4K Action Cameras: Ultra HD And Others With Image Stabilization, How To Use And Set Up, Rating Of The Best Models

2024 Author: Beatrice Philips | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-01-18 12:09

In the modern world, we are all used to capturing the brightest events of our lives on camera. Whether it's a vacation, a walk in the park, or just a birthday - then people can no longer do without shooting. However, to create high-quality and beautiful photos or videos, you need equally high-quality equipment. After purchasing a suitable device, sometimes many problems arise with its setup and further use. You can solve these problems on your own using the tips from this article.

Peculiarities

What are action cameras and what are they like? Action cameras are one of the types of digital video cameras designed for high-quality shooting while on the move or in “non-standard” conditions . Such devices are small in size and weight, they are originally designed for increased physical activity (strong shaking, impacts, immersion under water). Such cameras are produced in different variations, which most often differ only in basic characteristics, degree of strength and configuration.

The main parameters on which the price of the camera and the quality of its work depend: lens angle, matrix resolution ("number of megapixels"), number of frames per second, video resolution (4K Ultra HD, Full HD, HD), as well as the presence of various modules (NFC, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth). At the moment, the highest quality cameras are considered to be recording from 60fps in 4K resolution. Devices with average performance can record 4K 30fps, FullHD 60fps, HD 120fps. Additional modules such as NFC, Wi-Fi or Bluetooth help the device transfer footage wirelessly.

In addition, most modern models of action cameras have several modes of operation: photo mode, night mode, "quality" and others.

Review of the best models

After analyzing popular ratings and reviews, we got the top best models at the moment.

Prolike PLAC001

One of the cheapest amateur cameras. Its maximum resolution for 4K video recording is 30fps, and the viewing angle is as much as 170 degrees, which is quite good for its price category. The camera supports SD cards up to 64 gigabytes and is equipped with a Wi-Fi module. The Prolike camera is equipped with an aqua box that will protect the electronics and optics from damage and allow you to take full-fledged underwater photography at a depth of 30 m.

Eken H9R

Another action camera of interest to amateurs. It is slightly more expensive than Prolike PLAC001, but the quality matches the price . The video resolution of the mini-camera is the same - 4K 30fps, but the battery capacity is much higher (as much as 1050 mAh, thanks to which the camera can work quietly for 3 hours at maximum settings). In addition, the maximum resolution in the "photography" mode is 3840x2160, which is an excellent indicator even for expensive equipment. Compared to previous versions, Eken H9R features a reduced body size, a 2-inch screen and incredible optics.

Xiaomi Yi 4K Action Camera

The honorable 3rd place of our top is taken by this model. This camera surpasses the previous ones in all characteristics .… For example, the capacity of the built-in battery has been increased up to 1400 mAh. The camera is equipped with Wi-Fi (both 2.4 and 5 GHz), NFC and Bluetooth modules. Xiaomi Yi 4K has as many as 2 built-in microphones, which provides the best sound quality without third-party equipment and has many other advantages.

The Xiaomi Yi 4K camcorder can shoot in TimeLaps mode . She independently takes high-resolution photos at a certain interval, and then combines them into a video that has a mesmerizing effect. Despite the intuitively simple interface, the action camera from Xiaomi has a huge functionality that will be useful even for a professional.

With such a device, the whole shooting process will be much easier and more efficient.

DJI Osmo Action

One of the most popular professional cameras. This device can be safely attributed to the class of expensive ones, since its average price is 30,000 rubles … All characteristics of this action camera indicate its purpose - professional shooting in extreme conditions. It has a high class of water resistance (without a case), a capacious internal battery that allows you to work in the most severe weather at the best settings for at least 2.5 hours.

Thus, the maximum supported SD-card capacity is 256GB, and automatic focusing allows you to fully automate the video recording process in the most difficult conditions . The maximum recording speed is 240 frames per second. The camera has an image stabilization function, but because of the 155-degree viewing angle, it can sometimes be problematic to use it.

GoPro HERO7 Black

Action camera that conquers all the tops … In almost all analyzed reviews and ratings, she receives the maximum points. This camcorder, like the previous one, is classified as "professional". As strange as it is, The GoPro HERO7 outperforms the Osmo Action in all respects, although it costs a little less . This camera is one of the few that has three built-in microphones, and even has a 3.5 mm port for connecting an external stereo-micro.

Another factor that not every camera can boast of is the quality of the video track: 4K 60fps, 2.7K 120fps, Full HD 240fps. Unlike the previous model, the GoPro HERO7 has just a huge viewing angle that can be adjusted (normal, wide-angle, SuperView), as well as its own unique stabilization method - HyperSmooth three-axis stabilization.

Criterias of choice

There are so many different action cameras on the market today that even professionals sometimes get confused about them, let alone beginners. If you're unsure which device is right for you, the tips below will help you.

• You need to decide for what purpose the camera is required . If you want to become a professional, then you need an appropriate camera (in terms of price / quality ratio, GoPro HERO7 will suit you, and if the budget does not allow such large equipment costs, buy Xiaomi Yi 4K, it will not let you down). If you want to buy a gadget as a gift for a child or for personal amateur use, then Eken H9R will be the best option for you.
• Consider the terms of use of the camcorder . If you like to engage in extreme sports or just want to be sure of the quality and durability of the product, then you need the corresponding strength class. DJI Osmo Action is the most reliable camera in the list above, so it will be the best solution for you.
• The last important factor is the capacity of the built-in battery .… Depending on your tasks, this parameter can be decisive when choosing an action camera. If you need a device to create beautiful time-lapses (for example, you need to capture the movement of the sun or city traffic of cars during the day), then you need to choose the most "tenacious" gadget.

Of the above devices, the Xiaomi Yi 4K Action has the most capacious battery, and the viewing angle for creating TimeLapse video is the most suitable.

Operating tips

After buying a camcorder, you need to follow some measures to ensure that it will serve you for a long time. Absolutely all devices in the kit are supplied with instructions that help the user to deal with the gadget and properly care for it. The first thing to do after purchase is to set up the camera and conduct a "test" survey to check the quality of the purchased product.

It is recommended to shoot from 2 clips (at the highest and lowest settings) to the number that will correspond to the main modes of the gadget. After filming, all the material must be viewed on the camera screen, and then on the PC to make sure that there are no defects in the screen and video codec.

Basic instructions for “caring for” your camera

• Do not try to exceed the factory "durability" of the camera (if the manufacturer has stated a maximum submersion of 11 meters, then the device should not be used at 12 meters).
• Store your gadget in your free time in a dry place with room temperature .
• Dry the box completely after each dive and wipe the protective lens so that water does not get inside the device.
• Do not overuse the camera while it is charging . The batteries of such devices are not very durable and can easily fail.
• Before immersing the camera to a depth, always use a silicone blocker for USB, HDMI and other ports .

With these simple tips, you will be able to use your camera for years to come.