The long-awaited summer season is upon us, and it’s time to gear up for your next outdoor adventure. Whether you’re planning a thrilling mountain biking expedition or an underwater scuba diving excursion, capturing the perfect shot is essential to reliving the moment. In a world where action cameras are as ubiquitous as sunscreen, it can be daunting to choose the right one. Fear not, adventurers! We’ve scoured the market and compiled a list of the top 5 action cameras to make your summer escapades unforgettable. So, grab your helmets, tighten your straps, and get ready to capture your most epic moments yet.
GoPro HERO 11 Black
The GoPro HERO11 Black is a significant upgrade with best-in-class stabilisation and a versatile, almost square sensor. The camera shoots great-looking videos and has new modes like light painting. The standout feature is its 8:7 aspect ratio, allowing content creators to create new clips from a single video. The camera can shoot in 5.3K at 60fps, 4K at 120fps, and 2.7K at 240fps and capture 27MP stills from 5.3K video. Despite no significant improvement in lowlight performance, the HERO11 Black’s simplified interface and enhanced horizon levelling make it appealing to social media enthusiasts.
Insta360 One RS
Get the best of both worlds with Insta360’s One RS. The camera comes with three interchangeable lenses: a 4K mod, a dual-lens 360-degree camera, and a Leica lens with a 1-inch sensor that captures 5K video. The 4K mod and 360 mod pairing offer the best value, while the Leica 1-inch mod delivers top-notch video quality. The updated Insta360 One RS shoots 5.2K video with its improved 4K mod and processor, which features a motion-smoothing algorithm. Plus, firmware updates continuously enhance its features, making it a wise investment.
AKASO Brave 7 LE
Looking for a
GoPro alternative that won’t hurt your wallet? The AKASO Brave 7 LE is an excellent option. This affordable camera has an IPX7 rating and feels sturdy. It can endure submersion in 1m of water for 30 minutes, but you’ll need a protective case for more comprehensive underwater adventures. The Brave 7 LE features a front screen for vlogging and decent stabilisation, albeit with a 1.6x crop. Although it maxes out at 30 fps in 4k, it can still record 120 fps slow-motion footage in 1080p. Overall, it’s an excellent action cam for the price.
DJI’s Osmo Action 3
DJI’s Osmo Action 3 combines the form factor of the original with the magnetic clip system of the second. Its GoPro-like design features dual touch screens and a magnetic quick-clip system, making it a solid alternative to GoPro. With great battery life and excellent video stabilisation, the Osmo Action 3 is cheaper than GoPro, making it a compelling option. However, GoPro Hero 10 and 11 have better video resolution, with the Osmo Action 3 maxing out at 4K and 12-megapixel stills, compared to the Hero 11’s 5.3K stabilised video and 26-megapixel stills. Nevertheless, at 30k, the Osmo Action 3 is an excellent value for money.
DJI Pocket 2
The DJI Pocket 2 may not fit the traditional definition of an action camera, but its built-in gimbal makes it stand out. This pocket camera stabilises footage smoothly and effectively across three axes, with customisable settings like horizon lock and tilt prevention. Additionally, it has an active tracking mode that can lock onto subjects and follow them. While lacking some frame rate options, the camera’s 1/1.7-inch sensor provides superior video quality and low-light performance compared to most action cameras. It’s an excellent option for capturing handheld, stabilised video without carrying additional gear.
The Panasonic Lumix S series was introduced in India back in 2019 and quickly emerged to become one of the premier camera series in the country. The latest variant in the S series is the Panasonic Lumix S5II which adds a new 24MP CMOS sensor featuring phase detection autofocus and many other exciting features. However, does this new addition to the Lumix series hold up to the S series legacy? To put it simply, YES! Let’s take a deep dive into the latest offering by Panasonic –
Design and Features
The DSLR-style design of the S5II will remind you of several other digital cameras in the market though it is a little bulkier. The viewfinder bump has been given a size bump to accommodate a cooling system that is a step in the right direction. The build quality feels premium, and the camera can feel hefty in the hands, but the textured material and a good grip ensure its security in the user’s hands. The overall handling of the device is excellent, thanks to the balance struck between weight and dynamics. It features a bright screen that can be turned around almost in every direction (unless you’re using the HDMI or USB-C ports) It features a revamped OLED viewfinder this time around, which is a treat to capture photos and videos with.
The extra hump on the camera houses a new heat management system that allows users to record long 4K videos at a stretch. A little hump to the camera in exchange for uninterrupted video shooting is not big of a sacrifice, in my opinion. Battery life is passable on the S5II, and nothing out of the ordinary. The full-fledged connectivity options with HDMI, USB-C and a dedicated mic, along with headphones and remote shutter release sockets, make the user’s life easier. The dual SD card slot took me by surprise!
Performance
The Lumix S5II features the latest hybrid autofocus setup that is a noticeable upgrade over the previous Panasonic shooters. The device sports phase detection and contrast detection, which allows it to easily detect both animals and human subjects and also track them automatically. The handheld shooting experience with the S5II is impressive as the new in-camera Active I.S. setup allows users to pan and tilt clips easily. There are an array of options for users to choose from as the S5II can shoot in MP4 and MOV format at 10-bit and 8-bit quality ranging from Full HD to 8K resolutions. The frame rate options here range from 24fps to 180fps with native ISO of 640 and 4000. In conclusion, the S5II is capable of shooting in all lighting conditions. The still image quality does not disappoint either, as it is capable of producing vivid and punchy shots. However, the main attraction of the Panasonic Lumix S5II has to be its Real Time LUTs feature. This allows users to enable real-time colour grading on photos and videos within the camera by applying LUT (look-up-table) saved in the SD memory card.
Verdict
The Panasonic Lumix S5II is an all-rounder capable of performing well in a range of lighting conditions, if not all of them. The build quality of this camera feels premium in hand, and its performance solidifies it as one of the best cameras around right now.
What’s Good
Build Quality
Value for price
Overall image quality and performance
What’s Bad
Connectivity port placement that could block the screen
After surviving two years of the pandemic and a year with limited visitors (a mix of physical and virtual participation), CES, the world’s biggest tech show, is back in full glory. The annual tech show always brings something unique and futuristic to the table. Let’s not waste time in the intro, which people usually avoid (especially in the article where the context matters the most) and dive straight into the best of CES 2023.
Razer Kiyo Pro Ultra 4K
Since we have accepted the new norm, a webcam has become a thing. At CES 2023, Razer unveiled a webcam, Kiyo Pro Ultra 4K, which offers DSLR-level detail and clarity to the viewer, thanks to Sony 1/1.2 inch Starvis 2 sensor. The newly announced webcam from Razer upgrades your video setup with high resolutions and AI-powered face tracking. The webcam has a physical shutter for privacy and works with nearly any display or monitor.
LG Signature OLED M TV
The world’s first truly wireless TV was announced a few months ago by a US-based brand Displace, and it debuted at CES 2023. However, LG has no different plans, as the brand unveiled the world’s first wireless OLED TV, and with its 97-inch screen, it’s probably the biggest one too. The TV transmits a 120Hz 4K video signal along with multiple audio formats, including Dolby Atmos, and offers exquisite picture quality and a sleek design.
Samsung 49″ Odyssey OLED G9
Samsung launched two Odessey monitors at CES 2023, one with a 57-inch screen and the other with a 49-inch. The Odyssey OLED G9 bumps the panel size to 49 inches while maintaining the 1800R curvature and VESA DisplayHDR 400 True Black status. The Odyssey OLED G9’s maximum refresh rate has increased from 175Hz to 240Hz, and it will surely be one of the most loved gaming monitors in the future.
Lighthouse Tech Glasses for Blind People
The arrival of technology plays a massive role in our day-to-day life, mainly in specially-abled people’s lives, as it helps them in major aspects. Lighthouse Tech has come up with an innovation that is not only helpful for mankind but is also something that should have been found a long time ago. They’ve launched glasses that help blind or visually impaired people confidently find their way through a crowd. The glasses sport built-in motion sensors and vibrate when there’s something or someone around you to help the wearer move easily.
Panasonic MZ2000 TV
At CES 2023, Panasonic launched a new lineup of flagship OLED TVs named MZ2000, and the TVs from it will be available in 55-inch, 65-inch, and 77-inch screen sizes. However, as always, the brand hasn’t confirmed the cost of the TVs and when they go on sale. Let’s ask the spokesperson about it. The MZ2000 TV sports a revised Dolby Atmos speaker system with new sound modes, a new heat management system and a new True Game mode.
Steambox – The Self-Heating Lunchbox
Back in the century, we used to consume cold meals right out of the tiffin box, then someone launched an oven, and we started having hot meals. However, one can not carry an oven at all places, especially when you’re on the move or somewhere remote, and this thought prompted Steambox to make a self-heating lunchbox that warms your food on the go. The incredibly good-looking Steambox can be operated through a connected app on iOS and Android. The rechargeable Streambox is made up of a 100% natural bamboo lid with leakproof technology and offers three uses on a single charge to serve you warm food wherever and whenever you want.
Supernova HUENIT – Robotic Arm
Sometimes, after a heck of a day, spreading our arms to get something can be a cumbersome task, and that’s where Supernova, a South Korean startup, thought of creating Huenit, a robotic arm to help people with various household chores and creative tasks. The easy-to-use AI-based multi-functional robotic arm works with Wi-Fi and can be paired with smartphones via Bluetooth. The Huenit robotic arm can rotate 220 degrees, lift up to 0.75 kgs, and do everything from making coffee to 3D printing a prototype.
Pepaminto Mattress Topper
The definition of what we need to have a good sleep has various responses, as the perception of warmth differs for each individual. The German Start-up Variowell developed a topper (mattress) after testing thousands of people and won the CES® 2023 Innovation Award in the digital health category. The mattress is made to provide solid sleep during the night when body temperature, heart rate and blood flow fluctuate the most. It can be operated manually with the Digital Crown on the Apple Watch.
Sony PlayStation VR 2 Headset
Sony has been delivering us hits like Walkman, PlayStation and TVs for decades. At CES 2023, the Japanese electronics giant announced that it would start selling the highly anticipated PlayStation VR 2 headset on February 22. The high-end virtual reality headset will have more features than Meta’s Quest 2. The brand promised at least 30 games at the launch, including Gran Turismo 7 and a spinoff of Horizon.
LG OLED T TV – The Transparent TV
Technology is catching up with us at such a pace that what was once a figment of our imagination is now a reality. LG’s new OLED T TV unveiled during the CES 2023 is proof of this. The ‘T’ is completely transparent in the no-picture mode, much like a glass pane, allowing you to see through it. Apart from offering a great viewing experience, the TV can be used as a digital window. Seems like a good idea for people who want to switch between the real and virtual world!
The Relumino Mode by Samsung
To make the everyday use of technology more sustainable, Samsung unveiled a vision for a calmer, more connected world at CES 2023 and the new Relumino mode introduced in the Samsung TVs is one of the most palpable innovations. The Relumino mode has layers of camera technology that highlights outlines, sharpens contrast, and enhances colours to help people with low or limited vision. The mode will come to Samsung Neo QLED 8K and 4K TVs later this year. Samsung also displayed a new version of Relumino glasses that first debuted at CES in 2018.
TCL RayNeo X2
We know TCL for its TVs, but they are now entering the AR and VR world, which sounds like an aggressive move from TCL. The Chinese electronics company is looking to expand its horizons, and to follow that; it has launched the RayNeo X2, its first AR glasses, at CES 2023. The glasses have their own touchpad control on one arm to navigate and tap through apps and are powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 processor with 6GB RAM and 128GB of internal storage. The glasses feature full-colour micro-LED displays in each lens and boast a 16MP camera, which can capture pictures and record videos up to 1080p.
Pact Sense
We have hundreds of devices in the market keen to beat your muscle pain, but the compact muscle scanner we saw at CES 2023 was precise and up to the mark. Boston-based Pact showcased Pact Sense, the world’s most advanced muscle scanner that scans your muscles and determines their condition to create the perfect warm-up or recovery sessions for your body.
Motion Pillow for a SNOREfree sleep
We all know at least one person who is a big-time snorer, and to have a solution to that, the South Korean-based company 10 Minds has unveiled a motion pillow AKA an anti-snore pillow. The pillow has been featured as a CES Innovation Awards 2023 honoree and features a technology that detects when you start snoring. As soon as you start snoring on a motion pillow, the Motion System will automatically signal the pillow to inflate airbags within it so that you can change the position of the head and stop the snoring.
Icoma Tatamel Bike
Icoma Tatamel Bike was introduced as a pre-production concept in October 2021, and after 2-years, it showed up as a fully developed saleable product. The full-size electric motorbike is exceptionally portable and enables people to enjoy riding it anywhere without worrying about parking space, as it can be folded into the size of a suitcase. The bike offers about 28-30 kms in one go when charged for three hours and can be used as a 100 V AC power source for outdoor activities and emergencies.
DAKD JUNG – Ferrofluid Speaker
When we first looked at the DAKD JUNG ferrofluid speakers, we thought it was a lava lamp placed in front of a regular speaker, but it turned out to be something new and extraordinary. The innovative speakers are designed and built by South Korean artist Dakd Jung and have a dancing liquid, an innovative substance made of nanoscale ferromagnetic particles suspended in a carrier fluid, which moves on a musical beat.
TCL Glasses-Free 3D TV
Don’t you think 3D is an immortal form of technology, as it always returns with something new and refuses to die? At CES 2023, TCL unveiled a TV that offers a glasses-free 3D experience to the viewer by using a lenticular, making it one of the most innovative TVs of the show.
Foxsky Portable Outdoor Power Station
When you work most of the days indoors at the end of the week, all you need is an outdoor gateway but being a servant to technology, how would you survive outdoors without a good backup source? Well, you can with the newly launched Foxsky portable outdoor power station, which offers 1200W of power to help you with multiple things as it supports AC, DC, USB, Type-C and even a car charger. It has an LED display, an LED torch, and a smart cooling feature to keep the power station intact.
Nikon Z30
The Nikon Z30 is a beginner-friendly camera designed specifically for visual content creators and vloggers. The simple-looking Z30 camera was first introduced in 2019, and it is loaded with a 20.2MP APS-C CMOS sensor, 4K video at up to 30p, and 1080 video at up to 120fps. The compact mirrorless camera offers hassle-free connectivity along with decent image quality straight out of the box.
Canon EOS R10
Canon never ceases to surprise us with its highly innovative cameras, and when it comes to EOS R10, we have no words, as it is a stunner. No wonder, it has whipped every nominee to win a camera of the year award at Exhibit Tech Awards 2022. The Canon EOS R10 features a new electronic viewfinder (EVF) developed by Canon that sets it apart from other cameras in the price category. The R10 is tailor-made for travel photography and capable of capturing RAW photos with continuous shooting bursts as a single file. The EOD R10 offers a 24MP APS-C CMOS sensor with Dual Pixel AF, up to 23fps shooting and oversampled 4K up to 30p, 4K/60p with the crop.
Pivo Pod
Solo creators are always looking for gadgets to create something innovative that does not require the involvement of another person. Pivo Pods are a must-have for the content creator, especially the solo ones who don’t prefer to wait for someone to come over. The pod is compatible with all smartphones, follows you while shooting content and can adjust to almost any tripod.
Rockmax AirPod Skin
We love AirPods, but what if we tell you that you can have them customized according to your choice of skin? Yes, at CES 2023, a company called Rockmax launched various adorable skins for your AirPods which are a fun way to personalize your Apple AirPods and make them extra stylish.
The Peugeot Inception Concept Car
Peugeot, Stellantis’s French automobile brand, unveiled the Inception Concept car at CES 2023. The INCEPTION CONCEPT, with its ground-breaking exterior and interior designs, next-generation PEUGEOT i-Cockpit®, and cutting-edge Hypersquare control system with steer-by-wire technology, will serve as an inspiration for PEUGEOT’s upcoming products starting in 2025, to put the majority of its innovations into production. The electric INCEPTION CONCEPT, based on the STLA Large platform, is powered by a 100kWh battery with a 497-mile range. The INCEPTION CONCEPT goes from 0 to 62 mph in less than three seconds and generates about 680 horsepower from two electric motors. The model also has wireless induction charging capabilities and 800V technology, which allows it to add 93 miles of range in just five minutes.
A number of aspiring photographers start their photography journey with a smartphone, thanks to the smartphone manufacturers who develop and market their smartphones primarily by showcasing their triple or quad camera setup. The offering saves money and helps aspiring photographers easily explore aspects of photography. These beginners start photography as a hobby and eventually, after receiving many accolades from friends, decide to promote their passion from smartphone photography to DSLR/mirrorless photography.
Now, when it comes to buying your first DSLR camera as a photographer, choose the camera that would be your companion for the next few years as you grow in the field. Of course, look for an affordable one, and don’t spend your hard-earned money during your initial days, but that doesn’t mean you should go for the cheapest possible camera. So, if you’re one of those aspiring photographers looking for an affordable DSLR camera to kick off your photography passion, here are some recommendations from our side but first, let’s understand what to look for when you’re buying your first camera?
Simple controls:
The expert at anything was once a beginner. So, while buying your first camera, take a good look at its functions and modes. Prefer the one with the most straightforward controls as it will help you boost your confidence and adapt to the basics in a short time.
Resolution & Sensor Size:
The resolution intimates the maximum size of images that a camera can capture, while the sensor size indicates the image quality. A number of entry-level cameras lie between 16MP to 24 MP, and companies try to attract buyers by highlighting more on megapixels, but the whole game depends on sensor size. So, prefer a camera with a larger sensor size as it produces more attractive tones and depth.
Interchangeable Lenses:
When buying a camera, you’re investing in an entire ecosystem, including lenses and accessories. Do a little research on the lens support and mount systems because a large number of cameras support only their native lenses, which means if you buy a Canon EF mount camera, then you’ll have to stick with EF mount lenses. So, look for a camera that supports Interchangeable Lenses.
Nikon D3500 is one of the best entry-level cameras for aspiring photographers as it includes a dedicated Guide shooting Mode that acts as an interactive guide to photography and camera settings. Nikon D3500’s guide mode, which appears on the rear LCD screen, works as a digitutor and gives access to various frequently used and valuable camera functions. The camera is compact for an SLR and features a wide handgrip with the trademark Nikon red stripe. It sports a top-quality 24.2MP APS-C sensor and offers an 11-point focus module along with a solid autofocus system to help you click extraordinary images. The Nikon D3500 camera is less expensive, but at the same time, it offers equally appealing features. So, if you’re more into photography rather than videography, then D3500 may be the perfect match for you as it provides a retouch menu for quick image adjustments in the camera and comes up with long battery life.
Canon EOS M50 / Mark II is the most popular entry-level camera from the house of Canon. The Mark II is recently replacing the original M50 with very few noticeable updates. The M50 / Mark II has a built-in viewfinder which is rare to find in many similarly priced mirrorless cameras. The versatile camera has a simple user interface and a unique Dual Pixel Autofocus system. The compact and lightweight camera has a number of features for vlogging, including live YouTube streaming and vertical video support. The EOS M50 / Mark II camera provides a 24-megapixel APS-C sensor with a 4K video recording option making it the tailor-made camera for casual and aspiring photographers. If you’re considering a camera for everyday photography, the Canon EOS M50 Mark II is a reliable option, but if you are getting an older version at a fairly discounted price, go for it, as most of the features are identical.
The old-school looking X-T200 35mm SLR film camera from Fujifilm is feature-packed with great controls and is one of the best mirrorless beginners’ cameras in the current market. The Japanese multinational camera company has put a lot of work into making the X-T200 as its previous version, X-T100, was a letdown for most buyers. The stylish X-T200 camera is offered in three finishes, dark silver, silver and champagne gold. The camera has an electronic viewfinder and can shoot excellent 4K videos. The camera offers one of the largest LCDs (3.5 inches diagonal) you’ll find in a consumer camera and an improved hybrid AF system comprising the whole frame, together with updated face and eye detection. The fine starter camera for aspiring photographers is a little costly compared to its rivals, but it offers access to the X series of lenses, one of the highest-quality lenses for mirrorless cameras.
Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV
Type: MirrorlessSensor: Micro Four ThirdsMegapixels: 20.3MPScreen: 3-inch 180-degree tilting touchscreen, 1037k dotsISO Range: 200 to 25600 (Extended: 100 to 25600)Max burst speed: 8.7fpsMax video resolution: 4K UHD
Olympus is famous for making travel-friendly mirrorless cameras, and if you travel often and like to click attractive images on the go, then you should definitely consider buying the new pocket-sized powerhouse camera, Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV. The camera lags in advanced features but offers plenty of assistive shooting modes, which helps the user click brilliant stills. The lightweight Mark IV is designed explicitly for smartphone switchers, and it retains the 4K video option and attractive styling from its predecessor Mark III. The Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV has one of the widest lens catalogues on the market, and if you’re looking for the first camera of your life, this camera will surely make your photography experience memorable. The plastic-build camera is small enough to carry around anywhere and is considered one of the best cameras for vloggers, travellers and aspiring photographers.
Sony A6000 (Price – ₹48,990)
Type: MirrorlessSensor: Micro Four ThirdsMegapixels: 20.3MPScreen: 3-inch 180-degree tilting touchscreen, 1037k dotsISO Range: 200 to 25600 (Extended: 100 to 25600)Max burst speed: 8.7fpsMax video resolution: 4K UHD
The award-winning Sony A6000 is one of the oldest devices on the list. Sony first launched the A6000 camera about 6-years ago, and even after a half-decade, it is still one of the best entry-level cameras from Sony. The company is still manufacturing it, which confirms the camera will not disappear any time soon. The widely available camera has a tiny body that packs a 24.3MP image sensor and electronic viewfinder. The A6000 camera can capture detailed photos at up to 11fps but fails to record 4K movies, but if you can manage without some of the latest innovative features and photography is your primary focus, this camera is a strong alternative.
Nikon Z50 (Price – ₹85,995)
Type: MirrorlessSensor: APS-C CMOSMegapixels: 20.9MPScreen: 3.2-inch tilted touchscreen, 1040K dotsISO Range: 100 to 51200 (Extended: 100 to 2,04,800)Max burst speed: 11fpsMax video resolution: 4K UHD at 30p
The small and lightweight Nikon Z50 shares the same DNA as Nikon’s full-frame Z6 and Z7 cameras. The highly versatile camera instantly grabs aspiring photographers attention as it’s from one of the trusted companies and has a good grip along with good external controls. The beginner-friendly entry-level mirrorless camera from Nikon is an ideal option for travellers and aspiring photographers. The main selling point of the Nikon Z50 is its ability to shoot 4K videos and impressive APS-C sensor, which lets you connect with dedicated Nikon Z series lenses. Along with these features, the Z50 offers a burst speed of 11fps, a decent electronic viewfinder and a helpful tiltable screen. The all-rounder Nikon Z50 is a bit expensive compared to its competitors but is an excellent option for aspiring photographers as it could last longer.
Panasonic Lumix G100
Type: MirrorlessSensor: Micro Four ThirdsMegapixels: 20.3MPScreen: 3-inch vari-angle, 1840k dotsISO Range: 200 to 25600 (Extended: 100 to 25600)Max burst speed: 10fpsMax video resolution: 4K UHD at 30p
Panasonic’s latest compact vlogging camera, Lumix G100, is one of the best beginner cameras for aspiring photographers and content creators. The highly versatile camera has an approachable button layout that lets you quickly capture high-quality videos in 4K/30p and excellent 20.3MP stills. The super-small Lumix G100 camera offers Nokia developed OVO Audio technology, which enables you to capture better-sounding audio without any external microphones, and it is the first camera in the world to incorporate OVO technology. The camera also offers five-axis hybrid image stabilization and built-in flash, making it a perfect first camera for vloggers and aspiring photographers.
