.svg)
Things to Consider When Buying the Best Snowboard Camera
Video and Image Quality
The primary function of your action camera is to provide high-quality images and videos of your snowboarding journey. Since, for the most part, you will be going on a high-speed with twists and turns, you need a camera that can capture all that flawlessly. For videos, it is recommended to get a 4k resolution camera with at least 60 fps. Other options are a 1080p or 1440p action camera.
Similarly, make sure the camera offers larger sensors for images, such as 12-20 MP. The larger the sensor, the higher the resolution. But keep in mind that high-quality cameras require a huge amount of memory.
Battery Life
Battery life is a crucial aspect of an action camera. As you won’t be able to charge the batteries in the middle of the mountains, you need a camera that offers a long-lasting battery. Unfortunately, action cameras lack in this department. They quickly lose their battery and run for 1.5 hours max. Thus, it is recommended to pack extra batteries for your snowboarding trip.
WiFi and Bluetooth Compatibility
Many action cameras now have WiFi and Bluetooth functionality. This is a great option for snowboarding bloggers or people who want to share their skiing or snowboarding journey on social media instantly. With the WiFi feature, users can live stream, connect their camera to a phone or computer to preview images and videos, or directly upload their videos on social media platforms.
A Bluetooth feature has limited functionalities and is mostly used to start and stop your camera between takes. These features reduce the hassle of plugging in the camera, uploading the images on a computer, and previewing and publishing them.
Mount Type
Action cameras come with a range of accessories; among them, mount type is the most important. Since your hands won’t be available to hold the camera for you, you need to decide which mount type you are looking for. Many cameras can attach to your helmet, while others on your body. The helmet view looks amazing as people get a first-person perspective.
If your camera doesn’t allow you to do so, you can buy a separate mount or attachment piece.
Ruggedness
Another commonly attractive feature that you need to look for when buying the best snowboard cameras is ruggedness or sturdiness. As mentioned before, the snowboarding and skiing terrains are rough, and you will fall once, twice, or many times during the whole recording process. Thus, you need a camera that can take a hit. For this, cameras have rubber frames that help them absorb shock and keep them steady during snowboarding.
Moreover, your camera will also be exposed to lower temperatures. Thus, before buying, see its working temperature and check its ruggedness.
Accessories
There are other accessories that come with the camera or some you buy separately if your camera doesn’t have that functionality. For example, mounts, straps, and cases can greatly impact how your camera will be used, how to take care of it, and much more.
Waterproof
Waterproof cameras are a must-have for snowboarding trips. If you are already investing so much money in an action camera, having an additional protective feature is worth the added expense. Waterproof cameras stay functional if it starts snowing or your camera falls.
Nowadays, action cameras are fully waterproof and can be submerged 30 to 50 feet underwater without any housing. Thus, go for a completely waterproof camera, so your investment is safe and secure no matter the weather conditions.
Besides this, you also need to watch the size of the cameras. Professional snowboarders and skiers prefer compact cameras that are easy to carry and don’t have a lot of weight, so they can be easily mounted. Now that you know the must-have features you need to look for when buying the best snowboard cameras, let’s discuss the cameras now.
7 Best Snowboard Cameras
GoPro Max
The GoPro Max is a powerful and feature-filled 3-in-1 camera that enables you to create hero-style videos, vlog using the shotgun mic and front-facing screen, or create a 360-degree video in 6K4. The HERO mode enables you to live stream videos in 1080p on Facebook live, YouTube, and more. It also offers horizon leveling to stabilize your video, even if you are running or jumping.
The camera consists of 4 lenses; distortion-free linear, narrow, wide, and Max SuperView, their widest view yet. The GoPro Max HyperSmooth feature makes sure your camera is stabilized even on rough terrains.
Features
The camera has 12 voice control commands that you can use, such as start recording, stop recording, etc.
- You can capture 270-degrees panoramic shots.
- You can capture 360-degrees GoPro images as well.
- The camera has 6 mics to record the audio in 360-degree and bring your video to life.
Specs
Weight: 5.4 ounces
Battery life: (3.8 stars)
Waterproof: Yes
Sony FDRX3000
The Sony FDRX300 Action Cam offers 4k high-resolution videos and steady action to capture your snowboarding adventures flawlessly. It is one of the best snowboard cameras available. The camera has a rugged design that makes it ideal for rough terrain. Moreover, the Balanced Optical SteadyShot feature with the ZEISS lens offers ultimate image stabilization.
The camera can be attached to a tripod and has a built-in GPS that adds the location and speed on your video, making it more captivating. The camera body is built to last; it is splashproof and freezeproof. The waterproof housing works well underwater and is dustproof as well.
Features
- Built-in stereo captures the sound perfectly. It also has a mic jack for an external microphone.
- WiFi, Bluetooth, GPS, and NFC compatible.
- The Motion Shot enables you to capture an entire action sequence where you can change the fps settings from 10, 5, and 2.
- The optional Live-View Remote enables users to stream a live preview and control its settings.
Specs
Weight: 4.1 ounces
Battery life: (3.8 stars)
Waterproof: Yes
GoPro Hero 8
Benefit from multiple lenses, horizontal leveling, HyperSmooth 2.0, and much more with the GoPro Hero 8 snowboarding camera. The GoPro Hero 8 is designed to be compact and lightweight, so it can be handled easily and fit in your pocket. The HyperSmooth 2.0 feature now gives you 3 levels of horizontal stabilization; On, High, and Boost.
Moreover, the camera has multiple accessories for vloggers and creators, such as flashes, LCD screens, and microphones that are quick loading and easy to use. It has 4 types of lenses; narrow, wide, distortion-free linear, and SuperView; thus, you can choose your desired setting.
Features
The SuperPhoto feature enables you to take the perfect image by reducing the blur and kicking up the contrast and shredding.
- You can slow the video down or speed it up with automatic speed selection.
- You can live stream on social media platforms in 1080p.
- You can create time-lapse videos at night as well.
Specs
Weight: 4.3 ounces
Battery life: (3 stars)
Waterproof: Yes (up to 33+ feet underwater)
AKASO EK7000 Pro
For unparalleled clarity and quality, opt for AKASO EK7000 Pro. The camera enables you to record videos at 1080p/60fps, 2.7K/30fps, 4K/25fps, and images at 16MP. The camera is compact and extremely tiny and consists of a 2-inch touch screen with an IPS display that enables you to preview the recordings and change the settings on the go.
Even if your camera falls in the snow, you don’t have to worry. The camera can dive deep into 131 feet of water. The Electronic Image Stabilization feature makes sure to capture smooth and steady videos even on rough terrain. The camera also comes with many mounting accessories and a USB dual charger.
Features
- It also has a wireless remote control wrist-wear that enables you to operate the camera while snowboarding and skiing.
- It can be used as a dashcam, loop recording, and upside-down action.
- The built-in WiFi enables you to connect your tablet or phone to the action camera and preview and upload images instantly.
- You can create time-lapse photos and videos.
Specs
Weight: 2.15 ounces
Battery life: (3.8 stars)
Waterproof: Yes, but the remote control is not waterproof.
OLYMPUS Tough TG-6
Built to endure any temperature, the OLYMPUS Tough TG-6 is one of the best snowboard cameras to capture your adventure. It lets you shoot videos in 4k resolution. The macrosystem consists of 4 macro shooting modes that you can choose according to your preference.
It also has features like 8x zoom capability, F2.0 lens, CMOS image sensor, and much more. It is also waterproof, and you can easily shoot underwater with the 5 underwater shooting modes available to balance out the glare.
Features
- 3 white balance modes are available to capture images as close as 1cm from your camera.
- It is waterproof, freezeproof, dustproof, shockproof, and crushproof.
- It is very easy to use and good for beginners.
- Compact, lightweight, and built to last.
Specs
Weight: 8.96 ounces
Battery life: (4 stars)
Waterproof: Yes
YI 4K+
The YI 4K+ is one of the best snowboard cameras available in the market. It enables you to record videos in 4K resolution at 60fps. It also has a built-in EIS that captures videos in 4K/30fps without having to use high-end stabilizers and doing extensive editing. It is the perfect action camera for vloggers or professional filmmakers as it provides live streaming functionality.
You can also capture amazing images with this camera. It comes with a built-in Sony IMX377 image sensor that takes 12 MP high-resolution photos and has 4 different photo modes available. It also has a touch screen option and has an easy-to-use interface that is quick to get the hang of.
Features
- Aside from live streaming, it also has features like voice control, RAW image, and more.
- Bluetooth compatibility.
- The built-in EIS enables you to capture smooth and steady videos even on rough terrain.
- Built-in touch display available.
Specs
Weight: 3.2 ounces
Battery life: (4 stars)
Waterproof: No
Kodak PIXPRO SP360
The KODAK PIXPRO is unlike anything you have experienced before. Now capture 360-degree photos and videos without using multiple cameras. Instead of a CMOS or CCD sensor, the camera is equipped with a MOS sensor with 16 million MP that ensures that the video's quality, clarity, and speed are not affected. It is one of the best snowboard cameras available, and it is shockproof, dustproof, freezeproof, and splash-resistant.
It is an extremely versatile camera, and you can use different modes to create loop recordings, time-lapse videos, or movies. It also has multiple viewing modes like the 180-degree front, 360-degree panorama, globe, ring, and dome.
Features
- It has WiFi and NFC connectivity that enables you to use the Pixar remote viewer app to operate the camera.
- Captures video in 1080p HD and images at 10fps.
- Live stream to Facebook Live and YouTube.
- Free PIXPRO Desktop editing software for Mac and PC’s.
- The extreme accessory pack consists of waterproof housing, bar mount, helmet, head strap, and much more.
Specs
Weight: 3.68 ounces
Battery life: (4 stars)
Waterproof: water-resistant. Requires housing to become waterproof.
Now that you know the best snowboard cameras available to capture your adventure in exquisite details and colors, you can make a well-informed decision and not make the mistake of choosing a camera that lacks the essential features that you may need.
The important characteristics of an action camera include longer battery life, multiple accessories, waterproof and freezeproof capability, and multiple modes and angle settings so you can create different types of videos and capture images all from a single camera.
Since action cameras are not cheap, it is important that you list down the features you are looking for and choose accordingly. You want a camera that is compact, durable, and strong. We hope this article helped!
