Being able to record video images on the go is quickly becoming a big part of many peoples’ adventures. The mass pull of social media has undoubtedly had an impact, with some hoping to capture that 10 second clip in the hope of going viral. For others, it’s a case of safety and security, like with cyclists, while surfboarders and those partaking in extreme sports use action cameras as a means of making their adventures more accessible to viewers. Looking back, the industry’s real breakthrough came in 2002 when Nick Woodman founded GoPro, a company which started to form something of a monopoly on the market. They’ve got plenty of competition these days, however, which means plenty for you to choose from. That’s why we’ve highlighted some of the best action cams in the business.
Long, cylindrical style cameras may look somewhat unfashionable next to GoPro’s trademark box-shaped cams, but the Ion Air Pro 3 Wi-Fi is proof that they’re still perfectly relevant. Sleek and simple design, in-built Wi-Fi for quick social media sharing and, most importantly of all, fine image quality. The Air Pro 3 is also waterproof to 15m (but you’ll need the Waterproof Photographic Equipment insurance extension), making it a strong choice for surfers. Plus you can even find it for under £100.
The new kid on the block. GPS experts TomTom probably aren’t the first company that springs to mind when you think about action cameras, but the Bandit certainly doesn’t look set to be a flash in the pan. It has numerous in-built sensors which show your location, speed and G-force. The device will also mark the video content itself, if it thinks you’ve managed something particularly extraordinary, by judging the data collected from its sensors. You can then, providing you’ve got the app open, just give your phone a bit of a rattle and it’ll collate your marked footage itself. It may be a little heavy, but at £150, you’re looking at good value.
This one’s a real show-stopper. Sony have long been revered for the quality of their cameras and imaging, and the FDR-X1000V lives up to that reputation. It’s capable of filming in 4K resolution at 30fps and there’s even a wearable wrist remote available to purchase. On top of that, it has excellent battery life, potentially lasting for a little over two hours, more than enough to record a solid section of a rainforest trek. However, it may cost a fair pop, with prices generally starting at £279.
If you’re after an action cam which is reliable, quality and keeps things simple, then the latest version of the classic GoPro could be the one for you. It’s all substance, no flash with the Hero5 Session. A small cube, the Hero5 Session’s design is kept simplistic by its one-button control, meaning it is easy to use and not at all fiddly. But, if you do want to alter any setting, you have the option of doing so via an app on your phone, so both sides of the coin are covered. It records in 4K resolution up to 30fps, the battery lasts between 90 minutes and two hours, and costs less than £200.
The name might make it sound like an “eyesore”, but you won’t be worrying about appearances when you take in its features. It’s small and weighs only 64g, but it fits a lot of features into a compact package. Battery life can last two hours, it’s capable of 4k resolution for video and 16 Megapixels for stills. With all that it can boast, you’re probably expecting the price to be anything but budget, yet it could cost you less than £150.
Action cams are a big deal for many adventurers. Many of us want to show the world all of the magical odysseys we go on, whether trekking through the Amazon or surfing off the coast of Australia. If you do, you’ll want to make sure your photographic passion is protected. At The Insurance Emporium, we offer up to 240 days of Worldwide Cover per year on our Professional cover level, potentially ensuring that you get all of your adventures on camera.
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