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This article was taken from the February 2014 issue of Wired magazine. Be the first to read Wired's articles in print before they're posted online, and get your hands on loads of additional content by subscribing online.
How we tested
Wired took to the plains and ponds of London's Epping Forest to see just how versatile our action cams could be away from skate parks and ski resorts. With even budget smartphones capable of capturing high-definition video, action cams need to offer much more than a waterproof casing and helmet mount. So, swapping surfboards and mountain bikes for a dog and a host of radio-controlled vehicles, wired set about to discover which offers the best in all-activity performance.
This action-cam stalwart recently picked up an Emmy for its contributions to cinematography -- and no camera here can match GoPro's latest, the HERO3+, for image quality from 4K to 720p 120fps slow-motion. This model is 20 per cent smaller and lighter than its predecessor, adding a new SuperView wide-angle mode to cram in even more action.
Wired: Best images in test; Wi-Fi control
Tired: Interface; price
Cost: £359.99
Specifications:
Max resolution
1,440p
Battery life
2hrs max
Weight
74g (136g in casing)
Field of view
170 degrees
Mounts included
four
Extras available
18
Twsted with
Carrera RC Power Wave Boat, The Hobby Company, £130.
Waterproof (to 15m) without needing extra casing, controllable by Wi-Fi app and built tough, this all-in-one is a viable alternative to the HERO3+. However, despite its wonderfully smooth 1,080p/60fps recording, images were dingy in less-than-perfect light. The Air Pro 3 has a huge variety of add-on accessories, though some use ball-and-socket joints, which can work loose if bumped around. Its controls are nice and simple, but you will need a computer to adjust more than just the basics.
Wired: Image quality; plentiful accessories; all-in-one design
Tired: Mounting system; price
Cost: £349.99
Specifications
Max resolution
1080p/60fps
Battery life
2.5hrs
Weight
130g
Field of view
160 degrees
Mounts included
four
Extras available
13
Tested with
Tamiya 24G Midnight Pumpkin truck, The Hobby Company, £134.
ATC Chameleon Dual Lens Action Video Camera
With front and rear cameras, each one adjustable by 180 degrees, the ATC can create split-screen videos -- good for insurance-savvy cyclists who want all angles covered. Image and build quality are noticably "budget", though, and the accessories are scant.
Wired: Dual cameras
Tired: Inferior image
Cost: £129.99
Specifications
Max resolution
1,080p (720p per lens)
Battery life
2hrs
Weight
129g
Field of view
170 degrees (both lenses)
Mounts included
one
Extras available
five
Tested with
Carrera RC Mario Kart 7, The Hobby Company, £59.99
A triumph of value and versatility, the MUVI can't match the pro chops of the GoPro or iON, but its remote control, 8GB microSD card and built-in 1.5-inch LCD make it ideal for the "extreme" amateur.
The 960p recording mode offers a decent "fisheye" effect, and it's the only camera here light enough to fly on the AR Drone.
Wired: Versatile; great value; excellent battery life
Tired: Flimsy build; confusing menu; upright mounting
Cost: £219.95
Specifications
Max resolution
1080p/30fps
Battery life
3hrs
Weight
81g w/o case
Field of view
170 degrees
Mounts included
six
Extras available
17
Tested with
AR Drone 2.0, £299
Sony's cam may look svelte, but it can't be mounted unless it's inside its waterproof case - adding bulk and locking you out of changing the settings except via Wi-Fi and its app - and we struggled with in-case condensation during testing. The image stabilisation works well but picture quality is lacking overall and bundled accessories are few.
Wired: Wi-Fi; image stabilisation
Tired: Bulky casing
Cost: £219
Specifications
Max resolution
1080p/60fps
Battery life
2.24hrs
Weight
90g w/o case
Field of view
120/170 degrees
Mounts included
one
Extras available
15
Tested with
A friendly pooch, wearing a Sony AKA-DM1 mount, £36.
This article was originally published by WIRED UK
