Twelve action-cameras to film your boating adventures (and where to find them)

By now they have invaded even the nautical market, between recreational and racing. We are talking about action-cameras, just take a trip to Youtube to see all kinds of videos shot from aboard. From dolphins to sculls, from straorze to boom diving. Put them on or fix them on board: you can record in full HD the highlights of your cruise, or analyze in detail the maneuvers during regattas to continuously improve. So much more than old slides!

But since we are dealing with a large and diverse market where people often buy online, before looking at the products here are some things to keep in mind to make sure you buy the action-cam that is right for you.

WHAT USE WILL YOU MAKE OF IT?
Do you also want to use it underwater and in low light conditions? You will need to buy a device capable of performing at its best in low light conditions; if, on the other hand, you want to use the camera to film your exploits on board and in the water you will need to look for one that is particularly durable and equipped with a mount and attachment for helmets or harnesses; obviously you will need an underwater action cam or one with a protective case.

WHAT WILL YOU COMBINE WITH THE RECORDINGS?
The choice of action camera also depends on what you intend to do with the recordings produced. If the intention is to make professional films, then you will have to buy a suitable video camera, with features and preferences worthy of a professional camera; if, on the other hand, you want to make simple amateur films to upload to YouTube and share with friends and acquaintances, you may as well buy a cheaper device but adequate for your needs

THE SIX CHARACTERISTICS OF A GOOD ACTION-CAMERA
The best action cameras share some key features.
Small size. By their very nature, action-cameras must be able to be used on the move, in the “live” action. Necessary, therefore, for them to be small in size and weight so that they do not get in the way.
High definition. As mentioned earlier, much depends on the intended use, but usually high-end action cameras shoot in high definition (1,920×1,080 pixels) and, in some cases, can adapt to extreme shooting situations .
Water resistance. An action cam must be able to be used in any situation. Also underwater. Therefore it is imperative that, at least the top models, are underwater.
Long-lasting battery life. To prevent filming from breaking down right at the most beautiful moment, a worthy action camera will need to ensure several hours of shooting time, even in high definition
Ease of use. Those who use this particular type of camera usually do not have much time to spend on various settings and settings. Necessary, therefore, for the device to be as simple and intuitive as possible
Different mounts. Different sports disciplines need different bindings and mounts. A “generalist” action cam must therefore support most of the standard attachments on the market so that it can be used on a wide variety of occasions. (source www.fastweb.it)

OUR TOP 12 ACTION-CAMERA

GOPRO / HERO5
The Gopro Hero 5 is sold in two different configurations, Black and Session. Black is the most powerful with 4K resolution, smooth and stabilized video, GPS, waterproof design. Session combines minimal size with high performance. 4K resolution, 10 MP photos, ruggedness, practicality, and compactness meet with voice commands, Cloud technology, and water resistance up to 10m. Price: From 329.99 euros (Session version). BUY IT HERE

GITUP / GIT2
The Git2 action-camera is equipped with a quality 16-megapixel Sony Exmor IMX206 sensor, a Gyro stabilizer to create less blurry video, and the Novatek 96660 image processor. It also has G-sensor, which detects if the cam is moving and allows you to start or stop recording automatically. Records at a maximum resolution of 2880 x 2160 at 24fps. Price: from $109.99. BUY IT HERE

ACTIVEON / CX GOLD
Activeon CX Gold is compact and robust, and the intuitive interface is its strength. The display on the back is 2 inches. The camera records videos in Full HD 1080p quality with 60 fps and being equipped with a 16-megapixel sensor takes professional high-resolution photos. Price: 269.99 euros. BUY IT HERE

ELEPHONE / ELE EXPLORER PRO 4K
The Ele Explorer Pro records video up to 4k resolution at 24fps. The viewing angle is 170° but can be reduced to 140°, 110° or 90° for images without fisheye effect. It has a 12mpx Sony IMX 117 image sensor and a Novatek 96660 processor, found in many of the best budget action cams. Price: from 66.24 euros. BUY IT HERE

GEONAUTE / G-EYE 700
It is a fulll HD sports camera (1080p up to 60 images per second for making slowmotion), with built-in WIFI, touchscreen, waterproof up to 1m without a case, supplied with fixing accessories. Price: 154.99 euros. BUY IT HERE

HAWK EYE AVT / FIREFLY 6S
This Chinese model also has Gyro stabilization to create less blurry videos-a good solution for use in sports activities-it records at a maximum resolution of 4k at 24 fps. Price: from 63.39 euros. BUY IT HERE

DRIFT / GHOST-S
Ghost-S, records video in full HD resolution. Videos at 1080p resolution can have a maximum of 60 fps, while 720p videos can be up to 120fps, allowing for slow motion. The sensor used is a CMOS manufactured by Sony, with a resolution of 12 megapixels, while the lens allows 300° rotation. Price: £249.99. BUY IT HERE

GARMIN / VIRB ULTRA 30
This top-of-the-line action-cam has an intuitive interface, is compact and waterproof. With touchscreen, it captures 4K/30fps video and thanks to G-Metrix technology, it detects data and integrates it in overlay to the video. It has a stabilizer and voice control allows you to start and stop recording or take a picture by speaking a command. Price: 429.99 euros. BUY IT HERE

POLAROID / CUBE+
The historic Polaroid brand also has its own action-cam, the Polaroid Cube+. Very compact, it has wi-fi (you can use, as in almost all models now, the screen of your tablet or smartphone as a remote display). It records in 1440p HD and has an 8mp camera. Price: from 178 euros. BUY IT HERE

SJCAM / SJ6 LEGEND
The special feature of this action cam is the presence of a dual display: the 2-inch touch screen at the back, which is large enough to allow you to control the camera directly. Added to this is also a 0.96-inch front display, so you can immediately see the action camera’s basic settings. Price: $159. BUY IT HERE

XIAOMI / YI 4K
The Xiaomi Yi 4K is based on the Ambarella A9SE processor, and is equipped with a Sony IMX377 sensor with f/2.8, and a maximum shooting angle of 155°. The action cam takes photos up to 12 megapixels, and video in 4K@30fps, but in full HD, even at ultra quality, it is capable of up to 120 fps. Price: from 205.15 euros. BUY IT HERE

SONY / AS 200 V
This action cam has interesting features: first, the Zeiss Tessar ultra-wide-angle lens that enables 170° panoramic shooting, then the SteadyShot stabilizer and the Exmor R CMOS sensor for low-noise shooting in dimly lit environments. Price: from 269.99. BUY IT HERE

The action-camera review we’ve brought you is from the new 2017 Accessories Special, the only real guide to outfitting your boat, from electronics to safety, systems to propulsion, sails to cleaning, and much, much more. Hundreds of products, cards, prices, focus of our experts to choose the best. You can find it as a supplement to the February issue of the Journal of Sailing or separate on newsstands for €4.90.

In addition you can purchase it:

• At Nauticplace.com, and you will receive it conveniently at home (4.90 euros + postage)
• In digital version for Apple and iOS devices
• In digital version for Android devices