Recently, a lot of photo and video enthusiasts have begun to show interest in the so-called extreme innovations in this area, where you can’t do without legitimate questions: what is an action camera, how does it work, what is the complexity or simplicity of its design, and indeed what are the features of this gadget.
In this article, we will try to answer all these questions with a kind of review that will help to most effectively and, most importantly, correctly understand what kind of device it is and how much it fits into your everyday life.
This article will help to understand the design features of each model, which will allow the user to make the right and informed purchase, and the comparison of models will help for the highest quality and most suitable option for choosing such exotic equipment. And in the process of getting acquainted with the article, you will surely find answers to the question about what an action camera is and whether it is worth buying at all.
GoPro Hero 3+ Black
Despite the diversity of the market for such gadgets, coupled with constantly emerging innovations and improvements, the GoPro brand has been and remains the leader in this segment. This company became a pioneer, deciding to be the first to launch such equipment for photo and video shooting on the market. Its products can still be considered the best in image quality.
What is a GoPro action camera ? These are excellent operational characteristics, high-quality audio content, excellent detailing, a huge range of colors, shades and tones - that is, everything that will make your work or hobby a pleasure.
It is also worth noting that the quadrocopter for such a device allows you to discover many interesting features and even turn the most daring and interesting desires into reality.
Particular attention should be paid to the quality of shooting in low light conditions. In terms of the quality of the recorded sound, the model is inferior only to the analogue from Sony, but otherwise the camera can be praised for its balanced parameters and excellent characteristics.
The action camera (1080p - basic resolution) of the third version is capable of shooting video in 4K resolution with a standard limit of 15 frames / sec. A distinctive feature of this model, which will surely please some users who are not indifferent to selfies, is the SuperView system for self-portraits.
The design of the device allows you to fix the gadget in a variety of options and ways. The camera itself is very convenient and compact, which makes it an indispensable tool for shooting in angles of increased complexity.
The kit includes Wi-Fi, a remote control, high-quality and non-marking screen, which serves to simulate a display on the camera and a cable for connecting to external devices. The specialists consider the only, but a small omission of the developers, the absence of fixing mechanisms for the remote control on the wrist, which, for example, is provided in Drift cameras.
main parameters
- The angular view of the main camera is 170 °, 90 °, 127 °.
- Available resolution - 4K, 2.7K.
- Support for external drives - micro SD cards up to 64 GB.
- Weight - 75 g.
- Battery - 1180 mAh.
The battery life of the device varies within two hours in intensive mode, which is more than enough for most users. Ardent fans of long shooting can be advised to buy an additional battery.
Sony Action Cam 2
The Sony model has some similarities with the previous respondent both externally and in functionality. The gadget has retained the outlines of previous versions in the form of an oval, so it will not be superfluous to acquire a special cover, which, for example, is equipped with a Chinese action camera.
The instruction manual is completely in Russian, so there should be no problems with the configuration. The device has a liquid crystal display and several function buttons that help you navigate through the menu. The camera is perfect for those who like to fix this kind of device on their heads due to the fact that it is light in weight, streamlined and compact.
Video files are obtained in very good quality, and the viewing angle, as in other similar products of the segment, does not exceed 170 degrees. In order to control the device remotely, it will be necessary to additionally install the application on your smartphone (the software is guaranteed on the Android and iOS platforms).
The presence of a GPS module will make it easy to navigate the terrain and set the necessary routes, and it is also possible to view received data regarding telemetry indicators.
Gadget Features
- The angular view of the main camera is 170 °, 120 °.
- Available resolution - 1080p, 720p.
- Support for external drives - micro-SD cards.
- Weight - 86 g.
- The battery is 1240 mAh.
This model can be called a leader in terms of sound quality. Separately, it is worth noting that, even being in a waterproof case, the gadget is able to make high-quality video, moreover, with excellent sound, and this is far from every competing device.
The battery life of the device ranges from 2.5 hours, so just like in the previous case, fans of long shots need to take care of an additional power kit.
Smarterra SJ4000 action camera
This model deserves the attention of consumers and the trust of potential users. It is immediately worth noting that it belongs to the budget class. But this does not mean at all that a cheap action camera is not in demand (at least not in this case).
This gadget has twelve mounting options, coupled with a safety cable, which automatically makes it a convenient and versatile device for any trip and even extreme sports.
Camera Specifications
- The display matrix is CMOS.
- Protection against moisture - is.
- Support for external drives - micro SD cards up to 32 GB.
- Battery - 900 mAh.
The 4000 Series Chinese action cameras are equipped with a display on the back of the case, so after shooting you can immediately see the footage. As one of the options, the gadget can be used as a DVR, and the waterproof case allows you to shoot video at a shallow depth, and quite high quality.
What is an action camera in the understanding of many? This is a high-quality shooting, good autonomy and the availability of wireless protocols. With the first paragraph there are no problems, but with the rest, alas, have to come to terms. The popularity of this model is noticeably lower due to the lack of support for Wi-Fi and a short battery life, but there is a tangible plus - this is the price.
Polaroid XS100
The Polaroid action camera occupies a very attractive position in its segment due to successful and balanced parameters along with the characteristics. The device can shoot in three modes - 720p, 960r and 1080p. The performance of the camera matrix is also impressive - 16 megapixels. It is possible to simultaneously shoot both photos and video materials.
Separately, it is worth noting the interaction of the gadget with several types of memory cards: SDHC and ordinary SD, but in micro format.
Device specifications
- The angular view of the main camera is 170 °.
- Available resolution - 1080p, 960p, 720p;
- Support for external drives - micro-SD cards, micro-SDHC.
- Water resistance - is.
- The battery is 1200 mAh.
The design of the camera allows you to mount the device on a helmet, a bicycle and other objects. Due to the waterproof case, the gadget can be used under water even without a protective case. One of the main advantages of this model is the battery life - up to 3 hours, which will surely please fans of long shooting.
Panasonic HD Action Camcorder
The Panasonic Camcorder action camera is a great option to capture the most extreme moments of your life. The model is perfect for use on vacation, in sports and even in the car.
The case of the gadget is perfectly protected from all kinds of shock without compromising performance in a temperature differential. The device’s design is distinguished by interesting and fresh moments that lovers of something new and original will surely appreciate, and the convenient functionality will not allow the user to be confused even by the most ignorant of such things.
Gadget options
- LCD panel.
- Available resolution is 720p.
- External storage support - micro SD cards up to 32 GB.
- Water resistance - is.
- Weight - 46 g.
A good battery goes well with the light weight of the device. The gadget feels great under water and on rough roads, smoothing out interference during shooting. In the kit you can see a set of fasteners for mounting on a helmet, a bicycle or other similar surfaces, as well as a cable for synchronizing with a personal computer and a waterproof case along with a protective panel. In general, the model is well balanced in price / quality and worth the money spent on it.