Who doesn’t want to engrave the best memories they have forever on a talisman? Luckily, we have video cameras for this as we can put a camera on our body and film whatever we are doing! If you are a paintball gamer and looking for the best camera for paintball games to keep those exciting moments in your memory, you are in the right place.
Although any action cam may seem like a good choice for paintball gaming, things are not that simple. Recording paintball actions need a rugged structure, amazing video quality, and compact profile to keep it up with the fast gameplay. That’s why we have picked some of the most suitable action cameras from the market that you can mount on your head and load your guns right now!
Excited? Let’s bring it on!
What Type Of Action Camera Is Good For Paintball Filming?
To be exact, there is no certain action camera that is designed for paintball filming. However, any rugged action cam can fit the gameplay pretty easily. That being said, you need to make sure that the camera comes with certain features that make it a perfect choice for such filming. Let’s find out the vital requirements.
Rugged Build-Up
First of all, an action cam that is being used for filming a paintball game is expected to get hit by the balls for obvious reasons. That’s why it should be kept in mind that the build quality of the camera must be rugged and sturdy.
If that’s not something you succeed to meet, it’s always a way out to use a case. Any strong case that wraps the camera around can be an ideal choice for safeguarding the gadget.
Digital Stabilization
Game or not, it’s warfare when you are playing paintball with your friends. You are going to constantly run from place to place and even jump around, as well. So, it’s evident that the camera needs to stabilize the sudden movements to record some neat and clean video.
Waterproof
The paint is going to damage the device if it’s not waterproof. So, it’s obvious that the camera must be waterproof at a certain level so that it can get extensively wet with the paint hitting the camera lens and surface. Check the waterproof level before purchasing a camera.
HD Recording
The higher definition you can get from a paintball action camera, the better it is. You don’t want to miss those highly intensive moments to be recorded in HD quality. If the camera offers a 4K resolution, it’s the best you can get.
Audio Input
The camera should have an excellent audio input system. This way, it can capture sounds from the surroundings, and the video can be engaged with a stereo sound to give it a more lively feature.
Voice Command
It won’t be possible for the player to stop in the middle of the game and change the settings every now and then. So, using voice commands seems to be the easiest and most convenient way to control the device while on the go.
Battery Life
As your game is going to take hours to finish, the camera should last that long, as well. Make sure that the battery of the camera comes with such long-term support.
Will A Paintball Break Your Camera?
This is a crucial point that is often not considered by new users. If you are using an action cam on your head or shoulder to record your paintball gameplay, certain precautions are really appreciated.
Why? Well, although the action cams are generally taken as something that can withstand blow and pressure, these are not bulletproof or anything rugged. So, a direct hit from a paintball will definitely cause some tension on the lens.
It’s best to use a rugged case over the camera to safeguard the camera from such a blow and hit. It will ensure the safety of the lens.
Table of Content:
If you don’t need to skim through the entire article, don’t. Simply click on the topic that might interest you, and you jump right on to the topic!
Comparison Chart:
To make it easy for you to choose, we have set up the following comparison table. Find the key points of difference that can put one camera over the other!
7 Best Camera For Paintball Reviews 2023
The following 7 cameras are the fruit of the deep research that our team has conducted. It took more than 20 hours for our team to explore all the options out there in the market and pick the suitable choices that are at par with paintball gaming! So, here’s what we found.
1. Best For Shooting 4K: YI 4K+ Action Camera
The YI 4K+ is what is considered by avid videographers as the Go-Pro Killer. It does offer some of the most advanced features like 4K at 60 fps; that pretty much nails it. Arguably, this one is the first device to offer 4K video recording at 60fps.
Although it will consume a lot of battery life, the digital image stabilization system helps a ton in this case. It allows you to record at 30 fps and offers an extremely impressive image quality. As for the battery life, the 1200 mAh battery can support more than an hour of 4K shooting at 60 fps.
The camera packs in a Sony IMX377 image sensor that captures bright and brilliant 12 MP photos. The images are crisp, frames are stable, and the video footage is absolutely high definition.
It gives you a wide 155-degree viewing angle, which allows you to record even in a panorama mode to bring in everything your naked eyes can see around. The shooting modes can be easily changed and switched by tapping a few simple and straightforward settings.
Speaking of tapping, the 2.2-inch Gorilla Glass retina display of the camera is highly responsive. It gives you a lively feeling when you touch on the retina screen and responds pretty fast. Being made from Gorilla Glass, occasional drops won’t break your heart!
Technical Details
- Dimension: 2.56 x 0.83 x 1.65 inches
- Weight: 3.2 ounces
- Video: 30-60 fps
- Sensor: IMX377
- Megapixel: 12
- Processor: Ambarella H2
- Screen: 2.2 inches
Summary
With its 60fps recording capacity at 4K, it’s one of the best in this genre for shooting and streaming paintball gameplay.
2. Best Compact: GoPro Hero5 Black
The GoPro is one of the most celebrated names in the paintball Action camera lineup. The Hero5 is the newest addition that is packed with some of the most advanced features and video recording facilities. From single to burst and time-lapse – you can choose any type of recording with the highest resolution possible.
Its 2-inch ultra-responsive display makes it extremely exciting and convenient to interact with the camera. The touchscreen is equally responsive when it’s wet as when it’s dry. Speaking of getting wet, the device can be dipped into water up to 33 feet with no cover on it.
Interestingly, the package includes a cover and mounting kits, as well. With the cover on, the camera becomes much safer, and it can be guarded against damage. Mounted on your head or shoulder, you can easily control the device with voice commands, as well.
The best part is, the GoPro Hero5 can be operated with one single shutter. You can click it to turn it on and start recording instantly. This makes it fairly convenient to get started with recording on the go when you are running out of time.
Integrating the device with your smartphone is easy as pie. It comes with an app integration system that can transform the videos into edited clips that you can readily share with your friends and family.
Technical Details
- Dimension: 1.75 x 2.44 x 1.26 inches
- Video: 4K
- Megapixels: 12 mp
- Waterproof depth: 33 feet
- Display: 2 inches
- Weight: 4.3 ounces
Summary
GoPro Hero5 is a brand itself that needs zero introduction. Its amazing video quality with 33-feet underwater support is simply something anyone will bet their bucks on.
3. Best Waterproof: Sony FDRX3000/W
Tough, rugged, and excellent performance – these are the three simple traits that explain Sony FDRX3000 underwater camcorder. Although it specializes in underwater applications, the camera is an excellent choice for paintball gaming, as well.
First thing’s first, the device is pretty well-built and withstands pressure. Being an underwater camera, you can jump up to 197 feet deep into the water and still shoot amazing videos with it. It won’t leave its breath and provide perfect pictures without any hiccup.
Speaking of the image quality, it offers a 12MP still image capturing option with a 10 fps burst mode. So, you get to scrutinize your actions later with the best possible image on this device. Thanks to its Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connection system, you can simultaneously stream the videos on your smartphone.
To produce the best quality possible, the device uses a Zeiss Tessar lens that offers pretty much lower distortion compared to its predecessor models. Moreover, it houses an Exmor R CMOS sensor with a BIONZ X processor to make sure the video shooting is simply mind blowing.
The FDR-X3000 has filled in the gap that most action cams are missing – great audio. You get an impressive stereo audio performance from the device with active noise cancellation. So, hearing everything around you in a crisp and clear tone is going to amaze you, for sure.
Technical Details
- Dimension: 1.16 x 1.85 x 3.27 inches
- Weight: 4.1 ounces
- Waterproof: 197 feet
- Zoom: 3X
- Photo: 8.3 MP to 12 MP
- Video: 4K
- Burst Mode: 10 fps
Summary
If you are really interested in using the camera for occasional diving games apart from paintball, it’s surely a wise choice to pick it up.
4. Best For Handling: DJI Pocket 2 Creator Combo
Time for something out of the box! Introducing the DJI Pocket 2 Creator Combo action cam! This one is what its name suggests – a pocket cam. However, what we felt is that it should be considered more for its convenient holding option than the size of it.
It steals the show with its 3-axis gimbal attachment. The gimbal makes sure that the camera is well-stabilized and mitigates blur and shaking as much as possible. That’s why shooting video on this camera is absolutely a mesmerizing experience.
Apart from that, its Active Track 3.0 sensor offers the best subject-tracking system we have seen so far. No matter how the subject moves from the focal point, the lens will find it out and bring it into focus. The camera lens will move automatically to maintain the frame.
With a 1/1.7-inch sensor, the cam offers up to 64 MP photos and 4K high-definition video. You can also take full advantage of the 20mm f/1.8 lens to get an excellent cinematic look for your video clips. Then again, the AI editing system can easily edit the video with audio addition on the go!
As for the audio system, the DJU Pocket 2 is just the right camera you need. It has 4 different microphones in it that can capture audio from your surroundings and provide you one of the smoothest audio experiences ever.
Technical Details
- Dimension: 5.98 x 2.99 x 2.32 inches
- Weight: 4.1 ounces
- Sensor: 1/1.7″ CMOS
- Megapixel: 64
- Video: 4K/60 fps
- Lens: FOV: 93°, f/1.8
Summary
It gets a lot easier to handle and carry the camera with its long gimbal handle. Moreover, track your subject like never before! If you are looking for the best barrel camera for paintball, you can check this out!
5. Best For 120FPS: Drift 10-010-00 Ghost 4K
Don’t get backed up by the name, the Ghost 4K from Drift is actually a pretty well-designed and top-performing action camera for paintball. Although the camera isn’t the most compact one out there, running on an Ambarella A9SE processor, the device supports everything you need as a paintball gamer.
The camera offers both 1080P and 4K recording with 120fps for HD and 30fps for 4K mode. Then again, its 12mp lens offers you a crystal clear image quality that can easily replace your regular camera. It also has a time-lapse feature to capture the most aesthetic scenario around you.
One of the most useful features of this camera is its 330-degree rotatable lens. Using the rotation option, you can effortlessly cover everything around you in the frame. Plus, the electronic stabilization system makes it even easier.
You can choose from two different microphones attached to the front and rear of the device. If you want to pick one, you can simply activate either of the two or both. However, with an intelligent auto-mode, you can let the device decide which one to use for the best output.
To ease up your sharing job, the camera comes with an app called ‘Drift life’ that is optimized for both iOS and Android OS. It offers you up to 10GB of cloud storage to automatically store the video and image you take on the camera.
Technical Details
- Dimension: 8.2 x 4.3 x 3.1 inches
- Weight: 4.2 ounces
- Sensor: Sony IMX117
- Megapixel: 12MP
- Screen size: 1.5 inches
- Water resistance: IPX4
Summary
Very few action cams offer 120fps video for your paintball gameplay. This one is simply such a device that it offers this at a competitive price.
6. Best For Dual-Screen: DJI Osmo Action – 4K Action Cam
Remember DJI Pocket 2? Loved it, right? Well, you will love the Osmo Action from their house even more! This 4K Action cam is simply one of the best paintball cameras for gamers who don’t want to limit their potential. It’s excitingly compact and lightweight to carry around and also can be easily attached to your head or shoulder.
The most catchy feature of the device is the dual-screen. It has one vivid screen on the back that allows you to record while you are behind the cam. On the other hand, the equally crisp front display works as a guide to recording yourself in a solitary mode. Both displays are super responsive and make it really enjoyable interacting with the camera.
It uses the RockSteady technology to make sure that the camera is well-stabilized at any angle. Enjoy shake-free, stable, and non-blurry video recording right on the go. No matter how you are using it, holding it in your hand, or attaching it to your helmet, it’s going to shoot the clearest images you ever longed for.
Using a 1/2.3-inch CMOS sensor, the camera can capture still images up to 12mp. That’s not the end; you can use its wide 145-degree recording view to ensure you don’t miss anything around. Take your videography to the next level!
Time-lapse and slow-motion, both features that you can enjoy the most on this camera. Its 8X ultra slow-motion video capturing with a 240fps rate will blow your mind, for sure. Not to mention, the time-lapse recording is also pretty jaw-dropping, as well.
Technical Details
- Dimension: 2.6×1.7×1.4 in.
- Weight: 4.4 ounces
- Camera Sensor: 12M, 1/2.3″ CMOS
- Video frame: 120 to 240 fps
- Viewing Angle: 145-degree
- Temperature Strength: Up to -10 degrees
Summary
Checking the settings while you record yourself is the best feature you can avail yourself of! The dual-screen system of this device just made that easy!
7. Best For HD Recording: Insta360 ONE R Twin Edition
And we wrap up our reviews for the best camera for paintball with the Insta360 ONE R Twin edition action cam! Just by replacing the lenses on it, you can go from a 360-degree camera to a wide-angle 4K video recorder.
Don’t have a gimbal? Well, that’s not the problem you need to worry about anymore! You can enjoy gimbal-like video stabilization with the FlowState stabilizer system on this device. It works with the scene-detection method to keep the images crystal clear and steady as you want.
With its dual-lens 360 Mod, the camera is capable of capturing videos in 5.7K resolution! That’s possible because of its H.265 encoding, which offers excellent image processing powered by artificial intelligence.
There’s no need to worry anymore if it’s raining while you are playing paintball with your pals. The Insta360 comes with an IPX8 waterproofing system that allows the device to work just fine up to 16.4 feet into deep water!
Its AI editing system is simply amazing. Exploring the integrated app’s shot lab, you can use some of the built-in templates to make your videos stand out. One of the key editing features is the invisible selfie stick, which virtually removes the stick from the video clip!
Technical Details
- Dimension: 1.89 x 1.69 x 2.83 inches
- Weight: 6.1 ounces
- Video: Super 5.7K
- Encoding: H.265
- Waterproofing: 14.6 feet deep
- Waterproof rating: IPX8
Summary
If you are looking for the best resolution video recording, the Insta360 ONE R with a 5.7K resolution camera is simply the best option.
Tips For Filming Your Paintball Games
Here are some of the tips you can follow to get the best out of the action cam for your paintball game.
Set Highest Resolution
There’s no need to take chances. Shoot the video at the highest resolution possible. You can edit it later on to reduce the size.
Check The Camera Position
It’s always best to check the camera position before starting the game. Double-check if the camera is mounted in the best position to capture the entire view in front of you. Set the right viewing angle for the widest capture.
Color Adjustment
Depending on the time you are playing, you may need to adjust the color option of the camera. Set it right before you are starting the game to make sure you get the most suitable color contrast.
Use A Protective Case
it doesn’t matter if your camera has Gorilla glass protection or not; it’s always best to use a protective case for the safety of the camera.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will a paintball break a GoPro?
Ideally, a paintball hit shouldn’t upset the safety of a GoPro or any other action camera. However, if the hit is hard and pretty strong, there’s a chance that the lens can get damaged or even broken. So, it’s always safe to use a protective case.
Are action cameras worth it?
Yes, definitely. Filming your paintball gameplay will never be easy if you are going for a DSLR or a smartphone camera. These are not simply made for such adventurous shooting. Actions cams are designed for these types of video recording.
Who is GoPro’s biggest competitor?
There are many brands in the market that can be as good as GoPro. DJI, Sony, YI are some of the best brands that can outperform GoPro on so many levels.
Where to mount an Action Cam?
You can mount an action cam either on your shoulder, forehead or on top of your helmet. In any case, you will need a mounting accessory for this purpose.
Final Words
Action cams come in different looks, features, and varieties. You need to make sure you have a specific budget before you jump into sorting your choices for the best camera for paintball. Then again, picking up from the different options is another hectic task altogether. If you don’t know what key features to look for, it will be a tough job, for sure.
You might have got the basic ideas on how exactly to find a paintball camera. However, if you are not going through the details, we suggest you pick the GoPro Hero5 Black. It’s compact, lightweight, shoots at 4K, and offers amazing details that can save your memories in HD for a long time!
Happy playing!