So you’ve finally found time to schedule that weekend ski trip you’ve been putting off lately, and you want to capture every second of the action.
If you’re looking for high-end cameras capable of filming 4k videos while you’re skiing, then you’ve come to the right place.
Quick Summary
- Best Overall: GoPro HERO9 Black
- Best Durable: OLYMPUS Tough TG-6
- Best Budget: AKASO EK7000 Pro
- Best Video Quality: Sony FDR X3000
4 Best Cameras for Skiing
Here are 4 of the Best Cameras for Skiing that we’ve handpicked just for you.
GoPro HERO9 Black
- Weight: 5.6 oz / 159 g
- Key Features: Time-lapse
- Resolution: 5K
- Image Stabilization: Yes (HyperSmooth 3.0)
- Camera Capture Speed: 30 fps
- Connectivity Technology: Bluetooth and Wi-Fi
- Waterproof: Yes (up to 33 feet/10 meters)
- Best for: Overall
The GoPro HERO9 Black would be our top pick for a quality, reliable camera. It is easily attachable, portable, and waterproof up to 33 ft, so it is pretty handy whether you’re recording on land or underwater.
The camera features a 5k resolution at 30 fps, which is already quite impressive at its price point. It also comes with built-in image stabilization powered by HyperSmooth 3.0, just one version below the HyperSmooth 4.0 that’s built into later GoPro products, but it’s still quite good.
The Hero9 Black offers connectivity through Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, ensuring constant ease of access. We love backcountry and ski touring, this is my must-have accessory, simply mount it on your helmet then you can operate it easily even you are wearing gloves or mittens.
One minor drawback for the GoPro HERO9 Black is just that it doesn’t offer as many features as other cameras. It also tends to overheat after 20-30 minutes of 4k or 5k video recording and shuts off to cool down.
OLYMPUS Tough TG-6
- Weight: 8.9 oz / 253 g
- Key Features: Digital Zoom, Shock-proof
- Resolution: 4K
- Image Stabilization: Yes
- Camera Capture Speed: 20 fps continuous shooting, 120 fps for Full HD high-speed videos
- Connectivity Technology: Bluetooth and Wi-Fi
- Waterproof: Yes (up to 50 feet/15 meters)
- Best for: Durability
The OLYMPUS Tough TG-6 isn’t called tough for no reason. Familiar with the Nokia mobile smartphone? In terms of durability, the OLYMPUS TG-6 is the camera version. Whether you accidentally drop it or submerge it in water, this camera will probably last longer than your next one.
Equipped with a 2x digital teleconverter, the OLYMPUS enables zooming up to 8x, providing a wide range of photography.
With built-in image stabilization technology, it allows up to 120 fps at 1080p resolution. You can also connect it via Bluetooth or your Wi-Fi network at home.
But with durability comes weight. The OLYMPUS TOUGH TG-6 is quite bulkier than most cameras. It also isn’t a helmet camera, so it cannot be mounted on you while you’re skiing. Lastly, it isn’t touch-screen, so you’ll have to do with the classic button-pressing interface for now.
AKASO EK7000 Pro
- Weight: 2.2 oz / 61 g
- Key Features: Time-lapse, Slow Motion, Loop recording, Light-weight, Cost-effective
- Resolution: 4K
- Image Stabilization: Yes (Digital)
- Camera Capture Speed: 25 fps
- Connectivity Technology: Wi-Fi
- Waterproof: Yes (up to 131 feet / 40 meters) with waterproof case
- Best for: Budget
By far, one of the best budget cameras there would be the AKASO EK7000 Pro as it is generally more affordable. So if you’re ever looking for a cheaper alternative to GoPros, this is it.
This camera is ideal for all water sports, including swimming, surfing, diving, snorkeling, and skiing. It even includes features ranging from slow-motion to loop recordings and 60fps burst image shots.
Besides the 4k quality resolution at 25fps, it can also capture 2.7k at 30 fps and 1080p at 60fps. It also comes with a time-lapse feature. Ever wanted to take a time-lapse 100+ feet underwater to see what’s going on down there? The EK7000 Pro’s got you covered.
However, the camera itself isn’t waterproof. The case comes with it that allows you to go deep underwater. What’s more, it’s also soundproof, so there won’t be any sound recorded while you’re using the waterproof case.
Another thing to note is that there’s no zoom feature for the AKASO EK7000 Pro. So it’s best to leave it mounted on your helmet or stationed somewhere when doing a time-lapse.
Sony FDR X3000
- Weight: 4.1 oz / 114 g
- Key Features: Time-lapse, Optical Zoom 1x, Built-in Wi-Fi and GPS, Wind-noise reduction
- Resolution: 4K
- Image Stabilization: Yes (Balanced Optical SteadyShot)
- Camera Capture Speed: 10 fps
- Connectivity Technology: USB, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi
- Waterproof: Yes (up to 197 feet)
- Best for: Quality
When it comes to filming 4k videos with competitive image stability, the Sony FDR X3000 takes the cake. It also comes paired with high-quality stereo sound that reduces wind noise. We have also recommended this camera in our list of best helmet cameras.
With a built-in GPS, time-lapse feature, and Optical Zoom, you can let your creativity run wild on how you want to film or take a shot.
The Sony FDR X3000 also offers several ways to connect to your PC, including via USB, Bluetooth, or Wi-Fi. This action camera is perfect if you want high-quality videos.
The camera, by itself, is only rated splashproof. You’ll need the housing if you want it waterproof.
Best Camera for Skiing – What to Consider?
Consider the following factors while shopping for the best cameras for skiing.
Weight
Every ounce counts when we’re talking about bringing handheld or mounted devices to our skiing adventures. Be sure to check the camera’s weight you’re buying to know if it’s a good fit for you.
Resolution
Camera resolution is the basis for video quality. The higher the resolution, the more pixels there would be in a frame. However, this comes at the cost of lesser frames per second.
Image Stabilization
Image stabilization allows your videos and clips to have a smoother output. Skiing being an active sport, you’ll definitely need a camera with good stabilization. I recommend checking if your pick supports this feature.
Camera Capture Speed
When recording in a fast-paced environment, capture speed matters. This is also known as the number of frames per second (FPS) your camera can take in at a specific resolution. In the case of skiing, where you’re never at the same place for more than a second, this is important.
Waterproof
Not all cameras are waterproof. Some cameras like the AKASO EK7000 Pro and the Sony FDR X3000 require a waterproof casing to be submerged underwater at the cost of audio.
FAQS
Here are some most commonly asked questions relating to choosing the best skiing cameras and their quick answers.
Can GoPro be used for skiing?
Yes! GoPros can be used for skiing or any other outdoor activity that involves your hands.Check out our take on the Best Helmet Cameras in the current market.
What type of camera do skiers use?
Since skiing requires your hands to be free, using a helmet camera and mounting it on your helmet would be best. This ensures you enjoy every bit of the moment while not having to worry about dropping your handheld devices.
What is the best action camera?
Depending on what you’re looking for, one of the best action cameras in the market today would be the GoPro HERO9 Black mentioned in this article. If you happen to have a higher budget, I recommend checking out the GoPro HERO10 Black, which supersedes the HERO9.