Which sports camera to choose?

Whether you are an extreme sports enthusiast, an outdoor activities fan, or simply someone who appreciates high-quality videos, the sports camera has become an indispensable tool for capturing exceptional moments in almost any condition. For many years, GoPro has reigned as the undisputed master in this field, offering a diverse range of models. However, it's important to note that other brands such as DJI, Insta360, or ESSENTIEL-B have also entered the market with models that offer equally impressive performances. Therefore, choosing the best action camera can be a bit of a challenge.
In this guide, we will walk you through the essential characteristics to consider when making your choice, to help you find the ideal sports camera according to your needs and criteria.

1. What is a sports camera?

A sports camera, also known as an actioncam, is an electronic device designed to record videos and take photos in all conditions. These cameras are specifically built to withstand extreme conditions, shocks, water, dust, and vibrations, making them ideal for sports and adventure activities such as scuba diving, mountain biking, surfing, climbing, skiing, skydiving, and many others.

Sports cameras are of course compact, lightweight, and always equipped with mounts and accessories to attach them to different gear like your helmet, bike, motorcycle, surfboard, or harness, allowing for increasingly immersive video filming.

They typically offer features like image stabilization, high video resolution, wireless connectivity, and are often equipped with waterproof casings to resist water and moisture.

2. Resolution and Video Quality

When choosing a sports camera, video resolution is one of the most important aspects to consider. If you want to create professional videos or if you plan to watch your adventures on a 4K TV screen, then opt for a sports camera with 4K or higher resolution. Conversely, if you are filming to review your feats on a smartphone or to share them on YouTube or Instagram, a Full HD 1080p sports camera will suit you perfectly. At HIFI Luxembourg, we focus on these two main video resolutions:

Full HD 1080p,
Ultra HD 4k and above.

If you choose a 4k model, keep in mind that you will need a large storage capacity because the higher the resolution, the more storage you will need. A 4k video takes up 2x more space than a Full HD video:

1 hour of Full HD 1080p video = 23GB
1 hour of 4k video = 45GB

It's not just about the capacity of your memory cards, the write speed is also very important. In 4k, choose a memory card offering a write speed of at least 30MB/s (class U3), but we recommend UHS-1 cards.

3. Pixel count

To record a video in 4K, a sports camera must film with a resolution of 3840x2160 pixels, which is equivalent to just over 8.2 million pixels. Therefore, a 4K model must have at least 8.2MP.
If a sports camera has a higher pixel count (more than 8.2Mp), these additional pixels will be used for other purposes, such as digital stabilization or taking photos. Some high-end models can use these extra pixels to offer video resolutions even higher than 4K, like 5K or 8K, for example.
The same calculation applies to Full HD resolution. To record a video in Full HD, a sports camera needs a resolution of 1920x1080 pixels, which is equivalent to about 2.1 million pixels.

4. Image stabilizer:

Image stabilization is a crucial feature for an action cam, and it plays a vital role in the quality of your videos, especially when filming while walking, running, or mountain biking, etc. The stabilizer will eliminate unwanted shakes, vibrations, and tremors in your videos.
If you are going to film under these conditions, you must choose a model with a stabilizer.

5. Waterproofness and Durability

The waterproof case is designed to protect the sports camera from water, dust, and shocks, whether in rainy weather or on the beach, this protection will extend the life of your sports camera. For scuba diving, it is essential to check the manufacturer's specifications, as not all sports cameras are designed to withstand the same depths.

The latest GoPro HERO 12 can film up to a depth of -10m and -60m with its case
The DJI Osmo Action 4 can film up to -18m without a case.
The Extrem11 Essentiel-B can film up to -5m without a case.

The durability of the sports camera is also of paramount importance, as it allows it to withstand impacts, falls, and frequent vibrations during your adventures. Make sure that your sports camera either comes with a quality waterproof case or is itself waterproof.

6. Other Modes and Options

Slow motion mode: A 10/120fps slow motion mode is a valuable feature for capturing fast actions in detail. Ensure that the camera offers the ability to record slow-motion videos, as this will allow you to create impressive cinematic sequences from your sports adventures.

Wide-angle lens: A wide-angle lens is ideal for capturing a broader field of view, which is particularly useful for action sports. It allows you to capture more of the action and environment around you, creating more immersive videos.

Optical zoom: An optical zoom can be an asset if you need to bring distant objects closer while maintaining image quality. However, be wary of excessive digital zoom, as it can reduce image quality.

LCD screen: The presence of an LCD screen is handy for framing your shots, checking image quality in real-time, and navigating through the camera settings. A bright and readable screen is essential, especially when used outdoors in sunny conditions.

GPS: Built-in GPS allows you to geotag your videos and track your route. This can be useful for outdoor activities where location is important, such as hiking, mountain biking, or skiing.

Wi-Fi connectivity: Wi-Fi connectivity enables you to quickly transfer your videos to your smartphone or computer, facilitating social media sharing and editing your footage.

Smartphone App Ergonomics: The smartphone app associated with your sports camera should be user-friendly and offer features such as remote control, live viewing, and file management. A well-designed app will make using your camera easier.

Accessories: Finally, don't forget to check the availability of compatible accessories, such as bike mounts, chest harnesses, additional waterproof cases, and spare batteries. The right accessories for your camera can greatly enhance your user experience.