Many people simply cannot sit still and lead an active lifestyle. It can often be associated with rather extreme conditions such as large water flows, strong winds and aggressive terrain. In such circumstances, it is difficult to take pictures and videos that fans of extreme sports love to share with ordinary devices.
That's why they came up with action cameras that are not afraid of water, shock or dust. Of course, the margin of safety and endurance is not enough to create a first-class video, so the optical characteristics of the devices must also be taken into account. Our rating of the best action cameras with which every trip will leave memories for a lifetime will help to understand the world of these unusual gadgets.
Content
Which company action camera to choose
- GoPro - the American company has become a real pioneer in the world of compact action cameras. In 2002, the first GoPro models appeared, which became incredibly popular among fans of motion pictures. The company has a fairly wide range of products, including action cameras with 4K resolution, protection from all kinds of damage and excellent quality, proven over the years.
- Yi - a subsidiary of one of the best smartphone manufacturers in recent years, the Chinese company Xiaomi, has been manufacturing optics for active filming not so long ago. However, the Yi have already established themselves in the market with some of the best inexpensive action cameras combining excellent performance and attractive price tags under $ 10.
- SJCAM - the manufacturer is known both for its budget action cameras and more expensive solutions. The company's gadgets have been present on the Russian market for a long time, and SJCAM even has an official representative office that allows you to purchase original devices without fear of getting a fake or low-quality product. From inexpensive gadgets to 360 ° action cameras, a firm can find a way to approach every customer.
- Ac robin - The company started working in the digital video market in 2016, but has already gained a reputation as a manufacturer of high-quality and inexpensive action cameras. The Zed Series AC Robin cameras are fully featured for both land and underwater video capture. They are assembled from component parts of the leading companies in Japan, China, Taiwan.
Best action cameras - rating of models by price and quality
GoPro HERO 7
Finally, our review came to the GoPro action camera. One of the best models on the market today has an impressive 1 / 2.33-inch 12MP matrix, thanks to which the optics are capable of creating 4K video with a viewing angle of 150 degrees and a frame rate per second of 60. It is important to note that the action camera has an optical stabilization, which allows you to make any image as clear and static as possible relative to the frame position. Attractive additions include a user-friendly touchscreen display, Time-lapse support, and WRD and RAW photography. The price is about 25,000 rubles.
Advantages:
- battery 1220 mAh
- the most reliable case
- excellent protection against water and dust
- voice control capability
- stereo microphone
- the ability to adjust the shutter speed
- universal case
- lightweight and comfortable camera
- one button control
- Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and GPS support
Disadvantages:
- high cost
Rekam XPROOF EX640
The right to open the TOP of the best action cameras went to one of the most balanced models to date. The unique features of the XPROOF EX640 are capable of capturing 4K footage at 30 FPS and capturing stunning widescreen photos. Provides such opportunities CMOS-matrix with a resolution of 8 megapixels, which works flawlessly both in strong winds and under water. This model is also a popular travel camera for the reason that it has a Time-lapse mode that allows you to create beautiful slow-motion videos. For a cost of 5,000 rubles, the proposed set of parameters is an excellent solution for outdoor activities. Moreover, the cheapest action camera in our rating received a set with two mounts and a number of adapters, so there should definitely not be any problems with operating the device.
Advantages:
- USB and HDMI connectors
- memory card up to 32 GB
- convenient 2-inch display
- wide viewing angles
- good build quality and parts
- low cost
Disadvantages:
- faint sound when shooting
YI Action Camera Travel Edition
The next inexpensive but good action camera immediately became insanely popular, as soon as it first appeared on the pages of AliExpress, and then on the shelves of chain stores. The main feature of the gadget is the shooting format: at HD resolution, it shoots at 120 FPS, and at Full HD - 60 FPS. Such opportunities allow you to create real masterpieces both statically and dynamically. In addition, one of the best budget action cameras excels at being a camera capable of capturing 4608 × 3456 images. The camera received such functionality due to a 16 megapixel CMOS matrix, worked out in detail specifically for dynamic shooting. The additional functionality of the camera is also not bad: support for Wi-Fi and Bluetooth allows you to quickly exchange photo and video files, as well as connect to other devices using the proprietary Xiaomi application.
Advantages:
- low cost - 5000-6000 rubles
- widescreen photo and video shooting
- viewing angle 155 degrees
- perfect combination of price and functionality
- excellent build
- good functionality
Disadvantages:
- poor performance in low light
- meager equipment
- no LCD
Zed5
The action camera Zed5 from the AC Robin brand appeared on the market relatively recently - at the beginning of 2018. However, this camera managed to get high marks from experts and a large number of positive reviews from users. The declared shooting modes will delight the most discerning consumer: 4K @ 30, 1080 @ 120, 720 @ 240, Time-lapse and Slow Motion. Wide possibilities of video and photo allow to recommend this camera to everyone - from professional athletes to amateur beginners. And the attractive price makes the AC Robin Zed5 affordable for any buyer. The built-in gyroscope allows the use of the image stabilization function, which is very important for extreme people who shoot in conditions of shaking and non-linear acceleration. Modern and reliable components, including the Ambarella A12 processor and Sony IMX117 sensor, allow us to count on the high reliability of the final product.
Advantages:
- excellent video quality
- extremely well thought out ergonomics
- crisp 4K up to 30 frames
- high quality lavalier microphone in a box
- version of the model with a 90 degree lens without distortion
- great service and incredible support
- professional iSHOXS mounts included
Disadvantages:
- weak built-in microphone
Polaroid Cube
The Cube is not only one of the best value for money action cameras, but also a great example of how interesting this kind of device can be. The device has the shape of a small colored cube, due to which using a compact camera is both convenient and interesting. The 5MP CMOS sensor seems weak at first glance, as it is complemented by a 3.4mm focal length lens and an f / 2 aperture. Such parameters allow not only recording HD video, but also taking photos with a resolution of 2592 × 1944.It is important to note that the device has very reliable mounts and good protection against mechanical shocks, so this action camera is suitable for a bicycle or even a skier. At the same time, the price of the device ranges from 6500 to 7500 rubles, so even a beginner extreme or a simple traveler can afford to buy a budget model.
Advantages:
- the ability to use a magnetic mount
- one button control
- capacious battery (up to 2 hours of active work)
- stylish design
- very compact size
- Battery capacity
Disadvantages:
- quality of shooting in the dark
- no Wi-Fi and Bluetooth support
- high cost of branded accessories
Olympus TG-Tracker
A chic Chinese action camera for recording video in 4K resolution costs about 16,000 rubles, but it's not a pity to give this money for the functionality and quality that it offers. The main design feature is a large 8-megapixel 1 / 2.3-inch sensor, which allows not only to significantly improve the quality of shooting, but also to offer a viewing angle of 204 °. Based on user reviews, Olympus video shooting is truly professional: HD format supports frame rates up to 240 FPS, Full HD up to 60 FPS, UHD 4K up to 30 FPS. In addition, the gadget is equipped with support for Time-lapse, ExifPrint and electronic five-axis stabilization, thanks to which the experience of each shooting remains unique. The camera also received many additional features that make buyers pay attention to it when choosing an action camera.
Advantages:
- photographing format 3840 × 2160
- loop recording function
- complete set (protective covers, adapters, fasteners)
- built-in GPS and WiFi
- support for SD cards up to 128 GB
- there is a possibility of shooting underwater
- battery life
- high quality built-in stabilizer
- comfortable design
Disadvantages:
- difficult to understand with a dedicated smartphone app
- not the highest resolution 4K video
SJCAM SJ6 Legend
SJCAM, a popular manufacturer of gadgets for tourism and outdoor activities, offers some of the best value for money action cameras. Among the models, the SJ6 Legend deserves special attention, which has top characteristics at a price of 7000-8000 rubles. First of all, I would like to note that the gadget is a compact action camera with 4K video support, equipped with a 1 / 2.33-inch CMOS matrix with a 16 megapixel resolution. The frame rate of Ultra HD movies is low (24 FPS), but Full HD can provide up to 60 FPS, not to mention HD at 120 frames per second. Convenient touch control with 2-inch display makes it easy to delete unwanted photos and videos, thereby freeing up Flash memory.
Advantages:
- 166-degree shooting
- built-in illuminator
- microphone input
- touch control
- set of accessories
- a wide variety of modes
- build quality
Disadvantages:
- interpolated 4K format (actually below)
- built-in microphone quality
- lack of stabilizer
Sony HDR-AS300
The popular model from Sony continues the rating of action cameras. Usually you can find a Japanese manufacturer in the segment of professional optics or smartphones. However, the company has somewhat expanded its representation, offering an 8.2 megapixel CMOS sensor, 1 / 2.5 inches and Full HD format. This made it possible to make excellent quality photo and video files at maximum resolution. The combination of stabilization and an increased frame rate of 60 FPS allows you to shoot high-quality dynamic videos. Such a camera can be purchased for fishing or blogging, as well as for professional extreme sports or travel.
Advantages:
- aperture f / 2.8
- support NFC, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
- built-in GPS module
- sound recording quality
- excellent shooting quality
- durable protective case
- user-friendly design
- good stabilizer performance
Disadvantages:
- average autonomy
- high price
- it is impossible to view the video on the camera itself (although the display is installed)
Garmin VIRB Ultra 30
One of the latest novelties from Garmin is a truly top-end action camera that brings only positive emotions to work with.Of course, the cost of 22,000-24,000 rubles is very high, but for the characteristics and parameters that the device offers, this is very little. It's worth starting, of course, with a matrix of 1 / 2.3 inches and a resolution of 12 megapixels. It allows you to shoot wide-format 4K videos, do Time-lapse, and create photos with a resolution of 4000 × 3000. Gorgeous Night Mode makes shooting in low light conditions accessible. The set comes with a lot of the most essential components, adapters and accessories: in particular, when buying a camera, there is a waterproof box that allows you to make unforgettable underwater videos.
Advantages:
- electronic stabilization
- Bluetooth support, Wi-Fi
- slot for microSD up to 128 GB
- Convenient touch screen control
- the ability to shoot underwater up to 30 meters
- build quality and reliability
- Ultra HD recording quality
- many built-in sensors
- Convenient recording start switch
Disadvantages:
- high price
- battery life
Xiaomi Yi 4K Action Camera 2
A camera with a wide-angle lens and serious battery life. So, at the maximum resolution, which is indicated in its name, 4K, it can record up to 2 hours. At a lower resolution, 1080, about three. At the same time, the picture does not shine with quality, but it does not lose much to competitors either. In serious shooting mistakes, you can write only the lack of stabilization and the wrong white balance, which is already a family feature of almost all Xiaomi gadgets with optics. It shoots better at night than many of the more expensive participants in the rating.
You can control it via Wi-Fi, pairing with your phone is almost instantaneous, no need to wait for the end of autotune. Using the phone as a remote control does not pose any serious inconvenience - the response when exchanging commands is minimal. The case is not the most durable, but it can withstand a few drops. Its main drawback is low aerodynamics, if you attach cameras to a bicycle or motorcycle helmet, wind resistance will only increase.
pros
- There are noise cancellers in the microphones.
- A high resolution.
- Serious autonomy.
- High quality optics.
- Wireless control.
Minuses
- Fragile body like for an action camera.
- No image stabilization.
- Poor auto color correction of the picture.
AC Robin Zed2
An excellent domestic camera, which is in no way inferior, and in some things even surpasses its competitors. This is the older model, which has an additional screen on the front wall, next to the camera lens. It displays service information, such as date, time, remaining recording duration and battery charge.
There are many ports, for example, for memory cards, which expands the standard values for continuous recording times and their total number. It connects to a PC using the already somewhat outdated, but quite universal microUSB. There is also a port for a camcorder and an additional screen, which makes it easier to operate the device in difficult conditions. There are many mounts to different surfaces right in the kit, which means that the range of use increases even more.
A camera equipped with a Sony peephole shoots well. In bright light, these are excellent, juicy clips, in the dark, noise reduction is already included in the case, which, however, is practically not needed, since the aperture ratio is quite enough for low light. The battery, as for such devices, is huge, 1600 mAh, the operating time from it varies depending on the selected output quality and can reach two hours with the maximum preset.
EKEN A8
An incredibly rich camera for its very low price, but with some serious limitations. Firstly, this is shooting only in HD quality and with small viewing angles. Secondly, with its rich functionality as a car recorder, the camera does not have any mounts for the car. Third, shaky videos in the output due to the lack of any image stabilization.
Despite this, the device is not entirely bad. Many models with a price twice, or even three times higher, will envy its configuration.There is an aqua box that makes underwater photography possible, and straps and various mounts allow you to put the EKEN A8 on a cyclist's helmet or on the frame of the vehicle itself.
Excellent autonomy here is achieved, of course, by the low resolution capabilities of the optics, but despite this, the camera lasts a very long time from a single charge and does not fail at crucial moments.
pros
- Strong body.
- High autonomy.
- Can be used as a video recorder.
- Lightweight.
- Cheap.
Minuses
- Low video resolution.
- There are problems with night photography.
- Incomplete set.
What action camera is better to buy
In the review, we tried to select only the most reliable and high-quality devices from various price categories. Buying outdoor gadgets is no easy task. Determining which model is the best is not easy at all, since each of them has decent performance and an excellent price. We really hope that our rating of the best action cameras has helped you when choosing a new extreme and travel companion.
