How to choose an action camera for an amateur: which action camera model to buy

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.

Action camera - what is it?

This is a subtype of digital video camera designed to work in aggressive and difficult environments. It is protected from moisture, dirt and impacts in a special housing. The main feature of the device is its small size, minimal weight, wide-angle lens and increased depth of field.

It is also worth noting that there is a fixed focus. It differs from autofocus in that it has a permanent lock. It is not afraid of jumps and shaking, but the image still comes out clear. You simply point the device in the desired direction. And he, in turn, captures all the most interesting things.

An action camera differs from a regular camera in that it can work in any environment. There is no need to configure it. Such devices are sold together with additional accessories for use in various conditions. In addition, you can buy the necessary elements additionally. If you are wondering what an action camera is, then you should know that a good device can work in high definition formats - 2K and 4K, and also takes high-quality photos with a resolution of twelve megapixels.

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.

Video quality

For a regular video camera, the standard shooting resolution is 720x576 pixels. However, most modern models record video in much higher resolution, this is a fact.

Action cameras sold today are labeled Full HD. This means that video is recorded in 1280x720 or 1920x1080 format - these days this is the highest requirement for frame resolution. However, video cameras do not differ from each other in this parameter. Still, it was worth mentioning the resolution.

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.

Video recording speed

25-30 frames per second is the video recording speed of a regular model. Devices with the “action” prefix have a special mode – accelerated recording, at which the speed is 60 frames per second. Is this parameter important and what is it for? Take, for example, an ordinary wedding or other holiday - here all the events are slow and predictable, recording is done calmly and smoothly, high recording speed is, at a minimum, unnecessary here.

Example of video recording on Action camera:

An extreme rider, riding a bicycle in a mountainous area, rushes at high speed, the landscapes change quickly, and a simple camera is simply not capable of recording everything: some frames may either be missing or be very blurry. Therefore, high recording speed is necessary for shooting dynamic scenes - it guarantees the parity of recording of extreme events.

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!

Appearance, dimensions and weight

This is visual and the first difference that catches your eye. The Action Camera should be light weight and small in size, it should have special mounts. For a simple camera, weight and size are also important, but these factors receive much less attention. During active rest and dynamics, the extra weight on the athlete’s body can be decisive. How much does the simplest video recording device weigh? About 500 grams? An action camera can't weigh that much. Its weight is 20-30 grams, and its size is almost a matchbox.

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.

Availability of fastenings

Design features are another important attribute and difference. On a helmet, on clothing, on a hand or on a bicycle handlebar - the device can be attached anywhere. The kit always comes with a set of fastenings for different places.

Most often, this device is attached to helmets, any kind - bicycle, motorcycle, and even those worn by parachutists. Also on bicycle handlebars, that is, on tubular structures, they are also very easily “stretched”. We must not forget about motor sports - action cameras cling to the windshield of a car using suction cups. Yes, they can even be used as car recorders.