In recent weeks, you may have seen a lot of chatter and hype regarding the latest action camera releases. Filmmakers and online video creators can now choose from the GoPro Hero 13, DJI\u2019s Osmo Action 5 Pro and Insta360\u2019s Ace Pro 2. All of them are standout action cameras in their own right and come with a slew of incredible features that push the boundaries of what’s possible in this camera format.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
So, how do you choose? To answer that, let\u2019s tackle a few key questions, including what exactly makes an action camera an action camera, and how best to film with one. You\u2019ll also read thoughts on the three latest flagship offerings, alongside a few essential gear recommendations to help you get the most out of your new purchase.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
First of all, what is an action camera? The clue is in the name here \u2014 it\u2019s any type of small, rugged camera that\u2019s been built and designed for \u2018action\u2019. This broad term covers everything from skiing to surfing, hiking, paragliding and just about everything in between.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A great action camera is almost always going to be a compact, rugged, and waterproof camera that\u2019s been designed to capture high-quality video and photos in extreme or fast-paced environments. With these factors in mind, it\u2019s typically lightweight and portable, with a wide-angle lens to capture immersive, exciting footage both above land and underwater<\/strong><\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Action cameras are most popular for activities like sports, outdoor adventures, and travel, and they\u2019ll often feature image stabilization and 4K video recording, as well as mounts that allow them to be attached to helmets, bikes, or other gear. The mark of the best action camera on the market is in the build quality \u2014 it can withstand the rough conditions you put it through, while continuing to deliver crisp, dynamic shots.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Here are six top tips on how to film with an action camera.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You always want to make sure that your action camera is securely mounted for stability, whether it\u2019s on a helmet, bike, or strapped to your chest. This helps create steady, immersive shots without constant camera handling. Buying an action camera head mount and other various mounts is always a great idea.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Action cameras often have really wide lenses, so you want to get as close to the action as possible to avoid distant or underwhelming footage. This helps to create a dynamic, first-person perspective.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The best action cameras all offer amazing image stabilization features nowadays, which smooth out shaky footage, especially during fast movements like biking or running. Make sure this setting is enabled whenever possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Action cameras are really small and compact, which means you can position them in places you wouldn\u2019t normally be able to if you were using a DSLR or mirrorless camera. Remember to get creative with your camera placement and angles \u2014 try low angles, top-down views, or unique perspectives to make your shots stand out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Action cameras usually have quite small sensors in comparison to other types of cameras<\/strong><\/a>, so make sure to shoot in well-lit environments for the best quality footage. If you’re filming in low light, use in-camera settings that optimize exposure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Each action camera comes packed with different video modes for you to try out. Time lapses<\/strong><\/a> are always a great way to make your videos more dynamic, while shooting in slow motion<\/strong><\/a> is what action cameras were made for!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Top tips on filming with action cameras<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
1. Use the right mount<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
2. Leverage that wide-angle lens<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
3. Enable image stabilization<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
4.<\/strong> Experiment with different angles<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
5. Think about lighting<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
6. Try out different video modes<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n