Multimedia technologies are developing, and manufacturers offer users more and more unusual gadgets. Modern POV camcorders (first person shooters) allow you to record video in unexpected places - under water, in the air, and even at high speeds. We are talking about action cameras, which are very popular among those who love the thrill, and ready to share their impressions with others.
The main criteria for selecting action cameras
When choosing an action camera, follow your personal preferences. Decide what is important for you: video quality, lightness and miniature, charge duration, presence of GPS, waterproof case? And the manufacturers of action cameras offer models for every taste.
Video quality
- Video resolution. Modern action cameras shoot video with a resolution of Full HD (1920 × 1080 pixels). Not so long ago, devices appeared on the market that could record video in Ultra HD (4K) format. However, there are still models that write videos only in HD.
- Frame frequency.During high resolution shooting a large data stream is created, which not every video processor can handle. Therefore, manufacturers deliberately reduce the frame rate to 20-30 frames / sec. If the camera is endowed with a higher parameter, then you will enjoy a smoother picture.
- The format of the video. Most action cameras record videos in MP4 format. Although, for example, Sony cameras use the XAVC format for this, which requires the installation of additional software on a computer.
Viewing angle
A fast-moving subject may fade from the camera’s field of view. To prevent this from happening, it is better to choose models that have a maximum viewing angle of about 170 degrees. In cheap cameras, this parameter rarely exceeds 145 degrees. The most convenient camera in which the viewing angle is adjustable from 90 to 170 degrees. It should be remembered that the higher the viewing angle, the more distorted the picture.
Moisture and durability
An action camera is needed for shooting in extreme conditions, so it is important that dirt, dust, water, small stones and blows do not disable it.
Usually the body of action cameras is made of light metals or reinforced ABS plastic. As for protection from moisture, any high-quality action camera can safely endure a short immersion in water, raindrops and splashes. For shooting under water, at a depth of 20-60 meters, you should choose a camera in a waterproof case.
Photo: s1.mmr.ms
What else to look for when choosing an action camera
- Memory.Video recording in modern POV cameras is carried out on external media. Most often it is a micro-SD card. For long-term recording in high resolution, you will need a flash drive with a capacity of at least 32 GB.
- Mount. Most action cameras are equipped with several types of mounts. In low-cost models, anchorage may be unreliable. But this also happens when the bundle contains only one mount, and the rest must be purchased separately.
- Power type. Almost all cameras are powered by removable batteries, one charge of which lasts for 2 hours. To extend the shooting time, you will need to purchase another battery.
- Size, weight and shape. Selection of action cameras should be carried out depending on the conditions in which it will be used. For example, a camera that will be attached to a helmet should be as easy and simple to operate.
- GPS. Allows you to use the camera also as a GPS tracker.Also when editing a video obtained with the help of such a device, you will always see the current shooting coordinates.
- G-sensor. With minimal movement of the camera or the object being shot, the built-in sensor automatically starts recording mode.
- Screen and remote control. On board some modern action cameras, there is a Wi-Fi-based wireless interface with which you can connect to the camera directly from your smartphone by installing a free application on it. This will not only view the footage on the screen of the gadget, but also control the camera.
- Additional functions. Liquid crystal display, LED lights, laser designator, remote control, etc. All this is sometimes not used by the buyer, but only increases the price tag of the gadget.
Most popular manufacturers of action cameras
Best among experienced extreme lovers, such manufacturers recommended themselves as: Contour, Aee, GoPro, DRIFT HD, LIC. These brands not only produce the highest quality products, but always equip their devices with a maximum set of useful functions.
Action cameras are no less popular. iON, Kodak, Polaroid, Sony, Veho, Garmin.
Among the most low-cost manufacturers are such companies as: Xiaomi, Blackview, Sjcam, Ricoh.
Note to the buyer
- Using all the benefits of wireless communication on your device, remember that a harmless Wi-Fi module will significantly shorten the camera's operating time, so it’s better to turn it on only as needed.
- The display in most action cameras is missing, and there is a certain logic. It is unlikely that someone will rip the device from the bumper or kayak to view just captured footage. In addition, the screen will increase the size, reduce the structural strength and accelerate the discharge of the battery.
- Before you buy a POV camera, you need to test it. It often happens that in low-cost devices, the viewing angle is much less than the figures declared by the manufacturer.
But, most importantly, the action camera should become a loyal assistant, which will never let you down and will work perfectly even in the most difficult conditions.
