Action camera: what is it? How to choose a good action camera?

What is an action camera for?

Such devices received such a name because they are convenient for shooting dynamic scenes - action, if you use English. The device can be easily mounted on a tripod or on almost any sports equipment. At the same time, many models provide so-called slo-mo shooting, when you can slow down the picture and examine the process of performing a trick in all details.

So, the action camera is only used for filming snowboarding and biking rides? Not at all. Not the largest number of people are involved in active sports around the world, while the demand for devices from the action camera series is insanely high. This inconsistency is due to the fact that with such a small “cube” you can shoot absolutely any sketches from life. Many bloggers have long mastered action cameras, the use of which does not require the involvement of someone else as an operator - everything around them is already captured in the frame.

Remember that any action camera makes the picture distorted to one degree or another (there is a fish-eye effect). That is why traditional camcorders, as well as SLR and system cameras, are still used to photograph wedding ceremonies and other official events.

Features of selection and accessories for action cameras

How to choose a quality action camera? The answer to the question posed should be carefully considered, based on your preferences: lightness of the camera, compactness, video and photo quality, battery life without charging, etc. Below are the main criteria according to which this equipment is selected. It is useful to be familiar with each of the characteristics below before purchasing.

Video

Modern cameras support HD 1080 mode , a high-quality shooting mode required to obtain high-quality images. However, you should not hope that every action camera that supports this shooting mode is capable of producing a high-quality “picture” as an output. Thus, before choosing a specific model, it is worth watching a video filmed by it and posted on the Internet. This way you will be able to get the best possible picture of your desired purchase.

Frame rate (fps) is an important parameter that influences the choice of camera. It is worth noting that the higher the parameter in question, the smoother and smoother the video turns out. However, in this case, it is necessary to remember that the frame rate affects the condition of the battery, and the higher this number, the faster the battery discharges. Therefore, you should choose what is your priority - the accuracy of the resulting video or the condition of the battery?

It is interesting that tourists and fans of an active lifestyle give preference to high-quality photography, believing that it is better to purchase a spare battery for the device. High-quality devices can have a frame rate of up to 120 per second, but cameras with half that number - about 60 per second - will be quite high-quality.

The GoPro Hero 3 action camera is a camera with amazing video quality.

The video format is another noteworthy characteristic that must be taken into account before purchasing a device. MP4, MOV, AVI are the most well-known and common video formats, readable by most equipment. To maintain high quality recording, support for the H.264 format is required.

Regarding camera fixation

Mounting an action camera on your head.
If you want a camera to be mounted on your head, an action camera is exactly what you need. Mounting an action camera on a helmet is one of the most common mounting options, which is of particular interest among cyclists, snowboarders, and skiers. The majority of camera models provide their owners with a variety of options for mounting to a helmet. It is useful to know that when choosing inexpensive models, an action camera may not have a strong enough fixation system, but this is not a rule.

Memory

In fact, every mini action camera records to a removable memory card. Thus, the larger the memory card, the more footage it can hold. As a rule, a memory card is included with the camera kit, but you can’t count on a large capacity. So, many people prefer to additionally purchase an SD card so that if the main card is full, they can insert an additional one into the slot. memory capacity of 32 GB is sufficient .

Battery charge

The action camera operates using lithium batteries. A good lithium battery can provide continuous shooting for two hours . In addition to an additional memory card, experienced tourists prefer to buy a second battery, which, if the first battery is discharged, could replace it in the absence of an electrical network.

Remote control

Many modern models of compact cameras are equipped with a wireless remote control . (remote control), through whose participation in the shooting process it becomes possible to quickly turn on and off recording and take photo frames. On top of that, models from leading manufacturers are equipped with a wireless interface, so the user can control the device using their smartphone. This quality gives the camera and its user favorable conditions and additional capabilities.

• Action camera Sony HDR-AS30 with wireless remote control. Read…
• Polaroid xs100i is an action camera with a shooting duration of 180 minutes.

Important parameters

Action camera glasses.
Action camera-glasses, waterproof action camera, video recorder, action camera - devices can have a variety of purposes.
In this regard, when choosing the device in question, the shape, size, and weight of the device play a big role. These qualities can vary significantly depending on the purpose. So, for cycling there must be an appropriate mount for an action camera, and the action camera must have a compact size, weight, and be easy to operate. Many cameras are equipped with a G-sensor , during which the device starts recording with minimal movement of the object being filmed or movement of the camera. The presence of GPS in the device allows you to collect accumulated information about the location of the camera, and it also allows you to use the camera as a GPS tracker. In addition to all of the above, the design of the device may have additional technical options, including an LCD display, a remote control joystick, a laser target pointer and other functions. Of course, the cost of the device for the consumer will depend on the technical equipment of the device in question.

Before buying a camera, you will need to take into account its area of ​​application, that is, try to answer the question, where will the camera be used? If you are choosing an action camera for hunting, you should consult with a competent specialist at the retail outlet before purchasing. You should also determine the purchase budget, taking into account the cost of a memory card, mounts, batteries and other accessories, including a tripod for an action camera, monopods for an action camera, etc. It will not be superfluous to study information, reviews, videos, photos, articles and comments on forums related to the device in question.

About the price

A modern action camera, the price of which is too high, is not always a quality attribute for a tourist. Thus, when purchasing an expensive model, you do not at all receive protection from counterfeit or low-quality products. Of course, with the high cost of the device, the likelihood of getting a fake or low-quality product is significantly reduced, but a high level of cost does not always serve as an indicator of quality.

Budget action camera SJ4000 priced under $100.

The main advantages of an action camera

Action cameras have become so popular due to the following qualities:

• Miniature size - such a “baby” will not take up much space in your pocket or bag, and your hand does not get tired when using a small device.
• Replaceable battery - buying additional batteries fundamentally solves the problem of not having the longest battery life (the smartphone, for example, will have to be charged after an hour of video shooting).
• Easy transfer of material to mobile devices - almost every action camera is equipped with a Wi-Fi module, and at the same time, remote control can be organized in this way. Some devices even allow online broadcasting, which will be relevant for those who are filming live coverage from the scene.
• Large angle of view - almost the entire surrounding space is included in the frame, and you can film yourself simply by extending your hand forward (when using a traditional video camera, the person’s face at the time of such shooting would take up half the frame).
• Many video modes - expensive models allow you to choose between HD, Full HD and 4K resolutions, and frame rate and bitrate adjustment is also available.
• Protection from moisture and dust - almost every action camera has a waterproof and shockproof body (however, such a device can always be broken, because the lens remains glass).
• Shooting time-lapses - the easiest way to shoot accelerated video is with an action camera. It has a wide angle of view, it is easy to place it anywhere, and it can work from a power bank connected to it, which will allow you to shoot for at least a whole day.
• An aquabox is available - with such a case the device can be immersed under water, and sometimes this can be done without an auxiliary accessory.

And this is just a list of the advantages that most devices have. Don't forget that the best action cameras have a number of special advantages, such as route recording, excellent sound quality and the presence of an optical stabilizer.

Time Lapse

In the time-lapse shooting mode, the camera records video at a low frame rate - 1 frame every few seconds. At the end of the filming process, these frames are combined into a video that is played back at normal frame rate. As a result, the movement in the captured video appears accelerated (sunset or sunrise, construction work, etc.).

Types of action cameras

The first action cameras were rectangular devices with controls and a display on the back and a lens on the front. It is these devices that in the minds of many are action cameras.

As development progressed, the form factor began to undergo changes. There are devices similar to classic cameras (for example, Sony devices), models mounted on glasses and a helmet, but in this case we are not talking about the form factor, but rather about the purpose of this type of equipment, because by 2021 the emphasis will be on shooting dynamic events in extreme situations has shifted slightly. Today there are three main options:

A classic action camera is a familiar device with a rectangular or elongated shape for filming sporting events in extreme conditions, etc.

Action cameras for vlogs - they resemble steadicams, that is, they have the camera on a gimbal, which improves the quality of stabilization, but implies that the user is in full control of the shooting. The disadvantage of such devices is that they do not have any mounting options (except for a tripod), they rarely receive any protection, and they usually have non-removable batteries.

360 degree action cameras - these devices are equipped with several lenses that literally film what is happening around you. An excellent option for capturing beautiful views in the city, a concert where, while watching, the viewer can be in the very center of what is happening. It is worth understanding that these are cameras that are not best suited for use in extreme conditions.

How to choose an action camera?

In order not to make a mistake with your purchase, you should focus on several of the most important parameters:

• Video recording resolution - 4K support will definitely be required if you have acquired or are at least planning to buy a 4K TV. In other cases, Full HD is quite enough for a videographer. At the same time, it is important to understand that the declared 4K does not always correspond to reality. Some manufacturers increase the frequency by interpolation, which does not make the image a fair 4K. This is especially common in budget models.
• Video recording rate – your choice should be an action camera that can shoot in 1080p at 50 or 60 fps. If your plans include shooting dynamic scenes, then support for increasing the frequency to 120 or 240 frames/s will not hurt - such video can be slowed down at the editing stage.
• The size of the matrix and its resolution - there will still be those who believe that the number of megapixels somehow affects the final result. In fact, there is no dependence. But the really important parameter is the matrix size. Due to their small size, action cameras cannot be equipped with a large matrix, which greatly affects the quality of shooting in poor lighting conditions. Despite this, the size of the sensors may vary, so choose the camera with the largest one. A good option is considered to be 1/3″-1/2.5″, this is enough for shooting in the evening outdoors or in artificial light indoors.
• Viewing angle is another important parameter that simplifies video processing and editing. This is logical, the more that gets into the frame, the more likely it is that you will capture the information you need. This is especially true for situations where you don’t have time to monitor the camera’s operation (for example, during extreme sports). This parameter can vary from 90 to 360 degrees. In this case, starting from 140-150 degrees, distortion appears. It is also worth noting that in recent years cameras have begun to appear where the viewing angle can be adjusted independently depending on the shooting conditions.
• Degree of protection - a waterproof camera will allow you to shoot underwater without wearing a waterproof housing. But if you are only going to shoot on land, then regular splash protection will suffice.
• Operating time - when reading or watching reviews, you can find out how quickly the camera will use up battery power in a particular video shooting mode. In this case, the camera may have a built-in battery, which is inconvenient for obvious reasons, or a removable one. In the latter case, it can be hot-swapped.
• Stabilization - it can be optical or digital. Or it may not exist at all. Optical works the same under any lighting conditions; this is the best option, but, unfortunately, due to the design of action cameras, it can rarely be implemented in such devices. Digital, on the other hand, is generally considered worse, but in top action cameras it allows you to get the smoothest picture possible. But only with good lighting around! In the evening it is better to turn it off, as it begins to spoil everything.
• The display, its type, and their number - previously, action cameras made do with a monochrome screen, on which only the current shooting parameters were displayed, but now such devices are increasingly receiving a full-fledged LCD display. This is important, because with its help you can immediately see what exactly is in the frame, without using a smartphone for this purpose. And some action cameras can boast a second screen located on the front side, which can be useful when filming a vlog.
• The sound quality is amazing, but so far the best sound is produced by the Sony FDR-X3000, released a couple and a half years before this article was written. Competitors received greater video protection, which is why the microphones had to be equipped with a special membrane that significantly dampens the sound. It should be noted that if good sound is an important point for you, then it is worth considering a model that has an output for connecting an external microphone. Or you can record the sound separately, and then overlay it on the video during editing.
• Built-in wireless modules - the presence of these depends only on your personal preferences. Bluetooth will allow you to use the remote control, NFC speeds up the first synchronization with a smartphone, GPS records the speed and route of movement, and Wi-Fi streams the image to any mobile device.
• Accessories - we will not recommend accessories that should be included with the camera, because their need depends on the individual and his goals. But what should be clarified is their versatility and compatibility. Many cameras have standardized connectors and sizes, which allows you to select third-party mounts or boxes for them. If you get a camera that only supports branded components, then purchasing them can be expensive and, in general, it can take you a lot of time to find what you need.

The remaining selection criteria are less important. For example, not everyone needs support for shooting time-lapse (interval video). As well as the slow-motion video shooting mode - it is only needed when recording action scenes, and not all consumers use such cameras for this very purpose.

Remember that the quality of the picture depends on many factors and the characteristics do not always give an accurate picture. The best way to find out how well an action camera shoots is to download a test video from some review (on YouTube the picture is always compressed, making it impossible to draw a conclusion). And don’t forget to read reviews for the selected model!

Functional

The great thing about an action camera is its wide viewing angle, so you won't have to worry about whether all the highlights are captured or whether the highlights are missed. Filming is done in FullHD and Ultra HD 4K formats, which has a positive effect on the quality of video recording and its color rendition. Shock resistance and water resistance are the main characteristics that you should pay attention to when buying a camera; it depends on them how long the device will serve you. The camera also has SuperView and TimeLapse operating modes, which means that shooting in motion is welcome and the image quality will not suffer. The presence of a liquid crystal screen allows you to immediately, after filming, view the material, draw conclusions and, if desired, repeat the trick with a new recording.

As we can see, an action camera is an indispensable gadget on any trip if you want to leave not blurry images as a souvenir, but high-quality video footage with bright colors and moments of your life. At the same time, you don’t have to be a professional cameraman; the gadget can automatically adjust the shooting process depending on external conditions. Ease of use is another of the camera's many advantages.

How much does an action camera cost?

The cost of such devices can vary greatly. The price tag depends on the manufacturer’s design costs, as well as the components used. It is interesting that among action cameras there is no division into amateur and professional products, as is customary in the segment of video cameras and cameras. Here, the maximum price tag can reach only 35-40 thousand rubles - this is how much advanced models from trusted manufacturers cost. However, practice shows that for amateurs there are more than enough devices whose price does not exceed 10 thousand rubles.

If you want to be able to shoot 4K video with a huge bitrate, you'll have to fork out the cash. But if there is no such need, you can save a lot. Even the best budget action cameras from AliExpress cost very little money. At the same time, they provide good picture quality, and the degree of security of the body of such devices most often meets all international standards. Particular attention should be paid only to checking the sound quality - Chinese manufacturers often have some problems with this.