Rules for operating the action camera

Many users of technology sometimes do not know how to properly use it. The result is poor-quality operation of the device, rapid failure and dissatisfaction with the ownership of equipment. Below will be described how to use the action camera.

How to assemble the device and connect the microphone

The operation of any device usually begins with its assembly, since in rare cases the equipment is immediately sold assembled.Most common package of action camera:

• the device itself,
• battery,
• protective box
• wires for connecting or charging,
• fasteners.

It is easy to assemble an action camera: the process is to insert a battery into the device, charge it and, having set the necessary settings in the camera, hide it in a protective box. Quite often the equipment comes with an already charged battery. For the first time, it is recommended to discharge the battery to zero and then charge up to 100%.

If the camera does not turn on, then it is likely that the battery is discharged to zero, and in this case it will take time to gain the minimum charge to turn on the charge indication. After some time, you can try to turn on the camera, but it is better to wait for the process to finish.

In most inexpensive cameras there is a problem with sound recording, as a regular microphone is not distinguished by good parameters.The sound quality with a stretch can be called acceptable. If it is implied that it is necessary to shoot not only the video, but also to record a good sound, then you should separately buy an external microphone. You can connect a microphone using a dedicated output that has a 3.5 or Jack jack. If such a function in the device is not provided, then you can disassemble the camera and solder the microphone connector. This is not very difficult to do, provided that there is minimal knowledge in radio engineering and the necessary tools. Another option is to use adapter with mini USB to 3.5.

Action Camera Settings

When buying an action camera, you can hear from the seller that the setting for this device is not required. One button, the camera turns on, the second starts recording video. In fact this is not true. An action camera, like a camera and a video camera, requires a certain setting that will allow you to influence some video parameters — its quality, size, and other details. You can set up an action camera once, but there are enough parameters in it that need to be changed under different shooting conditions.

1. Video format - This is the aspect ratio of the vertical and horizontal.The most popular parameter in this case is 16: 9.
2. Resolution. Despite the fact that market trends are 4K size to customers, not every camera can shoot in this format or does it quite well. In most situations, you should focus on the Full HD version, which gives a completely acceptable picture.
3. Frame frequency. This parameter affects the smoothness of the image. The minimum option is 30 frames per second, and that is enough. Despite this, there are cameras with a frequency of 60 and even 120 fps. It should be understood that the increase in the number of frames affects the size of the video, which means you have to stock up on a large flash drive with a high data transfer rate.
4. Viewing angle. Initially, the action camera was designed to allow the user to shoot himself, which means that he is in the immediate vicinity of the lens. On this basis, the devices began to be assembled with wide-angle optics capable of capturing a large space, but within relatively limited limits in terms of the distance of the object. A large viewing angle allows the frame to contain more space, but at the same time it distorts the edges of the picture (fish-eye effect).You can change the viewing angle in the camera, but it is worth remembering that with its increase the edges blur.
5. Distortion correction. A little-known parameter, which many are not very clear. It is directly related to the previous setting. A high level of distortion correction works in such a way that reduces the effect of a fish eye, that is, the edges of the image will be more even. This is done by cutting the image and stretching it, which some may not like. Thus, it is necessary to decide how to shoot: with a wide angle and a fisheye, with a high correction and a slightly cropped picture, or initially set a smaller shooting angle.
6. Video quality. It may seem to many that this parameter affects the graininess or clarity of the image, but in fact, regardless of the option chosen, the image quality will be approximately the same. This item works directly with the H.264 codec and makes it so that the video contains more or less information. In other words, when processing in the video editor, the user will have more or less possibilities. With a low video quality level, the amount of data will be less. It is useful to set if the flash drive has a low write speed.
7. White balance. In this case, you should use the option of automatic exposure, but in general the setting is needed in order to make the video warmer or colder, depending on the environment and lighting.

How to shoot a video

It is not difficult to make a video with an action camera, but not all of them will be interesting to watch. For this reason, each video should have a plot or tell a story. Below are tips on how to shoot on an action camera.

Sound recording

When shooting video in conditions where moisture and dirt do not threaten the camera, you should to shoot in boxes which allow you to record real sounds or even without them. For home archive or show your friends live video with real sounds looks more interesting and better conveys emotions.

If the video will later be published somewhere, and it is filmed on a camera protected by a box, the native sound should change to music or do not write at all. All kinds of boxes, if they allow you to record some kind of sound, then they do it very badly, with noises and other things that are unpleasant to the ear.

Video length

Many novice users, and sometimes experienced operators, are keen on shooting long stories.But if you look at the statistics of the most popular videos taken with an action camera, you will notice that they never exceed two minutes, and more often do not even reach one minute.

Slow Motion - the effect of slowing down the picture. Achieved with the help of special computer editors. To do this, you must first make a recording with a large number of frames per second (from 60 and above).

Change of angle

Shooting with an action camera looks more interesting as the angle of view changes. Of course, if the shooting is controlled by the operator, then changing the angle of view is easy, but if the recording is done while riding a bicycle or snowboard, then it is difficult to particularly control how and what is being filmed. For such purposes, you can use a special accessory in the form of a short pole, which is attached to the helmet using a special ball: during movement, the ball rotates the position of the camera, and the shooting is done from different angles. This approach makes it possible to use more interesting views in the subsequent installation than with the static camera position.

Loop recording

At first glance, it may seem that the loop recording does not carry anything unusual, and the principle of operation is the same as in the DVR. In the action camera, this mode works differently. When setting the cycle time, the device will not write videos by the amount of time specified by the user, but will break the set time of shooting into 5 videos. That is, if the operator sets the value to 30 minutes, then he will eventually have 5 videos of 6 minutes duration.

This mode of action camera is very useful. Sometimes it happens that an athlete works out a trick, and does not know at what point he will succeed. This mode allows you to occupy only a little space on the memory card, which is needed to shoot exactly those 5 videos of 6 minutes each. The camera overwrites these videos and, if the trick is a success, the user still has a lot of space for the next shootings. At the same time, clicking on the stop and recording will start a new cycle 5 to 6. If for some reason it is necessary for the action camera to work similarly to the recorder, it is necessary in the settings for loop recording set the maximum value (it is usually called - MAX), then the card will be overwritten as it is filled.

Fast shot

Time lapse - This is an artistic device that can be opposed to Slow Motion. Its meaning lies in the fact that in a short period of time it is possible to show a process that took a very long time in real life. An example is building a house, moving stars in the sky, the process of seed germination, and more. To take pictures using this artistic technique, you must select the scene on which something is happening.

Video is created from a variety of photos. To make the video without breaks, you should take a large number of frames. The best option is 1 frame per minute. If we are talking about objects that quickly change position, then the frequency can be increased to 1 frame in 30 seconds, and if objects are inactive (clouds in calm weather), you can take a picture every ten minutes. Creating time-lapse video by using photo editors.

Important! During shooting, the position of the camera cannot be changed, that is, it must constantly fix the same view.

Photo shooting

Quite often, you can see that interesting shots are taken on an action camera. There are also a couple of tips for interesting effects. The distance for a photo from an action camera is very important. The fact is that the constructively considered device is designed to shoot nearby objects. The optimal distance for taking photos is 20-200 cm. In this case, the subject is in focus and near, and everything else in the background. You can shoot an object remotely if you plan to make a general plan.

To convey the three-dimensionality of the world, which removes the operator, you should use a simple technique: arrange shooting objects at different distances. Something should be in the foreground, something a little further, but something generally far away. The best option is to arrange objects in size, that is, as they grow in size, they should be removed. You can use improvised means, for example, take a photo from a sitting position, and take blades of grass, flowers and other objects of the environment as the objects of the first plan.The second plan - the subject. The third is big trees, mountains, buildings, and so on. This photo looks much more alive than just a flat picture.

How to use aquabox

The action camera is designed for shooting in extreme conditions that can disable the device without protection. To protect the camera was specially created waterproof case, which is also called aquabox. Visually, it is a plastic box with buttons that press the buttons on the device itself. Boxing can be opened completely - remove the back cover. It is mounted on a special loop. In the upper part there is a special clip that tightly fixes the two parts of the box. So that the camera does not leak at the joints, there is a seal on the cover.

In order to remove the aquabox from an action camera, one finger should be moved sideways to the cap on the clip and the other hand to pry it. When properly executed, the clip will go up and the box will open. When using aquabox, make sure that it does not leak. To do this, without a camera, the case is immersed in water and there are leaks.

High-quality protective case has a tight cap and clip.If they are made well, then if the stub is accidentally touched, the back cover will not open and the camera will not fall into the water.

As with any accessory, a box for protection in water can deteriorate over time. In order to maximize its life, you should follow simple rules.

1. After the dive and before opening the box, it should wipe with a soft clothto remove residual water.
2. If the camera has been used for shooting in salt water for a long time, you need it for several hours. leave in fresh water to remove salt and debris that adversely affect the operation of the buttons.
3. Do not leave the protective case in the sun: heating may adversely affect the plastic and the seal as well as degrade the transparency of the lens through which the image is taken.
4. To prevent the seal from being deformed during storage, Boxing should be kept clear.
5. You should carefully consider the manufacturer's recommendations for boxing service. In particular, with the specified frequency you need change seals and always keep it clean, even if the enclosure will be used the very next day.

How to connect an action camera to a TV, PC or smartphone

After shooting a video on an action camera, it is always necessary to transfer data to a computer or immediately watch the recording on a TV or smartphone. There are two ways to connect an action camera with other devices: wired and wireless. The first method is suitable for transferring data or connecting the camera to a TV to view the video. The second option is more suitable for connecting an action camera with a smartphone or tablet.

Important! In addition to the Wi-Fi function for a wireless connection, you need a special application.

Wired connection

Most often, via wire transfer data to a computer, laptop or TV. You can connect an action camera to a computer via a USB cable, which is usually supplied with the device.. Most action-camera does not require special applications to transfer photos and video. If the computer does not see the action camera via USB, then several options are possible:

• The camera is not turned on and is simply in charge mode via USB;
• no drivers on the USB connector;
• defective cable.

There are no particular difficulties to correct these problems, but for those who do not want or cannot for some reason do it,There is an even easier way to reset the video on a PC - get a memory card and using an SD adapter transfer all information through the card reader.

To connect the action camera to the TVYou will need an HDMI cable and the presence of this connector in the device itself. As a rule, mini-HMDI is equipped with a camera, so the cable must be of the appropriate type. With this connection, you can view the data on the TV, control is carried out using the remote.

Wireless connection

Many modern action cameras equipped with Wi-Fi modulewhich allows you to connect it wirelessly to the phone. This is a very useful feature, because often during the shooting you want to see the video. To do this on a small screen, an action camera is rather inconvenient, and it’s not always possible to carry wires with you. In this case, the connection of the action camera to the smartphone is via Wi-FI. In order for the devices to work, you need to install an application for working with an action camera on your phone, and the program will be different for different brands.

You can see what utility is needed directly in the instructions for the camera or read the QR code from the box, and the smartphone will automatically load the official device page, where in 100% of cases there is a link to the desired application.After pairing two devices, it is enough to enter the program and access the camera.

Programs for processing video from an action camera

Any experienced action camera owner knows that shooting a video is only half the battle. Then it needs to be processed, and for this you will need special programs. You can edit the video in them, remove unnecessary sounds or add music to the contrary, and also perform some other useful actions to improve the quality of a photo or video.

Programs for action cameras can be divided into two groups:

• for smartphones;
• for laptops and PCs.

Smartphone apps

Camera MX - application with wide functionality. Here you can not only edit video and photos, but add different special effects, sounds, apply filters and adjust layers. The advantage of the application is its ease of use and the ability to preview how the special effect will look. Through this application, you can adjust the contrast or adjust the white balance.

Camera 360 Ultimate - Another functional application for working with photos and videos. In addition to layers, masks, special effects and all sorts of filters, this software allows you to make miniatures or posters.To work with video, you can use ready-made templates or create your own. Fans of selfies will surely be pleased with the wide functionality for working with photos. You can immediately work with the background, adjust the skin color or eliminate defects (beauty test). In fact, this application is a miniature photoshop for smartphones.

The nice thing is that all settings can be set just before shooting. You can also process the finished video.

Better camera - application from the studio Almalence, which has collected in itself all the old developments. Here you can work with HDR, experiment with night shooting or panorama. The program allows you to work with shutter speed, focus. There are many built-in shooting modes and a wide selection of various settings. The application can be called professional, but you have to pay for it. The free version is available only in the first 30 days.

Camera awesome - was originally created for devices on iOS, but was later transferred to Android. In addition to the huge number of settings, it is possible to add an effect or filter on the desired segment of the video. There is also a slow-motion function, which is very relevant for processing video from an action camera.

Windows software

Programs for video processing are more relevant for installation on a laptop or PC. Obviously, mounting and processing is much more convenient on the big screen than on the smartphone display. Of course, you can use giants to process photos and videos like Adobe Photoshop, Pinnacle Studio and the like, or you can install special software for working with an action camera. The most popular are the three applications listed below.

1. Action Cam Movie Creator It is installed not only on Windows, but also Mac. In addition to a completely standard set for editing, this software has the ability to add geodata or delete them, slow down or speed up some moments of the video, frame the recording and merge tracks. The pleasant moment is the clear interface that will allow even inexperienced users to process the video.
   
2. WiGo - The program is good because it allows you to control the camera when connected wirelessly. That is, the user can not only process the finished video or photo, as well as transfer it to the hard disk, but also manage the settings and the camera itself from the PC.
3. Hyperlapse - a program from Microsoft, which appeared in 2014.It was originally created for working with smartphones, but later a professional processing mode was added specifically for the action camera. The program has a wide functionality and the ability to put your own watermark on the video in order to fix the copyright. Allows you to create a timelapse or hyperlapse video. The app requires a paid subscription to use.

Rules for charging action camera

Many owners of digital technology know that 80% of failures are due to battery failure. At the same time, almost 90% of the reason for the breakdown lies in the wrong charging of the device. There are three rules to follow to prolong battery life.

1. You can not keep the battery discharged for a long time. If a battery does not charge for a long time, then it plunges into a kind of lethargic sleep, which usually ends in death. If the camera is not planned to be used for a long time, the battery should be stored separately from it and periodically charged, at least once every 3-4 weeks.
2. Do not charge a cooled battery.. Often, after a long stay in the cold, upon arrival home, users begin to drop video through a PC or put the device on charge.A cold battery that is immediately charged can break down very quickly. To avoid this, let the camera warm up, for this you simply leave it for 20-30 minutes in the room. If there is an urgent need to move the video from the device, then you should remove the card and discard all data from it.
3. Do not use too powerful charger. The charging time of an action camera varies on average from 2 to 4 hours. It depends on the power source. The device charges longer through a laptop or PC, faster through an outlet. To charge the action camera from the outlet, it is enough to take the power supply from a smartphone or tablet, but the current in it should not exceed 1.5 amperes, and the best option is 1 ampere. Too powerful charger can burn the battery.

Important! It should be understood that the battery can not be repaired, and the only way to bring the camera back to life is to change the battery. There are cases when it is impossible to find a suitable option, so you have to change the whole camera.