How to choose the action camera. Action cameras are increasingly popular and not only for extreme sports enthusiasts. Even if you’re not a sports fan or adventurer, the action camera is one of the coolest gadgets. It’s rugged, lightweight, small, and comes with excellent features, and it seems to be on everyone’s shopping lists as of late. However, before you buy the most prominent brand name on the market, you need to read the below tutorials.
How To Choose the Action Camera
What to Look for When Buying an Action Camera and How to Use It Famous Brand or Less Famous Brand?
When it comes to action cameras, you need to consider a few criteria. So we will cover them in detail below and see if they fit your budget. Regarding brands, all we say is that you should read some reviews and forums before you invest.
If your first idea is the GoPro just because it makes almost all the headlines, you should reconsider. Other brands pack a powerful punch regarding video quality and durability, and it would be a shame to overlook the other brands pack a powerful punch regarding video quality and durability.
Quality and durability, and it would be a shame to overlook the other brands pack a powerful punch regarding video quality and durability, and it would be a shame to overlook them.
For instance, if you pay attention to the detailed Akaso ek7000 features analyzed by photography experts, you will learn some surprising things. Why this camera in particular? It comes with a 170-degree wide-angle lens to satisfy even the most sophisticated adrenaline junkie who wants full immersion. Moreover, it is probably the best action camera in its price range, spoiling its users with impeccable design and control.
While the GoPro is famous, other action cameras offer plenty on various selection criteria. Let us analyze today the most important factors to consider when you want to buy an action camera. Do you want some tips on how to make the best of it? We have got you covered!
Tips For Action Camera
Video Quality – Mind Your Frame Rate as Well
It is a crucial point in your purchasing decision. The video quality and resolution of your action camera should allow you to capture clear, crisp, and immersive footage or still pictures. Go for the highest resolution available today – 4K – but only if it suits your needs.
The best action cameras on the market feature 4K video (GoPro, Akaso, SJCAM, etc.), but you need to consider its costs. As a beginner, you might do well with lower video quality to learn how to exploit the camera and then upgrade to a more professional model.
For the best videos, you also need to factor in the place where you mount your camera (head, bike, chest, etc.) Specialists recommend you even consider a 4K portable monitor to enjoy a full experience.
Having a 4K camera is not enough to make those fantastic videos you enjoy so much online. When you use your camera, make sure you switch your framerate from 30 fps to 60 fps. The human eye will spot slight differences, but the 60fps allows you to edit parts of your video in slow motion.
Size and Shape – Make Sure You Make the Best out of the FOV
Some action cameras feature different sizes, shapes, and weights. It means that, depending on what you intend to do with it, you have multiple choices. The bulkier, square ones go better for chest mount, while the bullet-shaped ones make excellent additions to your helmet, bike handles, and so on.
Make sure you place the camera in different areas when you shoot your action videos to offer an immersive and exciting video to your peers, friends, and family. Keeping the camera on your head all the time will soon get boring cinematography. When you use the camera, switch its place onto the handles, your body, etc.
You will find almost all cameras featuring a wide-angle Field of View (FOV); we recommend you choose a camera that allows you to select among wide, medium, and narrow FOV. If you only use the wide-angle, some images will look distorted and come with a fish-eye effect. Choosing the best angle for the best type of action/sports is a skill you will master while enjoying discovering and experimenting with your camera.
Accessories – Take Your Time to Get Those Stable Images
When you browse online for action cameras, pay attention to the accessories that accompany them. Usually, standard accessories include helmets, head mounts, handlebar mounts, chest belts, telescoping poles, etc.
However, if you are into surfing, skiing, or other extreme sports, you want a camera coming with those specific accessories. It would be a pity to decide and pay for a device and learn you will not be able to attach it to your surfboard.
Surf Action
When you buy an action camera, one of the most important things you want is image stability. Mounting the camera on your body or your sports equipment is crucial for getting the best pictures and videos as long as you use the proper attachments.
Make sure the accessories are of equal quality as the camera
The best way of getting the camera and the accessories you need is the following: browse all the brands you have on your shortlist, check the reviews, and talk to the people. You need to see what mounts and accessories accompany your camera and what other compatible accessories you will find in specialized shops.
If nobody manufactures a specific mount for your choice camera, you should move on with your search.
Durability – Get the Best Settings a Camera can have
Action cameras are usually durable and resilient to wear and tear. Nevertheless, you may want a camera that is waterproof and weatherproof. Moreover, you want a camera coming with settings that match your hobbies and sports interests – such as one able to meet and even exceed your expectations in the scuba diving department.
Underwater photography is not the easiest hobby one can embrace; therefore, make sure you get a camera that comes with varied and elaborate settings, so you can use it while scuba diving and mountain biking.
After all, you do not need a separate camera for each action sport you practice, but one that allows variations and alternatives. Get familiar with your camera modes and read tutorials or even take photography classes to learn how to make the best out of your action camera if you are a beginner.
Battery Life – Pick the Best Settings and Accessories for your Activities
Most action cameras offer up to three hours of ongoing filming before their batteries run off. Make sure you pick your camera depending on the battery life that best suits your needs. If your primary purpose is to film hi-res videos, you have to know that you will deplete your battery juice faster. Moreover, you should also consider having a separate charging bank for the camera’s battery or at least a spare one.
Sometimes, cameras with longer battery life are more expensive or may not feature the settings you need. When you start your shopping process, look for other manufacturers that sell compatible spare batteries or power banks for the make and model of your camera battery.
Many people are into action cameras these days – and not just the adrenaline junkies.
They serve many purposes and offer you the memories of a lifetime. You will find cheaper models and expensive pro ones. Read the reviews, compare the tech specs and the prices, look for the specific settings you need, and enjoy an immersive experience together with your friends and peers!
Conclusion
Hence, we gathered a review of How to choose an action camera to provide you with the experience to make a good choice for which one to buy. We hope you enjoy this article.
FAQs:
What factors should I consider when choosing an action camera?
When choosing an action camera, focus on factors like resolution (4K or higher for crisp videos), frame rates (60fps for smooth motion), durability (waterproof and shockproof features), battery life, and mounting options. Assess your specific use case, whether it’s underwater filming or capturing fast-paced sports, and prioritize cameras with the features that align with your needs.
Is a higher resolution always better for an action camera?
Higher resolution like 4K or 5K provides detailed and sharp footage, but it’s not always necessary. If you plan to share videos online or shoot casual content, 1080p might suffice and save storage space. Evaluate your editing and viewing needs—professional videographers may benefit from higher resolutions, while casual users can prioritize other features over resolution.
Are accessories important when selecting an action camera?
Yes, accessories significantly enhance the functionality of an action camera. Look for models with a wide range of compatible mounts, cases, and additional batteries. Essential accessories, like waterproof housing for underwater adventures or stabilizers for smoother footage, can expand the camera’s usability. Ensure the camera supports third-party accessories for flexibility and cost savings.
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