Ranking of the best action cameras in 2018

The action camera is used for sports or just for lovers of an active lifestyle. This segment of technology has recently separated itself from the video cameras of the classic form factor. The reason was the demand for small devices that can free their hands. To date, the market for such gadgets continues to expand: there are new models, forms, the dimensions of the devices themselves are decreasing. Rating action cameras in 2018 will help determine which model is best to choose.

10. YI Action Camera Basic Edition

Rating opens budget action camera from the company "YI". The company specializes in technology, which is used by extreme sports in all cases of life. Model 2017 is offered at a price of 4450 rubles. This is a pretty good indicator, given its basic parameters. The device supports recording in FHD 1080p format. It is possible to record widescreen video with a viewing angle of 155 degrees.The CMOS-matrix that has already become customary for most budget models, with a resolution of 16 megapixels and ½.3 physical parameters, is installed here. The focus distance is 2.73 mm, the aperture value is F2.8. The manufacturer has declared support for codecs, so it’s not surprising that camera records in H.264 format.

Photo mode is also present, the frame angle is very good. Video or still image recording is performed immediately to a micro SD memory card of up to 128 gigabytes. The weight of the device is only 72 g - two times lighter than a medium-sized smartphone. Comes with rechargeable battery and cable for charging and communication with a PC. Excellent solution for reasonable money, suitable for inexperienced users.

Prices YI Action Camera Basic Edition:

9. SJCAM SJ4000

The smallest and cheapest action camera today's rating. The company "EsJ Kam" specializes in the production of narrow-profile video equipment in the budget and ultra budget segment. However, “low-cost” does not always mean the absence of prospects, today even in this price niche (2980 rubles) there is an impressive choice of models for almost every taste. The camera records video in FHD format with a viewing angle of 170 degrees. CMOS-matrix has a resolution of only 3 megapixels, but this is enough to capture a small video of acceptable quality. The focus distance does not exceed 2.8 mm. Only digital four-time image approximation is available.

There is no image stabilizer, but any tripod will do an excellent job with its role. A pleasant surprise will be a full 1.5 inch LCD display and automatic white balance, available through presets. There is auto exposure and recording in H.264 format. The model is able to take pictures in good resolution, as well as display a widescreen frame. The video stream is recorded in the micro SD format. The weight of this mini action camera is only 44 g. The best option from inexpensive devices, both in terms of performance and price.

Prices SJCAM SJ4000:

8. EKEN A8

The top action cameras of 2018 are still manufactured by Eken. Inexpensive action cameras, in particular, the model in question is often not without a number of drawbacks. The cost of the device is only 3240 rubles. For this money, the user has at its disposal full support for the FHD-format. EKEN didn’t experiment and equipped the device with a conventional 12 megapixel CMOS-matrix.

A striking advantage is long-term operation from a single charge: the camera can record at maximum settings for about two hours. This is a very good indicator for the budget segment.

The viewing angle is 120 degrees with the possibility of wide-angle shooting. In the presence of a full two-inch LCD display, with which you can view the footage. There is a shooting mode, incl. and widescreen.As a communication gadget uses a standard USB-interface. Recording is carried out only on a memory card., there is not enough space on the device for recording. Only micro SD cards are supported, without the possibility of using more modern and high-speed flash drives. The weight of the device is 64 g, due to which it lies very easily in the hand, and even being attached to the head or shoulder, it is not felt at all as something weighty. Miniature cameras are very popular. The proposed model is suitable for a wide range of buyers.

Prices EKEN A8:

7. Xiaomi MiJia 360 Panoramic Camera

Today, Xiaomi is a recognized leader in the field of mobile technology, computing systems and home appliances. It is natural that the company decided to expand its influence by releasing the proposed action camera. The price of the device is 17,500 rubles.The device can be attributed to the professional class in all characteristics. Is available 360 degree panorama shootingas well as widescreen video. The viewing angle is 190 degrees. The device is equipped with a traditional 16 megapixel CMOS-matrix. Physical parameters of the board ½.3. The lens is equipped with an aperture F2. There is no image stabilizer, as well as an LCD display, but there is a photo mode with a flexible system of settings.

The model supports connection to all relevant standards, including wireless data transfer. There is an input for micro SD memory cards up to 128 gigabytes. The case is reliably protected from dust and moisture by means of a rubberized coating. The compact dimensions of the device make it possible to fasten it almost anywhere on clothes, bicycles, etc. The action camera weighs 109 g.

The kit comes with a cable for charging and communication, a tripod for physical stabilization and an instruction manual.

A wonderful solution for a wide segment of consumers, especially for those who are seriously interested in sports shooting. Balanced and compact device for all occasions.

Prices Xiaomi MiJia 360 Panoramic Camera:

6. AC Robin Zed2

The Russian brand "EC Robin" is known, primarily due to its line of budget models of action cameras. The cost of the device is 7499 rubles, which makes the device one of the most affordable on the market. In addition to the attractive cost, the camera has something to offer the buyer. The viewing angle is 160 degrees with support for widescreen video. The maximum resolution of the movie is 2880x2160p, QHD 2.5K. The matrix has a resolution of 16 megapixels. Big surprise will be built-in image stabilization. On the case is a full two-inch LCD display. When shooting high-resolution video, the maximum frame rate is 120 frames, which is a very good result. The model supports H.264 format. The camera can take pictures with many settings.

There are a number of interfaces for communicating with external devices, only wireless data transmission is lacking. Video recording is carried out only on a micro SD memory card.The weight of the device is 58 g - this is one of the lightest cameras in its price category. The kit comes with many nice add-ons, such as a water-proof box and mount that allows you to install the camera on a bicycle or motorcycle.

Prices AC Robin Zed2:

5. Contour Contour + 2

Camera from a highly specialized video manufacturer Kontur. This unit is a great functional solution, a compromise of style, quality and reasonable price (21,990 rubles). For this price the impressive set of characteristics is available to the buyer. The first thing that attracts attention is full support for FHD 1080p. The viewing angle of the action camera is 170 degrees, there is support for wide format video.Regarding the matrix, the manufacturers went the beaten path and equipped the model with a CMOS board with a resolution of 5 megapixels. The focus distance is 2.8 mm. Image stabilization is absent, as is the LCD monitor. White balance is set manually. Available recording formats: 480p, 720p, 1080p. The maximum frame rate per second is 60 when recording at a resolution of 1920x1080. H.264 format support implemented.

There is a full-fledged camera with good resolution and a variety of picture settings. Among the supported interfaces there is an output to an external microphone, which greatly expands the possibilities of sound recording. From wireless protocols present only Bluetooth. Video recording is carried out in the format microSD. The claimed operating time from one charge is 2 hours, and this is a pretty good result. But one of the main advantages of the model is a stylish case, reliably protected from moisture.. The perfect model for anyone looking for a stylish, simple and reliable solution among a variety of action cameras.

Prices Contour Contour + 2:

4. GoPro HERO (CHDHB-501-RW)

The fourth position was taken by a model with good stabilization. The line of GoPro video cameras is known all over the world, it is preferred by many athletes and travelers. The cost of the gadget is 15 490 rubles. For this price, the buyer receives a CMOS-matrix with a resolution of 10 megapixels and wide-format video recording. Electronic stabilizer. In the presence of a two-inch screen with the possibility of touch control. White balance is set automatically. Among the recording formats present and 1080p. A pleasant surprise was presence of function time lapseas well as the ability to record video using the H.264 and MPEG4 codecs.

The camcorder can take good photos with good frame capture. As a communication interface comes standard USB, HDMI cable, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. Recording is possible only on a memory card, the device has practically no place. Supports micro SD format drives up to 64 gigabytes.

Another pleasant surprise for the owner will be the body, covered with a moisture-proof material.This is a somewhat heavier design, with the result that the action camera weighs slightly more than usual - 117 g.

But on the case there are as many as three microphones, and you can control it with your voice. In addition, this action camera comes with a stabilizer, which is an added advantage.

Prices GoPro HERO (CHDHB-501-RW):

3. Gmini MagicEye HDS5100

Three leaders opens a good low-cost action camera for photo and video from the brand "Dzhimini". The brand "Dzhimini" is known, first of all, for its electronic books and navigators. The market for video equipment for them is new, but the company has already managed to achieve visible success in this field. The cost of the device is only 3490 rubles. For this cost, the user receives an impressive set of characteristics. The first significant advantage is availability of full 4K with a viewing angle of 170 degrees. CMOS-matrix with a resolution of 4 megapixels with a size of 1/3.The aperture parameter F2, the exposure is set manually. There is a 2-inch LCD display.

A pleasant surprise will be the functional mode of the webcam in which the device can operate. Supported recording formats are H.264, 1080, 1080i.

Photo mode is simple, does not require a long study of the menu and settings, the width of the frame will pleasantly surprise an inexperienced user. The camera supports all popular communication standards, including wireless data transfer. Supported memory card up to 64 gigabytes. From one charge, the device will work for one and a half hours. The weight of the model is only 45 grams; one of the easiest instances. The perfect solution for anyone looking for a compact and functional machine for conducting video blogs, as well as fixing sports achievements.

Prices Gmini MagicEye HDS5100:

2. AC Robin Zed5 SE

Top-10 new products in 2018 continues action camera from the already mentioned in the manufacturer's rating of “EC Robin”. The second place in the ranking of the device was not accidental.Its cost is 15590 rubles, but it is fully consistent with the manufacturer’s specifications. The first thing worth noting is the 90-degree lens, which does not distort the picture and does not have the effect of "fish eye".

On a note! There is a version of the camera Zed5, in which the standard lens is installed at 170 degrees.

The image is displayed on the LCD display with a resolution of 640x480. The camera is stabilized in 6 axes, which also helps to get a clear picture in any shooting conditions. Among the available resolutions shooting 4K at 30 frames per second and Full HD (120 frames / second). Here is installed the latest generation sensor from Sony, which has an increased dynamic range and good speed with minimal battery power. If we talk about the autonomy of the gadget, then it is worth noting the Li-ion battery with a capacity of 1200 mAh.

The package already contains comfortable professional straps iSHOXS, as well as an external microphone that can be connected via miniUSB. In photography mode, the maximum available frame resolution is 12 megapixels. The gadget supports popular microSD memory cards up to 128 GB - this is quite enough to save all the interesting moments. Of course, there are also wireless interfaces Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.The weight of the device is 70 grams - the average figure in the segment. In general, the device makes a good impression and can be recommended for a wide range of customers.

Prices AC Robin Zed5 SE:

1. Ricoh Theta V

In the first place in the ranking of the best model from the "Rico Theta." The refined and technological decision. The camera costs 29398 rubles. The first thing that involuntarily draws attention to itself is the presence of two matrices with a resolution of 12 megapixels each The second advantage is the space on the camera itself, allocated for recording video and photographic material, its size is as much as 19 gigabytes. There is full support for the UHD 4K format and a 360 degree panoramic view. The distance of the focus is 2 mm, the exposure, as in most cases, is set manually. There is no built-in display, but they had to sacrifice because of the shape of the case and its compact, slightly elongated dimensions.White balance is set automatically, there is an auto exposure. In addition to working with H.264 codecs, the device can write in format MPEG4 and Exifprint.

Photographing opens up great opportunities for exposing a widescreen frame, the supported resolution is up to 5376x2688 pixels. The action camera supports all current communication interfaces, including wireless data transfer. The weight of the device is 125 grams, not a record figure, but, given the functional filling, it is quite good. It also comes with a high-quality neoprene protective case. The best action camera today rating.

Prices Rico theta v:

Conclusion

The ranking featured the best action cameras. The price variation is very large, but it allows you to choose not only on the basis of their capabilities, but also relying on the technical component.Many models available in different price categories make the market more flexible and attractive for the most fastidious user.