Handling your smartphone isn’t always easy when you’re snowboarding, cycling, or surfing. Even when you’re simply walking, recording a video using your smartphone can be painful.
For such activities, you’d be better off with a wearable camera—they help you live the moment instead of worrying about your camera. However, they have different lenses and different form factors for different use cases. As such, it’s hard to buy one if you don’t know what to look for.
So, in this article, we’ll help you judge what wearable camera would suit your use case the best.
1. Lens Type
Since recording a video or capturing photos is the main purpose of a camera, start with the lens type.
Some wearable cameras have fixed lenses, while others offer interchangeable lenses. To figure out what works for you, consider your skill level and your use case.
If you’re into casual vlogging, cameras with fixed lenses are a better option. They’re affordable, and you don’t have to worry about changing the lens (and even carrying them) for different situations.Wide-angled lenses are often preferred for vlogging, and most wearable cameras already have them.
On the other hand, interchangeable lenses offer more flexibility and zoom capabilities. You can capture a variety of shots using such wearable cameras, but they require more skill. But yes, these cameras are more suited to content creators who need more variety in their shots.
2. Portability
The main selling point of wearable cameras is the fact that they’re lightweight and easy to carry. However, some models are more portable than others. They also tend to differ when it comes to mounting options. Whatever your use case may be, you’ll want something lightweight and easy to mount to different surfaces.
Check whether you’re able to mount the camera on your helmet, chest, or wrist and how comfortably you can wear it. Some cameras will come with a mount that you can attach to your bike, surfboard, or even your pet’s collar. Make sure it’s also easy to carry in your bag or pocket when not in use.
If you are choosing a wearable camera for sports, get one that is small, so it doesn’t interfere when you’re entirely focused on the action.
3. Durability and Water Resistance
Some cameras are weather-sealed, meaning they can work in a broader range of environments. This type of durability is important to consider if you will be using the wearable camera outdoors. Water damage is a huge risk when you’re recording in harsh conditions or for water sports such as surfing, swimming, or snorkeling.
Carefully go through the spec sheets andlook for an IP rating. Short-list cameras that feature this protection without sacrificing image quality. Some wearable cameras, such as GoPros, come with protective cases that you’re able to use to protect them from any severe damage.
4. Long Battery Life
Wearable cameras with short battery life are just constant trouble. Recharging your camera over and over again is not only irritating, but it also limits how much you can record in one go. This is why you need a wearable camera with a long battery life, especially if you’re going to be outdoors for longer periods.
If you’re set on a specific model, but it doesn’t have great battery life, check if the camera has an easy battery swap feature. This allows you to quickly remove the dead battery, replace it with a fresh one, and get back to filming within a minute.
Charging time also matters a lot. Batteries in cameras can take a notoriously long time to recharge, but some models will have a quick-charging feature. Wearable cameras that charge via USB-C often have this option.
5. Ample Storage
The only thing that’s more annoying than running out of battery is running out of storage. If you’re on a trip abroad and your camera runs out of storage, your travel log plans could go out the window. Don’t fall prey to this, and get something that has enough storage to last you a while.
If your recording needs demand storage, look for wearable cameras that support microSD cards or cloud storage. SD cards are the safer bet between the two, but cloud storage also works well as you always have an accessible backup in the cloud.
6. Connectivity Options
After you’re done recording, you should be able to quickly transfer the footage to your phone or PC. This helps you free up space on the camera, share the footage with others, and keep a backup of all your data.
Some popular connectivity options include Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, USB, and NFC. Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are the best options for transferring files from the camera to your smartphone. For computers, you’ll want a camera that supports quick file transfer via USB. Look for fastUSB-C or USB-3ports for this purpose.
If your laptop/computer has an SD card reader, you could give the connectivity factor low priority.
7. Ease of Use
When considering a wearable camera, prioritizing ease of use can greatly enhance your recording experience. Look for straightforward controls that allow you to start recording with minimal effort, especially during fast-paced moments. Make sure you can also quickly navigate the menus and adjust different settings on the fly.
Other than that, check if the camera comes with a user-friendly companion app for your phone. This can simplify the remote control and file-sharing features. If you’re buying a camera with interchangeable lenses, make sure that the lens-changing process is straightforward.
Is Buying a Wearable Camera Worth It?
A wearable camera is a must-have if you want to capture fast-paced action or record outdoor activities—especially without having to worry about handling the camera at all. Although these cameras may not be as easy to use (and sometimes not as high-quality either) as smartphones, they generally have better mounting options that make them more versatile.
The best part is that you don’t have to all go out with an expensive model. you’re able to start with something affordable with moderate specs and upgrade to something high-end down the line.
