Extreme camera. Shooting rules for extreme sports. Extreme camera for all occasions

To make it easier for you to choose, we attached 4 cameras to a team member's helmet Red Bull motocross Elliot Banks Brownie and asked him to take a good ride on his favorite gullies. Look how it was:

Tested on people

Rider Elliot Banks Brownie - British motocross champion

Director Ed Warren specializes in making motocross videos

Techie Matt Taylor - Specialty Action Camera Expert actioncameras.co.uk

Fan Kel Verbiest is editor of Europe's leading extreme sports website mpora.com

Great for slow motion, faded picture

Resolution: 1080p HD
Viewing angle: 170°
Weight (g): 126
Dimensions (mm): 74x53x35
Battery life: 1 hour 10 minutes
Price: 12 990 rubles.

Pros: "Adixxion is intuitive to use and video editing is easy too" says Warren. Unlike other cameras in our review, the JVC has an LCD screen where you can immediately see the footage, and it can also stream the picture live to a computer via Wi-Fi. “This camera has a high frame rate (30 per second at 1920x1080 and 60 per second at 1280x720), which means that when shooting in Full HD and HD, it collects more visual information per unit of time than other cameras in this review, Taylor says. - The result is a smoother image, making the Adixxion perfect for slow motion shooting.”. In addition, it - the only one tested - has a built-in image stabilizer: it helps to get a clear picture when driving on uneven terrain.

Minuses: The picture is clear, but faded, says Warren, bright orange ground looks gray, many details are lost". Banks Brownie adds: “It feels like the mount of this camera is fragile, it twitches on any bumps”. "The wind distorts the sound recording", says Verbiest. All in all, it's not worth the money.

Image 5/10
Simplicity 7/10
Capabilities 8/10

Verdict: Lots of features, but the main issue is image quality.

Low price, bad focus

Resolution: 720p HD
Viewing angle: 170°
Weight (g): 520
Dimensions (mm): 162x141x82
Price: 6200 rubles.

Pros: This device has two built-in cameras, and you can immediately shoot what is in front and behind or above and below (if you install it flat). And Chameleon is cheaper than competitors.

Minuses: “The image is out of focus, especially when the speed of movement increases (the problem is the lowest frame rate among the tested cameras)” says Warren. "The video combines pictures from both cameras, and it's just confusing", - says Banks Brownie.

Image 3/10
Simplicity 5/10
Capabilities 6/10

Verdict: Poor image quality and clunky design.

WINNER

Clear picture, sturdy camera - great for off-road adventures

Resolution: 1080p HD
Viewing angle: 170°
Weight (g): 74
Dimensions (mm): 40x58x30
Battery life: 2 hours
Price: 12 700 rubles.

Pros: “The image quality of the GoPro Hero3 is the best we've tested. says Warren. - The picture is clear and smooth, without jerks. Good contrast - you can see any lump of dirt flying out from under the wheels". Wind noise has almost no effect on the quality of the recorded sound. "It attaches with one click and is easy to control even when mounted on a helmet", says Banks Brownie. For such a small GoPro cameras- very strong: “Once it fell off right on the go, but not a scratch was left on the body”.

Cons: This camera can connect to an iPhone app via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth and broadcast live. But during our testing, we never managed to get this feature to work. For useful accessories (such as a remote control or a plug-in video finder) you will have to pay extra separately.

Image 9/10
Simplicity 9/10
Capabilities 7/10

Verdict: Everything about this camera is top notch: blur-free images and intuitive controls.

Easy to use, flimsy looking

Resolution: 1080p HD
Viewing angle: 135°
Weight (g): 68
Dimensions (mm): 41x31x64
Battery life: 2 hours
Price: 7990 rubles.

Pros: “When you shoot on the go, passing some bushes, they come out blurry, but the colors are bright and the image is Full HD” says Warren. - The EGO camera is lighter than the rest of the models tested, and although it looks like a child's toy, the build quality is surprisingly high.. Installing it is also easy: “No need to fiddle with fastening and setting”, says Banks Brownie.

Minuses: “It is so small that it is inconvenient to wear it on a helmet, says Banks Brownie. - It seems that if even a small pebble hits it, it will immediately fly off.. In addition, there is no stabilizer.

Image 8/10
Simplicity 7/10
Capabilities 6/10

Verdict: Vivid colors, reliability, affordable price.

We caught one of the main gurus in shooting extreme videos - a five-time winner of the Emmy award cameraman Gordon Brown (you could see his films about conquering giant waves, exploring caves, expeditions along the rivers and high mountain climbs in IMAX). Here are Gordon's tips for making an extreme video.

1. change angle
Even a home video with Paris Hilton is boring to watch from one angle. “Use breaks: insert shots with something else into long stories, preferably with an object that is mentioned in one way or another)”. For easy installation use Apple program iMovie (there is also a version for iPhone / iPad), for more serious - professional Final Cut Pro.

2. tell me a story
“Just a video of some kind of bungee jumping into an abyss or other sporting feat is what we call sports porn.” Brown laughs. - Show preparation, obstacles and difficulties on the way, in short, think over the scenario ".

3. hide the wind
“Nothing is more annoying in an extreme video than constant wind noise on the microphone. Buy a windscreen (that fluffy microphone case)" Gordon advises.

4. Don't pull
Did you know that some viewers got sick while watching The Blair Witch Project? No, not from horror - they were just seasick from shaking the camera. Do not repeat the mistake and buy a tripod (for sure, not everything in this life you will shoot hand-held and in the thick of things).

And then everything else. In recent years, GoPro hasn't always been at the forefront of action cameras around the world, but more and more names - famous and not - are sending their cameras of all sizes and shapes into battle. This level of competition has created several suitable niches for cameras and recording devices to move quickly.

From cameras to filming underwater world and before cameras capable of filming in space were introduced to consumers so that they could record their adventures. With so many offerings, the market can be saturated with promises of high resolution and incredible frame rates.

Determining the right action camera is a lot of practical experience, isn't it a banal reading of the specification. In which the company may claim that their camera works for 18 hours using 60 frames per second, but in the hands of a real person, all these numbers are nothing more than a lie. Since you probably don't have the time or money to test every one of the hundreds of cameras, here are 4 of the best action cameras for extreme shooting.

Price: 4976 rub.
If we evaluate the structure and operation of the camera according to GoPro standards, then the SJ4000 can be thrown away with a clear conscience as an unsuccessful imitation. But if you check its capabilities, it turns out that this "smart" and durable baby was created for survival, and for a novice extreme operator with a limited budget, it can be an excellent first tool. Working at maximum load, when recording video with a resolution of 1080p, it can only do 30 frames per second, but at any lower resolution, including the minimum for HD 720p, it clicks at 60 frames.

This is quite enough for clear action shooting - only the wings of a hummingbird will turn out blurry. In addition to video, the camera can take regular photos with a wide range of settings, and the noise during its operation is minimal. The Easy GoPro Mount allows you to easily mount the camera to drones, special grips and helmets with a single screwdriver or a minimal set of tools.

Price: RUB 17,990
Those who consider GoPro cameras too similar to banal boxes, Session will surely calm down - the absence of a specially protected box makes it the smallest in the GoPro family, but does not interfere with being completely waterproof. The more compact size reduces the chance of the camera being twisted or lost when mounted on a helmet and special grips. At the same time, however, the functionality compared to other GoPro models has also been reduced in favor of compactness.

Due to the small number of built-in functions, connecting the camera to an Android or iOS device is almost mandatory. The degree of control is higher than other all-in-one cameras, but only when combined with the above device. With the camera, you can go anywhere and shoot video from 1920x1440 at 30fps to 1280x720 at 100fps, as well as take photos in normal and speed mode with amazing sharpness for its size.

Price: RUB 34,790
This camera can hardly be considered a standalone device as it is designed to work with other Garmin products or ANT+ devices. In terms of tasks, Virb XE handles full HD at 60fps. - Pretty good for research and personal video. “Down” to a resolution of 720p, we will see that the camera comes to life and shoots everything in a row at 120 frames / sec. even if the subject is fluttering in the frame like a ballerina across the stage.

Access to GPS proved to be a very useful and convenient feature for determining the speed and position of objects when shooting georeferenced. Syncing stuff through vívosmart or other Garmin products is about as user-friendly as it gets. If the original Virb Elite was as disappointing to you as it was to us, Virb XE is a complete rehab.

Price: RUB 22,745
Bandit's video resolution is clearly ahead of action cameras

Super stabilization, video quality and ergonomics

New model received an improved image stabilization system HyperSmooth 2.0. The camera can shoot in 4K resolution at 60 frames per second and Full HD at 240 frames per second. The TimeWarp 2.0 video acceleration function has been improved - it has become possible to adjust the speed and set focus on the object. A new “feature” has also been added - a kind of analogue of “live photos” from Apple called LiveBurst. The company's engineers have slightly improved the design of the camera itself - now the mount is built into the body. The camera went on sale on October 15 at a price of about 35,000 rudders, and in Russia the start of sales is scheduled for the end of October.

An updated set of accessories is also interesting - a Media Mod case, the cost of which is 5,500 rubles. It has a built-in microphone, a set of mounts for attaching other accessories such as a flash and an external screen, which will be useful for vloggers.

Advantages

Waterproof case
Shooting in 4K at 60 fps
Excellent image quality day and night

Flaws

2 GoPro HERO 7 Black

High video quality, perfect stabilization for Full HD and reliability

The company does not save on ergonomics or on the quality of shooting - the camera shoots video in honest 4K at extreme settings and takes photos at a resolution of 12 megapixels. And although action cameras are initially not very good at photography, sometimes this feature can help out. HERO 7 Black is also in full order with video shooting in low light - you can safely go on a night video hunt. The interface is very fast, there are no lags and delays, like more budgetary colleagues. The price for this model has decreased (after the release of the G8) to 29,000 rubles, so we can assume that this device has almost no minuses.

Advantages

Water-resistant and without aquabox case (up to 10 m)
Shooting 4K at 60 fps
Good video quality at night

Flaws

No stabilization in 4K 60 fps
A little autonomy when shooting in the very high resolution

3

Great stabilizer performancehighshooting quality

This still unreplaceable model from Sony differs significantly in design from the entire family of action cameras - it has an elongated shape, as if a film cassette is still inserted into it. But on the other hand, it is very comfortable to hold it in your hand and even fix it on the side of the helmet. The device is considered one of the best in its class: it is worth a lot to shoot gorgeous video in 4K resolution in any light. At the same time, there is unsurpassed optical stabilization, while competitors are already using electronic stabilization to the fullest. The kit comes with an aquabox, in which the camera becomes almost indestructible, and a remote control - it is convenient to mount it on your hand, like a watch, to monitor the progress of the shooting. Of the minuses - high price and a monochrome display that fades terribly in the sun.

Advantages

High-definition shooting in any light
Good job of optical stabilization
Aquabox and remote control included

Flaws

Monochrome and non-touch display

4

Budget option for shooting in 4K

Xiaomi's subsidiary brand offers crisp 4K videos at 30 fps using a sensor from Sony. So this is no longer just another Chinese toy, but quite a serious tool with good autonomy. Yes, the camera allows you to shoot at maximum settings for 2 hours, and this is with the standard 1.5 hours of work from competitors.

There is stabilization here, but only electronic - a compromise in favor of a low price. Another compromise is more than a poor set of accessories, which are simply not here. But if you wish, you can buy almost any thanks to the universal mounting socket.

To manage settings and watch videos, there is a high-quality touch screen. There are a lot of settings and modes, you can also edit the already captured directly in the application or turn off all sounds and indicators to conduct covert shooting.

Advantages

High-Resolution 4K Recording
Touchscreen
functional mobile app for iOS and Android

Flaws

Poor equipment - no mounts and aquabox
Medium quality microphone

5 DJI Osmo Action

A complete set for pros shooting video and photos

This camera can be a great alternative to the leaders of this rating, while it offers very detailed settings not only for video, but also for photos. In addition to the fact that the case is water resistant to a depth of 11 m, it is protected from shock and low temperatures. But the viewing angle in this model is not as large as we would like - 145 degrees. 4K video recording with stabilizer is supported.

One of the features is the presence of a second screen that allows you to control the plan when taking a selfie. If desired, the camera can be used as a DVR - the loop recording mode is also available.

Advantages

Color display on the front
Universal tripod socket (accessories from other manufacturers are suitable)
Excellent stabilization

Flaws

When stabilization is turned on, the viewing angle decreases.

6 ThiEYE T5 Edge

High quality 4K footage and excellent stabilization

This ThiEYE T5 Edge camera belongs to the mid-budget devices aimed at those users who would like to have a high-quality video camera with amazing stabilization in their arsenal for occasional field trips, but for little money. On Aliexpress, it can be ordered for about 7,000 rubles. This model allows you to shoot video in 4K (without stabilization) and 2K with stabilization, while the kit already comes with an aquabox and various mounts. 170 degree wide viewing angle and high quality pictures in the daytime and cloudy weather guarantee the pleasure of the received videos. On a single battery charge, the camera can operate for approximately 90 minutes. If necessary, you can buy a spare battery (about 600 rubles), or you can use a power bank and shoot from it at least all day. The camera does not overheat and has software support from the manufacturer.

The camera body has a built-in socket for standard mounting on tripods and selfie sticks. It is worth noting the very good sound recording quality, which is a rarity for budget models.

Trendsetter in the world cameras for extreme sports is GoPro. The manufacturer offers a wide range of mounts and accessories that will help to securely fix action camera on a helmet, snowboard, skis or on the chest. And lovers of windsurfing or cycling will appreciate the fasteners on the pipes. Thanks to a special box, the device will be protected from snowfall, in addition, it will allow you to shoot underwater or when falling into a snowdrift. And if you additionally purchase a telescopic cane, then you can even shoot yourself in the most incredible angles. In most cases, a basic set of mounts is sufficient.

How to choose camera for extreme sports

To buy right action camera, it is necessary to take into account a number highlights. One of the most important is specifications. Since the shooting will be done in active motion, the number of frames per second comes to the fore. The indicator is especially important if you plan to record all sorts of tricks or various sudden movements. With high frames per second in the future, you can view the recording in slow motion and parse each action. In addition, modern video editors will help you get the desired effects.

If you want to choose the right action camera, evaluate the conditions in which it will be used. Well, if the device will have a waterproof case. Moreover, this characteristic is important not only for shooting underwater, but also in normal conditions. So, for example, if it rains unexpectedly, you will not miss the opportunity to make a high-quality video. On the other hand, you can limit yourself to a moisture barrier that will withstand splashes and light rain.

Determining the quality of shooting

Choosing action camera for extreme sports, it is important to choose its optimal resolution. So, if the recording will be viewed only in non-full screen mode, then 480p (WVGA) resolution should be enough. However, to watch video on the LCD TV screen, such indicators will not be enough. On the other hand, such cameras will help to achieve maximum cost savings, since they are inexpensive.

Cameras that shoot in 720p resolution (ActionHD) allow you to get more quality image. The picture will be of good quality, even if it is viewed in full screen mode on a computer. On the other hand, owners of plasma panels will appreciate devices that allow you to get a resolution of 1080p (FullHD). It is the highest to date.

It's also good to think about additional accessories you might need. For example, an increased capacity battery, the presence of a liquid crystal screen, or other points that expand the functionality of the device.

The AutoProfi store presents sports cameras from the best manufacturers. Each model is highly reliable, and thanks to a wide range, You can easily choose the most optimal device for you. Contact us! We will help you capture the best moments of your active life!

As part of the annual international exhibition Photoforum 2015 at the Nikon booth hosted a presentation by the master of extreme photography and brand ambassador - Kirill Umrikhin.

–– Extreme shooting is, first of all, travel, and travel is a dream. Through sport I get to know the whole world. I was in Cairo when there were motorcycle jumping competitions, I was in Rome, I flew to Mauritius. I had never been windsurfing before, and when I started filming this sport, the guys offered me to try it. And now it has become one of my favorites. I tried a lot of things: I jumped from a bridge with a rope, and recently I jumped from a bungee from a height of 200 meters - it was very scary. Extreme sports have created my whole life and myself, marked the circle of my relatives and friends.

Dynamics is present not only in Kirill's life, but also in his work. A photographer who shoots action sports is always changing points of view, he does not stand still. For example, during the closing of the Olympic Games in Sochi, during the entire ceremony, the photographer had to run around the entire stadium more than once in search of a new interesting angle.

Kirill visits Sochi quite often, shooting winter views He has been doing sports there for four years. The photographer recently returned from Krasnaya Polyana, where he worked at a snowboarding camp. There he tested Nikon's new AF-S NIKKOR 300mm f/4E PF ED VR lens. It is the first model to combine a compact and lightweight design, large focal length and high image quality, which makes it possible to blur the background very beautifully, despite aperture 4. The lightness and compactness of this lens model made it possible for Kirill to take photos and ride by himself.

In extreme photography, professional sports lenses are indispensable. When preparing for a trip, I choose what equipment I will need for each specific task. If I need lenses that I don't have, I take them through the NPS (Nikon Professional Services) program. I often need 300mm or 400mm sports lenses, which are very expensive lenses. I am grateful to the Nikon representative for always helping me out.

The photographer has always been fascinated and fascinated by the opportunity to shoot from a height, so his new hobby appeared - shooting from a quadrocopter. Kirill's plans for the near future are to try to launch a Nikon camera into the sky in order to get higher quality pictures.

The most difficult thing in shooting from a quadcopter is not even shooting itself, but learning to fly. Here I advise you to buy some toy helicopters and train on them. And when you crash 2-3 helicopters, you can safely buy a quadcopter. Now there is turnkey solutions already with built-in cameras. You can buy and fly right away. But in general, you need to study, and in good conditions: without wind, not in the rain, in an open area. And I have never read the instructions so carefully! A quadcopter provides an amazing opportunity to see the world from above without ordering a helicopter for this. Each launch of a quadrocopter for me is like a small flight into space.

If we talk about shooting in rainy weather, then, according to Kirill, all professional Nikon equipment is not afraid of raindrops and water splashes. And this is very important for extreme photography.

Kirill is sure that professional equipment is not so important for a beginner photographer, you can start shooting with ordinary cameras. For example, a series of mirrorless Nikon cameras 1 is great for this, and to learn how to photograph, you need to shoot a lot.

According to Kirill, there is one rule, the observance of which will help to achieve excellent results - you need to shoot not just a person flying in the sky, but show where and where he flies and what he is doing. The main secret A good photo is based on three simple things - the location, the weather and the rider. If all of them are present, the frame will definitely turn out.