Six of the best action cameras

Sony HDR AS15

Sony’s first action camera arrived this year, and comes with in-built WiFi,

allowing you to share footage instantly, and excellent SteadyShot image

stabilisation, as well as solid waterproof housing for those Jacques

Cousteau moments (it boasts a 60m underwater range). It can be controlled

easily with Sony’s smartphone app, and there are five shooting modes,

including HD Super Slow, which shoots 120 frames a second for when you want

to relive those dramatic moments at a more leisurely pace. £259, sony.co.uk

Polaroid XS7

Though still a name that conjures up obsolete photographic technology,

Polaroid produces a great range of affordable and eye-catching sports

cameras, which are more than adequate for most people’s requirements. For

precisely 60 quid you get 720p HD video and an easy-to-use two-inch

touchscreen, allowing you to see your results instantly. Battery life isn’t

great and there are more solidly-built cameras out there, but for the novice

this model is ideal. £60, polaroid.co.uk

Contour Roam 2

The bullet shaped Roam 2 helmet cam might lack some of the features of its

rivals but it’s a good mid-market choice for not-so-serious users. Image

quality is excellent, especially in high quality 1080p mode (although audio

is rather feeble). It is arguably the easiest of all action cameras to use –

just slide the Instant On-Record switch and you’re good to go. Battery life

is good for the price, and it’s waterproof without the need for an

additional bulky case. Unlike some other manufacturers, Contour endeavours

to make its cameras look good too. £169, contour.com

Drift HD Ghost

While unlikely to win any prizes for beauty Drift produces a solid range of

practical POV cameras. Its latest, the HD Ghost, comes with plenty of bells

and whistles – a wireless remote, various mounting options, an excellent LCD

screen, jack for an external mic (sound quality being the Achilles heel of

all action cams), loads of shooting options and on-board WiFi. It feels

reassuringly tough too. Visuals are superb. £249, driftinnovation.com

Liquid Image Ego

Liquid Image is best known for its video-game-style camera goggles but its

more traditional mountable POV cameras are well worth investigating too. In

the looks department alone, the miniature Ego comes out on top in our test

but it’s also a good little camera. For the price image quality is great. It

is also WiFi enabled and can be controlled by a downloadable Action Connect

smartphone app. Fixing options are limited and there are many more rugged

options on the market (avoid giving it a good dunking) but the Ego will suit

most people just fine. £149, liquidimageco.com

For the biggest range of sport video cameras, visit actioncameras.co.uk

Six of the best action cameras