An action camera is a small, rugged, and portable digital camera that is designed for recording action while immersed in it.

It's no surprise that they're popular among sport participants -especially extreme sports. Think snowboarders, skateboarders, skydivers, and surfers, to name a few. For team sports players, they can be invaluable in practices where you can later review game tape. They deliver an up-close first-person view of whatever's happening as it happens.

Most action cameras have a wide-angle lens with high resolution. This makes the footage of your game, outing, or sports adventure all the more compelling. Also, the footage is easy to share on social media.

Let's learn how to get started filming with the following tips.

Tips to get started with your action camera

To make your final video more enjoyable, try filming a few times with the camera in different positions (better yet, buy two action cams). This extra footage will help give your final video a more complete view of your activity. You may also find that some positions of the camera work better than others. For example, the handlebars on your bike may give you rough footage with lots of bounces and shakes, whereas the view from your chest might be much smoother.

Attaching the camera to you

It's crucial to secure the camera during your activity. If it's not secure, it may become dislodged and get broken. This may hurt someone or, worse yet, get lost.

Many users resort to the DIY attachment method of using duct tape. While this is inexpensive, it is hardly the best solution. Many action cameras today are sold with an accessory pack. These accessories will help you use your camera in many different situations. They have mounts for handlebars, helmets, surfboards, for underwater use, and stick extensions, to name a few. If you happen to have a 3D printer, there are many specialized mounts that you can create. For example, stick mounts that attach to hockey or lacrosse sticks.

Action Camera for Beginners

When you first get your camera, film some things around the house. This will allow you to get the hang of your new HD action camera and the best settings for your planned action.
 
Your camera's resolution is the number of pixels your device can capture. The more pixels better the image.

The frame rate is the number of pictures your camera can capture per second. Keep in mind that standard playback for film and video is 24 frames per second, although higher recording rates are available.

Batteries

All action cameras, from the most expensive down to the cheapest, will use up battery power quickly. Depending on the set recording resolution, your batteries might last anywhere from 60 to 180 minutes. So don't get caught out during your activity with a dead battery. Make sure you buy a couple spares, treat them well during storage, and they will last longer than your camera.

When you're done with your action, it's time to edit your shots. Find the shots you want, trim them, and place them in the order you wish. If you are posting your finished video on social media, try to keep individual scenes 3 to 5 seconds long.

Sometimes it helps to plan out a quick storyboard. This can be done before your adventure, so you can shoot with an idea in mind. Always capture extra footage, so you have plenty to work with. You can also create a storyboard after you've seen the raw shots you've captured.  This can make editing much more uncomplicated.

Look for cameras that have Wi-Fi connectivity so you can instantly share your video or photos.

Finally, many cameras come with on-the-go editing so you can string together footage as you go. This is best limited to trimming video clips before sharing. The screen is small, and the controls can be very cumbersome.