Action Cam with variable view/lens angle

[andyb66]

I did do a quick search in case it has been covered but couldn't find anything.

What I am looking for is a good but in expensive action cam that has the ability to change view angle. Most seem to be around the 170 degree mark, but I am looking for something that has that but can also be set to (say) 90 degrees.

Yes I could get a proper camera but I am looking for something compact but with the above feature to reduce/remove the fish eye effect.

Any thoughts?

[Monty Python]

Most can be set to narrow FoV in software - I don't thing I've seen one with a narrow angle or zoom lens.

[feef]

The GoPro Hero3 and similar models can have their lenses changed for aftermarket items, but it's not an official mod and it does require some technical knowledge to do it safely.

Otherwise, you're relying on software.

The Drift Stealth2 has a FOV of 135 degrees which is a little narrower than some

[The_Jackal]

I know the Hero 4 Silver can be set to medium and Narrow view. Narrow removes practically all fish eye. There is also a new feature called linear fov which removes curved verticals. This is all without changing lenses, so there are plenty of options out there for you.
https://gopro.com/help/articles/Question_Answer/HE...

Edited by The_Jackal on Wednesday 31st May 19:27

[bazza white]

Sony action came are 170 and 120°


Some action cams such as the Yi has fish eye rectification build in to the software. I can't remember which others do.

[mizx]

bazza white said:

Sony action came are 170 and 120°

Some action cams such as the Yi has fish eye rectification build in to the software. I can't remember which others do.

I'm not aware what else has it other than the Yi and the Hero 5 (looks like 4 too with firmware?). Most action cameras will have in-camera FOV presets, wide/med/narrow.

The Sony FDR-X3000R has the presets, but the others are indeed all variable 170/120.

I bought a Yi II myself and would certainly recommend it. It's 155 degrees too rather than 170. Corrected 170 is still too wide for me personally, to OP I don't think you would want to use narrower FOV once you've seen corrected footage, you fit more in and I can't see any detriment to quality caused by it.

I'd say it's the one to go for based on price, features and having in-camera lens correction, some of the other Chi-pros may have that as well, but having looked at videos of lots of them, it's the only Chinese one that can match Gopro for colour reproduction etc. Android app is decent too.

Do your research if you do buy anything from HK/China though, I've had no problems with Gearbest or Banggood etc., though you will see horror stories. Always use Paypal. I paid £160 for the Yi II on Gearbest, I'd be wary of paying more purely due to I'm not sure what the hell you do for warranty claims.

Edited by mizx on Wednesday 31st May 23:53

[sgrimshaw]

Mobius Zoom ... but you'd have to get one sent from the US

[ecsrobin]

My GoPro hero5 can be put into linear mode that gets rid of any lens distortion.

[ExPat2B]

Nikon AW1

Its a bit bigger than an action cam, but the video is very good.

[NiceCupOfTea]

GitUp Git2 is a very good action camera, and all the GoPro accessories fit. There is a "narrow" setting, but TBH I suspect your best bet is to use software to grab the central portion of video.

[andyb66]

Thank you for all the advice.