Action cameras have become a common accessory for extreme sports enthusiasts across the world. They allow thrill seekers to capture and relive their hair-raising experiences time and time again. Here is an overview of some of the best cameras on the market at the moment.

GoPro HD HERO2

GoPro is arguably the king of the action camera world, consistently delivering market-leading products, accessories and mounts that continue to ‘wow’ its legions of loyal users.

The latest addition to the GoPro camera range is the GoPro HD2, the most advanced GoPro camera yet that offers functionality and performance in abundance. The GoPro HD2 looks and weighs the same as its predecessor, the GoPro HD Hero and also maintains a number of key features. Including, full 1080p video resolution and a 170 degree wide angle lens for ultimate video quality.

In addition, the GoPro HD2 has been fitted with a new processor that delivers twice the processing power as its predecessor. This new technology makes the camera faster, but also allows the user to capture 11 megapixel photos at a rate of 10 photos per second.

The GoPro HD2 has a new a glass lens that's twice as sharp as the old model. Low light performance has been improved considerably and a revamped digital user menu makes navigating the camera a breeze.

The GoPro HD Hero2 is available in three different sport-specific packages - the Outdoor Edition, the Motorsports Edition and the Surf Edition, all of which include the camera and relevant mounting accessories. The GoPro camera and the range of accessories and mounts available make it an extremely versatile piece of kit.

Drift HD

The Drift HD is a very popular camera that is as sleek as it is powerful. At just 138g the Drift HD is super light meaning it can sit anywhere on a users’ body or kit, virtually unnoticed.

The Drift HD packs a 170 degree wide angle lens, records at full 1080p HD, and also has the option to film at up to 60fps at 720p. For those wanting to capture still shots on the go, the Drift HD will also capture photos at 9 megapixels.

The Drift HD also boasts suburb usability, with perhaps one if its best features being the built in colour screen, which allows the user to line shots up and play them back with ease. It also has big, easy-to-use buttons that can be used even when wearing gloves. In addition, the camera comes with a remote control that can be used to operate key functions without having to dismount it.

Other features include a built-in mic plus external mic input, 4x digital zoom and 2.5 hours of battery life. There are a great variety of mounts and accessories available for the Drift, which makes it adaptable for almost any sport, even underwater!

BulletHD PRO

The Bullet HD is one of the smallest action cameras on the market and due to its shape (the clue is in the name) it’s ideal for those who require a more subtle camera. The Bullet HD camera can be attached to virtually any part of the users’ body or kit, but the stream line shape makes it ideal for mounting to goggles.

It may be small, but the Bullet HD has plenty of features to get excited about, including 1080p full HD recording or 720p at 60fps, 12 megapixel still image capture with three second burst mode, a 170 degrees optical ‘Fisheye’ lens as well as being waterproof to 10 metres. Additionally, the Bullet HD boasts video stabilisation and a noise reduction system.

You can’t go far wrong with any of the cameras mentioned within this article, but when investing in a camera for the first time do your research and be sure to choose one that’s up to the job at hand.