Wearable technology is not a new concept, and it has several applications such as commercial, medical, and even personal level. Wearable technology refers to any device that you can wear on your body, and that includes medical devices, fitness devices, and last but not least, wearable cameras. The latter is most common among regular people, and you will often see some of them wearing a camera attached to a chain or a chest pocket.
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What is a wearable camera?
A wearable camera is a compact recording device that allows you to capture everything around you. It is not new, but please do not confuse it with a GoPro. The GoPro is a wearable camera of some sort, but not in the sense of the ones I am referring to. A GoPro needs a mount on your helmet or anything else, while the wearable camera can be attached to your body using several means such as clips or magnets, depending on the model.
The benefits of a wearable camera
While some people see no point in wearing a camera, others do not leave the house without it. Of course, it is more common during extreme sports events, concerts, and so on. However, some people wear a camera in traffic or when they go on walks. The benefits are many, and some of them you would not even think of.
Enjoy your activities hands-free
Whether you are walking in a stunning environment or you skate or ski, a wearable camera will record everything that happens to you without even having to touch the device. That is highly convenient because you do not have to continually move your camera to adjust it or position it in a certain way. You may say that you can do the same thing with a GoPro. While that is true, a GoPro cannot be found under $30.
Hassle-free focus
When you hold a camera, you need to change the focus to capture what is in front of you. A wearable camera does not require that since you are not a simple passive viewer. You become a part of the action so the focus will change whenever you turn your body in a certain direction. Not to mention that you can do it without using your hands.
Automatic adjustment settings
While a regular camera needs constant interaction to change the focus, the lighting, and so on, wearable cameras are designed to do that on their own. After all, what is the point of a wearable camera if you need to keep taking it off and changing the settings? Every image will be captured clearly and sharply without you interfering with the settings.
You can enjoy digital storage
I am not saying that you cannot enjoy digital storage with regular cameras as well, but this is yet another feature that makes wearable cameras so desirable. As for that, you have more than one option. The images can go directly on a microSD card, or some models have Wi-Fi technology that uploads the data in a cloud or straight on social media. That allows you to live stream, watch, and of course, edit the footage.
Portability
While this is an obvious benefit, it is not worth overlooking the fact that a wearable camera can be taken everywhere. There are instances when you cannot take along a regular camera or a GoPro, and here is where the wearable camera intervenes. It is small, and lightweight, and that makes it more portable than any other recording device that you may know of.
Versatility
You should probably know that wearable cameras are incredibly versatile. Sure, you can wear it around your neck and record every step that you make, but you can also use it as a surveillance camera, baby monitor, hidden camera, and for whatever purpose you can think of. As long as you can attach it to anything, you got yourself a multi-purpose high-quality recording system.
What to consider when looking for the best wearable camera
Not all wearable cameras are created equal. They have different features, and different resolutions and they are specially designed for specific purposes. That is why you need to consider a few factors before you make a purchase. Do not go and buy a random product. Here is what you need to look at:
Image quality
In this day and age when technology has gone so far, it is not even worth it to go for low-resolution cameras. Not only that it will ruin the image, but you will be dissatisfied with the result. Anything below 1080p HD is not even worth looking at. High resolution is the future, and since technology advances every day, full HD resolution is not even that expensive anymore.
Storage options
While some models can store what they capture on a microSD card, there are other wearable cameras out there that use Wi-Fi technology to upload the data directly into a cloud or on social media. The Wi-Fi option allows you to do live streams of what you are doing at any given time, and this is a popular choice among buyers. No more old-school file transfers.
Display vs. no display
Some wearable cameras come with a built-in screen that allows you to view whatever you have been filming. While this is not an essential feature, some people like to see something right after they capture it. For example, if you have witnessed something incredible and you want to watch it right away, you can. However, the same feature is available on Wi-Fi wearable cameras. There are apps that allow you to browse through what you captured. I think this is a matter of preference rather than anything else, but it is good to know that you have options.
Attachment mechanism
Manufacturers designed all kinds of attachment methods, and while some require you to wear clothes, others are not. For example, it is kind of hard to believe that you can use a clip-on wearable camera while you are at the beach. As a guy, the only place where you place the camera is attached to your shorts. While that is not bad, it is better if you position the camera a little bit higher. When the clip-on fails you, you can opt for magnets, suction cups, and sticky mechanisms. Some cameras can even be put on a chain around your neck. The bottom line is that you have options for most circumstances.
What are the best wearable cameras?
I cannot possibly answer that question because I have not tried them all. However, my advice is to always read the specifications a product has so that you can make sure you are buying the best wearable camera for you. At the same time, you can read some wearable camera reviews online to see what other people think of the products they purchased. At least that way, you can stay away from the duds. If you do not have the patience for all that, just choose one of the wearable cameras below. All three of them will suit your needs just fine.
SereneLife Clip-On Wearable Camera
The first product that caught my eye is the wearable camera from SereneLife. It is a compact and lightweight camera that you can take along no matter where you go. You can use it for almost everything you can think of. Just as the title suggests, this is a clip-on wearable camera that you can attach to your clothes, backpack, or even put in other locations around the house. As long as you have something to clip it on, you are good to go.
The SereneLife model enables you to capture, store, and relive all the special moments in your life. It is a camera and a camcorder that snaps 12 MegaPixel images and records in full HD 1080p video. It features a 1.8-inch LCD display on the back so that you can view and playback real-time photos and videos.
As for storage, the manufacturer integrated Wi-Fi technology for connectivity and control. To access this feature, you need to download the free application on your smartphone. You also have the option of connecting the camera to a PC and saving everything on it. Other features include a microSD card slot for easy file sharing and transfer and a microphone for audio recording. The device runs on a rechargeable battery, and the package includes a USB charging cable.
Check the product at https://amzn.to/424cT0c
E Tronic Edge Wearable Body Cam
The wearable camera from E Tronic Edge is another product that I think you will like. It is incredibly versatile, and you can find multiple uses for it. You can fixate in place to your door to act as a peephole, you can put it in your home as a nanny cam, you can use it for surveillance, and of course, you can wear it on your body. There are a few things this camera cannot do.
As for the quality of the capture, the E Tronic Edge wearable camera has 8 MP, but it can record in 1080 full HD and 30 fps. I am sure that you will be satisfied with the videos and photos you get to download. Plus for such a potent camera, it is quite cheap.
One of the best things about this model is that it has multiple attachment mechanisms. You can clip it onto something, you can use the sticky accessory (viscose mount,) the magnet, and it also comes with a strong suction cup. That allows you to place it on virtually any surface, and you do not need to worry that it will fall off. The integrated Wi-Fi technology allows you to do live streams and upload images or videos directly on your phone, but you can also store the data on a microSD card. The device runs on a rechargeable battery, and you will receive a micro USB cable for charging.
Front Row FR Wearable Lifestyle Camera
Last but not least, the wearable camera from Front Row is more of a fashion accessory rather than a camera, but it still manages to capture your most exciting moments. The model needs to be worn on a chain around your neck. However, you also have the option to attach the clip mount. I am sure you will love it just as much as I do. You will be able to create the most dynamic first-person time lapses.
The Wi-Fi technology, together with the smartphone app will allow you to stream live directly on Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, and Instagram. The versatile mounting includes a stylish lanyard, a chain adapter, and a clip. You will be able to use it with ease.
This wearable camera does not have one, but two high-resolution cameras. One is in the front and the other in the back. The back of the camera also features an LCD touchscreen for device control, picture preview, and video playback. It is powered by a rechargeable battery that you must charge using the micro USB cable you receive with the package.
Check the product at https://amzn.to/3Jc7OdK
My recommendation
I have to admit that I like all three products, and if it were up to me, I would buy them all. However, since I need to stick with just one, I am going to go for the E Tronic Edge Wearable Body Cam. It is the most versatile wearable camera I have ever seen, and I am sure you will be satisfied with it. It is one of the best wearable cameras you can buy in this price range.
Conclusion
If you make a quick trip a few years back, a wearable camera had a wow factor. Few people had one because it was considered a luxury item. Nowadays, on the other hand, it is a common device for multiple purposes. You can get one at a pretty affordable price. One of the products above is guaranteed to meet your standards, and no matter which one you go for, I am sure you will be delighted with your choice.
Updated on March 11, 2023