This is a review of the best cameras for snowboarding.
I am Aspen, an APSI certified snowboard instructor and NZSIA certified ski instructor, today, I will work with Kan, an SBNIZ snowboard instructor and a professional photographer to provide you with our most recommended cameras, and useful tips to choose the most suitable one.
Kan’s work was published in De Standaard (a Flemish daily newspaper published in Belgium), and many publications.
The GoPro Hero 9 Black is our top pick for the best camera for snowboarding. It’s portable, durable, can withstand the toughest condition, easy to operate, and can capture 5K HD video at 30 fps.
Snowboarding is one of those snowsports that need an excellent camera to capture the stunning scenery and give it justice while you glide down the snowy hills. Since you’re here, I’m sure you know all about that.
Action cameras come in different sizes, resolutions, capture speeds, and overall features. Like any important device you’re eyeing in the market, it’s crucial to understand them before purchasing.
Today, we’ve handpicked 4 of the Best Cameras for Snowboarding. Read on to know more!
GoPro Hero 9 Black
- Weight: 5.6 oz / 159 g
- Key Features: Time-lapse, Waterproof
- Resolution: 5K
- Image Stabilization: Yes (HyperSmooth 3.0)
- Camera Capture Speed: 30fps
- Connectivity Technology: Bluetooth and WiFi
- Best for: Overall
A great example of quality and reliability, the GoPro HERO9 Black comes out as our top favorite camera for snowboarding and skiing. It is portable and easy to attach, but it is also waterproof up to 33 ft. If you’re looking for a great overall camera, the HERO9 might be the right fit for you.
This camera comes equipped with built-in image stabilization, powered by HyperSmooth 3.0, the image stabilizing technology designed by GoPro. This allows for amazing high-quality content at over 5k resolution at 30fps.
You can connect to your HERO9 Black device either through WiFi or Bluetooth, ensuring constant easy access. The front and back monitor makes it ideal for selfies.
There are a lot of accessories available for GoPro cameras, can attach it to your helmet, on your snowboard, in front of your chest for different angles and vision.
However, the GoPro HERO9 Black doesn’t offer as many features compared to other cameras. It also tends to shut down once it’s overheated, especially when you record in 4k or 5k for long periods so you’ll have to wait for it to cool down before using it again.
Insta360 ONE X2
- Weight: 5.25 oz / 149 g
- Key Features: Waterproof, AI Editing Tool (Shot Lab), 360 Audio and Video Capture
- Resolution: 5.7K video
- Voice Control: Yes
- Image Stabilization: Yes (FlowState Stabilization)
- Camera Capture Speed: 30 fps
- Connectivity Technology: Micro SD Card
- Best for: Action
The Insta360 One X2 isn’t called 360 for nothing. Its dual lenses (front and back) allow capturing videos from any direction and recording 360 audio. This means that no matter where you are filming from, you would be able to tell when you view the clip.
This state-of-the-art device also comes with its own AI Editing Tool, Shot Lab, which you’d have to download from the App Store or Play Store. After you’ve shot some videos or clips with your Insta360 One camera, simply upload them to the Insta360 app and let the AI editor handle the rest.
Unlike some of the more recent cameras, the Insta360 One X2 stores its footage in a Micro SD card. This makes it handy to use and carry around on your sporting adventures where WiFi may not be so strong.
This means that if you haven’t already, you’ll need to get a Micro SD card reader or a Micro SD Adapter to transfer files from the camera to your computer.
Dazzne P3
- Weight: 3.3 oz / 94 g
- Key Features: Waterproof, Time-lapse, Loop-recording
- Resolution: 1080p
- Image Stabilization: No
- Camera Capture Speed: 60 fps
- Connectivity Technology: WiFi, USB, HDMI
- Best for: Budget
The most budget-friendly action camera on the list, the Dazzne P3 isn’t a stranger to retail stores worldwide. You can begin your filming adventures right away at a reasonably low price with this camera.
Aside from its waterproof design, the device also supports time-lapse and loop-recording features up to 1080p at 60 fps. This can be easily set up through the camera’s user-friendly interface.
The device also supports multiple connectivities, including Bluetooth, WiFi, and via HDMI cable. Simply plug or connect your device with a working PC, and you’re good to go.
The limitations of the Dazzne P3 boil down to its cost-efficient nature. It definitely does not have the best of resolutions compared to the rest, but it sure still gets the job done.
DJI Osmo Action
- Key Features: Waterproof, Time-lapse, Slow-motion, Light-weight
- Weight: 4.37 oz / 124 g
- Resolution: 4k
- Image Stabilization: Yes (RockSteady)
- Camera Capture Speed: 240fps
- Connectivity Technology: USB
- Best for: Slow-motion
Being light-weight isn’t the DJI Osmo Action’s only perk as there are many aspects that make this camera worthwhile to mention. Some of those features include slow-motion settings and time-lapse. This is also one of our favorite helmet cameras!
Slow-motion would be an epic feature in any camera, especially for active sports such as snowboarding and skiing. With this device, you can record up to 240 fps at 1080p while enjoying the built-in image stabilization technology powered by RockSteady, DJI’s image stabilization software.
A downside to this otherwise great camera is that you need to activate it with a DJI account and application compatible with only a shortlist of iOS and Android phones.
Best Camera for Snowboarding – What to Consider
Weight
Every ounce counts when you engage in active hobbies like snowboarding, as you’d want to be as mobile and light as possible. So, be sure to check the camera’s weight you’re buying to know if it’s a good fit for you.
Resolution
The camera resolution dictates the video quality. The higher the resolution, the more pixels in a frame. However, this comes at the cost of having lesser frames per second. You want your videos and photos to be crisp and clear so you record every detail you might miss in the heat of the moment.
Image Stabilization
Image stabilization allows your videos to have a more streamlined result. There’s a lot of movement when snowboarding, so I recommend checking if your camera supports this feature.
Camera Capture Speed
A camera with a high capture speed means it can handle a high number of frames per second. This is especially apparent for high-end helmet cameras like GoPros. The more frames you can capture, the smoother your video will look.
FAQS
What kind of cameras do snowboarders use?
Sliding through snow-coated hills requires speed and mobility, and so do the cameras you choose to bring with you. Be sure to secure a camera like the DJI Osmo Action that’s able to handle high frames per second at a reasonable resolution.
Which GoPro mount is best for snowboarding?
While there are many mounts available in online and local stores, none can beat the quality and reliability of the official GoPro Suction Cup Mount. It is easy to use, but it is affordable as well, perfect for those looking for a budget fit.
What is the best action camera to buy?
The best camera would be one you can rely on anytime while you’re on the move. You won’t go wrong with the GoPro Hero9 or Hero 10, but check out our pick on the 4 Best Helmet Cameras in the market today.