Go pro

I dont need top of line camera, which is basic one to start with?

 

Get the best one you can afford. You'll grow into it.

GoPro Hero 4 Black.

G.

 

I have DBPower off knock from Amazon that came with two batteries, a pile of mounts which are compatible with the GoPro stuff. Cost like 70 bucks. 1080P and suits my needs.

 

Xiaomi Yi is a very popular "knockoff" great picture quality, uses a high end sensor, very similar to the gopros sensor (same manufacturer). They go for about $80 on Amazon, does not include memory card, or waterproof case, but the cases cost $10-$25 and do work with the gopro mount on the windshield. Also supports wifi connectivity with your tablet/phone.

There are a few quality issues with it, the first one I got had some focus issues, but after returning, and getting a 2nd one, picture quality/focus is perfect. Probably closer to gopro hero4 silver quality for well under gopro hero price. Some have mentioned issues with battery dying too quickly, or the LEDs not being bright enough, but thats really all the complaints I've seen. Great little camera, would 100% recommend.

 

I went with a Sony HDRAS20 that I picked up on Amazon for 100 bucks. Spent ten bucks on a gopro mount adapter for it. Built in image stabilization is awesome, and it will do 1080p at 60fps.

Sample vid: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fAIPkEirPE0

 

Get gopro entry level

 

Really smooth and the price is great!
Amazon shows 150, did it go up in price?

 

Yeah these Action Cams are super smooth because they have that built in motion stabilization software I mentioned. They're not perfect, but every single one of the shortcomings pointed out by the negative reviews have laughably simple workarounds that might involve buying the right accessory or using google.

Regarding the price, I typed that up in sort of a hurry and forgot to say I got mine as a factory refurb with a 1 year warranty through Amazon, but they do fluctuate in price and were $99 over the holidays.

Biggest complaints involve the mounting point, as it's not on the camera itself, but on the underwater housing. You can spend $25 on Sony's skeleton housing and that problem's solved instantly.

 

I'd recommend grabbing a GoPro. I use it for many things. Wicked good quality and they record 4K as well.

 

I also got a pistol grip and a viewfinder case for mine. Turned it into sort of a handy cam when it's not hanging from the windshield mount. As well as a 30 piece action cam accessory kit with a dog harness, tripod, monopod, carrying case, extra batteries and charger and a float tether. After all that, I'm still below the price of the comparable GoPro model.

Edit: It looks bigger in the viewfinder case, but the thing is pretty much the same size as the gopro, though the form factor is different so that it is oriented longways.

 

What's the intended use for said Camera? Are you mounting it to your truck?

 

Thought I'd drop in again and say there's a Veho Muvi k2 on Groupon for 129 right now. That's another entry level cam that will get you 1080p/60fps. Never used it personally but it gets pretty good reviews and takes some pretty good shots. Might be worth checking out.