On-board cameras give a new dimension to outdoor disciplines, and particularly to cycling! Now a must-have, action cams are an excellent way to capture your best memories and share your outings with friends and the whole world.
Today's manufacturers offer models that are perfectly compatible with use in difficult conditions. Even off-road, technologies such as integrated image stabilization and advanced wind noise reduction deliver spectacular results.
On-board camera features
- Image quality : definition in video and photo mode, number of frames per second, angle of view, sensitivity, lens precision, file compression
- Shooting aids : stabilization, shooting modes
- Protection against the elements : protective casing, waterproofing and shock resistance
- User comfort: autonomy, menu settings, screen, recording media, connections, connectivity
- Mounting systems: adhesive, clamps, clips
ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT ACTION CAMERAS
Image quality
Definition
Expressing the number of pixels contained in the final image, definition has evolved considerably in recent years. Full HD", which offers an image of 1920x1080 pixels, i.e. over 2 million pixels in total, is currently the most widely used standard, although 4K, which quadruples the number of pixels, is becoming increasingly popular. In addition to video, cameras also feature a photo mode with up to 12 million pixels. This definition enables images to be cropped or large-format prints to be produced without loss of quality.
Number of images per second
In cinema, the historical standard is 24 frames per second. For greater fluidity, digital camera manufacturers now offer 30 frames per second (fps), and sometimes even 60. This makes immersion even more real and gripping. Manufacturers have also worked hard on slow-motion functions. Some models can record hundreds of images per second, for incredible results: the more images recorded, the slower and more spectacular the slow motion.
Viewing angle
On-board cameras use very wide viewing angles, up to 170°, with several settings to choose from. This very open field of view means you don't miss any of the action, and you can include various elements in the frame, such as the bike's cockpit. The result: more immersion and depth. A wide angle of view also has the advantage of offering much better natural stabilization than a tight, telephoto focal length. Last but not least, it ensures perfect focus from the foreground to the background, without any elements being blurred.
Sensitivity
Action cameras are equipped with small sensors, designed for optimum image quality in daylight. When light levels drop, the gain can be increased, either automatically or manually, to preserve a well-exposed image.
Lens precision
Image quality depends not only on the digital sensor, but also on the quality of the lenses. Today's manufacturers use a variety of lens coatings, as well as highly precise machining processes, to guarantee the greatest possible sharpness...
File compression
Action cameras offer a range of options. Lightweight recording formats save space on the hard disk, while maintaining high quality. Raw formats require more storage space, but leave videographers, both professional and amateur, considerable latitude when it comes to post-processing: colors and contrast can be finely tuned.
Shooting aids
Stabilization
During your on-board shooting sessions, the many vibrations can spoil your images! Designers of action cameras sometimes use a very effective countermeasure: in-camera image stabilization. The result: a very stable, flawless film without the risk of making your viewers sick!
Shooting modes
Video, slow-motion video, still photos, burst photos, self-timer... Cameras offer you every possible recording mode.
Protection against the elements
Shock resistance
Action cameras are often supplied with a protective housing. This housing acts both as a mechanical barrier against shocks and scratches, and as a watertight seal for the camera. Some cameras are built directly from a resistant shell, and can make do with a lighter protective casing.
In any case, action cameras have the advantage of being compact, with very few fragile internal components. These internal components are assembled in such a way as not to move. The combination of light weight and external protection means that, in the event of impact, the forces applied are well absorbed and less likely to cause damage than in a conventional camera. In normal use, excluding violent shocks or drops from several meters, the cameras are extremely durable.
Waterproofing
It's not uncommon to find models certified water-resistant to -10 meters without a special housing.
User comfort
Autonomy
To save space and increase efficiency, manufacturers often offer specific batteries to power the camera. Autonomy depends on use (continuous video recording, for example, requires much more energy than still photos), but generally reaches several hours.
Menu settings
Small camera doesn't mean limited options! Everything can be configured: image format, shooting mode, color or contrast options, sound and light signals, etc. You can adapt the camera to your preferences, for intuitive operation.
Connectivity
Wifi or Bluetooth compatibility makes it easy to share files, configure and use the camera remotely, usually via the phone thanks to intuitive applications that more than compensate for the lack of a screen on the camera itself, sometimes with the aid of a remote control.
Recording media
Cameras usually shoot in .MOV or .MP4 format, and use SD or micro-SD cards to record this voluminous data. Class 10 cards are fast enough to handle Full HD or 4K video: the higher the writing speed indicated on the card (e.g. 90MB/s), the more likely you are to get smooth, complete recordings, without frame jumps or jerks.
Connections
Most cameras can be connected via a USB cable to a computer, to transfer images or recharge the battery. If an HDMI input is present, images can be viewed directly on a TV.
The display
Action cameras are small in size, and usually do without a display screen. This is not necessarily a bad thing: a screen consumes a lot of energy and reduces autonomy. A small black-and-white screen is most often used for settings.
On the other hand, a screen will be very useful if you regularly use your camera as a stills camera. Some models even feature a touch screen for super-intuitive operation.
Mounting systems
Without well-thought-out mounting elements, an action camera is useless!
Adhesive mounts
Easy to apply, they won't damage the support (like helmet paint) and offer excellent resistance. They also have the advantage of being very light and inexpensive, while being able to adapt to slightly curved shapes.
Clamp fasteners
To attach a camera to a handlebar or frame, a clamp system is an excellent solution. The camera doesn't move, and can even be mounted on a small articulated arm for precise framing.
Clip fasteners
When it's not possible to attach an adhesive, straps that close with a clip are an interesting alternative. On the same principle, a harness can be used to position the camera at torso level, offering interesting viewpoints.
Which camera to choose?
Rest assured: all cameras on the market today offer top-level image quality! Some will suit you better than others, depending on your needs, but the results are rarely disappointing.
To make the right choice, start by deciding where you'd like to mount the camera most often: on your helmet, your torso, your neck or your back. handlebars, bike frame or even the fork ? Cameras often come with a few basic attachments, such as adhesive patches, but make sure you can find the right mount for your handlebars, for example.
Depending on your discipline, size and weight can be particularly important. For road use, you'll want to choose the lightest possible model. Even when mounted on your helmetthe camera will be forgotten. For mountain biking and outings in difficult conditions, opt for sturdiness and the use of a waterproof protective case.
For off-road use, choose a model with image stabilization, to reduce or eliminate vibrations visible on the screen.
If your aim is to film entire outings, don't forget that the small size of action cameras means they can't carry large batteries. Autonomy is often limited to 2 or 3 hours! A second battery and/or a fast charger can therefore be very useful.
When it comes to memory, the same logic applies: Full HD or 4K video files are voluminous. Take several memory cards with you on long outings. Be careful, however, not to over-film, or you risk getting lost in the editing process, or ending up with a large number of uninteresting shots.
On average, a 64 GB memory card can store 6 to 8 hours of Full HD video. Spreading your recordings over several memory cards has another advantage: in the event of loss or failure of one of the cards, you won't have lost everything.
Whatever your ambitions as a videographer, choose a Full HD model as a minimum, with a frame rate of 60 fps for excellent fluidity.
Finally, if you're going to edit, you'll need specific software. Make sure that this software and your computer configuration are capable of reading and processing the video formats offered by the camera. Converting rushes before you start editing is a long, tedious and resource-hungry operation, even if manufacturers have greatly simplified this operation, thanks in particular to applications offering automatic editing, which is admittedly relatively basic, but which will enable you to spend more time on the bike than editing your videos!
