high quality. What is especially pleasing is the presence of worthy devices in any price segments. Even for little money you can buy a quality model.

Action camera ( action camera) - This is a subspecies of digital video cameras designed for filming active sports and recreation. The task of an action camera is to capture the brightest events that happen in your life. Them distinctive features are: light weight, small dimensions, protection against water and dirt, various attachments to different surfaces. Thanks to this, the camera can be installed anywhere and get shots from incredible angles.

Conventionally, any digital video cameras are divided into the maximum video resolution and frame rate per second. Among action cameras, these values ​​will be: 720p, 1080p, 2K, 2.5K, 4K with frame rates: 30, 60, 120, 240 and their equivalent in the PAL system. This gradation largely affects the cost of the camera within the same brand. The higher the resolution and the more frames per second an action camera shoots, the more expensive it will cost.

Advice

When you make your choice, ask yourself the question: "Where will your video material end up?". If you shoot videos for family viewing, or with friends on a Full HD screen, you don’t want to edit anything and do all kinds of correction, or the main task of the camera is to be a car recorder, then action cameras with maximum resolution are quite suitable for you. up to 1080p and 30 fps. If you are a blogger or plan to become one, then you must remember that the main content from Youtube is viewed at a resolution of no more than 1080p. However, one of the artistic moves can be used, the so-called "slow motion" (slowing down the video). To achieve it, you will already need cameras that can shoot 1080p at 60 fps. As a rule, the maximum video resolution of such cameras is not lower than 2K. Well, if your task is to shoot additional material with unique angles and high detail, for example, panoramas from a quadcopter, and then mount them with material from more professional cameras, then you definitely need a 4K action camera. And it's not even that given format the video will be used by you, but that the quality of the matrix, even when shooting with a lower resolution, will give you a more detailed picture. Plus, having 4K, you can always crop the image to 1080p without losing quality.

But why do cameras with similar specifications from different brands vary so much in price? This is partly due to the popularity of the brand itself, but not only. Let's take a closer look at three important elements any digital camera, affecting the quality of photo / video material and cost.

- this is the first element of the camera, on which the amount of light that hit the matrix depends (read on). And, as you can imagine, the more this light passes through the lens per unit of time, the better the image we get. And this directly depends on the quality of the installed lenses in the lens. Most manufacturers don't specify what kind of optics they use in their action cameras, but there are some like SONY who proudly claim to have the world-famous ZEISS optics.

Usually, everything we can learn about the lens in technical specifications, is the focal length and angle of view. These two parameters are inextricably linked with each other. Let's see how.

Action cameras generally use wide-angle lenses from 120° to 170°. This is due to how practical features, as well as constructive. In terms of practicality, we have a camera designed for outdoor speaker use. You will have no time to "aim" and choose the best frame, cutting off everything superfluous, on the contrary, it is important that the camera captures as much space as possible. From the point of view of the design of the camera itself, we remember that an important parameter should be the small size of the camera and therefore the lens. What gives us a wide angle in this sense? The fact is that the wider the viewing angle of the lens, the smaller the so-called focal length (this is the distance between the optical center of the lens or lens group of the lens and the focus point - the matrix). That is, the wider the angle, the shorter the lens. Also, wide-angle lenses give the greatest depth of field. This means that both near and far objects will be in focus. Important point: since there is no automatic focusing in action cameras, and in dynamics we will neither have the time nor the opportunity to constantly catch focus.

However, action cameras are becoming more and more versatile. And they are increasingly being used as a compact camera for video blogs and the like. When shooting close, a lot of superfluous gets into the frame. This does not suit everyone, and therefore, the developers came up with a function to change the viewing angle. But its implementation will require a large set of additional lenses and moving mechanisms. As a result, an increase in the size of the lens, which is not acceptable in an action camera. Therefore, there is only one way out - cropping- that is, cropping the image and scaling it to its original size. In this case, we, of course, lose in quality, which must be borne in mind. Or, if you're willing to physically tamper with your action cam, you can buy the appropriate lens with a narrower field of view. But due to differences in length, you will most likely have to sacrifice an accessory such as an aquabox, as a camera with a new lens may not fit in it (for example, a GITUP Git2 camera with a 90° lens).

The function will be important image correction, since a feature of wide-angle lenses is perspective distortion. After taking a picture, the camera programmatically straightens the curved lines.

- this is the most important element of the camera, directly affecting the quality of photo and video material. This is analogous to the film in old cameras. What you need to know about the matrix?

Size matters! As much as we would not like, but the physics of photo-fixation processes is such that the more physical size of the matrix and its pixel elements, the more light will hit them, and the better the image you will get in the end. A good indicator for reflex cameras is the size of the matrix 36×24 mm. However, due to the small size of the action cameras themselves, the use of large matrices is impossible and a good indicator for them would be 1/2.3 inch with a diagonal of 7.81 mm. With this size of the matrix, it must be borne in mind that action cameras are not designed for filming in low light. At night or in a poorly lit room, the image will contain noise, even with top models of action cameras.

Matrix resolution- a rather conditional parameter and, with other others, is not a direct indicator of image quality. A high sensor resolution will allow for a more detailed image, but it is important to keep in mind the balance between resolution and size so that the matrix pixels are not too small, as this directly affects their light transmission. The optimum pixel size is 1.55 um (micrometer). With this value, the actual resolution of the matrix for shooting video in 4K (3840x2160 pixels) should be no more than 12-12.5 megapixels, if we are talking about a 1/2.3-inch standard matrix. Higher resolution will not improve image quality if the physical size of the matrix remains the same. In some cases, manufacturers go to the trick of specifying as the maximum resolution of the action camera more than the actual resolution of the matrix. For example, they write that the resolution of the received images is 12 megapixels, but from the technical characteristics of the matrix, we learn that it has a resolution of 3.5 megapixels. Indeed, the photos will be obtained with a resolution of 12 megapixels. How is this possible, you ask? at the expense interpolation or, in other words, a way of finding intermediate values ​​of a quantity from an existing set of known values. That is, it is a software zoom. Naturally, in this case we have a loss of quality. But do not think that interpolation is always a change in scale and is always bad. All digital cameras they resort to interpolation, since any image processing is interpolation: rotation, distortion correction, perspective change, etc. To a greater extent, it is worth paying attention to the correspondence between the resolution of the matrix and the final image. That is, to get a photo with a resolution of 12 megapixels, we need at least a 12 megapixel matrix.

Let's talk a little about frame rate per second. The film industry has adopted a standard of 24 frames per second, believing that this is enough for our eye to perceive a smooth picture. But images played at 50 frames per second or more seem much smoother. At the moment, there are 2 common standards: PAL and NTSC. These are European and American standards with 25 and 30 frames per second respectively and multiples of them. The ability of the matrix to capture video at a high frame rate per second not only makes the final video smoother, but also makes it possible, with appropriate processing, to apply an effect such as "". This slows down the video by 2 or more times. In the technical characteristics of the matrix and the action cameras themselves, this parameter is always indicated for each resolution separately. The higher the resolution, the more productive the matrix must be to maintain the maximum value of frames per second. The lower the resolution, the more frames per second.

What else is worth knowing about the matrix? Different matrices differ in their dynamic range- is the ability to simultaneously convey the bright and dark colors of the scene. The wider the dynamic range, the more detail you'll get in contrast shots. For example, in sunny weather, both the texture of the sky and the details of the object being photographed will be visible. Digital cameras different levels have different dynamic range, which is measured in EV (Exposure Value - stops). To give you an idea, the human eye has the widest dynamic range of 25-30 EV. Cinematic-grade professional RED video cameras have around 13 EV, while action cameras range from 4-8 EV. This is again due to the small size of the matrix. You are unlikely to be able to find these values ​​for a particular model, but there are many comparative tests on youtube, where you can clearly see how this or that action camera behaves.

It is a "service" element of the camera and must match the capabilities of the matrix in order to give maximum results. It happens that the matrix is ​​capable of more, and the capabilities of the processor limit it, and therefore the quality of the image received by the matrix is ​​forcibly reduced in order to reduce the load on the processor. Therefore, for matrices with high resolution video shooting in 4K, you will also need a powerful processor such as the Ambarella A9. For matrices with a lower resolution, the processor may be less productive. But image processing is not the only task of the processor. The work of all elements of the action camera is interconnected by the processor to ensure the full functionality of the camera. The main thing to know about the processor is that it must be powerful enough to cope with all the duties assigned to it and at the same time generate as little heat as possible. If desired, characteristics describing these parameters can be found on the websites of processor manufacturers.

What else affects image quality? The received information from the matrix is ​​processed by the processor and compressed for subsequent storage. The degree of information compression determines the final quality of the resulting image. The indicator for this process is bitrate- the number of bits used to store one second of multimedia content. The higher the bitrate, the better the quality of the picture received from your action camera. But to ensure a high bit rate, a high throughput of the entire system, including the speed of writing to a data storage device - a flash card. You also need to understand that with a high bitrate, the required space for storage. You can find out the bitrate simply by looking at the properties of the captured file and seeing the item “data transfer rate”. The value will depend on the selected resolution and number of frames per second. With the same settings for different cameras, the picture quality will be better for the one with a higher bitrate. For example, Gopro HERO 4 when shooting video in 4K 30 fps, the bit rate is 130 Mbps, and one minute of video takes 966 MB.

Even if your camera has the most modern components, you will not get high quality shooting without software optimization. A lot depends on the company's programmers: namely, what maximum they can squeeze out of the available hardware. Sometimes a company releases a “raw” product on the market and subsequently refines it, improving its performance and removing existing errors by updating the firmware. Therefore, when buying an action camera, make sure that the manufacturer supports their products by constantly releasing new firmware. This is especially true for lesser known brands.

Additional functionality of action cameras

Screen

Due to the small size of the camera, not all of them can boast a screen. In the smallest versions, it is completely absent and you can only configure the camera by connecting it to a mobile device. Others have a screen, but it is monochrome and serves purely for setting shooting modes. But there are also full-fledged color LCD screens, on which, in addition to settings, you can choose the shooting angle, using the screen as a viewfinder, and view the footage. The screens also differ in size. The more, the more convenient to use. But if the camera does not have a screen, then for some models a separate module is offered, which, however, greatly increases the dimensions of the camera and makes it impossible to use it in an aquabox or with other accessories. But the height of perfection is the built-in touch-skin display, where you do not need additional buttons, as it responds to the touch of your fingers. Such screens are available in Gopro cameras and the new model.

The presence of such modules as WIFI and Bluetooth greatly simplify the life of camera owners. With their help, you will be able to broadcast a live video signal directly to your mobile device. This is useful when the camera is installed in such a place that you do not have the opportunity to look at the camera screen from the side, if any, and choose the best angle for shooting. Or, if the camera is far away from you, you can remotely start and end recording using the remote control.

In addition to wireless modules, there are built-in connectors that expand the capabilities of the camera. For example, by connecting an action camera via USB port to your computer, you will be able to use it as a webcam or as a multimedia player with image output to the TV screen through the port HDMI. If your camera uses a mini USB port, you can optionally connect an external microphone, thereby improving the quality of the recorded sound. If sound recording is of no small importance to you, pay attention to this, because not all cameras have a good sound recording performance.

When shooting handheld, you will encounter constant shaking in the frame, as you are physically unable to hold the action camera in such a way as to avoid it. To compensate for such vibration, built-in stabilization systems are used. With the help of an electronic gyroscope, the camera understands what position it is in and captures the slightest changes in space. But then there are several ways to apply this information in practice. In expensive cameras, the so-called floating lens is used. The information received from the gyroscope suggests how best to deflect the lens so that it compensates for this or that vibration. As a result, you get a stable "floating" picture. In cheaper cameras, there is no floating lens, and therefore, not the entire diagonal of the matrix, but part of it, is used to transmit the image. The image that goes off the edge will be used to compensate for vibrations. That is, the active zone of the matrix, as it were, "floats" on it. When this function is activated, you will notice that the viewing angle becomes slightly smaller, and this gives a margin for image shift in case of shaking.

There are also separate devices that cope with this task even better, the so-called steadicam. But they do not belong to the topic of this article.

Nowadays, the action camera is becoming a universal device. In particular, they are increasingly being used as a car registrar. Usually, in the recorder mode, the camera records in the form of separate pieces of video files with a selected duration: 3, 5, 10, 15 minutes. This is done to be able to overwrite when the media runs out of space. In order not to immediately delete a rather long video file that may contain useful recordings, it is divided into parts. g-sensor- this is a sensor that helps to save the necessary part of the information without accidentally erasing it. During an accident, it reacts to a blow and makes it impossible to remove the piece of video where the incident was filmed. To remove it, you will need to format the flash drive on your computer.

If your camera is equipped GPS sensor, then it will fix the coordinates of the accident. All this information should contribute to making a legal decision in your case, increasing the evidence base.

Individual representatives of action cameras, such as the Garmin Virb X, manage to cram data on heartbeat, distance traveled and length of flight into their devices, if necessary, measure the speed of the rider, wind or vessel and be able to do much more that allows you to compare this camera with onboard computer.

Mount types

Action cameras were pioneered by Gopro. Over time, a huge one appeared for their cameras, which had the appropriate mount standard. Most of today's manufacturers don't risk creating their own mounts, as this will entail the need to produce a large line of competitive accessories for their cameras on their own. Therefore, they use the standard that Gopro uses. When choosing an action camera, you should take this moment into account so as not to limit yourself in a variety of accessories. Different manufacturers have different approaches to completing their devices. For example, the company is generous with the number of additional mounts for all of its cameras. And for Xiaomi cameras a lot, even something as necessary as an aquabox, you will have to buy separately. Therefore, when talking about the cost of an action camera when buying, consider what set of additional accessories it comes with.

Weight and form factor

Action cameras vary in size and shape. Some of the most common: rectangular, cylindrical, cubes. It is difficult to give any fundamental recommendations, just pay attention to how you will use your action camera. For example, a camera is more suitable for mounting on a motorcycle helmet cylindrical shape, since at high speeds it will create less resistance to air flow. It may seem that the weight of action cameras is so small that +/- will not play any role in the choice. However, if you plan to mount the camera on your head, hand, or just shoot handheld for a long time, you will feel the difference even in a few grams. But you should not chase the smallest size and weight. This is fraught with the fact that by reducing, you lose all sorts of useful features, from the absence of a screen to the size of the battery and, as a result, the duration of the camera. Although, in individual cases, for the sake of size, you can sacrifice everything else.

let's sum up RESULTS all of the above:

• Decide for what, in the end, you will use the video footage you shot.
• A wide angle is not a tribute to fashion, but a constructive and practical necessity. Do you want a corner already - best solution without loss of quality will be a replacement lens.
• The picture quality strongly depends on the physical size of the matrix. The bigger, the better.
• At the same time, you should not chase the number of megapixels, the main thing is the maximum size of these same pixels. But an insufficient number of megapixels is also not good, it is necessary that the actual resolution of the matrix at least correspond to the declared maximum video resolution.
• If you do not plan to use such an effect as "slow motion" (slowing down the video), then 30 frames per second will be enough for you.
• The dynamic range of the matrix of an action camera should be as wide as possible, you can see this in comparative video tests on the Internet.
• The processor must match the capabilities of the matrix, otherwise we will get a stripped-down version of the camera, despite the high declared characteristics.
• Find the source files from the camera on the Internet and check their properties for the maximum bitrate they give out. The higher the bitrate, the better quality video images you will get.
• Check how often the manufacturer releases firmware for their cameras and when it was released latest version. This will give you more confidence that any software problem will be fixed, and over time, the quality of the shooting itself may improve.
• The screen is a very useful thing, you can see what you are shooting and you can set up the camera without resorting to additional devices.
• Additional interfaces - additional features. Connecting the remote control, external microphone, mobile devices expand the range of your action camera.
• Stabilization is not a luxury, but a necessity. Nobody likes looking at a shaky picture.
• If you plan to often use the action camera as a car recorder, additional sensors will not be superfluous in it: G-Sensor and GPS.
• The most common type of mount is the standard used by Gopro. Keep this in mind if you plan to buy a lot of additional accessories.
• Differences in the shape and weight of the cameras are not so critical, but in some cases it is worth paying special attention to them.

P.S. About new trends and popular brands

One of the areas where many action camera manufacturers have rushed is shooting in 360 °. It is achieved thanks to wide angle a camera lens that covers space in the form of a hemisphere. If we combine 2 such cameras or install 2 such lenses so that they are directed in opposite directions, then we will get a complete sphere. Thanks to the technology of playing such a video on the monitor screen, we will be able to independently choose the angle and change it at any time. We become active spectators. Whether it will develop as a separate direction or will be a one-time hobby, time will tell. So far, the main application is seen in the industry of virtual reality and VR technologies. SJCAM also did not remain indifferent and will soon launch the SJ360 camera on the market.

Popular brands of action cameras from different manufacturers:

The purpose of this article was to help you understand the features of many offers on the market and walk not superficially, but with an understanding of some nuances, but without too much ingenuity in choosing an action camera. I hope we succeeded. We will be grateful for the repost!

Found an error, inaccuracy, want to add? Highlight a piece of text and click Ctrl+Enter .

An action camera is a special equipment designed for digital video recording of outdoor activities and outdoor sports. Its main function is to capture the brightest moments of life. Such a camera weighs little, has small overall dimensions, is reliably protected from moisture and pollution, and has several ways of attaching to various surfaces. This allows you to install it almost anywhere and get a beautiful interesting picture. When buying an action camera, special attention is paid to the following details:

• The lens is responsible for the amount of light falling on the matrix per unit of time, is characterized by the number of lenses and their arrangement relative to each other, provides a comfortable focal length and a certain viewing angle;
• The matrix has a direct impact on the quality of the footage. It is determined by physical dimensions, the presence of a noise reduction system, which will be very important in low light conditions or bad weather, resolution and frame rate per second;
• The processor is one of the key elements, it processes the signal coming from the matrix, is responsible for the image quality, and so on.

When compiling the ranking of the top 10 best action cameras of 2019, we have collected only the highest quality models that have good value for the price-quality. We also took into account user reviews and hope that it will help you in choosing such a difficult device as action camera.

Almost got to the top ten action cameras. This design is equipped with the latest Novatek NTK96660 processor and Sony Exmor R IMX078 universal back-illuminated sensor, it has a resolution of 12 megapixels, which allows you to get the highest quality picture. It can shoot in 4K mode, if necessary, changes the viewing angle. The maximum frame rate in this mode is 60 per second. When using the Full HD format, you can choose the frame rate - 30, 60 or 120 per second. The menu is fully Russified, which makes it even more convenient to use the equipment.

There is the possibility of cyclic recording - videos for 3, 5 or 10 minutes. The viewing angle also changes - 70, 110, 140 or 170 degrees. The camera has several gyro sensors to help stabilize the image. The device is equipped with a motion sensor, a good microphone. Video recording format.mp4 or.mov, there is a photo function. The design has a Wi-Fi module, a wire for connecting a computer or charging the battery. The mass is about 100 grams.

Advantages:

• Low cost;
• The presence of a stabilizer;
• Beautiful appearance;
• Ability to use in underwater mode - at a depth of up to 30 meters;
• Small overall dimensions;
• Several shooting formats.

Disadvantages:

• The charger connector is not very conveniently located;
• In offline mode, it functions for only about 45 minutes.

It has a high resolution of the touch element - 12 MPix, it can be controlled by voice, the device can withstand depths of up to 10 meters, a Wi-Fi module is provided, support for 4K formats, the frame rate in Full HD mode can reach 240 frames per second. When photographing, files are saved in .hdr, .jpeg, .raw format.

The assembly is excellent, it is of excellent quality, the case does not allow moisture to pass through it, there is a 2-inch touch screen on the back panel. It is additionally covered with a special protective glass. There are only two traditional buttons on the case - one of them releases the shutter, the second is responsible for turning the device on and off, as well as switching modes. On the bottom side there is a cover, behind which there is a slot for a memory card and a battery, under a separate plug there is a connector for connecting a charging cable. The model is equipped with a voice control system.

Advantages:

• Ergonomic shape;
• Convenient and beautiful design;
• The highest build quality;
• Good protection against penetration of water under the body;
• It shoots great in all weather conditions.

Disadvantages:

• Price;
• There is no protective block, which is why the camera is prone to shock;
• The set comes with few items.

It has small overall dimensions, the kit comes with only a battery and a cable to connect the device to a computer. Everything else will have to be purchased separately. The battery is 1400 mAh, due to which the camera is able to work offline for a long time without the need for recharging. The device can be mounted on a tripod, fits in the hand as comfortably as possible, the corners of the case are slightly rounded, which makes this model more beautiful. She has only one control button, there are two microphones with the ability to record sounds in stereo and a speaker.

All data is recorded on a microSD memory card, the slot for it is located next to the battery. On the back side of the panel there is a display with a diagonal of more than 2 inches, the camera has voice control, it turns on 3 seconds after the command is given. The menu is not Russified, but you can easily understand it, even without knowing a foreign language. In total, there are six modes of operation - video, slow motion video, photography, burst photography, timer video recording and time-lapse video. The device has a Wi-Fi module, which makes data transfer more convenient.

Advantages:

• Very good video recording quality;
• The touch screen is quite sensitive;
• Reliable battery that provides two hours of battery life;
• Accessories are inexpensive;
• Fast response;
• Easy access to all major functions.

Disadvantages:

• Menu in English;
• The location of the memory card is inconvenient;
• The USB port cover is rather tight;
• No moisture protection.

This device has an excellent and very functional filling: a 12 MPix matrix, further improved fast lens with a maximum viewing angle of 170 degrees. This allows you to achieve excellent shooting quality even in case of insufficient lighting. LCD display with a diagonal of only one and a half inches, which is not enough.

Shooting is convenient - you can set the self-timer, use the continuous mode. There are three image formats - Full HD (30 frames per second with a resolution of 1920 * 1080 dpi), HD (recording speed is 30 or 60 FPS, resolution 1280 * 720), Easy (848 * 480 pixels at 60 frames per second) . All these indicators are quite enough for outdoor use. There is a Wi-Fi module, a convenient Russified interface, due to wireless data transfer, the picture can not be recorded, but immediately transferred to the screen of a laptop or smartphone. The camera is quite light, weighing 58g without a battery, which weighs 44g, you can use it to take pictures.

Advantages:

• Rich equipment, which includes several devices for fixing on the surface;
• High quality shooting;
• Acceptable cost;
• Long battery life;
• Small dimensions and weight;
• Wi-Fi module provided.

Disadvantages:

• It will not be possible to get a perfectly clear picture in low light;
• Color rendition falls into red shades;
• The microphone is weak - the sound is quite quiet.

It has a rather strict design, good ergonomics - it is very convenient to hold it in your hand, fix it on a motorcycle helmet or on a bicycle handlebar. Its shape is very similar to a small camera. The body is painted White color, which is not always convenient, as it will become dirty. This is one of the best action cameras, largely due to the presence of an optical image stabilization system, when in all other models it is electronic.

Shooting video in 4K format is not provided. Together with the battery, the device weighs about one hundred grams with small dimensions of 30 * 40 * 83 mm, there is a slot for a memory card. The display is monochrome, which allows you to save battery, the user can adjust the picture quality for themselves. There is no voice control, but there is a remote control, which can be attached to the hand using a special strap. The camera can be quickly and easily synchronized with any electronic device thanks to the Wi-Fi module. Charging takes place either from the network or through a laptop via a standard USB 2.0 connector.

Advantages:

• The presence of an optical stabilizer that provides high quality Pictures;
• There is a microphone input;
• Splash protection provided
• The assembly is of high quality, the plastic case is comfortable to hold in your hand;
• The battery compartment opens completely.

Disadvantages:

• Does not work during rainfall;
• In the heat it quickly overheats;
• There is no wind protection system, which is why the recording has a lot of extraneous noise;
• Expensive battery.

The design of this camera is nothing special, but the build quality is excellent, there are no complaints about it. There are two screens on the case: in front there is a black-and-white display, where all the basic information will be displayed - how much charge is left, the amount of free memory, the selected operating mode. The second screen, it is of a touch type, is located on the back, it can be used as a viewfinder. The device has three classic buttons that perform all the main functions regarding the operation and how to configure the equipment. The bottom has a hole for mounting a tripod.

Built-in memory, like all other models, is not provided, there is a slot for installing a micro SD flash card up to 128 GB. The photos are very high quality, the equipment is capable of recording 4K video, but at a speed of only 24 frames per second, of course, there are HD and FullHD modes. It is almost impossible to visually notice the difference between them, there are also several types of stabilizer operation - low and high. During operation, the camera does not heat up, it works from the battery for a long time.

Advantages:

• Provided in the kit a large number of accessories;
• There is a touch screen with a Wi-Fi module;
• Management is very simple;
• Cost compared to other models.

Disadvantages:

• When recording video, there is background noise;
• Night shooting is of low quality.

A very good and inexpensive action camera, where the matrix of the latest SonyExmor R 12.5-inch model, enhanced by a powerful Bionz X processor, acts as the basis. The stabilizer is quite reliable, it performs especially well when shooting in 4K format. The maximum bitrate of the device is 100 Mbps, so you need to immediately prepare for the fact that the files will weigh quite a lot - it is advisable to purchase a capacious memory card. The camera has all the modules for wireless data transmission - Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS, NFC, even an infrared port.

The case is made of white plastic - this is the main disadvantage, as it will quickly become dirty, but at the same time it perfectly protects the filling from snow, rain or splashes. The device operates at temperatures up to -10 degrees. On the side there is a monochrome display of small size with several convenient buttons that allow you to select the most suitable shooting mode. All connectors for connecting to charging or a computer are hidden under a small cap with a latch, a battery and a slot for a memory card are hidden under the cover.

A wide-angle lens equipped with Zeiss optics, next to it are microphones for sound recording, as well as a speaker. Perfect for underwater photography up to 60 meters deep. The kit comes with a remote control that is worn on the wrist, it has the main control buttons on the sides, and a display on the front side.

Advantages:

• It shoots well in absolutely any conditions;
• The presence of a high-quality stabilizer;
• The case is well protected from moisture;
• For immersion in water to a great depth, there is a special box in the kit;
• Connectors for mountings are universal;
• Convenient to manage.

Disadvantages:

• High price;
• A well-marked case, on which any, even the most insignificant, pollution is perfectly visible.

4. Sony FDR X3000

In the top of the best action cameras, it took fourth place only because of the too high cost. Otherwise, this device simply has no equal - it records great video, so it will be almost impossible to distinguish a picture from a real one. The processor reads and processes data from the matrix pixel-by-pixel, without combining them into groups, which provides excellent detail. Despite the fact that the stabilizer is electronic, it works as efficiently as possible, it has two modes - standard and active. The latter is designed for 4K mode.

The built-in system of two microphones located directly under the lens has a noise reduction system. If they are not enough, then there is a connector for connecting an external audio recording device. A universal tripod mount is provided at the bottom of the case, the device is perfectly protected from moisture. Very convenient control, navigation keys are quite enough, all the necessary information is displayed on the screen. There are recording indicators - on the top side, on the bottom and on the side, there is a Wi-Fi module, GPS, NFC and other wireless connection systems.

Advantages:

• High quality video recording;
• No fisheye effect;
• The viewing angle is three-position adjustable.

Disadvantages:

• Sometimes it overheats - if you shoot videos in 4K format in extreme heat.

Ergonomic and attractive appearance, the case is made of reliable plastic, there are no even the slightest gaps between the elements, which protects the filling of the device from the penetration of moisture, dust, water vapor, and so on. plastic is additionally covered with a layer of rubber and a texture resembling ceramics. Even without a protective case, the camera can easily withstand immersion under water to a depth of about 10 meters. There are only two buttons on the surface of the case - start recording and switch modes. All other features of the device are transferred to the touch screen with a diagonal of two inches.

The lens is equipped with a protective glass, so even if it falls, it will not be damaged and the lenses will not shift. The camera can be synchronized with a smartphone using a special application. The device was equipped with the latest generation processor, due to which it has the ability to shoot in 4K format at a speed of about 40 frames per second, there are also all the other standard photo and video recording modes that are typical for good action cameras.

Advantages:

• The ability to customize the sound recording: the level of noise suppression, wind, and so on;
• The presence of a voice control system;
• Waterproof in itself;
• Good video quality.

Disadvantages:

• Not compatible with all mounts and memory cards;
• High price.

A great option for both video and photography. It takes second place in our review, largely due to a reliable matrix and a high-speed processor equipped with the most modern system color reproduction. A 16 MPix matrix is ​​​​the highest figure in this rating, there is a wide-angle lens with a viewing angle of about 155 degrees, there are all the main methods of wireless data transmission - Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and so on.

In photo mode, the device shoots with a resolution of 4608 * 3456 pixels, the video quality also speaks for itself - 4K, FullHD, HD and some others. The mass of the equipment is only 72 grams.

Advantages:

• Beautiful appearance;
• Compatible with most accessories of other similar cameras;
• Small overall dimensions;
• Very clear picture;
• The microphone is reliable, suppresses noise well;
• Convenient application for work via smartphone or computer.

Disadvantages:

• There is no custom screen on the case.

1. AC Robin Zed5

A year ago, a new brand appeared on the action camera market - AC Robin. The model of the 5th series, AC Robin Zed5, is rightfully included in the TOP-3 of our rating. The novelty is made in a classic format, it provides many modes and interesting options. Basic shooting modes AC Robin Zed5: 4K@30, [email protected], [email protected], [email protected]

In terms of video and photo recording quality, AC Robin Zed5 will satisfy the most demanding users. The action camera is equipped with a 12.4-megapixel Sony CMOS IMX117 sensor, the viewing angle of the matrix is ​​170 degrees. Allows you to adjust almost every setting for taking photos and recording videos.

The device has an integrated matrix stabilizer for shooting on the go. The camera of this series is capable of shooting with maximum quality 4K at a frequency of 30 frames / sec. For modern requirements, this is an excellent indicator. AC Robin Zed5 demonstrates good results in any light conditions, including at night.

Separately, I would like to note the equipment. Professional iSHOXS mounts for extreme camera use already in the box. Together with an external, directional microphone.

Find out where you can buy action camera AC Robin Zed5

Advantages:

• Maximum equipment;
• Service and support;
• Not bad video quality.

Disadvantages:

• Weak built-in microphone.