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TECH IT: The Best Action Cameras for Bikes – On Any Budget

So, you want to look like a cross between Robocop and a knock-off Casey Neistat? Well you’re in luck, we’ve got an unbiased and impartial guide to the best action cameras for bikes available for Christmas 2016.

There’s no denying the hype around action cameras, it’s the high fun and no fuss way to get started making videos. From capturing all the action down the skatepark, at the trails or on the streets, to daily video diaries…? Who knows, maybe you’ll be the next big thing in the sea of YouTube Celebrity Vloggers… Perhaps not, but action cams are better now than ever.

We start this list with the obvious big brand choice, but be sure to consider the alternative options available on the market. Sometimes you can get a real treat for a fraction of the price.

1. GoPro HERO5 Black

This is the latest flagship model from GoPro and it really packs a punch.

Featuring a 12 megapixel sensor capable of capturing 4K at 30fps, 1080p at 120fps and 720p at up to 240fps. In addition to the impressive video specs there are a whole bunch of still photography options including RAW support, high speed bursts at up to 30fps and timelapse shooting modes.

All these features can be controlled from the inbuilt touchscreen. Factor in the electronic image stabilisation, 10 meter waterproof protection, fantastic remote control with the smartphone app, the vast array of compatibly with all GoPro mounts and you have one hell of an action cam.

All these features do come at a cost – £349 to be exact.

It’s a serious piece of kit for those who can justify the price.

2. Sony FDR-X1000V

Sony, who actually branded the term Action Cam, developed their flagship model to rival that of GoPro.

Sony are renowned for their video technology and this sensor captures 4K at 30fps, 1080p at 120fps and 720p at up to 240fps plus handles all the photo modes you could want. The design offers an alternative look to the traditional cuboid action camera standard, making it much better for capturing the action handheld.

Its rugged case offers 10 meters of waterproof protection and the range of mounts and accessories easily rivals that of the GoPro.

It can be found online from £275, which is quite a bit cheaper than the equivalent Hero4 Black. That’s a whole lot of premium specs coming in at a reasonable price.

3. GoPro HERO4 Silver

The Hero4 Silver is the older bother to the recently released Hero5. It’s no slouch though – its 12mp sensor captures 4k video (at a low 15fps), but the 1080p 60fps video is where it really shines.

This model has been the go-to camera used to film all the best action sports videos you’ve seen over the last year and that’s a testament to its quality and capabilities. It’s got the touchscreen, the slew of photo modes found on its bigger brother and all the handy WiFi control via the awesome GoPro app.

If you want to strike a good balance between performance, cost and all the prestige of the GoPro brand, then the Hero4 silver is a solid choice. Available now for £229.

4. TomTom Bandit Action Camera

TomTom are well known for their GPS systems. The Bandit takes the latest action camera specs and blends them with sports tracking technology to produce a camera specially designed for the sports enthusiast.

Take quality 1080p 60fps video combined with advanced motion sensors that register speed, acceleration, rotation, altitude and G-force and you have a pretty unique piece of kit.

You can capture all your best moments while collecting all your vital statics on-screen via the companion app. It’ll even calculate your heart rate. The software can then automatically edit a highlight reel of your footage using the data gathered from the sensors to calculate the most high adrenaline moments of your session.

It’s available now at a very reasonable £149.

5. Xiaomi YI 4K Action Camera

This little camera has caused a storm online. The YI 4K from Chinese manufacturer, Xiaomi, is essentially a clone of the GoPro Hero5 and they are offering it for a fraction of the price.

It’s no cheap knock-off though… Just check out the countless comparison videos and rave reviews all over YouTube.

It’s packing a quality Sony manufactured video sensor, capturing 4K at 30fps, 1080p at 120fps and 720p at up to 240fps with great lowlight performance. Featuring a sharp HD touchscreen, WiFi capabilites and full remote control via the sleek companion app, it’s a heavy contender in the race for best action camera in 2016.

Available online for £239.

6. Bitmore Sports Action Camera

Are you trying to get by on a tight budget? Or maybe you just don’t want to spend hundreds on the latest and greatest from the big brand names? Then the Bitmore Compact HD is the action cam for you.

It captures HD footage at 720p at up to 60fps and offers live view and playback via the 2″ LCD screen. It’s compatible with all the standard GoPro mounts and accessories and housed in a robust waterproof case.

Let’s face it, it’s not going to win any awards for video quality but at the unbelievable price of £29.99, it’s a steal!