If a girl's best friend is diamonds, then an extreme's best friend is an action camera. Their small size and ease of use have made these devices popular with extreme sports enthusiasts who film their adventures by attaching a camera to themselves or their gear.
However, an action camera is also a great family gift, especially on vacation days or a child's birthday. It will allow you to quickly and permanently capture memorable moments, and not in the form of a static photograph.
Having studied reviews on various models of action cameras on Yandex.Market, as well as calling on reputable publications such as Techradar and Digitalcameraworld for help, we have compiled an updated rating of action cameras 2019.
10. GoPro HERO6 Black
Average price: 29,990 rubles.
- UHD 4K video recording
- 2-inch LCD screen
- microSD memory cards up to 128 GB
- Wi-Fi, GPS, Bluetooth
- electronic stabilizer
- weight 117 gr.
This is the latest flagship from GoPro, the leader in action cameras. Yes, it's expensive, but a 4K camcorder at 60fps is hard to beat. The updated model has improved low-light performance. HERO6 also boasts excellent image stabilization to suppress camera shake,
Voice-activated is useful when your hands are busy, and the rugged waterproof housing allows you to operate the camera up to 10 meters without an additional case.
The main disadvantage of the gadget is associated with voice control - in the wind you have to scream in order 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 very convenient and unprotected adapter. Because of this, it becomes difficult to use the camera on a motorcycle helmet with a microphone inside.
9.YI 4K Action Camera
Average price: 11 590 rubles.
- UHD 4K video recording
- 12 MP (1 / 2.3 ″) matrix
- 2.19 inch LCD screen
- microSD cards
- Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
- electronic stabilizer
- up to 1.5 hours of battery life
- weight 95 gr.
Those looking for the best action camera of 2018 are usually looking at the newest 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 possibilities for less money. For example, it has a slightly larger touchscreen than the GoPro HERO6 Black, and can also shoot 4K video at 60fps.
The downsides of the device include the lack of a waterproof case and GPS functionality, but otherwise the Yi 4K is just an excellent camera.
8. GoPro Hero (2018)
Average price: 7,990 rubles.
- Full HD 1080p video recording
- 5 MP (1 / 2.3 ″) matrix
- without LCD screen
- microSD cards
- up to 2.5 hours of battery life
- weight 111 gr.
Another representative of GpPro in the review of action cameras. This is a stripped-down version compared to the HERO6 Black, which is reflected in its cost. It doesn't shoot in 4K, but it can record Full HD video and is a great camera for newbies or users who don't care about what frame rate or resolution to set. There are other good action cameras out there that are similarly priced, but lack the sleek design and easy controls.
The disadvantage of the device is the poor quality of shooting in the dark. Also, it cannot be connected to a smartphone or computer.
7. Gmini MagicEye HDS5100
Average price: 3,990 rubles.
- UHD 4K video recording
- matrix 4 MP (1/3 ″)
- 2-inch LCD screen
- microSD cards
- Wi-Fi
- up to 1.33 h of battery life
- weight 45 gr.
This is the cheapest action camera in our review. And if you think that "cheap" means "not able to do anything," then you are greatly mistaken. The device allows you to shoot in 4K resolution at 30 frames per second, set the exposure manually and has a Time-lapse mode. The MagicEye HDS5100 has better night recording quality than many more expensive action cameras. The control menu is simple and understandable even for a beginner. The set comes with a waterproof box - a trifle, but nice.
What the camera lacks is image stabilization. But at this price, this disadvantage can be forgiven, right?
6. TomTom Bandit
Average price: 9,000 rubles.
- UHD 4K video recording
- matrix 16 MP (1 / 2.3 ″)
- there is an LCD screen
- microSD cards
- Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
- weight 190 gr.
TomTom Bandit has the basic features 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, falling, 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 a full circle.
The video editing mode in a special mobile application is very convenient. Just shake your smartphone slightly to automatically create a movie.
Cons: 4K is only recorded at 15fps. If the body of the device itself meets the IPX8 standards, then the lens cover is only resistant to splashing water. If you want to do underwater photography, 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
- matrix 3 MP
- microSD cards
- Wi-Fi
- weight 46 gr.
Second best budget action camera after Gmini MagicEye HDS5100. Differs in a wealth of equipment and many functions. It can shoot video in a resolution of 1920 × 1080 at 30 frames per second, supports the H.264 standard, and has auto exposure. And the manufacturer constantly releases new firmware that make working with the camera even easier and more convenient. Along with the SJ4000 WiFi, you will receive a large number of bike mounts, bike helmets, metal and plastic clamps and a back cover for a waterproof box. According to reviews, this action camera can easily withstand diving to a depth of 20 meters.
Cons: Date and settings will go wrong if you remove the battery. Poor quality of shooting in the dark. And the buttons are hard enough that it will be difficult for a weak teenager or a woman to use this gadget.
If you want the same camera but at an even lower price, check out the SJCAM SJ4000. All the same functions, only no Wi-Fi.
4. Olympus TG-Tracker
Average price: 18,000 rubles.
- UHD 4K video recording
- matrix 8 MP (1 / 2.3 ″)
- 1.5 inch LCD screen
- SD memory cards
- Wi-Fi
- electronic image stabilizer
- up to 1.5 hours of battery life
- weight 180 gr.
This 4K camera with smartphone control is built for harsh environments. It is waterproof (up to 30 m without underwater housing) and can operate at temperatures down to minus 10ºC. At the same time, it is also resistant to falls from a height of up to 2 m and theoretically will withstand pressure up to 100 kg (it is not recommended to check). We also note the excellent ergonomics, compatibility with GoPro mounts and the presence of a comfortable grip included.
Olympus TG-Tracker has acceleration and diving sensors, GPS, compass, accelerometer, barometric pressure and air temperature data.
And two serious weaknesses of this camera - "jumping" white balance and unnatural color rendition in low light.
3. AC Robin Zed2
Average price: 7,990 rubles.
- Full HD 1080p video recording
- matrix 16 MP
- 2-inch LCD screen
- microSD cards
- Wi-Fi
- electronic stabilizer
- weight 58 gr.
Not many models at a price of up to 10 thousand rubles have optical stabilization. AC Robin Zed2 has it. Add to this the well-translated into Russian and intuitive menu, high-quality assembly, several mounts in the kit, and you will understand that this model is almost perfect.
Why almost? The battery could be more powerful. When shooting with FHD-resolution, it lasts no more than an hour. But this problem is solved by using an external battery.
2. Nikon KeyMission 360
Average price: 21,900 rubles.
- 360 ° shooting
- UHD 4K video recording
- No LCD screen
- matrix 21.14 MP (1 / 2.3 ″)
- microSD cards
- Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
- weight 198 gr.
That Nikon produces some of the best cameras and camcorders have long been known. However, the company keeps up with the times and releases the best action cameras of 2018 with a full set of the most advanced features.
The KeyMission family has three action cameras at once, but only the 360 version offers panoramic shooting. It is equipped with dual cameras with a super wide angle of view, directed in different directions. Differs in excellent quality of shooting in normal light.
There is more and more VR content, and if you are interested in creating it, KeyMission 360 is a good choice.
This model also boasts waterproofing and 4K video recording at 24 frames per second. Since it has no room for a screen or a huge set of buttons, you will need to make adjustments to the settings through a dedicated app. The camera package is rich, it has protective caps for underwater shooting, a silicone case, flat and curved support mounts.
The disadvantages of the device include sensitivity to lighting and poor lens protection, they are easily scratched. Lenses stitching can be noticeable.
1. Xiaomi YI Action Camera Basic Edition
Average price: 5 444 rubles.
- Full HD 1080p video recording
- matrix 16 MP (1 / 2.3 ″)
- No LCD screen
- microSD cards
- Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
- weight 72 gr.
Yi's range of action cameras are pretty cheap and it's the most affordable model in the range. However, it is not only for this reason that she topped the list of action cameras in 2018. It can shoot high-quality Full HD video materials at a speed of 60 frames per second and is "hung" on all sides with diodes informing about the mode of the camera. If you are annoyed by this "color music", you can turn it off in the settings.
Car enthusiasts can set up automatic video recording when the camera is working. It also has a loop mode, which allows you to use the YI gadget as good dvr.
Cons: heats up during operation, quiet sound, battery lasts for an hour in video recording mode.