If the girls' best friends are diamonds, then the extremal's best friend is an action camera. The small size and ease of use have made these devices popular among participants in extreme sports who take their adventures by attaching the camera to themselves or their equipment.
However, the action camera is also an excellent family gift, especially on vacation days or on the child's birthday. It will allow you to quickly and permanently capture memorable moments, and not in the form of a static photograph.
After examining the reviews on various models of action cameras on Yandex.Market, as well as calling authoritative publications such as Techradar and Digitalcameraworld for help, we compiled an updated rating of action cameras in 2019.
10. GoPro HERO6 Black
Average price: 29 990 rubles.
- UHD 4K video recording
- 2-inch LCD
- microSD memory cards up to 128 GB
- Wi-Fi, GPS, Bluetooth
- electronic stabilizer
- weight 117 gr.
This is the latest flagship of GoPro - a leader in action cameras. Yes, it is expensive, but a 4K camcorder at 60 frames per second is hard to beat. The updated model has improved the quality of shooting in low light. HERO6 also boasts excellent image stabilization to suppress camera shake,
Voice activation is useful when your hands are busy, and a durable waterproof case will allow you to work with the camera at a depth of 10 meters without an additional case.
The main disadvantage of the gadget is associated with voice control - in the wind you will have to scream to get the desired action from the camera. And if you want to connect an external microphone, you will have to do it through your own, not too convenient and unprotected adapter. Because of this, difficulties arise when using the camera on a helmet with a microphone inside.
9. YI 4K Action Camera
Average price: 11 590 rubles.
- UHD 4K video recording
- 12 MP matrix (1 / 2.3 ″)
- 2.19 inch LCD
- microSD memory cards
- Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
- electronic stabilizer
- up to 1.5 hours of battery life
- weight 95 gr.
Those who want the best action camera of 2018 usually look at the latest GoPro model. She has only one problem - the high price. And the much more affordable action camera from Yi Technology gives you almost as many features for less money. For example, it has a slightly larger touch screen than the GoPro HERO6 Black, and it can also shoot 4K video at 60 frames per second.
The disadvantages of the device include the lack of a waterproof case and GPS functions, but the rest of the Yi 4K is just an excellent camera.
8. GoPro Hero (2018)
Average price: 7 990 rubles.
- Full HD 1080p video recording
- 5 MP matrix (1 / 2.3 ″)
- without LCD screen
- microSD memory cards
- up to 2.5 hours of battery life
- weight 111 gr.
Another representative of GpPro in action camera review. This is a stripped-down version compared to HERO6 Black, which affected its cost. It does not shoot in 4K resolution, but it can record Full HD-video and is an excellent camera for beginners or users who do not worry about what frame rate or resolution you need to set. There are other good action cameras for the same price, but they don't have that sophisticated design and easy controls.
The minus of the device is the poor quality of shooting in the dark. In addition, it cannot be connected to a smartphone or computer.
7. Gmini MagicEye HDS5100
Average price: 3 990 rubles.
- UHD 4K video recording
- 4 MP matrix (1/3 ″)
- 2-inch LCD
- microSD memory cards
- Wifi
- up to 1.33 hours of battery life
- weight 45 gr.
This is the cheapest action camera in our review. And if you think that “cheap” means “knowing nothing”, then you are greatly mistaken. The device allows you to shoot in 4K resolution at a speed of 30 frames per second, set the exposure manually and has a Time-lapse mode. And the night-time recording quality of MagicEye HDS5100 is higher than that of many more expensive action cameras. The control menu is simple and understandable even for a beginner. The kit comes with waterproof boxing - a trifle, but nice.
That’s what the camera doesn’t have is image stabilization. But for such a price, this flaw can be forgiven, right?
6. TomTom Bandit
Average price: 9,000 rubles.
- UHD 4K video recording
- 16 MP matrix (1 / 2.3 ″)
- there is an LCD screen
- microSD memory cards
- Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
- weight 190 gr.
TomTom Bandit has the basic functions of more expensive action cameras, even in the Base Pack version. These include: GPS, accelerometer, USB 3.0 port, built-in microphone, gyroscope, as well as various sensors (acceleration, fall, etc.). The battery life is also impressive - 3 hours without recharging. The fastening of the latches is very reliable, and they themselves are placed on a stand that can rotate around the camera, although not in a full circle.
Very convenient video editing mode in a special mobile application. Just shake your smartphone slightly to automatically create a movie.
Cons: 4K recording is only 15 frames per second. If the body of the device complies with IPX8 standards, then the lens cover is resistant only to water splashes. If you want to do underwater shooting, replace the cover of your "bandit" with a waterproof one.
5. SJCAM SJ4000 WiFi
Average price: 5 397 rubles.
- Full HD 1080p video recording
- 1.5 inch LCD screen
- 3 MP matrix
- microSD memory cards
- Wifi
- weight 46 gr.
Second best budget action camera after the Gmini MagicEye HDS5100. It features a rich configuration and many features. It can shoot video in a resolution of 1920 × 1080 at a speed of 30 frames per second, supports the H.264 standard, has auto-exposure. And the manufacturer is constantly releasing new firmware that makes working with the camera even easier and more convenient. Together with the SJ4000 WiFi you get a large number of bike mounts, a bicycle helmet, metal and plastic clamps and a back cover for a waterproof box. According to reviews, this action camera calmly withstands immersion to a depth of 20 meters.
Cons: date and settings will be lost if you pull out the battery. Poor shooting quality in the dark. And quite hard buttons, so it will be difficult for a weak teenager or woman to use this gadget.
If you need the same camera, but at an even lower price, pay attention to the SJCAM SJ4000. All the same functions, only there is no Wi-Fi.
4. Olympus TG-Tracker
Average price: 18 000 rubles.
- UHD 4K video recording
- 8 MP matrix (1 / 2.3 ″)
- 1.5 inch LCD screen
- SD memory cards
- Wifi
- electronic image stabilizer
- up to 1.5 hours of battery life
- weight 180 gr.
This 4K camera with smartphone control is designed for harsh environments. It is waterproof (up to 30 m without an underwater box) and can operate at temperatures up to minus 10ºC. At the same time, it is also resistant to drops from a height of up to 2 m and theoretically can withstand pressure up to 100 kg (it is not recommended to check). We also note excellent ergonomics, compatibility with GoPro mounts and the presence of a convenient handle in the kit.
The Olympus TG-Tracker has acceleration and immersion sensors, GPS, compass, accelerometer, barometric pressure and air temperature.
And two serious weaknesses of this camera are “jumping” white balance and unnatural color rendition in low light.
3. AC Robin Zed2
Average price: 7 990 rubles.
- Full HD 1080p video recording
- 16 MP matrix
- 2-inch LCD
- microSD memory cards
- Wifi
- electronic stabilizer
- weight 58 gr.
Not many models priced up to 10 thousand rubles have optical stabilization. AC Robin Zed2 has it. Add to this a well-translated into Russian language and an intuitive menu, high-quality assembly, several fixtures in the kit and you will understand that this model is almost perfect.
Why almost? The battery could have been more powerful. When shooting with FHD-resolution, it pulls no more than an hour. But this problem is solved with an external battery.
2. Nikon KeyMission 360
Average price: 21 900 rubles.
- 360 ° shooting
- UHD 4K video recording
- No lcd screen
- 21.14 MP matrix (1 / 2.3 ″)
- microSD memory cards
- Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
- weight 198 gr.
The fact that Nikon produces some of the best cameras and camcorders has long been known. However, the company keeps up to date and also produces the best action cameras of 2018 with a full range of the most advanced features.
There are three action cameras in the KeyMission family, but only version 360 offers panoramic shooting. It is equipped with two cameras with an ultra-wide viewing angle, directed in different directions. It features excellent shooting quality under normal lighting conditions.
There is more and more VR content, and if you are interested in creating it, then KeyMission 360 is a good choice.
This model also boasts waterproofing, as well as video recording with 4K resolution at a speed of 24 frames per second. Since it does not have room for a screen or a huge set of buttons, you will need to make changes to the settings through a special application. The camera has a rich configuration, it has protective nozzles for underwater shooting, a silicone case, a flat and curved support mount.
The disadvantages of the device include sensitivity to lighting and poor lens protection, they are easily scratched. Stitching with lenses is noticeable.
1. Xiaomi YI Action Camera Basic Edition
Average price: 5,444 rubles.
- Full HD 1080p video recording
- 16 MP matrix (1 / 2.3 ″)
- No lcd screen
- microSD memory cards
- Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
- weight 72 gr.
The range of Yi action cameras is quite cheap, and it is the most affordable model in the range. However, not only for this reason she led the rating of action cameras of 2018. It can shoot high-quality Full HD video at a speed of 60 frames per second and is "hung" with diodes on all sides, informing you of what mode the camera is in. If you are annoyed by such a "color music", you can turn it off in the settings.
Motorists can set the video to automatically turn on when the camera is running. She also has a cyclic shooting mode, which allows you to use the gadget from YI as a good DVR.
Cons: heats up at work, quiet sound, the battery lasts for an hour in video recording mode.
