Comparison ATRIX ProAction A7 vs Sigma mobile X-Sport C10

Camera ability for recording WVGA (480p) video.

The most popular resolution options provided by this standard are 640x480 and 848x480; there may be other options, for example, 736x480 or 720x576, but the resolution of such a video is very low by modern standards.

Another important parameter indicated in the specs of the video is the frame rate. The higher it is, the smoother the picture looks, and the less moving objects are blurred in the frame. Accordingly, the higher the frame rate, the better the dynamic scenes will look on the video. A value of 120 fps or more usually indicates that the camera can shoot video in slow-motion format (although it should be specified separately). At the same time, many models with high fps allow you to set a lower frame rate than stated in the specifications — for example, a camera for 120 fps can also support 30 and 60 fps. This feature is useful in cases where you need to save memory — the higher the frame rate, the more space the video takes (at the same resolution), and by reducing the number of frames per second, you can fit more material in the same amount of memory.

The ability of the camera to shoot Full HD (1080p) video.

The standard image size in this standard is 1920x1080. However, in the case of action cameras, this category also includes some other resolutions that are similar in quality, for example, 1440x1080. In general, Full HD provides a very good balance between image quality, the volume of captured files and the processing power requirements for processing them, which makes this standard very popular in modern video equipment — both in cameras and in TV monitors.

Another important parameter given in this paragraph is the frame rate. The higher it is, the smoother the movement in the frame will be, and the details in dynamic scenes will be visible clearly. Technically, 30 fps or even less is enough, but 60 fps is considered the perfect value — at this frame rate, motion blur becomes almost imperceptible and at the same time the size of the captured files remains within reasonable limits. However, there are cameras on the market with a higher frame rate at FullHD resolutions — 90 fps, 100 fps, 120 fps and even 240 fps. This speed is usually used for shooting slow-motion video, but the possibility of such shooting needs to be specified separately.

For models with several lenses, as a rule, this parameter is indicated for each lens.

Most often (unless otherwise indicated), the specifications indicate the field of view by the diagonal of the frame; in some ultra-wide-angle lenses it can exceed 180°. A special case is made up of lenses for which a 360° view is declared: this means that the optics cover the entire hemisphere in front of it. Such lenses are found in panoramic and 360-degree cameras (see “Product type”).

In general, the field of view primarily determines what area of the scene is being captured into the frame. Accordingly, the wider it is, the more space the camera captures, and the lower the likelihood that something that is happening will be off-screen. On the other hand, it is worth considering that a strong increase in the field of view leads to distortions of the “picture”, especially at the edges, as well as, to a decrease in the size of visible objects and a decrease in detail. Detailed recommendations regarding choosing a camera based on this parameter can be found in special sources.

The presence of a digital (electronic) stabilization system in the camera design.

Any stabilization is intended to compensate for small juddering of the image that occurs due to the instability of the hold in the hands, vibrations from the motor or road roughness (when used in transport), etc. Digital stabilization is carried out as follows: a reserve area is allocated along the edges of the sensor, which under normal conditions does not participate in the formation of the final image. If the device is being shaken, the camera electronics select certain parts of the image from the reserve and build the image in such a way that in the end, it remains stable.

Compared to other methods of stabilization, digital systems are extremely simple and reliable. Moreover, they are inexpensive and have almost no effect on the weight, dimensions, and price of the camera. At the same time, with this method of stabilization, the effective area of the image sensor is reduced, which can adversely affect the image quality and the amount of noise on it.

The number of megapixels in the action camera sensor, in other words, the resolution of this sensor(1 megapixel is 1 million photosensitive points).

There is an opinion that the higher the resolution, the better the image quality. It is true from the point of view that manufacturers are trying to install high-resolution sensors in advanced cameras. At the same time, there are no strict dependencies here, and from the technical point of view, the number of megapixels determines only the maximum image resolution that can be captured using this sensor. The quality of this picture will depend both on several features of the sensor itself (size, type, special design solutions), and the specs of the camera. So when choosing, you should focus not so much on the resolution of the image sensor, but on the general class of the camera and reviews with examples of footage.

The maximum resolution at which the action camera can take photos. Specified in pixels horizontally and vertically.

This parameter is directly related to the resolution of the image sensor(see above): the total number of pixels in the photo, usually, corresponds to the number of pixels in the sensor. For example, a photo resolution of 4608x3456 corresponds to a sensor of 15925248 pixels, or approximately 16 megapixels. If the number of pixels in the photo is greater than the claimed resolution of the sensor, then the manufacturer uses software tricks that allow you to improve the photo resolution to a higher one than originally. This reduces the cost of devices but also affects the quality of images.

Theoretically, high-resolution images can provide good detail, but in fact, much depends on the specs of the sensor (primarily physical size) and image processing features.

— Photo during video. The ability to take photos directly while recording a video — usually using a separate button. Thus, it is convenient to fix the most significant moments of what is happening. Such photos are much better in quality than "freeze frames" from the captured video.

— Serial photo shoot. This feature allows you to take several pictures at once in a short period (usually it is a fraction of a second). A series of shots increases the chance of capturing a good moment, which can be very important given the specifics of using action cameras.

— One click recording. The ability to quickly turn on the camera for recording — literally at the touch of a button, by the name. Moreover, such a button works even if the device is turned off. However, the recording inevitably starts with some delay; but often this delay is a fraction of a second.

— Online streaming. Ability to stream video to popular services like YouTube and social networks (Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, etc.). Usually, the online streaming function is implemented when the action camera is connected to the Internet via a Wi-Fi network, less often via a wired connection. Communication with the World Wide Web can be held directly or through a smartphone or computer. It will require the use of appropriate software.

— Time lapse. A special mode of operation of the action camera, in which video recording is carried out at a slower frequency is mainly used for filming slow processes. Thus, for example, a long journey or a long sunset can fit into a 3-minute video.

— Auto-rotate. The function of automatic rotation of the captured photos and videos to the position corresponding to the position of the camera. Without this feature, all footage during playback would be displayed strictly in landscape orientation, and footage shot with the camera upside down or upside down would have to be rotated in a photo or video editor. Usually, at the beginning of video recording, auto-rotation is blocked — so that the position of the frame at any time corresponds to the rotation of the camera itself relative to its original position.

— Photo panoramas shooting. The ability to use the camera to take panoramic photos. In traditional action cameras (see "Product type"), such shooting is carried out as follows: the camera takes several separate photos, which are then glued into one image. Regarding panoramic and 360-degree models (see ibid.), it is worth noting that not all such models support shooting in panoramic format, so it is advisable to check the availability of this function separately.

— Key points labels. The ability to add special marks to the footage that indicate key moments. While viewing such videos, you can go directly to the labels — this is easier than manually searching for the right moment. This feature is especially useful when shooting long videos, as well as when numerous individual files. The label, usually, is placed right during the shooting by pressing a special button or by voice command.

— Night shooting. Special mode for recording in low light conditions. The specific implementation of this function may be different: in some models, the sensitivity of the sensor is increased, in others, shooting in the IR range is used. Accordingly, specific features may vary: not every camera with this function can shoot in complete darkness, and these nuances should be clarified separately.

— Protective case. A special container that provides additional protection against dust, moisture, shock, extreme temperatures and other similar “troubles”. The specific degree of protection in each case must be specified separately. In order not to interfere with the shooting, the box is made of transparent materials. In addition, we note that some cameras can only be mounted on mounts in a protective case (or in a mounting frame — see below), since the camera body may not have mounts for this.

— Curved mount(helmet). A mount designed to mount the camera on a helmet or other curved surface. The design of such a mount is based on a curved platform with an adhesive layer or hook-and-loop, the shape of which approximately corresponds to the shape of the surface of the helmet. Such a fixture can provide a more secure hold than the classic flat platform (see below).

— Flat mount. One of the basic and simplest mounts used to fix an action camera on almost any uniform surface: snowboard, skateboard, car hood, etc. It is a small flat platform, on one side of which the camera is attached, while the other is fixed on the desired surface (using hook-and-loop, special glue, etc.). Note that flat mounts are often used for mounting on a helmet. However, there is a separate type of mount for this, with a curved platform (see above).

— 3-axis mount. It differs from other types of mounting in the presence of three movable nodes that allow you to rotate the camera at an angle of up to 90 degrees in three axes. This allows you to choose the most interesting or successful shooting angle — on the side of the helmet, for example. Such options are usually compatible with many other mounts, so they can be used in conjunction with a handlebar, curved mount, etc.

— Bicycle/moto handlebar. Mount for installing the camera on a small pipe, such as the handlebars of a bicycle or motorcycle. Usually, it looks like a clamp, and the size of the fastening can be adjusted within a fairly wide range, adjusting it to pipes of different diameters.

— Suction cup(on glass). Camera mount, fixed in the right place with a suction cup. Allows you to install the device on flat and slightly curved surfaces. At the same time, note that such fasteners are not held as securely as flat or curved ones (see the relevant paragraphs). On the other hand, the suction cup is easy to attach and remove and leaves no marks. Therefore, mounts of this type are mainly used for installation on car glass when the camera works as a DVR.

— Clamp (clip). The clip-pin mount is quite versatile since it allows you to hang the camera on almost any suitable piece of equipment (backpack strap, unloading belt, belt, etc.). But at the same time, it is not very suitable for extreme shooting due to the relatively low reliability.

— Head mount. A device for fixing the camera on the head — usually on the forehead, like a headlamp. In addition to being hands-free, this placement has another advantage: the camera lens faces the same direction as the user. In this case, the mount itself is usually a system of elastic straps and is designed to be worn directly on the head, in contrast to the curved platform for the helmet. However, in some models, the possibility of putting on a helmet is also allowed.

— Chest mount. This mount is a system of elastic straps that allows you to fix the camera on the user's chest, shooting a little lower than the "eyeball". Like the head mount (see above), it easily adapts to the desired size.

— Mounting frame. A device designed to mount the camera on various mounts — helmet-mounted, on the handlebar, etc. The camera body itself often does not have mounts for such fixing, which is why you have to use additional equipment. Note that a similar function is often performed by a protective case(see above); the mounting frame, in contrast, provides almost no protection. However, in the frame, the camera body remains as open as possible. This provides additional features — in particular, it allows you to connect various cables and effectively use the built-in microphone, which is not possible with many protective cases.

— Monopod(selfie stick). It is a rod, usually folding, and sometimes adjustable in length; on one end of the rod is a mount for the camera and on the other — a handle for holding in your hand. By the name, such a monopod is intended mainly for filming itself — thanks to the length of the rod, the camera can be held at a convenient distance for this. However, other applications are also possible: for example, with the help of a monopod, you can “look” quite far over the edge of a cliff or around a corner. The main disadvantage of such a device is that one hand is constantly busy.

In addition to those mentioned above, other types of mounts may be included in the delivery package — for example, for musical instruments (for a guitar neck, a drum kit bar, etc.), for a surfboard, etc.