e top three...01020346 T3 JULY 2021e complete guide to...46 T3JULY 2021wheel of his mountainbikeat speed. e
writer crashed and the wheel was trashed,
but the GoProemerged relatively unscathed
and kept recording throughout its ordeal.
ere are many actioncameras to choose
from, with prices ranging from around £50
to £300.e goodnews is that even the most
basic models give pretty decent results,
though paying more will get you abetter
lens, light sensor and processor, a higher
quality and more rugged camera body, plus
additionaland moreadvanced features.
Most recently released cameras have a
maximum video resolution of 4K, which is
usually 3840 x 2160 pixels or higher.
However, the latest GoPro camera, the HERO
9 Black, isa 5K model and there are plenty of
older cameras around withlower maximum
video resolutions. e main reasonto shoot
in 4Kis to future-proof yourvideo content
and a give a higher level of detail on
compatible TVs and monitors. However,
shooting in4K then downscalingto HD
during post-production will also give better
looking footage than directly shooting in
HD.For sharing online or directly with
friends, it’s far better toshoot video inHD to
keep the file size smaller.
More expensivecameras will allow you to
record video at 60fps (frames per second)at
their maximum resolution, while cheaper
models usually go up to 30fps. A framerate of
24fps (or 30fps inthe US)will record video
that runs at a real-time speed, anything over
that and you’re getting intoslow mo territory.
Whatever camera you gofor,you canchoose
between a range of video resolutions and
framerates to suit yourneeds.As a general
rule, the lower resolution you gofor, the
wider rangeof framerates you’llbe able to
select – up to a maximum of 240fps.
e vast majority of action cams come
with an accompanying smartphone app. emost basic ones usuallyallow youto control
the camera, view your content and transfer
it to yourphone. Fancier apps come with
more sophisticated functions, such as the
abilityto edit and splice together video,add
music, upload it directly to the webor
livestreamfrom your mobile device. As a
generalrule, the more you spend on your
action cam, the more advanced the
accompanying app support will be too.GET THE RIGHT MODEL FOR YOU
When choosing an action cam, the key thing
to consider is what you’llbe mostly using it
most for. If it’s for capturing familydays out
with the kids,a more basic camera should do
the trick. at said, we’d recommend going
for a modelwith a 4K resolution, a wide
selectionof video resolutions and
framerates, a rangeof digitallensesand
in-built stabilisation software as this will
give you thewidest range of shooting
options and future-proof it for longer.Most
cameraswith these facilities will also allow
you to capturehigh resolution stillswith
plenty of different exposuresettings.
Action sports enthusiasts,such as
mountain bikers, snowboarders and surfers,
should make getting asrobust a camera as
possible a priority feature.It’s also important
to ensure it’ssimple to operate inadverse
conditions, with cold fingers, or whileACTIONCAM
ESSENTIALS
Must-have accessories that
will enable you to get the
most from your cameraGOPRO CHESTY
While helmet-mountedcams are popular
for shooting your exploits on bikeor board,
you get a much more interesting POV with
a chest-mounted camera. GoPro’s Chesty is
one of the best models around.
£44.99,gopro.comEXPOSURE CAPTURE
CAMERA LIGHT
Whether you’re attaching Exposure’s tough
but light, er, lightsto a vlogging rig,or to
your bikefor capturing night rides, thisis
one of the best ofits kind around.
£110,exposurelights.comGOPRO SHORTY
A camera grip is extremely useful; however,
the Shorty is more than just a regular grip.
Telescopic sections extend allowing you to
use it for selfies, while three fold out legs
also enable it to be usedas a tripod.
£39.99,gopro.come key thing toconsider is whatyou’ll be mostlyusing it most for