The best way to record some awesome footage of your next skiing trip is with an action camera. But finding the best camera for skiing is not easy.
With a market filled with everything from cheap Chinese knock-offs to expensive high-end professional camera gear, it can be hard to know what to choose.
Luckily we made it much easier for you. In this guide, I’ll show you exactly what to look for in a camera for skiing, and then I’ll give a short mini-reviews of the cameras you should get. This guide has something no matter if you are searching for a high-end camera that can record in 4K, a cheap camera that just works, or something for the next viral skiing video.
But if you are in a rush and want to know what the best cameras for skiing are right NOW, have a look below:
How to Pick the Best Action Camera Winter 2020
If you follow this guide, you’ll save money and get a better camera. To find the best action camera for skiing, you need to consider these things:
Make sure it will work in snow
The first very basic step is to make sure the action camera your buying is weatherproof. You don’t want to drop it by accident in the snow and destroy it.
Most action cameras today are waterproof. The major difference is how they are waterproof:
Old action cameras are often made waterproof by a case. These days, you don’t even need a case; many cameras work fine without a case in the snow. If you can skip the case, you’ll often produce better-looking footage without image distortion by the glass or annoying fog or condensation.
Pick the right resolution
The standard resolution in action cameras is 1080p. If you want to save memory, you can film in lower resolution, for example, in 720p, and if your action camera supports it, you can film in higher resolution, for example, in 4K. But is it 4K worth it?
If you go for an action camera that can record in 4K, you’ll have to pay more, and for most people, it’s often not worth it since screens that support 4K footage is still quite rare.
Will it record in 60 fps?
If you want to have a silky smooth viewing experience, you want to look for an action camera that can record in 60 frames per second. Unless you go for the cheapest action camera possible, it shouldn’t be an issue, but if you go for a budget action camera, make sure to check if it supports shooting in 60 fps.
Where can you mount it?
To get the best possible shots, you’ll need the right camera mount. If you use the wrong mount, an otherwise cool shot might be shaky or boring. That’s why it’s important that the camera you pick has camera mounts to produce the kind of footage you are looking for.
Another thing to consider is if you want to have image stabilization. Many higher-end cameras for skiing offer image stabilization, while cheaper cameras often don’t. If you go for image stabilization, remember that it will often require you to film at lower frame rates, and in some cases, you might lose some width of the video.
Software
For effects like slow motion or time lapses, the included software can be really helpful, so if you want to do some advanced editing of your footage, get a camera with a good included editing software for ease of use.
Because if you got the right camera and the right software, you could get results like these:
Does it have a good camera for still images?
A good action camera is not only for shooting video, but it should also be able to snap some good quality pictures.
How long will the battery last?
One of the most annoying things that can happen with an action camera is that after just a few runs, all the battery is suddenly gone. Another thing to consider is that some action cameras have far worse battery life when it’s freezing. I have personally been skiing with my old action camera on some really cold days, and I could only film my friend on a few jumps before the camera was dead.
Saving money on your action camera for skiing
For most skiers, you won’t need all the latest features. If you want to film some runs for fun, you won’t need 4K resolution, image stabilization or voice commands. That’s why checking older models can save you lots of money.
Another good way to save money on your action camera purchase is to buy a bundle. Getting the camera, the mounts and the SD cards will often be a lot cheaper in a bundle compared to purchasing each thing one by one.
Best Action Cameras for Skiing:
Best Action Camera for Skiing: GoPro HERO9
The GoPro HERO9 adds more features that let you take far more stunning images than previous versions. The HERO9 has a 23.6-megapixel sensor, a significant leap from its predecessor’s 12-megapixel version. That larger field of view makes for exceptional quality. The HERO9 lets you shoot 5K video and 20-megapixel still images while also capturing video stills at 14.7 megapixels. The extra pixels mean you can crop video and still come away with 4K footage. Imagine the views from the summit and slopes you can now capture.
The other major new feature is the 1.4-inch front screen that’s full color combined with a larger rear screen display (2.27 inches). The front screen has a live preview screen as either a widescreen image or fullscreen to help frame shots. There’s improved video stabilization with HyperSmooth, which cuts down on camera shake. There’s also new time-lapse functionality, called Scheduled Capture, included.
You can also use the front screen to show the remaining battery life, resolution, and mode setting. It features an always-on design that doesn’t drain the battery. Speaking of the battery, it’s larger and, according to the company, works better in cold weather, making it an ideal companion during ski season. It’s rated at 101 minutes when running at 1080 pixels.
Another improvement of the GoPro 9 is the new lenses. First, there is now a removable lens cover. There’s also the capability to put a new mod on the existing lens. The Max lens mod gives you a wider field of view, for example. Mods introduced with the HERO8 are fully compatible with the newer model.
| Pros |
|---|
 Larger sensors that allow for 5K capture |
| Capability to add mods to the lens |
| Longer battery life in cold weather than the previous generation |
| Cons |
|---|
 In 5K, you’re limited to 30 frames per second |
| There’s no 360-degree lens mod available |
The GoPro Contender: DJI Osmo
The DJI Osmo Action – 4K Action Cam features dual screens, steadying technology, and advanced features to help you capture impressive views of all your ski season adventures. The action cam lets you capture 12-megapixel still images in both RAW and JPG formats, along with 4K video at 60 frames per second.
What sets the action ahead of the competition is the front screen, which is 1.4 inches large, letting you set the scene and frame your shot. The action camera enables you to capture 145 degrees of detail. And when you want to switch between its dual screens, you can do so easily in two ways, either with a long press and hold of the Quick Switch button or with a two-finger double-tap of the reach LCD.
When you seal the flap to cover the MicroSD card slot and USB-C port, you’re ready for action, mounting the action camera on a helmet or holding it. It’s waterproof to 36 feet.
The f2.8 lens includes a clear filter that screws in, allowing you to experiment with different filters from the company or third parties.
There are features aplenty for the skier and snowboarder alike to capture all the action you desire. The RockSteady stabilization system takes advantage of DJI’s experience in stabilizing its drone product lines. There’s also an 8X slow-motion capture feature that gives you incredible clarity with 1080-pixel resolution and 240 frames per second.
It features standard wifi and Bluetooth wireless connectivity and an app that works on iOS 10.0 and above or Android 7.0 and above. There are also voice controls and a custom mode to save your favorite settings for regular use.
| Pros |
|---|
| Dual-screen action with 4K video capabilities |
| Adjustable filters and customization features |
| Stabilization and slow-motion |
| Cons |
|---|
| No support for GPS |
| No live streaming capability |
| The blue text is hard to see in bright sun |
Take Ski Clips to The Next Level: Go Pro Hero 8
Go Pro was the brand that made action cameras what it is today. The GoPro Hero 8 has some cool features you’ll see in the latest modern action cameras such as Bluetooth and wifi connectivity, voice commands, and image stabilization.
It’s quite affordable with the impressive specifications you’ll specs you get for the price. It can record in 4K resolution on 60 frames per second, and the camera has 12 megapixels with improved HDR for even better image quality.
Other new features to look out for is the new HyperSmooth 2.0 image stabilization. It will help smooth out any bumpy videos you shoot while skiing. It will reduce wind noise, and if you want to take your ski clips to the next level, you can add so-called media mods to get better sound quality and even better images.
It’s 14% lighter than the Hero 7 Black and has a new streamlined design. The new design makes it easier to put in your pocket, more straightforward to swap batteries, and has better impact resistance.
Another big advantage of the GoPro Hero is all the mounts you can buy to get even better angles when skiing. The GoPro is also waterproof without a case, so you get no image distortion.
Best of Previous Action Camera Generation: Sony FDRX3000R
The Sony FDRX3000R is a camera very similar to the GoPro Hero 6. This means it’s starting to get a bit dated.
As you see in the video below by Chris Dallas, the image quality is pretty similar to the GoPro 6, and you can see for yourself which one you prefer:
The biggest weakness of the Sony FDRX3000R is the bulky waterproof case. When you have it the case, it’s a lot bulkier than the GoPro, and the audio quality is far worse inside the case compared to a camera that doesn’t need a case to be waterproof.
One thing it does better than the Go Pro is image stabilization. It has optical stabilization compared to the electronic stabilization of the Go Pro.
Another significant advantage of the Sony FDRX3000R is the included remote control. It allows you to see what the camera is seeing, review video footage, and control the camera without having to move the actual camera.
If you compare the battery life, the Go Pro had a battery life of 1 hour and 33 minutes, and the Sony had only a battery life of 1 hour and 12 minutes, so the Go Pro had a 20 minutes longer recording time.
To sum up, the Sony FDRX300R is a good alternative to the Go Pro hero 6, but in most cases, the Sony falls short. But if you want the best image stabilization and control of what you are filming, get the Sony FDRX3000R.
| Pros |
|---|
| Keeps the video image smooth |
| Excellent video quality |
| The remote that makes using it more convenient |
| Cons |
|---|
| Bulky waterproof case |
| Average battery life |
| Poor sound when it’s in the case |
Best Budget Choice: Apeman Trawo Action Camera
If you want an affordable action camera for skiing and you don’t care about the most advanced features, the Apeman Trawo might be a good choice.
This budget action camera can record in 4K resolution at 30 fps. It also supports most go pro mounts on the market, so you don’t have to go looking for specialized mounts.
It has a crisp 2-inch IPS display with a good layout. It has a good instruction manual, and it’s straightforward to use. The image quality of the Apeman Trawo is good for the price:
The biggest drawback of the Apeman Trawo is the case. It doesn’t have a traditional skeleton case, so you’ll have to have it in its underwater case when skiing. This means the microphone won’t record much sound when skiing.
It has wifi connectivity, and you can use the included YUTOPRo app to post your footage directly to social media. Unfortunately, some users report the app can be buggy.
You get two batteries included batteries in the package, and both can film around 2 hours of footage in 1080p resolution before you need to charge. If you are recording in cold temperatures, expect less battery life. To get the best performance, Apeman recommends a class 10 or higher micro SD card, like the Samsung U3 Micro SD card.
| Pros |
|---|
| Good video quality for the price |
| Easy to use |
| Excellent bang for the buck |
| Cons |
|---|
| Sound quality is poor in the case |
| App can be buggy |
| Batteries tend to run hot |
Best 360 Camera: GoPro Max
If an ordinary action camera is not enough to excite you and you want the latest in tech, then a 360 camera might be what you need. With it, you can record truly immersive clips, perfect for watching with a VR headset.
One of the best 360-degree cameras for skiing on the market is the GoPro Max. It’s a waterproof action camera that will allow you to record 360 footage in 5.6K@30fps. It has a good battery life (~1.5h) and can handle low light well.
Some users report that the software of the camera can be a bit clunky and can sometimes freeze, and when the software works, the user experience is not the best.
The photo quality of the camera is top-notch. You can shoot 16.6-megapixel photos with a resolution of 5760 x 2880.
One thing to be aware of is that for this camera to work optimally, you’ll need a blazing fast SD card, like the Sandisk Extreme V30 UHS-I or a similar SD card with a minimum class 10 speed rating.
| Pros |
|---|
| Can record the most immersive clips |
| Good battery life |
| Top-notch image quality for true-to-life 360 images |
| Cons |
|---|
| Clunky software |
| Need a fast SD card to record on higher settings |
| 360 video is cool, but not for everyone |
Conclusion
If you want to have the best action camera for skiing, my recommendation would be the Go Pro Hero. It has excellent image quality, image stabilization, voice commands, and good software if you want to add some cool effects to your skiing clips. If you want to have the best-stabilized images I recommend the Sony FDRX3000R, it’s one of the few action cameras that offers optical image stabilization and doesn’t cost a huge amount of cash.
If you are on a budget, I would suggest the Apeman Trawo. It hasn’t any of the new fancy functions such as voice commands or image stabilization. But if you want to record some clips of your next skiing trip and don’t care about top-notch video quality, it will do a fantastic job.
Lastly, if you want to try something new, I would recommend the camera Mi Spere. It’s one of the most affordable 360 cameras on the market, ready to record some truly immersive video in 360 degrees.