Best Cameras for Skiing (2022 Guide)

Are you looking to capture photos and videos of your adventures in the snow? Not sure which camera is the best for the job? Check out our list of the best cameras for skiing in 2022.

Camera technology has been progressing at light speed in the last few years. Where one would once have to film on a clunky camcorder to get home footage of skiing or snowboarding, there now exists a variety of pocket sized options with surprisingly good video and audio quality.

The new generation of cameras for skiing isn’t just lightweight and high powered, they also feature adventure friendly features like waterproof housing, drop resistance, remote control access, and more. 

We compiled a list of our top picks for the best cameras for skiing, including their individual strengths and weaknesses. Check out the best cameras for skiing in 2022!

Best Cameras for Skiing

Go Pro Max Features:

Video: 5.6k in 360 mode, 1440p in Hero mode

Photo: 16.6 MP in 360 mode, 5.5 MP in Hero mode

Waterproof: 5 meters

GoPro is a brand that is well known by various outdoor enthusiasts and has been around. They have been making cameras for the last decade, and continually improving the specs that they offer along the way. 

The GoPro MAX differs from previous models as it offers users the ability to capture stunning 360 degree photos, video, and timelapse with its dual wide angle camera lenses.

Unlike other 360 degree cameras, the GoPro MAX can be switched to Hero mode to capture regular photos and videos through one of its two cameras. This makes it a great versatile pick for those who want to capture 360 content while skiing but still want the ability to take regular photos.

While the max doesn’t record the highest quality video in Hero mode, it has good stabilization software and light sensors that provide a competitive result. It also has 6 microphones located in different positions on the camera body which greatly improve the sound capture. 

Like other GoPro models, the MAX can be mounted in a variety of ways using different systems. This means you can ski with a camera mounted to your helmet or a chest harness and capture video while in movement. 

The GoPro MAX doesn’t quite match up to other action cameras with only front-facing cameras in terms of video quality, but it is amazingly versatile and has great 360 capture abilities. 

It is a good pick for someone interested in getting 360 footage of the mountains as well as regular video and wants something that can do it all. 

Go Pro Hero 10 Features:

Video: 5.3k

Photo: 23 MP

Waterproof: 10 meters

The Hero 10 is GoPro’s latest iteration of their flagship Hero line. It features the latest in video stabilization technology, an impressive 5.3k camera, rugged waterproof and shockproof construction, and a slew of other attractive features that make it one of the most popular adventure cameras available. 

If you are looking for a camera that can mount to your ski helmet and take awesome footage while on the slopes, the powerful HD camera on the Hero 10 mixed with its new HyperSmooth 4.0 stabilization technology should catch your eye. 

The small details are what makes the Hero 10 shine through, like its hydrophobic lens which keeps beads from forming on your frame as you take on that double black diamond. 

For photos, the Hero 10 has an admirable 23 megapixels which allows you to take great photos in a variety of conditions. In fact, both photo and video have been newly optimized to perform much better in low light conditions. 

While it can’t truly operate as a night photography camera, the Hero 10 is able to get more details than most other action cameras when working in low light conditions.

Another big upgrade that comes with the latest GoPro model is the more powerful GP2 processor, which allows for improved frame-rates and smoother video. This also allows for other helpful modes, such as horizon leveling which allows you to take photos and videos that are automatically straightened by the camera’s internal sensor. 

If you are looking for a small and powerful camera that can take breathtaking footage while skiing, the Hero 10 is a top contender.

Olympus Tough TG-6 Features

Video: 4K

Photo: 12 MP

Waterproof: 15 meters

For those who want a rugged adventure camera for skiing but aren’t sold on the micro size of the GoPro, Olympus provides a great, classically styled alternative that stands up to the elements. 

The TG-6 is a fully waterproof camera with a shockproof frame that takes both photo and video footage. 

Probably the number one advantage that this camera brings in comparison to other cameras on this list is the fact that it features a 4X optical zoom. An optical zoom, as opposed to a digital zoom, means that photo magnification is produced by a set of curved glass panes in front of the sensor which move away from and towards each other in order to produce a zoom. 

This type of zoom produces virtually zero loss in terms of detail and image quality. In contrast, the digital zoom found on other cameras will look fuzzy and pixelated.

The TG-6 camera from Olympus shoots in 4K video, when coupled with the optical zoom this allows you to capture great video with zoom, so you can get shots of family and friends coming down the slopes from afar. 

While the video on the TG-6 is admirable, its photo mode is the main reason to buy it. Olympus is a brand focused on making high end point and shoot cameras, and they used a lot of their knowledge regarding camera design to make this a great rugged photo camera. 

The real kicker here is the amount of accessories, including lens adaptors, that can be paired with the camera. 

If your main focus is on capturing high quality photos, and you want something that operates a bit more like a conventional DSLR camera, then the Olympus TG-6 is the right pick for you.

Aside from all these features, the fact that the Olymopus TG-6 is shockproof until 2.1m, freezeproof until -10 degrees, and is waterproof up to 15m makes it a heavy contender for durable cameras for skiing. 

Akaso Brave 8 Features:

Video: 4K

Photo: 48 MP

Waterproof: 10 meters

Akaso is a slightly less well known company that makes a great line of adventure cameras that serve up stiff competition to the well known GoPro line. 

Their new Brave 8 camera certainly gives the Hero 10 a run for its money, and comes in at a very attractive price. 

While the video capture on the Brave 8 isn’t quite as high resolution as on the Hero 10 (4k vs 5.3K), Akaso equipped this camera with an impressive stabilization software that keeps footage super smooth. 

Unless you are shooting footage for professional use, the difference between 4K and 5.3K is hardly noticeable and the quality of videos shot on the Brave 8 is definitely crisp and clean. 

The Brave 8 also features time-lapse mode, as well as multiple frame ratios for different types of shots. This allows you to take a good variety of both photos and videos as you explore different places around the mountains. 

It is fully waterproof, so even if you end up in a tree well you won’t have to worry about your camera gear getting damaged.

One feature that stands out on this camera is its powerful 48 megapixel photo capture, which actually beats GoPro’s Hero ten in terms of pixel count.

The still shots on both cameras have the potential to look amazing, and as with all cameras the magic is getting the right lighting, frame, angle, and subject matter. Still, we were highly impressed with the Brave 8 in terms of photography.

The Akaso Brave 8 is Definitely the closest competitor to the GoPro Hero 10, and it comes in at a significantly lower price. While it may not have the same level of software support or accessories, it is definitely a powerful camera for skiing and a choice worth considering.

Click here to read our Akaso Brave 7 review.

Insta360 One X2 Features:

Video: 5.7K

Photo: 18.4 MP

Waterproof: 10 meters

For enthusiasts of 360 photos and videos, there are relatively few options on the market that are rugged enough to take skiing. 

The Insta360 ONE X2 is one of them, and it rivals the GoPro MAX as the top 360 action camera currently available.

In terms of specifications, the ONE X2 and the GoPro MAX are very close and in some ways identical. Both can shoot in 5K 360 video, as well as 1440p conventional video. Both can take time-lapse in 360, and have a variety of FPS options for different situations. There are a few key differences though. 

The one area where the GoPro MAX slightly outperforms the ONE X2 is in terms of color, it has a sensor that seems to capture color a little more faithfully and thus produces photo and video that’s a bit more vibrant. 

You could argue that this problem can be easily solved by using editing software to improve the X2’s video after the fact, but for casual users an already vibrant video is a big plus.

The other key area of difference between the MAX and the X2 is in 360 photo capture. The Insta360 X2 will automatically stitch together different exposures to create the optimal result when shooting in 360 mode. This means that the X2 has a better ability to take high resolution and well lit 360 photos than the MAX.

If your main goal is to take 360 photos, then the Insta360 ONE X2 is a good choice. If you are looking for a versatile 360 adventure camera for capturing video and photo in 360 as well as in traditional shooting mode, then the two cameras are virtually neck and neck, with each having minor advantages over the other in different areas. 

How to Choose a Camera for Skiing

Choosing a skiing camera will all come down to your individual style, how you prefer to record your experience while skiing or snowboarding. 

What are your expectations and goals? Do you plan to focus mainly on video or photos? Will you be shooting your subjects from afar? 

Are you interested in 360 content? All these questions are important to ask yourself before investing in a camera. 

Video and Stills Quality

While all the cameras we listed can take both video and still photos, some shine in certain areas where others do not. Understanding the type of content you wish to produce will allow you to analyze the different specifications for video and stills, and make a good choice with regard to them. 

Luckily, all these cameras will perform decently at both photography and videography, so it really comes down to understanding what your focus is and then you will still be able to play around with different camera modes.

If you’re looking to produce high quality videos, pay attention to the maximum video recording capability the camera has. Cameras that shoot in 4K will give you the clearest and highest quality. 

If photography is a huge priority, the higher the MP (mega pixel) is, the better.

Battery Life

Another important consideration for skiers is battery life. Especially if you find yourself on more remote pursuits in the backcountry, having enough battery to last the whole trip is important. 

A popular method for staying charged up is to bring extra battery packs along in your backpack or a jacket pocket, and swapping them out once your first battery dies. 

If your camera doesn’t have removable battery packs then you can charge it using a portable charging bank, but this is much slower and more difficult.

Image Stabilization

If you want to take videos while riding, it’s important to bring a camera with good video stabilization technology. Even HD videos can look pretty bad if they are shaky. 

Research the type of stabilization featured on the camera you want to buy, some cameras have great stabilization shooting in certain modes but are lacking in others (especially in low light conditions). 

Helmet Mounts and Accessories

Lastly, understand what accessories you can potentially use with your camera. Helmet mounts are very popular among skiers and in other sports because they provide a first person view. 

There are a plethora of other accessories available though, from tripods to diving cases and magnet mounts. 

Researching the accessories that are available for the camera you want to buy can help make the decision easier. 

Overall Thoughts on the Best Camera for Skiing

While we have laid out a couple of options for you, we have our top contenders based on overall value and camera output. If you’re looking for a great camera for skiing, the GoPro Max is pretty hard to beat, mainly due to its size and camera capabilities.

The GoPro Hero 10 is a fantastic ski camera for those who also want to use it out of the snow trails as well as underwater, and other general outdoor activities. GoPro has established itself as the leading action camera producer and there is a reason for that.

Hopefully, this guide has helped narrow down a few options when it comes to the best camera for skiing! 

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