Stiftung Warentest: Action cams put to the test

Stiftung Warentest has subjected 12 action cams to a hardness test to check how much the cameras can really endure. Not a single action cam got a "good" - not even the often acclaimed GoPro. In this article we summarize who is ahead and has won the test.

Stiftung Warentest tests action cams: Sony beats GoPro

The GoPro Hero 3 is probably the best known action cam - but not the best: Sony's HDR AS100V is the test winner.

• With an overall grade of 2.7, the first place Sony HDR AS100V gets only a "satisfactory". But only she got a "good" from all action cams in the "video" category. The product test experts also criticized the photo and sound quality, a typical problem with action cams.
• In contrast to the GoPro, Sony's Action Cam has image stabilization and creates over two hours of continuous recording. Price about 250 euros.

Product test experts: GoPro Hero 3 only in 3rd place

• 2nd place: The Garmin Virb Elite surprisingly made it to second place (grade 2.8). Thanks to a pleasantly simple handling and a stabilization function, the Garmin-Cam performs even better than the GoPro competition. Price: approx. 290 euros.
• 3rd place: The GoPro Hero 3+ Black Edition (grade 2.9) is only in third place. Video, photo and sound quality are only "satisfactory". Only the handling is particularly simple. In contrast to the other cams, the GoPro creates underwater shots up to 40 meters deep. Price: approx. 340 euros
• You can read all the details for a fee at test.de.

Conclusion: GoPro or Sony? CHIP already has the next favorite ...

Sony beat the GoPro in the product test ranking - but there is now a new star in the action cam sky. The CHIP leaderboard reveals it:

• The Panasonic HX A500 has pushed Sony out of first place and is now leading the best list of action cams. Price about 370 euros.
• In the CHIP test, the GoPro Hero 3+ (Black Edition) also performed slightly better than competitor Sony. That is why the GoPro is named the second best action cam after the CHIP ranking, followed by Sony's HDR-AS100V in third place.

The outdoor cameras, which Stiftung Warentest tested in July, are better all-rounders. In our test summary you can read which outdoor cams are worthwhile.