Action Camera Market Share

The box style action camera is the most popular, making up 41.3% of the market in 2016, valued at USD 1,538.2 million, and is expected to have the highest growth rate of 15.0% during the forecast period. This versatile camera is widely used, from standard video capture to specific activities like skydiving. It comes in various screen resolutions from 720p to 4K, with an average field of view (FOV) of approximately 160°. These cameras are typically waterproof up to 30m–40m. Sony Corporation and GoPro lead in this segment, with GoPro's Hero5 Black being a popular choice due to its lightweight, durable design, wide-angle lens, 12 MP sensor, and 4K video support.

Cube style action cameras, the second-largest segment in 2016 with a value of USD 1,015.5 million, are compact and portable, often used in small places. They are easily mountable and start recording with a single button press. The average FOV is around 140°, and the cameras are already waterproof, but a separate waterproof case can be bought for increased protection up to ~45m. Most cube style cameras lack a screen for portability, requiring users to control settings remotely through smartphones via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.

Bullet style action cameras have a long and sleek design resembling a bullet. These cameras offer resolutions ranging from 1080p-30 FPS to 720p-120 FPS, with a narrower FOV of 120° to 140°. Bullet cameras lack a screen or viewfinder, and users need to connect to a mobile phone or computer to view footage. The TomTom BANDIT is an example, featuring 4K video resolution, extended battery life, built-in motion sensors, and ~40m water resistance.

Periscope and 360-degree action cameras were initially used for enterprise purposes but are gaining popularity for personal use. The FOV for 360-degree cameras is 360°(Horizontal) and 220°(Vertical). Samsung Electronics Co. has introduced the Gear 360, capable of capturing 4K videos or 15 MP photos in 360 degrees. These cameras are ideal for extreme sports and activities such as wakeboarding, mountain biking, running, and cycling, aligning with the rising trend of virtual reality (VR).