Sports cameras – also called action cameras – are designed to record while you are engaged in some kind of activity that involves movement. They allow you to record from a first-person perspective because they are compact, rugged and waterproof.
They are often used to record the practice of many sports, for example they can be attached to the handlebars of a traditional bicycle, an e-bike, a motorbike, on a helmet, carried on a stick, on a selfie stick, on the chest or fixed to any surface using an accessory.k
Technological advances have led to the availability on the market of numerous sports cameras that record in very high quality. There are some models that record at 5.3k and 120fps and even allow slow motion. On the other hand, they also allow you to take photos up to 23 MP.
Below we will take a look at some of the best action cameras on the market and analyse their features to help you decide which one best suits your needs (and your budget).
Is it worth getting an action camera for filming in ski resorts or is a mobile phone enough?
Over the years, the way of capturing images in mountain environments has evolved dramatically. In the past, ski cameramen had to carry bulky equipment, which limited movement and complicated filming in the middle of the action (remember the Sony Handicam from 1990?). Today, thanks to mobile phones it is easy to take pictures on the ski slopes with surprising ease, however, for horizontal videos it can be uncomfortable unless you buy a Gimbal or gimbal for mobiles. That’s why today, we want to talk about sports cameras, whose portability is undoubtedly one of their greatest attributes. They are small, light and easy to carry, allowing skiers and snowboarders to record with high quality, which undoubtedly transforms the experience of capturing in the snow.
In addition to being portable, these cameras are highly adaptable. Due to their compact size, they can be attached almost anywhere, from a ski helmet to a snowboard, offering impressive angles and unique shots. On the market, there is also a wide variety of accessories that allow them to be attached in positions that were previously unthinkable. Really useful for skiing are pole mounts, mouth mounts (yes, you read that right) or the athlete’s own body with the chesty (chest harness), which opens up a world of possibilities to capture the adrenaline in the snow.
In addition, these cameras are able to withstand knocks and drops, although it is always advisable to fit them with additional housings for extra protection. They are also very easy to use. A single large button (to operate without taking off your gloves) is all it takes to start recording, and high-end models feature automatic systems that adjust focus and white balance on the fly, and some even allow voice command control, which is especially useful when skiing.
When it comes to image quality, sports cameras are no slouch. The maximum aperture, which goes up to f/2.8 on the most advanced models, makes it possible to capture images in low light conditions, which is essential when shooting at sunrise or sunset in the snow. Focal length is also a key aspect for those looking to capture wide mountain landscapes, as these cameras allow you to adjust angles of view between 150° and 170°.
Image stabilisation is another crucial factor in action sports. Sports cameras are equipped with electronic stabilisation systems that smooth out jerky movements and eliminate vibrations, delivering smooth videos, even when speeding down a ski slope.
However, for all their advantages, sports cameras also have some disadvantages. The biggest shortcoming is battery life. This can be a challenge during long sessions in the mountains, so it is always advisable to carry spare batteries so you don’t miss a moment. Do you remember our bad experience with the battery of the GOPRO HERO 9? Since then, we’ve always gone out with spare batteries tucked away in an inside pocket of our second layer.
Because although technology has come a long way, the image quality of a sports camera will never match that of a DSLR. We are still in love with the SONY ALPHA 7 III that we always take to the slopes to immortalize our ski trips and to make the videos that you can find on the youtube channel of I LOVE SKI ®.
To sum up. Sports cameras are excellent for action videos although they have limitations in terms of optical zoom. Due to their compact design, it is not possible to mount telephoto lenses, which restricts the possibilities of recording subjects at long distances. However, for capturing the excitement of snow sports up close, these cameras offer an efficient and robust solution.
Selection of the best sports cameras (2024)
Now we are going to analyse in this list what, in our opinion, are the best sports cameras for this year 2024. We’ll start with the leading brands on the market (DJI, GoPro and Insta360) and then show you other options in the action cam niche that are simpler but also cheaper. Camera, action!
DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro
DJI’s Osmo Action 5 Pro is a high-end action camera designed to deliver revolutionary image quality in extreme environments such as mountains and snow. Equipped with a 1/1.3-inch sensor and 13.5 stops of dynamic range, this camera allows you to capture images in stunning detail, even in difficult lighting conditions such as those found when skiing or snowboarding.
Its ability to record in 4K resolution at 120 fps ensures smooth, high-quality video, while RockSteady 3.0 and HorizonSteady stabilisation technology ensures images remain steady, even on the fastest descents.
One of the most notable new features is its subject tracking mode, which makes it easy to record action sports by keeping the skier or snowboarder always in the centre of the shot, and the 32x super slow motion camera… it’s just brutal. Plus, its enhanced battery provides up to 240 minutes of continuous recording, making it ideal for long sessions on the mountain.
It also features dual OLED screens and SuperNight mode, ideal for capturing shots in low light conditions, such as sunrises or sunsets in the snow. Last but not least we would like to highlight the ‘delete selfie stick’ function using the Mimo app. If you are going to use it for skiing, it is advisable to get the Osmo Action 5 Pro Ski Pack, as it includes the 1.5 m extendable arm kit.
GoPro HERO10 Black
The GoPro HERO13 Black is an interesting evolution in GoPro’s line of action cameras, retaining many of the features that have made it famous while introducing some notable advances. Among the most notable improvements is the new HB lens system, which allows direct communication between the interchangeable lenses and the camera. This facilitates automatic adjustment of settings when changing lenses, providing a more intuitive and creative experience for users. These lenses include options such as ultra wide-angle and macro, expanding the possibilities for capturing in different scenarios.
Video performance remains excellent, with the ability to record in 5.3K at 60 fps and 4K at 120 fps, ensuring great image quality in high resolution. In addition, GoPro has introduced a new burst mode that allows you to capture up to 400fps at 720p, ideal for super slow motion. While this feature is impressive, some consider it overkill for everyday use, as lower resolutions are not always necessary.
In terms of stabilisation, HyperSmooth 6.0 remains one of the best on the market, although some reviewers mention that the competition has closed the gap in this area. The HERO13 also introduces improvements to the mounting system, adding a magnetic option that makes it easy to quickly switch between mounts, as well as retaining GoPro’s traditional screws and folding feet.
The 1900 mAh Enduro battery provides 13% more battery life than the previous model, which translates to approximately 1.5 hours of recording in 5.3K or up to 2.5 hours in 1080p. However, one point to consider is that the batteries are not backwards compatible with previous GoPro models (unbelievable but true), so new ones will need to be purchased if you’re upgrading from a previous HERO.
Despite the improvements, the HERO13 Black’s sensor hasn’t changed significantly and is still inferior in low light conditions compared to cameras like the DJI Osmo Action 4, which has a larger sensor. This affects video quality in dark environments, an area where GoPro could improve in future generations.
Lastly, remember that since the HERO12, Gopro has been able to record native vertical video, making it easier to create content for platforms such as Instagram and TikTok.
News related to sports cameras
Insta360 X4
Launched in April 2024, the Insta360 X4 is a 360° camera that represents a major leap forward from its predecessor, the X3. Among the most notable improvements is its ability to record in 8K at 30 fps, delivering ultra-high resolution images. It can also record in 5.7K at 60 fps and 4K at 100 fps, making it an ideal choice for those looking for quality and detail in their videos. In addition, the camera has an improved sensor, which translates into better sharpness and better results in good lighting conditions. One of the big advantages of the X4 is its 2290 mAh battery, which provides 67% more battery life compared to the X3. This allows recording up to 130 minutes at lower resolutions and between 60-70 minutes at 8K. However, prolonged 8K recording can cause the camera to get quite warm, and it is advisable to use it in windy conditions to mitigate this problem.
In terms of design, the X4 is slightly larger and heavier than the X3, making it less portable, but retains its water resistance to a depth of up to 10 metres. It also introduces a new system of screw-on lens protectors, which provide better protection compared to the stickers used on the X3.
In terms of user experience, the device is faster and smoother, with improved menu navigation thanks to its 5nm processor. It also features voice and gesture controls, making it easier to use in situations where buttons are not physically accessible.
While it’s an impressive camera, it does have an Achilles heel like the high-end competition (GoPro and DJI Osmo): in low light conditions it doesn’t perform well. However, if you’re looking for a 360 camera with unbeatable resolution and intuitive editing options, the X4 is hard to beat.
AKASO Brave 8
This camera features a powerful 1/2 CMOS image sensor and Quad Pixel technology and includes 2 touch screens, one on the front and one on the back, which is very useful for taking selfies. Also the user experience of the device’s settings system is very good, thanks to the relatively large size and functionality of the rear screen, there is no need to use any application.
On the side there is access to the USB Type-C charging ports and external storage. The finish is metallic and quite premium, it is a robust device.
The maximum recording quality of this device is 4k and 60fps. It allows for slow motion and time lapse. It also has a digital zoom function, but it is not very recommendable as a lot of quality is lost in the process.
Its remote and voice control allows you to activate this Akaso sports camera without complications. It is alsowaterproof to a depth of10m and with its case you can reach a depth of 40m without any problems, so if it falls in the snow there is no problem.
Its supersmooth stabilizer will correct the most abrupt vibrations and movements, this will give you the opportunity to obtain quality recordings in the most extreme environments, although it is not one of the best on the market, it fulfils its function correctly. The 48-megapixel image quality and the wide range of accessories with which it is compatible are surprising. It weighs 114.8 grams including battery.
National Geographic Action Cam Explorer 6
The Action Cam Explorer 6 comes from National Geographic. This sports camera offers a 170-degree field of view, allowing you to shoot incredible wide-angle video. It is also waterproof, to a depth of 10 metres, without the need for a waterproof case.
It can record at 4k and at 30fps, if we record in 1080hd the fps will increase to 60. It can even reach an incredible 240 frames per second, although we will have to lower the quality to 720p.
This device weighs only 95 grams. It has USB and HDMI connectivity. Some of its options are to record in slow motion, fast and also has some special options for social networks like TikTok. You can make loop or boomerang recordings for your stories.
It is also worth mentioning that a part of the amount of your purchase will go to the National Geographic Foundationfor environmental research and conservation. This is a measure to be taken into account.
SJCAM SJ8Pro
The new SJCAM model comes with some new features to break into the sports camera market. For example, you can encode the videos you record so that they take up much less space in the internal memory. It also features a 2.33-inch touchscreen, which is quite large for this type of device and, in addition, is of very good quality.
This action camera also records at 4k but it also records at 60fps to get the maximum quality and resolution out of your shots. All this thanks to its 12mp Sony sensor. It also has a 6-axis optical stabilizer that will eliminate sudden movements and vibrations from your recordings. Perfect for high intensity sports. It also has a 6x digital zoom.
It has 2 microphones to pick up audio effectively. It is very easy and intuitive to use but the battery drains very quickly if you use the 4k mode, but if you use it with the WiFi and secondary screen turned off you can get about 150 minutes of battery life. It’s worth noting though that this is one of the few cameras that can be used while recharging.
It has a USB Type-C port through which you charge the device and you can attach a number of peripherals such as theSJCAM microphone which you can find for 12 euros.
You can control the camera via the SJCAM Zone phone app and even with a wireless wristband.
SONY FDR-X3000
This is the best sports camera Sony has created to date. It can even compete with some of the GoPro cameras on sale. It should be noted that it came out 5 years ago and is still on the market today.
With excellent video stability and a compact format this camera will not disappoint you. It can record in 4k and full hd.It is perfect for recording first person sports. You can add microSD memory cards to increase its capacity. It also allows you to shoot in slow motion at 120fps which is a plus.
Its original accessories are expensive, but necessary. This camera does not have a built-in screen so you cannot see the video you are taking. Therefore it comes with a small screen called live view which connects via BlueTooth to the camera and streams the recordings in real time. According to most users it doesn’t work very well and is a somewhat cumbersome solution.
However, this sports camera is accompanied by an app to use it. It is very versatile and works much better than Live View and is free of charge.
Victure AC940
Victure is undoubtedly one of the best positioned brands in the mid-range action cam market. The AC940 isthe top model of this company. In addition, a large number of accessories are included with the purchase of this device, including an extra 1350mAh battery .
It records at native 4k at 60 and 30 frames per second, 2.7k at 30fps, 1080p and 720p with the option of 240fps. It also includes options such as slow motion, burst shooting and fast motion. Its field of view is about 170 degrees, very good numbers. All this is possible thanks to the 20mp Sony sensor it uses.
This action camera is waterproof up to 5 metres without the use of a case, but if you use it, you can go up to 40 metres. It allows the use of microSD memory cards and remote control.
A built-in image stabiliser with gyroscope will give you the image quality you are looking for. One downside is that it has micro USB port inputs, a decision that is not very understandable, as nowadays the vast majority of devices, if not all, use USB Type-C. It also has an HDMI cable input. It also has an HDMI cable input.
Wolfang GA200
This sports camera features a dual screen. That is, one front and one back, perfect for taking selfies. It comes with a good amount of accessories to attach it in different places, as well as a remote control to operate it remotely that can also be used as a wristband. Plus, as an added bonus, it comes with an extra 1350mAh battery .
It can record at 4k resolution at 60fps and has 24 megapixels. A more than adequate quality for the price of this device. It is ideal for outdoor recording and has several shooting modes such as slow motion, fast and burst.
It has Wi-Fi and its own application to control some settings and transfer files easily. It can also be used as a webcam. And again, this camera uses the obsolete micro USB port, a rather negative point.
The user experience when navigating the menu is quite good and intuitive. Overall, this device lives up to the expectations in relation to its price, which is very low.
