Choose the best action-camera summer Bashny.Net

For many, the term "Action Camera" is strongly associated with a visual image camera GoPro. But apart from this brand in the market, there are many other worthy specimens. With the opening of the summer season, the demand for action cameras among athletes and tourists increases many times, so we decided to do a comparative review of a number of interesting models: GoPro Hero 4 Black, Panasonic HX-A500, Xiaomi Yi, HTC Re. We would also consider Sony FDR-X1000V, but the representative of the manufacturer has decided not to participate in the review.

Key Features


GoPro Hero 4 Black


The flagship model in 2015 has become extremely popular among adventurers and lovers of all kinds of sports. The manufacturer does not skimp on marketing and advertising, constantly vbrasyvaya all new video, shot on GoPro in the most improbable situations. A special feature of this model is that it is the first camera of this brand, which has the ability to shoot video in 4K. We have already discussed this camera separately , so here we repeat only the main points.









GoPro cameras are famous by the fact that they produced a large number of various accessories. Therefore, the manufacturer strictly limited possibility of changing the form factor of the new models, because a large proportion of the fans appreciate it GoPro variety of quality related devices. 4 Hero Black is not shock-resistant and water-resistant, so the security company housing is essential for any autdorschika.





All inconveniences authorities moved in this model: the small screen without backlight, the interface in its infancy. Alas, touchscreen somehow installed only in younger model - Hero 4 Silver. In contrast to the models of previous years, the remote control will have to be purchased separately. But the same can be said about almost all the participants of this survey.









With corporate mobile application can adjust the camera and view captured, including other users of the application. However, during the review arose discrepancy: The application requested an 8-digit password, and the camera gave out only 6-digit. It managed to get around, and by resetting the default password, but this is not the right solution. Let us hope that this incompatibility will soon correct. Also perplexed lack of NFC. This module does not consume a lot of power and allow the camera to quickly connect with your smartphone.



Matrix and the lens remained unchanged. Sensor promoted Sony, he has the size 1/2, 3 inches and a resolution of 12 megapixels. The lens is equipped with a glass lens (6 aspherical elements), minimum aperture - F2.8. Viewing angle 170 degrees. Shooting 4K video was made possible thanks to the new processor.



Picture Resolution 3840h2160 up to 30 frames per second progressive scan. When you turn on SuperView (maximum angle) frame rate is reduced to 24. The image is replaced smoothly without jerking. However, the bit rate of 60 Mbps. For comparison, Panasonic AX500 films in 4K with a bit rate of 72 Mbps. When shooting at night, you can activate Protune, it now allows you to adjust the white balance, ISO, exposure compensation, color and sharpness. Nevertheless, Night Snapshot - not fad GoPro, and the cause is the small size of the matrix. You can also use the new modes and Night Lapse Night Photo. But they work is unstable, we recommend using an external display or control shooting with applications GoPro App.

Notice how the sharpness is reduced when using a protective cover brand (with dynamic video shooting):







Maximum resolution stills - 4000h3000. Available simultaneous video and photography, in this case, video resolution is limited to 1920x1440. But in terms of the quality of the photos GoPro is not high, this mode is useful only for taymlepsov.









Thus, the main advantages of GoPro hero 4 Black: «honest» 4K video and a wide range of accessories. The disadvantage is inconvenient administration, and the high price - 28 000 rubles.

HTC Re


Camera-periscope, copying the shape of military L-shaped lanterns. The glossy plastic bright colors clearly visible, if you drop the camera in the grass. Due to the shape of the camera body it is especially suitable for shooting selfi, while allowing a dive to a depth of 1 m. It is unlikely to catch the fancy extreme, but thanks to a good set of accessories, we decided to include it in the review.







If you prefer, you can buy an optional accessory that allows you to dive with HTC Re to a depth of 3 m. The camera is very ergonomic, perfectly in the hand. However, it is compact and well placed in the pockets.





Large silver button on the back of the lens starts shooting the video (you need to clamp) or photos (press once). Button under the lens is designed for slow shooting. The microphone records mono sound. Under the hood is hidden in the bottom of the camera tripod socket, micro USB connector and a slot for micro SD. Also, the cover is attached to the wrist strap. As accessories available: fastening on clothes, backpack, car glass for charging. Not too much.









Because HTC specializes in the production of smartphones, then the camera is controlled with them also. There are versions of an application for Android and iOS. Connection is made by Bluetooth 4.0, data can be transmitted and Wi-Fi. NFC module no. Appendix quite convenient, not only to adjust the camera, and use the smartphone as a viewfinder. There are loading filmed in cloud services, instant messengers and social networks. It is even possible to broadcast directly to Youtube, which can be useful for bloggers. The camera uses Sony's matrix format 1/2, 3 inches and with a resolution of 16 megapixels. The lens has a viewing angle of 146 degrees and aperture F2.8.



Available shooting FullHD-video at 30 fps. Everything is ordinary. The slow-motion shooting resolution drops to 720p, the frame rate increased to 120. In normal lighting quality survey obtained quite decent. However, in dark conditions, the quality decreases significantly. Including digital image stabilization mode is not recommended, it turns out a rather unpleasant effect.







Resolution photos - 4592h3456 4000h3000 or, depending on the viewing angle.









In general, the camera can be attributed to a good accessory for every day, for a family holiday in the shooting. However, a camera is not much larger than a typical smartphone protected, while the price is comparable to 12 000 rubles.

Panasonic HX-A500


The manufacturer has gone the way of non-standard solutions: The camera includes a lens, a wire connected to the control unit, which is located and the battery, and memory. On the one hand, it is possible to solve the problem of overheating, however, have to put up with inconvenience configuration. By the way, it was the world's first action-camera capable of recording video in 4K.









The unit with the lens does not have to turn in the search for the correct position for this on the cylinder body is made planar face. The wire has a rather dense braid dark gray color.



The above-mentioned disadvantage of the form factor is manifested in the fact that the camera is almost impossible to fix the first time so that the horizon was not swamped. Well, the image can be controlled by small screen on the control unit.





The set comes with the camera head bracket, going from two parts. On the head it sits firmly and reliably, but the anatomy is all different, and I, for example, mounting rubbed behind the ear. The control unit is mounted on the arm with a soft belt cover. Cord length - 1 m.





Despite the presence of the screen to view the entire video can not be captured, it demonstrated only a small fragment. There is also a micro USB connector and a slot micro SD. Due spaced configuration, this camera is the most user-friendly in terms of management shooting. Sales various accessories available, including protivovetrovaya nozzle on the microphone. Perhaps the variety of accessories, this camera is second only to GoPro.









Wireless modules available Wi-Fi and NFC. With their help, you can adjust the camera, hold the online broadcast, and shoot through a wireless access point. To broadcast to the Internet you need to register for the service Lumix Club.





The camera used a matrix format 1/2, 3 with a resolution of 16 megapixels and backlit. You'll laugh, but the manufacturer of the matrix - again Sony. The viewing angle of 160 degrees, aperture F2.8. The camera is equipped with a processor Crystal Engine Pro +.

While shooting a movie, you can use the alignment of the horizon and digital stabilization (at FullHD resolution and 25 frames, with normal viewing angle). Also available is a function of the timer recording starts, adjusting the white balance, backlight compensation, wind noise reduction, loop recording (at the end of space on the memory card, recording starts again). 4K video recording is performed at 25 frames / sec. (Compared to 30 at the GoPro) and bit rate of 72 Mbps (compared to 60 at the GoPro). Get good quality.







Although the resolution stills 5376h3024 quality turns out not so hot. Also, there is no shooting mode taymlepsov.









This camera is a good option if you need shooting 4K video. Price HX-A500 is about 15 000 rubles. But do not forget that the spaced configuration does not fit all. The number of accessories is also far behind GoPro, but there's decide that from the available for you is critical.

Xiaomi Yi


Clearly, who served as the inspiration for the creators of the camera. The Chinese have positioned his camera at GoPro, but the functions and quality she could not hold out.









The camera is not copied 1: 1, but very close. The facility is located just below the buttons are a little different. The main difference - no screen. Also, Chinese camera comes in packages with bright colors. The back of the case there is an inconspicuous icon Yi. Since the screen is missing, all operated via buttons. In this setting change only through corporate mobile application.









It is curious that the application is not publicly available on Google Play. You can download it a link in an encrypted QR-code. Plus, the application is not fully translated into English, and there are pieces of the Chinese language. In the App Store is available fully localized version.

The application allows you not only to change the settings, and use the smartphone as a viewfinder, download the footage. Pairing with a smartphone made by Bluetooth, and download for Wi-Fi.



It comes with a fairly high-quality monopod, wrist strap and attaching to a backpack or belt. The required minimum for selfi in campaigns. Also, commercially available waterproof cover and mount the head and arm.



There used matrix Sony Exmor R format 1/2, 3 inches with a resolution of 16 megapixels. Viewing angle - 155 degrees, aperture F2.8. Available videography in FullHD resolution with 60 frames. There are two modes of time-lapse shooting: 720p at 100 frames / second and 480p at 200 frames / sec. You can activate the function and alignment of the horizon.







The resolution pictures reaches 4608h3456. In daylight obtained quite decent quality. There is a function of shooting taymlepsov.









Xiaomi Yi is a good option for beginners who have not yet engaged in shooting their achievements. With the cost of the camera 5-7 000 rubles. You can bury the eyes of many shortcomings. Many features of this camera is more than enough, and the desire to change to something else does not even arise.

Our view
A chamber can be divided into two categories: professional and amateur. The former include GoPro and Panasonic. At first: a huge selection of accessories, compactness, successful mobile application and availability taymlepsov shooting mode. Panasonic is much cheaper, NFC-equipped unit, more easy to manage, but not everyone is suitable because of its design.

HTC Re and Xiaomi Yi good to give as gifts and entertainment for a wide range of users. When the proper level of perseverance Chinese may well create out of his cell for a cheaper competitor GoPro and a number of other manufacturers. But to do that they have to significantly expand the range of accessories and bring to mind the Android-version of the application. The camera on the HTC among all considered the most convenient for shooting with it and has a bright unusual design, she looks like a kind of accessory.

In any case, none of the Action cameras can not be compared in quality with good shooting equipment, even with the same SLR cameras. With small wide-angle lenses and tiny matrices miracle did not happen, even though the shooting 4K video. Each device - a niche, and you need to give yourself in this report by choosing a particular model to suit your needs.

Source: geektimes.ru/company/mailru/blog/252040/