Active and extreme sport is always complemented by fast movements and high speed. In this case, it is impossible to capture everything on video using a conventional camera. This is why it is recommended to use action cameras. They are characterized by low weight, size and high strength, and they can be attached to any surface. The technique is versatile and easily suitable for any kind of shooting, but you need to know how to choose an action camera for a beginner or an experienced user. There are many parameters and they all affect the cost, functionality.
Content
The principle of operation and the device of an action camera
Action cameras are a separate type of gadget for video recording, which is often used by active people in travel and sports. The technique is capable of filming the most striking tricks that other people can see.
Equipment with minimal weight, small dimensions. Often all models have additional protection against damage, water and dirt. The fixation is carried out on any equipment, regardless of the surface, and the fixation of actions is carried out from any angle. Technically, the construction is quite complex. For an ordinary person, this is a small box with a lens, screen and fasteners. Visually, the gadget is similar to budget cameras.
The quality of shooting with the help of technology can be different, in the extension from 720 to 4K, on the basis of which the frame rate changes from 30 to 240 units. This parameter is one of the main ones, which determines the total cost of the product. Many experts believe that the value is not so important and there are other more significant characteristics. This is due to the fact that modern equipment provides optimal expansion - about 1920 x 1080 pixels, which corresponds to the Full HD quality. There are other devices that can make your video even clearer, but a similar image is enough.
What you really need to pay attention to is the frame rate per second. This is due to the conditions of use, as 30 frames will not be enough for fast and extreme conditions. The optimal value is considered to be 60-120 frames / sec. If high speed is excluded, then you can buy budget models with a regular frequency.
Top Action Camera Makers
At the moment, stores offer action cameras from different brands, which may also offer other devices. The leaders in this segment have been producing equipment for many years and have proven themselves excellently. Innovations and modern technologies are constantly being introduced to remain competitive, but some brands do it better than others.
Among the best manufacturers are:
- GoPro;
- Olympus;
- Sony;
- Nikon.
When choosing a gadget, you need to consider not only the name of the company, but also other features of the devices. Many of them are endowed with unusual but useful features that stand out positively from the general assortment. For example, if you plan to mount a helmet, then it is better to choose a "bullet" form factor device, and rectangular gadgets are suitable for fixation on the chest.
Types of action cameras
Before deciding which camera to choose, it is important to know what it is for, in what conditions it will be used. The set of basic functionality depends on this.
Standard
Such models are characterized by a rectangular shape, minimal weight and dimensions, and also have impact protection. They provide excellent video quality during active exercise with viewing angles of 120-170 degrees. The camera is fixed on equipment, clothing or other equipment, including skis, sledges, and a bicycle frame. These devices always include a picture stabilizer that gives maximum clarity even in the event of shaking.
Pros:
- Small size and weight.
- Impact protection.
- Image stabilization.
- Optimum quality.
Among the shortcomings are mediocre viewing angles.
360 degree action cameras
During the use of such a technique, the operator will remain out of the frame, thereby creating the impression of being monitored from the side. The maximum viewing angle is 360 degrees - the main advantage, the effect of presence appears.
In addition, the gadget will be useful for all people who aim to make a panoramic video. This can come in handy for parachuting or in the mountains. Wide-angle lenses allow you to achieve the effect. The finished video is suitable for use in virtual reality glasses.
Pros:
- Small size.
- Minimum weight.
- High level of durability.
- Wide viewing angles.
- When watching a video, the effect of presence appears.
The main disadvantage in comparison with classic action cameras is the cost of goods, which is much higher.
Glasses with built-in action camera
Interesting and modern technology that will be not only functional, but also stylish. It is characterized by the fact that a camera is pre-mounted in the body and this helps to eliminate the need for any fasteners, and also makes your hands free. Often glasses are selected for those who need to make not only a video, but also protect their eyes from the sun. This gadget is suitable for cyclists, skiers and swimmers. Often times, the camera is inserted into the nose bridge, which has a great effect on the viewer.
Pros:
- Complete weightlessness.
- High degree of strength.
- The eyes are protected.
- Inconspicuity.
Minuses:
- Not used for all types of photography.
- Average technical parameters.
Choosing an action camera - basic parameters
In order to choose the right action camera, each buyer needs to know the basic parameters that are important to pay attention to.
Lens Features
This is one of the main and first parameters on which the image quality depends. Often it is impossible to determine the type of optics, but some manufacturers indicate it directly on the box or in the instructions. As an example, we can highlight the company SONY, which has been using ZEISS optics for many years.
Focus and angle of view depend on optics, which are closely intertwined with each other. Since the described type of camera is used for active and dynamic shooting, the optics should not constantly force the operator to focus or perform other settings.
Many cameras are sold in 120-170 degree angles, which is considered the best option, and since the body is minimal, the lens should not go far beyond its limits.
Since action cameras in the modern world are used not only for their intended purpose, but also for blogs and other recordings, extraneous images may get into the video. To solve this problem, adapters, crolling and other devices can be used. Such a function will help you crop the picture, make the necessary scaling, but the quality will be slightly damaged. For everyone who prefers to buy a camera to create reports or blogs, a lens with 90 degrees will be enough.
The matrix
The value of this parameter indicates the sensitivity to light, the element receives light that comes from the lens and helps to make the picture.The matrix is needed for the final image, for the size. In SLR cameras, the optimal indicator is 36x24 mm, but in an action gadget, due to its small size, a matrix of 6.17x4.55 mm will be a good size.
The resolution of this indicator can be considered a conditional characteristic, since, ultimately, it affects the clarity of the picture, but the more pixels the camera, the smaller the size, as a result of this, the sensitivity to light decreases. Due to this, all indicators should be harmonious. For example, the sensor in a 4K camera should not be larger than 12 inches, and its dimensions are 6.17x4.55 mm.
Often, beginners choose a device by the number of pixels, but this is not the main and not a decisive parameter, it will be much more logical to take the indicator into account in the last place.
Device processor
The organization of all equipment work depends on this indicator. With the help of the processor, the information that comes from the matrix is processed. In some devices, the matrix may be of very high quality, but the processor is not
Sometimes it happens that the matrix has excellent parameters, but at the same time the processor itself is weak and cannot process materials promptly and quality, therefore the quality of the video on the camera is poor.
Among the best processors for cameras of this type is the Ambarella A9. This model allows you to make high quality video with a resolution of 3840x2160 pixels. Manufacturers often indicate the name in the instructions, and before buying it is recommended to study the features of the specified processor.
Strength of materials
For action cameras, a very important parameter will be the strength of the case and its materials, which provide additional protection. This is due to the recording conditions. Most often, brands use the following materials for the case:
- Aluminum.
- Durable plastic.
- Polyurethane with steel inserts.
It is possible to provide proper protection not only with case materials, but also with additional elements, including covers. They are sold separately or offered as a set.
Screen presence
Gadgets are often made with small dimensions, so it is almost impossible to install a display in them. Therefore, the smallest devices are adjusted and configured after connecting to a smartphone or tablet. Medium-sized devices house a display that is either black and white or color. In the first case, the models are used for the minimum settings, and the second ones are suitable for choosing an angle, viewing the captured video and performing other settings.
When choosing a technique, you need to take into account the need for such an element, since when using it, not only the size of the chamber increases, but also the cost.
Frame frequency
According to experts, this value is much more important than the expansion of the camera. The smoothness and smoothness of the image depends on the frame rate, but when choosing equipment you need to remember that a high indicator will consume more battery capacity.
It is recommended to choose optimal characteristics and not to chase the highest values. People who need to use the maximum number of frames per second will need to purchase an auxiliary battery.
Battery life
Autonomy of work is another important indicator, indicating the operating time on 1 charge. All action cameras are equipped with rechargeable lithium batteries, which allow working 2 or more hours. This is an average time, but experts advise you to focus on it.
Before purchasing equipment, you need to understand whether it will be possible to recharge the device. If there is no possibility, then it is better to spend a little more money, but buy a device with high autonomy.
Memory
The more internal memory for storing information, the more video can be captured. Classic models have approximately 32 GB of permanent memory, which is enough for 3 hours of video in Full HD format.
In addition, some manufacturers offer the option of expanding the memory with a card.In this case, you can not overpay for the built-in volume, but simply buy a card with the necessary margin for video storage.
additional characteristics
Additional parameters that are better to pay attention to include:
- An integrated GPS sensor is useful for determining the location and fixing the geological position.
- In order for the video to start filming when the subject moves, a G-sensor is required. It activates the start of shooting and helps to do the process automatically.
- The HDMI port will be useful for connecting equipment directly to a TV or monitor to view captured videos.
- Control with a small remote control is very convenient and useful. With the help of it, the operator can remotely control the device, which is on the head or equipment. The remote control itself can be in the form of a full-fledged device or a simple button to enable / disable recording. The connection is made using wireless communication methods.
- Off-camera flash. Often, action cameras make weak videos in low light conditions or at night. In this case, an off-camera flash will come to the rescue, which is mounted next to a tripod with a camera. This makes it possible to record video even at night. With the help of such a device, certain possibilities will be limited, but the main advantage is shooting at night and in poor light conditions.
Which action camera to choose
For everyone who has not yet figured out how to choose an action camera for an amateur or a professional, it is recommended to use expert advice:
- Standard models are suitable for many active people who prefer extreme activities.
- For skiers, rock climbers or cyclists, as well as underwater swimmers, a goggle device with a built-in camera is suitable.
- Wide-angle cameras with 360-degree shooting perfectly create panoramic video, and after recording, the data can be used for virtual reality.
- You should not overpay for gadgets with a large expansion, the optimal value for many surveys will be 1920 x 1080 pixels.
- When choosing a model, you need to focus on a frame rate of 60 per second - the optimal value for many users.
- The presence of a display is not considered a necessity, so you need to buy such models only when you really need it.
When choosing an action camera, it is recommended to carefully study the features of the case; it is best to buy metal models with a battery that gives autonomy from 2 hours.
How much does an action camera cost
Many buyers may be alarmed by the difference in the cost of action cameras, but it is determined by the functions and many parameters that are presented in the article. Average prices will be as follows:
- The usual budget options cost 2-5 thousand rubles.
- Devices of the middle segment with an optimal set of functions cost 10-70 thousand rubles.
- Equipment from the best manufacturers with high functional and technical capabilities ranges from 100-150 thousand rubles.
It is worth highlighting that the more functions, the wider the possibilities and the higher the cost. Every year, gadgets of this kind are supplemented with new products, new functional features and other parameters appear that may be useful to users. It helps to shoot high quality video even for little money. The article will help you determine how to choose a budget action camera or a more expensive one that will perform well in dynamic conditions.
