Action Cameras have come a long way in a few short years. They are a great option whether you are looking for a camera to follow you around the world or a gadget to capture the coolest sights.
There are many uses for action cameras, and many to choose from. Whether you’re an amateur or an enthusiast, there is sure to be an action camera to suit you.
This is a list of the pros and cons of action cameras from our passionate team of photographers to help you decide if an action camera is the right choice for you.
Pro: Lightweight & Compact
Gone are the days of heavy and unwieldy camcorders. With an action camera you won’t have to choose between all the best features and a smaller, lighter video camera.
Action cameras come in many shapes and sizes, so there is bound to be one that is suitable for how you plan to use it.
They're compact enough to carry anywhere and don’t get in the way. So you can experience the moment while capturing it for posterity at the same time.
Small action cameras allow you to carry them in your pocket or mount them almost anywhere. They are the most portable cameras on the market.
Con: Excessive Accessories
Even though action cameras don’t take up a lot of room, their accessories can.
There are so many accessories to choose from and you’ll find you will need to make room in your photography bag for them.
But the variety of accessories for action cameras can open up a world of possibilities. Tripods like the Joby Tripod will allow you to place your action camera in all sorts of places.
Waterproof housings may add weight to your camera but they will help you in capturing some amazing underwater video.
Whether you are snorkelling, surfing or just playing at the beach with the kids, you can trust that your action camera will stay dry.
If you want to experience the sights of a big city without a camera in your hand, head or chest mounts are a perfect option.
Pro: Image Quality & 4K Video
An action camera has to be able to keep up with the action and record video that isn’t shaky or distorted.
When choosing an action camera, just like with any camera, you have to consider image quality and recording capabilities.
You don’t want to get home from an amazing holiday to find that your camera couldn’t keep up. Thankfully most action cameras don’t skimp on quality.
There are several that shoot video in 5K resolution, like the GoPro Hero4 Black. This means you’ll be able to capture crystal clear video on a camera smaller than your hand.
Con: Wide Field of View
Many action cameras have a wide field of view, and this can put some people off. But some action cameras do give the user the option to choose between wide, medium and narrow angles.
It depends on how you plan to use your action camera, but most of the time the wide angle is perfect for capturing beautiful scenery and all of the action.
When coupled with fantastic video resolution, the wide angle will make your friends feel like they were right there with you.
Pro: Built to Last
Action cameras are built to withstand some pretty crazy situations. That’s why they are a top choice to take on adventures and holidays.
Whether that’s to the beach or to the snow, underwater or in the dirt, your action camera coupled with some choice accessories is made to last.
Running out of battery is the last thing you want to stress about, but with action cameras can be pretty impressive all things considered.
The average action camera battery will last for an hour and a half of continuous shooting. Spare batteries are great for when you don’t want your action camera to miss a beat.
For a wide range of action cameras and accessories, check out our online store or for some excellent advice head into your local Camera House shop.
