Best Action Cameras 2019-2020 - Top 10 by Techscanner

Best Action Cameras 2019-2020 — Top 10 by Our

Do you want to shoot something like this yourself for the family archive and showing off to friends? Then our guide on how to choose an action camera in 2019 will definitely come in handy. Time is money, so keep it short and to the point. At the same time, we will analyze the market and choose the best action cameras of 2019. Go!

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How to choose an action camera?

Think action cameras are a phenomenon XXI century? And here it is not. Something similar first appeared in the 60s of the last century. Then there were also a lot of extreme sportsmen, and they wanted to record their exploits. One skydiver simply attached a camera to his helmet. At the time, this seemed like something very unusual. As the years passed, companies began to produce miniature cameras for such shooting. True, at that time a camera weighing almost 300 g was considered miniature. Action cameras went to the masses in 2004, and these were well-known gadgets from GoPro. Today the market is simply overflowing with cameras with different capabilities and price tags. Choose — I do not want! That is why it becomes more difficult to understand the assortment, but we will try to explain everything as clearly as possible.

which action camera to choose

Recording and sound quality

The market is dominated by cameras with maximum resolution 4K(3840*2160). However, the full benefits of such video can only be appreciated with a 4K TV. Plus, you need a powerful computer to process it. Such cameras are great for shooting from a quadcopter, as well as for creating professional video. Enough in most cases permissions Full HD (1920*1080): Files will take up less space on the memory card, they will be easier to process, and on most screens you will not notice the difference from 4K. The transition format can be considered QHD, or 2.5K (2560*1140).

What should be the resolution of the matrix? For shooting in 4K, 12 megapixels will be enough, for FullHD — 10 megapixels. In this case, the average matrix size is 1/2.3 inches. If the matrix is this or even smaller, and the resolution is higher, then nothing good will come of it, since there will not be enough light for the pixels.

action camera 4K resolution

Camera resolution can be adjusted. The higher the resolution, the slower the shooting speed. For example, at the maximum resolution in most models, you can shoot with speed 30 fps. It is suitable for general walks, fixing ceremonial events and other smooth scenes. If there are more dynamic objects in the frame, then it is better to choose the mode 60 fps or even 90-120 fps, but at the same time, the maximum resolution will decrease, but you will definitely catch all the smallest movements. Many action cameras can write at speed 200-240 fps This is necessary to create slow motion videos. The resolution is unlikely to be higher than HD (1080*720).

In some scenes, sound is as important as video quality. Alas, sound quality is the weak point of many action cameras, especially inexpensive models. Well, they were not originally intended for a chic recording of music and voices, they have a different task. But! Next to conventional cameras with a basic built-in microphone, there are models that can record sound in stereo. Moreover, some cameras can be connected external microphone and turn the device into almost full-fledged videographer equipment.

Viewing angle

The vast majority of action cameras are equipped with wide-angle lenses with viewing angle from 110 degrees. These lenses are compact, have a large depth of field and allow you to capture maximum detail. The simplest cameras see at 120 degrees, the more advanced ones have a view of up to 170 degrees, but there are also those that amaze with a view of all 200 degrees!

It is important that the viewing angle in the camera can be adjusted. Video with a large viewing angle, of course, will be spectacular, but there is no escape from distortion. If the camera is needed not only for extreme videos, but also for blogging, making videos from travels and special events, then it is better that you can set up a medium or narrow viewing angle.

It is worth noting separately 360 degree action cameras. They are equipped with two or more lenses. Thanks to this, it is possible to record absolutely everything that happens around the camera. Such videos are cool to watch in virtual reality glasses, turning your head around.

autonomy

Probably, it is not worth explaining how important the duration of the camera operation without recharging is for some shooting scenarios. The minimum is 90 minutes, the average is 120 minutes, but there are also cameras that can withstand all 180 minutes. True, it is always worth looking in the characteristics at what settings the manufacturer measured autonomy. Some are cunning and claim high autonomy, while somewhere in a footnote in small text they write that this is possible with the minimum resolution and with the wireless modules turned off.

There are models that can charge and shoot at the same time. You can charge them at the same time from a computer or from an external battery. A useful opportunity for both bloggers and those who are looking for a good shot.

which action camera to choose

Degree of security

Action cameras are built for tough shooting conditions. They are taken with them underwater, to snow-capped peaks, they are used by surfers, skydivers, cyclists and lovers of other extreme sports. Therefore, the camera simply must be durable and withstand the effects of dust, splashing water and shock.

Alas, not every model by default has the proper degree of protection. Of course have action cameras in a protective case that can withstand immersion in water for 5-10 m, falls from a height of 1-2 m and exposure to dust, but only a protective box will protect against serious impacts. Many cameras come with it. The stability of the boxes is different, but, as a rule, it allows you to dive to a depth of 30-40 m, it protects well from shock and dust. The downside of the boxes is a decrease in the quality of sound recording, but when it comes to underwater shooting, for example, the sound is not so important.

What else should be considered when choosing an action camera?

There are a number of other factors that are important to consider when choosing an action camera. It is necessary to take into account, first of all, your own requirements for the quality of shooting, and, of course, do not forget about the budget. So, pay attention to the following parameters:

screen greatly facilitates the process of interaction with the camera and is present in almost all models, although there are still budget cameras without a display. Some manufacturers provide their cameras with a small black-and-white screen, which serves purely for selecting shooting parameters. But even in the most inexpensive models today there are color, and sometimes touch screens with a diagonal of about 2 inches. Keep in mind that the operation of the screen is an additional load on the battery, but it is quite difficult to select the necessary parameters using the buttons alone, without focusing on the display;
wireless interfaces. If the camera has a Wi-Fi module, then it can be controlled using a smartphone. It will be possible to remotely view the footage, make settings and see what is currently entering the camera lens. The presence of Bluetooth will allow you to do the same, but at a much shorter distance. There may also be a GPS tracker available, which will allow you to tie the footage to the area. For example, when editing a video about a bike ride, it will be interesting to insert a route on the map. The presence of a GPS module will come in handy and, if desired, use an action camera as a DVR;
remote control. Instead of a smartphone, you can use a remote control specially designed for remote control. The connection is made via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, the functionality of the remote control can be different — from simple on / off to full control of all shooting settings;
stabilization Images for a camera that will be used in extreme conditions with shaking, it is very important. In cheap models, electronic stabilization is usually used, when the edges of the frame are simply cut off a little. Optical stabilization shows itself better. If you need to make high-quality shooting with your hands, then it is better to additionally purchase a steadicam;
loop recording function, when the camera makes records for 5-10 minutes and, as the memory fills up, gives the very first records. Convenient if you plan to occasionally use the action camera as a DVR, but in this case, the presence of a motion sensor would not hurt;
connector HDMI will be needed for those who want to connect the camera directly to the TV and immediately view everything that has been filmed in recent days;
memory card. Usually cameras do not have their own memory, so you have to immediately order a memory card. When recording in FullHD, you need to take a memory card with a speed class 6, but it is better to take a class 10 card. To record video in 4K, take a U3 class card with a recording speed of 30 MB / s. Taking a good camera and saving on a memory card is pointless. As for the volume, 32 GB or more cards are suitable for FullHD, 64 GB or more for 4K;
shape and weight. Most modern action cameras are similar blocks that weigh less than 100 g. They are conveniently mounted on a bicycle handlebar, helmet, arm and head. If the camera is needed, preferably for shooting from a helmet, then it is better to look at models of an elongated cylindrical shape — they will create less resistance;
equipment. There are generous and very greedy producers. The first put in the box a complete set of all possible mounts, boxing, lace, sometimes even small tripods. The latter complete the devices to a minimum, so you have to buy everything you need. Since the dimensions of many cameras are similar, it is possible to use accessories from another model with one model. If desired, almost any camera can be equipped with an external flash (for shooting at night), an external microphone (if there is an output for it), an external screen (if there is no display in the camera).

It is impossible to say unequivocally which action camera is better to choose. After all, someone wants to have an inexpensive gadget that you can take with you to the water park, vacation and for a walk, while someone considers only cameras with the highest resolution, all wireless modules, maximum protection and optical stabilization. As you might guess, prices fluctuate a lot, but we tried to find devices for every taste and budget.