Action cameras have a lot of hidden potential. They may not look like much, but they're sturdy and deliver high quality video with a unique perspective. ET presents a primer on getting the most out of these little marvels...
TIPS, TRICKS & THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT ACTION CAMERAS
- Action cameras tend to have smaller sensors and ultra wide angle lens — for this reason, they work best outdoors when there's lots of light.
- Action cameras usually have a built in display, but some allow you to use a smartphone or tablet as a display though an app. They connect over WiFi and typically you can also change settings and control the camera remotely.
- You don't need to worry about 'framing a shot' or composing when using an action camera. The wide angle lens and narrow aperture captures everything in front of the camera. It also captures a lot of detail, from the foreground to the distant background.
- Action cameras are built to be sturdy — they can take a few knocks, operate in extremes of temperature, be placed in unusual locations or even underwater (some natively, others with a waterproof casing). Don't be afraid to experiment with it.
- Raw footage from action cameras is not always the best - so you need to edit it to polish it up a bit. GoPro provides the free Studio Software which gives you all the editing tools you need. Studio can be used to edit MP4 and MOV files captured by other cameras too.
- Action cameras are great for shooting time lapse videos (to show passage of time in a short duration). Some newer GoPro cameras have the time lapse feature built in. Once set, they can take a photograph once every few seconds of minutes and you can stitch them together using the editing software to make a video.
- You can use filters with action cameras too. This comes in handy since they have limited manual controls. You can use neutral density filters, polarisers and colour filters - just like with DSLRs.
- You can either get camera specific filters with mounts, or if you already have filters of your own, just stick them to the housing with tape - works just as well.
HERE'S WHAT YOU CAN BUY
Xiaomi Yi - US$ 64
The Yi Camera features a 16MP Sony sensor and can record full HD video at 60fps. You get a 155 degree wide angle lens, slow motion & time lapse modes, built-in WiFi and Bluetooth to connect with a phone/tablet to transfer videos. In addition, the price includes a helmet mount and pet harness.
SJCAM SJ4000 - US$99
This one is a GoPro copycat (and it's even compatible with many of the accessories). It has a 12MP sensor, comes with waterproof casing & is capable of full HD video. Plus it goes one-up on GoPro by offering a display at a low price.
GoPro Hero 3+ (Black Edition) - Rs 34,900
This is the current top-of-theline in India. It can do 4k video, shoot photos in 12MP and offers built-in WiFi, auto low light mode, ultra wide video (SuperView) and wind noise reduction.
UNIQUE ACCESSORIES FOR YOUR ACTION CAMERA
Wrist Mount
Since action cameras are compact and lightweight, you can wear them like a watch with a wrist mount. These are ideal for use while riding a bike or surfing for a unique perspective.
Chest Harness
With a chest harness, the camera is better secured and is great when you want more coverage of your arms for activities like skiing, rock climbing or off road biking.
Hand Held Gimbal
This one keeps your action camera steady using gyro-stabilised motors. Walk or run with the camera and it automatically compensates, delivering smooth videos.
KillerShot GoSwivel Mount
This helmet mount keeps the camera stable & rotates it around to capture unique video from multiple angles. A counterweight keeps the balance.
Pet Harness
With a pet harness, you can mount your camera either on your pet's head or on the back — depending on the activity you want to capture. The harness comes in adjustable sizes and is padded for comfort.
Drones
There are a number of drones with support for mounting an action camera. Typically, the mount has a stabilised, rotating base so that you can capture multiple angles from your camera in mid-fl ight.
TIPS, TRICKS & THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT ACTION CAMERAS
- Action cameras tend to have smaller sensors and ultra wide angle lens — for this reason, they work best outdoors when there's lots of light.
- Action cameras usually have a built in display, but some allow you to use a smartphone or tablet as a display though an app. They connect over WiFi and typically you can also change settings and control the camera remotely.
- You don't need to worry about 'framing a shot' or composing when using an action camera. The wide angle lens and narrow aperture captures everything in front of the camera. It also captures a lot of detail, from the foreground to the distant background.
- Action cameras are built to be sturdy — they can take a few knocks, operate in extremes of temperature, be placed in unusual locations or even underwater (some natively, others with a waterproof casing). Don't be afraid to experiment with it.
- Raw footage from action cameras is not always the best - so you need to edit it to polish it up a bit. GoPro provides the free Studio Software which gives you all the editing tools you need. Studio can be used to edit MP4 and MOV files captured by other cameras too.
- Action cameras are great for shooting time lapse videos (to show passage of time in a short duration). Some newer GoPro cameras have the time lapse feature built in. Once set, they can take a photograph once every few seconds of minutes and you can stitch them together using the editing software to make a video.
- You can use filters with action cameras too. This comes in handy since they have limited manual controls. You can use neutral density filters, polarisers and colour filters - just like with DSLRs.
- You can either get camera specific filters with mounts, or if you already have filters of your own, just stick them to the housing with tape - works just as well.
HERE'S WHAT YOU CAN BUY
Xiaomi Yi - US$ 64
The Yi Camera features a 16MP Sony sensor and can record full HD video at 60fps. You get a 155 degree wide angle lens, slow motion & time lapse modes, built-in WiFi and Bluetooth to connect with a phone/tablet to transfer videos. In addition, the price includes a helmet mount and pet harness.
SJCAM SJ4000 - US$99
This one is a GoPro copycat (and it's even compatible with many of the accessories). It has a 12MP sensor, comes with waterproof casing & is capable of full HD video. Plus it goes one-up on GoPro by offering a display at a low price.
GoPro Hero 3+ (Black Edition) - Rs 34,900
This is the current top-of-theline in India. It can do 4k video, shoot photos in 12MP and offers built-in WiFi, auto low light mode, ultra wide video (SuperView) and wind noise reduction.
UNIQUE ACCESSORIES FOR YOUR ACTION CAMERA
Wrist Mount
Since action cameras are compact and lightweight, you can wear them like a watch with a wrist mount. These are ideal for use while riding a bike or surfing for a unique perspective.
Chest Harness
With a chest harness, the camera is better secured and is great when you want more coverage of your arms for activities like skiing, rock climbing or off road biking.
Hand Held Gimbal
This one keeps your action camera steady using gyro-stabilised motors. Walk or run with the camera and it automatically compensates, delivering smooth videos.
KillerShot GoSwivel Mount
This helmet mount keeps the camera stable & rotates it around to capture unique video from multiple angles. A counterweight keeps the balance.
Pet Harness
With a pet harness, you can mount your camera either on your pet's head or on the back — depending on the activity you want to capture. The harness comes in adjustable sizes and is padded for comfort.
Drones
There are a number of drones with support for mounting an action camera. Typically, the mount has a stabilised, rotating base so that you can capture multiple angles from your camera in mid-fl ight.
Source : economictimes
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