When it comes to sports cameras the popularity of GoPro can’t be matched. However, there are many up and coming young tech companies itching to make a name for themselves and trying to innovate products that will capture a significant market share. One of the main contenders is the Rocky Mountain based SportsVue company. Products such as the ACE has the classic GoPro design, but comes with a back-end HD screen. One complaint from avid GoPro users is that in the depths of desert valleys, high atop snow capped mountains or while surfing the big waves, it is difficult to operate a GoPro and select filming options. The ACE solves this problem admirably. The other cameras SportsVue offers such as the Eagle Eye and Action 180 are shock and water resistant, come with high quality microphones, HD Video 1080P, and a built-in LCD screen. Sports Vue creates their cameras with a 270 degree swivel lens so if using it for a helmet camera, attached to the board, arm, ski or whatever your addiction is, you get a great view.
For a price range of $60 to $120 you can find an assortment of regular and HD sports cameras, helmet cameras and some unique creations such as a snorkel cam with a waterproof video camera built into the mask. HD Sport sunglasses come with video, audio and a DVR built-in. The Bullet is a flashlight-shaped camera about 6 inches long that easily attaches to handlebars, helmets and fenders. At the higher end ($190) there is the GamePro which is a trail camera system designed for harsh environments. It is an entirely self contained unit that can operate for days as a night vision motion activated video system.
Sports Vue prides itself on high durability for a low price. Most products cost less than their equivalent GoPro counterparts and are more water resistant and shock proof. The company also offers a rental program where you can use the camera for dollars a day, upload your film and return the camera with no obligation.