When you’re recording your favorite sport, there’s nothing worse than a shaky, out-of-focus video — but the good news is that action cameras are now so affordable, you can purchase a model to match your needs and budget. From skateboarding to surfing to snow sports, these compact cameras are compact, wearable and can capture your tricks from an athlete’s point of view.
To help you find the best sports camera for your needs, we’ve rounded up the top video cameras for capturing your favorite activities.
Read on for our best sports video cameras.
Our Editor’s Best Sports Video Cameras Reviews
- Improved Dual Pixel CMOS AF and eye detection AF 24.1 Megapixel CMOS (APS-C) sensor with is 100–6400 (H: 12800)
- Built-in Wi-Fi and NFC technology working temperature range: 32-104°F/0-40°C
- 9-Point AF system and AI Servo AF
- Optical Viewfinder with approx 95% viewing coverage
- Use the EOS Utility Webcam Beta Software (Mac and Windows) to turn your compatible Canon camera into a high-quality webcam
- 4K Ultra HD action camera: Professional 4K30Fps & 2.7K30Fps video with 20MP photos at up to 30 frames per second for incredible photos, which is 4 times the resolution of traditional HD cameras.
- Smooth Stabilization: Built-in Electronic Image Stabilization (EIS) delivers steady and smooth videos. It can enable excellent footage even you or the object is in fast-moving.
- 131ft waterproof camera: AKASO EK7000 is designed to withstand extreme environments, together with durable waterproof case. With the accessories, transform it for indoor and outdoor activities.
- Wireless wrist remote control sports camera: With a wrist 2.4G remote, you can capture the world in an all-new way. Controlling the camera, framing shots or recording video is convenient. (THE REMOTE IS NOT WATERPROOF)
- Built-in Wi-Fi & HDMI, edit & share your action in minutes: Just download App(AKASO GO) on your phone or tablet and connect with this action camera. Wi-Fi signal ranges up to 10 meters. MicroSD card is not included.
- 【5K Video & 48MP Photo Camera】This Video Camera records videos up to 5K resolution at 30FPS and high-resolution 48MP photos with this video camera.The 5K video camera records videos in 2.7K, 4K, 5K HD resolution, ensuring smooth and stable video recording. The 3-inch IPS touch screen ,16X digital zoomand 270 degrees rotatable youtube camera allows you to capture and watch with precision.The high performance is suitable for family daily shooting and video production enthusiasts.
- 【5K Wifi Camcorder & IR Night Vision】The 5K video camera supports wifi wireless transmission,Downloading "iSmart DV2" APP, easy to connect the camcorder with Android/iOS smartphones and tablets. Then you can browse images, transfer, share movies and photos via your mobile devices, or remote control the camera by App. Just press ''OK'' button, this Youtube video camera with infrare LED light allows you to shoot clear white/black photos or videos in the dark.
- 【Webcam Function & HDMI Output & External Microphone】The 5K vlogging camera supports for video chatting and live streaming.just connect this 5k Video camera with computer through USB cable and choose “PC Camera” to enter webcam mode,and choose “General UVC Camera” on external camera of social media software.5K camcorder with microphone can eliminate background noise/wind noise effectively.You can also connect the 5K camera to the TV with an HDMI cable to playback photos and video.
- 【Lens Hook & Handheld Stabilizer & Remote Control】 This 5K digital video camera comes with lens hook to block excess light and protect your camcorder lens from accidental damage. Foldable handheld Stabilizer holder Keep the 5K camera stable when recording. This 5K Youtube camera comes with 2.4G wireless remote, which can control this digital video camera within 60 feets from any direction.
- 【Multifunctional 5K Camcorder & After-Sale Service】 This 5K digital camera support 4k/5k mode switch,pause function(click “photo”), face detection, continuous shooting, anti-shake, self-timer, time-lapse shooting, slow motion, recording while charging, will meet your different needs. HDMI output, Webcam, MSDC, USB 2.0 and up to 256GB SD card, support tripod and LED light (tripod and LED light not included). 1 year Assurance and 24 hours online customer service will be supported.
- High Sensitivity 1/2.3-inch BSI Sensor for Bright, Beautiful Shots Even in Dim Lighting: The 1/2.3-inch Back Side Illumination Sensor has a large effective area and 34% larger pixels than a 1/5.8-inch sensor for reduced noise in low light.Operating environment : PC - Mac, OS - macOS 11.2, CPU - Intel Core 2 Duo or better.
- Level Shot Function for More Stable Images and Less Blurring: Detects and corrects the tilting of captured images; hybrid O.I.S. thoroughly suppress blurring all the way from wide-angle to powerful zoom shots for crisp, clear images
- Powerful Zoom in a Compact Camera Body: By driving each of four lens groups separately, the drive ranges are reduced, resulting in high image quality and high-powered zooming in a compact camcorder
- Crisp, Clear Details in Both Bright and Dark Areas: By combining two images taken with different exposure times, the HDR Movie function suppresses blown highlights and blocked shadows for crisp, clear videos
- Wireless Twin Camera for Picture-in-Picture Shooting with a Smartphone; Using your smartphone with Wi-Fi operation as a sub camera, you can shoot from two angles at the same time
- High Dynamic Range Video + Photo: HERO12 Black takes its best-in-class image quality to the next level with HDR for both videos (5.3K and 4K) and photos. Great in environments with both shadows and bright light, HDR captures the subtle details of the scene that might typically blend into the darkness of shadows or disappear in the bright spots of your shot. The result is dynamic footage with true-to-life color and precision.
- Unbelieveable Image Quality: With 5.3K video that gives you 91% more resolution than 4K and an incredible 665% more than 1080p, HERO12 Black captures the action with crisp detail and cinematic image quality with High Dynamic Range (HDR) while also taking 27MP photos. You can also grab stunning photos up to 24.7MP of your favorite shots from your videos using the GoPro Quik app.
- Emmy Award- Winning HyperSmooth 6.0 Stabilization: HyperSmooth continues to set the bar for insanely smooth footage and has the hardware to back it up—a 2021 Emmy for In-Camera Sensor and Software Stabilization. HERO12 Black makes it even better by maximizing HyperSmooth AutoBoost performance with more stabilization while still delivering less image cropping. Bike, skate, ski, chase your kids through the park or get awesome pet POV shots—even the shakiest footage comes out silky smooth.
- Rugged + Waterproof to 33ft (10m): Completely waterproof and as tough as ever, HERO12 Black is ready to capture the fun on any adventure. Its legendary durability can take a beating and keep going, whether you’re ripping through mud, snow or water (down to 33ft/10m). A water-repelling lens cover even helps eliminate lens flare and other artifacts to make your photos and videos even more stunning.
- What's Included: HERO12 Black, Enduro Rechargeable Battery, Curved Adhesive Mount, Mounting Buckle + Thumb Screw, USB-C Cable
- Upgrade Series of AKASO EK7000: AKASO EK7000 Pro action camera delivers 4K/30fps, 1080P/60fps videos and 20MP photos that capture every moment in crisp detail and unparalleled clarity.
- Intuitive UI Design: Ultra 2 inch IPS touch screen shows everything crystal clearly and brightly, easy to change settings, switch shooting modes, preview and playback footage.
- Electronic Image Stabilization: Built-in Electronic Image Stabilization (EIS) delivers steady and smooth videos. AKASO EK7000 Pro sports camera ensures excellent experience in shooting fast-moving objects.
- Waterproof Camera up to 131FT: Equipped with the upgraded waterproof case, this underwater camera can deep dive up to 131 feet, ready to capture all details of your adventures. Ideal for water sports such as swimming, surfing, diving, snorkeling, etc.
- Longer Battery Life: AKASO EK7000 Pro action camera comes with 2 rechargeable 1350mAh batteries. Each battery can record up to 140 minutes. No more worry about the recording time for this Action camera.
- Continuously Evolving AI Photographer: The XbotGo Chameleon transforms your smartphone into an AI-powered photographer. It offers automatic sports tracking, real-time live streaming, and upcoming automatic highlight generation, all through the XbotGo app, which regularly updates to enhance its performance and intelligence.
- Revolutionary Sports Tracking: With the xbotVision AI 2.0 algorithm, XbotGo Chameleon delivers precise tracking for over 20 sports, ensuring unmatched accuracy for both team sports like soccer and basketball, and individual sports such as gymnastics and martial arts.
- AI-Assisted Auto-Editing and Live Streaming: Harness the power of AI to elevate your video editing experience. Effortlessly capture and edit breathtaking moments, create stunning montages, and seamlessly share your sports highlights with the world through integrated live streaming on popular platforms.
- Superior Hardware Upgrades: Experience exceptional versatility with 360° panoramic tracking and a 120° ultra-wide-angle AI lens. The Chameleon’s advanced AI sports analysis system, impressive battery life, and portable design make it the ultimate choice for capturing dynamic scenes with visual impact.
- Intuitive Controls and Accessories: Enjoy intuitive control with a Bluetooth remote and Apple Watch integration for easy angle adjustments and real-time previews. Pair it with the XbotGo T4 tripod to achieve a professional 12-foot perspective, enhancing your filming experience like never before.
- 4K30fps Video & 20MP Photo: Capture every detail of life’s most beautiful moments with video resolutions from 4K 30fps to 1080P 60fps and 20MP photos so you can relive them anytime, anywhere. Start recording the wonders of your life.
- 170° Adjustable View Angle and Image Stabilization: With four customizable viewing angles of 170°, 140°, 110°, and 70°, capture the perfect perspective for any situation. Built-in smart gyroscope technology ensures shock-resistant and stable shooting, leading to incredibly smooth, professional-looking footage that stands out from the competition.
- Sport Camera with Wifi and HDMI: This action camera comes equipped with both Wi-Fi and HDMI capabilities, allowing you to quickly and effortlessly share and edit videos with the free app. Simply download the app on your phone or tablet and connect with the camera. With a Wi-Fi signal range of up to 10 meters and an HDMI port for TV connectivity, you can easily share your exciting experiences with friends and family in high quality and on a bigger screen.
- 131FT WATERPROOF CAMERA AND DUAL SCREEN: Place your action camera into the waterproof case and securely fasten it, then you can dive below 40 meters. This underwater camera is ideal for water sports such as swimming, surfing, diving, etc. Equipped with a 2“ rear screen and 0.96” front screen, you can effortlessly shoot in various scenarios, ensuring you get the perfect shot every time.
- FREE VALUABLE ACCESSORIES: This underwater camera comes with a USB Dual Charger and 2 rechargeable 1050mAh batteries, each battery can record up to 90 minutes. We have optimized some accessories for the new version of Brave 4 to make it more suitable for bicycle/motorcycle activities. The kits are available for most kinds of cameras even Gopro. The remote wristband is not waterproof. Charger and 2 rechargeable 1050mAh batteries, a remote control, and bicycle mount. The kits are available for most kinds of cameras even Gopro. Each battery can record up to 90 minutes. The remote wristband is not waterproof.
- Impeccable Image Quality, Day or Night - Experience stunning image clarity and unparalleled low-light performance with the 4K action camera's large 1/1.3-inch sensor, capturing every adventure in breathtaking detail from dawn to dusk.
- Vivid, True-to-Life Colors - Elevate your footage using 10-bit and D-Log M Color Performance to capture dazzling effects in golden sunrises and vibrant sunsets. Impress your audience with the action camera's vivid brilliance.
- Long-Lasting Power, Even in Extreme Cold - Tackle low temperatures of -20°C (-4°F) and record up to 150 minutes non-stop with this reliable action camera, ensuring every thrilling moment is captured in the harshest conditions.
- Impressive 4K/120fps and 155º Ultra-Wide FOV -Experience high-resolution, ultra-wide FOV footage that immerses you in the action. From riding epic waves to flaunting your skate skills, Action 4 delivers captivating slow-motion shots.
- Switch Perspectives Just in Seconds - Effortlessly switch your camera's position with our Magnetic Quick Release feature, enabling seamless transitions between horizontal and vertical shots and unlocking unprecedented creative freedom.
- Video Camera as Webcam: The video camera is useful to take the beautiful photos and share it in your Youtube. It can be used as webcam when the camera connect the computer. Please operate the camera button to choose the PC CAM mode. When the AMCAP window is opened, from which shooting object through the camera will be showed on this window. You can have a video call with your families or friends. Please download the software AMCAP before use the webcam function
- Multifunction Camcorder: 1080P 15fps Video Resolution, 24MP Image Resolution, image format JPEG, video format AVI, 16X digital zoom, camcorder with fill light, 3.0 inch LCD and supports 270 degree rotation, Anti-shake, Face Capture, Beauty Function, Self-timer and Webcam function, Pause function, USB 2.0, TV Output, Setting Date and Time
- Pause Function: This video camera supports Pause function, so you can pause the recording when you need,then continue recording again without starting a new one, which makes it easier for you to edit and upload the videos. This video camera included a USB cable, you can connect it directly to the computer to upload videos. This video camera included a AV cable, you can connect it directly to the TV to playback the videos
- Recording While Charging: The camcorder come with two NP FV5 batteries. It allows you to keep recording around 60 to 90 minutes when it's fully charged. For the first time use need to charge more than 8 hours. The camcorder support the recording while charging,good to record long videos anytime
- Small and Compact Camcorder: The camcorder supports SD card and SDHC card up to 128GB not included, just remember to format the SD card before use the camcorder first time. The camcorder support the tripod not included connection and the hole is standard size
Best Sports Video Cameras Buying Guide
Before choosing the best sports video camera you should consider following options:
1. Image Stabilization: When it comes to filming high-quality videos, image stabilization is one of the most important aspects to consider.
With image stabilization, the camera can capture smooth videos even when the camera is being used in a hand-held mode.
The image stabilization feature of a camera can be ensured by two methods: electronic and optical. The electronic image stabilization uses software-based stabilization techniques. The optical stabilization, on the other hand, uses special lenses that correct the shake from all directions.
2. Video Quality: Video quality is another important aspect that you should consider when you are looking for a sports camera.
Even if your camera has everything else that you want, but the video quality is poor, then it would make no sense to buy the camera.
The resolution of a camera is one of the main factors that determine the video quality. The higher the resolution, the better the image quality.
Sports cameras with resolution of 1920 x 1080 or even higher are ideal.
3. Battery Life: Most of the sports cameras are portable, which means that they require battery power to function.
It is important that you choose a camera that has a good battery life. The battery of the camera should be long-lasting, so that the camera can be used for an extended period of time.
The battery life of a camera can be ensured by two methods: an internal or an external battery.
An internal battery is built-in to the camera and can be recharged. The external battery is portable, and it is connected to the camera through a cable.
The external battery is ideal for long filming sessions as it can be charged and used for a longer time. External batteries are usually compatible with a wide range of cameras.
4. Video Recording Time: Sports cameras have different memory capacities, which means that the time for which a camera can record videos will vary from one model to another.
The video recording time can be ensured by two methods: the size of the internal memory of the camera or the number of SD cards that the camera supports.
If you are looking for a camera that can shoot continuously for a long period, it is better to choose one that has a large internal memory.
What else you should know about sports video cameras
1. What are the best sports video cameras?
The best sports video cameras are the ones that can capture high-quality video footage while being durable enough to withstand the rigors of sports.
2. What are the features of a good sports video camera?
Some features of a good sports video camera are that it is lightweight and portable, has a long battery life, is waterproof, and has a wide-angle lens.
3. How do sports video cameras work?
The most common type of sports video camera is the camcorder. Camcorders are handheld devices that record video and audio onto videotape or digital media.
4. What are the benefits of using a sports video camera?
Some benefits of using a sports video camera are that it can help improve an athlete’s technique, it can be used for scouting opponents, and it can be used for entertainment purposes.
5. How can I improve my sports video camera skills?
There is no one answer to this question as it depends on what kind of sports video camera skills you are looking to improve. However, some tips on how to improve your sports video camera skills include:
-Practice shooting video of different sports and events.
– Experiment with different camera angles and techniques.
– Edit your videos to improve the overall quality.
– Use a tripod or other stabilization device to keep your camera steady.
– Get feedback from other people on your videos to see what areas you can improve.
Conclusion
On the market, there are numerous best sports video cameras. Hopefully, the list of the top ten best sports video cameras will save you time researching and deciding on the best one for you.