Helmet camera for skiers: 3 inexpensive models in comparison

Skiers and snowboarders can capture cool stunts and steep descents with a helmet camera. Our comparison shows inexpensive models for every budget – but which one is really worth it?

Price helmet camera only average: Sony HDR-AS15

• Monitor: The Sony HDR-AS15 does not have a display with which you can immediately view your recordings. Instead, you can view your photo and video footage on your smartphone via the built-in Wi-Fi using the PlayMemories App.
• Frame rate: The cam records your videos in Full HD (Full HD 30fps, HD 120/60fps) and your photos at two megapixels with the good “Exmor R CMOS” sensor and a classy Carl Zeiss wide-angle lens. This even works in low light conditions.
• Features: With the SteadyShot function, your sporty shots will be effortless and without annoying image shake. With five different shooting modes, such as HD Super Slow at 120 frames per second, you’ll always find the right setting for your action-packed scene.
• Connections: Conveniently watch your recordings on your TV or computer via the built-in HDMI port (type D) or micro USB port. Your recordings are stored via an SD micro memory card.
• Accessories:You can go on a swap meet with this camera, as it has a waterproof housing and records spectacular footage at depths of up to 60 metres. Or you can attach your camera to your helmet with an adhesive strip (included in delivery).
• Conclusion: With the purchase of a Sony HDR-AS15, for a current price of about 180 euros, you are well equipped for your upcoming winter sports excursion. However, the video quality of the action cam is not a highlight despite the 16-megapixel sensor. At a light 85 grams, however, the camera is particularly well suited as a helmet camera because you can even operate it with gloves on without any problems.

Budget helmet camera with good performance: Rollei Bullet 5S

• Monitor: The helmet camera Rollei Bullet 5S is equipped with an integrated laser and a small, attachable display for subject preview.
• Frame rate: Video and photo recordings of the Rollei Bullet 5S are recorded in Full HD (1080p). In addition, a powerful multi-core processor with chip technology speeds up data processing.
• Battery/Ports: The lithium-ion battery included in the scope of delivery lasts for recordings of up to 2.5 hours. In addition, the helmet camera has an interface for a micro SD memory card (max. 32GB) and even an external microphone input.
• Features: Thanks to an interval timer, you can use time-lapse effects and shoot photos directly in a running video recording. For the perfect shot, the shooting angle can be adjusted to three different levels. You can control the Rollei Bullet HD 5S with the supplied wireless remote control, even when wearing gloves.
• Accessories: In addition to the standard version, the Rollei Bullet HD 5S helmet camera is also available as a ski edition with adhesive pads for the helmet, a chest strap and other extras.
• Summary: For just under 200 euros, the Rollei is a helmet camera with a good price-performance ratio. Despite HD recordings, the camera cannot quite keep up with the video quality of top models, but the included accessories such as remote control and numerous mounting options compensate for this.

Bargain mid-range helmet camera: HDPro 1

• Monitor: Via the integrated 1.5 inch LCD display of the helmet camera HDPro 1, you can view your recordings on the move and, if necessary, film another descent.

• Frame rate: The helmet camera has a wide angle of 142°, which allows you to record photos of up to 5 megapixels and film recordings in Full HD (1080p).

• Battery/Ports: According to the manufacturer, you can film for up to 2 hours when the supplied battery is fully charged. You can charge the battery via a USB connection point (Micro-USB). You can view your recorded photo and video material in large format on your TV or computer via the built-in HDMI connection (mini, type C).

• Features: An LED flash ensures sharp film and photo recordings in the dark. Good sound recordings are possible with the integrated microphone. Unfortunately, no other features are included.

• Accessories: The extensive range of accessories allows you to attach the action cam in many different ways. An included outdoor box also enables use in water and offers protection up to a depth of 50 metres.
• Summary: With a current price of 130 euros, the HDPro1 is a real helmet camera bargain. Although you have to make sacrifices in terms of video quality for the low price, the action cam weighs just 60 grams.