Helmet camera for skiers: 3 cheap models in comparison

Skiers and snowboarders can capture cool stunts and steep descents with a helmet camera. Our comparison shows inexpensive models for every budget - but which one is really worth it?

Inexpensive helmet camera only mediocre: Sony HDR-AS15

• Monitor: The Sony HDR-AS15 does not have a display with which you can view your recordings immediately. Instead, you can view your photo and video material on your smartphone via the built-in Wi-Fi with the PlayMemories app.
• Frame rate: With the good "Exmor R CMOS" sensor and a noble Carl Zeiss wide-angle lens, the cam records your videos in Full HD (Full HD 30fps, HD 120 / 60fps) and your photos with two megapixels. This works even in low light conditions.
• Features: With the SteadyShot function, your sporty shots are easy and without annoying image shocks. With five different recording variants, such as HD Super Slow with 120 frames per second, you will always find the right setting for your action-packed scene.
• Connections: You can easily view your recordings via the integrated HDMI connection (type D) or the micro USB connection on your television or computer. Your recordings are saved on an SD micro memory card.
• Accessories: You can go to the exchange station with the camera, because it has a waterproof housing and records spectacular pictures at a depth of up to 60 meters. Or you can attach your camera to your helmet with an adhesive strip (included in delivery).
• Conclusion: With the purchase of a Sony HDR-AS15, for a price of currently around 180 euros, you are well equipped for your upcoming winter sports excursion. However, the video quality of the action cam is not a highlight, despite the 16 megapixel sensor. At a light 85 grams, the camera is particularly suitable as a helmet camera because you can even operate it with gloves. You can find more useful information in the quick test.

Affordable helmet camera with good performance: Rollei Bullet 5S

• Monitor: The Rollei Bullet 5S helmet camera is equipped with an integrated laser and a small, attachable display for previewing the subject.
• Frame rate: Video and photo recordings of the Rollei Bullet 5S are recorded in Full HD (1080p). In addition, data processing is accelerated by a powerful multi-core processor with chip technology.
• Battery / Connections: The included lithium-ion battery is sufficient for recordings of up to 2.5 hours. In addition, the helmet camera has an interface for a micro SD memory card (max. 32GB) and even an external microphone input.
• Features: Thanks to an interval switch, you can use time-lapse effects and take photos directly in a running video recording. For the perfect shot, the shooting angle can be set in three different levels. You can control the Rollei Bullet HD 5S using the supplied radio remote control, even when wearing gloves.
• Accessories: In addition to the standard version, the Rollei Bullet HD 5S helmet camera is also available as a ski edition with adhesive pads for the helmet, a chest strap and other extras.
• Conclusion: The Rollei is currently a helmet camera with a good price-performance ratio for just under € 200. Despite HD recordings, the camera cannot quite keep up with the video quality of top models, but the supplied accessories such as remote control and numerous mounting options make up for it.

Bargain helmet camera with medium quality: HDPro 1

• Monitor: Via the integrated 1.5 inch LCD display of the HDPro 1 helmet camera, you can view your recordings on the go and, if necessary, film another descent.
• Frame rate: The helmet camera has a wide angle of 142 °, with which you can record photos of up to 5 megapixels and film recordings in Full HD (1080p).
• Battery / Connections: According to the manufacturer's instructions, you can film up to 2 hours if the supplied battery has full charge capacity. You can charge the battery via a USB connection point (micro USB). You can view your recorded photo and video material in large format on your television or computer via the built-in HDMI connection (Mini, Type C).
• Features: An LED flash ensures sharp film and photo shoots in the dark. Good sound recordings are possible with the integrated microphone. Unfortunately, no other features are included.
• Accessories: The extensive range of accessories allows you to attach the Action Cam in a variety of ways. A supplied outdoor box also enables use in water and offers protection down to a depth of 50 meters.
• Conclusion: With a current price of 130 €, the HDPro1 is a real helmet camera bargain. Although you have to cut back on video quality for the low price, the action cam weighs just 60 grams.

You can find more helmet cameras in our Action Cam leaderboard. There you can also get a first impression of the helmet cameras in a detailed test report with test videos.