This article will break down various excellent skateboarding cameras that you can use whether you or someone else is riding.
After analyzing the following models, I found the GoPro Hero 9 to be the best overall camera when it comes to recording or shooting skateboarding footage.
I’ve spent a lot of my life capturing and recording with numerous devices. I combined my knowledge with ample research on the best skateboarding and action cameras to pick the models that will give you the smoothest results.
The Hero 9 gives you a little bit of everything you need in a skateboard camera. It’s portable, offers crisp 5K video quality, has a strong shell, and utilizes two intuitive screens.
Even so, it is far from the only way to capture or record skateboarding. Each model covered in the following sections has its own traits and uniquely brings your skating to life.
Contents
Top Choices for Best Cameras for Skateboarding
The following list breaks down my top recommendations and why they rise above the pack.
1. GoPro HERO9 Waterproof Action Camera
- Best for: Overall
- Key Features: 5K video resolution. Excellent toughness and strong construction. Waterproof. TimeWarp 3.0. Rear touch screen is easy to operate.
- Sensor Size: 23.6 MP
- Capture Resolution: 5k
- Screen Size: 2.2 inches
GoPro has long been the king of action sports, and the Hero 9 is no exception. This model is a rugged camera that works perfectly for those who want to record or capture their skateboarding.
This little device is not only unobtrusive and stays out of the way, it shoots in absolutely stunning 5K video. You don’t lose any quality when you zoom and the front display perfectly complements the easy-to-use touchscreen.
The front display is great when you need to record yourself, which really comes in handy when you’re flying around on a board. You can also capture excellent photos thanks to the SuperPhoto technology.
Those who want to share their video will appreciate the ability to live stream and the strong materials ensure you won’t lose the device to a hard fall. That makes this is a complete model that has a lot of functionality similar ones lack.
If there’s a con it’s that the small camera does take a while to process photos. You’re also paying a bit more for the brand name, but that’s to be expected when getting a named device.
2. Canon EOS REBEL T7 DSLR Camera
- Best for: DSLR
- Key Features: 9-point AF system. Optical viewfinder. Exceptional image and video quality. Large sensor creates stunning color quality.
- Sensor Size: 24 MP
- Capture Resolution: FHD 1080p
- Screen Size: 3 inches
Those who want a DSLR option will enjoy what the EOS Rebel offers. This camera, while definitely on the expensive side, has a ton of characteristics. That includes an optical viewfinder with 95 percent viewing coverage, 24 megapixel CMOS sensor, and built-in Wi-Fi.
Such traits ensure the camera is both powerful and functional. It records and shoots exceptionally well, providing you with a lot of versatility for how you want to use it.
The obvious drawback here is the bulky design. It’s not the most intuitive device and it has a decent weight. As such, you’re not going to be able to use this if you’re riding.
However, if you’re capturing someone else or if someone is capturing you, you’re going to get some of the best results around. It’s excellent in multiple lighting types and will give you shots other cameras simply won’t be able to match.
3. Canon VIXIA HF R800 Portable Video Camera
- Best for: Portability
- Key Features: Optical image stabilizer and stellar recording quality. High-resolution HD CMOS image sensor. HDMI cable and high capacity battery pack. 57x advanced zoom.
- Sensor Size: 3.2 MP
- Capture Resolution: 1080p
- Screen Size: 3 inches
When you’re skateboarding, you want your gear to be light. A larger camera has its advantages, but you won’t be able to realistically ride with it. Such models can also be hard to use.
The Canon Vixia HF R800 solves that problem by giving you a 3-inch touchscreen and 57x advanced zoom inside a lightweight, portable model. This camcorder provides full HD video backed up by a strong optical image stabilizer to help correct any camera shake.
While this model doesn’t have the best versatility, you can choose between slow and fast motion recording. The File Lock function is also nice if you want to protect your data and you can edit on the go.
The biggest issue is that this camera doesn’t have 4k resolution. It also doesn’t do well in low light situations. Any daylight videos will come out bright and vibrant, but if you primarily shoot inside or around dusk, it’s best to choose something a bit more suited for such situations.
4. Rosdeca 4K Camcorder
- Best for: Video Cameras
- Key Features: 3-inch rotatable touch screen. External microphone and wide angle lens. IR night vision capabilities. Full Wi-Fi functionality. Able to live stream.
- Sensor Size: 13 MP
- Capture Resolution: 1080p
- Screen Size: 3 inches
Though a bit more involved than many of the choices on this list, this model from Rosdeca is good for skateboarders who want a true video camera setup. The budget-friendly model is intuitive and easy to use, meaning anyone can pick it up right away.
On top of that, it provides you with 4k resolution and a 48 MP lens and 13 MP CMOS sensor. That’s a lot of quality in a more budget-friendly device. Another bonus is the 16x zoom and 3-inch rotatable touch screen display.
There are some nice additional items as well, including an external microphone, two lithium-ion batteries, and wide-angle lens.Something else I like is the infrared night light that lets you shoot or record in the dark.
This is not a professional camera by any means and some people will find it a bit lacking when stacked up against premium models. Even so, the ability to shoot in different environments or light conditions combined with the strong Wi-Fi and tablet connectivity provides ample versatility.
5. REMALI CaptureCam Waterproof Sports Action Camera Kit
- Best for: Users on a budget
- Key Features: Wireless remote control functionality. Waterproof case. Budget-friendly and captures video in 4k UHD. Included carry case and multiple accessories.
- Sensor Size: 12 MP
- Capture Resolution: 4k
- Screen Size: 2 inches
If you want a quality device that won’t run you too much money, the Remali CaptureCam might be for you. This model is an action camera that’s great for skateboarding thanks to the tough construction, waterproof case, 4k video, and Wi-Fi capabilities.
This camera will give you clear shots at a multitude of different angles, and it won’t break or fall apart if you take a tumble. On top of that, it utilizes a remote control and snaps excellent photos thanks to the 12 MP optical sensor. It also comes with a range of different mounts.
The lightweight shell is a blessing for skateboarding in particular because it will keep out of your way. Just know the battery on this one isn’t the best. It drains quickly, which means you don’t want this to be your go-to for long days.
How to Choose a Camera for Skateboarding
The following characteristics are must-haves when getting a skateboarding camera.
Stability and Quality
Skateboarding is a fast-paced, action sport. As such, the camera you use to film it needs good stability and blur reduction. Make sure you have a camera that does well while moving or one that comes with excellent image tracking.
It’s also important to get the best possible resolution within your budget. Prioritizing image quality is key because it ensures all of your shots or videos will come out crystal clear.
Size and Weight
Unless you’re using a tripod or stationary setup, you’re going to be holding and manipulating your camera while you ride. As such, you want something small and lightweight that you can take with you during a jump, grind, or trick.
Those attributes make it easy to take with you anywhere and lets you capture your desired shots without being too awkward or bulky. For skateboarding, the less intrusive the camera, the better.
Sturdiness
While everyone who skateboards would like to nail every trick and never make a mistake, at some point you’re going to fall. Unless you have someone else recording, your camera will fall with you.
Always make sure to pick a device that can take an accident (or many accidents) without breaking. Strong construction and high-end materials both do a lot towards that end and make sure your device is a solid and worthwhile purchase.
My Verdict
Every camera in this guide is a good way to record your skateboarding adventures, but the GoPro HERO9 is truly the cream of the crop.
It’s a lightweight-but-tough camera with exceptional video quality and a smooth interface. No matter how you ride or what tricks you do, the Hero 9 will be able to record them all.
