Choosing an action camera: how to choose the right one, features and top 10 models - Setafi

There are several proven ways to help you understand how to choose an action camera for an amateur. First of all, you need to pay attention to the indicators that affect the quality of the video (frame rate, resolution, and others). It is equally important to study the battery life and additional characteristics described in the presented article.

Main selection criteria

First of all, you should figure out how to choose an action camera. To do this, it is important to consider several technical parameters and consumer characteristics. The most important criteria are:

Shooting Resolution

When considering which action camera to choose, many users rightly start the review with the quality of the shooting. It is important to understand that this is a complex indicator, which is affected by several characteristics at once. One of the most important is the video resolution.

The choice of action cameras for amateurs is usually associated with models that provide high quality HD. But it is better to purchase a Full HD device, which corresponds to a resolution of 1920 * 1080. This will be enough for both amateur shooting and for publishing high-quality videos on social networks, including on the YouTube channel.

However, if you analyze how to choose an action camera for slow motion, it is better to stop at models with a maximum resolution of 4K. These are advanced professional-level models that provide frame rates from 60 per second.

Frame frequency

Another characteristic of the quality of shooting, showing which action camera to choose, is the frame rate. It is quite obvious that the larger the value, the better the quality of the video. In addition, the picture will change more smoothly, which is especially true for scenes with jumps, stunts and other sudden movements.

For such purposes, it is better to choose an action camera with a minimum of 30 frames per second. But if you need better shooting, you should consider devices with a frequency of 50-60. Often there are models with an indicator of 120 frames per second. However, chasing them is not worth it, because such devices have reduced resolution.

Viewing angle

Important characteristics of an action camera are related to the viewing angle. It is clear that the greater this criterion, the more objects will enter the frame. On the other hand, small angles also have their advantages, as they allow you to focus on a particular subject and capture it in detail. In addition, if the angle is small, it is more convenient in terms of the fact that you do not need to select the optimal angle.

The default is 120 degrees. But there are also wider ones - 130-170. In some cases, the maximum angle is 360 degrees. The choice of an action camera with such an indicator is usually made by athletes and amateurs who prefer to shoot panoramic videos and photos.

Battery Life

The battery performance of an action camera is not directly related to video quality, but they are also of great importance. Usually devices work up to 2 hours on one full charge. This is quite enough for several dozen short videos.

On the other hand, if you plan to shoot for a long time, you need to choose devices with a long battery life (from 3-4 hours). The best action camera can shoot for 8-10 hours in a row.

Additional features

Choosing the right action camera To do this, consider additional features:

1. Protected against water – Fully sealed for underwater photography. Although because of this, in the event of a breakdown, it will not be possible to replace either the battery or other spare parts.
2. Considering what is better - a video camera or an action camera, many pay attention to the type of signal transmission. All devices are capable of communicating via Bluetooth. Also, many models are equipped with built-in Wi-Fi. Advanced versions have the ability to broadcast live to remote displays.
3. Since shooting can be done with sudden movements, it is better to use an action camera with image stabilization. Such devices smooth out sudden movements and provide smooth shooting.
4. Quite often there is a camera with a remote lens. It is equipped with a special module in which, along with the lens, a matrix is ​​​​placed. Thanks to this, the remote part can be placed anywhere where a conventional device cannot be placed.
5. It is also useful to understand what fov is in an action camera. This is the name of the viewing angle, which can be either small (120 degrees) or limiting (360).

Top 10 best cameras

A camcorder or an action camera are considered roughly the same characteristics. If you prepare a review taking into account not only technical parameters, but also user reviews, you get the following rating:

1. The GoPro Hero10 Black delivers the highest quality video in 4K and 5K. Even with a sharp movement, the frames change smoothly, and thanks to the presence of a stabilizer, the quality of the videos is comparable to the level of cinema.
2. The Insta360 ONE RS Twin Edition has 2 lenses and a maximum 360-degree field of view. Resolution works in 5K mode. Thanks to the presence of a special application, you can use ready-made templates to create beautiful clips.
3. If we consider which action camera to choose for YouTube, we can stop at this particular model.
4. DJI Action 2 is waterproof and weighs only 56g. Blocks are fixed with magnets. The files are delivered directly to the device's memory. The touch screen provides comfortable control.
5. Akaso Brave 7 LE is equipped with a front screen, works in 4K mode, while being sold at an affordable price. Weighing only 61g, the body is completely waterproof.
6. GoPro Hero9 Black works in 5K mode, is equipped with an automatic processing option and a fairly simple interface. If you dwell on this model, there is no doubt that it is better - an action camera or a camera. Only action can provide high-quality shooting in conditions of sudden movements.
7. Insta360 Go 2 is a small device that looks like a classic flash card. Allows you to covertly shoot, record tricks on skateboards thanks to its small size and weight of only 26.5 g.
8. Akaso EK7000 is another good action camera to choose for the hobbyist. Provides 1080p shooting. Runs autonomously for 90 minutes when fully charged. It is possible to do slow motion or continuous shooting.
9. Apeman A100 is a 4K rugged, waterproof case. Allows you to shoot for 150-180 minutes (when fully charged).
10.  OCLU can perform the functions of not only an action camera, but also an auto recorder, as well as a power bank. Case waterproof, total weight 101g. Management is quite simple, carried out using 3 buttons.

When choosing a specific model, you should consider the brand of the manufacturer and the price factor. Even for quite a small amount, you can buy a quality device with an optimal price-quality ratio. An example is OCLU or Akaso Brave 7 LE.