Focus Check podcast ep72: What are your ULTIMATE mirrorless camera features? - WATCH or LISTEN now!
Focus Check podcast ep72:The ULTIMATE mirrorless camera?
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Action cameras have been a mixed bag in the realm of (semi-)professional video. On the one hand, you get a very unique look and can capture otherwise impossible angles with such a camera. On the other hand, these tiny cameras often lacked adequate resolution, image quality and overall appealing results. Or do they still??
In this day and age, there are modern, “grown-up” action cams that not only have the strengths typical of this class of camera, but also offer a wide range of features and amazing image quality.
So the question is, which one should you buy? Well, as always, it depends. It depends on your specific use case, budget, and target market. Are you buying it as a main camera? As a crash cam? As a second (or third) camera for unique action shots like mountain biking or scuba diving? Here you will find a range of current and good action cams, all of which have their particular strengths.
The good thing is, these tiny cameras usually don’t cost a fortune, so you don’t need a refinancing plan to get started.
Here’s our overview of the best action cams in the market, both “traditional” and 360 cameras. And as you can see, GoPro, DJI and Insta360 dominate the scene.
This new GoPro model offers a 27MP sensor and a front screen, it features up to 5.3K60p video and 27MP photo capture alongside new professional settings. Compared to the superb DJI Osmo Action 3, the image quality of the GoPro…
This new GoPro model offers a 27MP sensor and a front screen, it features up to 5.3K60p video and 27MP photo capture alongside new professional settings.
Compared to the superb DJI Osmo Action 3, the image quality of the GoPro HERO11 Black was superior as the images look less processed, softer, and more detailed.
If you need something for filming on-the-go in rough situations, the GoPro is a good choice. And don’t forget to bring lots of batteries.
The Action 3 has a great design with a very practical magnetic clip system. Battery life is great but when you get the Adventure Combo, you get two additional batteries and a neat battery charging case that allows charging all…
The Action 3 has a great design with a very practical magnetic clip system. Battery life is great but when you get the Adventure Combo, you get two additional batteries and a neat battery charging case that allows charging all three batteries at once.
DJI released a new firmware (V01.02.1010) for the Action 3, which adds these features:
The Action 3 retails for €359 compared to the only slightly more expensive HERO11.
Insta360 has released the dual-lens 360° camera designed from the ground up, the Insta360 X3. This new model features a bigger 1/2″ image sensor, a massive 2.29″ touchscreen in front of the camera, and it can capture 360° footage in…
Insta360 has released the dual-lens 360° camera designed from the ground up, the Insta360 X3.
This new model features a bigger 1/2″ image sensor, a massive 2.29″ touchscreen in front of the camera, and it can capture 360° footage in 5.7K, 8K 360° time lapses, and 72MP pictures.
Regarding shooting modes, the X3’s 360 video quality has also improved with a new Active HDR mode. This mode uses an innovative algorithm to stabilize action footage, minimizing ghosting and revealing details.
The Insta360 ONE RS is an interesting modular action camera. It fixes some shortcomings of the original ONE R (here’s our original review of the Insta360 ONE R, compared with the GoPro Hero8) - we especially like the longer battery…
The Insta360 ONE RS is an interesting modular action camera.
It fixes some shortcomings of the original ONE R (here’s our original review of the Insta360 ONE R, compared with the GoPro Hero8) - we especially like the longer battery life and the new mounting bracket for faster module change. When compared with the competition from GoPro or DJI, however, the camera falls behind in framerates and resolutions.
If you are in the market for the most compact solution that can do both regular and 360 videos, the ONE RS might be a good choice. On the other hand, getting a dedicated 360 camera such as the Insta360 ONE X2 (our review here) and then a separate action camera from GoPro or DJI, that will give you better slow motion when needed, might not be a bad idea either.