Looking to buy your first action camera? Feeling overwhelmed by all the different options? Keep reading to learn more about the factors that are worth looking out for as you choose the right action camera for you to help you make the right decision for your needs and get the most out of your new action camera no matter what your ultimate goals are.
Durability
Most people who plan to buy an action camera are expecting to use it while taking part in a wide range of outdoor activities like biking, snowboarding, skiing, surfing, and more. Falling over and wiping out is going to be inevitable when you are taking part in this kind of activity, which it’s why it’s so important to choose a camera that’s built to be durable and handle any kind of action that you throw at it.
User-Friendliness
Consider how tech-savvy you are when deciding which type of camera to get, to ensure that it’s suitable for your needs. Many action cameras are designed to work with an integrated app and will require you to use a smartphone alongside them for operation, while others are used as a standalone unit. Action cameras come with a wide variety of features available, so make a list of your must-haves and consider the features that you are going to be comfortable using. Some of the key features that you might want to consider include Wi-Fi capability, battery type and longevity, waterproof depth, and ease of mounting the camera when using it.
Video Quality
Depending on how you plan to use the videos that you capture with your action camera, the video quality might be a factor that is very important to you. You might not be too concerned with having the best quality of video if you are shooting for your own personal viewing to ensure that you have lasting memories of your adventures that you can hang onto. On the other hand, if you’re trying to make a living as an adventure YouTuber or want to get your content picked up by advertisers and big companies, a high-quality camera is going to be a must. If you plan to be editing your videos a lot for a professional finish, you’ll need to think about the image-capturing ability of the camera, the frame rate, and app integration.
Activity Type
The type of activities that you plan to film with your action camera should also be considered before you decide which one is the best for you. Many good quality action cameras are made from strong polycarbonate materials that make them very suitable for rough use. However, if you are an avid swimmer or diver and want to shoot video underwater, the waterproofing abilities of the camera are going to be a key feature for you to think about. You can get waterproof cases for many of the popular action camera options, but you may want to consider getting a camera that is specifically designed for underwater use if you plan on taking it into the sea or pool with you a lot. Before choosing a camera, make sure that you are aware of the maximum depth that it is waterproof to, especially if you plan to use it when deep-sea diving.
Time-Lapse Ability
Time-lapses of your activities are fun to watch, and many action cameras are designed to create awesome time-lapse videos. They can be placed almost anywhere recording hours of footage that can be sped up to create a fun time-lapse of what you have been up to. If you’re planning to make time-lapse videos, consider whether you will be editing the footage yourself or want a camera that can stitch the sequence of images together and produce a final video. If you plan to record long time-lapse videos, battery life is an important feature to consider.
With so many action cameras on the market, buying your first one can be confusing. Keep these features in mind when looking at your options to help you choose the right one for you.
