We all have experienced the sheer excitement of going to the park for snowboarding. I always look forward to capturing my best moments and experiences. I like to share them with the world. Capturing those perfect moments requires a perfect camera. It’s impossible for me not to record all my exciting tricks.
With the rapid increase in snowboarding popularity, the market has become saturated with various products. The sheer variety that we observe can easily overwhelm any prospective buyer. Well, not anymore! I have listed the Top 7 Best Action Cameras for Snowboarding in 2024.
The action camera comes with a lot of features. There are, however, some features that we should surely take notice of. It is better to have a dual-screen setup. It helps to remain focused on the frame when we are vlogging. A proper sensor that can capture great quality in all situations is a must-have.
The one feature that we do not look at often is stabilization. It can be regarded as the heart of the camera. We must consider a camera that comes with great-quality image stabilization. When we go snowboarding, the conditions are not very friendly. Thus we would want our camera to have a robust build and design, water and dustproof design (some cameras come with freeze-proof design).
Having considered all the above features, it is also important to understand that there are still some small challenges that we must be aware of. The harsh weather is a big challenge for the camera and even us. The camera needs to adapt to those testing conditions. It must have the ability to record good videos in both excellent and poor lighting conditions.
With my snowboarding experience and after doing much research, I have listed below the Top 7 Best Action Cameras for snowboarding that we can have in 2024.
What Are The Key Features To Consider When Choosing An Action Camera For Snowboarding?
There are a number of features that we need to look for while choosing our next action camera for snowboarding. The most important feature should be the photo and video quality of the camera. The camera should have better sensors and should possess the ability to record at higher resolutions.
The standard resolution that we should look for is 4K at a minimum of 60fps. The image stabilization of the cameras is the next thing to consider. It can substantially improve the video quality of the camera.
The cameras having dual screens on the front and rear make recording vlogs more handy and comfortable. Having a touch-screen-capable camera can also be an essential addition during snowboarding. Moreover, the touch-screen sensitivity should also be considered while selecting the camera. The other things we should look for include the battery and material built of the product, among others.
What Are The Most Important Things To Keep In Mind When Using An Action Camera For Snowboarding?
We need to keep many things in mind while using an action camera. Firstly, we must decide which resolution/video quality we are comfortable shooting in. Secondly, The angles matter a lot when it comes to recording a perfect video. We must get acquainted with it properly, in case we are a beginner.
The handling and care of the product need to be taken seriously. We must clear the lens of our action camera at regular intervals as it can drastically impact the video and photo quality. If we take our camera to the water, it is advisable to put it in a case. The battery can be a big issue for any beginner. We should always carry a set of extra batteries for safety.
Top 7 Best Action Cameras for Snowboarding in 2024
1. GoPro Hero9 – Best Overall
The GoPro Hero9 is one of the most popular action cameras on the market today. There are quite a lot of significant upgrades that we get from its predecessors. These are very versatile and good for a ton of different activities. These action cameras are mostly used for vlogging. These GoPro Hero9 can withstand testing conditions, and that is why it is chosen as the best overall action camera for snowboarding in 2024.
The GoPro Hero9 comes with features that are easy to get into the head of any tech enthusiast. They have the capability to shoot videos up to 5K resolution. Shooting videos at 5K/30p, 4K/60p, or 4K/30p is smooth and easy.
The high resolutions ensure that every detail is captured when we zoon into our photos and videos. The new Hero9 pack in an impressive 23.6 MP sensor that is an absolute beast. The pictures come out to be absolutely sharp, and the videos crystal clear. Recording high-quality snowboarding videos are now easier than ever.
The presence of a 20MP camera delivers excellent quality pictures, and on top of that, the SuperPhoto feature present makes sure that the AI in the Hero9 camera detects the perfect image processing.
The Hero9 sports dual front and rear screens. The rear screen has a touch capability and supports pinch to zoom. The 1.4-inch front screen ensures that we are always focused in any situation and is especially important for vloggers. On the side of the camera, we have a power on/off button.
The design of the Hero9 makes sure that it is convenient and easy to carry around.
The video stabilization provided by HyperSmooth 3.0 technology is simply amazing. It has the ability to transform any kind of scratchy scene into perfect harmony. The TimeWarp 3.0 can record amazing time-lapse scenes with the highest quality. The addition of the Speed Ramp feature allows us to select the actual speed(with audio) or the half speed while recording.
One feature that I like to use most often is the Slo-Mo. The capability of providing up to 8X Slo-Mo can deliver great cinematic shots. The videos in the Hero9 provide excellent clarity and stabilization with the higher bit rate coupled with the HyperSmooth 3.0 technology.
The GoPro Hero9 comes packed with a 1720 mAh battery pack. It is enough to last for about 4-5 hours on regular usage. Its battery performance dropped significantly when it came to heavy usage or even recording at higher quality (say 5K/30p).
The GoPro Hero9 is a great successor that improves on its features and packs in many punches, making it still the best action camera.
Why Is The GoPro Hero9 The Best Action Camera For Snowboarding In 2024?
There are a lot of compelling reasons why the Hero 9 is chosen as the best action camera. This camera has been my personal choice for a long time. I have even used the earlier Hero8. Most of the functionalities remain the same with certain upgrades. The one noticeable difference which I found was the depth of picture quality.
The videos provide excellent clarity thanks to the amazing sensor. Another feature that I liked was the Hindsight feature. It makes the camera record a video 30 seconds prior to our clicking the record button. This is one of the best features that I found on the new Hero9.
From the form factor to the software provisions, from video stabilization to high-quality timelapse or slo-mo, this camera delivers on every front. This is a must-have for every one of us who is looking to document the beautiful moments of our journey.
2. DJI Osmo 3 Action Camera – Runner Up
The DJI Osmo Action Camera does not lack in any department and quickly takes the runner-up position on the list. The Action 3 camera has the capability to record video at 4K HDR that captures up to a billion colors. The 10-bit HDR delivers high-contrast videos and provides extra dept.
The camera comes with dual front and back touchscreens that benefit all vloggers and even occasional users. With its hydrophobic coating, the cames let us vlog, take selfies, or adjust the setting, quickly, even with wet hands. The front and rear screens and the protective lens cover are all manufactured using high-quality Corning Gorilla glass, which is scratch and drop-resistant.
The DJI Osmo provides excellent video stabilization technology that is perfect not just for snowboarding but any kind of adventure sport like skiing, biking, or skydiving.
The possibility of recording up to 160-min on maximum battery and upto 150-minute in temperatures as low as -20 °C images it a perfect companion for every snowboarder. Moreover, the waterproofing ensures that it is easily useable during difficult testing conditions. Action 3 is a first-of-its-kind that supports fast-charging technology. It can be charged up to 80% in just over 18 minutes.
The innovative quick-release vertical mounting design lets us easily and securely mount the camera on any gear, even vertically, in a matter of seconds.
There are a ton of additional accessories that we can opt for with this camera in order to make our experience worthwhile. There is a helmet chin mount which can come in handy while snowboarding.
The DJI Osmo Action cames comes with all the essential features that can aid in the most difficult of situations. These qualities make it one of the most impressive Action cameras that we can get.
3. Olympus Tough TG-6 Waterproof Camera – Premium Pick
The Olympus Tough TG-6 Camera is explicitly built for demanding conditions. This comes with a 3 inches rear screen setup. The camera’s form factor is compact and can easily be carried around in the mountains.
The Olympus Tough TG-6 Camera houses a 12 MP BSI CMOS sensor that is enough to capture difficult shots. The capture button on the camera’s top right side provides an easy single-hand operation. It comes with a TruePic VIII image processor that delivers crystal-clear images and videos in different lighting conditions.
The Olympus TG-6 comes with a 4X optical zoom with an f/2 lens. The camera can capture videos up to 4K at 120p, delivering excellent quality video thanks to the processor and stabilization system. It can record timelapse video at 4k quality. The all-new CMOS contrast detection (with AF illumination) works perfectly and makes it quite easy for us to shoot any kind of scene from micro to wide angle.
The camera has a total waterproof construction that can easily handle cold and snowy conditions. It comes with IP6X dustproof protection along with 220lbf crushproof certification. The anti-fog feature ensures that during cold and foggy conditions, the came to prevent fog from forming inside the lenses.
It literally makes the camera ready to shoot in any condition. There is a further provision of installing a lens barrier that protects the camera’s lens from the occasional dirt and scratches. The camera has a freezeproof certification up to 14° F. The presence of the above-mentioned features aptly justifies the Olympus Tough TG-6 as one of the best when it comes to snowboarding.
There are a ton of additional features that comes with the Olympus. The Pro Capture feature is one such example. It can capture photos at an impressive 10 fps from approx 0.5 seconds before we press the shutter button. There are dedicated underwater white balance modes for shooting underwater. The Action Track sensor system provides great focussing while on the go.
The Olympus Tough TG-6 has got all things covered and is the best choice for a premium action camera.
4. Akaso Brave 7 LE Action Camera
Deciding on a camera while being on a tight budget is challenging. After doing my research, I feel that the Akaso Brave 7 LE Action Camera is the best value-for-money camera available in the market. The Akaso Brave is an all-weather action camera that can withstand any type of challenge that we throw at it. It is perfect for vlogging and for capturing the great moment that we might have in our adventure.
The Akaso Brave 7 comes with an impressive dual-color screen setup. The rear screen is touch-enabled, while the 2-inch back screen can be conducive while recording vlogs. The Akaso can record videos at 4K resolution at 30 fps and comes with a 20 MP camera sensor.
Although 4K at 30 fps is a downgrade, things would have been much better if they could have provided at least 60 fps. Considering the price, it seems too much to ask for! This camera comes with a good video stabilization system. The Electronic Image Stabilization 2.0 is equipped with a 6-axis EIS, which is able to provide gimbal-like video stability at a minimal price. Thanks to image stabilization, there should not be any issues recording videos while snowboarding.
The Akaso is well-sorted in terms of protection. The IPX7 water resistance makes sure that we can feel secure taking it out in harsh conditions. Moreover, the packed dual 1350 batteries make sure that we do not have to care for charging when we are outside.
The Akaso Brave 7 comes with a full set of professional quality functions. It has digital zoom, different shooting modes, timelapse, slo-mo, burst photo, and fast motion, among other features. It comes with accessories like two-rechargeable batteries, remote, waterproof housing, and multifunctional mounting kits.
The impressive video and photo quality, the toughness, and the camera’s overall price make it the best in this precise range.
5. Akaso Brave 4 Action Camera
This next camera from Akaso is one of the most affordable cameras. Coming at under $100, this is a steal at this price. It packs in a lot of attractive features that make for a compelling choice.
The Akaso Brave comes in with a 20MP photo sensor that lets us record 4K videos at 30 fps, 2K/30 fps, and Full HD at 60 fps. It truly brings our entire snowboarding journey to life. It allows us to capture those beautiful moments and share them with the world without any hesitation.
The 2-inch screen on the camera allows us to preview our video without any issues. We can adjust the viewing ability on this camera as per our need between 170°, 140°, 110°, and 70°. The image stabilization processor in the Akaso makes the videos super stable. The stability provided by the Akaso is akin to any gyroscope in the market. Even in low lighting conditions, the camera’s image quality does not get compromised.
The battery provided can easily last for about 60 minutes while recording at 4K. It is thus advisable to carry extra batteries while going for long trails along with the camera. The Akaso Brave 6 provides adequate support and comes with sufficient features. At under $100 bucks, this is definitely one of the best deals to buy.
6. GoPro Hero 11 Black Action Camera
The GoPro Hero11 is an excellent upgrade from the Hero 9. The only reason why Hero9 is placed above Hero 11 is the pricing. The highlight of this camera is its crystal-clear clarity and stability. This is simply one of the most professional cameras that we can buy in the market. The top vlogger and YouTubers use the hero11. The overall robust design, along with its compact form factor, makes it highly compatible with snowboarding.
The GoPro Hero 11 can record at an astonishing 5.3K resolution that provides great details. It provides more resolution than 4K or 1080p video resolution. The images captured with the Hero11 are astonishing, and the video quality is akin to the professional film cameras.
It can capture incredible depth and contrast. The water-repellent lens cover helps eliminate the effects of lens flare. The all-new 27MP CMOS image sensors deliver unparalleled depth to the images and videos. Whether it be slo-mo or time-lapse, the Hero11 is sure to take everyone’s breath away with its incredible quality. The premium we pay with the Hero11 ensures we get the best possible performance.
The Hero11 comes equipped with the award-winning HyperSmooth 5.0 Stabilization. It can turn the most unstable situation into a memorable moment. Those shaky rides can be transformed into a life-long experience with the help of this camera. Additional features like Auto boost, and software stabilization, provide the required support.
The camera’s overall performance, professional video quality, and excellent build make it one of the best in the premium category.
7. GoPro Hero 10 Black Action Camera
The last camera that I feel can be a great alternative to the above-mentioned cameras is the GoPro Hero10. The GoPro Hero 10 brings the new powerful GP2 processor that delivers excellent performance. The touch sensitivity in terms of the touch controls has also improved to a great extent with the Hero10.
The Her10 can capture high-resolution photos and videos. It can capture up to 5.3K at 60fps. The 5.3K resolution provides the ultimate experience that even 4K doesn’t. It can obviously be changed accordion to our needs. The Hero10 supports 4K and 1080p at 60p and 30p resolution.
We can record high-quality slo-mo, and the timelapse at 2.7K looks quite cinematic. The ability to capture excellent quality images from the 5.3K video is an added bonus that works. The image stabilization of the Hero10 is another feature worth mentioning. It can stabilize difficult situations. It can be our perfect partner to capture our best moments.
The new water-repellent hydrophobic lens provides the best possible result while successfully negating lens flare. The battery can be changed using the GoPro supercharger that charges the battery instantly.
How to Choose the Best Action Camera for Snowboarding In 2024?
Choosing a new camera for snowboarding can be a hectic task. There are tons of different cameras out there in the market, all with their own grandeur. For snowboarding, there should be certain specific factors that we should keep in mind. Here, I have listed all the essential factors we should consider while deciding on our next significant investment.
1. Photo and Video Quality
This is perhaps the most important feature that we should look at while choosing our next action camera. The cameras come with different sensors and have the ability to shoot at different resolutions.
Most of the high-end cameras have the ability to record 4K at 60 fps. The higher-end GoPros have the ability to even record at a better 5K or 5.3K resolution at 60 fps. These resolutions are provided by expensive high-end cameras and deliver the best clarity.
There are still cameras that provide quality video at 4K/30 fps and 1080p at 60 fps, which, to be honest, are excellent. They do excellent work most of the time. With the large sensor and high-quality stability, these cameras are able to capture excellent quality in different lighting conditions.
The other area we need to look at is the quality of video in terms of recording slow-motion or timelapse video. Whether the camera records the required video in high quality must be thoroughly investigated before buying.
2. Battery Life
The battery life of the camera is another important feature that we need to look into. Primarily, these action cameras provide similar battery capacity. Most of the cameras can last up to 60 hours (approx) while recording high video quality. While recording on a lower configuration can make the battery last upto 90-minutes.
It is, thus, highly advisable to carry a couple of spare batteries while going on a longer trail. To get stuck in the mountains without batteries can turn out to be a disappointing tour.
3. Durability
The overall build of the product needs to be appropriately checked. We must always opt for cameras built robustly so they can withstand not just extreme temperatures but also the occasional drops.
4. Image Stability
Electronic image stabilization is one function that most of us don’t care about or forget to check. Having a camera that does not have a useful image stabilization feature will be disastrous for snowboarders. It will not be able to deliver the proper visualization of every trick and journey. The videos most probably would turn out to be shaky and, in some cases, unusable.
We should always look for a camera that provides excellent image stability. Having a proper image stabilizer makes it a much better investment than a higher resolution. An adequately stabilized video a 1080p might look better than an unstabilized video at 4K. The problem is then accentuated by the fact that we are talking about sports videography. It has the potential to ruin our experience correctly.
The GoPros HyperSmooth technology is a great example of excellent video stabilization.
5. Compatibility with Snowboarding gear
At the end of the day, we want a camera that fits well with our snowboarding gear. We want our camera to fit into the helmet smoothly such that it does not fall down during our action. All the major companies provide additional accessories that include proper helmet moments. Those mounts can be checked for their compatibility, not just with the camera but also with our helmet itself.
Frequently Asked Questions About Snowboarding Action Cameras
Can These Action Cameras Withstand Extremely Cold Temperatures And Snow Conditions?
Proper care must, however, be taken of the more affordable cameras. The capacity to withstand extreme temperatures might be reduced in those cameras.
What Are The Video And Photo Quality Capabilities Of These Action Cameras For Snowboarding?
What Are These Action Cameras’ Battery Life And Storage Capacities For Extended Snowboarding Sessions?
Are These Action Cameras Compatible With Different Snowboarding Helmets And Gear?
Can These Action Cameras Be Easily Operated And Controlled While Wearing Gloves?
Conclusion
We have already discussed the Top 7 Best action cameras for snowboarding. Here, we shall go through the main standout features of those cameras. The GoPro Hero9 is the best overall action camera for snowboarding in 2024. It comes with a 20 MP shooter that delivers excellent-quality photos and videos. It can record up to 4K/60 fps.
It has a dual-screen setup that makes it easy to operate and record videos, ensuring that we are always in the frame. The HyperSmooth technology provides fantastic stability to the video in testing conditions. The camera comes with other features like TimeWrap 3.0. An overall compact build makes the Hero9 the best action camera to buy in 2024. The runner-up is the DJI Osco 3 Action camera.
It can record up to 4KHDR/60 fps. The battery capacity is one of the best. It can last up to 150 minutes on maximum resolution. We are provided with fast charging capability. The screens are manufactured using Corning Gorilla Glass support. The stabilization is something that we cannot complain about. The Olympus Tough TG-6 can be an excellent choice if we want to have the best overall premium feel. The Olympus Tough TG-6 is expensive but comes with fantastic feature and deny any room for criticism.
It can record up to 4K/120fps. It comes with dustproof and freeze provides technology and can last in temperatures up to 14° F. These features make it the perfect companion for snowboarding. The Akaso Brave 7 LE is the best action camera in the affordable segment. This can record at 4K resolution and comes with a dual-color screen setup. The Electronic Stabilization 2.0, with 6-axis stabilization, works like a charm and delivers great quality.
The camera comes with an IPX7 water-resistant rating for protection. The next camera is the Akaso Brave 4 Action camera. It is best if we have a budget below $100. It can record videos up to 4K/30fps. It can be a little shaky recording at 4K but deliver good quality at 2K or 1080p. We can easily adjust the viewing ability of this camera as per our requirements. This is an absolute value-for-money product.
The next couple of cameras is from GoPro. The GoPro11 is a great upgrade but comes at a high price. The highlight is the ability of the camera to record videos at 5.3K resolution. The images pop up into reality, and the overall depth and contrast that it provides are simply phenomenal.
The HyperSmooth 5.0 stabilization works perfectly, delivering great stability to our videos. The last camera is the GoPro Hero10. It comes with the new GP2 processor that can easily record up to 5.3K at 60fps. It comes with a hydrophobic lens that prevents lens flare.
Here are some tips for optimal usage:
- POV shots have become really popular. Make sure to have the proper gear for our helmets.
- We should make the best out of our cameras. We should test out different angles while recording.
- We should always carry spare batteries.
- We must make sure we have put in our SD card before going out.
- We must change the video resolution beforehand.
- We must regularly clean our lenses.
Action cameras are a great way to capture and share memories from mountaineering adventures, and can help inspire others to explore the outdoors. They are designed to be lightweight and durable and can be used to capture stunning footage of the scenery and wildlife encountered on the journey. With the right action camera, you can capture and share your mountaineering experiences with friends and family, and even with the wider world.
We have listed the above cameras after much research and deliberation. Each of them offers users a different experience. We look forward to hearing about your experiences with these action cameras.
