Action Cameras
Grab an action camera to capture your adventures and all those unforgettable moments on video. Compared to regular digital cameras and camcorders, action cams like those made by GoPro are highly durable devices for shooting videos and capturing stills in extreme conditions. You can mount them on your person to record POV (point of view) footage that places viewers in the thick of the action. Staples® carries a wide selection of these unique cameras from multiple brands.
Consider Image Quality When Picking an Action Camera
Action cams are better suited to capturing videos than still photos. If you intend to shoot a lot of photos with yours, make sure to get a model with a high pixel count. The video resolution to look for depends on how you intend to use it and where you plan on viewing the videos it captures. While there are entry-level models that shoot videos in 480p resolution, most models are capable of 720p and 1080p resolutions. Full HD or 1080p is the resolution to aim for if you want to capture sports action shots with your camera.
Some premium models can shoot in 4K resolution. Choose one of these if you have a 4K TV or computer monitor. Frame rate is another important aspect of video quality. Generally, the higher the frame rate, the smoother the captured footage. Look for a model that can shoot HD videos at 24 or 30 fps (frames per second). High-end action cameras can capture 4K footage at these frame rates and record 1080p videos at 60 fps. If you enjoy well-made slow-motion footage, get a model that can shoot at 120 fps.
Consider Shape, Size, and Weight When Shopping for Action Cameras
Action cams usually come in box and bullet shapes. Pick a box-shaped unit to mount on your chest or a shoulder strap. Bullet-shaped models have cylindrical bodies that make them ideal for mounting on helmets, handlebars, and surfboards. Since you typically have to wear an action cam, you should pick a compact and lightweight model. Choose the smallest and lightest unit with the capabilities you desire. Most models are water-resistant. While there are special housings to make them waterproof, these often add bulk. Look for a waterproof model if you plan on taking it swimming, diving, to the beach, or snowboarding.
What Wireless Connectivity Options Do Action Cameras Have?
Wireless connectivity options include Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. These make it easier to transfer captured stills and videos to your smartphone or computer. Pick a Wi-Fi-enabled unit for faster transfer speeds and to upload videos to the internet directly from the camera.
Where Do Action Cameras Save Videos and Stills?
Action cameras save videos and photos on removable memory cards. Most of them use SDHC, SDXC, and microSD cards. For best performance, get a fast memory card. Look for a Class 10 card or faster to save HD footage. If you have a 4K action cam, get a UHS-III card to guarantee smooth recordings.
What Is the Expected Battery Life of an Action Camera?
Most models can shoot continuously for 1 to 3 hours on a full charge. Note that actual battery life depends on whether you have the camera's Wi-Fi and/or Bluetooth radio on or off as well as the resolution at which you are capturing videos.
Consider Image Quality When Picking an Action Camera
Action cams are better suited to capturing videos than still photos. If you intend to shoot a lot of photos with yours, make sure to get a model with a high pixel count. The video resolution to look for depends on how you intend to use it and where you plan on viewing the videos it captures. While there are entry-level models that shoot videos in 480p resolution, most models are capable of 720p and 1080p resolutions. Full HD or 1080p is the resolution to aim for if you want to capture sports action shots with your camera.
Some premium models can shoot in 4K resolution. Choose one of these if you have a 4K TV or computer monitor. Frame rate is another important aspect of video quality. Generally, the higher the frame rate, the smoother the captured footage. Look for a model that can shoot HD videos at 24 or 30 fps (frames per second). High-end action cameras can capture 4K footage at these frame rates and record 1080p videos at 60 fps. If you enjoy well-made slow-motion footage, get a model that can shoot at 120 fps.
Consider Shape, Size, and Weight When Shopping for Action Cameras
Action cams usually come in box and bullet shapes. Pick a box-shaped unit to mount on your chest or a shoulder strap. Bullet-shaped models have cylindrical bodies that make them ideal for mounting on helmets, handlebars, and surfboards. Since you typically have to wear an action cam, you should pick a compact and lightweight model. Choose the smallest and lightest unit with the capabilities you desire. Most models are water-resistant. While there are special housings to make them waterproof, these often add bulk. Look for a waterproof model if you plan on taking it swimming, diving, to the beach, or snowboarding.
What Wireless Connectivity Options Do Action Cameras Have?
Wireless connectivity options include Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. These make it easier to transfer captured stills and videos to your smartphone or computer. Pick a Wi-Fi-enabled unit for faster transfer speeds and to upload videos to the internet directly from the camera.
Where Do Action Cameras Save Videos and Stills?
Action cameras save videos and photos on removable memory cards. Most of them use SDHC, SDXC, and microSD cards. For best performance, get a fast memory card. Look for a Class 10 card or faster to save HD footage. If you have a 4K action cam, get a UHS-III card to guarantee smooth recordings.
What Is the Expected Battery Life of an Action Camera?
Most models can shoot continuously for 1 to 3 hours on a full charge. Note that actual battery life depends on whether you have the camera's Wi-Fi and/or Bluetooth radio on or off as well as the resolution at which you are capturing videos.
Action Cameras FAQs
Find the best deals on the right Action Cameras at Staples. The FAQs below will help you compare the top rated and most popular Action Cameras, with the best deals. This is the kind of information that can help you find the Action Camera you’re looking for at the lowest possible prices.
We carry 13 Action Cameras in our inventory with prices starting as low as $37.19. There are many Action Cameras options to choose from and compare, and you can read the latest reviews and ratings to find out about other customer experiences before you add that Action Camera to your cart. You’re busy enough so let our FAQs help you find the right product so you can get on with your day.
Which Action Cameras have the best ratings on Staples.com?
- Pyle Rearview Backup Swivel Camera & Pop-up Monitor System has a 4.5 star rating from 2 reviews and costs $59.99.
- Pyle 4.3" LCD Monitor & Wireless Rearview Backup Camera With Parking/reverse Assist System has a 4.5 star rating from 1 reviews and costs $98.99.
- ArmorAll HD Dashboard Camera, Black has a 2.8 star rating from 35 reviews and costs $37.19.
Which Action Cameras are the most affordable?
- ArmorAll HD Dashboard Camera, Black is the least expensive Action Camera at $37.19. It has 2.8 stars from 35 reviews.
- Naxa NDC-407 12.0 Megapixel Waterproof Action Camera, Black is the least expensive Action Camera at $39.99.
- Pyle Compact 1080p Dash Cam is the least expensive Action Camera at $51.99. It has 2.3 stars from 3 reviews.
What Action Cameras are the most popular based on customer reviews?
- ArmorAll HD Dashboard Camera, Black is the most popular Action Camera with 35 reviews and starting at $37.19.
- Pyle Compact 1080p Dash Cam is the most popular Action Camera with 3 reviews and starting at $51.99.
- Pyle Rearview Backup Swivel Camera & Pop-up Monitor System is the most popular Action Camera with 2 reviews and starting at $59.99.
What are the top Action Cameras brands available on Staples.com?
Which top rated Action Cameras cost the least?
- Pyle Rearview Backup Swivel Camera & Pop-up Monitor System is highly rated Action Cameras with a 4.5 star rating and it starts at $59.99.
- Pyle 4.3" LCD Monitor & Wireless Rearview Backup Camera With Parking/reverse Assist System is highly rated Action Cameras with a 4.5 star rating and it starts at $98.99.
- ArmorAll HD Dashboard Camera, Black is highly rated Action Cameras with a 2.8 star rating and it starts at $37.19.