ACTION & GIMBAL CAMERAS    replace bulky DSLR's as the            ( new ) Affordable Indie Film Maker's Tool of Choice...

Small, nimble and adaptable to various situations and environ-ments, today's action and gimbal-cameras are quickly becoming viable solutions      for micro-budget film makers. In this piece, we'll examine a few of the most promising  contenders in this category. 

When less is more...

Originally, I'd intended on writing a review of Panasonic's Lumix DMC-FZ300 - a nice bridge camera that boasts good image-quality, great features and a "budget-friendly" price most any Indie film maker can afford. However, as I began writing, I started noticing the differences between these full-sized cameras and the burgeoning  action and gimbal-camera market-                                                                                                                         ( -ABOVE )  DMC-FZ300                                                                                                                                    which I've ignored for some time. The more I looked and compared, the more I realized: these smaller, less expensive cameras offered many      of the same high-end features ( -for example: 4K/ 30 fps image quality )  as these higher priced cameras. And their rugged, water-proof designs also offer the added benefit of better camera protection while opening up a whole new world of filming opportunities  you'd never attempt ( i.e: such as underwater and aerial drone footage recording ) with these more expensive, full-sized cameras.  

" The more I looked and compared, the more I realized: these smaller, less expensive cameras offered many of the same high-end features as these higher-priced cameras did"  -Tomm B. ( LLF )

And since we're big fans of the "biggest-bang-for-your-buck" ethic,     

I knew I'd be overhauling this piece into the one you're reading now!

 

So, in this article we'll be looking at:  action cameras,  gimbal-cameras and drone cameras ( -the BEST models from each category along with some info on the accessories that'll make your life a lot easier ).

 

After spending several weeks scouring the internet ( -watching count-less camera tests, reading numerous camera reviews and perusing dozens of "side-by-side" comparisons ), I've selected these models as my  "Top Picks" from each category. In each case, I can truth-fully say that I'd  buy any of these models ( -and in fact HAVE  ) with my recent purchase of a Xiaomi "FIMI Palm".  I hope this article helps you decide which of these tools best suits your micro-budget film making needs.                                                                                             

BEST of the Action Camera market:                                Is GoPro the "only game in town"?

For years now, GoPro has reigned supreme as the "King" of the Action-Cam market.                                                  With superior image quality, cutting edge features and hefty price tags -you may think nothing comes       ( -ABOVE )  GOPRO'S FLAGSHIP "HERO 8"                                                                ( -decked out with it's optional Media, Light and Monitor Mod add-ons )                                                                                                                                        close to their line of premier Action Cams. You'd be wrong! I've discover- ed a handful of competing models ( -below ) that cost HALF to a THIRD  of what GoPro's ( latest ) "Hero 8" costs and that come within "spitting distance" of the Hero 8's performance ( -offering competitive features    with the Hero 8 ). 

DJI's "Osmo Action" Camera

For several years now, DJI's "Osmo Action" has nipoed at GoPro's heels      offering very respectable image quality and terrific built-in EIS stabiliz-ation ( -which they dub "Rock Steady"  ). It rivals -some might say bests  GoPro's "Hero" line. At about HALF the cost of the fully modded "Hero 8"     ( -shown above ), the Osmo Action definitely deserves a look!  

Offering a 2  1/4" back touchscreen and large front facing "selfie screen" that vloggers will appreciate -the "Osmo Action" gets lots of things right. The fact that it costs about HALF of the decked out "Hero 8" ( -above ) and the fact you can use after-market "third-party"             ( -ABOVE  )  DJI's "OSMO ACTION"                                                                                                                                                                                                                    filters (-like Freewell's "All Day 8-Pack" ) with it's screw-off lens protector  ( *NOTE: the "Hero 8's" lens is integral -if you scratch or crack it you're screwed! ), makes the "Osmo Action" an attractive GoPro "alternative". Here's a  good Youtube video  on the DJI "Osmo Action": 

 

"OSMO ACTION" VIDEO

Intrinsic's "OnReal 4K" Action Camera

Coming in at about HALF the price of DJI's "Osmo Action" ( -above ), is Intrinsic's "OnReal B1KS+" 4K Action Camera. This action camera repres-ents an outstanding value ( -as it incorporates a Hi Silicon HI3559A chip set and 12 MP Sony IMX37712 sensor  ), giving you razor sharp detail and great color reproduction nearly identical to the more expensive DJI "Osmo Action".  

"The "B1KS+" DOES incorporate some very desirable high-end features ( -such as the ability to use both EIS and lens distortion compensation simultaneously )"         -Tomm B. ( LLF )

If you can't justify the exorbitant price tag of the "Hero 8" or even    the modestly priced "Osmo Action" above, consider Intrinsic's "OnReal B1KS+" 4K Action Camera.

 

While it's built-in mic audio is poor and despite it's lack of an external mic jack ( -grab your audio from an external recorder ), the "B1KS+" DOES incorporate some very desirable high-end features ( -such as the ability to use both EIS and lens                                                                         ( -ABOVE  ) INTRINSIC'S "ONREAL B1KS+" 

                                                                                                                            distortion compensation simultaneously! ).  The "B1KS+" also offers a HDR ( High Dynamic Range ) Mode -giving you better dynamic range and grey scale gradations in shadowy areas of your picture. While this HDR mode requires you to wait for it to kick in, the results are well worth it.

 

Here is a good Youtube video on the "B1KS+":

 

INTRINSIC "ONREAL B1KS+" VIDEO   

( New ) Action and Gimbal Camera "Coming Attractions"  along with Mini Drones and Relevant Accessories.

Stay tuned to this page for more on today's hottest Action and Gimbal Cameras ( -as well as news on the coolest new affordable mini Drones and accessories ).

Is GoPro the "Be All, End All"  when it comes to this market? Not necessarily!

 

We'll be delving into affordable GoPro "alternatives" that stretch your budget ( -and leave cash

in your pocket for other gear!  ).

  

  ( ABOVE )  "GOPRO" ALTERNATIVES?

Have you seen any of the items below? We will be covering more of this gear in upcoming issues.