Why need to own an action camera?
There are wide ranges of reasons why we need to own one because using the action camera will make your photo into real life. Just like the name given, action camera can resist to any harsh environment, not to mention the affordable price.
Different from the regular video or DSLR cameras, action cameras are a lightweight, portable, wide-angle lens, waterproof and shock-resistant design that allows it to take videos or pictures of the surrounding with ease. Action cameras also possess a lens that captures high definition video in an ultra-wide angle fish-eye perspective.
Who should own the action camera?
Those who are the camera beginner or/and extreme athlete who like spending most of their time on outdoor or adventures activities will be the most suitable to use the action camera.
Some main features of the action camera include the compact nature, wide-angle lens, waterproof, and shock-resistant, and hence it can be mounted to the helmet, bicycle, hand, etc which provide an ultra-viewing angle to capture the breathtaking moments of ski runs, skateboard tricks, or even snorkeling adventures.
What to look for?
The following features are critically considered when looking for an action camera:
- Durability: Since it will be used under extreme conditions such as hiking, skiing, skydiving, the camera should be made from quality materials to prevent damage;
- Mounting Ease: Mounting the camera on the helmet, handlebar, kayak, boat, chest or anywhere should be easy and simple. Various accessories are available with the action camera;
- Impact and Shock-Resistance: Due to the extreme vibrations, shock, impact and high possibility of getting knocked, bumped or falling, a good camera will have good shock and impact absorption. This not protects the internal components but also ensures the images and sound are clear;
- Weight: The right item will be lightweight as this makes carrying it even for a longer time. Chances of a lighter camera falling and getting damaged are much slimmer than a heavy one;
- Size: A very big camera is not only bulky but is also hard to carry and likely to get knocked or bumped; and
- Resolution: It’s advised to go for the highest resolution possible. Good choices include 720p, 1080p, and 4k. The more the frame-rate options the better the regular camera.
Other crucial aspects include memory, sound, waterproofing, design, Wifi, Bluetooth, App, geotracking, hands-free, battery life, voice activated control and versatility.
Best Action Cameras in 2018
When talking about action camera, Gopro may first come to your mind. However, there are many different brands of action cameras with the affordable price appeared in the market nowadays. Take a look of the below review to find out which one will probably suit your need.
*Note: All of the below battery life estimate time of the cameras will perform and last differently according to the use of video mode.
Contents
- 10. AKASO, EK7000 4K WIFI Sports Action Camera
- 9. APEMAN, Action Camera
- 8. YI, 4K Sport and Action Camera
- 7. Campark, ACT74 Action Camera
- 6. Funshare, Waterproof Action Camera
- 5. Crosstour, 4K Action Camera
- 4. NEXGAGDET, Action Camera
- 3. Muson, Action Camera
- 2. Victure, Action Camera
- 1. GoPro, HERO5 Black
- Bottom Line!
10. AKASO, EK7000 4K WIFI Sports Action Camera
The sleek and handy camera is the new release version of AKASO EK7000 that features a maximum resolution of 4K 25fps and 2.7K 30fps with 12MP at up to 30 frames per second for incredible photos. The 170° wide angle allows you to capture from a wider angle of your surrounding while 2-inch LCD screen for a clearer display. Moreover, you can capture the underwater adventure using waterproof case that allows the camera to dive up to 30 meters (100 feet).
The AKASO EK7000 also features built-in Wi-Fi that can control cameras from distances of up to 50-feet (15-meters) allowing you to connect to the smart phone, tablet, computer and more to sharing via text, email, Facebook, Twitter, and more to your friends and family.
AKASO EK7000 4k Wifi action camera can add up to 64GB Micro SD card, with the micro SD card slot, easy for you to choose the extra storage capacity. The other advantages include quality videos, great sound, good price and decent size and weight. This camera accessory pack with splash-proof remote, 2 batteries and 15 mounting accessories.
Item Weight: 1.5 pounds
Specifications Highlight
- LCD screen: 2″
- Lens: 170° wide angle lens
- Video recording formats: 4K
- Photo Resolution: 12MP
- Waterproof: up to 30 meters
- Wifi: Yes
9. APEMAN, Action Camera
Apeman action camera seems to be drawing lots of attention. It’s capable of shooting up to 1080p/30 FPS (720P and WVGA) high-definition video and taking photos up to 12M (8M / 5M) full HD.
The wide 170-degree angle lens covers a larger area whereas the hard case protects the 1.5-inch LCD screen from cracking while the nylon shell and soft foam lining allow this action camera to use underwater down to 30 meters without causing any internal damage.
The 900mAh battery capacity can be used for up 90 minutes recording time for a single full charge of 3 hours. The Apeman action is compatible with a tripod, bicycle holder and helmet so that you will never miss every wonderful moment. However, this action camera doesn’t feature wifi function and the micro SD card is not included in the package.
Item Weight: 1.6 pounds
Specifications Highlight
- LCD screen: 1.5″
- Lens: 170° + HD wide-angle lens
- Multiple video recording formats: 1080P/ 720P/ WVGA
- Resolution of Photos: 12M / 8M / 5M
- Waterproof: up to 30 meters
- Wifi: No
- Bluetooth: N/A
8. YI, 4K Sport and Action Camera
YI action camera comes with a 4K/30fps (100mbps), 2.7k/60fps, 1080p/120fps, 720p/240fps video, and 12MP raw image with build-in Sony IMX377 image sensor, that will allow you make high-resolution videos and photos via its 160-degree wide-angle lens.
It comes with an impact resistant Gorilla Glass 2.2″ LCD touchscreen and is powered by high capacity rechargeable lithium-ion battery allow you to record up to 120mins. The YI 4K waterproof case can be submerged up to 132 feet underwater and the built-in high-speed 5GHz wifi allows you to connect the camera via smartphone or tablet using YI Action App.
Item Weight: 4.6 pounds
Specifications Highlight
- LCD screen: 2.2″
- Lens: 160° ultra-wide viewing angle lens
- Video recording formats: 4K Ultra-HD
- 4K: 30fps
- 2.7K: 60fps
- 1080P: 120fps
- 720P: 240fps
- Resolution of Photos: 12MP
- Waterproof: up to 132 ft
- Wifi: Yes
- Bluetooth: yes
7. Campark, ACT74 Action Camera
The Campark ACT74 action camera relay on high-resolution videos courtesy of the 4K Ultra HD at 30fps. The photos are equally high-quality thanks to the 16MP Sony sensor and the wide-angle 170-degree lens offers a great photo resolution.
The action camera is powered rechargeable Li-ion battery, each can work up to 90 minutes. The built-in wifi work across 10 meters allows you to control the camera easily via your smartphone. With the waterproof case, the action camera can be used underwater deep down to 30 meters.
The SD card and battery charger are not included in the package, yet you can charge the battery in the camera using USB wall charger 5V/1A output or you can separately buy the battery charger if you want.
Item Weight: 1.4 pounds
Specifications Highlight
- LCD screen: 2″
- Lens: 170° wide angle
- Video recording formats: 4K (30 FPS)
- Photo Resolution: 2M/ 5M/ 8M/ 12M/ 16M
- Waterproof: up to 30 meters
- Wifi: Yes
- Bluetooth: No
Just as its name suggests, this Funshare action camera allows you to share the fun with other people via the app support using the built-in Wi-Fi.
The small camera offers a high resolution of 1920*1080p Full HD and 14MP with the 170° wide angle lens giving a stunning photo shooting and video filming. The action camera is designed to withstand tough environment condition and by using the IP68 waterproof case, the underwater ability of the camera can be used up to 30 meters. It uses 1050mAh rechargeable Polymer Lithium battery (2 batteries are included) and supports only 32GB micro SD card.
Item Weight: 0.34 pounds
Specifications Highlight
- LCD screen: 2″
- Lens: 170° wide angle
- Video recording formats: 1080P
- Photo Resolution: 14MP
- Waterproof: up to 30 meters
- Wifi: Yes
- Bluetooth: No
5. Crosstour, 4K Action Camera
The Crosstour is one of the brands that are making quite an impact in the market. This camera, for instance, is very affordable but offers similar quality to some of the high-end cameras. It features a colorful 2-inch LCD screen, comes in 4K 25fps & 2.7K 30fps video and 16MP photo resolution, a 170-degree wide angle lens, and can work underwater for up to 30 meters/100 feet.
It comes with 2 1050mAh batteries that can continuous recording up to 90 minutes. Consumers love the many attachments, great picture quality, nice design and its waterproof nature. Now that you can easily record video and take photo using the wireless wrist remote control with the maximum distance of up to 10 meters.
Item Weight: 0.34 pounds
Specifications Highlight
- LCD screen: 2″
- Lens: 170° wide angle
- Video recording formats: 4K 25fps & 2.7K 30fps
- Photo Resolution: 16MP
- Waterproof: up to 30 meters
- Wifi: Yes
- Bluetooth: N0
4. NEXGAGDET, Action Camera
Coming with a 170-degree wide angle lens, the NEXGADGET camera will capture the action from a wider angle. It delivers the high-resolution images up to 14MP and up to 1080P/30fps of video format.
It includes a 2″ LCD screen for previewing as well as editing the content. And in addition to being waterproof, shockproof, the built-in WI-Fi connectivity allows the user to control the camera feature and instantly share your file to the smartphone in a minute. The camera uses 1000mah rechargeable batteries giving a more long lasting use.
Item Weight: 1.5 pounds
Specifications Highlight
- LCD screen: 2″
- Lens: 170° wide angle
- Video recording formats: 1080P
- Photo Resolution: 14MP
- Waterproof: up to 30 meters
- Wifi: Yes
- Bluetooth: No
3. Muson, Action Camera
This is undoubtedly one of the most-advanced and share-friendly cameras on our list. Although coming in a small size, this camera packs quite a punch.
The 2″ LCD screen comes with the 170° wide angle lens supports up to 4K of video resolution and 12MP of photo resolution. You can control this action camera within the distance of 15 meters using the built-in 2.4G remote control. The included waterproof case allows the camera to use underwater up to 30 meters. Muson uses 1050mah Batteries to operate and can support microSD cards of up to 32GB.
Item Weight: 1.7 pounds
Specifications Highlight
- LCD screen: 2″
- Lens: 170° wide angle
- Video recording formats: 4K Ultra HD
- Photo Resolution: 14MP
- Waterproof: up to 30 meters
- Wifi: Yes
- Bluetooth: N/A
2. Victure, Action Camera
The Victure action camera allows you to capture the action for up to 240 minutes. It features a decently-sized 2.0-inch LCD display which together with the 170° wide angle lens ensures you take the best shots.
It can record in 1080/30fps Full HD video and comes with 14MP for the perfect photo shot. The IP68 waterproof case enables it to be safely used in water as deep as 30 meters. The 1050mAh lithium-ion battery can last for 240 minutes and support micro SD memory card of up to 32GB.
The camera also features USB, HDMI, and Wi-Fi for easy sharing. It is the top pick because of its many accessories, long-lasting battery, many tweaking options, and user-friendly nature.
Item Weight: 0.13 pounds
Specifications Highlight
- LCD screen: 2″
- Lens: 170° wide angle
- Video recording formats: 1080M
- Photo Resolution: 14MP
- Waterproof: up to 30 meters
- Wifi: Yes
- Bluetooth: N/A
1. GoPro, HERO5 Black
The GoPro brand is synonymous with action cameras. They have launched many versions in the market, and the HERO 5 Black, the professional camera for intensive sports, is one of the best from the brand.
It offers high-quality videos courtesy of the 4K video and quality photos thanks to the 12MP photo. Thanks to the built-in microphone, the camera audio quality is incredible. The camera comes with Burst, Single, and time lapse modes for versatility and allows you to playback, preview, trim and change settings instantly.
Another unique selling point of the GoPro Hero 5 is the video stabilizer that you can get the impressive scenery of any extreme activities. The action camera is shock-resistant and waterproof up to 10 meters/33 feet without the housing, that is the advanced feature over the Hero 4 series. The built-in Bluetooth of the camera (BLE) is used for initial set up and staying connected with the camera; yet it is now supported only for iOS version of the GoPro App. From the current reviews, GoPro Hero 5 is a top choice because of its small size, decent weight, compact nature and user-friendly interface.
Item Weight: 0.26 pounds
Specifications Highlight
- LCD screen: 2″
- Lens: wide
- Video recording formats: 4K
- Photo Resolution: 12MP
- Waterproof: up to 10 meters (without housing)
- FOV: Wide; Linear; Medium; Narrow
- Wifi: Yes
- Bluetooth: Yes
Bottom Line!
The most important feature of the action cameras is they are lightweight and compact and can be used with the accessories so that you can mount them into hand, helmet, bike… to get an ultimate video filming experience. They are also built to tolerate the harsh outdoors, but will still offer you high-quality images thanks to the high resolution and good frame rate. Recent years, action cameras are actually on the verge of replacing the regular video cameras. To meet the growing demand for the action camera, manufacturers have released all kinds of products. Thanks to the advanced technology, the action cameras are getting smaller, lighter, yet inexpensive.
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