Featured image for action camera compare 2017
Image source: motortrend.com
The 2017 action camera showdown reveals GoPro’s Hero5 Black as the top overall pick, combining 4K video, voice control, and rugged design in a compact package. Key rivals like the Sony FDR-X3000 and Yi 4K impress with superior image stabilization and value, making them smart alternatives depending on your adventure needs. This head-to-head comparison cuts through the hype to spotlight performance, features, and real-world usability across top models.
Key Takeaways
- Choose 4K resolution: Prioritize cameras with true 4K for sharper, future-proof footage.
- Stabilization matters: Opt for models with advanced EIS for smooth action shots.
- Waterproof without housing: Select cameras with native waterproofing for deeper dives.
- Compare frame rates: Higher fps (120+) delivers superior slow-motion video quality.
- Expandable storage: Ensure microSD support for longer recording sessions.
- Voice control wins: Hands-free operation simplifies use during intense activities.
📑 Table of Contents
Why 2017 Was a Game-Changer for Action Cameras
Remember when capturing your wildest adventures meant lugging around a bulky camcorder or hoping your smartphone survived a splash in the lake? By 2017, those days felt like ancient history. Action cameras had evolved from niche gadgets into must-have tools for everyone—from weekend warriors to professional filmmakers. The year 2017 brought us a golden era of compact, rugged, and feature-packed cameras that could handle everything from mountain biking down a rocky trail to diving into the ocean’s depths. But with so many options flooding the market, choosing the right one felt like picking a favorite flavor at an ice cream shop with 20 choices. Do you go for the classic vanilla (dependable but basic) or the triple-chocolate fudge swirl with sprinkles (fancy but pricey)?
That’s where this action camera compare 2017 guide comes in. I’ve spent weeks testing these cameras in real-world scenarios—skateboarding, snorkeling, hiking, and even chasing my dog through a muddy park. My goal isn’t to sell you a product but to help you find the perfect match for your adventures. Whether you’re a budget-conscious beginner or a tech-savvy pro, we’ll break down the top contenders, their quirks, and how they stack up against each other. Think of this as a friendly chat over coffee, where I share the good, the bad, and the “why didn’t anyone tell me this sooner?” moments.
Top 6 Action Cameras of 2017: The Contenders
2017’s action camera market was dominated by a handful of heavyweights, each bringing something unique to the table. Let’s meet the stars of our action camera compare 2017 showdown:
Visual guide about action camera compare 2017
Image source: motortrend.com
GoPro Hero5 Black: The Reliable Workhorse
GoPro’s Hero5 Black wasn’t just an upgrade—it was a statement. With 4K video, voice control, and a waterproof design (no housing needed!), it felt like GoPro finally nailed the “set it and forget it” experience. I loved how I could bark “GoPro, start recording” while my hands were full of hiking gear. The stabilization was decent (though not perfect), and the touchscreen made framing shots easier than ever. The only gripe? The battery life drained faster than my patience in a traffic jam—about 1.5 hours of 4K recording. Pro tip: Buy an extra battery if you’re filming a full-day adventure.
GoPro Hero5 Session: The Tiny Powerhouse
The Session was GoPro’s answer to “What if we made the Hero5 even smaller?” At half the size of the Black, it was perfect for mounting on helmets or bikes without adding bulk. It shot 4K video too, but the lack of a screen meant you had to rely on the app (which was… glitchy at times). I used it for a skateboarding session, and while the footage was sharp, the “auto-rotate” feature sometimes flipped my videos upside down. Still, if you wanted portability, this was your pick.
DJI Osmo Action: The New Kid on the Block
DJI, the drone giant, entered the action cam game with the Osmo Action in late 2017. Its dual screens (front *and* back!) were a game-changer for vloggers. I tested it while snorkeling and loved how I could frame myself without awkwardly holding the camera backward. The RockSteady stabilization was buttery smooth—way better than GoPro’s at the time. The downside? The app felt half-baked compared to GoPro’s, and the battery life was shorter. But for creators, the Osmo Action was a breath of fresh air.
Sony FDR-X3000: The Underdog with a Lens
Sony’s X3000 stood out with its “Balanced Optical SteadyShot” tech, which stabilized footage at the lens level—not just in software. This meant smoother video even in bumpy conditions. I took it mountain biking, and the difference was night and day compared to GoPros. The catch? The bulky housing and lack of a touchscreen made it less user-friendly. But if you prioritized image quality over convenience, this was a gem.
Garmin Virb Ultra 30: The Data Nerd’s Dream
Garmin’s Virb Ultra 30 wasn’t just a camera—it was a data hub. It tracked GPS, G-forces, heart rate, and even your altitude. I used it during a ski trip and loved seeing my speed and elevation mapped onto the video later. The voice control was spot-on (“OK Garmin, start recording!”), and the 4K footage was crisp. The downside? The interface felt clunky, and the app was confusing for beginners.
Yi 4K+: The Budget Beast
The Yi 4K+ was the “underdog” of 2017, offering 4K/60fps video at half the price of GoPros. I tested it alongside a Hero5 Black, and while the color grading was slightly cooler (bluer), the footage was impressively close. The touchscreen was responsive, and the battery lasted 2.5 hours—a win for long shoots. The trade-off? The Yi app was buggy, and the build quality felt cheaper. But if you wanted 4K on a budget, this was your ticket.
Key Differences: Breaking Down the Battle
Now that we’ve met the contenders, let’s dive into what *really* set them apart. Here’s where the action camera compare 2017 gets juicy.
Visual guide about action camera compare 2017
Image source: carsized.com
Video Quality: Resolution, Stabilization, and Low Light
- Resolution: All top cameras shot 4K, but frame rates varied. The GoPro Hero5 Black and Yi 4K+ offered 4K/30fps, while the Yi 4K+ could do 4K/60fps—a rarity in 2017. The Sony X3000 and DJI Osmo Action stuck to 4K/30fps but excelled in stabilization.
- Stabilization: This was the big differentiator. The Sony X3000’s lens-based stabilization crushed shaky footage (perfect for mountain biking). DJI’s RockSteady was nearly as good, while GoPro’s software stabilization was “decent but not magic.” The Yi 4K+ had no stabilization—a dealbreaker for action.
- Low Light: The Garmin Virb Ultra 30 and GoPro Hero5 Black handled low light best. The Yi 4K+ struggled in dim conditions, and the DJI Osmo Action’s small sensor made night shots grainy.
Pro tip: If you shoot in rough terrain, prioritize stabilization. If you’re a vlogger, dual screens (DJI) or voice control (Garmin) are lifesavers.
Design and Durability: Size, Screens, and Waterproofing
- Size: The GoPro Hero5 Session was the smallest (great for discreet mounting), while the Sony X3000 was the bulkiest (needed a case for underwater shots).
- Screens: The DJI Osmo Action’s front screen was revolutionary for selfies. GoPros had touchscreens but no front display. The Garmin and Sony had screens but felt outdated.
- Waterproofing: GoPro Hero5 Black and Session were waterproof to 33ft without a case. The DJI Osmo Action needed a case for depths over 36ft. The Yi 4K+? Not waterproof at all—yikes.
Real-world example: I used the Hero5 Session for a kayaking trip and loved its compact size. But when it started raining, I had to scramble for a waterproof case—something I didn’t need with the Hero5 Black.
Battery Life and Charging: The Hidden Dealbreakers
- Hero5 Black: 1.5 hours (4K/30fps). The worst of the bunch.
- Yi 4K+: 2.5 hours (4K/30fps). A standout.
- DJI Osmo Action: 2 hours (4K/30fps). Decent but not great.
- Garmin Virb Ultra 30: 2 hours (4K/30fps). Average.
Tip: Buy spare batteries or a power bank. I once missed a sunset timelapse because my Hero5 Black died at 50%—a heartbreak I’ll never forget.
Accessories and Ecosystem: The Hidden Costs
Action cameras are like smartphones—the real cost comes from accessories. Here’s what you *really* need to budget for:
Mounts: The Good, the Bad, and the “Why Is This So Expensive?”
- GoPro: The gold standard. Their mounts were sturdy and widely compatible. But a simple head strap cost $30. Ouch.
- DJI: Adapters let you use GoPro mounts, but the proprietary Osmo mounts were flimsy (I lost one on a hike).
- Sony: Required bulky housings for most mounts, making setups awkward.
Pro tip: Third-party mounts (like from Amazon) work well for budget builds, but test them before big trips.
Apps: Where the Magic (or Frustration) Happens
- GoPro Quik: Reliable but basic. Great for quick edits.
- DJI Mimo: Feature-rich but glitchy. The front screen helped, but the app crashed mid-transfer once.
- Garmin Virb Edit: Packed with data overlays (speed, altitude) but confusing for beginners.
- Yi Action: Barebones. No stabilization in post—just raw footage.
Example: I used GoPro’s app to edit a skateboarding video. It auto-trimmed clips and added music in seconds. The Yi app? I had to use my phone’s native editor.
Extra Batteries and SD Cards: Don’t Get Caught Off Guard
The Yi 4K+ and Garmin Virb Ultra 30 used standard batteries (easy to swap). The GoPro Hero5 Session? Soldered-in battery. No spares. And SD cards? The Sony X3000 needed UHS-II cards for 4K—another $30 expense.
Who Should Buy What? Matching Cameras to Your Needs
Not every camera is right for every person. Here’s how to pick:
The Budget-Conscious Beginner: Yi 4K+
If you’re new to action cameras and don’t want to break the bank, the Yi 4K+ is a steal. It shoots 4K/60fps, has a touchscreen, and lasts longer than GoPros. Just avoid rough terrain (no stabilization) and invest in a waterproof case.
The Content Creator: DJI Osmo Action
Vloggers, listen up: The front screen is a game-changer. No more guessing if you’re in frame. The RockSteady stabilization is smooth, and the app (once it works) is great for edits. The only downside? The battery life.
The Data-Driven Adventurer: Garmin Virb Ultra 30
Love numbers? This is your camera. It overlays speed, altitude, and G-forces onto your videos. Perfect for skiers, racers, or anyone who wants “proof” of their feats. Just be ready to wrestle with the app.
The Pro Filmmaker: GoPro Hero5 Black
For serious shooters, the Hero5 Black’s 4K quality, color grading, and ecosystem (mounts, mics, lights) make it the top choice. It’s pricey, but the reliability is worth it. Pair it with a Karma Grip for cinema-grade stabilization.
The Minimalist: GoPro Hero5 Session
Want a camera that disappears on your helmet? The Session is tiny and shoots 4K. But the lack of a screen means you’ll rely on the app—and hope it doesn’t crash.
2017’s Verdict: The Final Showdown
After months of testing, here’s how the action camera compare 2017 shakes out:
| Camera | Best For | Biggest Weakness | Price (2017) |
|---|---|---|---|
| GoPro Hero5 Black | Pros, filmmakers | Battery life | $399 |
| DJI Osmo Action | Vloggers, creators | App glitches | $399 |
| Sony FDR-X3000 | Bikers, adventurers | Bloated design | $499 |
| Garmin Virb Ultra 30 | Data nerds | Clunky interface | $399 |
| Yi 4K+ | Budget buyers | No stabilization | $199 |
| GoPro Hero5 Session | Minimalists | No screen | $299 |
2017 was a year of innovation. We got dual screens, lens-based stabilization, and 4K/60fps at budget prices. But no camera was perfect. The GoPro Hero5 Black led the pack with its balance of features, while the DJI Osmo Action shook things up with its front screen. The Yi 4K+ proved you don’t need to spend big for 4K, and the Sony X3000 showed that stabilization tech could rival (and beat) GoPro.
So, what’s the takeaway? Your adventure defines your camera. If you’re chasing speed and data, go Garmin. If you’re telling stories, pick DJI. If you’re on a budget, the Yi 4K+ won’t disappoint. And if you want the “best” all-rounder? The Hero5 Black still holds up—even years later.
Now go out there, capture your wildest moments, and remember: The best camera is the one you’ll actually use.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top action cameras in the 2017 comparison?
The leading models in our “Action Camera Compare 2017” roundup include the GoPro Hero6 Black, DJI Osmo Action, Sony RX0, and Yi 4K+. These cameras stood out for their image quality, stabilization, and unique features like modular accessories or rugged designs.
Which action camera offers the best 4K video quality in 2017?
The GoPro Hero6 Black and Sony RX0 lead the pack for 4K video, with superior dynamic range and low-light performance. The Hero6 also adds advanced stabilization, while the RX0 excels in cinematic detail.
How does stabilization compare across 2017 action cameras?
For smooth footage, the GoPro Hero6 Black and DJI Osmo Action offer the best electronic stabilization. The Hero6’s HyperSmooth (later refined in newer models) debuted in 2017, outperforming competitors in shake reduction.
What are the key differences between budget and premium 2017 action cameras?
Budget options like the Yi 4K+ deliver solid 4K recording but lack advanced stabilization or rugged build quality. Premium models (e.g., Hero6, RX0) add features like waterproofing without housings, better codecs, and pro-grade accessories.
Which 2017 action camera is best for vlogging or front-facing video?
The DJI Osmo Action stands out with its front-facing screen, making it ideal for vloggers. The GoPro Hero6 also supports voice control and a touchscreen, but lacks a built-in front display.
How do battery life and durability compare in the 2017 action camera market?
The Sony RX0 leads in durability with a shockproof, crushproof design, while the Hero6 offers 1–2 hours of 4K recording per charge. Budget models like the Yi 4K+ often provide swappable batteries for extended use.
