Is there a better way to capture your experiences than by filming every thrilling moment with a camera? The GoPro stands out as the favorite camera for adventurers due to its compact size and resilience, facilitating ease of transport.
Even though GoPro has dominated the action camera industry, did you know there are alternative high-quality cameras available? There is a lot of fierce rivalry in the market, with cameras that deliver the same or even better features.
To make your search easier, we’ve put together a list of paintball action camera reviews and a buying guide so you can pick the best paintball camera for you.
- Brand: YI
- Model Name: YI 4K
- Color: Black
- Dimensions: 2.56 x 0.83 x 1.65 inches
- Weight: 3.20 oz.
- Brand: GoPro
- Model Name: HERO5 Black
- Color: Black
- Dimensions: 1.75 x 2.44 x 1.26 inches
- Weight: 4.2 oz.
- Brand: Insta360
- Model Name: ONE R Twin Edition
- Color: Black
- Dimensions: 1.89 x 1.69 x 2.83 inches
- Weight: 6.10 oz.
Are Paintball Action Cameras Worth It?
To be fair, paintball action cameras are well worth the investment if you want to take the best shots of your thrilling gaming experience.
Imagine being able to re-watch it in full HD and color at any time, anywhere. You may also play it on demand to relive the entire paintball game or to show your loved ones what you’re passionate about.
Other than that, action cameras might also be useful for activities other than paintball, such as traveling or other games.
Comparison Chart:
| Best Camera For Paintball | Brand | Model | Color | Dimensions | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| YI 4K | YI | YI 4K | Black | 2.56 x 0.83 x 1.65 inches | 3.20 oz. |
| GoPro HERO5 Black | GoPro | HERO5 Black | Black | 1.75 x 2.44 x 1.26 inches | 4.2 oz. |
| Insta360 ONE R Twin Edition | Insta360 | ONE R Twin Edition | Black | 1.89 x 1.69 x 2.83 inches | 6.10 oz. |
| DJI Pocket 2 Creator Combo | DJI | Pocket 2 | Black | 5.98 x 2.99 x 2.32 inches | 4.13 oz. |
| Drift 10-010-00 Ghost | Drift Innovation | 10-010-00 | Black | 8.2 x 4.3 x 3.1 inches | 4.2 oz. |
| DJI Osmo Action | DJI | Osmo Action | Black | 2.6 x 1.7 x 1.4 inches | 4.4 oz. |
6 Best Cameras for Paintball Reviews 2022
1. YI 4K – Best Performance
The YI 4K is one of the strongest competitors on the market, designed for advanced and sophisticated action filming. It supports 4K resolution and operates at 60 frames per second, the maximum frame rate available at the moment. It can be used for a long time, owing to its extended battery life.
Furthermore, its built-in image stabilization helps you maintain a high-definition and smooth quality in your projects, regardless of the subject’s speed.
Not only can you capture videos with the YI 4K, but it also features a built-in Sony IMX377 sensor that allows you to snap 12MP photographs with four distinct picture settings for various situations.
It also has live streaming, easy sharing, voice control, and an app for accessing its additional features.
Technical Details
- Brand: YI
- Model Name: YI 4K
- Color: Black
- Dimensions: 2.56 x 0.83 x 1.65 inches
- Weight: 3.20 oz.
- Screen size: 2.2 inches
- Video Resolution: 4K, 20fps
- Photo Mode: 16MP
- Built-In Touch Display: Yes
- Image Stabilization: Yes
- Ports: USB Charging, Memory Card Slot
- Wireless Communication Technology: Built-In Bluetooth
Summary
If you want your exciting paintball match shots to have the accuracy they deserve, the advanced action camera, the YI 4K, is the best option for you.
2. GoPro HERO5 Black – Most Versatile
There is no mountain or river too high or low for the GoPro HERO5 Black camera to capture. Whether playing paintball or traveling across the world to see different sights, this camera is ideal for every adventure.
This action camera lets you take 4K/30p video and 12MP photos with a single button or even with a voice command. Also, there is no need for a casing to make this camera waterproof, so it’s excellent for paintball matches where liquids may get in the way. Regardless, users advise that purchasing a protective casing may be useful in making it more durable.
Additionally, this camera supports QuikStories, which allows you to immediately upload your photos to your phone, as well as an app so you can modify your camera’s advanced settings.
Technical Details
- Brand: GoPro
- Model Name: HERO5 Black
- Color: Black
- Dimensions: 1.75 x 2.44 x 1.26 inches
- Weight: 4.2 oz.
- Screen Size: 2 inches
- Video Capture Resolution: 4K30
- Photo Capture Resolution: 12MP
- Waterproof: Yes
- Wireless Communication Technology: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
Summary
With the GoPro Hero 5 Black, you get your money’s worth, as its superb features and versatile use accompanies you to all your paintball adventures.
3. Insta360 ONE R Twin Edition – Most Professional
The Insta360 ONE R Twin Edition lets you shoot either 5.7K 360-degree or 4K wide-angle recording at 60 frames per second.
Its revolutionary FlowState Stabilization keeps your photos stable and detailed regardless of lighting, so it’s similar to having a camera on a gimbal without the need for one. Similarly, if you have a selfie stick attached, it has a useful function that allows you to edit the images as if it wasn’t there at all.
In addition, the camera has AI technology that automatically edits your photos and videos in minutes. However, you can also manually edit them and use other templates in the personal app, such as stop motion, star lapse, dolly zoom, clone trail, and more.
Lastly, the camera has an IPX8 waterproof level up to five meters deep, suitable for rainy days or unexpected splashes.
Technical Details
- Brand: Insta360
- Model Name: ONE R Twin Edition
- Color: Black
- Dimensions: 1.89 x 1.69 x 2.83 inches
- Weight: 6.10 oz.
- Video Capture Resolution: 4K, 60fps
- Image Stabilization: Yes
- Waterproof: Yes
- Wireless Communication Technology: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi
Summary
The Insta360 ONE R Twin Edition is a bang for the buck for both beginners and professionals, as you can expect the best quality shots and multi-purpose features.
4. DJI Pocket 2 Creator Combo – Most Compact
The most noticeable feature of the DJI Pocket 2 is its compact and lightweight design that can fit inside your pocket. This camera relies on a three-axis gimbal for stabilization, even for fewer bright settings and long-exposure shots.
Firstly, a 1/1.7-inch sensor can take photos at 64MP and incredible 4K videos. It also has four microphones to record sounds from different angles, including enhanced quality and focus settings.
Moreover, its ActiveTrack 3.0 technology focuses on the subject to stay in the frame effortlessly and with clarity, no matter how fast the movements are.
Lastly, you can easily rotate it to capture stunning photos and videos at your desired angle with its flexible build. Its fast wake feature allows the DJI Pocket 2 to turn on in less than a second, so you won’t have to miss a moment.
Technical Details
- Brand: DJI
- Model Name: Pocket 2
- Color: Black
- Dimensions: 5.98 x 2.99 x 2.32 inches
- Weight: 4.13 oz.
- Photo Capture Resolution: 64 MP
- Video Capture Resolution: 4K, 60fps
- Subject Tracking: Yes
- Wireless Communication Technology: Wi-Fi
Summary
For extra convenience, the DJI Pocket 2 is small enough to carry around and light enough to bring along to any paintball match you want.
5. Drift 10-010-00 Ghost – Most Durable
Known for its rigid design, the Drift 10-010-00 Ghost films videos at 4K ultra HD with 30 frames per second and takes pictures at 12MP.
You can easily snap the camera onto objects with its universal clip suitable for attaching to all drift mounts. As a result, you can take it anywhere and use it with maximum control.
It also has a 330-degree rotating lens to adjust your framing for straight shots and a built-in image stabilization feature for clear photos or videos.
Lastly, with its free mobile app, you have access to a free 10 GB of cloud storage so you can automatically sync your media files.
Technical Details
- Brand: Drift Innovation
- Model Name: 10-010-00
- Color: Black
- Dimensions: 8.2 x 4.3 x 3.1 inches
- Weight: 4.2 oz.
- Screen Size: 1.5 inches
- Video Capture Resolution: 4K
- Photo Capture resolution: 12MP
- Sensor: Sony IMX117 12MP
- Image Stabilization: Yes
- Battery Life: 3-5 hours at full HD 1080p
- Waterproof: Yes
- Wireless Communication Technology: Bluetooth
Summary
If you want a durable and stable camera to bring to your paintball matches, the Drift 10-010-00 Ghost is a device you can trust.
6. DJI Osmo Action — Most Budget-friendly
Don’t let the price fool you — the DJI Osmo Action brings a pack load of unique features. This includes dual screens to capture dynamic pictures with UHD 40K and 60fps or videos with HDR.
In addition, this affordable paintball camera has RockSteady technology with electronic image stabilization that ensures your footage never shakes in whatever action you’re filming.
You can capture your most stunning moments in detail with 8x slow-motion videos at 1080p and 240 fps, time-lapse, and even use its voice control settings for simple tasks.
Lastly, with a tight seal and screen coating, this action camera is waterproof up to 11 meters for you to take alongside your adventures, and it can also endure temperatures up to -10℃.
Technical Details
- Brand: DJI
- Model Name: Osmo Action
- Color: Black
- Dimensions: 2.6 x 1.7 x 1.4 inches
- Weight: 4.4 oz.
- Screen Size: 1.4 inches, 2.25 inches
- Video Capture Resolution: 4K HDR, 12MP
- Image Stabilization: Yes
- Waterproof: Yes
- Wireless Communication Technology: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
Summary
The DJI OSMO Action delivers high-quality results and is an affordable option among its higher-priced competitors in the action camera scene.
Criteria To Consider Before Buying A Camera For Paintball
You have to consider many specifications to get the best paintball camera for the most stunning videos. These include image stabilization, resolution, portability, and even waterproof ability. All of these are crucial to allowing you to have the best user experience.
Resolution Or Video Quality
What better way to take videos than with a high-resolution camera, where you can record your gameplay in full detail? Choose a camera with a decent quality and frame rate, preferably higher than 720p with 24 fps.
Video Stabilization
Stabilization is a crucial factor, especially for capturing your intense paintball matches. Moreover, this setting allows vibration and movement reduction to keep your shots stable.
Portability
Your camera must be easy to carry around, especially those attached to you or your gear during paintball matches, given its weight and size.
Durability
When things worsen, your camera must endure the terrain or weather it may encounter. A camera’s durability would also ensure its longevity for future use.
Battery Life
Another important specification is the battery life, as it keeps the camera rolling. It would be best if you had a high battery capacity camera, which could last throughout the whole match.
Budget
Buy a camera that would be worth your money, as you might also find cheaper alternatives. If you don’t have extra to spare for the higher-priced cameras, consider buying one within your budget.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What Attachments Are Best For My Camera?
There are multiple accessories available per brand that you can choose for your camera.
Firstly, you can purchase mounts, gimbals, or body mount stabilizers for your matches if you want more stability. Moreover, for durability and waterproofing, some brands have hard casings to protect the device. You can also purchase lenses that you would most prefer when shooting your paintball match.
What Resolution Is Best To Use?
When you record your paintball matches, you will likely need to edit the videos on your mobile or computer. Keeping this in mind, shoot your videos at the highest resolution that both your camera and other external devices can manage to edit.
Without a suitable resolution, you won’t be able to zoom in or out of your video when you edit it. As a result, it would look grainy, pixelated, or blurred, which is not the best look for your shots.
Also, with higher video quality, you can avoid having the video look blurry once it is exported and converted to a lower resolution for another device to share on social media.
How Can I Limit Extra Camera Movement?
It would help if you reduced any extra movement on your camera as much as possible, as every action would be noticeable in the recording. Luckily, there are a few steps you can take to solve this problem.
Some players attach their cameras to their mask’s top vents, made of durable rubber or plastic, allowing limited movement during a paintball match. This positioning also presents your video from a first-person perspective. However, if your camera is not secured correctly, it could still move to some extent.
Other than that, some players use mounts that cover a wide surface and secure the camera well. Finally, take advantage of your camera’s stabilization setting so that your movements don’t compromise your gameplay.
Final Thoughts
All of the cameras on this list have been canvassed and reviewed to give the readers options for their best paintball camera. Any camera here would serve its purpose and beyond when put to good use. Prioritize your budget, user experience, and personal preferences when buying the best camera for paintball.
