TOP 10 best action cameras, choose an action camera

The action camera is a special equipment designed for digital video shooting of outdoor activities and outdoor sports. Its main function is to capture the brightest moments of life. Such a camera weighs little, has small overall dimensions, is reliably protected from moisture and dirt, has several ways of attaching to various surfaces. This allows you to install it almost anywhere and get a beautiful interesting picture. When buying an action camera, special attention is paid to the following details:

• The lens is responsible for the amount of light entering the matrix per unit time, is characterized by the number of lenses and their location relative to each other, provides a comfortable focal length and a certain viewing angle;
• The matrix has a direct impact on the quality of the footage. It is determined by physical dimensions, the presence of a noise reduction system, which will be very important in low light conditions or bad weather, resolution and frame rate per second;
• The processor is one of the key elements, it processes the signal coming from the matrix, is responsible for image quality and so on.

When compiling a rating of the top 10 best action cameras in 2019, we collected only the highest quality models that have a good price-quality ratio. We also took into account user feedback and hope that he will assist you in choosing such a complex device as an action camera.

Top 10 + the best action cameras

10+. SJCAM SJ5000X Elite

Almost got to the top ten action cameras. This design is equipped with the latest Novatek NTK96660 processor and the Sony Exmor R IMX078 universal backlight matrix, it has a resolution of 12 MPix, which allows you to get the highest quality picture. It can shoot in 4K mode, if necessary, changes the viewing angle. The maximum frame rate in this mode is 60 per second. When using the Full HD format, you can select a frame rate of 30, 60 or 120 per second. The menu is fully Russified, which is why it is even more convenient to use the equipment.

There is the possibility of loop recording - clips for 3, 5 or 10 minutes. The viewing angle also changes - 70, 110, 140 or 170 degrees. The camera has several gyroscopic sensors to stabilize the image. The device is equipped with a motion sensor, a good microphone. The video format is .mp4 or .mov, there is a photography function. The design has a Wi-Fi module, a wire for connecting a computer or charging the battery. Weight is about 100 grams.

Benefits:

• Low cost;
• The presence of a stabilizer;
• Beautiful appearance;
• Ability to use in underwater mode - at a depth of 30 meters;
• Small overall dimensions;
• Several shooting formats.

Disadvantages:

• The charger connector is not very convenient;
• In offline mode, only about 45 minutes are functioning.

10. GoPro HERO6

It has a high resolution sensor element - 12 MPix, it can be controlled by voice, the device can withstand depths of up to 10 meters, a Wi-Fi module is provided, support for 4K formats, the frame rate in Full HD mode can reach 240 frames per second. When photographing, files are saved in the format .hdr, .jpeg, .raw.

The assembly is magnificent, it is of excellent quality, the case does not allow moisture to pass through, the rear panel has a 2-inch touch screen display. It is additionally covered with a special protective glass. There are only two traditional buttons on the case - one of them releases the shutter, the second is responsible for turning the device on and off, as well as for switching modes. On the bottom side there is a cover, behind which there is a connector for a memory card and battery, under a separate plug is a connector for connecting a charging cable. The model is equipped with a voice control system.

Benefits:

• Ergonomic shape
• Convenient and beautiful design;
• Highest build quality
• Good protection against penetration under the water body;
• Perfectly removes under any weather conditions.

Disadvantages:

• Price;
• There is no protective block, which is why the camera is subject to shock;
• The kit comes with a few items.

9. Xiaomi Yi 4K Action Camera 2 Basic Edition

It has small overall dimensions, only the battery and cable for connecting the device to the computer are supplied. Everything else will have to be purchased separately. The battery is 1400 mAh, due to which the camera is able to work offline for a long time without the need for recharging. The device can be mounted on a tripod, fits in your hand as conveniently as possible, the corners of the case are slightly rounded, which makes this model more beautiful. She has only one control button, there are two microphones with the ability to record sounds in stereo and speaker.

All data is recorded on a microSD card, the slot under it is located next to the battery. On the back of the panel is a display with a diagonal of more than 2 inches, the camera has voice control, turns on 3 seconds after the command. The menu is not Russified, but it can be easily sorted out without even knowing a foreign language. In total, six operating modes are provided - video, slow motion video, photography, burst photography, timer recording and time-lapse video. The device has a Wi-Fi module, which makes data transfer more convenient.

Benefits:

• Very good quality video recording;
• The touch screen is quite sensitive;
• Reliable battery that provides battery life for two hours;
• Accessories are inexpensive;
• Quick response;
• Convenient access to all basic functions.

Disadvantages:

• Menu in English;
• The location of the memory card is inconvenient;
• The USB port dummy is pretty tight;
• There is no protection against moisture.

8. SJCAM SJ4000 WiFi

This device has an excellent and very functional filling: a 12 MPix sensor, further improved by a fast lens with a maximum viewing angle of 170 degrees. This allows you to achieve excellent quality shooting even in low light. A liquid crystal display with a diagonal of only one and a half inches, which is not enough.

Shooting is convenient - you can set the self-timer, use the continuous mode. There are three whole image formats - Full HD (30 frames per second with a resolution of 1920 * 1080 dpi), HD (recording speed is 30 or 60 FPS, resolution 1280 * 720), Easy (848 * 480 pixels at 60 frames per second) . All of these indicators are enough for use outside the premises. There is a Wi-Fi module, a convenient Russified interface, due to wireless data transfer, you can not record the picture, but immediately transfer it to the screen of a laptop or smartphone. The camera is quite light, the mass is 58 g without a battery, which weighs 44 g, with which you can take pictures.

Benefits:

• Rich equipment, which includes several devices for fixing to the surface;
• High quality shooting;
• Reasonable cost;
• Long battery life
• Insignificant dimensions and weight;
• A Wi-Fi module is provided.

Disadvantages:

• It will not be possible to get a perfectly clear picture in low light;
• Color rendition fades to red;
• The microphone is weak - the sound is quite quiet.

7. Sony HDR-AS300

It has a rather strict design, good ergonomics - it is very convenient to hold it in your hand, fasten it on a motorcycle helmet or on a bicycle handlebar. The shape is very similar to the small size of the camera. The case is painted white, which is not always convenient, as it will become dirty. This is one of the best action cameras in many respects due to the presence of an optical image stabilization system, when in all other models it is electronic.

Shooting video in 4K format is not provided. Together with the battery, the device weighs about a hundred grams with a small size of 30 * 40 * 83 mm, there is a slot for a memory card. The display is monochrome, which saves battery, the user can customize the picture quality for themselves. There is no voice control, but there is a remote control, which with a special strap can be fixed on your hand. The camera can be quickly and easily synchronized with any electronic device thanks to the Wi-Fi module. Charging takes place either from the network or through a laptop via a standard USB 2.0 connector.

Benefits:

• The presence of an optical stabilizer that provides high quality images;
• There is a microphone input;
• Provides splash protection;
• The assembly is high-quality, the plastic case is comfortable to hold in your hand;
• The battery compartment opens fully.

Disadvantages:

• During rainfall does not work;
• It quickly overheats in the heat;
• There is no wind protection system, which is why there are a lot of extraneous noise on the record;
• Expensive battery.

6. SJCAM SJ6 Legend

By design, this camera is nothing special, but the build quality is simply excellent, there are no complaints about it. There are two screens on the case: in front there is a black and white display, where all the basic information will be displayed - how much charge is left, the amount of free memory, the selected operating mode. The second screen, it is a touch type, is located behind, it can be used as a viewfinder. The device has three classic buttons that perform all the main functions related to the operation and methods of setting up the equipment. At the bottom there is a hole for mounting a tripod.

Built-in memory, like all other models, is not provided, there is a slot for installing a micro SD flash card up to 128 GB. Photos are obtained very high quality, the equipment is able to work in 4K video recording format, but at a speed of only 24 frames per second, of course, there are HD and FullHD modes. Visually notice the difference between them is almost impossible, there are also several types of stabilizer - low and high. In the process, the camera does not heat up, for a long time it runs on battery power.

Benefits:

• The kit provides a large number of accessories;
• There is a touch screen with a Wi-Fi module;
• Management is very simple;
• Cost compared to other models.

Disadvantages:

• When recording video, background noise occurs;
• Night shooting is of low quality.

5. Sony FDR-X3000R

A very good and inexpensive action camera, where the matrix of the latest SonyExmor R 12.5-inch model, reinforced by the powerful Bionz X processor, acts as a basis. The stabilizer is quite reliable, it works especially well when shooting in 4K format. The maximum bitrate of the device is 100 Mbps, so you need to immediately prepare for the fact that the files will weigh quite a lot - it is advisable to purchase a capacious memory card. The camera has all the modules for wireless data transfer - Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS, NFC, even an infrared port.

The case is made of white plastic - this is the main minus, as it will quickly become dirty, but at the same time it perfectly protects the filling from snow, rain or spray.The device operates at temperatures up to -10 degrees. On the side there is a small-sized monochrome display with several convenient buttons that allow you to choose the most suitable shooting mode. All connectors for connecting to a charging device or computer are hidden under a small latch with a latch; under the cover there is a battery and a slot for a memory card.

A wide-angle lens equipped with Zeiss optics, next to it are microphones for recording sound, as well as a speaker. Perfect for underwater shooting up to a depth of 60 meters. The kit includes a remote control that is worn on the wrist, on the sides it has the main control buttons, and on the front side there is a display.

Benefits:

• It removes well under absolutely any conditions;
• The presence of a quality stabilizer;
• The case is well protected from moisture;
• For immersion in water at great depths, a special box is included;
• Connectors for mounts universal;
• Convenient to manage.

Disadvantages:

• High price;
• The easily soiled body, on which any, even the smallest, pollution is perfectly visible.

4. Sony FDR X3000

In the top of the best action cameras, it took fourth place only because of the too high cost. Otherwise, this device simply has no equal - it perfectly records video, so it will be practically impossible to distinguish a picture from a real one. The processor reads and processes the data from the matrix pixel by pixel, without combining them into groups, which provides excellent detail. Despite the fact that the stabilizer is electronic, it works as efficiently as possible, has two modes - standard and active. The latter is for 4K mode.

The built-in system of two microphones located directly under the lens has a noise reduction system. If they are not enough, then there is a connector for connecting an external sound recorder. A universal tripod mount is provided at the bottom of the case; the device is perfectly protected from moisture. Very convenient control, navigation keys are enough, all the necessary information is displayed on the screen. There are recording indicators - from the top side, from the bottom and side, there is a Wi-Fi module, GPS, NFC and other wireless connection systems.

Benefits:

• High-end video recording;
• No fisheye effect;
• Three-position viewing angle with the ability to adjust.

Disadvantages:

• Sometimes it overheats - if in extreme heat to shoot videos in 4K format.

3. GoPro HERO5

It differs in ergonomic and attractive appearance, the case is made of reliable plastic, even the smallest gaps are absent between the elements, which protects the filling of the device from moisture, dust, water vapor and so on. plastic is additionally covered with a layer of rubber and a texture resembling ceramic. Even without a protective box, the camera can easily withstand immersion under water to a depth of about 10 meters. On the surface of the case there are only two buttons - start recording and switching modes. All other features of the device are transferred to the touch screen with a diagonal of two inches.

The lens is equipped with a protective glass, so even when dropped, it will not be damaged and the lens will not shift. The camera can be synchronized with a smartphone using a special application. The device was equipped with the latest generation processor, due to which it was able to shoot in 4K format at a speed of about 40 frames per second, there are also all other standard photo and video recording modes that are typical for good action cameras.

Benefits:

• Ability to customize sound recording: noise reduction level, wind and so on;
• The presence of a voice control system;
• Water resistant in itself;
• Good video quality.

Disadvantages:

• Not compatible with all mounts and memory cards;
• High price.

2. Xiaomi Yi Sport Basic Edition

A great option for both video and photography. She takes the second place in our review due in large part to a reliable matrix and a high-speed processor equipped with the most advanced color rendering system. The 16MP matrix is ​​the highest indicator in this rating, there is a wide-angle lens with a viewing angle of about 155 degrees, there are all the main ways of wireless data transfer - Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and so on.

In the photo mode, the device takes pictures with a resolution of 4608 * 3456 pixels, the video quality also speaks for itself - 4K mode, FullHD, HD and some others. The mass of the equipment is only 72 grams.

Benefits:

• Beautiful appearance;
• Compatible with most accessories of other similar cameras;
• Small overall dimensions;
• Very clear picture;
• The microphone is reliable, well suppresses noise;
• A convenient application for working through a smartphone or computer.

Disadvantages:

• The case does not have a custom screen.

1. AC Robin Zed5

A year ago, a new brand appeared on the action camera market - AC Robin. The model of the 5th series, AC Robin Zed5, is rightfully included in the TOP-3 of our rating. The novelty is made in the classic format, it has many modes and interesting options. Main shooting modes AC Robin Zed5: 4K @ 30, 2.5K@60, 1080 @ 120, 720 @ 240.

In terms of video and photo recording quality, AC Robin Zed5 will satisfy the most demanding users. The action camera is equipped with a 12.4-megapixel Sony CMOS IMX117 photosensor, the matrix viewing angle is 170 degrees. Allows you to adjust almost every option for taking photos and recording video files.

The device has an integrated matrix stabilizer for shooting on the go. The camera of this series is capable of shooting with a maximum quality of 4K at a frequency of 30 frames / sec. For modern requirements - this is an excellent indicator. AC Robin Zed5 shows good results in any light, including at night.

Separately, I would like to mention a complete set. ISHOXS professional mounts for extreme camera use are already in the box. Together with an external directional microphone.

Find out where you can buy an action camera AC Robin Zed5

Benefits:

• Maximum equipment;
• Service and support;
• Not bad video quality.

Disadvantages:

• Weak built-in microphone.

In conclusion, how to choose the right action camera

The development of modern technologies in creating action cameras allows you to use them almost as a professional recording equipment, and such products are not too expensive. About whether you liked the review and the models presented in it, you can express yourself in the comments to our article.

(4 ratings, average: 4,50 out of 5)

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