Not so long ago, sports cameras seemed to be the exclusive preserve of the most daring, pure adrenaline and risk lovers who practice extreme sports. And with them to record their sporting feats, which, on many occasions, cross the line of the 'impossible'. But nowadays, the use of action cameras has become democratized and is causing a furor. Who has not come across a popular runner, sports camera in hand, who is recording his own experience of running a marathon, or a mountain biker in the middle of a vertiginous descent down a steep slope? These are just a few examples, and the high image and video quality offered by this type of camera, even underwater, make them the choice of many athletes, regardless of the physical activity they carry out.
Fortunately, there are many options to choose from on the market. The variety of models and features is very wide, so at Runnea we present a selection of 10 action cameras that may fit what you are looking for. Do not expect a list of features and technical specifications. You can find that in the official catalog of the product itself.
What better than the opinion of users who have already used the camera to reinforce your final purchase decision?
GoPro HERO 4
If you were to ask the experts in the field, the GoPro Hero 4 is one of the models of choice that you're sure to get right. It has an average rating of 45 out of 5 stars. It is a compact and lightweight camera, and brings with it a very functional touch screen, leaving aside the use of buttons. In addition, the LCD quality is worth noting, as it offers optimal resolution. The recording quality is also more than remarkable.
Another of its highlights is that this GoPro Hero 4 action camera has its own smartphone application, so you can see what you record on a larger screen. Also noteworthy is the useful combination of approaches, you can switch from normal view to fisheye, for example.
Among its major drawbacks is the need for multiple accessories, which are expensive. Although it can record in 4k resolution, this resolution requires the camera to remain static. And its night recording mode is one of the sections to be improved.
Neewer WIFI
The action cameras made in China are gaining ground, the Neewer Wifi is a clear example of this. Good value for money, although it should be noted that it offers better performance and HD quality in video recording, than when taking pictures. Its small format makes it easier to handle, and even to use it underwater as a submersible camera.
Although one of its strong points is the possibility of wifi connection, its range is one of the aspects that should be improved. In general terms, it meets expectations. And as a final reference, the average user rating is 39 out of a maximum of 5 stars.
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Fujifilm FinePix XP80
The Fujifilm FinePix is another sports camera that enjoys a good rating from users (45 out of a maximum of 5 stars). This gadget is highly recommended for use as a waterproof camera, although its results out of the water are amazing in both photos and videos. It significantly improves the resolution with respect to its predecessors.
If we have to put a but, this would be the short battery life, especially if used in video recording mode.
In summary, the Fujifilm FinePix XP 80 is a versatile, simple, complete and fast (on and off) camera. And a recommendation for care and maintenance, after each use wash it with fresh water and dry it. It is also not superfluous to get a screen protector, since it is very sensitive, and with the salt water of the del mar water it gets damaged.
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Qumox SJ5000
Another of the Chinese cameras that are the order of the day. Compared to the previous model, SJ400, the Qumox SJ5000 brings several improvements to take into account: image quality (photo and video) and the size of its larger screen.
Many of the users who have used it put as a downside, the sound quality that can be improved. But they also highlight the large number of accessories it comes with. The Qumox SJ500 is presented as one of the alternatives to high-end action cameras without having to make a large outlay.
The average user rating is 43 out of 5 stars.
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Xiaomi Yi Action
Again a Chinese action camera that is among the best options rated by users (4.1 out of 5 stars). The mid-range Xiaomi Yi Action has in its favor that it is a very light, small and very easy to use sports camera. It also offers an acceptable photo quality, but in video, the quality is superior, allowing recording at 2k resolution.
On the cons side, it should be noted the lack of official accessories and that its mobile app is only available in English.
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Polaroid XS100 Extreme Edition
If the Polaroid XS100 sports camera is striking for anything, it is for its cylindrical design that makes it very easy to carry and handle. In addition, it is a lightweight and small gadget, which is ideal for any sporting activity. Even in water activities, as it is very well defended, and with good performance. The quality of video, audio and photos far exceeds the average. And as favorable points it also has a universal anchor, which allows it to be attached to any tripod without difficulty. On the other hand, it comes with multiple accessories.
The details to improve, the absence of screen is quite missing, since the acoustic warning of low battery or full memory is insufficient. The night recording mode is not the best, and the duration of the videos is limited to 40 minutes.
The user rating is 42 out of 5 stars.
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Sony Action Cam
When it comes to high-end sports cameras, the GoPro is on everyone's lips. However, and without making so much noise the Sony Action Cam is not far behind, and has little to envy the rest of its competitors. It is close to outstanding in terms of user opinion (4.8 out of a maximum of 5 stars), being one of the best rated in this particular segment.
The Sony Action Cam is one of those gadgets that stand out for its intuitive operation and great comfort. It also offers great image quality and various recording modes, allowing the creation of videos in 4K Ultra HD resolution in any situation. Its battery life is also another of its strong points, as it has a capacity of eight hours of recording at high quality.
And although comparisons are always odious, the small drawbacks are that it is a heavier and larger camera than the GoPro, for example.
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Garmin VIRB XE
The Garmin VIRB XE action camera is compact and lightweight, and you'll have the ability to shoot HD footage, and in wide-angle too (1080px at 30fps). While you'll shoot up to 10 frames per second with 12 megapixels.
One of its great advantages is that the Garmin VIRB XE can be submerged to a depth of 50 meters, and without the need for housing. Also noteworthy is its G-Metrix application with which you can add a multitude of variables and data to your videos. With wi-fi and bluetooth connectivity.
TomTom Bandit
The TomTom Bandit sports camera is easy to use, and with it you will have the great advantage that it is the camera itself that edits the videos and photos to share directly and in real time on social networks. The video recording reaches a resolution of 4k (1080px at 60fps), with different recording modes: still snapshots, time-lapse and even slow motion.
In addition, the Tom Tom Bandit also allows you to display location, speed and altitude variables in full playback. It is also waterproof to a depth of 50 meters, although a lens cap is required, which is sold as a separate accessory. And finally, the innovative Batt-stick system allows you to charge and transfer files without the need for cables.
Geonaute G-Eye 2 Escape
In relation to its value for money, the Geonaute G-Eye 2 Escape action camera lives up to its promise. It is a compact, multi-sport camera that allows you to shoot Full HD videos and images. It has up to 7 video modes (1080p at 30fps) and 12 million pixels in image resolution for photos. Its G-Eye app allows you to control it from your smartphone via wifi.
With an average rating of 37 out of 5 stars, users highlight as a major drawback that, at first, its menu is not very intuitive until you get used to it.
Photos resource: Tom Tom.
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