9 best action cameras

Externally, SJCAM SJ4000 WiFi is similar to the famous action camera from a completely different price segment - GoPro. This device also received a rectangular case with a minimum number of controls. Included is a waterproof case that helps with the action camera to splash around the beach or plunge into the pool. However, inside the model are completely different components, much more modest. Shooting is carried out using a three-megapixel CMOS-matrix. The lens has a focal length of 2.8 mm, so that everything that happens around you gets into the frame. The picture is written with a resolution of Full HD, but the frequency does not exceed 30 frames / s. This parameter can be increased only by reducing the resolution to normal HD. But then the video will be interlaced. A distinctive feature of SJCAM SJ4000 WiFi is the presence of a 1.5-inch screen, although in most cases the user will turn it off. This model is endowed with a wireless module that allows you to implement remote control or transfer material to another device.

This action camera immediately gives out its manufacturer, because it looks like the sister of DVR Yi. And here the "affiliated" brand Xiaomi is also ready to offer quite serious characteristics.

Structurally, the camera is minimalist - a pair of buttons, at the back - only the battery cover and the SD card slot, there is no display. Instead, it is supposed to use a smartphone, the benefit of the camera supports Wi-Fi. The technology on the Yi recorders is already run-in and, it should be noted, is quite convenient. But the bundle is also minimalist - besides the USB-lace and the monopod (but under it there is a full tripod thread on the case!), There is nothing in the Yi box. Boxing and fixtures will have to buy more. But, on the other hand, there is no overpayment for unnecessary fixtures.

Behind a 155 ° lens, there is an Exmor matrix with a resolution of as much as 16 megapixels. Note that this does not give unambiguous advantages - the noise level of individual pixels inevitably increases. But taking into account the fact that the maximum recording resolution here is 1080p (and this gives 2 million points in the frame), the camera gets the opportunity to press noises with lowering interpolation. In general, the image quality in the light can be considered excellent for a camera cheaper than 5,000 rubles, but in the twilight noises inevitably begin to appear.

4K Action Camera already looks more impressive than younger models under the sub-brand Yi. The main advantage here is the excellent autonomy of work, on a standard battery the camera can work up to one and a half hours. "Stuffing" also corresponds to the declared level - the Ambarella A9SE75 processor, which is paired with the Bosch BMI160 triaxial gyroscope, is also capable of image stabilization, which is not exactly redundant for an action camera, is responsible for image processing. There is also a “fish-eye” correction function, which is quite effective. However, the viewing angle of the lens is 155 degrees, so the distortions are not as large as those of 170-degree thermometers with a comparable price.

The resolution of the matrix is ​​12 megapixels, so the camera can produce an “honest” 4K video at 30 frames per second. For lovers of ultra-fast shooting, it is possible to raise the frame rate to 120 in FullHD and even up to 240 in HD quality.

For framing and control, the camera is equipped with a 2.19 inch screen, with a touchscreen. This immediately imposes restrictions on the use of aquaboxes - changing the settings "on the go" will not work.

Note a couple of design flaws. If the "younger" cameras Yi lens edge cover the lens, coming forward, here it is easier to damage, so protection is a must. Actively loaded with calculations, the processor noticeably warms up the case.

Among the cameras, which by modern standards can be attributed to the "middle class" (which is not only price, but also characteristics), AC Robin Zed2 will be closer to outsiders. Whatever one may say, it does not support 4K, although in 1080p it gives out 60 fps in good quality without problems. There is an electronic image stabilizer - the benefit of the 16-megapixel matrix gives a good margin for reducing the interpolation of the "picture".

The package includes an aquabox and many mounts, which, we note, are rather weak - more attention should be paid to the reliability of the camera installation, especially if shocks and shaking are expected. There are no complaints about aquabox, especially since it will definitely not be superfluous: the camera itself does not have water protection.

To the real disadvantages we assign the limited autonomy of work - the standard battery is too small, but the manufacturer promises to add “upgrade” batteries to the list of accessories.

A very unconventional solution: the action camera itself looks like an ordinary video camera that has passed through a minimizer, and its remote control with a control display capable of working as a screen for a video stream (!) Most resembles a “smart watch”.

What exactly is worth waiting for from Sony is the quality of the components. It uses a ZEISS Tessar lens, equipped with optical image stabilization, which is an outstanding thing for an action camera. The Exmor R BSI matrix has a resolution of 8.2 megapixels — a figure that doesn’t impress the imagination, but it promises low noises when working in limited light. Image processing is the responsibility of the BIONZ X processor.

Note that the battery installed here, not only has a decent capacity, but is itself widely distributed: the model NP-BX1 is used on a large number of compact cameras Sony. When shooting in 4K, as much as possible loading the processor, the accumulator maintains nearly an hour of continuous work.