Find the right action camera with a free SD card
8.2.2017
Translation: machine translated
Here we present the latest, best and most bizarre action cameras and give you tips for the right accessories. There are also selected action cams in a bundle with a free 32GB micro SD card! The offer is valid until the end of February. Which action cam do you think is the best?
For those who don't want a GoPro
Of course, the classic action camera is not to be missed and is represented by the latest model, the GoPro HERO 5 Black. It (finally!) has a GPS function that allows you to collect and analyse data and integrate it into your videos as graphics and info boxes. We'll show you how to do this here. The HERO 5 Black is now waterproof up to 10m without a housing and comes with integrated voice control, touch display, noise reduction and video stabilisation. It also impresses with the tried-and-tested 1-button control and improved 4K video function. Find matching accessories
The latest Sony action cam model, the Sony FDR-X3000R, comes with a wrist strap remote control and underwater housing. A reliable optical image stabiliser is integrated for blur-free videos. We're giving you the finger grip for free until 28 February! In addition, all camera functions can be operated with the Live View remote control, which you can now also use to switch the action cam on and off. The FDR-X3000R also comes with GPS data (including speed, course and acceleration) that can be integrated into the video. Unlike the other two models, the Sony does not have a touch display, but a normal display and control buttons. Finde passendes Zubehör
You can analyse GPS data with the GoPro, but not measure your heart rate. The Garmin VIRB Ultra 30 can do that. It is a good alternative to the GoPro because it also offers you 4K videos at 30fps and is just as easy to use with its 1-button control and touch display. As far as GPS data is concerned, in addition to your heart rate, position and distance, you can also measure performance data such as speed, altitude metres and G-forces and, as with GoPro, display these as data fields or graphics in your video. Find suitable accessories
For trendsetters: 360-degree action cams
Want one of the trendy 360-degree action cams? We show you three of the latest and currently best models. Before you start a 360-degree video, you should mount the action cam on a tripod - all three cams shown here have a standard tripod thread - so that you can take blur-free pictures. You should also test beforehand how far you need to go out of the picture if you don't want to see yourself in the video - after all, the cameras record everything.
The Nikon KeyMission 360 - Nikon's first action camera - is currently the only "real" 360-degree camera, because it films vertically and horizontally 360 degrees and therefore has no blind spots. In comparison: the Fly 360 has a blind spot of 120 degrees and the Theta S has a blind spot at the bottom. With the KeyMission 360, you get 360-degree shots without having to turn and pan around, whether it's a 23.9 MPixel photo or 4K video. The KeyMission is very robust and waterproof up to 30 metres without an additional housing. However, the camera's full range of functions can only be used in conjunction with the "SnapBridge 360/170" app. Unfortunately, availability is currently still unconfirmed.
The 360 Fly 4K clearly stands out with its design. The robust and up to 10m waterproof octagon-shaped "ball" can be operated via a 1-button control on the underside. An integrated motion and sound detection function triggers an automatic recording start as soon as the 360 Fly recognises a sound or detects movement. The cam films a maximum panorama of 360 degrees horizontally and 240 degrees vertically, resulting in a blind spot of 120 degrees, which is recognisable depending on the shot. The image section can still be changed after recording. This allows you to minimise the potentially visible blind spot. Find suitable accessories
The Ricoh Theta S looks like a modern remote control at first glance, but can record 360-degree videos and photos for up to 25 minutes thanks to two powerful lenses. However, the videos are only available in full HD. Your position data is recorded using GPS, no other performance data is available. The Theta is operated via function buttons on the side and you can see the battery status on the LED display on the front. Although the Theta S has significantly fewer functions than the other two 360-degree action cams, it is also a good deal cheaper and still impresses with beautiful 360-degree videos. Find suitable accessories
For anyone looking for a particularly robust action cam
One of the most robust action cams: The Olympus TG-Tracker. Waterproof up to 30m, frost-proof down to minus 10 degrees, shock-proof up to 2.1m and break-proof up to 100kg. The design and functions such as the LED headlamp built into the lens, which illuminates poorly lit or dark environments, show that it is made for adventure. The GPS function also comes with lots of log data: Compass, acceleration, temperature and barometer are shown on the fold-out display and integrated into the video. Thanks to 5-axis image stabilisation, the 4K videos are blur-free despite action-packed paths and with the ultra-wide 204-degree lens, you can capture a lot of your surroundings.
The Ricoh WG-M2, like the TG-Tracker, has a robust design, also records 4K videos and also has an ultra-wide-angle lens to capture even more of your surroundings than with the usual action cams. The WG-M2 can withstand drops from a height of up to 2 metres, temperatures of -10 degrees and is waterproof up to 20 metres with the supplied lens attachment. According to Ricoh, the large buttons on the side of the camera can be operated even when wearing gloves. As with the TG Tracker, you can see what you are filming via live view on the display.
Admittedly, the Olympus TG-4 is not really an action camera. However, as it is just as frost-proof and drop-proof as the TG-Tracker and waterproof up to 15 metres without an additional housing, it fits perfectly into the category of the most robust action cams. With five underwater functions, full HD videos, macro mode, WiFi and GPS - including compass, altimeter, barometer and water depth - and 4x optical zoom, the TG-4 offers you at least as much as a robust action cam and is the best third recommendation here. Finde passendes Zubehör
For all those who want a streamlined shape
Some people don't like the form factor of a GoPro. Here's a more streamlined shape that's reminiscent of classic video cameras .
The helmet action camera Contour Roam 3 in an aluminium housing not only dispenses with the typical 1-button control, it even dispenses with buttons altogether. To start a Full HD video, simply push the recording switch forwards and the recording starts. To take photos, press the status button to switch to photo mode. The Roam is waterproof up to 10 metres without an additional housing. The Roam 3 has an integrated laser pointer to ensure that the camera is always precisely aligned. Together with a rotatable 170-degree lens, this allows you to straighten your video at any time. Find matching accessories
Weighing just 8 cm and 97 g, the Drift Stealth 2 has a lens that can be continuously rotated by 300 degrees. This allows you to mount the Drift at virtually any angle or in almost any position. Even if the mount cannot be fixed in any other way, you can still rotate the lens so that your Full HD video is filmed in the correct position. The Stealth 2 is splash-proof, drop-proof from up to 2 metres and frost-proof down to -10 degrees. The compact action cam is easy to operate and has a display. Find matching accessories
As with the Garmin VIRB Ultra 30, the TomTom Bandit can also measure your heart rate. The Bandit is also easy to use thanks to its 1-button control. Editing and sharing your videos is made even easier: a simple shake of your smartphone is enough to automatically create a cool 4K video that you can share with friends. Thanks to the GPS function, you can add different parameters such as speed, altitude, G-forces and heart rate to your video. For all this, the Bandit must be connected to your smartphone via the app. Find suitable accessories
For those who want something special
The splash-proof, shock-resistant and, at just 35mm, tiny Polaroid Cube+ lives up to its name. The cool cube shape is equipped with a magnet on the underside. This means you can easily attach the Cube+ to magnetic surfaces such as your bike handlebars or golf clubs. With the 124-degree wide-angle lens, the Cube+ films image-stabilised HD videos that also contain sound thanks to the integrated microphone. Together with the WiFi function and the app, you can turn your smartphone into a viewfinder and use it to trigger the Cube+ - from up to 9 metres away. Find matching accessories
With the Dörr Mini you can film videos for up to two hours. It is waterproof up to 10 metres and ultra-light at just 32.5g. Thanks to its compact dimensions of 22x78mm, you can even simply attach it to the elasticated strap of your swimming goggles and film cool video footage in HD.
Last but not least: The Hyundai V10002 in car key style is only available while stocks last! It fits in any trouser pocket and can record one-hour videos with sound.
Accessory highlights
You need the following adapter for the tripod with the GoPro
Action camera accessories at a glance
Fitting the topic
Lilian Dach
Category Development Manager
lilian.dach@digitecgalaxus.chI’ve had a fascination for content marketing ever since uni. My aim is to generate great content – any requests are welcome. Photography is what I’m passionate about and so is shopping. So I’ve definitely found my place in the online business at digitec!