The Best Action Camera

There's no better feeling than reliving an amazing experience through clear, crisp video images. Whether you're biking down a curvy trail, skydiving, swimming with sharks, or bungee jumping, an action camera allows you to capture that moment with high definition quality.

Action cameras are portable, mountable, lightweight, and can attach to virtually anything. They are quickly becoming more functional thanks to technology advancing at a fast rate.

Traditional cameras and camcorders are left behind with this emerging sensation that action cams have become. The best part of it all is that these action cameras are becoming more affordable every single day.

FEATURES THAT MATTER

When searching for an action camera, it's important to have what you want and need in mind. Consider the following factors before making your final purchase.

• Frame rate A.K.A. frames per second (FPS)
• Resolution (4K)
• Video quality (1080p)
• Waterproof
• Size
• Mounting
• Wireless features
• Camera controls

Frames per second are necessary to consider for playback purposes. For example, 30fps is the typical frame rate for most action cams, but if you buy one with 120fps, you will be able to have the best slow motion shots ever.

So again, ask yourself what you will be using the device for before making up your mind. However, you will probably end up choosing one of the GoPro models below, since they're proven to be top-tier action cameras.

RECOMMENDED PRODUCTS

When it comes to action cameras, no other brand comes close to competing with GoPro. Their products have been leaders in the video and photography industry for well over a decade now.

Despite the camera monopoly GoPro has managed to build over the years, other companies have taken a leap into action cams as well. Unfortunately for them, efforts have been futile, as GoPro remains the most popular brand for action cameras throughout the entire world.

BEST ALL-AROUND CAMERAS

The HERO5 works with over 30 official GoPro accessories and mounts, and you can quickly edit your videos with GoPro's editing app Quik. This method works because your videos get uploaded to the GoPro cloud in an instant.

At a retail valued of $399 USD, this action camera is barred none the best out on the market today. Anybody can feel like a professional photographer with this bad boy mounted onto their helmet.

Although it does not have an LCD screen, it packs great settings that make up for it. Seeing what you just shot right away is not a common practice among professionals, so an LCD is not necessary for such an elite piece of equipment.

Its current price is that of $329 USD which is not considerably less than the HERO5. So when choosing between the two, it ultimately comes down to how much you want the LCD screen on your device.

The HERO5 has a noise reduction mic, captures 4K video, and comes with both Bluetooth and WiFi built-in for easier sharing. This model is also waterproof, and you can start recording with the simple press of a button.

You can get this model for $300 USD from Best Buy and start recording your adventures immediately. This camera will not disappoint when it comes to capturing action shots for years to come.

SMALL BUDGET CAMERAS

This action camera shoots 1080p video but unfortunately has no WiFi capabilities. It also has no LCD screen, but again, it has amazing image quality for a small price.

Polaroid offers this camera for $62 USD on Amazon, which means you can buy five of them with what you would pay for a GoPro. Of course, there's no replacing the GoPro, but this Polaroid Cube is ideal for creative minds with little money.

This model is too small to include an LCD screen display, but it's unnecessary for what you'll be using this camera. A Session by GoPro is meant to mount onto bikes, skateboards, and other things that will be moving quickly.

The HERO Session costs $149 USD so you can't go wrong with this price. Plus, it's WiFi and Bluetooth enabled, so it'll be a piece of cake to connect with other GoPro applications and accessories.

This action camera is life proof, resisting shock, water, dust, and freezing temperatures. You can take this device anywhere and mount it onto anything since it comes with electronic image stabilization (EIS).

Take this camera home with you for a low price of $208 USD. You'll be able to capture all your Kodak moments with this camera without breaking the bank.

HIGH-END CAMERAS

It is not waterproof itself, but it does come with a case that will protect it from water for deep sea recording. You can also stream LIVE instantly thanks to its Bluetooth and WiFi capabilities.

It also has Gorilla Glass touchscreen that you will rarely use due to its voice command feature. For $340 USD, you can own one of the fanciest action cameras out on the market.

You will be able to record full 360 degrees video with maximum stability and precision. Timelapses will be better than you've ever seen before and pictures will be crystal clear.

The only issue with this action camera is its $497 USD price tag. Besides the price, this life proof model with built-in WiFi will give you years of crisp 360 video.

GoPro Wins!

In the end, one can't stress enough how much better any GoPro action camera is over the competition. After considering what you'll be using the camera for, you will most likely find everything you need in one of the many GoPro models.

They are within the price range of all other action cameras and offer some of the best specs possible. GoPro has been doing this far longer than any other company, placing them light years ahead of their competitors.

Surely, other brands will continue to improve and one day GoPro will have met its match. For now, though, betting on a GoPro model is the safest move you can make when purchasing an action camera.

Go out and get your best action shots now so the whole world can live your experience. This investment will be one that even future generations will enjoy.