What is an action camera for?
Such devices received such a name because they are convenient for shooting dynamic scenes - action, if you use English. The device can be easily mounted on a tripod or on almost any sports equipment. At the same time, many models provide so-called slo-mo shooting, when you can slow down the picture and examine the process of performing a trick in all details.
So, the action camera is only used for filming snowboarding and biking rides? Not at all. Not the largest number of people are involved in active sports around the world, while the demand for devices from the action camera series is insanely high. This inconsistency is due to the fact that with such a small “cube” you can shoot absolutely any sketches from life. Many bloggers have long mastered action cameras, the use of which does not require the involvement of someone else as an operator - everything around them is already captured in the frame.
Remember that any action camera makes the picture distorted to one degree or another (there is a fish-eye effect). That is why traditional camcorders, as well as SLR and system cameras, are still used to photograph wedding ceremonies and other official events.
What is an action camera and what is it for?
Many bloggers (beginners and advanced) use a smartphone to shoot material. He is always with him; It has quite decent cameras on board, which allow, if you have a monopod (selfie stick), to get fairly high-quality videos and photos from various angles. Many videos on YouTube are shot this way.
Bloggers covering material “from the first person” prefer modern digital photo/video cameras to smartphones. Such devices are already guaranteed to provide high-quality picture and sound; These instruments can be mounted on a special tripod and a report is made. But what if you are riding a bike, swimming in the sea, cooking, but need to take pictures? After all, your hands are full, there is no assistant. What should I do? This is why an action camera was invented - a universal device that little by little combines the functions of a camera, video camera and smartphone.
Such a device can be mounted on the head, waist belt, bicycle helmet, steering wheel, underwater gun, car dashboard, selfie stick, tripod and produce high-quality photo/video shooting. But, as they say, versatility reduces specialization. Sports cameras have their own specific features. Unlike a camera, there is no flash; Unlike a video camera, they don't have Zoom. But, control can be carried out remotely - using a wrist remote control or smartphone.
Another distinctive feature is the viewing angle when shooting. It is about 170 degrees, that is, the device “looks” straight and slightly to the sides. Which gives a certain curvature to the image - like in panoramic photos. When shooting, you don't have to walk far to capture large objects or groups of people. Additional accessories can be purchased for action cameras if you decide to shoot in some exotic way. The kit does not always contain everything you might need, as I chose - read on.
Well, the last difference between most sports cameras is that video and photos are not always of high quality when shooting at night.
In good lighting, the quality of photos and videos at night is not satisfactory. You can buy a camera at quite reasonable prices, but it is very important not to compromise on quality and functionality. This is how mine takes pictures at night:
The main advantages of an action camera
Action cameras have become so popular due to the following qualities:
- Miniature size - such a “baby” will not take up much space in your pocket or bag, and your hand does not get tired when using a small device.
- Replaceable battery - buying additional batteries fundamentally solves the problem of not having the longest battery life (the smartphone, for example, will have to be charged after an hour of video shooting).
- Easy transfer of material to mobile devices - almost every action camera is equipped with a Wi-Fi module, and at the same time, remote control can be organized in this way. Some devices even allow online broadcasting, which will be relevant for those who are filming live coverage from the scene.
- Large angle of view - almost the entire surrounding space is included in the frame, and you can film yourself simply by extending your hand forward (when using a traditional video camera, the person’s face at the time of such shooting would take up half the frame).
- Many video modes - expensive models allow you to choose between HD, Full HD and 4K resolutions, and frame rate and bitrate adjustment is also available.
- Protection from moisture and dust - almost every action camera has a waterproof and shockproof body (however, such a device can always be broken, because the lens remains glass).
- Shooting time-lapses - the easiest way to shoot accelerated video is with an action camera. It has a wide angle of view, it is easy to place it anywhere, and it can work from a power bank connected to it, which will allow you to shoot for at least a whole day.
- An aquabox is available - with such a case the device can be immersed under water, and sometimes this can be done without an auxiliary accessory.
And this is just a list of the advantages that most devices have. Don't forget that the best action cameras have a number of special advantages, such as route recording, excellent sound quality and the presence of an optical stabilizer.
How much does a good action camera cost? Is it worth buying? My reviews
In general, buying goods on Ali Express is a simple matter, but you need to choose the right one. Firstly the seller. A good seller always has a lot of purchases. This is the first indicator. The second indicator is reviews. We pay attention to the number of orders and positive reviews for the model you are interested in (including in Russian). We also read negative reviews.
Reviews with photos will also help you choose. Thirdly, communicate with the seller during the ordering process. How quickly did he answer you? How did you communicate? Be sure to ask what interests you and what you want to receive. And if everything is in order, we order. Here is a video of my package unpacking:
The seller arranged it for me; reviews of previous orders too. There are reviews of this model on the Internet, but there are only two or three of them in Russian. Now there will be another one.
