Landing a fish is an exhilarating encounter. Who wouldn’t want to capture that moment on film to relive the experience over and over again? Lucky for us, today’s camera technology makes it easy for us to do this.
In the past GoPro was the clear leader in action sports cameras for kayaking and many other sports as well. While they still have great cameras that will get the job done, there is one camera I would recommend above the rest, the Garmin VIRB Ultra 30.
Garmin has made some advancements over the GoPro that when compared side by side, the Garmin VIRB Ultra 30 takes the lead. I’ll tell you why I like the Garmin and also share with you a suitable alternative that may be easier on your budget.
Top 3 Kayak Fishing Cameras for 2020
- GoPro Hero 8 – GoPro has a reputation and there is a reason for it. You will not go wrong by choosing a GoPro to document your Kayak Fishing. While the GoPro Hero 8 is the latest model, you can save some money by choosing to go with a Hero 6 or 7 and still get quality results.
- Garmin VIRB Ultra 30 – Garmin’s action camera has superior stabilization, better audio and requires no external housing for them to be waterproof. They outperform the GoPro in almost every way.
- YI 4k – This is the budget option. It is made by a company out of China and is similar to a GoPro in almost every way for a fraction of the cost. Why pay for a brand name GoPro when the YI 4k will deliver equal performance at a lower cost.
Why I Would Choose the Garmin VIRB Ultra 30
I was about to buy a GoPro, but then I started noticing numerous Kayak fisherman recommending the Garmin. After comparing the two, it was clear that the Garmin VIRB Ultra 30 is THE camera for a Kayak Fisherman.
- The Garmin does not need an external housing for it to be waterproof, giving it superior audio quality over the GoPro.
- The charger is located on the outside of the Garmin, so you can charge and record at the same time. This by far is one of the best reasons to choose the Garmin VIRB Ultra 30 over any GoPro.
Because of this feature, you can hack a backup charger to your camera while having it mounted on your kayak, allowing for enough charge to continuously record the whole time you are out on the water. - While the GoPro may appear to have a leg up on image stabilization, permitting for it at 60fps, that is really only beneficial in fast-moving sports like motocross or Surfing. The Garmin does have OK image stabilization at up to 60fps, but shines at 30fps, perfect for kayak fishing.
- The touchscreen on the Garmin works better when wet than the GoPro. When the screen on the GoPro gets wet, you have to revert to the hold push button style of control. No need on the Garmin.
- Voice technology allows you to record and stop without touching anything. You can also ask it to flag special sections for easier review later.
- Another feature for you data-obsessed geeks out there is G-Metrix, built-in GPS and external sensors with connectivity to Garmin devices to capture performance data like speed, elevation, heart rate and G-force.
Features to Look For in a Quality Kayak Fishing Camera
- High resolution is one of the first things I look for when choosing a Camera. While high resolution alone does not guarantee quality pictures, it sure does help. If you can, get 4k technology. It will ensure your camera’s relevancy for at least a few years in this ever-changing technological environment.
- Durable, waterproof housings and mounts that can withstand the rigors of Kayak Angling. If you capsize, you want to be sure your costly investment will be safe. This is especially the case when Kayak Fishing in open water such as the ocean where the winds or waves can kick up and soak your gear in an instant.
- Motion Stabilizer Technology. All brands offer it, but how good is it really? When fighting a fish or just paddling over rough water, having a stable image will make your video that much better. To help you determine a camera’s motion stabilizer technology, a camera with 5 stops of stabilization means the shutter speed can be 5 times lower and still capture a smooth video.
- Simple to operate. You want to spend your time fishing, not trying to turn your camera on.
- Quality Audio. This is hard to do for most action sport cameras out there today, but the Garmin does a great job with this.
- Long battery life, extra batteries and an easy way to charge. This way, you can actually catch the action instead of having a dying battery.
- Strong waterproof connectors
- Remote Control.
Why Get an Action Sports Camera in the First Place?
A camera is definitely not necessary for you to go out there and catch some fish. But it is so much fun to review your action with your friends back home.
An Action Sports Camera offers something different than your traditional point and shoot cameras out there. They are an awesome way to catch footage of you and your friends out on the water, doing what you do best, catching fish.
The footage they provide puts the viewer in your seat. There is no other way to really get others to feel what you feel while you’re out there, plus they don’t get in your way at all.
An action sports camera comes with a variety of mounting options. You can mount them directly on your kayak or on your person, either helmet or life jacket. They record without you actually having to hold them, making it that much easier to capture those magic moments out on the water.
Action Sports Cameras have come a long way over the past decade. They are lightweight, easy to use and produce superior images. Everyone is getting in on the action. Upload the footage to social media, create a youtube channel and make money, or just have fun laughing at yourself with your family when you get back home. Either way, an Action Sports Camera should be seriously considered when you are ready to add to your gear.
Footage You Can Expect on Your Next Time Out
So how do these tiny little cameras perform? No better way than viewing a final product for yourself. I have included 3 videos, one shot with a GoPro Hero 8, the other with the Garmin VIRP Ultra 30 and the last with the YI 4K. You decide which is best for you.
Footage From GoPro Hero 8
Footage From Garmin VIRB Ultra 30
Footage From YI 4K