The best sports cameras
Sports Camera – Buying Guide, Opinions and Comparison in 2022
Sports cameras will allow you to capture photos and videos in motion, since they have an image stabilizer that will prevent the shot from being blurred. If you want to acquire one, but you do not know which one, we recommend some models that could be of interest to you. The first is the Campark ACT76, it has 16 megapixels of resolution for taking photos and 4K for video. In addition, you can use Wi-Fi to manage your settings and multimedia content. On the other hand, the Xiaomi Mi Action Camera 4K model has a lens with a focal aperture of 2.8 and an image resolution of 3840 x 2160 pixels that will give you sharp images, record content in 4K and includes a rechargeable battery.
Opinions on the best sports cameras
In the next section we will mention several models of sports cameras. In addition, we will describe each of its characteristics, its pros and cons so that you can choose an option that can meet your needs.
4K sports camera
Campark ACT76
This 4K sports camera has a 170-degree viewing angle, so you can capture more space. In addition, it has 16 megapixels, which will allow you to take high resolution images.
Additionally, it can record 4K UHD videos at 30 fps, supports microSD cards up to 32 GB and includes USB and HDMI ports so you can charge the equipment, transfer the content to a computer or view it on a TV.
On the other hand, it has Wi-Fi connectivity up to 8 meters so you can review your photos and videos from a Smartphone, Tablet or computer; as well as execute some functions of the camera from the equipment that you connect to it or with the remote control. This option could be the best sports camera because it comes with an accessory kit and a housing that provides water resistance so you can take your photos in the river or in the sea.
If you still do not have a clear decision, but you want to acquire what is possibly the best sports camera of the moment, we invite you to evaluate the pros and cons of this model presented by Campark.
Pros
Video: The recording format is 4K UHD, which will allow you to enjoy a high standard of video quality.
Photos: You can take sharp photos thanks to the 16 megapixel resolution.
Wi-Fi: With Wi-Fi you can use the control or adjust its settings.
Kit: Includes a kit with what is necessary to install the camera on a helmet or bicycle.
Cons
MicroSD: The MicroSD card that you intend to install must be class 10 and you will have to format it in FAT32 so that the camera can recognize it.
VICTURE AC600
If you are looking for what could be the best sports camera of 2022, the following model could interest you, since it has good features that will allow you to use it in the water or out of it.
With this 4K sports camera you can record content in UHD. In addition, the lens has a viewing angle of 170 degrees and 16 megapixel resolution so you can take high-quality panoramic photos and, thanks to the fact that the housing is underwater, you can record or take photos underwater up to a depth of 30 meters, so it could be one of the best sports cameras of 2022.
Additionally, it has a 2-inch LCD screen so you can view photos and videos and, thanks to Wi-Fi, you’ll be able to transfer multimedia content easily. On the other hand, it includes an accessory kit so you can avoid additional purchases and 2 rechargeable 1050 mAh batteries so you can enjoy up to 180 minutes of autonomy.
If you still don’t know which sports camera to buy, we present the pros and cons of the Victure AC600.
Pros
Image: It has a 16-megapixel lens for photos, 4K for videos and a 170-degree wide angle.
Housing: The underwater housing will allow you to use it in rainy weather and up to 30 meters deep.
Kit: It has an accessory kit so you can avoid making additional purchases.
Cons
Autonomy: The autonomy time is short, but this option includes 2 batteries of the same capacity.
Sound: Some users indicate that, when recording underwater, the case prevents sounds from being recorded.
Xiaomi sports camera
Xiaomi Mi Action Camera 4K
If so far you still do not know which is the best sports camera, we suggest you take into account the features presented by the model below.
This Xiaomi sports camera takes photos at 3840 × 2160 pixels and records at 4K at 30 fps, 1080p at 100 fps and 720p at 200 fps, which will allow you to decide the quality of the video. It also has UV IR filters that will protect images from ultraviolet and infrared radiation and has a 6-axis stabilizer to prevent any movement that affects photos and videos. In addition, it has 145 degrees to cover more space in photos and recordings.
On the other hand, it has Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and a USB port so you can transfer your files to your computer or a Smartphone. It has a 2.4-inch touch screen and includes a 1450 mAh rechargeable battery so you can enjoy up to 120 minutes of autonomy in recordings.
So that you can select which sports camera to buy, we mention the pros and cons of one of the featured models presented by Xiaomi.
Pros
Image: It has a high image quality and is capable of recording videos in 4K at 30 fps.
Technology: It has WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity so you can pair it with your equipment and transfer multimedia content efficiently.
Stabilizer: Its 6-axis stabilizer will help capture moving photos and videos.
Cons
Accessories: This model does not include accessories, so you must purchase them separately.
Autonomy: Some users indicate that the autonomy of the battery lasts a short time.
National Geographic Sports Camera
National Geographic 9083000
If among your plans you want to acquire what is possibly the best value for money sports camera in this comparison, we recommend that you look at the characteristics of this model.
This National Geographic sports camera has a 140 degree wide angle lens that will allow you to cover more space in the shots. In addition, it has 12 megapixels so you can take clear and good quality photos, as well as you can record videos in Full HD at 30 fps. In addition to this, it has a 1.5-inch TFT screen so you can see the content of the camera and configure it.
On the other hand, it has HDMI and USB ports so you can transfer photos and videos to a computer or watch them on a TV. It also has a MicroSD slot for you to expand the storage.
Additionally, it comes with a bicycle accessory kit and a case that provides water resistance up to 30 meters deep and it is also important to mention that its battery is a 900 mAh rechargeable Li-ion.
If you have not yet decided on a model of sports cameras that we mention in this comparison, we recommend that you look at the characteristics that this National Geographic option presents.
Pros
Kit: Includes an accessory kit with what is necessary to fix it on bicycles.
Casing: The casing protects it from shocks and provides water resistance.
Price: Its price is quite accessible, even with all the functions it has.
Cons
Battery: The rechargeable battery that this camera has is of low capacity.
Resolution: It has lower resolution compared to the other products on the list.
sony sports camera
SonyFDR-X1000VR
If among the available options you still do not know which sports camera to buy, we invite you to evaluate the characteristics offered by the following model presented by Sony.
This model has a 170 degree wide angle lens that will allow you to cover more space with just one shot. You can record in 4K resolution and take photos at 12.8 megapixels, so the multimedia content will be seen with good quality details. Also, its Easy Shot mode will help you take good shots and its stereo microphone will provide a natural sound.
On the other hand, another aspect that stands out in this Sony sports camera is that it has a clock-type remote control that will allow you to record and adjust its settings.
Additionally, it has Wi-Fi, NFC, GPS, USB ports, HDMI, and a MicroSD slot so you can expand storage. It is waterproof and its interface is easy to use so that you do not have any inconvenience in configuring it.
Sony stands out in the market for producing high-quality products, so here we present the pros and cons of one of its models.
Pros
Angle: With the 170 degree wide angle lens you can capture more extensive images.
Technology: It has Wi-Fi and NFC for the exchange of multimedia content in a practical way.
Image: Videos are recorded at 4K and images are captured at a resolution of 3952 x 2224.
Cons
Price: One of the disadvantages of this sports camera is that it has the highest price on the list.
Casing: You can only enter it up to 10 meters deep.
NEXGADGET 4K sports camera
NEX GADGET AT30
If what you want is to save a couple of euros and buy the best cheap sports camera, you may be interested in this product, since it is one of the cheapest on the list.
This 4K NEXGADGET sports camera has a 170-degree lens with 16 megapixels, which will help you cover more area and take good quality photos. Likewise, you can also record in various modes at 4K with 30 fps.
In addition, its LCD screen is 2 inches, it has an HDMI port to view the content on a TV and you can expand its storage with a MicroSD card. In addition to this, with Wi-Fi you can manage the photos from your Smartphone or change the camera settings.
On the other hand, it includes an accessory kit and, among them, a submersible casing that will protect it from water and allow you to take photos up to 30 meters deep.
This sports camera presented by NEXGADGET has good features and is affordable, so you could purchase a product to record your adventures without investing so much money.
Pros
Image: Record content in 4K quality and take photos with 16 megapixel resolution.
Wi-Fi: With Wi-Fi you can manage photos from your iOS or Android Smartphone.
Kit: Includes an accessory kit to avoid additional costs.
Cons
Instructions: It does not include instructions for use to take advantage of the accessory kit.
Indicator: Being submerged, the camera’s indicator light is almost inconspicuous, so you may not know if you are recording or not.
NK sports camera
NK AC3061-4KN
If what you want is to acquire what could be the best value for money sports camera, we invite you to check the characteristics of this option.
This cheap sports camera has a 170 degree wide angle lens and 16 megapixel resolution, which will allow you to take wide and good quality photos. Additionally, it records videos at 4K and lower resolutions with varied fps. It has an HDMI and USB port so you can manage storage or view content on a computer or TV. Its Wi-Fi will allow you to connect it to a Smartphone to use it as a remote control to take photos, record and adjust options.
On the other hand, this NK sports camera comes with an accessory kit that includes a waterproof case so you can submerge the camera and take photos or videos up to 30 meters deep. In addition, it has a battery with a capacity of 900 mAh.
If you want to acquire one of the cheapest options present in this comparison and that has good characteristics in terms of image and accessories, we invite you to take this model into account.
Pros
Affordable: It has one of the lowest prices among the products on the list.
Image: You can record multimedia content at 4K and take good quality photos.
Kit: It comes with a kit of 15 accessories so you can avoid additional purchases. In addition, it includes a waterproof case.
Cons
Autonomy: The battery has little capacity compared to other models on the list.
Light: You will need an environment with adequate light levels so that you can take good shots.
aquatic sports camera
COOAU CU-SPC06
If you practice scuba diving or any sport on or under water and you need a water sports camera to take good shots, this option could interest you.
It has a 20 megapixel lens that will allow you to take good photos and record at 4K with 30 fps. In addition, it includes a remote control and Wi-Fi connectivity so you can take photos, record and adjust settings from your Smartphone or Tablet.
Additionally, it comes with a kit that includes several accessories to avoid additional purchases and also includes a waterproof case that will allow you to submerge the camera up to 40 meters deep.
On the other hand, it has an automatic image stabilizer and several video modes so you can choose the one that best suits the occasion. In addition to this, it has an HDMI port, USB to manage content and a MicroSD slot so you can expand the storage of the camera.
If you are looking for an underwater camera that has good features and does not have such a high price, we recommend that you consider this option.
Pros
Submersible: With the waterproof housing you can submerge the camera up to 40 meters deep.
Image : Record content at 4K at 30 fps and take photos at very good quality.
Autonomy: It has 2 rechargeable batteries with a capacity of 1200 mAh.
Cons
Stabilizer: In order for the stabilizer to fulfill its function, you must install the camera in a place where it does not take direct hits.
Connectivity: Some users have had connectivity issues with Wi-Fi.
GoPro sports camera
GoPro HERO7
So that you can identify the best brand of sports cameras on the list, we invite you to take into account one of its options, such as the GoPro HERO7.
This GoPro sports camera has a 10 megapixel lens to take photos and is capable of recording in 4K quality at 30 fps. In addition, you will also be able to take dynamic photographs and use the timer to decide the moment of capture. In addition to this, it has a MicroSD reader so you can expand the storage and, with the GoPro application, you can transfer the content directly to your Smartphone.
Its screen is touch, it has a video stabilizer to avoid movements in the captures and you can submerge it up to 10 meters deep, making it ideal for use with any sport.
On the other hand, it has voice control so you can avoid using your hands in dangerous situations. Additionally, you can take advantage of GPS features with performance tags.
If what you are looking for is a professional-level sports camera, we recommend that you evaluate the pros and cons of this GoPro model.
Pros
Image: You can record content at 4K with 30 fps and capture dynamic images of good quality.
Kit: Includes a kit of mounting accessories so you can avoid additional purchases.
Voice: You will be able to take photos and videos if you tell the GoPro camera to do so.
Cons
Price: The price of this sports camera is high, so you must increase your amount to invest to acquire it.
Submersible: You can only submerge it to a depth of 10 meters.
Sports Camera Accessories
Neewer 10085441
This option is a kit with 50 accessories for sports cameras, where you will find several options so you can secure your camera and take advantage of it on your adventures.
The first option is the selfie monopod with adapter and extender so you can take photos and capture the entire landscape. It also has an adjustable strap so you can attach it to a helmet so you can use your hands freely. The other option is a float for you to adapt to your waterproof case. Additionally, clips, straps, screws and hooks are also included so that you can complement them with the other accessories and keep your sports camera safe.
Housing for sports camera
VEMICO 302
This is a sports camera housing that is presented in a transparent color so that you can see the lights of the camera’s operation. In addition, the case is waterproof, so you can keep your sports camera protected from being affected by moisture and liquids. In addition to this, it is submersible, which will allow you to put it in the water up to 30 meters deep to take photos and videos.
On the other hand, this model is compatible with the most popular cameras of the moment so you don’t have any compatibility problems.
Guide to buying a sports camera
In the following space you will find a series of important characteristics that we recommend you take into account so that you can select a good and economical sports camera that is capable of meeting your photographic expectations.
Shopping guide
Resolution
In this guide to buying the best sports camera, the first feature that we will evaluate will be the resolution, since it is one of the most important aspects that a camera must have so that you can get good shots.
Sports camera lenses have two focus modes, the first is photographic. This is responsible for capturing images, where the quality of the image will depend on the megapixels. That is, the higher the number of megapixels, the photos will have good image quality, details and sharpness. Simply put, a lens with 20 megapixels will perform better than a model with 12 megapixels or less. However, this also has a disadvantage, since if these numbers are high, the photos will take up much more space on the device, but it is an aspect that can be compensated with a memory with a large capacity to store those high-quality images.
On the other hand, the second mode is the recording mode, but these have various types of quality, 4K, 2K, 1080p, 720p. However, you can alternate them to increase the fluidity of the fps (frames per second) or better known by its name in Spanish as frames per second; which is the speed of the photos it records per second, so when you go to view a video, it may or may not be fluid.
Additionally, you have to know that, at lower fps, the quality will be much lower as well as the speed, even if you record in a higher resolution. Therefore, we recommend that you take this aspect into account when deciding on a sports camera.
Autonomy
Another aspect in which we recommend that you look at this comparison of sports cameras is the autonomy that the camera has.
Some models may have a standard rechargeable battery, which is an advantage as the lifespan will be longer compared to conventional battery cameras. That is to say, these will last a little longer and, therefore, you will be able to have more time to take photos, record a greater number of videos and also make use of the other functions that the camera has.
In addition to this, another advantage that you will have when purchasing a sports camera with a rechargeable battery is that you will avoid buying batteries at all times. However, there are models that use high-quality rechargeable batteries that provide the camera with efficient autonomy, so you should pay attention to the mAh, which is the storage capacity of the batteries; being 1850 mAh greater than 1500 mAh and therefore the camera will last longer on.
Angle
The next important feature in this type of product is the camera angle. The perspective that the human eye has is 180 degrees horizontally and 130 vertically, but the one that matters to us is the first, since the greater the angle of the sports camera, the more space you can cover in a single shot.; it is somewhat similar to panoramic photos, but in one photo. Likewise, this also applies to recording, so you will be able to visualize the landscapes in a broader way in a video.
connectivity and technology
The most useful and outstanding connections in a sports camera are the MicroSD ports to expand the storage of the equipment, USB to charge the battery and the exchange of multimedia content to a computer, although the HDMI port also fulfills the function for file transfer, but at a higher speed.
On the other hand, Wi-Fi in sports cameras will help you manage it with the manufacturer’s application on your Smartphone and transfer it to electronic devices and social networks, making it a very useful feature.
Accessories
Accessories play a very important role when using the sports camera, since they can provide a level of protection so that it does not get damaged or fall, as is the case with straps and housings. In addition, the latter will provide physical defense and, depending on the model, will also protect the equipment to submerge it in water so you can take photos in seas, rivers and lakes, as long as you keep in mind that waterproof cases have a depth limit permitted.
Additionally, among the accessories you can also find tripods, helmets, bracelets, extendable arms and many more that will help you complement the use of your sports camera. However, you should check how much each of them costs to know if it is profitable to buy them individually or in kits.
Frequently asked questions
Q1: How to use a sports camera?
First, you will need to charge it to 100% before you can use it. Then attach it to a surface, whether it’s a helmet, bike, surfboard or any other object that’s secured to you so you can record freely without the need to use your hands. If the model you have has an accessory kit, make use of them or acquire the ones you prefer.
Next step, turn on the camera, put it in video mode and trigger the mechanism to start recording or taking photos and press it again to stop and automatically save the video.
In addition, some models have the option of being able to connect to a Smartphone via Wi-Fi to configure settings, start it up and even send multimedia content. At the end, we remind you that you must connect it to a power outlet so that you can keep it charged and always ready to take photos or videos.
Q2: What is Wi-Fi for in a sports camera?
Sports cameras that have a Wi-Fi system allow settings to be managed from a Smartphone or Tablet in a much more practical way. In addition, the multimedia content can also be transferred so that you can easily share it on your social networks.
Q3: How to charge a sports camera?
Depending on the model you purchased, you will need to connect a USB or MicroUSB cable to the camera and to a computer. On the other hand, there are also other products that include a charger so that the process is much faster and you only have to use a plug.
In addition, you will have to wait for the camera to be charged to 100% and no more so that the battery does not overcharge, since if you let the battery continue to absorb energy it could cause it to be damaged and the time of use and useful life is reduce. Therefore, we recommend that you read the instruction manual in the section on battery charging and pay attention to the appropriate time indicated by the manufacturer to leave the camera charging.
Q4: How to record with a sports camera?
When you have fixed your sports camera to a surface, you must adjust its angle so that you have good shots. Afterwards, we recommend that you set the recording mode and use the remote control or link the camera wirelessly via Wi-Fi with a Smartphone to start the recording process. In addition, you can pause or stop the shot manually, with the remote control or in the manufacturer’s application that you have downloaded to your mobile, which will allow you to record quality content.
Q5: Can I use a sports camera as a webcam?
Yes, and to do so, you must connect it directly to a computer using a USB, Micro USB or HDMI cable and position it at an angle and in the desired location. Then, update and configure the drivers of the computer and the video mode that you prefer.
