Since conventional devices cannot properly perform their functions in low light, high humidity, action cameras have been created. These are unique devices that are capable of overcoming various difficulties. If earlier they were used for capturing sports, now they are often purchased to take with you on a trip. In this article, we will try to figure out what an action camera is and how to choose it.
What is a modern action camera?
Modern action camera in a protective box
The action camera is a digital device that is placed in a special case. Thanks to him, the device is reliably protected from dust, moisture. The casing also reliably protects the device from shock, which cannot always be avoided at the time of extreme shooting.
Another feature of these types of cameras is compactness. They are small in size, with minimal weight. Such cameras are very easy to use. In order to make a quality shot, you do not need to have special skills.
Important! Action cameras have a wide-angle lens and enhanced sharpness.
The main types of action cameras:
- Classic. A great option for an amateur. The device has a rectangular shape. The lens is located on one side and the screen on the other. The complete set has a protective case for the camera itself and many useful accessories.
- In the form of glasses. The uniqueness of this type of camera is its shape. The device is very similar to everyday sunglasses. The only thing that is slightly different is the size of the arms. The action cameras are a bit thicker. This is due to the presence of electronics in them. The camera itself is located on the front panel between the lenses. Therefore, such devices are often used in filming, conducted in the first person.
Action camera in the form of sunglasses
- 360 cameras0. Such devices are designed for panoramic shooting. A distinctive feature is the presence of many lenses. Their number can range from 2 to 36 pieces.
- Action cameras for shooting in the dark. Compared to other types, these are built-in infrared LEDs. Thanks to them, the frames at night are clear and bright. Each device can contain up to 8 of these LEDs.
There are also specially designed cameras for quadrocopters. These devices are capable of real-time broadcast video on the screens of smartphones. Thanks to this feature, you can control the camera from a distance.
Scope of action cameras
Action camera can be used during swimming
Action cameras are the best solution for people who are keen on various sports, as well as for those who prefer to travel constantly.
Important! Such equipment is perfect for shooting on the hunt or fishing.
Action cameras are also in great demand among fans of blogging on the Internet. The devices are perfect for shooting mini films with first-person commentary. This is due to the fact that in the process it is not necessary to hold the device in your hands. It can be easily mounted on the operator’s head. The waterproof properties of such equipment allow it to work in the rain and even under water.
Such cameras are often used for motorcycles in the form of recorders, and also installed on other types of vehicles. This was made possible thanks to the presence of a special mount on the cameras. It allows you to reliably fix the device on the hood, mirrors, steering wheel, other parts of the machine.
How to choose a good action camera?
Choosing an action camera today is no easy task. The reason for this is a large range of devices. If such equipment was previously inaccessible because of the high price, now on the shelves of shops you can see cameras not only from well-known companies, but also from Chinese manufacturers, which have a low cost. They are in no way inferior to expensive equipment. Sometimes they even have great functionality.
Action camera for shooting underwater
Important! Action cameras lack auto focus.
Before choosing a camera, you should adhere to some rules. The first thing you need to pay attention to is weight. You should buy the lightest camera possible. This will make it easy to manage and make beautiful shots. It is also preferable to buy a device with an additional battery.
For those who want to choose a more reliable action camera, you should purchase a device that comes with a waterproof and shockproof box. Although shooting in it will be recorded without sound, it can be shot deep under water or, for example, in places with high dustiness of air.
If you are going to do professional shooting, you should buy models with a protective box, improved optics and additional functions. This will allow you to further convert the video into slow-motion, using the effect of slow motion. Of course, such options are more expensive, but worth it.
Often models of different brands having approximately the same parameters vary in price. This is due to manufacturers using different lenses, processors and matrices. Therefore, to get a good shot, saving on such details is not worth it.
170 degree action camera
Most often, action cameras use 120 ° -170 ° wide-angle lenses. They allow you to capture space as much as possible, thus making the frame voluminous and clear.
Still wide-angle lenses have a short lens, which provides excellent sharpness. This means that both distant and nearby objects will fall into the frame with equally good clarity.
When choosing a camera, you must pay attention to the matrix. This is one of the important parts of the camera on which the final result depends. The size of the matrix is important for the picture. Therefore, it is best to purchase action cameras with indicators of 6.17 * 4.55 mm.
Important! Matrix resolution is a conditional parameter. It affects image detail.
It should be remembered that the larger the number of pixels, the smaller the matrix size and photosensitivity of the device. Therefore, a balance between all indicators is very important. For example, for a 6.17 * 4.55 mm matrix, which can shoot in 4K format, the number of pixels should not exceed 12 units.
As for the processor, one of the best is the Ambarella A9. It will allow you to make high-quality video in the format of 3840 * 2160. You can find out which processor model is installed in the action camera by the inscriptions on the box. Therefore, before you decide, it is worthwhile to study in detail the characteristics and capabilities of the part.
Extra options
Action camera with remote control
Knowing everything about how to get high-quality video, it is worth exploring other useful options. They will help make the shooting process more convenient and interesting.
Options available in action cameras:
- The presence of zoom. Thanks to it, you can adjust the distance to the object during operation. This option is very relevant when using the camera on a quadrocopter, where for a detailed view of the picture you just need to zoom the image.
- Remote control. An irreplaceable thing when shooting is carried out at a certain distance from the operator. With it, you can start and pause recording or broadcasting.
- Wireless interfaces Now action cameras are everywhere equipped with a variety of useful modules. Remote data transmission is provided by bluetooth and wi-fi. They also allow you to control the quadrocopter, establish a connection between the camera and the remote control.The GPS sensor makes it possible to fix the video recording location of a specific clip. Which is certainly convenient, and sometimes just necessary.
Very popular are models with built-in motion sensors. Such a device with a G-sensor makes it possible for optics to react to a change in position or to detect movement and instantly start the automatic shooting process. This is very convenient when it is impossible for a person to control the camera.
Most popular models
AC Robin Zed5 action camera in a protective box
Currently, there are a huge number of different models of action cameras. All of them differ in appearance and characteristics. Among the many options available on the market, there are models that are most in demand.
Most popular action cameras:
- AC Robin Zed5. This is a budget option that could well compete with the GoPro generation. The camera has a 12.4-megapixel module and a 1200 mAh battery. Such a device weighs about 70 grams. The frame rate is 30 frames per second.
- Xiaomi Yi Action Camera. The minimum cost of such a camera is from 3 750 rubles., And the maximum - 7 000 rubles. The main advantage of this model is the matrix. Its resolution is 16 MP. This allows you to receive video up to 1080 p. with a frame rate of up to 60 frames / sec. In the budget segment, these are some of the best options for recording quality. The case is durable, but not waterproof. To do this, you must additionally buy the Xiaomi box. Thanks to him, the camera can be used at a depth of 40 meters. The cost of such an element is about 450 rubles.
- SJCAM SJ4000. This is a Chinese brand that carry 58 grams. The cost varies from 3 to 7 thousand rubles. The camera display is 960 * 240 units. The permissible resolution is 2048 * 1536, and the frequency is 60 frames / sec. In the presence of a built-in 32 GB memory card.
SJCAM SJ4000 action camera with integrated WIFI
- EKEN H9R. The model differs in good quality and the presence of many options. The device supports 4K. It belongs to the group of waterproof cameras. The kit includes a waterproof cover that allows you to work at a depth of about 30 meters. Records an EKEN H9R at 25 frames / second. The weight of the device is 100 grams.
- Xiaomi Yi 4K Action Camera. The cost of such a device ranges from 11-24 thousand rubles. The basic equipment consists of a camera and a USB cable. The viewing angle is 160 degrees.
- Sony HDR—As The average cost is about 15,000 rubles. The camera is distinguished by high quality shooting. There is a fast lens, the battery is 1240 mAh. Resolution is 1920 * 1080 at 60fps.
- Sjcam Sj7 STAR. It can be called one of the most successful models from this manufacturer. The camera is compatible with FPV quadrocopter. It features a distortion corrector, as well as a gyroscopic stabilizer. The minimum cost is in the range of 9,000 rubles, and the maximum is about 12,000 rubles. It all depends on the place of purchase, if you are lucky, you can save a little. The SJCAM SJ7 STAR is designed for shooting at depths of up to 30 meters. The maximum resolution is 2880 * 2160. There is a mode. An important advantage of the device is the memory of 128 GB. As for the viewing angle, it is 166 °. With continuous shooting, the battery lasts for 2 hours.
SJCAM SJ7 STAR action camera with distortion corrector
- Sony Fdr—X3000R. The average cost is 40,000 rubles. Sony FDR-X3000R has a 1240 mAh battery. Such a device weighs 114 grams. The camera supports NFC, GPS and has high sound quality. Comes with a moisture-proof box. Shooting is carried out at a speed of 30-200 frames / sec.
- Garmin Virb It has two matrices, as well as an NFC module. Shoots a 360-degree full-view video. The price is approximately 55,000 rubles. The camera is sold without a waterproof box. The maximum shooting depth without protection is 10 m, and with a case up to 30 m. The kit includes fasteners, a tripod with a stand, as well as a battery and micro-usb. The model is distinguished by the presence of an improved focusing system. The Garmin Virb 360 has Wi-Fi, NFC, and Bluetooth.
- Gopro Hero6 Black. Even without a protective box, the camera is waterproof.It can be used at a depth of up to 10 meters. The device weighs 117 grams. Battery - 1220 mAh,
Despite the large assortment of action cameras, every year more and more advanced models appear on store shelves. Knowing the differences between these devices, you can choose the best option that will 100% carry out its plan.
