The Best Cameras for Snowboarding / Skiing

Are you looking for a great camera for winter sports? If so, you are in the right place! Before you make a decision, you must think about the type of video and photography that you’d like to take. Do you want to mount a GoPro on your helmet and record videos? Do you need to take professional photos? Would you prefer a super-compact model that fits in your pocket?

Thousands of models are on the market, and it’s not easy to make a decision. If you’re going to use your camera for skiing and snowboarding, your best options would be either an action camera or a traditional compact camera.

Each type has its advantages and disadvantages, but don’t worry! In this article, I’m going to talk about sensor quality, focal length, water resistance, stabilization, and other important features to consider before making a purchase. Also, I’ll review the best models of the year, so that you can find exactly what you’re looking for.

Take a look at other articles to find the best skis for beginners, ski jackets, snow gloves, snow backpacks, beanies, snow beanies, ski boot bags, and snowboards for beginners. 

THE BEST CAMERAS FOR SKIING AND SNOWBOARDING

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GOPRO HERO 11 BLACK

The GoPro Hero 11 Black is considered by many to be the best “action camera” on the market. You’ll find pretty good knockoffs for a much lower price. However, if you’re looking for the best quality, go for a GoPro.

This cam features a mind-blowing stabilization system that makes your videos always seem smooth (it has three stabilization options), a 5.3K 60fps high-quality video that is known as Ultra HD, and a bunch of really cool functions such as TimeWarp, Live Streaming, HDR, TouchScreen, Wi-Fi, voice control, and much more.

Advantages: GoPro keeps improving quality and stabilization with every model.

Disadvantages: You need to use accessories to get the most amazing shots. This makes it more expensive.

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INSTA360 X3

The Insta360 X3 is a top-end, action camera that offers one of the best stabilization systems on the market (FlowState stabilization), impressive 5.7K 360 video, 33-feet waterproofing, a 360 touch display and a bunch of AI editing features.

Today, this camera is the biggest opponent to the the GoPro Hero 11 Black, so pay attention to its advanced features. The Insta360 X3 is like an evolution of regular action cameras and can shoot 360-degree videos with two lenses. With the 360 mode, it catches the action in every direction, so you can reframe your shots and pick your favorite angles later in the app. The dual-lens design also enables the Invisible Selfie Stick effect, where the stick disappears automatically in your shot to create drone-like views. This feature makes it perfect for videos with lots of action, movement, and speed, which is probably why it’s becoming so popular among skiers and outdoor lovers.

Insta360 X3 also has Steady Cam Mode, which allows you to record traditional flat videos. If you want to make not only flat videos but also 360º videos with excellent stabilization and horizon leveling, this could be your best option.

Advantages: The Invisible Selfie Stick effect is quite impressive. It looks great in action videos.

Disadvantages: It’s a bit expensive. However, if you compare it to the GoPro, it’s similarly priced and offers a few extra features.

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OLYMPUS TOUGH TG-6

The Olympus Tough TG-6 is waterproof (15 meters), dustproof, and shock-resistant (2 meters high), and can withstand low temperatures (down to -10º C / 14º F). The main disadvantage: The stabilization system is not as good as that of the GoPro.

However, it’s highly weather-resistant, it takes great photos, and it includes fantastic features such as macro mode (perfect for close-up shots), high-quality 4K video, Wi-Fi connectivity, RAW format, and adjustable focal length. Overall, it’s a great camera for winter sports.

Advantages: I like its sturdy and resistant construction. It feels quite solid when you hold it. In my experience, this is the best option if you need a camera that can take a beating.

Disadvantages: Unlike the previous models, the Olympus TG-6 isn’t an action camera. It’s not as compact and it doesn’t offer as wide an angle as an action cam (which is characterized by recording in “fisheye” format).

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CANON POWERSHOT G9 X MARK II

The Canon Powershot G9 X Mark II has a 20.1 MP CMOS sensor that takes amazing photos, especially when you consider that it’s ultralight, compact, and relatively inexpensive.

This model features a high-quality LCD screen, a 28 – 84 mm focal length (35 mm equivalent), a maximum aperture of f / 2, an adjustable ISO up to 12,800 (which is great for such a small camera), and a Digic 7 image processor that captures sharp, clear photos. If you’re looking for a high-quality camera that you can comfortably carry in your pocket, this is your model.

Advantages: Photo quality is great for such a compact camera. However, video quality is not as good as that of a GoPro.

Disadvantages: I think the biggest problem is that the stabilization system is not nearly as good as GoPro’s Hypersmooth system. Also, it’s not as cold resistant and impact resistant as the above models.

I’d recommend this camera for skiers who mainly want to take photos (and not videos). If you’re planning to record action videos, this is not your model.

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SONY RX100 VII

The Sony RX100 VII is probably the best pocket camera on the market. This model features a 20.1 MP CMOS sensor, an incredible-quality Zeiss Vario Sonnar 24-200mm lens, a 425-point focus system, and a real-time Eye AF system that can detect and focus on the subjects’ eyes.

In addition, it records high-quality 4K video and has a 180-degree flipping screen that lets you shoot videos from difficult angles. It would be hard to find another camera that offers such amazing performance in such a small size.

Pros: Fantastic overall performance.

Cons: It can occasionally be used in the snow, but that’s not its most appropriate use. It doesn’t have as good a stabilization system as the Insta360 and the GoPro.

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SONY A6600

The Sony A6600 has the best photo quality on the list. This model stands out for its fast and precise AF (autofocus), high-quality APS-C sensor, high-resolution 4K HDR videos, slow-motion Full HD (120p) function, 5-axis optical stabilizer, and real-time eye AF system. Unfortunately, it’s quite expensive. However, if you are looking for a fairly compact, high-quality camera with interchangeable lenses, this might be your best option.

Advantages: The optic result is similar to that of a DSLR, but comes in a much smaller size.

Disadvantages: It’s not as small as the Sony RX 100 VII, but it’s comfortable to use in the snow, in the mountains, and on your trips.

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SONY FDR-X3000R

The Sony FDR-X3000R is a high-performance action camera. This model is super-compact and lightweight (in fact, it’s lighter than the GoPro) and records 4K Ultra HD video.

Some people prefer the Sony over the GoPro because it has a more traditional shape, similar to video cameras (but in a tiny version), and especially because it features an Exmor R CMOS sensor and a Zeiss lens that create spectacular videos. For many, the optical quality of the Sony is better than that of the GoPro. However, the GoPro is more versatile, has more features and accessories, and is more compact. The final choice will depend on your preferences.

Pros: It doesn’t distort images as much as the GoPro does.

Cons: Sony hasn’t released a new version of this model in years. It’s getting quite outdated.

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AKASO EK7000 Pro

The Akaso EK7000 Pro is a good option for anyone looking for an inexpensive action cam. This model features a 16 MP sensor, a high-quality screen, an electronic stabilization system, Wi-Fi connectivity, adjustable view angle, and a waterproof housing (down to 30 meters). The battery life isn’t great, but it’s easily rechargeable.

While the camera takes 16 MP photos and 4K 25fps video, don’t expect the quality of a GoPro or the Sony FDR-X3000R. This is a budget model with a more basic sensor and lens. Therefore, the optical result won’t be the same. However, it offers excellent performance for its budget price.

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XTU S3 PRO

The XTU S3 Pro is similar to the previous model, but with more advanced features, including a 20 MP sensor, 4K 30 fps video, Wi-Fi connectivity, 16-feet water resistance, TimeLapse, Slow Motion technology, Supersmooth 3.0, voice control, a two-inches touch screen, dual screen, an electronic stabilizer, and waterproof housing.

The truth is, this model is slightly more expensive, but also better. If you are looking for a good-quality action camera at an affordable price, the XTU S3 Pro could be your best option.

THINGS TO CONSIDER:

TYPES OF CAMERAS

There are several types of cameras that you can use for skiing, snowboarding, and other snow sports. The main decision to make is whether you want an “action camera” or a traditional camera. Each type has its advantages and disadvantages, but everything comes down to what you need: good photos or good video?

Action Cameras

Action cameras dominate the market because they are ultralight and compact, and they offer amazing video quality. The best-known action camera is the GoPro, which has the best performance on the market. Most models record 4K-quality video and offer amazing features such as Image Stabilizer, Slow Motion, TimeWarp, Lapse Video, HDR, and other effects.

These models are shock-resistant, waterproof (generally down to 10 meters without a housing), and highly versatile. They are compatible with endless accessories, tripods, straps, mounts, and sticks, so you can record videos from any angle and without holding the camera in your hands. Many skiers mount a GoPro on their helmets, on their snowboards, or somewhere else.

Also, action cameras have a very short focal length, which means the lens captures a wider vision (this is known as a wide-angle lens). This feature is perfect for adventure sports because it provides a wide view of the activity.

The main drawback is that while these cameras offer impressive video performance, the same cannot be said for photo quality. Admittedly, the latest models have come a long way in photo quality, but they are still far from traditional cameras.

Traditional Cameras

In this group, we have tough cameras, point and shoots, mirrorless, and DSLR cameras. DSLRs offer the best photo quality. However, they are not the best option for skiing and snowboarding because they are too large and heavy. Point and shoots are super compact, and thus more suitable for adventure photography, outdoor sports, travel, etc.

Traditional cameras usually offer the best photo performance. These models are equipped with larger sensors and high-quality lenses that can take higher resolution photos. In many cases, the focal length is adjustable (using the zoom feature), which makes the lens more versatile.

High-quality compact cameras take great 4K videos. However, they don’t approach the video quality of a GoPro, which features an incredible image stabilizer and lots of extra features.

Conclusion: If your priority is to create videos, and especially if you want to add effects such as Slow Motion, TimeWarp, etc., I recommend that you get an action camera. If you can afford it, don’t think twice about buying a GoPro. It’s a bit expensive but worth every penny. Also, you can use it for many other activities, such as running, hiking, kayaking, mountain biking, and any outdoor sport.

On the other hand, if you want to take high-resolution, high-quality photos, I recommend that you choose a traditional camera. If money is not a problem, mirrorless cameras offer practically the same quality as traditional DSLRs but are lighter and more compact. Have a look at the Sony A6600, which is simply spectacular.

SENSOR QUALITY

Sensors are small electronic elements that work like the film that we used in analog cameras. The light projected into the camera draws an image on the sensor, and the sensor saves it onto the memory card as a photo. There are different types of sensors, which offer different levels of quality.

Pay attention to the size of the sensor because it will directly affect the final quality of the photo. That’s why I said that action cameras don’t take the best photos. This is because they have very small sensors. Today, full-frame sensors, which are much larger than other types, offer the best photo performance.

The resolution of a sensor, which is expressed in megapixels (MP), indicates the final size of the image. This is important if you need to enlarge your photos, for instance, to create a poster, print large photos, etc. Otherwise, the sensor quality will be more important than its resolution. In other words, one camera is not necessarily better than another because it has more or fewer megapixels. Generally, 12 MP is enough for recreational photography.

VIDEO

Many of today’s cameras can record 4K video. This is the highest quality you can find on the market, so most manufacturers are trying to include 4K video in all their new models.

Also, you should pay attention to the “frame rate”, which indicates the number of frames per second that the sensor can capture. I recommend that you look for a model that can record at least 60 fps. The higher the fps, the more images the sensor can capture, which results in smoother videos.

In any case, 1440p and 1080p HD resolutions are also great. In fact, many people won’t be able to tell the difference between 4K and 1080p video. However, I recommend that you always record in 4K 60 fps (even if you are going to store your videos in 1080p) because it will allow you to crop images without compromising on final quality, which is helpful for video montages.

FOCAL LENGTH

The focal length of the lens determines how narrow or wide the scenery will be. For example, a short focal length (wide angle) will capture a wider landscape, while a long focal length will capture a narrower part of the scene. For adventure sports, such as skiing, snowboarding, biking, etc., I recommend that you get a short focal length that can capture wide-angle images.

Most compact cameras feature a zoom functionality that adjusts the focal length to the situation and the angle from which you are shooting.

ISO

ISO sensitivity is a parameter that you can set in most digital models to determine the camera’s ability to capture light. You can adjust ISO settings to increase light sensitivity, which is helpful in low-light conditions. However, you should be careful because the higher the ISO, the lower the picture quality becomes (high ISO produces more digital noise).

Today’s sensors are incredibly good, and they produce barely any noise as long as the ISO is set under 1600. Nevertheless, I recommend that you set a lower ISO whenever light conditions are adequate.

IMAGE STABILIZER

Most action cameras feature electronic image stabilizers that prevent jitter and undesired motion in the image. This function is really important when you are looking for a camera for snowboarding and skiing, especially if you are going to attach it to your helmet. GoPros have one of the best stabilizers on the market, the Hypersmooth, which captures incredible smooth images.

WATER RESISTANCE

When you’re outdoors, you can encounter an unexpected storm or snowfall anytime. That’s why you should get a waterproof camera.

Many digital cameras are water-resistant for short periods. They can withstand light rain smoothly, but they shouldn’t get too wet. You must protect your camera and always store it in a dry place.

On the other hand, most action cameras are really waterproof. The latest GoPros are suitable even for scuba diving, as they can be submerged down to 33 feet without a housing. The Olympus Tough TG-6 is waterproof down to 50 feet. You don’t need an underwater camera to take snowboarding photos, but being waterproof is a great advantage. If the camera falls into the snow or if it starts to snow, you know the camera will be alright.

In any case, even if your action camera is totally waterproof, I recommend that you use it with a housing. This way, it will be better protected from occasional shocks and falls. Also, I recommend that you get a small pack in which to keep your photo gear.

MOUNT

Action cameras include lots of accessories and mounts, so you can attach them to a thousand different places. Many skiers attach them to their helmets. This results in spectacular first-person videos that show the skier’s point of view and make you feel like you are inside the movie.

If you want to attach your camera to your helmet, I recommend that you get a GoPro. Traditional cameras take incredible photos, but they can’t capture such high-quality video when attached to a part of the gear. Also, they are not as compact as action cameras.

If your helmet doesn’t include a GoPro mount, you can use adhesive mounts, straps, or other accessories. GoPro has, without a doubt, the largest variety of accessories.

Wi-Fi

For some people, Wi-Fi cameras don’t have any functionality at all. However, others love this feature. The truth is, Wi-Fi connectivity has its advantages. First, you can connect your camera to a tablet or small laptop, and view your photos in a larger size. This will help you preview the photos (or videos) and see if you got what you wanted or if you need to keep filming.

Second, you can post photos and videos to your social networks in real-time. So, instead of taking out your memory card, copying all the photos to your computer, and then publishing them, you just need to connect the camera to your phone; you’ll have your photos on Instagram in a few seconds.

Keep in mind that Wi-Fi dramatically reduces battery life, so turn it on only when you’re going to use it.

BATTERY

Action cameras don’t have long-lasting batteries. Because they are so compact, their batteries are pretty small, too. A GoPro’s battery can last 1.5 hours when filming a video. GoPro knockoffs often don’t make it to an hour. For many people, this is not enough, so consider carrying a few spare batteries if you want to record for hours. Also, you can carry a portable charger and recharge the batteries.

Traditional cameras have considerably longer battery lives of up to six hours when taking photos and three hours when shooting video, depending on the model.

WEIGHT AND SIZE

As you have seen, all models on the list are quite small and lightweight. Unless you are a professional photographer, I recommend that you go for a compact model—preferably, small enough to fit easily in your pocket. If you need high photo performance, you can opt for a mirrorless, which offers exceptional quality at a small size (although they are not as small as point and shoots).

HOW TO TAKE CARE OF YOUR CAMERA

You must take proper care of all your photo gear. Clean your equipment carefully to remove all dust, dirt, and moisture. Depending on the model, you can use a damp cloth to remove outside dirt. For mirrorlesses or DSLRs, I recommend that you purchase a cleaning kit to thoroughly clean the sensor and lenses.

Consider buying a ski backpack to properly store all of your gear and protect it from the elements.

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