When traveling the world, as many people do these days, there are few accessories more important than a camera, aside from the obvious essentials like passport, cash, phrasebook, flip-flops, sunglasses, etc. A camera is the only thing that will allow you to capture those once-in-a-lifetime memories, which can be relived for years to come.
However, something so seemingly obvious raises a number of potential questions; Do you take a DSLR (digital single lens reflex) or pocket point and shoot? DSLRs are relatively large, heavy, fragile, and expensive, while a compact camera is easy to lose and may lack image quality. Do you also carry a video camera? If you’re planning a lot of extreme sports adventures, then a video camera is a good choice, but again, video cameras can be fragile, heavy, and expensive. If only there was an alternative. Enter the action camera.
Resilient
Action by name, action by nature, action cameras are built to withstand the harshest conditions, from snow and rain to mud and dust. When you travel, there’s no escaping the fact that your camera will be subject to a certain degree of wear and tear, as being tossed around in a backpack and exposure to extreme weather eventually takes its toll. No type of camera is capable of withstanding these conditions like an action camera.
small and light
The vast majority of modern action cameras are small enough to fit in a pocket and weigh less than a mobile phone. In addition to keeping luggage weight to a minimum, these pocket cameras can be taken anywhere, from cultural excursions to nights out. Due to its strength, there is no need to carry action cameras in a protective case, again saving weight and valuable space in your backpack.
feature rich
Action cameras are designed with video capture in mind, and most new models feature full 1080p recording, there’s no better option for it. Additionally, many action cameras offer impressive imaging functionality, typically ranging from five to ten megapixels. For experimental types, burst mode offers a good way to capture still images in sequence, while recording time-lapse sequences is an interesting alternative to standard video footage.
Versatile
With the right accessories, an action camera can be taken just about anywhere. One of the most common activities among travelers is scuba diving or snorkelling, and what better way to capture these underwater experiences than in high definition video. Some action cameras, like the GoPro HD2 or the Drift HD, can be equipped with a waterproof housing, allowing you to take the camera as deep as 200 feet, in some cases. There are also many other sports-specific accessories and mounts available, which can be purchased separately depending on the type of activities you’re planning.
Affordable
Action cameras tend to sit in the £120-£300 price range, with specialist packs and accessory packs costing a bit more. Like most types of cameras, the price generally reflects the quality of the camera and the number of features it has. The GoPro HD2 is at the higher end of the price spectrum, but it packs full 1080p recording and a host of features, accessories, and mounting options. Alternatively, the Drift HD 720 is considerably cheaper, and while it’s still feature-rich, it only records in 720p.
Summary
For travelers who like trips with a bit of an adrenaline rush, an action camera is a must-have accessory. If it’s standard DSLR photography you’re after, then you’ll need a DSLR camera, but to capture real experiences that you can relive over and over again, there’s nothing like an action camera.
