Action camera facts for kids

An action camera, without its plastic box

A skydiver jumping from an airplane. An action camera is on his helmet to film the jump.

An action camera is a small video camera. It is designed to be attached to a person or a vehicle. People use them to film exciting activities like sports or adventures.

These cameras help you record events from a first-person view. This means viewers feel like they are seeing the action through your own eyes. Action cameras can also take still pictures. All your videos and photos are saved on a small memory card. You can easily take this card out to watch your recordings later.

Why Action Cameras Are Special

Action cameras are built to be very small and light. This way, you barely notice them when you wear them. They usually have a wide-angle lens. This lens helps them capture a lot of the scene around you. Inside, there is a battery that can last for several hours of filming.

Action cameras are also much tougher than regular video cameras. They are made to keep filming even if you move very fast. They can also handle bumps or small crashes.

Protecting Your Camera

When you buy an action camera, it often comes with a strong, clear plastic case. It's a good idea to use this case every time you film. The case usually has ways to attach it. You can tie it to yourself or screw it onto something you wear, like a helmet.

Some cases are waterproof when closed. This means you can use them to film underwater. Your camera will stay safe and dry inside the case.

Related Cameras

• Dashboard camera: This camera looks like an action camera. But it is made for sticking inside a vehicle, not on a person.
• Webcam: A small video camera used with a computer.

Images for kids

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  Action-Cam with underwater housing

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  GoPro Hero 4 Silver Edition, a well-known action camera

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  8ten action camera, a budget-friendly HD camera

See also

In Spanish: Cámaras de acción para niños