Action Camera - what is it? Action camera: description, reviews, prices

Modern video equipment mainly develops in the characteristics of the internal "stuffing" and its functional. Improved properties of matrix modules, processors and lenses make it possible to obtain materials of a qualitatively new level. However, the peculiarities of the operation of digital equipment in extreme conditions caused the formation of a whole segment of apparatuses of a different type. So there was a compact and at the same time easy-to-use action camera. What is it from the point of view of the direct consumer? First of all, a wide range of protective means, protecting the design from external influences of all kinds. But this feature of this type of model does not end there.

General information about action cameras

Most models are small cameras enclosed in a sturdy and dirt-proof enclosure. By the way, a rich spectrum of insulating coatings and shells, even in budget models, allows you to protect the filling of the device also from water and small particles of dust. There are differences and fastening systems, which already in the basic configuration is complemented by a standard action camera. What are these adaptations? On the one hand, these are typical devices for attaching the case to different parts of structures and even clothes. On the other hand, means of damping, softening the oscillation of the lens.

An important structural feature is also the equipment of an ultra-wide-angle lens, which has a high degree of sharpness. This device also eliminates the need for autofocus, which is itself sensitive to vibrations. By the way, manufacturers and supply of models with fisheye format lenses are practiced. For example, the action camera GoPro in the third generation allows you to shoot with an overview of 170 °.

Recording Features

The recording process is carried out at high speed - in this aspect this is the main difference of such video cameras about conventional models. Almost all the devices of this class operate at 60 cps, while for the traditional line the speed is 25-30 cd / sec. What is especially important, the recording format and resolution of the matrixes practically does not lose to traditional devices. The modern action camera Sony, in particular, supports not only the recording mode FULL HD, but also modern technology 4K. Another thing is that the operating conditions of such models still impose their imprint on the final quality of the video material, which is at times radically different from shooting in the usual mode. We are talking about the characteristic shaking, vibrations and vibrations. Just damping devices are focused on eliminating such negative effects, but their functions are not enough.

Reviews about models Sony

Immediately it is worth mentioning that in this segment, the Japanese manufacturer is not leading, although by some parameters of his model may well leave behind many competitors. In this segment, the most famous is an action camera Sony HDR, presented in several modifications. According to users, the devices of this line optimally realized the main idea of video cameras of this type. This is an opportunity not only safe, but also productive shooting in extreme conditions.

In particular, most owners of such models note a high-quality stabilization, eliminating those same vibrations and fluctuations. It is not necessary to speak about the complete elimination of such interference, but serious minimization has already become a confirmed fact. Not removed from the action camera Sony and from the shortcomings, which just prevented the company to firmly consolidate at the top of this class. Again, according to users, the disadvantages are the low quality of color rendering and materials taken underwater.

Reviews of the model Panasonic HX-500E

The developers of Panasonic also paid special attention not to the basic quality of shooting, but to the means of eliminating the noise that occurs in extreme conditions. The owners of the HX-500E model point to a well-thought-out divided camera design, in which the lens and the main unit with the controller and the technological filling are connected by cable and fixed in different places. This solution allows you to improve both the quality of recording and reliability in handling equipment. However, there are also noted the functional advantages that such action cameras have. Reviews, for example, speak of the positive properties of the NFC control unit and the Wi-Fi module.

Model Reviews GoPro Hero

Under the brand GoPro came five generations of cameras for extreme shooting, and to date, this product has no equal in this niche. In particular, the action camera Hero has long become an indispensable attribute in the arsenal of lovers of yachting, freeride, mountain sports, etc. The models of this company demonstrate high quality of shooting irrespective of the conditions of use.

Stabilization systems, fastenings and other auxiliary accessories are implemented at the advanced technological level. Together with this action camera GoPro actively absorbs and the latest functionality. The owners note the well-thought-out implementation of wireless communication modules, and capacious video storage cards, as well as battery packs that provide long-term work without interruption.

How much is an action camera?

The most affordable action cameras can be purchased for 5-7 thousand rubles. These are models with a minimum set of options, which also demonstrate not the best structural ergonomics. Then follows the segment of 10-12 thousand, which presents a better-quality technically, but still an action-packed camera that is poor in functionality. What does this mean in practice? In terms of shooting, such a device will be much inferior to more expensive premium versions, but in the reliability characteristics of the element base it is quite suitable for a variety of application conditions. The higher segment, in its turn, demonstrates in all respects attractive cameras like the latest generation of GoPro with the cost of about 20 thousand.

Conclusion

With all the differences from traditional video cameras, action models also show an example of the dynamic development of a separate industry in the field of digital technology. Advanced control systems, intelligent sensors, wireless data links - these and other technological innovations have long absorbed the action camera. What does this give the end user? First of all, freedom of action in the process of creating video content. The sets of fixatives do not just allow you to secure the camera securely, but at the same time do not reduce the quality of shooting. In addition, the latest technical ideas have saved the operators of action cameras from solving many secondary tasks associated with data transfer in the mode of remote access to the network.