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Football is exciting to watch, and its popularity exploded once action could be delivered to the masses via video filming and broadcasts (meaning television). Admiration for the game has only grown more now that video cameras are so readily available to capture the athletes playing.
Football coaches learned to appreciate using video cameras to break down game play after-the-fact, to try to pinpoint what worked, and what went wrong. Schools videotaped football games with intent to broadcast later on local cable channels, or at a nearby eatery.
Perhaps most importantly, parents began buying video cameras to get their blossoming superstar on videotape or digital video to enjoy watching forever.
The market for video cameras is so vast today, with a great array of sizes, weights, and specifications. Don’t feel anchored to your phone’s video app; modern single-purpose video cameras can provide an impressive number of features to make that video capture really stand out.
We explored the best video camera for football games, supported by research we will share. We looked into details like size, weight, power to zoom in, ease of file saving and sharing, and other features in a good number of video cameras. Here, we present our findings.
Summary
- With durability built into the model’s name, the Olympus Tough TG-6 tops our list, a point-and-shoot video camera we find excellent for football.
- The GoPro HERO11 is just a supreme sports-capturing gadget, with a lot of dandy features that parents will really appreciate, including being waterproof.
- For a very first video camera, we like the Kimire Digital Camera Recorder Full HD 1080p, which provides plenty of bells and whistles for the low price.
- The Canon PowerShot SX730 HS is a our choice for those who really like to zoom in on the football action!
- For the longest battery life, look into the Akaso V50X Native, a super video camera option for filming football ~ and not worrying about charging.
- The Remali CaptureCam comes with a wonderful package of accessories, plus solid image quality for the pricing.
Reasons to Video Record Football Action
There are many reasons to record action on football fields with a video camera. It is commonplace for today’s parents to hold a camera up to their eye when the little one plays.
Other video camera users might be football superfans, who want to record gameplay from up in the stands, whether that means at the high school, college, or pro level.
Football is action-packed, and with so many players on the field at once (22 total, plus referees) it can be challenging to get it all on tape (or digital file).
In the old days, this would mean lugging a lunky box strapped to a hand around fields, with hope of grabbing key action. After, the video tape would have to go to a video editor should the owner want to show only the best action.
Technological advances, such as the move from videotape to digital files, plus dropping prices have resulted in a boom for purchase and use of video cameras.
That applies, especially, to football. Here are reasons why:
- Capturing football play and games on video is fun! Parents can grab action, and then that same day play the tape for everyone at the team party!
- Social media outlets have made it very easy for users to post video clips. In fact, video is the fastest-growing element of social media. Couple these facts with the desire to show family and friends a little football player in action, and you have a strong demand.
- Video capture can be extremely helpful for football coaches, whether they arrange to capture game action themselves, or a parent sees something to bring to his or her attention. Parents getting serious about their little player and football ’s participation, they may opt for this route to help the player grow.
- Of course, to capture childhood moments for prosperity is a huge reason.
- For fans at stadiums, as prices to attend events get higher every year, they may choose to also capture these moments for memories, even if it’s just to take shots of the fans or atmosphere.
Tips to Use Video Cameras for Football Games
Today’s video camera market is so packed with fine models that it can be daunting for a 1st-time buyer. We decided to apply our knowledge of, and experience with, live football play and provide tips about what to look for in a recreational video camera. Here are the key areas:
Comfort Level
- This means the camera’s weight, and comfort in the hands which can include the gadget’s shape, and how buttons are aligned. The lighter the better, and grips that are contoured or otherwise improved for comfort and grip can be quite helpful.
- Eye comfort. This equates to the type of viewing portal on the item. Modern video cameras are much different than old cameras where you simply peek through a hold at the subject. Advanced cameras have small screens, some of which flip outward or in all directions, which can be greatly beneficial for those suffering joint pains.
Quality of Images
- Visual quality is extremely important, so buyers want cameras with at least 1080p resolution. Lower resolution numbers like 576p or 720p means less horizontal lines to convey the image, which means less clarity.Note that 1080 is usually equivalent of 2K, which buyers might see. It’s also the beginning point of what is called high-definition (HD).
- Image capture speed. That’s what the term frames per second (FPS) refers to. The higher the number, the better for capturing fast sports action and avoiding blur.
- Zoom. The ability to focus in on action without losing too much clarity is huge with baseball, as not much action occurs up close to the surrounding fences. A videographer must zoom in for better views of pitchers and batters, or play on the opposite side of the field.
Durability
- Video cameras get lugged around a lot, so toughness is desired for protection from dropping or otherwise sustaining jolts.
- Water protection is important, as football games are not like baseball games: the game goes on in bad weather. A video camera might be fully submersible in water, or have repelling qualities to be unaffected by moisture.
Miscellaneous
- Memory. Avoid being broadsided with the cost of buying memory cards or chips to store all those moving images. Pay attention to storage capacity, simplicity in using storage gadgets, and even sharing ability like bluetooth which can connect with online cloud storage.
- Pay attention to battery life. Some video camera models come with a single battery, others with 2, and battery life is a big deal. Also, replacing video camera batteries can be costly. Carefully consider battery life per charge.
- Just like with still photography, video cameras can come with a lot of accessories. Does the model come with a carrying case? Or a tripod? Or lens cover?
With these elements in mind, we reviewed dozens of models and compared them for special features, price, and other indicators. Let’s get to it.
Our Choices: Best Video Cameras for Football Games
For a variety of potential uses on and off the field
1. Best Video Camera for Football Games Overall ~ Olympus Tough TG-6
Analysis
Football fans who’ve been around a while may remember Olympus commercials used to pop up during games all the time. The company might not advertise on national TV as much, but let us toot their horn: We feel its Olympus Tough TG-6 model is the best video camera for football games.
We assert this for many reasons, starting with its durability ~ as toughness is built into the model name, after all. It is what is considered a point-and-shoot camera (sometimes called “subcompact,” which spotlights an easy-to-transport size). Despite the size, the TG-6 provides 4K video capture resolution (HD), with a 4X zoom capability, among other neat features.
This camera is attractive both for fans who want to try to capture action from the stands, and for parents to shoot a lot of video from different angles along the sidelines. Olympus says the TG-6 is safe from water, dust, crushing, shock, and even freeze should the elements get terrible.
Specifications
- Weight: 9 oz.
- Video Capture Resolution: 4K movie full HD
- Viewfinder: 3-inch LCD screen
- Image Capture Speed: 120 frames per second
- Image stabilization: Yes
- Power: (1) lithium ion battery (included); life is 29 minutes if used continuously
- Special Features: Films underwater, including a “microscope mode”
What We Like
- Durable like football players
- Very light in weight
- Waterproof in case of rain or snow (which unlike baseball do not cancel football games)
2. Best Video Camera for Football Games Runner Up ~ GoPro HERO 11
Analysis
Those familiar with filming outdoor action activities have no doubt by now heard about GoPro as a brand. It may not have been around when Olympus was bombing televisions screens with ads, but in recent years, GoPro video camera models fared well for darn near every use.
The GoPro HERO11 is the next in line of superb quality and features in the company’s lineup of cameras. While the TG-6 above has exceptional video quality capabilities, the new 1/1.9” sensor on the HERO11 provides over a billion colors in 10-bit color video. In short, this GoPro model packs a technical punch.
The list goes on from this brand with a reputation for producing durable video cameras: it is
very lightweight, easy to use, has a battery that lasts 80 to 137 minutes, and the advanced HyperSmooth 5.0 video stabilization is something else for parents roaming sidelines.
Specifications
- Weight: 5.4 oz.
- Video Capture Resolution: 5.3K
- Image Stabilization: Yes
- Image Capture Speed: 60 frames per second (FPS)
- Display: Front, with rear touch screen
- Power: Removable 1720mAh Enduro battery (included); ability to record for up to 80 minutes if camera is set to 5.3K, up to 137 minutes at 1080p.
- Special Features: Submersible (to 33 feet); zoom magnification; advanced HyperSmooth 5.0 video stabilization
What We Like
- Impressive suite of features including for use as webcam or for streaming
- Very-high resolution
- Lightweight
3. Best Video Camera for Football Games for Newbies ~ Kimire Digital Camera Recorder Full HD 1080p
Analysis
It’s time in our list to address parents who are buying their 1st video cameras for football play. For them, we suggest the Kimire Digital Camera Recorder Full HD 1080p. This nifty little gadget has more than a typical “starter video camera.”
With a mid-level weight and a nice price, this Kimire offering delivers 16X digital zoom ability, which as stated above can be a big deal in filming football. Along with that is a solid 30 fps to avoid blurring should action get too fast.
There is a USB port capability to engage for use as a webcam; and a couple of lithium batteries. For parents who don’t want to break the bank in case their little one does not continue in football or other outdoor sports, this Kimire model is remarkable.
Specifications
- Weight: 1.17 lbs.
- Video Capture Resolution: 1080p
- Image Capture Speed: 15 to 30 frames per second
- Connectivity: USB
- Power: (2) Lithium batteries included
What We Like
- Remarkable image quality for the price
- 16X digital zoom ability
- Ability to use USB connection for webcam
4. Best Video Camera for Football Games for Zooming ~ Canon PowerShot SX730 HS
Analysis
The Canon PowerShot SX730 HS is a solid point-and-shoot (subcompact) video camera, with an exceptional focus on providing users with a significant ability to zoom in. Besides the 40X optical zoom level, the SX730 also makes it super easy to shift from looking in close or from far away.
As stated above, football fans in the stands or along the sidelines can struggle to capture action happening on the other side of the field. It’s not like using video cameras for baseball, where action begins from the same place (mound), and most of it all happens in the infield not far off. To video capture football, zoom ability is huge.
This is an excellent, lightweight model that easily could have landed a spot or more higher on this list. The 120 fps and image stabilization go along well with all the zooming power, and football parents and fans will appreciate this.
Specifications
- Weight: 10.6 oz.
- Video Capture Resolution: 1080p
- Viewfinder: 3-inch LCD screen
- Image Capture Speed: 29.97 to 59.94 frames per second (FPS)
- Image stabilization: Yes
- Connectivity: Bluetooth, WiFi
- Power: (1) A battery (included)
What We Like
- 40X zooming capability
- Lightweight and compact for ease of use and portability
- Quality image stabilization to record standing, walking, or even running
5. Best Video Camera for Football Games for Battery Life ~ Akaso V50X Native
Analysis
We love the Akaso V50X Native video camera for shooting football. Football games are long (don’t be fooled by the 60-minute official game time; there is a lot of free time between plays and action). Not every parent or fan can rush off to get a charge ~ so the battery life on the V50X is highly recommended.
Affordable in price, the pair of rechargeable 1350 mAh batteries, included, capture up to 180 minutes of action without a re-charge. This is about the best battery life you will find among video cameras. Additionally, it has waterproofing elements, and image stabilization.
The V50X also has a 2-inch touch-screen viewfinder, the 4X zoom reach is good, and adjustable view angles (70 to 170 degrees), and distortion correction.
Specifications
- Weight: 1.08 lbs.
- Video Capture Resolution: 4K
- Viewfinder: 2-inch EIS touch screen
- Image Capture Speed: 30 frames per second
- Zoom: 4X
- Image Stabilization: Yes
- Connectivity: WiFi
- Special Features: Waterproof
- Power: (2) Lithium Polymer batteries (included)
What We Like
- Affordable pricing
- Good package of accessories including helmet mount
- Touch-screen viewfinder
6. Best Video Camera for Football for Accessories ~ Remali CaptureCam
Analysis
Speaking of accessories, if you like all the “stuff” that comes with a video camera, then the Remali CaptureCam is for you. Brand new videographers might appreciate more things to connect and play with, to learn and grow as they film football games.
The CaptureCam comes with a shockproof carrying case, remote control, and 21 mounts! Tack that on to a considerable amount of battery power, and a cool 2-inch LCD screen, and you have a solid video camera.
About that battery. Aside from the solid power numbers, the CaptureCam comes with a dual battery charger, and 3 batteries. One can be used to film action, while 2 charge simultaneously as backups. It’s an awesome feature for those who fear missing the very best moments on the field.
Specifications
- Weight: 1.5 lbs.
- Video Capture Resolution: 4K
- Image Capture Speed: 30 frames per second
- Connectivity: WiFi
- Special Features: Waterproof, remote control
- Power: (3) batteries and dual battery charger (included)
What We Like
- Nice package of accessories
- Good pricing for Ultra HD image quality
- 3 batteries and dual battery charger