Action Cameras - Camcorder Replacement?
Is the action camera the new replacement for both the digital camera and the camcorder? Given the pace of product development, we have every reason to suspect that this is the case. The cheaper version of GoPro action camera also has many more uses than its predecessors, and in an even smoother package. Just as the name suggests, an action camera is a camera that will be able to keep up with life whatever it is. If you want to use the camera to shoot your running, when skiing or for your next fishing trip, an action camera can be customized to suit your needs.
The features of an action camera vary from model to model. In addition to socialising during sporty activities, an action camera is perfect for an active family life, with movies of both children and dogs at work and play. The movies can either be saved on thye device by using WiFi or other connection shared with others on YouTube or in social media. The movies can also be easily transferred to your iPad, iPhone or other smartphone or tablet.
Of the action cameras we have included in this year's test, we have also tested underwater when swimming, as several of the cameras are waterproof or can be made waterproof with the help of an accessory. With some cameras you can choose to shoot with or without fisheye, some are available as an accessory for more stable use when shooting outside. On Some there is a bracket for having the camera on the head, then a bracket is attached to your helmet, the bicycle bracket and the chest. There is also the possibility of hunting the action camera in the hunting dog's harness. We also reported whether the action camera is playing in HD, if it is equipped with GPS, how big or small it is, what it's weight and whether the action camera has a screen.
The prices of action cameras vary greatly from cheap to very expensive, but sometimes those in the premium price range may also be on a campaign and then become a very affordable option.
Sony HDR AZ1VR
Size (Width) : 24.2 mm Size : 36 mm Size (Depth) : 74 mm Weight : 63 g Resolution : 11.9 MP Max Resolution Still Image : 4608 x 3072 pixels. Frames per second (varies depending on resolution) : 60 - 120 fps. Power supply : Rechargeable battery. Supplied accessories : Water resistant case, 2x batteries, LiveView remote control, tripod, tripod adapter, mount, micro USB cable.
The Sony HDR AZ1VR Action Camera Mini is an intermediate-class action camera with the ambition to compete with the biggest on the market. The elongated model, however, makes it feel lumpy when it is mounted on the chest, that it protrudes so much in the length gives the feeling that it is not optimal for that type of use. The Sony HDR AZ1VR has no display or operation on the camera itself. The VR version controls everything from the included remote control that can be attached around the wrist with Velcro strap. Via the remote control you also see live what the camera sees, you can delete movies that you do not want to save and GPS log movie sequences. Sony HDR AZ1VR is a real action camera, it's intended for hard use in all sorts of climates. Without extra protection, the camera can withstand rain and water splash. With the enclosed waterproof shell you can also shoot underwater, a maximum of five meters deep, and the shell also serves as a protection against dust and shock. Sony states in the camera's specifications that it is not intended for focusing underwater, which we notice from one to the worse affected sharpness when we try to film at baths.
Sony HDR AZ1VR is a small, easy-to-use and simple action camera. It has a good weight and the brackets are sturdy without being unnecessarily big or clumsy. Both design and features give a good impression, the HDR AZ1VR feels well-designed and robust and as good value for money. Camera technology of Sony called SteadyShot works well as built-in image stabilization and overall, HDR AZ1VR keeps a good image quality, even when the terrain is rough and the speed is high. Good quality of both design and features along with the action camera's separate remote control, which feels very easy to use and logically makes the overall impression of the Sony HDR AZ1VR very positive. For those who do not want to spend too much money but at the same time have a greater interest than the budget options can satisfy, the Sony HDR AZ1VR becomes a good choice of action camera.
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Easy to use, good image quality with built-in image stabilization
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Lower focus under water, the shape of the camera makes it clumsy to have mounted on the chest
Garmin Virb Elite
Size (Width) : 53 mm Size : 32 mm Size (Depth) : 111 mm Weight : 125 g Resolution : 16 MP Max Resolution Still Image : 4664 x 3496 pixels. Frames per second (varies depending on resolution) : 30 fps. Power supply : Rechargeable battery. Supplied accessories : Lithium-ion battery, holder, short link, right-angled link, adapter for popular industry brackets, bracket for mounting on smooth surfaces, bracket for mounting on arched surfaces, threaded collar, USB cable.
Garmin as a brand has a wide range of products in the sports and fitness genres. Therefore, with the Virb Elite action camera you get a well-thought-out and in most respects very solid camera. Garmin would like to highlight the lavish Chroma screen, the high resolution on film, true 1080p HD, and the long life of the battery. After our testing of action cameras, we can agree that Virb Elite is a serious product with high quality features. Picture quality is really good, Virb Elite is a camera that is easy to use. In its original version, it stays close to water for half an hour at a depth of one meter, because the dive enthusiast has a dive house to buy to make Virb Elite manage to shoot down to 50 meters deep. The Garmin Virb Elite is also shock resistant with a good image stabilizer, it tolerates basically as much action as the one using it. This high level of quality feels positive considering the price level of the Virb Elite in a middle class.
The Garmin Virb Elite display in color is unfortunately unclear, the operation of the action camera is all the easier. With a single button, it's easy to turn on the recording. Also, the button is well-sized, making it easy to use the camera without having to get the gloves first. In shape, Virb Elite is narrow and oblong, a popular design on action cameras, but which makes the camera stand out a bit more than desirable if it is mounted on the chest, so first of all, you will want to find other places to attach the camera. In addition, the brackets are a bit too high, which increases the risk of unnecessary vibration that can affect the quality of the film. To its advantage, Garmin is very generous and knows how the consumer works. It comes with an adapter with Virb Elite, which makes it possible to use other manufacturers' brackets for the camera, such as Go Pro, which already has a wide range of different types of brackets. The Garmin Virb Elite is also very much active with the active sportsman, such as the inbound cyclist who can pair his action camera with other Garmin products such as bicycle and pulse tires. Overall, Garmin Virb Elite is an action camera that lives up to its promises and gives a lot of money.
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Good image quality, easy to operate with a large button, shock and waterproof from packaging
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Slightly high brackets, oblong shape
Polaroid Cube
Size (Width) : 35 mm Size : 35 mm Size (Depth) : 35 mm Weight : 9 g Resolution : 6 MP Max Resolution Still Image : 1080 pixels. Framerate per second (varies depending on resolution) : 30 fps. Power supply : Rechargeable battery. Supplied accessories : USB cable.
Polaroid is a camera brand well known to most, and with its little camera Cube, they have now also entered the area of action cameras. The Cube looks playful and design-appealing, it stands out from the other range of action cameras, and may even appeal to it as deterring other complicated forms and setting possibilities of other models. Polaroid Cube has a simpler estimate, no direct prerequisites required. At the top of the camera there is a button, and with this button all settings are taken. It is easily done and feels like a cool idea that stands out. But, as Cube lacks a display, it will be a little clumsy to maneuver the menu. In the middle of an activity that you want to document, it's easy to get a lot of "how it was" moments when adjustments to the Polaroid Cube are adjusted.
Unfortunately, Polaroid Cube has a poor image quality and color rendering. In some light and environments, the picture looks good, in others it gets a ton of blue, which makes some movies not so fun to use. The various mounting brackets could also be improved. In the brackets we have had the opportunity to test, the camera has never been firmly attached, but they have always sat a little loose, which means that when the Cube is used to film motion, the film becomes unnecessarily shaky. This despite the fact that the Cube itself has a very low weight, which of course is a plus. The moving brackets should be easy to adjust and to keep the camera stable, would mean a big improvement in the final result. As we can see, Polaroid Cube is no action camera, there are other brands that can be better. However, the price of the Polaroid Cube is very appealing and gives the brand a large potential target audience. With adjustable brackets and Polaroid's ability to fix image quality and color reproduction, Cube could be both a really fun and fun party trip to Ibiza camera, and a camera to give the movie-interested child to explore the world.
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Cool design, low weight and very good price
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Some issues with color rendering and image quality, moving mounting brackets
Ricoh
Pentax WG-M1
Size (Width) : 489.5 mm Size : 66.5 mm Size (Depth) : 42.5 mm Weight : 190 g Resolution : 14 MP Max Resolution Still Image : 4320 x 3240 pixels. Framerate per second (varies depending on resolution) : 30-120 fps. Power supply : Rechargeable battery. Included Accessories : Power adapter, USB cable, rechargeable battery, lens cover, underwater lens, WG Flat Adhesive Mount and Carabiner strap.
The Ricoh Pentax Action Camera Model WG-M1 has a look that exudes technical advancement and seriosity. Great focus has been placed on camera focus and image quality overall. The resolution is one of the higher in our test of action cameras. For the hobby photographer who likes to give great pictures, WG-M1 feels quite right. Overall, the feeling under our test is that it is rather just a photographer, rather than a regular actress, behind the design of the Ricoh Pentax WG-M1. For example, it is apparent in the weight of the camera and in the various brackets. The weight is relatively high, which is noticeable if the camera is to be used on a bicycle or ski helmet. In order to be able to function functionally, the WG-M1 had to significantly reduce weight. It also feels quite large in the range, a smaller version had been smoother and smaller measurements had also contributed positively to the camera's weight.
The fasteners supplied with the Ricoh Pentax WG-M1 are higher than they would be. If the camera is to be used at high speed or when the carrier moves in terrain, such as during a bike ride in the woods, the height of the brackets will make the film shakier than desired and sometimes difficult to use because of the unstable image. To the advantage of the camera, the inside, software and components are well thought out. In addition to the excellent image quality, the Ricoh Pentax WG-M1 has a well-built menu. It is easy to maneuver between the different settings and easy to understand how the camera works. For those who travel a lot in wet environments, whether it's a bathhouse or a rainy day, it's definitely positive that the Ricoh Pentax WG-M1 is waterproof without the need to add an extra shell. Given the price level, the Ricoh Pentax WG-M1 feels like a good camera, but is best suited for the less action-packed activities.
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Price, image quality, waterproof without extra shell
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Weight and size, unnecessarily high mounting brackets.