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I’m not exactly what you’d call an outdoorsman. Most sports that happen in forests seem like a bad idea after seeing that movie about the mountain-biker who had to chop off his own arm. But for people who do like fighting a losing battle against the forces of nature, Oregon Scientific has developed a camera you can use to take pictures and videos of yourself breaking your neck.

Its ATC 9K is an “action camera” that can be mounted on helmets, canoes, bicycle handlebars and other equipment. It shoots 5MP photographs and takes high definition video. It’s also waterproof to a depth of 20m – something I’ll have to take their word for, since I don’t do much swimming with sharks and barracudas. The video and photo quality captured by the ATC 9K is great. So when your friends are showing the doctor what happened to you, there should be no confusion.

But it does capture everything through a fisheye lens. That adds a very cool effect to the footage and goes nicely with those action shots of someone hurtling down a mountain. However, it isn’t something you can “turn off”. So if you aren’t a fan of the fisheye look, then the ATC 9K isn’t for you.

It also uses smaller micro SD memory cards – the kind you usually use with a cellphone – so you won’t be able to repurpose regular SD cards from most other cameras. And the battery is tiny in both size and capacity, so you might want to pick up some spares, especially if your sport is going to take you away from plugs for a while.

The ATC 9K is designed to be mounted on things and not hand-held. And other reviewers have lamented it can’t be used like a normal camera. However, I found it quite comfortable in my hand – even if I did have to hold it like a banana you’re passing to someone. It makes a great camera for any event, especially if you like the fisheye lens.

It also includes an HDMI cable, so you can jack it straight into a TV and quickly show off pictures and videos – another handy feature for doctors. Two big buttons are designed to allow you to easily start capturing pictures or videos by feeling around without having to look at the camera. Though there’s no zoom function, I’m not sure how you’d use that in action photography anyway. But there’s an optional GPS module you can buy for around R700 that adds more features.

So this is the perfect camera for capturing the fun and games of outdoor action sports. And its price is also good.

review

VERDICT: The perfect camera for action sports.

COMPLEXITY: Even cyclists can figure it out.

Price: R3 500.

ALSO CONSIDER: Casio EX-G1.

VALUE RATING: 8/10
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