Which action camera should you choose?
Today it is almost impossible to identify a specific leader in the field of action camera production, however, one brand still stands out from the crowd:
GoPro Hero represents amazing performance, quality and reliability in its products. In the latest line (GoPro Hero 3+), the global brand traditionally presented three models Black, Silver and White, characterized by maximum resolution and high frequency of video recording.
In 13, old boys SONY entered the market, demonstrating to the public the amazing HDR-AS30V, which in many ways was not inferior to its famous competitors. The high quality sensor delivers truly amazing results and the built-in GPS sensor makes this camera special.
The Bullet and Drift Innovation cameras deserve special mention. The former have an original and memorable cylindrical design, which simplifies the use and storage of the camera in some cases. The latter have the entire traditional set of characteristics of extreme video cameras, have a lot of thoughtful nuances such as a convenient fastening system, ergonomic controls, a WiFi module, etc.
Video cameras for extreme sports
All the examples listed above are just examples. Often an extreme camera for shooting in one direction or another depends both on its model features and on the preferences and choices of the buyer. Some cameras may have similar designs but different features, or similar features but completely different designs. Therefore, the choice of a camera, say, for the best action shooting of snowmobiling, LiquidImage or AEE BlackEye, depends on the buyer himself. The main thing is that all the latest action video cameras record what is happening in Full HD quality; this maximum video resolution of 1920 by 1080 megapixels will allow you to capture your ups and vivid impressions in the best quality and real picture. Set records, record your achievements on video and preserve the unique brightness of events with the help of advanced modern technology called action cameras!
Each direction of filming has its own characteristics, its own requirements and certain rules. Accordingly, in the direction of different modes and methods of shooting scenes, there are their own models and adaptations of action cameras.
As part of the annual international exhibition Photoforum 2015, a performance by the master of extreme photography and brand ambassador, Kirill Umrikhin, took place at the Nikon stand.
–– Extreme photography is, first of all, traveling, and traveling is a dream. Through sport I get to know the whole world. I was in Cairo when the motorcycle jumping competition was held there, I was in Rome, I flew to Mauritius. I had never windsurfed before, but when I started filming this sport, the guys suggested that I try it. And now it has become one of my favorites. I tried a lot of things: I jumped from a bridge with a rope, and recently I jumped from a bungee from a height of 200 meters - it was very scary. Extreme sports have created my whole life and myself, and defined the circle of my loved ones and friends.
Dynamics are present not only in Kirill’s life, but also in his work. An action sports photographer always changes his shooting angles and never stands still. For example, during closing Olympic Games in Sochi, during the entire ceremony the photographer had to run around the entire stadium more than once in search of a new interesting angle.
Kirill comes to Sochi quite often; he has been photographing winter sports there for four years. The photographer recently returned from Krasnaya Polyana, where he worked at a snowboard camp. There he tested Nikon's new product - the AF-S NIKKOR 300mm f/4E PF ED VR lens. It is the first model to combine a compact and lightweight design with a large focal length And high quality image, which allows you to blur the background very beautifully, despite the aperture ratio of 4. The lightness and compactness of this lens model made it possible for Kirill to take photographs and ride himself.
Extreme photography is indispensable without professional sports lenses. When preparing for a trip, I choose what equipment I will need for each specific task. If I need lenses that I don't have, I buy them through the NPS (Nikon Professional Services) program. I often need 300mm or 400mm sports lenses, and these are very expensive optics. I am grateful to Nikon for always helping me out.
The photographer has always been fascinated and fascinated by the opportunity to shoot from a height, so his new hobby appeared - shooting from a quadcopter. Kirill’s plans for the near future are to try to launch a Nikon camera into the sky in order to get higher quality pictures.
The most difficult thing about shooting with a quadcopter is not even the shooting itself, but learning to fly. Here I advise you to buy several toy helicopters and train on them. And when you crash 2-3 helicopters, you can safely buy a quadcopter. Now there is ready-made solutions already with built-in cameras. You can buy and fly right away. But in general you need to learn, and in good conditions: no wind, no rain, in open areas. And I have never read the instructions so carefully before! A quadcopter gives you an amazing opportunity to see the world from above without ordering a helicopter. Every launch of a quadcopter is like a small flight into space for me.
If we talk about shooting in rainy weather, then, according to Kirill, all professional equipment Nikon is not afraid of raindrops and splashes of water. And this is very important for extreme photography.
Kirill is sure that professional equipment is not so important for a beginning photographer; you can start shooting with regular cameras. For example, a series of mirrorless Nikon cameras 1 is perfect for this, but to learn how to photograph, you need to shoot a lot.
According to Kirill, there is one rule, the observance of which will help to achieve excellent results - you need to film not just a person flying in the sky, but show where and where he is flying from and what he is doing. Main secret good photography lies in three simple things - the location, the weather and the rider. If all of them are present, the shot will definitely work.
Super stabilization, video quality and ergonomics
The new model received an improved HyperSmooth 2.0 image stabilization system. The camera can shoot in 4K resolution at 60 frames per second and Full HD at 240 frames per second. The TimeWarp 2.0 video acceleration function has been improved - it now becomes possible to adjust the speed and focus on the object. A new “feature” has also been added - a kind of analogue of “live photos” from Apple called LiveBurst. The company's engineers have slightly modified the design of the camera itself - now the mount is built into the body. The camera went on sale on October 15 at a price of about 35,000 rubles, and in Russia the start of sales is scheduled for the end of October.
An updated set of accessories is also interesting - the Media Mod case, the cost of which is 5,500 rubles. It has a built-in microphone, a set of mounts for attaching other accessories such as a flash, and an external screen that will be useful for vloggers.
Advantages
Waterproof housing
Shooting in 4K at 60 fps
Excellent shooting quality day and night
Flaws
2 GoPro HERO 7 Black
High video quality, perfect stabilization for Full HD and reliability
The company does not skimp on ergonomics or shooting quality - the camera shoots video in honest 4K at maximum settings and takes photos in 12 megapixel resolution. And although action cameras are initially not very good with photography, sometimes this function can help out. The HERO 7 Black is also in perfect order with video shooting in poor lighting - you can safely go on night video hunting. The interface is very fast, there are no lags or delays, like with more budget colleagues. The price for this model dropped (after the release of the G8) to 29,000 rubles, so we can assume that this device has almost no downsides.
Advantages
Waterproof and without aquabox (up to 10 m)
4K shooting at 60 fps
Good video quality at night
Flaws
No stabilization in 4K 60 fps
Low autonomy when shooting at the highest resolution
3
Excellent work of the stabilizer andhighshooting quality
This still permanent model from Sony differs significantly in design from the entire family of action cameras - it has an elongated shape, as if a film cassette is still inserted into it. But it is very comfortable to hold in your hand and even attach to the side of your helmet. The device is considered one of the best in its class: shooting great video in 4K resolution in any light is worth a lot. At the same time, there is unsurpassed optical stabilization here, while competitors are already using electronic stabilization to their fullest extent. The kit includes an aquabox, in which the camera becomes completely indestructible, and a remote control - it is convenient to attach it to your hand, like a watch, to monitor the progress of the shooting. Of the minuses - high price and a monochrome display that fades terribly in the sun.
Advantages
Shoot in high resolution in any lighting
Good optical stabilization performance
Aquabox and remote control included
Flaws
Monochrome and non-touch display
4
Budget option for shooting in 4K
Xiaomi's sister brand offers clear videos in 4K resolution at 30 fps using a Sony sensor. So this is no longer just another Chinese toy, but a completely serious tool with good battery life. Yes, the camera allows you to shoot on maximum settings for 2 hours, and this is with the standard 1.5 hours of work for competitors.
There is stabilization here, but only electronic - a compromise in favor of the low price. Another compromise is a more than poor set of accessories that are simply not there. But if you wish, you can purchase almost any of them thanks to the universal mounting socket.
There is a high-quality touch screen to control settings and watch videos. There are a great variety of settings and modes; you can also edit what you have already captured directly in the application or turn off all sounds and indicators to conduct hidden shooting.
Advantages
High resolution 4K recording
Touch display
Functional mobile application for iOS and Android
Flaws
Poor equipment - no mounts or aquabox
Average quality microphone
5 DJI Osmo Action
A complete set for professional video and photo shooting
This camera can be an excellent alternative to leaders this rating, while it offers very detailed settings not only for video, but also for photos. In addition to the fact that the case is waterproof to a depth of 11 m, it is protected from shock and low temperatures. But the viewing angle in this model is not as large as we would like - 145 degrees. 4K video recording with stabilizer is supported.
One of the features is the presence of a second screen, which allows you to control the shot when taking selfies. If desired, the camera can be used as a video recorder - a cyclic recording mode is also available.
Advantages
Color display on the front side
Universal tripod socket (accessories from other manufacturers)
Excellent stabilization
Flaws
When stabilization is turned on, the viewing angle decreases
6 ThiEYE T5 Edge
High quality 4K shooting and excellent stabilization
This ThiEYE T5 Edge camera is a mid-budget device aimed at those users who would like to have a camera in their arsenal with high-quality video recording with amazing stabilization, but for little money, for periodic trips into nature. You can order it on Aliexpress for about 7,000 rubles. This model allows you to shoot video in 4K (without stabilization) and 2K with stabilization, while the kit already includes an aquabox and various mounts. A wide viewing angle of 170 degrees and high picture quality in the daytime and cloudy weather guarantee pleasure from the resulting videos. The camera can operate for approximately 90 minutes on a single battery charge. If necessary, you can buy a spare battery (about 600 rubles), or you can use a power bank and shoot from it all day. The camera does not overheat and has software support from the manufacturer.
The camera body has a built-in socket for standard mounting on tripods and selfie sticks. It is worth noting and very good quality sound recording, which is very rare for budget models.
And only then everything else. In recent years, GoPro hasn't always been the world's leading action camera, but more and more names - both famous and not - have been pointing their cameras to different sizes and forms into battle. This level of competition has created several suitable niches for fast promotion of cameras and recording devices.
From underwater cameras to cameras capable of shooting in space, consumers were introduced to help them record their adventures. With so many offers, the market may be oversaturated with promises high resolution and incredible frame rates.
Definition proper action cameras, it's big practical experience, isn’t this a banal reading of the specification? In which a company may claim that their camera works for 18 hours using 60 frames per second, but in the hands of a real person, all these figures are nothing more than a lie. Since you most likely don't have the time or money to check out every one of the hundreds of cameras, we've found the 4 best action cameras for extreme shooting.
Price: 4976 rub.
If we evaluate the structure and operating features of the camera according to GoPro standards, then the SJ4000 with a clear conscience can be thrown away as a failed imitation. But if you check its capabilities, it turns out that this “smart” and durable little thing is designed for survival, and for a novice extreme operator on a limited budget it can be an excellent first tool. Working with maximum load, when recording video with a resolution of 1080p, it can only take 30 frames per second, but at any lower resolution, including the minimum for HD 720p, it clicks 60 frames.
This is quite enough for clear action photography - only the wings of a hummingbird will turn out blurry. In addition to video, the camera can take regular photos with a wide range of settings, and its operation noise is minimal. A simple GoPro mount allows you to easily mount the camera to drones, special grips and helmets with just a screwdriver or minimal tools.
Price: RUB 17,990
Those who believe GoPro cameras too similar to banal boxes, Session will certainly calm down - the lack of a specially protected box makes it the smallest in the GoPro family, but does not prevent it from being completely waterproof. The more compact size reduces the likelihood of the camera being skewed or lost when mounted on a helmet and special handles. At the same time, however, functionality compared to other GoPro models has also been reduced in favor of compactness.
Due to the small number of built-in functions, connecting the camera to an Android or iOS device is almost mandatory. The degree of control is higher than in other all-in-one cameras, but only when combined with the above device. With the camera you can go anywhere and shoot video from 1920x1440 at 30 fps to 1280x720 at 100 fps, as well as take photos in normal and high-speed mode with amazing sharpness for its size.
Price: RUB 34,790
This camera is difficult to consider as separate independent device because it was created for collaboration with other Garmin products or ANT+ devices. As for the tasks at hand, Virb XE copes with full HD at a frame rate of 60 fps. – pretty good for research and personal video. Having “lowered” to a resolution of 720p, we will see that the camera comes to life and shoots everything at 120 frames/sec. even if the subject is flitting around the frame like a ballerina on stage.
Access to GPS turned out to be a very useful and convenient feature for determining the speed and position of objects when shooting with georeferencing. Syncing material through vnvosmart or other Garmin products is about as user-friendly as such things get. If the original Virb Elite disappointed you as much as it did us, then Virb XE can be considered a complete rehabilitation.
Price: RUB 22,745
In terms of video resolution, “Bandit” is clearly ahead of action cameras
Publication date: 31.01.2018
Do you like to wade through snow storms and conquer waterfalls? But haven’t learned how to properly film your adventures yet? Our expert shares valuable tips.
I am a photographer, and the essence of my profession is working in the most extreme conditions. This is a freezing wind, and frost, and a sandstorm, and snowfall, and rain, and flooding. I’ll make a reservation right away that of all the above, I only did not work during a sandstorm. But everything is ahead! To successfully photograph in extreme conditions, you need to consider the following five points.
Cloth
Oddly enough, the most important thing in this matter is clothing selected for specific weather conditions. If severe frost, freezing wind or a snowstorm are expected, and you must stand motionless for several hours in the snow, then, of course, you need to be prepared for this. Be sure to wear thermal underwear, thermal socks, warm boots (I highly recommend the option with heated insoles), ski pants, a very powerful, windproof down jacket (you need to choose it specifically for stationary sports). Gloves are required, and two pairs: one - thin - for convenient operation of equipment, the second - thick - for warming up. In very severe cases, you can use the exhaust pipe to heat the gloves if there is equipment at the shooting location. The hat must have a liner made of thick material.
This is roughly what I looked like while filming a project for Ski Doo in Khibiny in 2013. Frosts in the morning reached -34 degrees Celsius, together with a strong wind this gave a total of -40.
When filming on the water, it is advisable to have long fishing boots and fishing overalls. You need to understand that there is always a chance of ending up overboard in cold water. If you don’t want to freeze instantly, I would recommend choosing just such a suit. The second option is a little simpler - a ski jacket and pants, waterproof boots, a hat and gloves - for shooting in cold conditions on the water.
Shooting in the rain requires waterproof membrane jackets and pants, since ordinary raincoats are not ventilated in any way, which is why you can instantly get wet and hypothermia. Having waterproof and water-repellent boots is also very important to keep your feet warm. I encountered this problem while filming the East European Drifting Championship in Minsk in 2014, when it was pouring rain all day, causing the track to turn into a small lake. Despite this, choosing the right clothes allowed me to finish the shoot with dry feet.
Equipment
The second point is the functionality of the equipment in various conditions.
In cold weather you must have large number replaceable batteries for cameras/flashes and store them in an internal pocket or in special warming cases. This will help increase the operating life of the equipment. In severe frost, it is advisable to carry cameras in special cases that provide a little warmth and prevent condensation from settling inside the case (for example, Ruggard DSLR Parka Cold and Rain Protector for Cameras and Camcorders). This also needs to be taken into account when you enter a room from the street, since condensation can ruin the equipment.
When filming in heavy rain It is necessary to use a water-resistant case for the camera and lens to avoid damaging the electronics. I used Ewa-Marine VFS7 Underwater Housing for Sony NEX-FS700 35mm Camcorder (each case fits a specific camera, so you need to select them individually).
For equipment, you need a good photo backpack or case that is not afraid of shocks and water (for example, Pelican 1650; you can take it with you on a plane).
Which camera should you choose? It depends on your tasks. You can use both small mirrorless cameras, such as Sony A7R2 and A7S2, and Red, Arri for high-budget projects.
Memory cards
Many people don’t pay enough attention to this, but since the most important thing in filming is the result, I really don’t recommend using cheap memory cards and external drives, especially in extreme conditions. The first thing you need is a waterproof case for your cards, as they are the most important part of your entire equipment backpack.
Next, it is important to choose the right hard drives. They must be impact resistant and famous brand. The Lacie Thunderbolt Rugged works well for me. There are also ready-made solutions for copying material (in the field). LaCie DJI Copilot is a very interesting device that allows you to copy material without a computer.
Team
If you are not working alone, you need to find communication and a common language with everyone - clients, assistants and other team members. Extreme conditions are different, and you never know how this or that person will behave in them. It is best to be 100 percent confident in people in advance. It's good if you already have experience working together and you trust each other. Clients are usually not chosen, so sometimes you have to use your diplomatic skills and knowledge of psychology.
Motivation
Something that many of us are constantly lacking. Everything is bad, the equipment is broken, the material is lost, the team members did something wrong - it seems that nothing can be fixed, but there is always a way out. It is necessary to look at the situation from the outside and understand what can be done. It happens that a short pause in work is necessary to rethink everything that is happening. By stopping and thinking a little, you most often manage to find the strength to overcome this condition.
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