You can actually film with anything you want nowadays. But nowadays, smart mobile phones dominate the industry. Due to them, few people buy traditional handheld cameras anymore. Mobile phones, even the cheapest versions, can do the same, often even better quality.
Of course, those who want high-resolution and perfect quality images have to count on higher costs. However, for the money you get a multifunctional device, which can record more or less anything as a bonus. However, this is not always recommended.
A mobile phone is a relatively expensive and usually quite delicate device, which is often at risk of destruction even if dropped from a small height. Therefore, it is not recommended to use it to record, for example, your experiences of cycling, skydiving or diving. Special outdoor cameras are used for this purpose.
Durability Is Essential
As mentioned above, mobile phones are quite fragile, so it's not wise to do doggy stuff with them. After all, they could easily break.
Ultimately, even outdoor cameras aren't indestructible, but they are still far tougher.
Even basic models are usually protected against dust particles entering more sensitive areas and can withstand any impact. Most versions can even work underwater, albeit at low depths.
Those who want to shoot in the murky depths will have to get a special camera designed for this purpose.
Interesting Features
Even the cheapest outdoor cameras have a certain level of protection. However, there are a number of other features and functions that not all types have.
- Image stabilization - since the camera is usually in motion during the action, the image stabilization feature is quite essential. Without it, the result would look awkward to say the least. Fortunately, most of the better outdoor cameras today have some form of image stabilization.
- Wide angle - action cameras lack optical zoom (digital cameras often do), as well as a focusing function. They make up for this to some extent with a wide angle of view, but this can distort the image. Better cameras, however, have a Linear function that can eliminate any possible ailments.
- Voice control - voice control is a specialty of some outdoor cameras. In some moments, this is the most convenient way to turn on or stop recording. Sometimes one simply does not have the possibility to control the device using the display or a connected mobile phone.
FAQ
Are outdoor cameras still useful when phones can film?
Yes, for action sports. A phone is fragile and can break even when dropped from a small height, while outdoor cameras are far tougher and can be attached to a helmet, bike or body.
Can outdoor cameras film underwater?
Most versions can, but only at low depths. Anyone who wants to shoot in the depths needs a special camera designed for that purpose.
Why do action cameras have a wide-angle lens?
They lack optical zoom and a focusing function, and the wide angle of view makes up for it. It can distort the image, but better cameras have a Linear function that eliminates this.
Why does an outdoor camera need image stabilization?
Because the camera is usually in motion during the action. Without stabilization the result would look awkward, and most of the better outdoor cameras have some form of it.
A Useful Addition
Of course, outdoor cameras can be used more or less everywhere that you can film with your mobile phone. Unlike a phone, however, they can easily be attached to a helmet, bike or directly to the body. They are much more compact and also more durable. Therefore, they can withstand a heavier stress.
Those who want to record, for example, skiing from their own point of view, will definitely achieve much better results with an outdoor camera than with a classic camera or even a phone.
