Point and Shoot
Samsung Galaxy Camera 2
The dark horse of the list, the Samsung Galaxy Camera 2
gives you the abilities of a very capable imaging device, with all the
conveniences of the full Android operating system, and all its tricks and
connectivity options. While some might write this amazing little guy off as a
gimmick, there’s a whole lot more substance behind it that one might think. The
huge 4.8-inch screen gives you a great view of the shot, and allows you easy,
squint-free reviewing of the images, and Bluetooth, for a huge array of
after-market accessories that add the kind of functionality a regular point and
shoot just can’t deliver. Android 4.3 Jelly Bean gives you access to thousands
upon thousands of apps, not just for photo and video editing, but games,
productivity, and entertainment to boot. Photography isn’t second fiddle to the
phone-like features. The Galaxy Camera 2 gives you a 16.3MP sensor, 21x optical
zoom, and a pop-up Xenon flash, all of which can give stand-along cameras a run
for their money. The Galaxy Cam’s combination of smartphone and camera, as
strange as it might seem at first glance, just works, and is something we’d
like to see more of in the future.
Samsung Galaxy
Camera 2
GoPro Hero 3+ Black Edition
Sometimes, stills just won’t do. If you want to share an
adventure with people, and leave their palms sweating and races pulsing, you’re
going to need video, and no other camera can take you right into the thick of
the action like the GoPro. Their name is synonymous with the wearable/mountable
camera industry, and for good reason. They have small, highly capable cameras
that can go anywhere you can. The top of the GoPro line, The Hero 3+ Black
edition gives you a little more battery life compared to the previous model,
and 4k video recording to boot. On top of this, you still have GoPro’s long,
long looooooong list of accessories, mounts and hardware, as well as lots of
third-party and DIY Solutions to boot. It has a very rich online community that
shares ideas, builds, and videos, so you will always be left wanting to go out
and jump, run, roll, and dive into your next adventure. Try that with your
regular point-and-shoot.
GoPro Hero 3+
Black Edition
Sony Action Cam
While the GoPro has carved a place in to the sports camera
market to great effect, imaging industry leader Sony is not going to take it
sitting down. Sony’s HDR-AS100V Action Cam takes a slightly different approach
from the GoPro, orienting itself sideways, in order to present as small a
footprint to oncoming waves, branches, and other hazards of the outside world.
Capable of Full HD recording, this ultra-light, ultra small camera has mounting
accessories to match any of the other mountable cameras in the market today.
Optional accessories, such as the Sony Live View remote, allow you to view and
control the action from the convenience of your wrist or handlebars, and
seamless integration with NFC-compatible devices make paring simple and
painless. If you’re after a mountable sports cam that’s a little different, and
has Sony’s solid name behind it, the HDR-AS100V is your best bet.
Sony’s HDR-AS100V
Action Cam
Fujifilm Instax Mini 8
There’s something about taking a photo and having a physical
copy of the snapshot that digital photos just can’t match. There is, however,
also a lot to be said about having to go to a computer and print out a copy of
digital shots that just makes it unappealing. Fujifilm takes you back to the
days of instant photography with the Instax Mini 8. The cute little camera
comes in five beautiful colors, and lets you take shots, and instantly have
long-lasting, smudge free photos in seconds. Take the perfect shots and keep
them forever.
Fujifilm Instax
Mini 8
Ricoh WG-4
Some of the best shots are those taken right in the thick of
the action. The problem here is that the kind of action that can make a great
shot is the same kind of action that can put your camera out of commission for
good. The Ricoh WG-4 is ruggedized just for that purpose. Toughened to be able
to withstand depths of 45 feet, drops from 6.6 feet up, and up to 220lbs of
crushing force, as well as function in temperatures as low as 10 below zero,
the WG-4 is likely to outlast you on your next extreme adventure. Its internal
GPS receiver allows you to geotag shots taken with its highly-capable 16MP
sensor, so you can remember where you took that killer skydiving selfie, long
after the concussion has passed.
Ricoh WG-4
