The SuperPhoto mode makes it easy to apply HDR, local tone mapping, as well as noise reduction effects on the fly. Additionally, an 8x slow motion mode allows filming videos in 1080p format to make fast-paced scenes even more fascinating.
The user's manual could be more detailed.
The GoPro HERO7 is a new word on the market of action cameras. This model will bring both your videos and pictures to a whole new level. Thanks to the support of the latest wireless technologies you will be able to stream live via YouTube or Facebook and all that is possible without even touching the camera itself thanks to the built-in voice controls.
4K - 60 FPS
2.7K - 120 FPS
1080p - 240 FPS
960p - 240 FPS
720p - 240 FPS
4K60, Wide FOV
12 MP
Up to 120 minutes; 1 Lithium polymer battery
170°
Waterproof to 33 ft
Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS, MicroSD
Battery, Mounting frame, Adhesive mounts, Mounting buckle, USB-C cable, Thumb screw
1 year
The Sony Highlight Movie Maker application is capable of recognizing faces and can automatically combine multiple pictures and clips into one single video. What is more, the camera is equipped with a 3x zoom5 system that makes it easy to pan in and out and change the view angle of the camera lens.
The waterproof housing can muffle the recorded audio.
This action camera is equipped with the newest BIONZ X CPU that makes filming in FullHD and 4K easy and fast. Alternatively, the high-quality lens help in capturing the true colors of nature around you while the waterproof housing of the camera ensures that no internal components will be damaged in the process of filming.
4K - 30 FPS
1080p - 120 FPS
720p - 240 FPS
480p - 240 FPS
H.264 MPEG4
8.3 MP
Up to 155 minutes; 1 Lithium-ion battery
Up to 170°
Waterproof to 197 ft (with supplied Underwater Housing)
Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC, GPS, HDMI, USB, Mic jack
Attachment buckle, Micro USB cable, Rechargeable battery pack (NP-BX1), Underwater housing (MPK-UWH1)
1 year (Limited)
Once you stop recording, the camera shuts off automatically, thus saving the battery life. Simple one-button control makes it easy for you to use the gadget.
Wi-Fi option doesn't always provide a strong signal.
If you haven't used action cameras before, the Hero Session might be to your liking. Featuring good video and photo specs, as well as being waterproof and easy to use, this camera might become the first device of the type you'll buy.
1440p - 100 FPS
1080p - 60 FPS
960p - 60 FPS
720p - 100 FPS
H.264 MPEG4
8 MP
Up to 120 minutes; 1 Lithium-ion battery
170°
Waterproof to 33 ft
MicroSD, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Micro USB
Standard frame, Curved adhesive mount, Flat adhesive mount, Mounting buckle + hardware, Micro-USB cable
1 year
A 7-layer optical lens of the YI 4K allows choosing exactly how much light you want to capture with the camera. This neat feature allows filming in limited light conditions without breaking a sweat. Moreover, the Yi Action mobile app will make editing a fast and pleasant task so it also feels rewarding using the camera.
The microSD port is positioned awkwardly.
This great action camera model from YI combines a top-notch quality of build with supreme electronic components and a high-quality lens from Sony. While the camera surely can film in 4K format, the retina touch screen will help in choosing the right filter or visual effect. If you need a high-quality camera but don't want to break the bank - this model will be the right pick.
4K - 30 FPS
2.7K - 60 FPS
1080p - 120 FPS
720p - 240 FPS
H.264 MPEG4
12 MP
Up to 120 minutes; 1 Lithium-ion battery
160°
Waterproof to 33 ft with case (not included)
MicroSD, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, USB
Rechargeable battery, USB cable
1 year
High-resolution options allow you to get videos of superior quality including one of the most popular 4K size. And advanced video stabilization adds to the functionality greatly.
The housing might heat up when you record videos at the highest resolution for a long time.
Being one of the newest models produced by GoPro, the Hero6 will meet all of the requirements of the most demanding users. The manufacturer has improved the best features of previous models to make video recording a more convenient process.
4K - 60 FPS
2.7K - 120 FPS
1440p - 120 FPS
1080p - 240 FPS
720p - 60 FPS
HEVC
12 MP
Up to 90 minutes; 1220 mAh
170°
Waterproof to 33 ft without a housing
MicroSD Class 10 or UHS-1 up to 64 GB, USB-C, HDMI, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS
Frame (HERO6 Black/HERO5 Black), Rechargeable battery (HERO6 Black/HERO5 Black), Curved adhesive mount, Flat adhesive mount, Mounting buckle, USB-C cable
1 year
Mount Anywhere, Film Everything
The GoPro Hero7 action camera provides the user with a top-notch video quality with a resolution of up to 4K with relative ease and zero stutterings. But what features make this particular model so popular? To figure this out, we took the most important aspects of the camera and compared it to similar products in the same price range.
To start off, the device supports Wi-Fi and Bluetooth interfaces, which allow for using it as a live stream camera. Thanks to the additional frame and adhesive mounts, as well as the mounting buckle you can fix the camera in place or mount it on any equipment including bags, helmets, and other gear.
As for the quality of photos taken with Hero7, the device can effectively apply various effects to the final pictures. This includes HDR, local tone mapping, and noise reduction to improve the overall quality of the pictures taken with the camera.
The support of multiple high resolutions will help bring the quality of your videos to a whole new level. What is more, the camera is also capable of capturing video in true 60 FPS while recording in 4K, 120 FPS in 2.7K, and in 240 FPS in 1080p, 960p, 720p.
A New Word on The Action Camera Market
Unlike previous models in the GoPro camera line, the Hero7 features a high-quality touch screen that will make navigating the menus a tad bit easier. That said, the real issue with the camera hides in its convoluted design of the onboard menus and that the user’s manual doesn’t explain how to navigate through properly. Fortunately, you can always use the voice commands in order to start recording a new video or to take a picture.
On the bright side, however, when it comes to the autonomous capabilities of the camera, the Hero7 can operate for up to 120 minutes from a single battery charge. The lithium polymer battery included in the kit takes around 1.5 hours to charge so in case you plan on taking the action camera with you on your trips we also recommend getting a capacious power bank as well.
Furthermore, the additional features include a waterproof housing that allows using the camera underwater on depths of up to 33 feet. But if that’s not quite enough, you can always opt for an additional casing that will allow recording in even deeper waters.
In the end, despite some complicated instructions, the Hero7 is one of the best action camera models in the medium class today. Reliable, rugged, and extremely easy to use it brings a new definition of high-quality videos to the market of action cameras.
Additional Info
| Last updated price | $335.99 |
| Stock | In stock |
| ASIN | B07GDGZCCH |
What customers say about this product
Size & Weight(4.6)
Display(4.6)
Video(4.4)
Features(4.3)
A Great POV Camera for Recording in 4K
This camcorder from Sony features everything that a great action camera strives to be with its great build quality and ease of use.
First things first, the FDR-X3000 has premium-class 8MP ZEISS lens on board allowing you to record videos in crisp 4K and Full HD resolutions. Additionally, the back-illuminated Exmor R CMOS sensor removes up to 50% of artificial and natural noise from your videos with one single tap.
Furthermore, the Sony FDR-X3000 features remote controls that you can use together with any iOS or Android powered device including smartphones and tablets. All you need for this is a PlayMemories mobile application that is available through both Google Play and the Apple App Store.
The built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth modules are also a great addition to the overall mix, allowing you to stream live without even touching the camera itself. On top of that, the camcorder is equipped with NFC and GPS systems that can attach geolocations to your photos and videos so you will know exactly where they were taken.
Your Best Travel Companion
With this model, Sony really brings true underwater housing to the table. What could have been an additional feature in any other device in the medium price range, the FDR-X3000 has it as a standard option which makes it an excellent option if you need an all-weather device. For added peace of mind, the camcorder is equipped with buttons that can be used even when the waterproof housing is equipped. They are conveniently positioned on the side and the top of the camera and can be used with one hand with relative ease.
Contrary to similar products in the same class, the DFR-X300 features a high-quality stereo microphone that allows recording videos with stellar sound quality, when used without additional camera cases. If you absolutely need to use an external camera case we recommend using an additional microphone so the sound of your videos didn’t appear a bit muffled in the end.
As for some novelty features, this POV camera model allows choosing a viewing angle according to your liking from Wide, Medium or Narrow modes. Moreover, the all-new zoom5 system makes it easy to zoom in and out, thanks to the powerful triple zoom.
Wrapping things up, if you are looking for a reliable action camera that can be used in virtually any environment, then this model from Sony will be right up your alley. By opting for this model from Sony you are getting a reliable waterproof camera that will become your best travel companion.
Additional Info
| Last updated price | $659.95 |
| Stock | In stock |
| ASIN | B01LYSJB8A |
What customers say about this product
Features(4.4)
Video(4.6)
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All GoPro Benefits at an Affordable Price
The GoPro Hero Session is created for those who want a simple and affordable action camera. It has all the basic functionality and allows for taking quality footage under all conditions. The camera supports four resolutions (1440p, 1080p, 960p, and 720p), has the maximum still resolution of 8 MP, features 10 FPS, and includes a time-lapse option allowing you to get both great pictures and amazing videos with different visual effects. The Hero Session has a micro USB port and comes including a MicroSD card for storing recorded photos. It also supports Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, which means you can sync it with your phone, for example, and control all settings from there. Like more expensive GoPro models, this one boasts a capacious battery and will last up to two hours of intensive use. On top of that, it boasts great protection allowing you to use it safely in the mountains, desert, or underwater at the depth of 33 feet. Not dissimilar to the other models we reviewed, the GoPro Hero Session can be secured in several ways. Depending on where you use it, you can choose a standard frame, curved or flat adhesive mount, or a mounting buckle.
Time Lapse. Why to Use
As you might have already noticed, most GoPro action cameras have a time-lapse option. It has already become very popular and we can often see time-lapsed shots of natural phenomena, city life, and other changing events on the Internet. So what is the time lapse and why you might want to use it on your GoPro? This option is often confused with speed-up video but there’s a difference. When you speed up your video, the program simply cuts off every other frame of it to make it faster. A time-lapse option, in turn, plays all shots without reduction. This allows you to make sequenced still photos at certain time intervals so that you get many hours of photos contracted into few seconds of exciting video. Videos made with the use of time lapse option are extremely detailed and can tell the story of your travel in seconds. A lot of GoPro users combine time-lapsed videos with common ones to get the fuller picture of their adventures. If you haven’t used this option before, don’t hesitate to try its benefits out for yourself and it might become your favorite photo option among those offered by GoPro action cameras.
Additional Info
| Last updated price | $419.99 |
| Stock | In stock |
| ASIN | B01C80O0ZU |
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Display(4)
Video(4)
Action Camera for Live Streams With an Excellent Image Stabilization
The YI 4K action and sports camera is one of the best deals around if you are looking for an affordable camera capable of recording videos in 4K format.
As for the specifications of the image and video quality, the camera can record 4K at 30 fps, 2.7K in 60 fps, 1080p in 120 fps, and 720p in 240 fps, thanks to the 12 MP Sony IMX377 lens implemented in the build. With an impressive battery capacity of 1400 mAh, the YI 4K is capable of recording videos in 4K for up to two hours before it needs to be recharged. On top of that, the camera does not overheat, thanks to the cooling system that makes it easier for the device to record high-resolution videos for prolonged periods of time.
Additional software features include an Electronic Image Stabilization system that makes the videos still no matter the circumstances. Combined with a built-in 3-axis gyroscope and accelerometer the system makes it easy for the camera to detect changes in position and track even the slightest motions. When turned on, the EIS will use cross-border compensation algorithm to ensure that all of your videos will be stable.
Moving on, the onboard firmware allows adjusting ISO, WB, shutter, as well as other meters of the camera required for top-notch pictures and videos. The firmware is being updated regularly and so are the settings and features, leaving less room for occasional bugs occurring during the recording process.
Best Budget Action Camera
As for the manual controls, the camera also features a built-in 2.2” LCD touchscreen with an easy to navigate user interface. Although the 640x360 resolution might not seem very detailed, it does its job well and makes navigating the menus a quick and effortless task.
Just like any other modern action camera, the YI 4K features Wi-Fi and Bluetooth support needed for live streaming as well as wireless data transfer. The 5GHz/2.4 GHz standards allow for instant data sharing between the devices with little to no stuttering. What is more, the device can be controlled via the YI Action App using any mobile device that runs on Android or iOS. This small yet handy app allows not only beginning and stopping the video recording but also editing them on the go in just a few taps. The screen itself is made with Gorilla glass retina, which is highly resistant to scratches and other impacts.
In the end, this model from YI is certainly the best budget action camera that combines a budget-friendly price with a high-quality build. With this little device, you will be able to capture every moment of your life in a gorgeous 4K format.
Additional Info
| Last updated price | $220.00 |
| Stock | In stock |
| ASIN | B01FU6KDEG |
New Functions in Familiar Design
Being the latest model on sale at the moment, the GoPro Hero6 Black has many outstanding features that differ it from the previous versions, while being almost the same in design. The first feature worth mentioning is the ability of the camera to record videos in HEVC format. This is one of the latest video compression technologies that is believed to become a serious rival to a popular H.264 MPEG4 format. The advantage of this video codec is that it delivers images of better quality but of smaller size. Thus, you can store more HEVC videos than you would store those recorded in MPEG4. Another feature standing the Hero6 Black model apart from the competition is the maximum still resolution of 12 MP which is the highest compared to the other models. One more useful feature is a GPS interface which allows tagging locations of the footage.
The GoPro Hero6 is compatible with a great number of accessories. Depending on the kind of sports you do, you can attach this camera to a curved adhesive mount, flat adhesive mount, or a mounting buckle. Users of this model say that this camera can also be attached to other GoPro mounts, so if you have an older version of GoPro with some accessories, you'll likely be able to use them with this one, too.
All in all, with innovative technologies and such great mounting compatibility, the GoPro Hero6 Black is the new word in video recording that will be to your liking if you strive to capture shots of your life in the best possible quality.
Camera Than Exceeds Your Expectations
Although we’ve already listed the most outstanding features of the GoPro Hero6, its benefits do not end here. What else will surely please you about this cam is its functionality and incredible usability making it the #1 choice among professional and amateur video makers. The camera provides five resolution options and supports slow-motion, enabling you to capture awesome video footage. Also, it features advanced video stabilization allowing the use of the camera in all conditions including harsh and extreme. Thanks to the QuikStory program supported by the cam, all recorded photos and videos can be sent right to your smartphone or tablet where you can view them later on a bigger screen.
It won't be an exaggeration to say the GoPro Hero6 is a great device for those who wish to record high-quality footage. In addition to the 12 MP still resolution, the camera features a time-lapse option allowing you to make a series of photos and then combine them in a video, as well as supporting one of the newest formats - HDR - which prevents overexposure and underexposure of photos. It has all the features of the previous GoPro models and offers some really breakthrough new ones, making it ideal for every sports enthusiast.
Additional Info
| Last updated price | $409.99 |
| Stock | In stock |
| ASIN | B074X5WPC5 |
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Infographics
What Is an Action Camera?
Nowadays, video shooting technologies are developing very quickly, allowing millions of people all over the world to capture any activities. No need to say, lots of us want to shoot videos while doing some sports, but it's difficult to control a camera - it vibrates so much that the video is usually very poor. That's why action cameras have been developed - they are compact and have a sophisticated stabilization mechanism in order to provide stunning videos. Most sports cameras are fully protected against dust, moisture, and shock so that you can even dive and capture the underwater world. Equally, any sports camera can shoot a video of your crazy bike ride or, for example, a daredevil parachute jump. Any person practising extreme sports should have such a camera! Everybody has probably heard about GoPro cameras, but there are more HD action cameras on the market. That's why we picked the best devices and compared them by the most important features only.
However, if you want to get a camera for recording the road conditions when you're driving, we recommend you to read our comparison of the best car cameras.
Also, make sure to read our new review of waterproof cameras. These devices allow making stunning photos even underwater without any cases or accessories.
What Features to Compare
Design
An action camera isn’t similar to a regular gadget designed for capturing still images and thus, becomes a spotlight of all those personalities who are engaged in extreme sports. Sports cameras are usually attached to bikes, cars, clothing and equipment and therefore, designed to be lightweight, compact and impact-resistant. Consider the different shapes and dimensions to find the camera that would fit your setting. They aren’t made to be equal so you better go along with your own needs while choosing among multiple models.
If you don’t want to be limited to shooting capabilities, it’d be better if you choose a waterproof cam. With one of those attached to your diving suit, capturing videos and photos of the underwater world would be a breeze. Some action cameras are wrapped in protective cases (removable and not) to allow immersion in water up to 60 meters in depth. These are quite impressive properties most of us could only dream about even a few years ago. For users’ convenience, a lot of cameras are equipped with displays using which in some situations is an absolutely invaluable help. From there you’ll also find information on battery life.
Tech Specifications
Among the most important tech specifications that cannot go unnoticed are resolution and frame rate per second. If you are looking for a sports camera to set off down true breath-taking adventures, you surely need to opt for the highest available 3840 x 2160 resolution (also known as 4K). For most average users who plan to use it only now and then, Full HD would suffice most needs. Consider the frame rate if you’d like to shoot professional video clips. 60 fps for motion capture will be good for most users while for those who’d love to dive and do extreme cycling taking pictures on the go there’s no other way rather than get a cam with the yield of 120 frames per second. Check out a viewing angle to know how much scenery it’s possible to capture. A small angle, by the way, isn’t necessarily a bad specification for it allows video shooters to put smaller objects in the forefront.
Usability
Action cameras support a number of modes and options to enhance users’ experience and provide them with the right tools to make shooting much more exciting and pro-like. So, make sure that you consider all available options and find them suitable for your activities and needs. Like being mentioned above, a sports camera is used mostly by extreme personalities who practice jumping, climbing, driving and other sports activities, wanting to capture slow motion of their tricks. Therefore, it’s got to be simple to use and control. Most models on the market have only one or two buttons to navigate through modes and settings, and that’s pretty handy.
Did you know?
GoPro Provides You With More Opportunities Than You Expect
If you think that the GoPro company manufactures only action cameras and accessories, you’re mistaken. The company also does its best to help you edit and share your photos and videos with the whole world effortlessly. One of the services that can turn your footage into a captivating short movie is the Quik software. This desktop program is created to work with all GoPro cameras and video/photo formats they support and will become a real catch for those who want to get more than raw footage. With this software at hand, you’ll be able to create short video clips, add music to your videos in no time, edit burst and time-lapse sequences. By the way, thanks to recent improvements, you can now add photos and time-lapse videos to your main footage effortlessly. If making action videos isn’t your only hobby and you also want to track your progress in sports that you go for, you’ll appreciate the ability to add graphs to your videos that will help you and your friends know about your progress. And if you subscribe to GoPro Plus program, you’ll also have a chance to upload your photos and videos to the cloud automatically. Moreover, this subscription allows you to unlock more soundtracks for your videos.
Software That Keeps up With the Times
Being a company that introduces breakthrough technologies into their gadgets and software, GoPro works with the most modern gadgets, so we want you to learn a bit more about the system requirements for the Quik software. This desktop program is compatible with 64 bit Windows 10 and 10.10 or later Mac OS. The CPU for Windows should be an IntelCore i3 or better while Mac requires IntelCore i5. And for even faster and better operation of the Quik system, Intel Quad-Core 7 for both Windows and Mac are recommended. As for graphics cards, Windows system requires OpenGL 3.2. or later version and Intel HD Graphics 5000 or better if you want to work with 4K videos. For the same purpose on Mac, you’ll need Intel® Dual Core Macs for videos with lower resolution than 4K and Intel HD Graphics 4000 or better for creating 4K movies. Video RAM also needs to be taken into account. For both operating systems, 512 MB RAM is recommended for videos under 4K and 1GB RAM for editing 4K footage. Don’t overlook the screen resolution of your monitors, too. It should be at least 1280 x 800. Finally, pay attention to the RAM and hard drive specifications. Whether you’re going to work with GoPro videos on Windows or Mac, you’ll need 4GB of RAM. As for the hard drive, the Windows system requires 7200 RPM for the internal drive and USB 3.0 or eSATA for an external one. Mac will handle video editing with a 5400 RPM internal drive but with 7200 RPM drive or SSD, you’ll get faster results. And if you use an external hard drive with your Mac device, Thunderbolt, Firewire, or USB 3.0 is what you need for proper operation of the Quik software on your PC or laptop.
All in all, the combination of GoPro camera and specially created GoPro Quik software is what you need if you want to get high-quality raw footage as well as to be able to edit your videos.
FAQ:
Q: What’s the difference between an ordinary camera and an action camera?
A: Action cameras are designed for sports. Therefore, these devices are usually lightweight, compact, and easy to configure. Sports cameras are equipped with an image stabilization system which is responsible for focusing and image sharpness. Also, they have a rugged casing that withstands heavy bumps and falls. Many action cameras can shoot underwater as well.
Q: How good are these cameras at shooting videos?
A: Well, it all depends on the model you choose but generally these cameras deliver a great video quality. You can assess how good each particular model is by checking what FPS (frames per second) rate it provides at a certain resolution. For a smooth and artifact-free picture, the FPS rate should be at least 60 regardless of the resolution you choose.
Q: What’s the maximum resolution an action camera can provide?
A: This parameter depends on the model you choose. The top-of-the-line sports cameras can shoot videos at 3840x2160 pixels (Ultra HD). However, the higher the resolution, the lower the FPS rate.
Q: What viewing angle do action cameras have?
A: They have wide-angle lenses but the viewing angles may differ. The best models deliver a viewing angle of 170°, though affordable models may have a smaller angle.
Q: Do sports cameras have a zoom?
A: No, they don’t support a zoom function.
Q: Can action cameras record sound?
A: Yes, most sports cameras don’t just shoot videos but record sound as well. The best models even have a sophisticated sound processing system and record stereo sound.
Q: Do they support memory cards?
A: Yes, they do. Sports cameras don’t provide a lot of internal storage space. That’s why they require memory cards of different types. As usual, they are microSD or SDXC/SDHC cards. Don’t forget to check the maximum capacity that a camera supports, though.
Q: Can these devices be used underwater?
A: Yes, most of them can. However, some devices have a waterproof casing, while others need a special waterproof case (it’s either included in the package or sold separately). If the model you choose requires a waterproof case, don’t try using the camera underwater without one.
Q: What’s the maximum depth I can dive with my GoPro camera?
A: It depends on the model. However, the models in waterproof cases can be used deeper than those that don’t have one.
Q: Can I mount a GoPro camera on my bike helmet?
A: You can if you have a special mount. Some extreme sports cameras come with a pretty rich accessory kit including a bike helmet mount. However, for some devices, these mounts should be purchased separately.
Q: Can I take photos with an action camera?
A: You surely can! Apart from shooting videos, such devices can make brilliant photos. However, the sensors used on such cameras usually have a much smaller resolution than those used on DSLR cameras.
Sources:
1. How to Take Action Photos, WikiHow.
2. How to Use Action Cameras: Tips & Tricks to Get Started, Dick's ProTips.
3. How to Set Up an Action Camera for Mountain Biking, Singletracks, February 25, 2017.