Action camera technology is progressing at a rate of knots: as the list of features gets bigger, physically the cameras get smaller, tougher and more versatile. Features such as full HD recording, 10+ MP (megapixel) still images and extreme element resistance are now the norm for the majority of modern action cameras, which raises the question, what next?
A connected world
Consider everyday gadgets like your computer, mobile phone, tablet, television, radio and maybe even your car’s computer system, and there’s a good chance that the majority of them utilise Wi-Fi in one way or another.
We’re a connected world, capable of consuming and sharing data with a global audience at the press of button, so no surprise then that action cameras – devices ultimately designed for producing sharable content – are some of the latest gadgets to adopt Wi-Fi connectivity. Three action cameras leading the way are:
JVC ADIXXION
The ADIXXION is the first true action camera to come from JVC, and despite being a product of a company which has built its reputation on home-video and audio systems, it’s up there with the best of them.
The ADIXXION boasts Quad-Proof Design, meaning it’s built to withstand water, shock, dust and snow. In true action camera style, the camera boasts full 1080p HD recording, a Digital Image Stabilizer (DIS), a wide angle lens, and a 5MP camera with two different modes, and is all controlled via the camera’s built-in 1.5″ LCD screen.
Wi-Fi is built into the camera which presents a number of benefits: smartphone connectivity, for lining up shots on your smartphone or tablet; Wireless data transfer, for transferring files from the camera to a PC; Live HD web streaming; and live USTREAM broadcasting. The camera can be used straight out of the box due to the built-in Wi-Video software for Windows, which also supports sharing on social networks such as YouTube, Facebook and Twitter.
iON Air Pro Wi-Fi
This sleek little camera is suited to all sports enthusiasts, from skiers to skydivers and everyone in between. It’s capable of recording in 1080p, 960p or 720p, can capture 5MP stills via two different modes and is waterproof up to 30ft.
The iON Air Pro Wi-Fi comes fully Wi-Fi connected, allowing for you to share videos and photos over a wireless network, stream to your smartphone, and upload content to Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, or onto the iON Cloud. All of this connectivity is made possible by the iON Wi-Fi PODZ accessory, and the free iON App.
iON has a unique approach to storage: instead of using physical memory cards, it utilises cloud storage. When you purchase an iON Air Pro Wi-Fi you get 8GB of free cloud storage, which can be increased at an additional cost.
GoPro HD Hero2
If you’re into action sports, there’s a good chance you would have heard of GoPro – the household name in the world of action cameras. Again, the GoPro HD Hero2 has everything you could want from an action camera, from full 1080p HD recording and 11MP stills, to ample mounting options and a huge 32GB memory capacity.
GoPro is one of the most versatile cameras on the market, and has a host of accessories and mounts for further enhancing its performance – such as the waterproof casing for scuba diving, or even the GoPro 3D Hero System, for recording in 3D.
The GoPro differs from the two cameras above in the sense that it doesn’t come Wi-Fi connected: it requires the GoPro Wi-fi BacPac. Once connected, the additional Wi-Fi remote can be used to control the camera from up to 600 ft away, and can even control up to 50 different cameras at once!
Coming soon for the Wi-Fi BacPac is the GoPro App for Android and iOS smartphones and tablets. This app will allow live HD streaming to your smartphone, tablet or computer, as well as giving you the option to use your device as a wireless remote. You will also be able to use your smartphone as a ‘hotspot’ when you’re away from a Wi-Fi connection.
For action sports enthusiasts who like to share their adventures online, a Wi-Fi connected action camera is a must have accessory. While no means an exhaustive list of every model out there, the three mentioned within this article are more than worth considering if you’re planning on buying an action camera.
