What Action Cam To Buy?

RosieMoto

RosieMoto

Wannabie Member
I'm currently using a rigged up camcorder on my helmet that's doing the job but doesn't have the wide angle or waterproof-ness of an actioncam. If you're curious how that looks, check me out on YouTube at RosieMoto (no spaces).

But my camcorder also has these quirks that just annoy me like how it has to split clips every 20 minutes, and will literally lose 5 seconds of video every time. It doesn't sound like much but I've already lost something out of it. I think it's time I get something more suitable now that I'm definitely serious about motovlogging. I find it fun and it makes me feel safe to have a camera on.

So I'm on a budget but looking for a action cam (around $100 or preferably less if possible) that can do at least some of these:
- Wide angle. Mine misses things I look at.
- Waterproof so I don't have to put it away when it rains.
- Mic input would be GREAT! But only if it can be configured for quiet so it doesn't distort.
- Some easy and fool proof way to start recording, like a remote control or something. Currently my camcorder makes me hold power button 2 seconds, wait 5 seconds, zoom out, hit record. Pain in the butt.
- At LEAST 2 hours of battery life. If extended battery is available to purchase that would be cool too.

If anyone has any suggestions, please!
 
Unfortunately I don't have a recommendation that fits your criteria. I just came in to say that that's quite the get-up you have going with your camcorder and audio recorder. Kudos for creativity!
 
There is always the sjcam sj4000 (make sure it's not the imposter). Great little camera that uses gopro mounts does everything you want...except the external mic. If you have any friends in the electronic world then they could open it up and solder a mic in to replace the internal mic. The cheap gopro is really close to that )$100 mark too. If you can squeeze a bit more out of the budget then the Sony action cams come into play. You can always check out pawn shops, beat em up over the price and can get some awesome deals there! I just had a friend pick up a Sony as20 for $70 with mounts at a pawn shop!
 
A dRift HD720 has most of those features. It's water resistant not waterproof, but it will survive spashes. Costs about $120 as it's a older model Drift. Wide angle lens will capture a wide field, but zoom is pretty lame on the Drift. No external mic, but like others an electronics guy can rig one up at the expense of the internal mic. Has a remote.

The Drift HD1080 is the one I have. Pretty much the same, except it can shoot in 1080 and has an external mic jack. It's $200, maybe $150 used.
 
Drift ghost hd or s, not waterproof but water resistant and easy setup with mic, batt easy last two hours
 
I found one for less than I expected. It's called Neewer sj4000. I managed to find one new for $41 (one of the dbpower sj4000 items on Amazon) but it would've taken a month to get here from China, and it just sounded too cheap to be true...?!

Anyway thank you for your replies!
 
No mic input, GoPro Hero, about $100-130 new.

Check out the Sony ASV range, the 15, 30 and 100. Can be got for under $140
 
SwissMotard said:
Check the serial number against the official SJ4000 database when it arrives.
Click to expand...

Good idea, I didn't know that existed, thank you. Is the Neewer SJ4000 already considered a non official one, or can there still be an official even though it's by Neewer?
 
GoPro fits all the criteria, I mean the Hero2. Awesome stuff. Probably have to get a used one but that would mean it will be cheaper.
 
I just got a hero3 for $250, it takes an external mic and works good. Could be better but for half price of the newest gopros its fine to start.
 
Hey Rusty, sorry to highjack the thread but what Mic do you use with your Sony? I'm having some issues with a lapel mic I noght from ebay which doesnt work in my AS30V!
 
BHBradley said:
Hey Rusty, sorry to highjack the thread but what Mic do you use with your Sony? I'm having some issues with a lapel mic I noght from ebay which doesnt work in my AS30V!
Click to expand...
sorry about the delay I was away from the forum for a few days. regardless I used the Audiotechnica 3350 Lapel Mic for a while, but that died so I went to ebay and got one of these
Electret Condenser Stereo Microphone
ECM-CS3

Now I don't use it in my Action Camera anymore because it is a 90 degree plug and didn't work with my case mod, but I use it with my Trascam DR-40, Review coming soon
 
Rusty said:
sorry about the delay I was away from the forum for a few days. regardless I used the Audiotechnica 3350 Lapel Mic for a while, but that died so I went to ebay and got one of these
Electret Condenser Stereo Microphone
ECM-CS3

Now I don't use it in my Action Camera anymore because it is a 90 degree plug and didn't work with my case mod, but I use it with my Trascam DR-40, Review coming soon
Click to expand...
Great thanks Rusty - I picked up a lapel mic off Ebay for £3 and I've just given it a test run and it worked a treat! Will be uploading the results soon!
 
Don't be upset with a small camera. Don't try to do some economy.
My advice, GoPro 3+ minimum or 4.
I didn't try the other brands, but I love my GoPro 4Black, amazing results.
 
Macaron said:
Don't be upset with a small camera. Don't try to do some economy.
My advice, GoPro 3+ minimum or 4.
I didn't try the other brands, but I love my GoPro 4Black, amazing results.
Click to expand...

Totally agree a good camera will get you so much further then a cheap camera, same with audio.
 
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