Camera for extreme shooting. What to take into orbit? The best cameras for extreme recreation and tourism

Super stabilization, video quality and ergonomics

The new model received an improved HyperSmooth 2.0 image stabilization system. The camera can shoot in 4K resolution at 60 frames per second and Full HD at 240 frames per second. The TimeWarp 2.0 video acceleration function has been improved - it is now possible to adjust the speed and set the focus on the object. A new “feature” has also been added - a kind of analogue of “live photos” from Apple called LiveBurst. The company's engineers have slightly improved the design of the camera itself - now the mount is built into the body. The camera went on sale on October 15 at a price of about 35,000 rudders, and in Russia the start of sales is scheduled for the end of October.

An updated set of accessories is also interesting - a Media Mod case, the cost of which is 5,500 rubles. It has a built-in microphone, a set of mounts for attaching other accessories such as a flash and an external screen, which will be useful for vloggers.

Advantages

Waterproof case
Shooting in 4K at 60 fps
Excellent image quality day and night

disadvantages

2 GoPro HERO 7 Black

High video quality, perfect stabilization for Full HD and reliability

The company does not save on ergonomics or on the quality of shooting - the camera shoots video in honest 4K at extreme settings and takes photos at a resolution of 12 megapixels. And although action cameras are initially not very good at photography, sometimes this feature can help out. HERO 7 Black is also in full order with video shooting in low light - you can safely go on a night video hunt. The interface is very fast, there are no lags and delays, like more budgetary colleagues. The price for this model has decreased (after the release of the G8) to 29,000 rubles, so we can assume that this device has almost no minuses.

Advantages

Water-resistant and without aquabox case (up to 10 m)
Shooting 4K at 60 fps
Good video quality at night

disadvantages

No stabilization in 4K 60 fps
A little autonomy when shooting in the very high resolution

3

Great stabilizer performancehighshooting quality

This still unreplaceable model from Sony differs significantly in design from the entire family of action cameras - it has an elongated shape, as if a film cassette is still inserted into it. But on the other hand, it is very comfortable to hold it in your hand and even fix it on the side of the helmet. The device is considered one of the best in its class: it is worth a lot to shoot gorgeous video in 4K resolution in any light. At the same time, there is unsurpassed optical stabilization, while competitors are already using electronic stabilization to the fullest. The kit comes with an aquabox, in which the camera becomes almost indestructible, and a remote control - it is convenient to mount it on your hand, like a watch, to monitor the progress of the shooting. Of the minuses - the high price and monochrome display, which is terribly blind in the sun.

Advantages

High-definition shooting in any light
Good job of optical stabilization
Aquabox and remote control included

disadvantages

Monochrome and non-touch display

4

Budget option for shooting in 4K

Xiaomi's subsidiary brand offers crisp 4K videos at 30 fps using a sensor from Sony. So this is no longer just another Chinese toy, but quite a serious tool with good autonomy. Yes, the camera allows you to shoot at maximum settings for 2 hours, and this is with the standard 1.5 hours of work from competitors.

There is stabilization here, but only electronic - a compromise in favor of a low price. Another compromise is more than a poor set of accessories, which are simply not here. But if you wish, you can buy almost any thanks to the universal mounting socket.

To manage settings and watch videos, there is a high-quality touch screen. There are a lot of settings and modes, you can also edit the already captured directly in the application or turn off all sounds and indicators to conduct covert shooting.

Advantages

High-Resolution 4K Recording
Touchscreen
functional mobile app for iOS and Android

disadvantages

Poor equipment - no mounts and aquabox
Medium quality microphone

5 DJI Osmo Action

A complete set for pros shooting video and photos

This camera can be a great alternative to the leaders of this rating, while it offers very detailed settings not only for video, but also for photos. In addition to the fact that the case is water resistant to a depth of 11 m, it is protected from shock and low temperatures. But the viewing angle in this model is not as large as we would like - 145 degrees. 4K video recording with stabilizer is supported.

One of the features is the presence of a second screen that allows you to control the plan when taking a selfie. If desired, the camera can be used as a DVR - the loop recording mode is also available.

Advantages

Color display on the front
Universal tripod socket (accessories from other manufacturers are suitable)
Excellent stabilization

disadvantages

When stabilization is turned on, the viewing angle decreases.

6 ThiEYE T5 Edge

High quality 4K footage and excellent stabilization

This ThiEYE T5 Edge camera belongs to the mid-budget devices aimed at those users who would like to have a high-quality video camera with amazing stabilization in their arsenal for occasional field trips, but for little money. On Aliexpress, it can be ordered for about 7,000 rubles. This model allows you to shoot video in 4K (without stabilization) and 2K with stabilization, while the kit already comes with an aquabox and various mounts. 170 degree wide viewing angle and high quality pictures in the daytime and cloudy weather guarantee the pleasure of the received videos. On a single battery charge, the camera can operate for approximately 90 minutes. If necessary, you can buy a spare battery (about 600 rubles), or you can use a power bank and shoot from it at least all day. The camera does not overheat and has software support from the manufacturer.

The camera body has a built-in socket for standard mounting on tripods and selfie sticks. It is worth noting the very good sound recording quality, which is a rarity for budget models.

Summer is coming and it's time for holidays. Many today prefer to spend it on tourist trips, on tours to new cities and countries, at resorts or on extreme trips to wildlife. So that in the end such a vacation does not remain only a series of personal memories, modern vacationers without fail take digital camera- so that the pictures taken for many years to come will allow again and again to be on the warm islands, on the streets of European cities or in the mountains of the Pamirs or the Alps.

What to take into orbit? The best cameras for extreme recreation and tourism. ZOOM selection

Since there is no formal class of "tourist" cameras, many traveling vacationers are guided by their own ideas and capabilities in choosing a particular model. As a result, you can see vacationers "armed" with a variety of equipment: compact cameras, designer samples, SLR and mirrorless devices, and so on.

Having chosen a place of rest - choose the right camera for the road!

Of course, in our material we cannot - and do not want to - cover all the diversity presented in travel. Therefore, we identified several main characteristics that the models chosen as the best should have corresponded to.

Selection criteria

However, at the beginning we decided that when we talk about holiday tourism, we should keep in mind two different styles of holiday: traditional and extreme. The latter included trips to the mountains, to places with an uncomfortable climate for people and equipment, to marshy, desert, and arctic territories. This also includes tourism for diving.

For extreme tourism, the most suitable photographic equipment are special cameras with body protection. It provides moisture and water resistance, dust resistance, insensitivity of the device electronics to shocks, pressure drops, heating in the sun and the influence of low temperatures. In addition, when choosing the best representatives of rugged cameras, we focused on compactness and without fail checked the models for the presence of a built-in GPS signal receiver. We explained the first requirement by the fact that extreme tourists (namely tourists, not photographers and not amateur photographers who got on the expedition) have an impressive load, where there is no place for bulky cameras. The second is a certain uniformity of the material filmed in extreme conditions, the cataloging of which is difficult without geolocation information.

Nikon Coolpix AW110

Of all the four body colors presented, the Nikon Coolpix AW110 looks the most advantageous in khaki camouflage. So the camera looks like a real military device, which in fact it is.

The protective performance of the camera is impressive: the body of the Nikon Coolpix AW110 protects electronic components models from water penetration at a depth of up to 18 meters, from falls from a height of up to 2 meters, from frost to -10 degrees Celsius, from shock, pressure (compression) and dust. In all of the above conditions, Nikon Coolpix AW110 is not only able to properly perform the functions of a camera, but also be an electronic compass, barometer, altimeter, depth gauge. The built-in GPS module allows you to record geopositioning data in the system information of the image, and also works as a navigator in conjunction with the world map preinstalled in the firmware of the device.

Nikon Coolpix AW110

Ergonomics Nikon controls Coolpix AW110 is also optimized for extreme conditions. So that a person can use the functionality of the camera without removing gloves, a gyroscope is built into the case, which catches the shaking of the camera up and down and left and right and translates these gestures into cursor movements through the menu system. In addition, all the main mechanical control buttons are oversized.

Among the additional advantages of the model, we can mention the presence of a built-in Wi-Fi module, an image stabilizer and an HDMI port.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS5

Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS5 is not just a camera for extreme tourism, but a whole complex that can greatly facilitate life in conditions of reduced comfort. In the body of the model, in addition to the necessary photographic components, there is a compass, barometer, altimeter - all with the ability to maintain a log of indicators.

The protective functions of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS5 case allow the device not to be afraid of falling from a height of 2 meters, not to pay attention to temperatures down to -10 degrees, to dive into water to a depth of 13 meters and be subjected to pressure at the level of 100 kilograms. In addition, the housing is dustproof in accordance with IPX8 and IP6X standards.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS5

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS5 is the first rugged body camera in the history of the manufacturer to use Wi-Fi and NFC wireless data transmission technologies, so that footage can be transferred without “depressurization”. Besides, wireless connection allows you to control the machine with devices on operating systems Android and iOS.

As a Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS5 camcorder, you can shoot videos in Full HD resolution at 60 frames per second with progressive scan. As an aid in taking photos and videos, the device has a Power O.I.S image stabilizer. The maximum continuous shooting speed is 7 frames per second.

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-TX200V

The minimalistic design of the ultra-compact Sony Cyber-shot DSC-TX200V does not fit in with the appearance of a traditional camera with a protective case. Nevertheless, this model is not afraid of dust and can be a good choice for underwater shooting at a depth of up to 5 meters.

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-TX200V

With this camera, Sony's first goal was to create a high-tech miniature photography device, the owner of which can easily move from one point of the world to another - without fear or intimidation. external environment, nor the possibility of being with a strange-looking apparatus in a crowd of "cultural" tourists. The result is the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-TX200V one of the most versatile cameras available for the holiday season.

The technological advantages of the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-TX200V include a large (3-inch diagonal) touch screen, the ability to record video in Full HD resolution at 60 frames per second with progressive scan, the presence of automatic panorama photography modes (normal and 3D ). We also note that the speed of continuous photography of the device is 10 frames per second.

Pentax WG-3 GPS

If the degree of protection of cameras directly depended on the design and appearance, Pentax WG-3 GPS would become just an "indestructible" model - its body looks so brutal and cheerful.

However, the apparatus really does not experience a lack of strength: the camera can withstand immersion in water to a depth of 14 meters, a fall from two meters, freezing to a mark of -10 degrees Celsius. Also, Pentax WG-3 GPS is not sensitive to dust penetration and pressure (impact) at the level of 100 kilogram-force.

Pentax WG-3 GPS

Despite these impressive specs and the camera's built-in compass, the Pentax WG-3 GPS's design focuses on photographic capabilities. To do this, the camera uses rather “bright” optics with aperture from F / 2, the lens is able to focus at a distance of 1 centimeter from the front lens, and six micro-flashes from LED elements are installed around its shaft. The model also has a traditional built-in flash.

Other advantages of the camera include the presence of an image stabilization system, support for Qi wireless charging technology and the ability to shoot videos at 120 frames per second.

Olympus Tough TG-2iHS

To date, Olympus Tough TG-2 iHS can be confidently considered one of the best cameras designed for extreme tourism. This model competently combines good photographic capabilities, a high degree of body protection and a rather attractive design.

Olympus Tough TG-2iHS

As for protection, this device has at least a little, but it surpasses the protection of competing cameras: immersion in water of the Olympus Tough TG-2 iHS can withstand up to a depth of 15 meters, it is not afraid of falling up to a height of 2 meters 10 centimeters, weather disasters do not affect electronics models to a cooling point of -10 degrees Celsius. The dustproof measurement of the Olympus Tough TG-2 iHS has not been numerically evaluated - but it is sufficient, but the impact pressure that the cases can withstand is 100 kilograms-force.

In terms of design, the Olympus Tough TG-2 iHS attracts not only with the harmonious lines of the case and its colors (classic combinations of red and black), but also with an excellent display on a 3-inch OLED matrix.

The assessment of the photographic potential of the camera can begin with the designation of the lens aperture, which is equal to F / 2. We should also mention the possibility of operating the device in a semi-automatic mode with adjustable aperture and sensitivity, and the presence of a lens mount for a branded teleconverter.

The best cameras for extreme tourism

Model The matrix Lens Advantages Cost, rubles
Nikon Coolpix AW110

1/2.3"" (6.17 by 4.55mm)

16.0 MPs (4608x3456)

28-140 mm EGF

  • Good case protection
  • Rich additional functionality
  • Optimized for gloved operation
  • Availability of Wi-Fi module
  • Image stabilizer
12 thousand
Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS5

1/2.33"" (6.08 by 4.56 mm)

16.1 MPs (4608x3456)

28-128 mm EGF

  • Good case protection
  • Availability Wi-Fi modules and NFC
  • Compatible with Android and iOS devices
  • Video recording 1920@60p
  • Image stabilizer
15 thousand
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-TX200V

1/2.3"" (6.17 by 4.55mm)

18.2 MPs (4896x3672)

28-140 mm EGF

  • Great design
  • Enclosure protection against water ingress
  • Video recording 1920@60p
  • Image stabilizer
  • High speed burst photography
  • Ability to shoot panoramas in 3D
17 thousand
Pentax WG-3 GPS

1/2.3"" (6.17 by 4.55mm)

16.0 MPs (4608x3456)

25-100 mm EGF

  • original design
  • Good case protection
  • Reprogrammable control
  • Aperture optics from F / 2
  • Image stabilizer
  • Wireless charging technology
  • Video recording at 120 frames per second
  • Six LED flashes for macro photography
15 thousand
Olympus Tough TG-2iHS

1/2.3"" (6.17 by 4.55mm)

12.0 MPs (3968x2976)

25-100 mm EGF

  • Good case protection
  • Built-in pressure sensor and compass
  • Aperture optics from F / 2
  • Image stabilizer
  • Macro assist modes
  • Mount for teleconverter
  • Photographing at 60 fps (3 MPs)
17 thousand

website

For traditional tourism, cameras with a wide range of focal lengths are well suited. These are the models we were looking for. the best examples. It took into account the quality of the optics, the quality of the final images, the possibility of video recording in Full HD and the overall functionality of the device. Cameras with minimum values ​​at the lower end of the range of focal lengths were also a priority - when traveling through European cities saturated with architecture, the widest possible angle of photography is very important. As for the built-in GPS signal receiver and the dimensions of the device, these characteristics were not hard-coded. Nevertheless, the presence of GPS was welcomed, and we tried to equalize the rather serious (by road standards) dimensions of the selected models by mentioning more compact alternatives from the same manufacturer.

Nikon Coolpix P520

(Alternative compact version - Nikon Coolpix S9500)

The Nikon Coolpix P520 is a good "vacation" ultrasound that tries to minimally (compared to competitors on the market) affect the budget of your trip.

In general, studying the characteristics of this model, you cannot get rid of the idea that the manufacturer, releasing the Nikon Coolpix P520, had tourists in mind as the target audience.

No, this does not apply to dimensions. They at the camera are quite standard for their class: 12.5 by 8.4 by 10.2 centimeters with a weight of 550 grams. It's about achieving good ratio price and functionality. Having abandoned some of the features (connector for an external flash, shooting in RAW format), Nikon has invested in the Nikon Coolpix P520 some extremely useful options.

Nikon Coolpix P520

Among them - the presence of a GPS signal receiver, an excellent freely rotating display with a diagonal of 3.2 inches and a resolution of 921 kilopixels, the ability to connect a Wi-Fi module.

The Nikon Coolpix P520 is also capable of shooting Full HD video at up to 60 frames per second in progressive scan, burst photography at 7 frames per second, and automatic panorama and 180-degree panoramas. The device has an automatic mode for shooting shots with a high dynamic range (HDR) - which is very important on sunny beaches and city streets. Finally, the focusing system of the model is optimized for macro mode and allows the camera to focus on objects that are at a distance of 1 centimeter from the front lens.

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX300

(Alternative compact version - Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX50V)

It can be seen that when creating this tourist ultrazoom, the manufacturer was ready to make sacrifices in functionality for the sake of the highest possible shooting quality. As a result, the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX300 really has an outstanding picture for its characteristics. And this is a transfocal lens with a fifty-fold difference in the range of focal lengths and aperture from F / 2.8 and a 1 / 2.3 '' matrix with a resolution of 20.4 megapixels.

Of course, it is not possible to achieve the maximum result at any level of ISO sensitivity. However, the available range from 100 to 12800 units is more than half usable. At least up to the ISO 3200 mark - for sure.

The camera does a good job of shooting videos. Full HD resolution is available at up to 60 frames per second in progressive scan.

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX300

Traditionally for Sony products, the camera pleases with the presence of a large number of automatic modes - including the proprietary panoramic iSweep.

The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX300 has a burst shooting speed of 10 frames per second. The model demonstrates more than impressive turn-on speed and fast autofocus performance.

As for the victims, when designing the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX300, they touched on the connector for external flashes, the ability to record frames in RAW format, the presence of GPS and Wi-Fi modules, as well as the limited freedom of the information display mounting mechanism.

Canon PowerShot SX50HS

(Alternative compact version - Canon PowerShot SX280 HS)

Last year, the Canon PowerShot SX50 HS became the first ultrazoom camera to break the fifty-fold difference between the minimum and maximum focal lengths available to a camera lens. Although there are currently three such models on the market, the Canon PowerShot SX50 HS remains Canon's most advanced ultrasonic.

The undoubted advantages of the device include a good 1 / 2.3 '' sensor that is not overloaded with pixels. Thanks to the moderation of the designers, the matrix has a very good signal-to-noise ratio at high ISO sensitivity values.

Canon PowerShot SX50HS

Dimensions Canon PowerShot SX50 HS are 12.3 to 8.7 and 10.6 centimeters, weight - 595 grams. This roughly corresponds to the dimensions of the SLR camera. entry level with complete lens.

Among the advantages of the camera's ergonomics, one can single out good control with a wide use of mechanical elements, a display mount with three degrees of freedom, and the presence of a proprietary connector for an external flash from the Canon Speedlite EX line.

The device is capable of shooting video in Full HD resolution at up to 60 frames per second in progressive scan. Photography supports recording in RAW format, the maximum burst speed is 2.2 frames per second.

Fujifilm FinePix HS50 EXR

(Alternative compact version - Fujifilm FinePix F770EXR)

To compensate for the dimensions - 13.1 by 9.7 by 12.6 centimeters and 687 grams of weight - Fujifilm FinePix HS50 EXR, more than comparable to the dimensions of entry-level DSLRs, the manufacturer endowed this device with functionality similar to what we have in DSLRs and see.

Fujifilm FinePix HS50 EXR

So, the model's forty-twox zoom lens changes its focal length with the help of a mechanical ring - which allows you to crop the image very accurately. Like SLR cameras, the Fujifilm FinePix HS50 EXR has an external flash jack, an HDMI port, and an external microphone jack. The autofocus speed of the Fujifilm FinePix HS50 EXR is quite comparable to what we see in entry-level DSLRs - this was made possible thanks to the use of a hybrid phase contrast system in the camera. The gyroscope built into the device allows you to display a level line on the information display or in the electronic viewfinder - which helps to avoid perspective distortion, especially when shooting architecture and landscapes at wide angle.

Although specifications Fujifilm FinePix HS50 EXR related to photography can hardly be directly compared with the characteristics reflex cameras, the model has a lot of advantages here. So, the device is based on a 1/2'' EXRCMOS matrix. Fujifilm FinePix HS50 EXR allows you to shoot in RAW format, record video in Full HD resolution at up to 60 frames per second in progressive scan, and burst speed is 11 frames per second.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ200

(Alternative compact version - Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS30)

Among the chosen the best models The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ200 has a lens with the smallest focal length range magnification. This, however, is more than generously compensated by the constant aperture ratio of the optical design at F / 2.8. By this indicator The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ200 remains a unique representative of the ultrazoom class on the market to this day.

However, the advantages of the model are not limited to optical superiority. The device is "charged" complete list all the features you need on a long journey. These include a connector for an external flash, a jack for connecting an external microphone, a lot of automatic modes - including shooting panoramas and with a high dynamic range (HDR) and a powerful battery, designed to shoot 550 frames.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ200

The shooting capabilities of the camera allow you to capture images in RAW format. The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ200 burst shooting speed is 12 frames per second. The device can perfectly situationally replace a video camera, making very high-quality video clips in Full HD resolution at up to 60 frames per second in progressive scan.

Last but not least, the advantages of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ200 include very thoughtful control ergonomics - with a wide range of mechanical elements and a double zoom mechanism.

The best cameras for traditional tourism

Model The matrix Lens Advantages Cost, rubles
Nikon Coolpix P520

1/2.3"" (6.17 by 4.55mm)

18.1 MPs (4896x3672)

24-1000 mm EGF

  • Built-in GPS module
  • Large screen with high detail
14.1 thousand
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX300

1/2.3"" (6.17 by 4.55mm)

20.4 MPs (5184x3888)

24-1200 mm EGF

  • Excellent image with high detail
  • Many automatic shooting modes
19 thousand

1/2.3"" (6.17 by 4.55mm)

12.0 MPs (4000x3000)

24-1200 mm EGF

  • 50x zoom range
  • Screen mount with 3 degrees of freedom
  • RAW format support
  • Connector for external flash
15.2 thousand
Fujifilm FinePix HS50 EXR

1/2"" (6.4 by 4.8 mm)

16.0 MPs (4608x3456)

GoPro cameras for extreme shooting are no longer curiosities. A wide range of accessories and mounts for an extreme camera allow you to mount it on your chest, install an action camera on a helmet, directly on skis or a snowboard. Mounting on tubes for an extreme camera will be useful for cyclists or, for example, windsurfers. A special box will protect the camera for extreme shooting not only from snow during a snowfall or when falling into a snowdrift, you can also shoot video under water with it. You can also buy a telescopic stick for a GoPro camera, from which you can shoot not only the environment, but also yourself. The camera for extreme shooting will be able to capture you from the most incredible angles, everything is limited only by your imagination. The starter kit for the GoPro action camera already comes with a basic set of mounts. Some craftsmen are completely limited to them and irreplaceable adhesive tape.

Many fans of extreme video even before the trip think over the scenario of the future video for participation in various contests, choosing the optimal mounting systems for their extreme camera and coming up with an original plot. By the way, we strongly recommend that you stock up on an extra battery for your action camera. Time flies quickly, and in cold conditions, the battery can run out pretty quickly.

Extreme camera for all occasions

Extreme GoPro cameras are very compact! Such a camera will definitely not weigh down your backpack, but if you wish, it will simply fit into the pocket of your ski jacket. With this camera, you can take photos and videos of different formats. Perhaps the disadvantage of the extreme camera is the lack of a screen for viewing the captured photos and videos. However, this problem is also easily solved by installing a camera application on your smartphone to view the footage on it.

If you buy a camcorder for extreme sports - it will come in handy for home family video. You can safely entrust an extreme camera to your child without fear for its safety.

By mounting the action camera on a tripod and setting the Time Lapse mode, you will be able to capture the awakening of the camp, preparations for the trip, as well as sunrises and dawns and everything that your imagination has enough for!

You can also buy an extreme GoPro camera in order to analyze your skating technique or just not to ask your friends to film themselves this way or that way. Buying an action camera you can do it yourself!

Extreme Sports Camera Features

You can come to the decision that you need to buy an extreme camera quite quickly after analyzing all its advantages compared to a conventional video camera.

  • Extreme camera compact and lightweight
  • The action camera is very easy to use, just a few buttons that anyone can figure out. This is very important factor especially when you ask your friend to take a picture of you.
  • The action camera is reliable and durable, it is always ready for extreme falls, takeoffs, diving.
  • The quality of shooting is practically not inferior to classic video cameras. You will be surprised what extreme cameras are capable of.
  • A wide range of various extreme camera mounts will open up new perspectives for you.
  • Another good thing about an extreme camera is that the price is not so high compared to classic camcorders.

"Sport-Marathon" offers to buy extreme cameras in Moscow on Saykina, 4, or place an order for an action camera in the online store on our website.

Publication date: 31.01.2018

Do you like to wade through snow storms and conquer waterfalls? But have not yet learned how to competently shoot their adventures? Our expert shares valuable advice.

I am a photographer, and the essence of my profession is to work in the most extreme conditions. This is a chilling wind, and frost, and a sandstorm, and snowfall, and a downpour, and a flood. Immediately make a reservation that of all of the above, I did not work only in a sandstorm. But everything is ahead! For successful shooting in extreme conditions, you need to consider the following five points.

Cloth

Oddly enough, but the most important thing in this business is clothes that are matched to specific weather conditions. If a severe frost, freezing wind or snowstorm is expected, and you have to stand still for several hours in the snow, then, of course, you need to be prepared for this. Be sure to wear thermal underwear, thermal socks, warm boots (I highly recommend the option with heated insoles), ski pants, a very powerful, windproof down jacket (you need to choose it for stationary sports). Gloves are needed, and two pairs: one - thin - for convenient control of equipment, the second - thick - for warming. In very severe cases, an exhaust pipe can be used to heat gloves if there is equipment on site. The hat must be with a balaclava made of thick material.

This is how I looked like on the set of a project for Ski Doo in Khibiny in 2013. Frosts in the morning reached -34 degrees Celsius, together with a strong wind it gave everything -40.

When shooting on the water, it is desirable to have long fishing boots and fishing overalls. You need to understand that there is always a chance of being overboard in cold water. If there is no desire to freeze instantly, I would recommend stopping at just such a suit. The second option is a little simpler - a ski jacket and pants, waterproof boots, a hat and gloves - for shooting in cold conditions on the water.

Shooting in the rain requires waterproof membrane jackets and pants, since ordinary raincoats are not ventilated in any way, which can cause you to instantly get wet and supercool. Having waterproof and water-repellent boots is also very important, as your feet must be warm. I ran into this problem while filming the Eastern European Drift Championship in Minsk in 2014, when it rained all day long, turning the track into a small lake. Despite this, the right choice of clothing allowed me to finish the shoot with dry feet.

Equipment

The second point is the functionality of the equipment in various conditions.

In cold weather, you need to have a large number of replaceable batteries for cameras / flashes and store them in an inside pocket or in special warming cases. This will help increase the duration of the equipment. In severe frost, it is advisable to wear cameras in special cases that warm up a little and prevent condensation from settling inside the case (for example, Ruggard DSLR Parka Cold and Rain Protector for Cameras and Camcorders). This must also be taken into account when you enter a room from the street, as condensate can ruin equipment.

When shooting in heavy rain, you must use a waterproof case for the camera and lens, so as not to damage the electronics. I used the Ewa-Marine VFS7 Underwater Housing for Sony NEX-FS700 35mm Camcorder (each case fits a specific camera, so you need to select them individually).

For equipment, you need a good photo backpack or a case that is not afraid of shocks and water (for example, Pelican 1650; you can take it with you on a plane).

Which camera to choose? It depends on your tasks. You can use both small mirrorless cameras, such as Sony A7R2 and A7S2, and Red, Arri for high-budget projects.

Memory cards

Many do not pay enough attention to this, but since the most important thing in filming is the result, I strongly advise against using cheap memory cards and external drives, especially in extreme conditions. First of all, you need a waterproof case for cards, as they are the most important part in the entire backpack with equipment.

Next, it is important to choose the right hard drives. They must be impact resistant and famous brand. The Lacie Thunderbolt Rugged fit me well. There are also ready-made solutions for copying material (in the field). LaCie DJI Copilot is a very interesting device that allows you to copy material without a computer.

Command

If you are not working alone, you need to find a connection and a common language with everyone - clients, assistants and other team members. Extreme conditions are different, and you never know how this or that person will behave in them. It is best to be 100 percent sure of people in advance. It's good if you already have experience joint work and you trust each other. Clients are usually not chosen, so sometimes you have to use the skill of a diplomat and knowledge of psychology.

Motivation

Something that many of us miss all the time. Everything is bad, the equipment is broken, the material is lost, the team members did something wrong - it seems that nothing can be fixed, but there is always a way out. It is necessary to look at the situation from the outside and understand what can be done. It happens that a short pause in work is needed to rethink everything that is happening. Stopping and thinking a little, most often it turns out to find the strength to overcome this state.

Which action camera should you choose?

Today it is almost impossible to single out a certain leader in the production of action cameras, however, one brand still stands out from the crowd:

GoPro Hero represents amazing performance, quality and reliability in its products. In the last line GoPro Hero 3+) the global brand has traditionally presented three models Black, Silver and White, differing maximum resolution and frequent video footage.

In the 13th year, the old SONY entered the market, demonstrating to the public the stunning HDR-AS30V, in many respects not inferior to eminent competitors. The high-quality sensor delivers really great results, and the built-in GPS makes this camera stand out.

The Bullet and Drift Innovation cameras deserve special mention. The first have an original and memorable cylindrical design, which makes it easier to use and store the camera in some cases. The latter have the entire traditional set of characteristics of extreme video cameras, have a lot of well-thought-out nuances, such as a convenient mounting system, ergonomic controls, a WiFi module, etc.

Extreme video cameras

All of the above examples are just examples. Often an extreme camera for shooting one direction or another depends on its model features, and on the preference and choice of the buyer. Some cameras may have similar designs but different features, or similar features but completely different designs. Therefore, the choice of a camera, say, for the best action shooting of a ride on a LiquidImage snowmobile or AEE BlackEye, depends on the buyer himself. The main thing is that all the latest action video cameras shoot what is happening in Full HD quality, such a maximum video resolution of 1920 by 1080 megapixels will allow you to capture your takeoffs and vivid impressions in the very best quality and real picture. Break records, record your achievements on video and keep the unique brilliance of events with the help of perfect modern technology called action cameras!

Each direction of filming has its own characteristics, its own requirements and certain rules. Accordingly, in the direction of various modes and methods of shooting scenes, there are models and adaptations of action cameras.