Things are getting interesting with wearable, mountable point-of-view action cameras. The latest models offer sophisticated connectivity with smartphones and other accessories and a wide variety of mounts for just about any sport or activity. One even offers professional 4K video resolution.
| SPECIFICATIONS |
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| Angle Of View: Up to 170º Video Resolution: Up to 4K Still Resolution: 12 megapixels Still Burst Rate: Up to 30 fps Time-Lapse: Up to 60-second intervals Simultaneous Photo + Video: Yes Integrated Display: No Smartphone App: Yes Built-In Audio: Mono External Stereo Mic: Optional GPS: No Wi-Fi: Yes Storage: microSD, Class 10 required Dimensions: 1.5×0.8×2.3 inches Weight: 2.6 ounces List Price: $399 |
GOPRO HERO3+ BLACK EDITION
GoPro leads the category of action cams, with the most refined cameras both in terms of features and image quality. The new HERO3+ Black Edition is best-in-class, with resolution up to 4K—impressive for a camera that’s also the smallest and lightest GoPro yet. Another standout feature is the new Protune video mode, which offers less compression, a neutral color profile and a cinematic frame rate of 24 fps, all of which combines to make footage from the HERO3+ Black Edition ready for professional video production.
The HERO3+ Black Edition ships with a waterproof housing good to 40 meters, basic mounting accessories and a Wi-Fi remote control. Various optional mounts are available depending on how you plan to use the camera. The free GoPro App for iOS, Android and Windows Phone gives you full control over camera functions and playback.
| SPECIFICATIONS |
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| Angle Of View: Up to 170º Video Resolution: Up to 1080p Still Resolution: 11.9 megapixels Still Burst Rate: N/A Time-Lapse: No Simultaneous Photo + Video: No Integrated Display: No Smartphone App: Yes Built-In Audio: Stereo External Stereo Mic: Optional GPS: Yes Wi-Fi: Yes Storage: Memory Stick Micro, microSD Dimensions: 1.9×1.0x3.2 inches Weight: 3.2 ounces List Price: $249 |
SONY COMPACT POV ACTION CAM
Sony’s first action cam is a solid entry into the category. It’s very compact, incorporates a Carl Zeiss lens with wide angle of view, has built-in Wi-Fi and a stereo mic, and includes a waterproof housing that’s airtight at depths to 60 meters. In addition to full HD 1080p plus lower resolution modes, there’s also a unique 4X Slow Motion mode that captures 720p video at 120 frames per second. Like the other cameras here, it also can capture still images, at 11.9 megapixels (though not simultaneously with video).
Sony also offers some innovative accessories for the camera. The Action Cam Camcorder Cradle transforms the Action Cam into an incredibly compact camcorder with a flip-and-swivel LCD. Also noteworthy is the Live View Remote, a wrist-mounted control that lets you view live footage and adjust camera settings on the fly.
| SPECIFICATIONS |
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| Angle Of View: Up to 162º Video Resolution: Up to 1080p Still Resolution: 16 megapixels Still Burst Rate: Up to 10 fps Time-Lapse: Up to 60-second intervals Simultaneous Photo + Video: Yes Integrated Display: 1.4 inches Smartphone App: Announced Built-In Audio: Yes External Stereo Mic: Optional GPS: Yes Wi-Fi: Yes Storage: microSD Dimensions: 1.3×2.1×4.4 inches Weight: 6.3 ounces List Price: $399 |
GARMIN VIRB ELITE
The newest player in the action-cam game is a name you know for GPS and outdoor sports technology. Garmin’s VIRB Elite is waterproof to 1 meter all by itself or to 50 meters with an optional case. One of the first things you’ll notice is an integrated 1.4-inch LCD that uses the sun for illumination, and which gives you a live view of what you’re recording, control over the camera, plus Dashboards that can display GPS, compass data and even info from compatible Garmin ANT+ accessories.
The ability to pair the VIRB Elite with Garmin ANT+ accessories is a standout feature for this camera. It lets you connect with select Garmin GPS units and use them as remote controls, and connect to external sensors like heart-rate monitors, speed and temperature sensors, and include that data with the video you’re recording.
