Guide

Actioncam buying advice: These cameras deliver the best images

6.1.2020

Translation: machine translated

They are super small and handy and still have mega image quality - action cameras are the perfect companions for memorable photos and videos in every respect.

Action cams are used everywhere, for example for sports, at concerts or on holiday. Depending on the manufacturer, practical accessories also ensure that you can attach them almost anywhere. There are mounts for mountain bike handlebars, surfboards, jackets and various tripods. However, the market for small video heroes is booming, making it difficult to find the right model for you. This article will help you get an overview.

General buying tips

Many action cameras, even inexpensive ones, advertise that they can take photos and videos in 4K quality. Don't be fooled by this buzzword and take a closer look. At what frame rate do the cameras actually record? Inexpensive models in particular can usually only capture 15 frames per second (fps) in high resolution. The result then looks more like a flip-book. For good 4K recordings, you need a camera with at least 30fps. Alternatively, you can also record in full HD (1080p). Here, most models already offer 60fps and more.

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If you are primarily travelling as a blogger, cameras with a front display are a good choice so that you can be sure you are always in focus. Some models also offer the option of live streaming directly to Facebook or YouTube via a smartphone app. Speaking of apps: Before buying, think about what exactly you want to do with your action cam photos and videos. Some manufacturers offer a good companion app that allows you to edit the recorded moments quickly and easily on your smartphone.

A camera for really every purpose

The American company GoPro is probably the best-known manufacturer of action cameras. Its models have been at the top of the lists for years, and for good reason. I have tested a lot of action cams and always come to the conclusion that GoPros offer the best overall package. In addition to the outstanding image quality and simple operation, which even works via voice control, the most popular feature is probably the versatile accessories. GoPro cameras can actually be used anywhere. The housing is waterproof, there is a special cover for deeper dives, many different tripods, tripods, helmet mounts, rucksacks, chest straps, handlebar mounts and surfers can even attach the camera to a mouth mount when riding through the waves. The GoPro Hero 8 also has accessories for bloggers such as a flip-up screen for selfies, a better microphone or a light attachment. What's the catch? GoPro cameras and accessories are quite expensive. But if it doesn't have to be the very latest model, the cameras from one or two generations back are still very good. The slightly slimmed-down "Silver" models are also worth a look if you want to save money.

Action camera accessories

GoPro Hero 8 Black

GoPro HERO8

Action cameras

GoPro Hero 7 Black

Action camera accessories

GoPro Hero 7 Silver

Action camera accessories

GoPro Hero 8 Black

GoPro HERO8

Action cameras

GoPro Hero 7 Black

Action camera accessories

GoPro Hero 7 Silver

Action camera with front display

If you want to put yourself in the limelight, cameras with a second display on the front can help you find the best frame. A major competitor to the GoPro cameras is therefore the new model from DJI. The manufacturer is primarily known for its drones, but has also built a great action camera. From a technical point of view, the DJI Osmo Action is right at the top. The model is particularly interesting in terms of price, as it costs significantly less than a GoPro Hero 8 Black. However, there are fewer accessories overall. The accessories on sale include a waterproof housing, adhesive pads, tripods and wrist and backpack mounts. However, DJI has been clever here and includes a mounting frame that is compatible with GoPro accessories.

Action cameras

DJI Osmo Action

60p, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi

Action cameras

DJI Osmo Action Set (Osmo Action, charger)

Alternatives

While GoPro and DJI have chosen a box shape for their action cams, Sony has taken a different approach and built an elongated camera that looks like a mini version of the earlier camcorders. The shape makes the models particularly practical for attaching to the side of a helmet. They also capture great perspectives on the bike handlebars. With a suitable housing, the camera even works at -10 degrees Celsius or in water depths of 60 metres.

Action cameras

Sony Hdr-As50

60p, Wi-Fi

Action cameras

Sony FDR-X3000R incl. finger grip

30p, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi

The YI 4K+ is also a cheaper alternative to the GoPro. Image stabilisation works better on the GoPro during action shots, but the sharpness, colours and contrasts are also good on the YI 4K+. Disadvantage: The YI records sound much louder and this is so distracting, especially in windy conditions, that I would prefer to replace the audio track with music. The GoPro can also record in full HD at twice as many frames per second (240fps instead of 120fps with the YI), which is particularly noticeable in slow motion. The YI also requires an extra housing to be waterproof.

Action cameras

DJI Osmo Action

60p, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi

Action cameras

DJI Osmo Action Set (Osmo Action, charger)

If you want a practical, small action camera but don't want to spend so much money, you will have to reckon with limitations in terms of quality and functionality. Inexpensive cameras only have a low resolution and a low frame rate or a low-light image sensor. Here you should pay particular attention to the technical details and consider whether this is still sufficient for the intended use.

Action cameras

Sony Hdr-As50

60p, Wi-Fi

Action cameras

Sony FDR-X3000R incl. finger grip

30p, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi

360 degrees for everyday life

If you don't just want to film in one direction, but want to capture the entire surroundings at once, you need a 360-degree all-round camera. Two models are particularly recommended for everyday use: the GoPro Hero Max and the Insta360 One X.

The lightweight Insta360 One X fits in any trouser pocket and impresses with clear all-round shots. If you also purchase the manufacturer's matching selfie stick, the app can automatically remove it from the video. This also works really well - but depending on the perspective, you may have to live with your arm being seen in a strange position.

Action cameras

Insta360 One X

30p, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi

Action camera accessories

Insta360 One R & One X Selfie Stick

X2, x3, One R

The GoPro Hero Max is significantly more expensive, but can also do more. For example, it has a front display so that you can follow the image section when taking selfies. It is waterproof and comes with protective covers for the two camera lenses. You need a special case for the Insta360 One X, but this is at the expense of the weight and handling of the camera. However, there is also one point where the Insta360 One X clearly wins: slow-motion recordings. This is not possible with the GoPro Max. In addition, the selfie stick is not filtered out as well on the GoPro Max as it is on the Insta360 One X.

Action cameras

GoPro Max

60p, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi

Action cameras

GoPro Hero Max (Hero Max, grip, 128GB microSD)

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Stefanie Enge

Autorin

techjournalistin@gmail.com

Most of the time I'm living between bits and bytes, testing alternative Android operating systems and trying to make my life smarter with Open Source technology - always with a focus on privacy and data protection. When I'm not testing cool gadgets, I'm developing video games, writing stories and playing the accordion.

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