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Snap into action

Rugged action cameras conveniently chronicle your adventures

by ERIK J. MARTIN

Smartphones are handy for taking photos, but try using one when jumping out of a plane, skateboarding a half-pipe or snorkelling with sea turtles. Recording these, and other exciting activities, calls for a dedicated, compact, rugged action camera. GoPro-style cameras are designed to take high-quality footage in adventurous environments.

“Action cameras allow users to record activities hands-free while still producing stable and immersive footage,” says Arianne Burrell, communications manager for Costco supplier DJI North America. “They have become increasingly popular due to their versatility, ease of use and ability to capture unique perspectives. They are built to withstand harsh conditions, including water, dust and impact, making them ideal for capturing moments where other cameras may not survive.”

A product for all passions

Costco member Christen da Costa, CEO of product review website Gadgetreview.com in Houston, says action cameras are ideal for any outdoor pursuits involving movement—from running, surfing and rock climbing to kayaking, bungee jumping and snowboarding. “Using one of these devices attached to your body, helmet or gear with a mount can be a great way to record your activity without missing out on the full experience,” he says.

Keenan Beavis, a Costco member in Langley, British Columbia, has documented activities on numerous trips with his action camera, including hiking in nearby Whistler and surfing in Hawaii. “These gizmos shine in scenarios where the camera may be exposed to the elements or in dynamic situations like extreme sports. You can attach one to a drone for aerial footage, mount it on your helmet during a bike ride or strap it to your pet for a fun perspective,” says Beavis.

You can even attach one to the roof of your car for fantastic footage at fast speeds, notes London, England–based travel expert Zaeem Jafri. “My wife and I have even used an action camera while scuba diving in Bali,” Jafri says.

Essential features

Action cameras are typically packaged in a basic kit that includes the camera, a rechargeable battery, a micro SD card and a few accessories (see “Worthy extras”). These pocket-sized, lightweight devices are equipped with a fixed wide-angle lens to capture a broader view (some even have detachable lenses) and a mini screen to control settings and view recorded content. Several models offer advanced image stabilization and built-in Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connectivity to make transferring files to the internet (or other devices) easy.

Most action cameras shoot photos at 12 megapixels or higher resolution and record video in 4K or 5K quality at 30 to 240 frames per second (fps). Note: You need higher fps—at least 60 fps—to shoot slow-motion video. Common video formats include MP4 or HEVC; common photo formats include JPEG or RAW. Experts recommend using a memory card with minimum write speeds of 80 to 100 Mbps and at least 64-gigabyte capacity.

Be aware that action cameras lack some of the zoom and low-light functionality, battery life and editing features of DSLRs and larger cameras with bigger sensors. You also have less artistic control over elements like focus and lighting, although some of these flaws can be addressed with the right editing software.

Shopping tips

It’s smart to research different models, read online reviews and compare specifications before buying an action camera, which can range from $100 to more than $500 for a basic bundle.

“Look for cameras that align with your requirements and offer good value for the investment,” says Ravin Goyal, a professional photographer in Los Angeles. He suggests considering factors such as image quality, video resolution, waterproofing, battery life and connectivity options.

An action camera might be just what you need to capture active sports video this winter.

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