Which sports camera to choose?

Extreme sports videos or vacation memories, sports cameras have become indispensable. With the multitude of models available, it’s difficult to navigate the options. From entry-level cameras to professional models, there is something for every taste and use. Here’s a guide to help you choose your sports camera.

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Image resolution

To make great videos, you first need great image quality. That’s what resolution is for. It’s a measure of the video quality. The higher the resolution of your sports camera, the sharper and more detailed the image will be. Additionally, high resolution will give better results if you shoot in poor conditions (low light, close-up…).

To draw a parallel, resolution for a camera is similar to the number of pixels for a photo camera. The more megapixels you have, the more professional the images will appear. However, it’s unnecessary to accumulate megapixels if you’re simply taking photos on a sunny day to view them on your smartphone. On the other hand, for printing a poster-sized photo, you will need to choose a sports camera with the highest megapixels possible. The same principle applies to video.

Image resolution is a key criterion, but it must align with your usage. Here are five main resolutions available for sports cameras:

• HD sports camera 720p
• Sports camera Tall HD 960p
• Sports camera Full HD 1080p
• Sports camera HD 2k
• Ultra HD 4k sports camera

While 720p HD was a revolutionary resolution some time ago, today it’s easily surpassed by Full HD. Thanks to the democratization of High Definition, Full HD is accessible to most budgets. On the other end of the spectrum, Ultra HD 4k is the ultimate in resolution, catering more to professionals than the average user. With its precise detail, even Grandma might not forgive you for filming her wrinkles!

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MP and FPS: numbers to check carefully

Alongside resolution, you’ll often see two other specifications: megapixels (MP) and frames per second (FPS).

The megapixel count might indicate quality: 11 MP, 12 MP, even 16 MP! Great for taking photos. Most sports cameras, whether or not they have a screen, also allow you to take pictures in addition to filming. That’s why we talk about pixels. However, this number does not affect video quality.

As for frames per second, it qualifies the stated resolution. Resolution is given for a specific FPS. For example, Full HD at 15 FPS is very different from Full HD at 120 FPS. The first would be close to mediocre, while the latter would be almost professional. Generally, aim for a sports camera with the highest resolution and FPS possible.

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Accessories and options that add value

Equipped with a variety of features, these on-board sports cameras have many tricks up their sleeves. Among them, a few key points can make a significant difference.

Waterproofing, for example, may seem unnecessary if you don’t plan to film underwater. Yet, who hasn’t ruined a smartphone by being pushed into a pool? Whether it’s an accident, a prank, or a tropical monsoon day, risky situations abound!

Another feature to consider is the stabilizer. Just because it’s an action camera doesn’t mean the footage should be shaky or blurry. Finally, battery life—both on standby and while filming—is crucial if recharging isn’t always an option.

Choosing a sports camera is a balance between desire, intended use, and budget. Additional features to look for include Wi-Fi connectivity, file transfer capability, application ergonomics, zoom, GPS, voice control, or the presence of an LCD screen.