The best body camera can lower cases of police violence and give essential proof for investigations. 47% of general law enforcement agencies have these cameras.
In 2019, the developers rolled out body-worn cameras for paramedics in Australia, specifically in NSWA.
These little gadgets capture both audio and video.
Besides, pro athletes can also put on such a camera during a game or practice.
Even security personnel and business owners score big advantages by using sneaky body cameras.
I compared a popular body camera with the GoPro #body-camera-comparison (Body Cameras Comparison), paying attention to how they work and what video quality they deliver in various situations.
Short comparison verdict: opt for the body camera when you're capturing unexpected stuff on the street, but if you want top-notch action shots, the GoPro is your go-to.
Night vision
Video resolution: 1296p | Storage: 128GB | Recording time: 10 hrs
The Boblov KJ21 is a small body camera that comes at an affordable price, making it a great option for those on a budget.
One of the standout features is its video resolution, ensuring clear footage.
Another advantage is its powerful auto IR night vision function.
This camera can capture clear footage even in pitch-black darkness, thanks to its infrared lights.
Moving on to the main characteristics, this is a perfect camera for cycling which has a wide-angle view, allowing you to capture a larger area in your footage.
Additionally, it has a GPS feature, which lets you see where you were when recording.
Professional
Video resolution: 2560x1440p/30fps | Storage: 256GB | Recording time: 15 hrs
The Boblov M5 is specifically designed for those in law enforcement, security, and other professions that require face-to-face interaction with the public.
It has a rugged build, which means it can withstand some serious wear and tear.
The camera also comes with some neat tricks, like stealth recording, red and blue flashing lights, and an alert siren to deter misbehavior.
These features can be really useful for professionals who need to maintain control in intense situations.
Additionally, the camera has a long battery life, allowing for up to 15 hours of continuous recording, and it can be easily attached to your uniform with the included magnetic clip.
While the camera does have excellent video quality, it is not the best option for night recording.
Although it does have infrared mode for low-light situations, the footage may not be as clear as you would hope.
HD quality
Video resolution: 1296p | Storage: 128GB | Recording time: 11 hrs
The CammPro I826 is primarily used by law enforcement officers to record their interactions with the public or gather video evidence at crime scenes.
But it's not just limited to police work - it can also be utilized by security guards, bouncers, and even military personnel.
It has a night vision function with high-intensity LEDs, allowing you to capture clear footage even in pitch black darkness.
This type of camera comes with basic recording capabilities, but you can also find ones with additional features like GPS tracking and image stabilization.
The latter ensures that your footage remains clear even if you're moving a lot while recording.
Live streaming
Video resolution: 1080p | Storage: 64GB | Recording time: 12 hrs
The Transcend DrivePro Body 30 impresses me with its long battery life.
With up to 12 hours of continuous recording, you won't have to worry about the camera dying on you during an important situation.
The camera's 130-degree field of view offers a wide monitoring area, allowing you to capture more of the action.
Even in low lighting conditions, the camera still provides clear images thanks to its four IR LEDs and six-axis image stabilization.
Another advantage is the camera's durability. It is IP67 rated, meaning it is waterproof and dustproof.
It also has military-grade shock resistance, so you can trust that it can withstand harsh conditions.
Night vision
Maximum video resolution: 2304*1296P | Field of view: 170° | Storage: 64GB SD card | Battery life: up to 11-12 hours | Screen: 2 inch LCD | Weight: 4.4 ounces
In the realm of body-worn cameras, the CAMMHD C8-256G 2K/1296P stands out as a formidable contender, offering a bevy of features that cater to a wide range of users. From law enforcement personnel to everyday individuals seeking enhanced security, the CAMMHD C8-256G seamlessly captures crucial moments and safeguards them with robust data protection measures.
The camera excels in its video recording prowess, capturing footage in stunning 2K resolution at 30 frames per second, ensuring crisp and detailed visuals. This capability proves invaluable in documenting incidents, providing a clear record of events for legal and investigative purposes.
Built-in GPS
Video resolution: 1296p | Storage: 64GB | Recording time: 10 hrs
The MIUFLY 1296P comes packed with some impressive features, such as night-vision capabilities and a rotating clip, which allows you to easily attach the camera to your clothing or gear.
The password protection is another great feature, ensuring that your files are safe from unauthorized access or deletion.
Similar to trail camera, it records in full HD and has a 2-inch LCD monitor that lets you review your recordings instantly.
One unique feature worth mentioning is the police panic mode.
When activated, it sounds an alarm and lights up the screen to alert others of your presence. It's a useful tool for calling for backup or drawing attention to a situation.
Waterproof
Video resolution: 1080p | Storage: 64GB | Recording time: 5 hrs
The Boblov W4 can record in HD, which is slightly lower in quality than other models on the list suggest, but still provides clear video footage.
It also comes equipped with GPS and infrared sensors, perfect for night recording and capturing important details in low-light situations.
This can be crucial in certain law enforcement operations where the element of surprise is necessary.
Another bonus is that it can double as a dashcam, providing even more versatility.
Mini size
Video resolution: 1080p | Storage: 32GB | Recording time: 4 hrs
The Boblov C18 is a good choice for users who want to feel secure on the streets.
It has a wide-angle lens and built-in WiFi connectivity. This means you can easily transfer your recorded videos and photos to your smartphone.
The camera has built-in night vision, so you can record even in the dark.
Plus, it has a flashlight and siren, a quick start function, and an infrared camera that can be activated manually or automatically.
One of the things I really like about the C18 is its compact design. It's so easy to carry around, which is crucial for professionals on the go.
Figure out how much you're willing to spend on the hidden body camera with audio, and find a middle ground between the features you want and the device's price. Take into account the value you're getting in terms of features, how long it lasts, and how well it performs.
Resolution — 1080p or higher. If you're in the market for a top-notch body camera, it makes sense to check out the HD category. Some models offer 1296p or even 4K resolution, giving you clear recordings.
Field of view (FOV) — a wide-angle lens with a 120-degree FOV. A wider FOV “grabs” more details around the main subject.
Battery life — 8-12 hours. Choose body worn cameras that have a capacious battery, especially if you need to record continuously for a long time.
Durability and build. Select models that can handle shocks, resist water, or even stay waterproof to make sure they work reliably in different situations.
Night vision. If you're planning to record in the dark or low-light situations, go for body cameras for civilians that have infrared or low-light features. This way, you can get clear footage even in the dark.
Storage capacity — 64GB or higher. Make sure the camera has enough built-in storage or the option to add more memory (using SD cards) to handle much footage.
Audio quality. Get a camera that comes with a good-quality microphone to pick up sound without any distortion or annoying background noise.
Versatile mounting options. Think about how you can wear or fix the camera. There are personal body cameras that you can easily clip onto clothes, uniforms, or gear.
Such devices can be used in different spheres of our life and can be conditionally divided into body cameras for citizens and for law enforcement officers. They are designed for recording videos and audio, as well as taking photos in an inconspicuous way.
They are attached to the clothes, bags or other items and activated by a single click to record videos and audio in different situations. Such cameras are regularly used by police officers when they interact with civilians. In addition to recording videos, you can also complement the footage with GPS info, time and date stamps, and more.
The most common locations are the torso, helmet and glasses. Sometimes they are built-in the elements of the outfit. Some cameras have streaming features, but most of them rely on internal storage.
Axon and Boblov.
The models listed in the overview cost $30 – $290.
| Boblov KJ21 | GoPro Hero12 | |
|---|---|---|
|
My Choice |
For Action |
|
|
Best for |
Law enforcement Security Personal use |
Action sports Adventure Vlogging |
|
Video Resolution |
1296p |
5.3K |
|
Battery Life |
10 hr |
70 min |
|
FOV |
140° |
177° |
|
Shooting in Motion |
✔️ |
✔️ |
|
Shooting at Night |
✔️ |
❌ |
|
Audio Quality |
❌ |
✔️ |
|
Unique Features |
Pre-record GPS tagging Auto-activation Secure data management |
Image stabilization Live streaming Slow motion Time-lapse |
These two camera types serve different purposes. Based on my test, I'd like to say that using a GoPro instead of a body camera may not be the ideal choice. Even though a GoPro camera provides superior video and audio quality, it's tricky to attach it to clothing discreetly. Plus, these cameras have a shorter recording time compared to body cameras.
