What is an action camera: what is it for and how to choose it correctly

We can say about an action camera that this is a special type of digital device that is used for filming in sharp turns, under water, in severe frost, bright sun or, conversely, twilight lighting. Because of this, several requirements are placed on the device. The most important features and selection criteria are described in this article.

Device Description

First you need to understand what an action camera is. This is the name of one of the types of digital cameras that are specially designed for filming in particularly difficult conditions:

• driving at high speed;
• sharp maneuvers, turns;
• driving on uneven roads;
• performing tricks with a camera mounted on the head;
• different weather conditions (precipitation, frost, heat);
• an abundance of dust and dirt.

We can say that an action camera is a device for capturing fast, spectacular movements, i.e. action, which is where its name comes from. Such a device is attached directly to the clothing or headgear of the user who is filming:

• directly on the head using convenient clamps;
• on the helmet;
• for any item of clothing;
• directly on the body.

We can say about an action camera that it is a device that films action completely without human intervention.There is no need to hold the device or constantly reconfigure it – just turn it on and attach it to your helmet or clothing.

Purpose and features

If we talk about the purpose of an action camera, what it is and what it is used for, we can say that it is most often used by athletes and extreme sports enthusiasts. The device provides high-quality shooting even with sudden movements. This is possible thanks to several design features:

• small size and very light weight;
• body made of particularly durable materials with high-quality fastenings;
• sealed connections that allow shooting in water (not available on all models);
• special fastenings with which the device can be fixed in different places.

Main selection criteria

Now it’s clear what an action camera is and in what cases it is used. It remains to understand the technical and other parameters. To make the right choice, it is recommended to consider several criteria.

Housing properties

If you know what an action camera is used for, it becomes clear what you should pay attention to. Since the device is used outdoors in almost any weather, the housing must have several properties:

• waterproof - for underwater photography (can be a sealed case or an additional box);
• protection against low temperatures;
• additional protection from sun rays;
• dust protection;
• protection from mechanical damage.

Based on what you need an action camera for, you need to choose a truly suitable model. For example, if you do not intend to use the device underwater, it is better not to buy cameras with a sealed housing. It will not allow you to replace the battery or other parts if necessary.

Maximum resolution

It should be understood that an action camera is a typical digital model that takes very high-quality pictures. A common option is HD resolution, although this is only suitable for amateur videos. If you need a professional level, you should choose a device with Full-HD.

There are even more advanced models that support 4K resolution. If we describe in simple words what an action camera is, we can say that it is a digital device that is designed for shooting on the move, in water, in the cold and in other extreme conditions. Moreover, thanks to the high resolution, the frames are very detailed, as is the case with professional photography.

Matrix size

Any camera has a certain light sensitivity, which determines the quality of video in low-light conditions. This parameter is related to the dimensions of the matrix. If shooting is carried out only during the day, 1/3 or 1/4 inch matrices are quite suitable, but for shooting at dusk or underwater, models with a 1 inch matrix are suitable. This is what an action camera means for different lighting levels.

Number of frames

Another important parameter that affects video quality. Typically, inexpensive models have a frame rate of 30 per second. They work fine when driving at low speeds. But in order to shoot well during sharp maneuvering, it is better to consider devices with an indicator of 120 frames per second.

Viewing angle

If you understand why an action camera is needed, it is not difficult to guess that one of the main selection criteria will be the viewing angle. It is quite clear that the larger this parameter, the more you can cover in one frame.

On the other hand, if the angle is at its maximum, the straight lines at each edge may become distorted.Therefore, you should only consider devices that have a wide-angle lens. The optimal range is 110-140 degrees.

Image stabilization type

Based on what you need an action camera for, it wouldn’t hurt to study such a parameter as the type of image stabilization:

1. Optical - in this case, the lens moves during the shooting process, which makes it possible to smooth out jerks.
2. Digital does not smooth out video during shooting, but does it afterward using special software.

Extra options

Additional criteria may also be considered. For example, if you need an action camera with night photography, the device must be equipped with IR illumination. For convenient control, you should choose models with a display and wireless communication function. It would not be a bad idea to study the equipment, for example, a set of fastenings for various objects (steering wheel, helmet, windshield, backpack strap, etc.).

It is quite clear why an action camera is used and under what conditions it is filmed. As a rule, such devices are used by professional athletes and amateurs to obtain spectacular shots. Therefore, when choosing a suitable model, the greatest attention is paid to the quality of shooting.