Action cameras are small, rugged, and compact digital cameras designed for capturing action while being immersed in it. [1]
Purpose and Features
The intended purpose of these cameras is what categorizes them rather than a dictated feature list. There aren't any defining guidelines that make a camera an action camera. Most, if not all action cameras include these features:
Small form factor
Lightweight
Wide Angle lens
Fixed lens and focal length
Ruggedized (or made ruggedized by special housing)
These features are generally considered standard for a cameras design with the intent of capturing action from the point of view of the person doing the action.
Jacky Lee wearing the HelmetCam
History of Action Cameras
One of the earliest photographs of a camera being used to record action from a first person point of view is a photo that was taken in 1965 of Denver Broncos quarterback Jacky Lee wearing a helmet cam design by Aerospace and Defense Company, General Dynamics.[2] First commercially made action camera was introduced by Woodman Labs. Later these cameras were known as the GoPro.
GoPro did not invent the first action camera but had major influence on the current development that is used today. Other early instances of this type of camera usage are seen in the 1986 Nissan USGP 500 World Championship, and Mark Shulze’s 1987 production, “The Great Mountain Biking Video”
In 1991, the World League of American Football began using helmet cameras installed into the inside of players’ helmets giving a perspective that most of us would never have the opportunity to see.[3]
use cases
major players (companies and individuals)
technological impact
social impact
looking to the future
Finding your Action Camera
There are many resources available to find the right action camera for your needs. Comparing things like cost, battery power, connectivity, and screen size, can be deal breakers, or makers for enthusiasts. With approximately 40 features to consider to improve the experience of using an action camera, part of the fun of using one is moving like it isn't even there. So features such as weight and sensors are important to consider depending on what your activity is. [4]
Sources
1. "Action Camera." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 12 Jan. 2017. Web. 16 Feb. 2017. 2. "Broncos Wore Helmet Cameras Long before GoPro Was Born." First-and-Orange. Web. 16 Feb. 2017. 3. "Helmet Camera." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 15 Jan. 2017. Web. 19 Feb. 2017. 4. "Ultimate Search Tool to Find the Right Action Camera For You." actioncamerafinder.com. Amazon Services LLC. Web. 15 June, 2017.
Action Cameras
Purpose and Features
The intended purpose of these cameras is what categorizes them rather than a dictated feature list. There aren't any defining guidelines that make a camera an action camera. Most, if not all action cameras include these features:- Small form factor
- Lightweight
- Wide Angle lens
- Fixed lens and focal length
- Ruggedized (or made ruggedized by special housing)
These features are generally considered standard for a cameras design with the intent of capturing action from the point of view of the person doing the action.
Jacky Lee wearing the HelmetCam
History of Action Cameras
One of the earliest photographs of a camera being used to record action from a first person point of view is a photo that was taken in 1965 of Denver Broncos quarterback Jacky Lee wearing a helmet cam design by Aerospace and Defense Company, General Dynamics.[2] First commercially made action camera was introduced by Woodman Labs. Later these cameras were known as the GoPro.16 must see GoPro Video Clips
GoPro did not invent the first action camera but had major influence on the current development that is used today. Other early instances of this type of camera usage are seen in the 1986 Nissan USGP 500 World Championship, and Mark Shulze’s 1987 production, “The Great Mountain Biking Video”
In 1991, the World League of American Football began using helmet cameras installed into the inside of players’ helmets giving a perspective that most of us would never have the opportunity to see.[3]
Finding your Action Camera
There are many resources available to find the right action camera for your needs. Comparing things like cost, battery power, connectivity, and screen size, can be deal breakers, or makers for enthusiasts. With approximately 40 features to consider to improve the experience of using an action camera, part of the fun of using one is moving like it isn't even there. So features such as weight and sensors are important to consider depending on what your activity is. [4]Sources
1. "Action Camera." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 12 Jan. 2017. Web. 16 Feb. 2017.
2. "Broncos Wore Helmet Cameras Long before GoPro Was Born." First-and-Orange. Web. 16 Feb. 2017.
3. "Helmet Camera." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 15 Jan. 2017. Web. 19 Feb. 2017.
4. "Ultimate Search Tool to Find the Right Action Camera For You." actioncamerafinder.com. Amazon Services LLC. Web. 15 June, 2017.