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The widespread availability of video cameras did wonders for many sports, baseball included. Besides recording entire games for replay later, players and coaches found video very useful for breaking down swings and throws in the never-ending pursuit of baseball perfection. Plus, young parents love to film their little new ballplayers.
With that established, let’s explore the best video camera for baseball games. We will investigate details like size, zoom-in power, weight, file saving and sharing ability, and more in as many video cams as we could find.
Summary
- The GoPro HERO9 gets talked about a lot among parents and coaches ~ and tops our list for a number of reasons.
- The Olympus Tough TG-6 is the first of consecutive point-and-shoot video cameras. Since “tough” is in its name, you can guess which category the TG-6 tops.
- Canon PowerShot SX730 HS has the most impressive zooming capabilities, and elements to make zooming in and out easier.
- The Akaso V50X Native is a very good video camera for baseball games ~ for the price ~ and is the first in our list outside of the Big 3 (GoPro-Olympus-Canon)..
- Nicely priced, the Remali CaptureCam comes with a great assortment of accessories, fun for newbie videographers to play around with.
- Parents new to youth baseball can go with the excellent Kimire Digital Camera Recorder Full HD 1080p as a “starter video camera,” just in case Junior’s ball playing career doesn’t last.
Why Video Record Baseball Action?
Almost every parent who first sees their little one play on a ballfield will think of ways to memorialize the moments, either with the traditional still photos, or with video. With significant technological advances in recent years ~ the biggest perhaps being a shift from videotape to digital ~ video recording has become more popular for a number of reasons.
For baseball and video recording, the Why? question could be answered thusly:
- Video is becoming the most popular platform for postings to social media accounts, where family and friends can see the little ballplayer live with moving action.
- Video is used by coaches often to fine-tune and improve the performance of players, particularly for hitting and pitching. As parents get more serious about their little player’s participation, they may opt for this route to help the player grow.
- Baseball is among the easiest games to video ~ because all action starts in a central, viewable point (home plate) and can be followed from there. Plus the game has many stops and breaks for videographers to take a break or readjust if needed.
- It’s fun to videotape big games! Imagine after a big win playing it back to everyone at the pizza place!
Tips on Video Cameras for Baseball Games
There are so many different brands and models of video cameras today that it’s nearly impossible to look at them all for reviews like this. What we did was apply our experience with the game and think of the factors that would make parents or coaches happy with use of such a gadget.
It came down to:
Comfort
- Weight and comfort in the hands. Lightweight and/or grips contoured for comfort can be a big consideration because of how long owners hold and use them during play.
- Viewing portal. Some video cameras are just like old-school cameras in that the operator peeks at the subject through a small viewer. More advanced ones will have little screens (sometimes that flip outward) to show the user precisely what is being recorded. Have neck or joint issues? This consideration may be vital.
Image Quality
- Visual quality. You want to look for cameras with at least 1080p resolution, if video quality is a consideration. Any lower numbers (e.g. 576p or 720p) indicates fewer horizontal lines in the image and therefore less clarity. The number can be much higher than 1080, also. The 1080 is usually the equivalent of 2K; it’s also the start of visual qualities considered high-definition (HD).
- Image capture speed. This is how many frames per second the camera can capture ~ the higher the better for sports to capture fast action without blurriness.
- Zoom. The ability to focus in on action without losing too much clarity is huge with baseball, as not much action occurs up close to the surrounding fences. A videographer must zoom in for better views of pitchers and batters, or play on the opposite side of the field.
Flexibility
- Accessories. As with photography, video cameras can command a lot of extra “stuff” to use and use well, such as tripods, carrying cases, etc. If you plan to push Record and walk away, make sure the model is compatible with a tripod or clips for a fence (fence clips are typically very available today for cameras).
- Memory. Avoid being broadsided with the cost of buying memory cards or chips to store all those moving images. Pay attention to storage capacity, simplicity in using storage gadgets, and even sharing ability like bluetooth which can connect with online cloud storage.
- Battery. Some video cameras come with 1 battery, some with 2. For the budget conscious, know how much replacement batteries cost; and does the new camera come with extra batteries? Also consider battery life per charge, an important factor if you plan to film entire games.
Durability
- Dust. Of all the major sports, baseball kicks up the most dust, which of course is a mortal enemy of tech devices (probably second only to water). Some video cameras place a premium on measures to keep dust or water away from the camera.
- Toughness for protection from dropping or getting jumbled around in transportation bags.
Once all that was established, we considered models for special elements or features, compared with the price, and gave some consideration for user reviews found online just to make sure we were seeing the same things real people at the ballpark see.
Our Choices: Best Video Cameras for Baseball Games
For a variety of potential uses on and off the field
1. Best Video Camera for Baseball Games Overall ~ GoPro HERO9
Analysis
Any newbie often around places where video cameras proliferate will hear the term “GoPro.” It’s a solid manufacturer in a very competitive market, and for baseball games, we recommend the GoPro HERO9. For many reasons.
Remember (above) how we noted the importance of a minimum 1080p resolution? Well a modern alternative is the 4K, and now … the 5K ~ which is what the HERO9 provides. In fact, the clarity and quality could even be just too good for youth sports play. But you’re reading this because the headline promised the best video camera for baseball games, and in our minds this is it.
It’s in the upper part of the price range compared with other models here, but still not the very top. The bang for the buck is considerable: very lightweight, easy to use, and a brand known to produce durable cameras all points to happiness with its usage.
Specifications
- Weight: 11.2 oz.
- Video Capture Resolution: 5K
- Connectivity: Bluetooth
- Image Stabilization: Yes
- Image Capture Speed: 24 frames per second (FPS)
- Display: Front, with rear touch screen
- Power: (1 – 1720 mAh) Lithium Ion battery (included); great life of 50 to 60 minutes filming time
- Special Features: Advanced video stabilization; Wireless; Zoom magnification; Submersible
What We Like
- Very high resolution
- Lightweight
- Impressive suite of features including for webcam use
- Top-notch video stabilization
2. Best Video Camera for Baseball Games for Durability ~ Olympus Tough TG-6
Analysis
There were more categories to place the Olympus Tough TG-6 atop, but its compact size and toughness make it very attractive for parents who plan to shoot a lot of videos from a lot of different places. The manufacturer proudly says this model is waterproof, dust proof, shock proof, crush proof, and even freeze proof!
This camera weighs only 9 ounces, yet packs in 4K video capture resolution (HD), and a 3-inch LCD screen for viewing in sunlight (parents: it’s not always easy to see). Its 4X zoom capability is acceptable for baseball games, with the pluses of image stabilization and of course portability. If you plan to shoot a lot of baseball games, all over the place, this might be your camera.
This model, along with the next one on our list, is known as a point-and-shoot camera, or “subcompact.” Both Nos. 2 and 3 on this list are for serious buyers where low price is not the top consideration.
Specifications
- Weight: 9 oz.
- Video Capture Resolution: 4K movie full HD
- Viewfinder: 3-inch LCD screen
- Image Capture Speed: 120 frames per second
- Image stabilization: Yes
- Power: (1) lithium ion battery (included); life is 29 minutes if used continuously
- Special Features: Underwater including microscope mode
What We Like
- Very lightweight and compact (like a regular digital camera)
- Durable (has “tough” in its name, after all)
- Waterproof
- 3-inch LCD viewfinder screen
3. Best Video Camera for Baseball Games for Zooming ~ Canon PowerShot SX730 HS
Analysis
The second of our coupling of superb video cameras in the upper pricing range, the Canon PowerShot SX730 HS offers the most powerful zoom-in capability, plus features to make it even easier to capture quality images while zoomed in.
You probably won’t find a video camera with a higher zoom number than 40X. That’s right, the SX730 can proudly boast an optical zoom level deep into double digits. On top of that is this model’s good battery life, robust bluetooth connectivity, and exceptional image quality.
Note that this is considered a model for professionals. Its pricing comes moderately higher than the GoPro model at the top of this list, but its technical options and extraordinary zoom capabilities make it a worthwhile investment ~ especially for parents who insist on seeing close-ups of their kids.
Specifications
- Weight: 10.6 oz.
- Video Capture Resolution: 1080p
- Viewfinder: 3-inch LCD screen
- Image Capture Speed: 29.97 to 59.94 fps
- Image stabilization: Yes
- Connectivity: Bluetooth, WiFi
- Power: (1) A battery (included)
What We Like
- 40X zoom
- Lightweight and compact for ease of use and portability
- Image stabilization even if recording while walking or running backward
- Variable frame rates (24p, 30p, and 60p) to match with situations (e.g. high frames per second for high-speed action)
4. Best Video Camera for Baseball Games for Battery Life ~ Akaso V50X Native
Analysis
Our first suggestion outside of the GoPro/Olympus/Canon triumvirate, the Akaso V50X Native gets us more into the affordable pricing range (though in the low price category, the V50X is closer to the top).
That gets you a very good video camera for baseball games. Parents will appreciate the 2 rechargeable 1350 mAh batteries that it comes with, to capture up to 180 minutes of action at a time. It’s among the longest battery life you will find.
This model also has its own electronic image stabilization; the 2-inch touch-screen viewfinder is a neat touch; and the 4X zoom capability is plenty strong for baseball fields. You don’t find many video cameras at this price point with adjustable view angles (70 up to 170 degrees), and distortion correction.
Specifications
- Weight: 1.08 lbs.
- Video Capture Resolution: 4K
- Viewfinder: 2-inch EIS touch screen
- Image Capture Speed: 30 frames per second
- Zoom: 4X
- Image Stabilization: Yes
- Connectivity: WiFi
- Special Features: Waterproof
- Power: (2) Lithium Polymer batteries (included)
What We Like
- Affordable pricing for the features
- Solid video capture resolution for ultra HD video quality.
- Touch-screen viewfinder
- Plenty of accessories including helmet-mount accessories
5. Best Video Camera for Baseball Games for Accessories ~ Remali CaptureCam
Analysis
Right on the heels of the Akaso model, the Remali CaptureCam is quite similar ~ all the way down to the number of accessories it includes in the package. For the newbie videographer, this provides plenty of tools and toys to play with, to really learn the craft.
The accessories include a lot of battery power (see next paragraph), 2-inch LCD screen, remote control, shockproof carrying case, and 21 mounts and accessories. Even away from baseball fields, the CaptureCam seems fun to tool around with for amateur videographers.
Aside from all the extras, probably the biggest advantage of the CaptureCam is power. Or should we say, powerability. This model comes with a dual battery charger and 3 batteries ~ so you could be using one while 2 charge in the meantime. Remali did not fool around with battery life.
Specifications
- Weight: 1.5 lbs.
- Video Capture Resolution: 4K
- Image Capture Speed: 30 frames per second
- Image Stabilization: No
- Connectivity: WiFi
- Special Features: Waterproof, remote control
- Power: (3) batteries and dual battery charger (included)
What We Like
- Lots of accessories to play with
- 3 batteries and dual battery charger
- Mobile app to control action for iOS and Android devices
- Nicely priced for Ultra HD image quality
6. Best Video Camera for Baseball Games on a Budget ~ Kimire Digital Camera Recorder Full HD 1080p
Analysis
The Kimire Digital Camera Recorder Full HD 1080p is our suggestion for parents very new to youth baseball, who don’t yet want to invest a whole lot into video tech without knowing if Junior will play again next year. Call it a “starter video camera.”
But in reality it’s more than that. The 16X digital zoom ability alone is worth the price of admission for videotaping baseball games. The full HD 1080p video capture resolution will work just fine, and you even get up to 30 fps to slow down the action and avoid blurs
The weight is mid-range .
Specifications
- Weight: 1.17 lbs.
- Video Capture Resolution: 1080p
- Image Capture Speed: 15 to 30 frames per second
- Image Stabilization: No
- Connectivity: USB
- Power: (2) Lithium batteries (included)
What We Like
- Fairly lightweight
- Great image quality for the low price
- 16X digital zoom
- Can be used as webcam with USB connection
Insider’s Tips to Using Video Cameras for Baseball Games
For those who have never used a video camera to capture sports action, understand that the activity is much more challenging than taking still photos. There is a lot of holding the camera up to face the action, and you have to be very attentive to pause during breaks in action (which is often).
Unless you want to buy a tripod and set it behind home plate for hours, be prepared to be able to hold the video camera for long spells, and also to learn the best angles. Filming baseball as a sport is not easy ~ for television broadcasts the networks have multiple cameras from numerous angles, including the main one deep in centerfield that zooms in to show the pitcher and batter at the same time.
Understand how battery life will be huge, especially for parents of kids playing several games per day in tournaments. For them, it may be wise to get a portable charger along with the video camera.
Yet, overall, video filming baseball games can be fun, and very rewarding ~ especially when you capture great moments like home runs, or key strikeouts!
Related Questions
Question: It looks like none of these models weighs more than 2 lbs. Does weight make that much of a difference?
Answer: Not really, but it could depending on the circumstance. Those who plan to film for long periods of time, who don’t have a tripod, might prefer the really light models. Also, smaller-sized people or those without significant arm strength may struggle with heavier video cameras.
Q.: Can artificial intelligence (AI) programs like ChatGPT bee used to make videos of baseball games better?
A.: Maybe in the future. As of 2023, ways to use the AI programs or applications to improve videos had yet to be developed. We imagine that in the future, AI programs may help parents later to enhance videos, such as to add unique backgrounds, or soundtracks.
See Also:
Travel Baseball: Pros and Cons
How Long is a Little League Baseball Game?
What Months are Baseball Season?
8 Best Baseball Bats for 10 Year Old Players
