Compare Action Cameras 2014 Top Picks and Key Features

The top action cameras of 2014 deliver stunning 4K video, rugged waterproof designs, and advanced stabilization—perfect for adrenaline-fueled adventures. From the GoPro Hero4 Black’s pro-grade performance to the Sony AS100V’s superior low-light capture, this head-to-head comparison breaks down key specs, durability, and value to help you choose the best model for your needs.

Key Takeaways

• Resolution matters: Prioritize 4K or 1080p for sharp, detailed footage in 2014 models.
• Stabilization is key: Choose built-in stabilization for smooth videos during fast-paced activities.
• Waterproof ratings: Verify depth ratings before using in extreme water conditions.
• Battery life varies: Compare battery performance; carry spares for long shoots.
• Mount compatibility: Ensure accessories fit your preferred mounting setup for versatility.
• Low-light performance: Test low-light capabilities if filming in dim environments often.

The Wild World of 2014 Action Cameras: Which One Fits Your Adventure?

Remember that time you tried to film your first skydive with your phone? Yeah, me too. It was a blurry, shaky mess—and that’s when I realized the magic of action cameras. Back in 2014, the market was exploding with options, each promising to turn your wildest moments into crystal-clear memories. Whether you were shredding waves, scaling cliffs, or just trying to capture your kid’s first bike ride, there was a camera for it. But with so many choices, how do you pick the right one? That’s where this guide comes in.

2014 was a big year for action cameras. The technology had matured enough to deliver high-quality footage without breaking the bank, and brands were pushing boundaries with waterproofing, stabilization, and ease of use. From GoPro’s dominance to emerging contenders like Sony and Garmin, the competition was fierce. In this post, we’ll compare action cameras 2014 style—digging into specs, real-world performance, and those little quirks that make or break your experience. So, whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or a weekend warrior, let’s find the perfect camera for your next escapade.

Why 2014 Was a Game-Changer for Action Cameras

The Rise of 4K and High-Frame-Rate Video

2014 was the year 4K became a real option for action cameras. GoPro’s Hero4 Black stole headlines with its 4K/30fps capability, while Sony’s Action Cam HDR-AS100V offered 1080p/60fps with a 170-degree lens. Suddenly, you could film a mountain bike descent in ultra-HD or slow down a wave crash in silky-smooth slow-mo. But let’s be honest: most of us still shot in 1080p because 4K files were massive (and our computers couldn’t handle them). Still, the tech was there, and it felt futuristic.

Pro tip: If you planned to edit your footage heavily (like color grading or cropping), 4K was worth the storage hassle. For casual use, 1080p/60fps was plenty.

Waterproofing Without the Housing

Remember those bulky waterproof cases from 2012? By 2014, brands like GoPro and Sony started building waterproofing into the camera body. The Hero4 Silver could go 40 meters deep without a case, while the Sony AS100V was splash-proof (but still needed a housing for serious diving). This was a huge win for surfers and snorkelers. No more fiddling with cases before every dip—just grab, go, and get wet.

Real-world example: I took the Hero4 Silver kayaking in rough rapids. It survived a 3-foot drop into water and kept filming. The AS100V, on the other hand, needed a case to avoid fogging during a sudden downpour.

Battery Life and Storage: The Silent Struggle

Battery life was… a mixed bag. The Hero4 Black lasted about 65 minutes in 4K mode (ouch), while the AS100V squeezed out 90 minutes in 1080p. And storage? A single 4K video could eat 1GB in 5 minutes. Suddenly, that 16GB SD card felt tiny. Brands responded with swappable batteries (GoPro) and microSD support (everyone), but you still had to plan ahead.

Tip: Buy a spare battery and a 32GB+ SD card. Trust me, you’ll thank yourself when your camera dies mid-ride.

Top 5 Action Cameras of 2014: A Head-to-Head Comparison

GoPro Hero4 Black: The 4K King

The Hero4 Black was the flagship of 2014. With 4K/30fps, 1080p/120fps for slow-mo, and a rugged, waterproof design, it was the go-to for pros. The image quality was stunning—sharp, vibrant, and low-light capable. But it had quirks: the battery life sucked, the menu was clunky, and the price ($499) made your wallet cry.

• Best for: Filmmakers, extreme sports, low-light adventures.
• Watch out for: Short battery life, steep learning curve.

Real talk: I loved the Hero4 Black for filming night hikes. The night mode was surprisingly good, but I always packed two batteries.

GoPro Hero4 Silver: The Balanced Pick

The Silver model ($399) ditched 4K but added a built-in touchscreen. The 1080p/60fps footage was still excellent, and the touchscreen made framing shots a breeze. It was waterproof to 40 meters and had a slightly better battery life than the Black. For most users, this was the sweet spot.

• Best for: Travelers, vloggers, families.
• Watch out for: No 4K, slightly bulkier than competitors.

Pro tip: The touchscreen was a game-changer for solo filming. No more guessing if your shot was level!

Sony Action Cam HDR-AS100V: The Underdog with a Lens

Sony’s AS100V ($299) was a surprise hit. It had a 170-degree lens (wider than GoPro’s 127-degree), 1080p/60fps, and a sleek, minimalist design. The image was sharp, but the colors felt a bit “flat” compared to GoPro’s punchy style. The killer feature? A built-in GPS for speed/distance tracking—perfect for cyclists and skiers.

• Best for: Cyclists, runners, wide-angle lovers.
• Watch out for: Mediocre low-light performance, no touchscreen.

Real-world example: I mounted the AS100V on my bike. The GPS overlay on my ride videos was addictive, but the footage looked washed out at dusk.

Garmin Virb XE: The Data Nerd’s Dream

Garmin’s Virb XE ($399) was all about data. It had GPS, an altimeter, and even a barometric sensor. The 1080p/60fps footage was solid, but the real magic was the “Virb Edit” software. It let you overlay speed, elevation, and G-force onto your videos. For data-obsessed athletes, it was heaven.

• Best for: Cyclists, skiers, fitness enthusiasts.
• Watch out for: Bulky design, clunky app.

Tip: The Virb XE’s battery lasted 2 hours—perfect for long rides. But the app crashed a lot on my phone.

Contour ROAM3: The Budget Warrior

The ROAM3 ($199) was the cheapest option, but it packed a punch. It had 1080p/30fps, a simple one-button design, and a rugged, waterproof body. The footage was decent, but the 170-degree lens caused barrel distortion (straight lines looked curved). Still, for under $200, it was a steal.

• Best for: Budget buyers, casual users.
• Watch out for: No slow-mo, limited mounting options.

Real talk: I gave the ROAM3 to my nephew for his skateboarding videos. He loved the simplicity, but the footage looked “fish-eyed.”

Key Features to Compare Action Cameras 2014

Video Quality: Resolution vs. Real-World Performance

Specs tell half the story. A camera might claim 4K, but what about dynamic range, color accuracy, and stabilization? The Hero4 Black had the best dynamic range (great for sunny days), while the AS100V struggled with high-contrast scenes. Stabilization was hit-or-miss—GoPro’s “Protune” mode helped, but nothing beat a physical gimbal.

Example: Filming a sunset with the AS100V? The sky blew out to white. The Hero4 Black preserved the orange hues better.

Mounting Options: Flexibility Matters

How many ways can you attach your camera? GoPro’s ecosystem was (and still is) unmatched—helmets, chests, surfboards, you name it. Sony and Garmin had fewer options, but their adhesive mounts were surprisingly strong. Contour’s “slide-in” design was genius but limited to flat surfaces.

Pro tip: Buy a “3-way mount” (tripod + handle + grip). It’s a Swiss Army knife for filming.

Ease of Use: Who Needs a PhD in Filmmaking?

Some cameras were way easier to use than others. The Hero4 Silver’s touchscreen was intuitive, while the Hero4 Black’s button-only menu felt like a puzzle. The AS100V’s “one-button” mode was great for quick shots, but changing settings required a smartphone app (which drained your phone battery).

Real-world example: I once spent 10 minutes trying to switch the Hero4 Black to 1080p mode while my friends waited. The Silver? Two taps.

Accessories: The Hidden Cost of Action Filming

Batteries and Chargers: Don’t Get Caught Dead

Action cameras ate batteries like candy. The Hero4 Black’s spare battery ($20) was essential, but Sony’s AS100V used a weird proprietary charger (sold separately). Garmin’s Virb XE had a USB-rechargeable battery—a rare win in 2014.

Tip: Buy a dual-battery charger. It saves time and sanity.

SD Cards: Speed Matters

Not all SD cards are created equal. For 4K or high-frame-rate video, you needed a Class 10 or UHS-I card. I learned this the hard way when my 32GB Class 6 card corrupted mid-ski trip. Brands like SanDisk and Lexar made reliable options, but they cost $30+.

Pro tip: Format your card every few weeks. It prevents glitches.

Audio and Extras: Beyond the Basics

Most action cameras had terrible built-in mics (wind noise, anyone?). GoPro’s “Media Mod” ($80) added a shotgun mic, while Sony’s “Live View Remote” ($200) let you control the camera from your wrist. For serious audio, an external mic was a must.

Real talk: I used a lavalier mic with my Hero4 Black for interviews. The wind noise was still brutal, but the clarity was worth it.

Data Table: 2014 Action Camera Specs at a Glance

Camera	Max Video	Waterproof	Battery Life	Price (2014)
GoPro Hero4 Black	4K/30fps	40m (no case)	65 mins (4K)	$499
GoPro Hero4 Silver	1080p/60fps	40m (no case)	75 mins (1080p)	$399
Sony AS100V	1080p/60fps	Splash-proof (case for diving)	90 mins (1080p)	$299
Garmin Virb XE	1080p/60fps	IPX7 (case for diving)	120 mins	$399
Contour ROAM3	1080p/30fps	IPX8 (no case)	100 mins	$199

Final Verdict: Which 2014 Action Camera Should You Pick?

Let’s cut to the chase. If you wanted the best overall camera, the GoPro Hero4 Silver was the winner. It balanced price, features, and ease of use better than any other model. The 4K Black was overkill for most people, but if you were a pro filmmaker, it was worth the splurge.

For budget buyers, the Contour ROAM3 was a no-brainer. It didn’t have fancy features, but it got the job done. And if you were a data junkie, the Garmin Virb XE’s GPS and sensors were unbeatable.

Sony’s AS100V was a dark horse—great for wide-angle shots and cyclists, but the lack of a touchscreen and mediocre low-light performance held it back. And remember: no camera was perfect. Every model had trade-offs, from battery life to menu design.

So, what’s the takeaway? Think about your needs. Are you filming in low light? Need long battery life? Want to track your speed? The right camera for you is the one that fits your adventures—not just the one with the fanciest specs. Happy filming, and may your 2014 action camera memories be epic!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top action cameras to compare in 2014?

The leading action cameras in 2014 include the GoPro Hero4 Black, Sony Action Cam Mini, and Garmin VIRB Elite. Each offers unique features like 4K video, image stabilization, and GPS tracking, making them standout options for enthusiasts and professionals. Use this guide to compare action cameras 2014 and find the best fit for your needs.

How does the GoPro Hero4 Black compare to other 2014 action cameras?

The GoPro Hero4 Black excels with 4K video at 30fps and advanced manual controls, outperforming rivals like the Contour Roam3 in resolution and versatility. However, competitors like the Sony Action Cam Mini offer better low-light performance and compact designs for specific use cases.

Which 2014 action camera has the best battery life?

The Garmin VIRB Elite leads with up to 3 hours of recording time, ideal for long adventures. In comparison, the GoPro Hero4 Black offers around 1.5–2 hours, though swappable batteries can extend usage for both models.

Are budget-friendly action cameras worth it in 2014?

Yes, cameras like the Polaroid Cube or DBPower D4 offer solid 1080p video at a fraction of premium models’ cost. While they lack 4K or advanced stabilization, they’re great for casual users who want to compare action cameras 2014 without overspending.

What key features should I prioritize when comparing action cameras?

Focus on resolution (4K vs. 1080p), frame rates, image stabilization, battery life, and waterproofing. For example, the Sony Action Cam Mini excels in stabilization, while the GoPro Hero4 Black leads in resolution and accessory compatibility.

Can I use 2014 action cameras for professional content creation?

Absolutely—the GoPro Hero4 Black and Sony Action Cam Mini are used in pro settings due to their high bitrates and color profiles. However, check lens compatibility and audio input options, as some 2014 models lack external mic support.