We will try to talk about the important parameters of devices, paying due attention to the advice from professional photographers and dealers. In addition, we propose to consider the main characteristics and our action camera rating, which presents the best models for different categories of users.
Action Camera Feature Selection
Currently, no one is surprised by the HD resolution (1024x720 pixels). This format is gradually becoming a thing of the past. Therefore, choosing an action camera, focus on the following standards:
- Full hd - The most popular format, providing for a resolution of shooting 1920x1080 pixels. At the beginning of 2019, this standard is enough to view the captured content, even on widescreen monitors. Therefore, the specified resolution is the best option for ordinary users;
- 4K - the format of the future. In fact, there are still not too many cameras shooting in the resolution of 3840x2160 pixels. The vast majority allow you to create photos and videos, more likely close to the standard than the corresponding ones. At the same time, achieving really high-quality photos using a professional action camera is quite difficult in poor lighting conditions. It is necessary that the device has 3-axis stabilization, which is quite expensive. But, many experts are convinced that thanks to the high detail in the 4K-format, the future.
Image stabilization
Sony is currently offering the best optical stabilization. And this must be considered when buying an action camera for outdoor activities. Otherwise, due to vibration, hand shake, it will be difficult for you to create good content. In addition, high-quality stabilization reduces the time required to process videos.
Digital stabilization sprinkles the picture harder, but when choosing a budget action camera for fishing or hunting, this is enough. In this segment, Xiaomi and AIRON gadgets are noteworthy.
Camera angle
In simple words, this parameter determines how many objects can be captured in the frame. Currently, the characteristic can vary in the range from 45 to 360 degrees. Even when choosing an inexpensive action camera, focus at least 160 degrees. At the same time, you should not buy state employees with a wide viewing angle. As the photographers say, they remove the effects of the “fish eye”. The best option is from 200 degrees: for a bicycle, spearfishing, beautiful landscapes. It is desirable that the firmware provide for the management of this setting. This will increase the scope of the camera, because for a selfie photo a large viewing angle is not needed.
The number of frames per second
GoPro is the undisputed leader in this parameter, but their action cameras are more focused on professionals. However, it is impossible to underestimate the characteristic when shooting video, since the smoothness of the video depends on it.The more FPS, the better. When choosing an action camera for a bicycle, shooting sporting events or hunting, be guided by an indicator in the range of 100-120 fps. For shooting family videos, 50 fps is enough. Please note, a small value of the number of frames per second is accompanied by a number of problems in the installation saw. In any case, in post-processing you cannot realize the effect of time dilation.
Action camera sound quality
When choosing an action camera, amateurs make one big mistake - they forget about the sound quality. The first thing to learn - a high level of protection negatively affects the sensitivity of sound recording. It is also necessary to consider the firmware. In the latest versions, the quality is always higher, as leading brands are working hard to optimize their shells. At present, models with stereo support open up wide possibilities for editing high-quality videos. A number of models from Sony and GoPro do not need subsequent sound processing at all.
What to look for when buying?
Perhaps we will start with the fact that many waterproof models provide protection only against splashes. But when immersed in water, they fail. Therefore, it is necessary to focus on delicate brands, the devices of which in practice have proven their efficiency under unusual conditions: under pressure at a depth of 10 meters, etc. Read reviews and see reviews. As for the optional accessories, here the choice of action cameras is limited only by the imagination of the developers. Among the really useful details include protective boxes, special fasteners, accessories for shooting selfies.
Action Camera Memory
The vast majority of devices operate on the basis of microSD and SD memory slots. The amount of memory you need to calculate from your camera capabilities. If it is designed to shoot video in Full HD, there is no need to choose a memory card for an action camera larger than 32 GB. If you plan to use the gadget to shoot 4K video, you will need a 128 GB card, since one video can take up about 400 MB of free space.
Wireless technology
Most action cameras come with built-in screens. The problem is that the main advantage of these devices is their compact size. For obvious reasons, experts do not advise fans to choose action cameras with technologies for which they know nothing. It is enough to limit ourselves to the most important wireless technology modules - Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.
That's all friends. We tried to describe the most important parameters, and we hope that this is enough for novice users to make the right choice!
