There’s a new breed of action cam emerging that’s more accessible than ever before. They’re smaller, cheaper, and generally easier to use than most traditional action cams on the market - making them perfect for beginners who are looking to test the waters. If you have an adventurous spirit but aren’t quite ready to dive head-first into the world of professional-grade equipment, getting started with action cam photography can be an affordable way to dip your toes in the water. There are plenty of action cams out there for beginners that offer a good balance between affordability and quality. Here are our top recommendations for anyone looking to get their feet wet with the best action cameras for beginners.
Who is this guide for?
This guide is aimed at beginners who are looking to get into action cam photography. These cameras are small, relatively inexpensive, and have loads of features that make them easy to use. Whether you want to try shooting your next adventure outing, or just want to get in the habit of recording your life, these cams will help you get started without breaking the bank. If you’re not sure which action cam is best for you, this guide will help you navigate the different features and specifications you should be looking for in an action cam.
GoPro Hero7 Black
The GoPro Hero7 Black is the best action camera for beginners thanks to its feature-packed and user-friendly design. This camera has everything you could ever want in an action cam, including a touchscreen display, voice control, and waterproofing up to 33 feet. It also has image stabilization built-in, which helps reduce the shakiness that can come from wearing an action cam around your wrist or helmet (something that many other action cams don’t have). The GoPro Hero7 Black is an excellent all-around choice for beginners who want a high-quality, feature-packed action cam that’s simple to use.
Sony FDR-X1000V
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option, the Sony FDR-X1000V is a great choice. This camera has almost all the same features as the GoPro, but it’s a fraction of the price. It shoots 4K footage, has image stabilization, and is waterproof to 33 feet. It also has a built-in touch-sensitive display, which makes navigating the camera’s features easy, and allows you to easily change shooting modes without taking the camera out of the housing. The main differences between the two cameras are that the Sony is smaller and uses two external buttons instead of a touchscreen, and it has a lower-resolution screen and a smaller image sensor than the GoPro. All things considered, though, these are extremely minor differences that shouldn’t factor into your purchasing decision. If you want all the same features as the GoPro Hero7 Black but don’t want to pay full price, the Sony FDR-X1000V is a great alternative.
Samsung Gear 360 2017
If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly action cam but don’t want to sacrifice any features, the Samsung Gear 360 2017 is a great choice. This camera has an intuitive touchscreen, and 4K video recording, and manages to fit all of those features into a smaller body than many other action cams. The Gear 360 2017 isn’t as high-end as the GoPro or Sony cameras, but it has all the essential features that most beginners would be looking for in an action cam. It’s also a great choice for people who want to experiment with 360-degree photography and videography. All in all, this camera is a great choice for beginners who want a more budget-friendly option, but don’t want to skimp out on features.
Garmin VIRB Ultra 30
If you’re looking for the best action cam with a screen (so you can frame your shots without using a phone or remote), the Garmin VIRB Ultra 30 is your best bet. This camera is a great choice for beginners thanks to its touchscreen interface. Many more budget-friendly action cams either have no display or have a tiny screen that’s tough to see while wearing gloves. The Garmin VIRB Ultra 30 has a large, bright touchscreen that’s easy to see and use, making it the perfect choice for people who want complete control over their framing. This camera also shoots 4K video and has a built-in GPS for easy photo tagging.
Conclusions
The best action cameras for beginners will have all the features you need to get started capturing your adventures. These cameras are smaller, cheaper, and generally easier to use than most traditional action cams on the market. All of the cameras on this list are excellent choices for beginners. If you want to test the waters of action cam photography, any one of these cameras will get you started. They’re all easy to use, great for beginners, and will help you get the hang of using an action cam before you move on to something more advanced.