Information, opinions and advice to buy the sports camera that best suits your needs and your budget

Technical specifications to take into account:

Resolution (Full HD / 4K) . We must consider if we will need to record in 4Kor if it is enough with Full HD (1080p). Today almost all video material is consumed in Full HD. Therefore good projects can be done by recording at 1080p. Recording in 4K and then upscaling to 1080p has its advantages: it generally offers a sharper image, it allows applying software stabilization in the editing phase, it allows cropping a scene to enlarge (zoom in editing), etc. In return: 4K material requires a piece of more powerful editing equipment, more storage (SD cards / hard drives), and in general, editing is more expensive in time.
Frames per second (fps – frames per second). The higher the number of frames per second, the sharper the objects’ movement in the scene. For example, at 24fps (typical of cinema), a motion blur effect is produced that is usually pleasant to the eye and is identified with the cinematographic style. At 50 / 60fps, the scene’s movements look sharper, more realistic, more in the manner of documentaries or TV productions (sports, direct). From about 60fps, it isn’t easy to notice differences in terms of fluidity or sharpness of the scene. It depends on each person, the type of setting, etc. However, recording at a high rate of frames per second can then make editing the effect of slow-motion ( slow motion), maintaining a sense of fluidity in the scene. For example, we can record a scene at 60fps and then edit it to reproduce it at 30 or 24fps. The effect would be slow motion while maintaining adequate movement fluidity.
Bitrate (bitrate). Amount of video information generated by the camera. This parameter is essential because it gives us an idea of the compression video information undergoes when leaving the camera. A raw video generates an enormous amount of data that could only be managed with highly specialized equipment. What all cameras do is compress and discard redundant or unimportant information to the human eye. In the video editing phase, sometimes we need to have a lot of information to have room when applying effects, correcting color, etc. In general, the higher the bitrate, the better, but keep in mind that there has to be a balance because moving, storing, and processing vast volumes of video information will take more resources and more time, more work.
Image stabilizer. There are several types of stabilization techniques. For video, the ones that work best are those external to the camera (gimbal, Steadicam, etc.). In-camera optical stabilization is beneficial in correcting shake (jitter) without loss of quality, but very few cameras of this type include it. Another technique is the internal electronic stabilization (e.g., Gyro) that uses cropping of the image as a floating frame to correct camera movements. It is quite useful but involves loss of quality or loss of viewing angle.
Optical. The optical (lens) part is one of the most important aspects of any camera. The sharpness of the lens (quality of the lenses you use). The maximum aperture (amount of light that the lens lets through depending on its focal length) is usually around f / 2.8 in this type of camera. The focal length, which is related to the angle of view offered by the camera, in general, sports cameras offer viewing grades between 150º and 170º.
Sound quality. The audio recording quality will be fair to poor in practically all cameras. If we want to improve the audio, we will have to use an external microphone connected to the camera (if it allows it) or record the audio separately with a digital recorder.
Battery life

Compatibility with equipment and accessories: anchors, housings, and other accessories. In general, GoPro is the go-to camera for accessory manufacturers. Suppose we choose a camera with the same physical format (size, lens location, controls, etc.). In that case, we will have many third-party accessories available, cheaper than those of the leading brand, and more variety.

Recommended action cameras for actual 4K video

Many models are advertised as 4K, but most, low, low cost, can only record at 4K resolution at very few frames per second. In other words, the 4K material they generate is not suitable for video production.

The minimum standard would be 24fps, which offers the fluid movement of the scene.

In general, cameras that record in real 4K can record at lower resolutions at higher speeds, at more frames per second: 60fps / 120fps / 240fps. Therefore, although we do not use 4K in our videos, it may be interesting to record at a higher speed to achieve more fluid movements or perform slow motion in editing.

Some recommended action cameras based on these criteria:

Records true 4K (minimum 24-30fps, although the current standard would be 60fps)
Can record at 1080p / 60fps
Suitable bitrate for each resolution and frame rate. For 1080p / 30fps, we can take 20Mbps as a reference, although this depends a lot on the codec’s efficiency and other factors. Below that volume, the image quality will suffer or leave us minimal margin in editing. At 4K / 24fps, we can take 40-50Mbps as a reference of more than acceptable quality.

Our recommendations:

GoPro Hero8 Black

4K recording: 4K / 60fps (bitrate: up to 100Mbps )
Full HD recording: 1080 / up to 240fps (bitrate: up to 60Mbps in slow motion and 30 / 45Mbps at 60fps and below)
Includes H.264 and H.265 codecs
Image Stabilizer: Yes, electronic. Probably the best stabilizer on the market. HyperSmooth 2.0 technology, better results than previous GoPro
Maximum lens aperture: f / 2.8
Maximum angle of view: 170º
Submersible up to 10m. no need for an external housing
2-inch rear screen. Tactile. The rear screen allows you to see what you are recording (framing, etc.) and access the configuration menus. Also includes a front display for setup information.
Battery life: between 1h 30m and two h depending on the video mode, with the extras disabled (stabilizer, GPS, WiFi). Charging is done through a USB Type-C connector.
3.5mm jack input for an external microphone

The GoPro Hero8 Black once again becomes the benchmark for sports cameras, although it is not a significant qualitative leap than other models on the market. If you already have a Hero7 Black, it may not be worth the upgrade to the Hero8. The stabilizer, with HyperSmooth 2.0 technology, offers impressive results. It is not perfect, certain artifacts are still generated sometimes, but it is familiar to all digital stabilizers.

DJI Osmo Action Cam

4K recording: 4K / 60fps (bitrate: up to 100Mbps )
Full HD recording: 1080 / up to 240fps
Includes H.264 and H.265 codecs
Image Stabilizer: Yes, electronic. It is also an excellent stabilization system. It uses its own RockSteady technology.
Maximum lens aperture: f / 2.8
Maximum angle of view: 170º
Submersible up to 10m. no need for an external housing
2.25-inch rear screen. Tactile. The rear screen allows you to see what you are recording (framing, etc.) and access the configuration menus.
The 1.4-inch front screen in which we can see the scene we are recording (perfect for framing in selfie mode)
Battery life: between 1h 30m and two h depending on the video mode, with the extras deactivated (stabilizer, WiFi, and screen in sleep mode). Charging is done through a USB Type-C connector.

DJI has done a great job with this camera, which is a real alternative to the Hero Black.

It offers the same functionality as the Hero 8, with some cool things like the front screen.

The Hero8 is still a bit ahead. For example, in the stabilization system, the option to switch between various viewing angles … And the ecosystem around the GoPro (accessories, etc.) is more complete today.

But for value for money, the Osmo Action is generally a great option.

GoPro Hero7 Black

4K recording: 4K / 60fps (bitrate: up to 80Mbps )
Full HD recording: 1080 / up to 240fps (bitrate: up to 60Mbps in slow motion and 30 / 45Mbps at 60fps and below)
Includes H.264 and H.265 codecs ( H.265 = HEVC – High-Efficiency Video Coding: same quality but higher compression, videos take up less space)
Image Stabilizer: Yes, electronic. Available in 4K 60pfs with the most up-to-date firmware versions.
HyperSmooth technology, better results than previous GoPro
Maximum lens aperture: f / 2.8
Maximum angle of view: 170º
Submersible up to 10m. no need for an external housing
2-inch rear screen. Tactile. The rear screen allows you to see what you are recording (framing, etc.) and access the configuration menus. Also includes a front display for setup information.
Battery life: between 1h 30m and 2h 30m depending on the video mode, with the extras disabled (stabilizer, GPS, WiFi). Charging is done through a USB Type-C connector.

The GoPro Hero7 comes out in three variants: Hero7 Black, Hero7 Silver, and Hero7 White. Of the three models, we only recommend the Hero7 Black. The other variants are minimal compared to cameras from other manufacturers with better value for money. More info: Hero7 Black vs. Hero7 Silver vs Hero7 White

Concerning the Hero6 Black, the Hero7 Black is very similar in performance, basically the same camera, but includes an excellent electronic stabilizer, possibly the best on the market for this type of camera.

GoPro Hero7 Black summary/opinion

From a hardware and external aspect point of view, the GoPro Hero7 Black is practically identical to the Hero6. The main changes are in the firmware and the extra functions it offers compared to the Hero6.

One of these features is the HyperSmooth electronic stabilizer, which works very well and can be activated even in 4K 60fps mode. As with other electronic stabilizers, when activated, the image is slightly cropped around the edges (approximately 10% angle of view is lost), but the result is quite impressive.

Another new feature is Timewarp, which allows hyper-lapse. And the possibility of direct streaming to different video platforms in real-time.

Pros: Submersible without the external case, records 4K / 60pfs, HyperSmoth stabilizer, high bitrate, rear screen, ease of use, perfect options for slow-motion/slow motion

Cons: Basically, the price. In general, the outer casings seem safer to me because you can check their tightness at any time and replace them in case the gaskets have deteriorated, etc.
Xiaomi Yi 4K

4K recording: 4K / 30fps (bitrate: up to 60Mbps )
Full HD recording: 1080 / up to 120fps (bitrate: up to 60Mbps in slow-motion modes and 45Mbps at 60fps and below)
Image Stabilizer: Yes, electronic (but only available in resolutions below 4K)
Maximum lens aperture: f / 2.8
Maximum angle of view: 155º
You need an outer shell to use it underwater. The case is specific to the Yi 4K. They are not compatible with GoPro cases.
2-inch rear screen. Tactile.
It does not have a front LCD
Battery life: between 1h 30m and 2h 40m depending on the video mode, with the extras deactivated (stabilizer, WiFi)

Pros: 4K recording, high bitrate, rear touch screen, ease of use, includes thread to attach to accessories.An unbeatable value for money compared to the GoPro of its range would be the Hero 5 Black. 720p / 240fps mode offers a wider angle of view than the GoPro Hero 5 Black

Cons: As with all non-submersible cameras, the underwater housing isolates the sound almost completely, unlike the submersible GoPro that can record sound entirely underwater. In general, sound quality is not the strong suit of this camera. If you buy in a European store, the international version (English) is usually installed. If you believe in a Chinese store, verify that you choose the international version of the Yi 4K.

Xiaomi Mijia 4K

4K recording: 4K / 30fps (bitrate: up to 60Mbps )
Full HD recording: 1080 / up to 100fps (bitrate: up to 60Mbps)
Image Stabilizer: Yes, electronic (but only available in resolutions below 4K)
Maximum lens aperture: f / 2.8
Maximum angle of view: 145º
You need an outer shell to use it underwater. The housing is specific to this camera, and you usually have to buy the accessories separately. Mijia 4K packs do not usually include any accessories.
2.5-inch rear screen. Tactile.
It does not have a front LCD
Battery life: more than 2h 30m depending on the video mode, with the extras disabled (stabilizer, WiFi)

Pros: records 4K, medium bitrate although it has been increased with firmware updates, giant rear screen compared to other models, rear touch screen, ease of use, includes thread to attach to accessories. Unbeatable value for money compared to other sports cameras that record in 4K. Frequent firmware updates with improvements by Xiaomi.

Cons: The image quality worsens a lot when the light conditions are bad. In this sense, its behavior is a little worse than other cameras of a similar range, although in general, they are not cameras to use in low light conditions. Does not include external microphone input. As with all non-submersible cameras, the underwater housing almost completely isolates sound.

Summary: Overall, it is an excellent sports camera and an exciting option for 4K video. In some respects, it is slightly below Yi 4K: low light performance (more noise than Yi 4K), lower bitrate… But perhaps these are details that only really matter for certain types of projects.

SJCAM SJ8 Plus

4K recording: 4K / 30fps (bitrate: up to 33Mbps)
Full HD recording: 1080p / up to 120fps (bitrate: up to 20-30Mbps depending on firmware version)
Includes H.264 and H.265 codecs (same quality but higher compression, videos take up less space)
Image Stabilizer: Yes (Gyro – electronic stabilizer). Works in all modes, including 4K / 30fps
Maximum lens aperture: f / 2.8
Maximum angle of view: 170º
Requires external housing to use it underwater (compatible with GoPro cases)
2.33-inch rear screen ( touch )
Front LCD for configuration and status
Battery life: about two h. depending on the configuration
SJCAMs usually come in a pack with the water housing and the most common accessories for these cameras.

Pros: records true 4K at 30fps, giant rear screen compared to other models, rear touch screen, ease of use, records 1080 / 120fps, includes thread to attach to accessories, quite good response when recording in low light conditions, provides external input microphone but with a manufacturer’s adapter. Excellent value for money.

Cons: The bitrate in 4K is acceptable, but it is a bit on the limit (it will not give us much margin if we have to edit color in post-production or make very aggressive adjustments in editing). The electronic stabilizer works well but is not the best. The underwater housing almost completely isolates the sound.

Summary: It is an excellent option if we need to record 4Kor we want a camera that allows us to record in slow motion at 1080, and we do not want to go to the high end (GoPro, for example). The image quality is outstanding, but if we’re going to do a bit of aggressive editing, it will limit us slightly (compared to other models that offer a higher bitrate, more bitrate equals more signal information).

GoPro Hero 6 Black

4K recording: 4K / 60fps (bitrate: up to 80Mbps )
Full HD recording: 1080 / up to 240fps (bitrate: up to 60Mbps in slow motion and 30 / 45Mbps at 60fps and below)
Includes H.264 and H.265 codecs (same quality but higher compression, videos take up less space)
Image Stabilizer: Yes, electronic. Available in 4K but up to 30pfs (not available in 4K 60fps). It also works better than the GoPro Hero5.
Maximum lens aperture: f / 2.8
Maximum angle of view: 170º
Submersible up to 10m. no need for an external housing
2-inch rear screen. Tactile. The rear screen allows you to see what you are recording (framing, etc.) and access the configuration menus. Also includes a front display for setup information.
Battery life: between 1h 30m and 2h 30m depending on the video mode, with the extras disabled (stabilizer, GPS, WiFi). Charging is done through a USB Type-C connector.

GoPro Hero6 Black summary/opinion

It is perhaps the best sports camera for image quality and performance. The camera format and concept is practically identical to the Hero5 Black, but with better features, especially the option to record 4K at

60fps and the possibility of using the electronic stabilizer (excellent, by the way) in 4K (although only at 30fps )

Pros: Submersible without an external case, records 4K / 60pfs, high bitrate, rear screen, ease of use, excellent slow motion / slow motion options

Cons: Basically, the price. Also, the fact that it does not need a case is both a pro and a con, as we mentioned with the Hero5. In general, the outer casings seem safer to me because you can check their tightness at any time and replace them in case the gaskets have deteriorated, etc.

GoPro Hero7 Black vs. GoPro Hero7 Silver vs. GoPro Hero7 White

The GoPro Hero7 has been released with three different variants:

GoPro Hero7 Black (the highest range and the only one we recommend )
GoPro Hero7 Silver: 4Kat 30fps. It has no removable battery. Does not allow an external microphone. It has no HDMI output. Stabilizer only in 1080p mode
GoPro Hero7 White: Only records at 1080p 60fps. It has no removable battery. It has no HDMI output.

Both the Hero7 Silver and the Hero7 White are minimal models (compared to other competitive options with better value for money). One of the most damaging aspects is that the battery is not removable. We cannot use spare batteries, for example, if we go out for several hours, etc.

GoPro Hero 7 vs. GoPro Hero 6 Black vs. Hero 5 Black vs. GoPro Hero 4 Black Which one to choose?

The GoPro Hero7 Black. It would be my first choice, although, in almost every way, it is the same as theHero6. However, the electronic stabilizer works well. It does not reach the stabilization level that an excellent external gimbal provides. Still, many situations are very lazy to carry a gimbal or simply impossible to use.

The GoPro Hero6 Black. If you have an external gimbal or don’t need this type of electronic stabilization, the Hero6 Black offers the same features and image quality as the Hero7. It is a perfect option if you find it reasonable compared to the most recent model.

GoPro Hero5 Black / GoPro Hero4 Black. They are still exciting options if you find them at a reasonable price and depending on your needs regarding 4K recording. In any case, they have discontinued models and more challenging to find on the market.

GitUp Git2 / GitUp Git2P

Full HD recording: 1080p / up to 60fps (bitrate: up to 40Mbps)
Recording in 2K / 24fps (bitrate: up to 35-40Mbps). It can record 4K at 24fps, but it is interpolated. It is not true 4K
Image Stabilizer: Yes (Gyro)
Maximum lens aperture: f / 2.8
Maximum angle of view: 170º
Requires external housing to use it underwater (Git2 and Git2P 170º use the same housing, compatible with GoPro cases, but Git2P 90º uses a different specific housing)
1.5-inch rear screen (non-touch)
Battery life: around one h 30m depending on the configuration
Versions:

Git2: a lens with f / 2.8 aperture and 170º angle of view (Sony sensor)

Git2P (90º): a lens with f / 2.5 aperture and 90º angle of view (Panasonic sensor). This version is not compatible with Git2 housings as the lens sticks out a bit more.

Git2P ( 170º ): lens with f / 2.8 aperture and 170º angle of view (Panasonic sensor)

SJCAM SJ5000X / SJ5000X Elite

Full HD recording: 1080p / up to 60fps (bitrate: up to 20-30Mbps depending on firmware version)
2K / 30fps recording (bitrate: up to 20-30Mbps). It can record 4K at 24fps, but it is interpolated. It is not true 4K
Image Stabilizer: Yes (Gyro)
Maximum lens aperture: f / 2.8
Maximum angle of view: 170º
Requires external housing to use it underwater (compatible with GoPro cases)
2-inch rear screen (non-touch)
Battery life: around one h 40m depending on the configuration
SJCAMs usually come in a pack with the water casing and various accessories.

Versions (the quality and features are very similar, we will usually find the Elite version in stores):

SJ5000X – Initial Limited Edition
SJ5000X Elite – Definitive version with 12.4Mpx Sony sensor

SJCAM SJ6 Legend

Full HD recording: 1080p / up to 60fps (bitrate: up to 30Mbps)
2K / 30fps recording (bitrate: up to 20-30Mbps). It can record 4K at 24fps, but it is interpolated. It is not true 4K
Image Stabilizer: Yes (Gyro)
Maximum lens aperture: f / 2.8
Maximum angle of view: 170º
Requires external housing to use it underwater (compatible with GoPro cases)
2-inch rear screen ( touch ). Front LCD to see the operating mode and main configuration options.
Battery life: around two h depending on the configuration
SJCAMs usually come in a pack with the water casing and various accessories.

Firefly 7S

Full HD recording: 1080p / up to 60fps (bitrate: up to 40Mbps)
Recording in 2K / 30fps (bitrate: up to 40Mbps). It can record 4K at 24fps, but it is interpolated. It is not true 4K
Image Stabilizer: Yes (Gyro)
Maximum lens aperture: f / 2.8
Maximum angle of view: 170º
Requires external housing to use it underwater (compatible with GoPro cases)
2-inch rear screen (non-touch). Front LCD to see the operating mode and main configuration options.
Battery life: around 1h 45m depending on the configuration

The Firefly usually comes in packs with the typical accessories of this type of camera, including the water housing.

Recommended low-cost action cameras

Selection criteria:

1080p recording / at least 30fps, 60fps preferable
Image quality and build
Recognized brand and model tested by many users

Eken H9

Full HD recording: 1080p / up to 60fps (bitrate: 25Mbps)
4K recording at 10fps or 25fps depending on the firmware version, although it is interpolated. The best quality is obtained at 1080p
Image Stabilizer: No
Maximum lens aperture: f / 2.8
Maximum angle of view: 170º
Requires external housing to use it underwater (compatible with GoPro cases)
2-inch rear screen (non-touch)
Battery life: around 1h 30m depending on the settings and video mode used
The pack usually includes a water casing and the typical accessories of sports cameras

Elecam ELE Exporer Elite

Full HD recording: 1080p / up to 60fps (bitrate: up to 30Mbps).
Doesn’t record true 4K
Image Stabilizer: No
Maximum lens aperture: f / 2.8
Maximum angle of view: 170º
Requires external housing to use it underwater (compatible with GoPro cases)
2-inch rear screen (non-touch)
Battery life: about 2h 30m depending on the settings and video mode used during recording