@g_dmde) Updated 23/11/21 at 14:00 p.m. Share:
The action cam market has reached maturity. There are many manufacturers and the ranges available are varied. Stabilization becomes really effective and additional functions such as sharing on social networks or the use of creative automatisms are increasingly present.
Never has it been easier to produce video content. In classic cameras, camcorders, smartphones, tablets, video is everywhere, but in the field, the traditional camcorder is now abandoned in favor of action cameras. Compact, light, easy to use, from family events to extreme sports sessions, they are everywhere, which can be explained in particular by the constant drop in prices.
However, action cameras are still far from perfect. The image quality is often barely superior to that of a smartphone, still far behind that of digital cameras and camcorders. There are many areas for improvement: lens quality, sensor quality, battery capacity, widespread integration of stabilization, etc. While Full HD is generally mastered, eyes are already turning to 4K/UHD and 360° spherical video.
The action cam market has reached maturity. There are many manufacturers and the ranges available are varied. Stabilization becomes really effective and additional functions such as sharing on social networks or the use of creative automatisms are increasingly present.
Never has it been easier to produce video content. In classic cameras, camcorders, smartphones, tablets, video is everywhere, but in the field, the traditional camcorder is now abandoned in favor of action cameras. Compact, light, easy to use, from family events to extreme sports sessions, they are everywhere, which can be explained in particular by the constant drop in prices.
However, action cameras are still far from perfect. The image quality is often barely superior to that of a smartphone, still far behind that of digital cameras and camcorders. There are many areas for improvement: lens quality, sensor quality, battery capacity, widespread integration of stabilization, etc. While Full HD is generally mastered, eyes are already turning to 4K/UHD and 360° spherical video.
Let yourself be guided by our experts
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What is an action camera, an action camera or a sports camera?
An action cam, or, an action camera is a small camera designed to withstand shocks, even immersion. Able to film in more or less all situations, it can be fixed on a helmet, on a vehicle or on different objects to create impressive videos.
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Is it better to buy a waterproof or rugged compact or an action-cam?
A compact fighter does not necessarily have the same vocation as an action-cam. The first will be used more for photography, when the second is resolutely oriented towards video. If it is possible to film with a compact or to photograph with an action camera, the performances can be limited or the ergonomics not always adapted.
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Is it better to buy an action-cam or a smartphone?
A smartphone is a versatile tool. He is equally at ease in photo, video and web browsing. That being said, even if there are waterproof models, the warranty does not necessarily follow in the event of immersion and the smartphone is rarely resistant. We will then avoid hanging a phone on a surfboard or on a diving mask while an action-cam will be ideal for these situations.
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How are digital action cameras tested?
Action cameras are tested in digital laboratories as for a classic device such as a compact, a reflex or a hybrid. We analyze images from videos and photos. Reactivity is also taken into account, as well as software or mechanical stabilization. Ergonomics is obviously not forgotten. Field trials are also carried out to complement laboratory procedures.
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What is the best action cam?
To determine the best action-cam, several parameters must be taken into account. First and foremost: image quality. The effectiveness of the stabilization or the resistance of the case also make it possible to highlight the best students. All this, as well as the best price of the moment are analyzed to create a ranking. To find out which is the best action cam, then head over to our best action cam buying guide.
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What are the important characteristics in video for an action-cam?
For an action-cam, the minimum is to film in 4K. Some models even offer higher definitions with the promise of better image quality. It is also interesting to note the recorded frame rate, that is to say the number of frames per second. This point is crucial for smooth action scenes or for slow motion. Also, we will pay attention to the cropping applied by the digital stabilization, the latter being able to crop the image.
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What type of resistance for an action-cam?
Resistance is an important aspect of an action camera. The stronger and more waterproof it is, the more it will be possible to fix it everywhere without fear. The top-of-the-range models offer shock resistance and waterproofing without additional accessories, while other action-cams require the use of a housing to be submerged. Checking the resistance to shocks or low temperatures before purchase is also necessary.
