In the general segment of video cameras, action class representatives are the most functional, practical and flexible in operation. The designs of such models are initially made for extreme conditions of physical handling, so shooting is rarely done without special equipment. Obviously, auxiliary support tasks help solve special accessories for an action camera, the main range of which is designed to fix and stabilize the device.
Camera Tripods
Classic tripods, statically mounted on a hard surface, are rarely used in action cameras. Usually they are replaced by stadicams and monopods. These are devices that include a handle and a device for fixing the device in the design. A removable mounting frame can also be used separately from the handle - for example, with the help of Velcro and clamps it can be installed on a bicycle. Moreover, the goal of such a framework is not so much to mount the camera to a mini tripod as to minimize vibration. The frames are equipped with damping material, which even when using the device on the go provides clear shooting without hesitation.
Stadicam management is easy enough. As a rule, the main core is formed by sections with locks in the fold nodes. Telescopic models are also common, the length of which varies from a few tens of centimeters to 2-3 m. The complete accessories for this type of action camera in some versions provide for remote control via a special remote control.
Wearable fasteners
The main area of development of wearable fasteners for GoPro-type camcorders has long been fixing on the head. Almost all devices of this type were formed by several straps with a pocket, Velcro and clips. Today, developers offer experienced users mounts for an action-camera of a universal type. These are sets of belts with wide adjustment possibilities that can be worn on the body or head according to different schemes provided for by the instruction. In particular, there are configurations in which the camera is fixed in the chest area. This option is convenient in cases where the head is occupied by a helmet with an LED flashlight. As an alternative, lateral camera placement schemes are offered with the same straps on the head, however, in this case, a bulky and heavy construction is formed. In standard configurations, manufacturers offer typical headbands, mounts and head clips with adjustments for a helmet or an open head.
Boxes for cameras
Boxes, cases and boxes for cameras represent a separate class of accessories. It’s worth starting with the most functional and technological device of this type. These are hanging boxes with which the device is fixed to the quadrocopter. This configuration of the pairing of different equipment is used by many manufacturers. In particular, the Xiaomi action camera in the Yi 4K modification provides for the possibility of such an installation. However, regular hard clips allow you to reliably connect the camera with drones. This option is used if the box critically complicates the design that is acceptable for quadcopter maintenance.
Protective boxes are also common , in which the emphasis is on isolation from external physical or climatic influences. For example, a waterproof box for an action camera will protect the equipment from liquid penetration into the body. There are also classic cases that are used for convenient and safe transportation of the camera and its individual functional parts.
External batteries
Going on a long journey to take landscapes, it is worth considering the issue of camera power supply. The most energy-intensive models will not be able to provide continuous shooting in more than 1 day mode. Accordingly, it will not be amiss to stock up on batteries. These may be different devices. Firstly, you can use duplicate lithium-ion batteries with a capacity of about 1000 mAh. In this case, you should calculate how suitable the format of a particular battery or battery for the camera model. If the calculation is done for several days or a week, then the second option is suitable - the Power Bank device. In essence, this is a more capacious 10-15 thousand mAh battery, which will provide several sessions of complete replenishment of energy. But to use this battery, you need a charger for an action camera with a USB interface. The disadvantages of this solution include the fact that the Power Bank itself is a rather massive and not lightweight device, and this can cause unnecessary hassle when traveling.
Equipment for using the camera on the water
We have already talked about boxing, which protects the camera from rain, but this may not be enough when it comes to complete immersion in water. For such purposes, special vacuum and sealed devices in the form of the same boxes, containers and transparent hemispheres are used. A feature of the mounts and protective devices of this type is the presence of floats that do not allow the equipment to drown. In addition, water accessories for an action camera are usually marked with a characteristic bright color, which allows them to be distinguished in difficult operating conditions. For example, GoPro products are marked with an orange tint - not necessarily completely, but some of the parts have this color. Special lights for underwater shooting are also offered, which are integrated either in the container design or in the camera body.
How much do accessories for an action camera cost?
Simple fasteners and clamps made of lightweight plastic cost an average of 500-1000 rubles. In the middle segment, straps, boxes and brackets are already available for 2–3 thousand. The most technological and multifunctional accessories can be estimated at 10–15 thousand. These can be mounts for an action camera in the form of electronic steadicams, complex solutions for underwater shooting, as well as lighting accessories.
Conclusion
Among the main differences of action cameras, external security stands out. Such models receive high-strength housings, insulation coatings, ergonomic inserts for a tenacious grip, etc. However, without appropriate equipment in the natural working conditions for any kind of equipment, any model will be useless. Therefore, for example, the same Xiaomi Yi 4K action camera is provided with special connectors for connecting with mounts and tripods. Even before using the camera, it is important to calculate what accessories may be required. Correctly selected additions will make the shooting process not only convenient, but also productive in terms of the quality of the resulting video material.