Camera, motor, action! 5 current models of Action-cameras

With a modest budget for buying an action camera, you can recommend products from the Eken brand. For example, an interesting model H9R.

Among the strengths of the action camera, video recording in 4K resolution stands out in a separate line. The picture in it is formed by interpolating the original frames from a lower FullHD resolution. From the same format, the camera is able to concoct video at a resolution of 2.7K(2704x1520 pixels at 30 fps). Simply put, a picture of 1920x1080 pixels is considered “native” for the model. Higher resolutions are created programmatically, and their quality is sometimes quite lame (especially in poor lighting).

Camera control is implemented through its own menu or from a paired smartphone using the EZ iCam mobile application. That's just in the programme you can not set the video resolution more than 1080p. The reverse side of the coin is the white balance setting, which is done exclusively through the application and is not available in the interface of the action camera itself.

The camera in the modification with an additional prefix "R" differs from the basic version of Eken H9 only in the presence of a remote control on the wrist. In terms of shooting parameters, there are no differences between them. Out of the box, it offers several types of fasteners, a set of latches and Velcro, an additional back cover, cleaning wipes and a transport case. Also, many GoPro accessories are suitable for the action camera. In the budget price league, you will not find equal Eken H9R in terms of the combination of qualities during the day with fire.

The SJ8 Pro is the flagship of SJCAM with a rich set of video capabilities and extended factory equipment. But first things first.

The device is made in a traditional rectangular form factor with a protruding lens on the front panel. There is also a small 0.96-inch diagonal information screen on the front to duplicate key settings. The main display occupies the back of the case and has a diagonal size of 2.33 inches. The screen responds clearly to touch controls and remains legible outdoors in sunlight.

SJCAM SJ8 Pro is equipped with Sony IMX377 image sensor and Ambarella H22 S85 processor. This bundle provides video recording in resolution up to 4K with a maximum frame rate of 60 fps. In addition, the camera supports the H.265 codec, which allows you to get the best video compression. During shooting, electronic stabilization is available to the operator, however, it comes into operation when the frame rate of 4K video is lowered to 30 fps. In 4K mode at 60 fps, the body of the camcorder heats up noticeably. The model allows you to take photos during video shooting, has preset modes for shooting time-lapses and cyclic video recording.

Remote control of the action camera is possible through the mobile application for the SJCAM Zone smartphone. The programme provides access to uploading videos to the memory of a mobile device, viewing images from the camera, and managing basic functions. Also , the extended package of the model pleases: along with it, several mounts for different surfaces, a connection cable, an aquabox with a special cover are supplied. In the basic version, the camera comes only as a pair with a charging cord.

In terms of autonomy , the SJCAM SJ8 Pro shoots without a break for up to an hour and a half when it comes to 4K video, and two hours in the case of videos in FullHD resolution. The battery slot of the action camera is combined with a “seat” for a microSD memory card. Another “trick” of the model is support for connecting an external microphone, which will definitely appeal to video bloggers.

While all and sundry copied the form factor of GoPro action cameras, Japanese engineers from Sony did it their own way. And they got almost the perfect shape of the device for shooting handheld.

The elongated body of the Sony HDR-AS300 camera fits comfortably in your hand, and neither the lens nor the holes of the two microphones overlap when shooting. The optics on board the model are Zeiss Tessar ultra-wide with f/2.8 aperture. It captures 170° of the surrounding reality in the field of view and has variable viewing angles: wide (17mm in 35mm equivalent), medium (23mm) and narrow (32mm).

The action camera, coupled with a colleague in the shop Sony FDR-X3000 , is the first swallow, who got an optical stub. With its help, small tremors of the picture are eliminated and high smoothness of the video sequence as a whole is ensured. Video recording on the model takes place in the maximum resolution of FullHD at 50 or 60 fps. The prerogative of filming videos in 4K was left to the aforementioned “three thousandth” camera from Sony 's action portfolio.

The body of the camcorder is protected from dust and splashes without any additional cases. And coupled with a complete underwater box, the camera can withstand diving to a depth of up to 60 m. Nothing more is offered in the factory configuration of the device - you will have to buy attachments to it yourself. The Sony HDR-AS300 is an excellent value-for-money action camera for recording stabilized FullHD video.

With the Osmo Action, drone manufacturer DJI has entered a new arena of action cameras. It is designed to compete on equal terms with the mastodons of the market represented by GoPro and Sony. Did the camcorder get it or not? Let's figure it out.

The device was “stuffed” with a 12 MP image sensor with a sensitivity from 100 to 3200 ISO units, a lens with a field of view angle of 145 ° and two screens at once(one for each side of the case). The dual-display layout makes it much easier to view while shooting. From the rear, the model has a 2.25-inch touch screen, and a 1.4-inch color display on the front panel.

Video recording is given to the action camera in resolution up to 4K (3840x2160 pixels) at a frame rate of 60 fps. The bitrate is up to 100 Mbps. There is also a separate HDR mode in the model, but 60 fps and stabilization are not available in it. In general, the RockSteady stub effectively compensates for camera shake and vibration, but slightly cuts off the viewing angle.

DJI Osmo Action understands voice commands, supports the installation of filters on the front lens of the lens, and can withstand diving in the basic form to a depth of 11 m. One of the complaints about the camera is the drop in frame detail in low light. During the day, the model shoots perfectly. Strengthens faith in it decent autonomy - more than 1 hour without recharging when shooting stabilized video in 4K, and over 2 hours of video recording in FullHD when the stub is off.

The GoPro HERO9 is the newest addition to the 2020 action camera squad. The ninth-generation model has increased autonomy, learned how to shoot 5K video and has undergone improvements in other areas of the programme.

From now on, the camera uses a 20 MP image sensor with the notorious 5K support: video recording is carried out at a resolution of 5504x2752 pixels at 30 fps. Videos in 4K are recorded on an action camera with a frame rate of 60 fps, in 2.7K - with a frame rate of 120 fps, and in FullHD - at speeds up to 240 fps. Takes photos of the GoPro HERO9 in raw RAW format, which opens up wide possibilities in post-processing of the footage.

The model got hold of two color screens for ease of framing and full control over the settings of the shooting process, Wi-Fi and GPS modules, built-in fasteners, an increased 1720 mAh battery(versus 1220 mAh for its predecessor). Hardware "chips" of the camera - advanced digital stabilization HyperSmooth 3.0, interval shooting TimeWarp 3.0, auto-leveling horizon option.

A remarkable side of the nature of the action camera is the support for interchangeable modules for the lens, whether it be filters, a Max Lens ultra-wide mod or, for example, a light module Light Mod. Without a protective case, the device is immune to diving under water to a depth of 10 meters. Only the high cost of the camcorder does not please. However, it is justified by improved parameters on all fronts.