Why Don't I Buy an Action Camera?

In theory, as a cyclist who loves photography, I have no reason not to buy an action camera.

But over all these years, I've tinkered with plenty of phones and cameras, and action cameras are the one thing I've never even gotten into.

Why?

It's actually simple: using an action camera is a hassle just to think about.

An action camera is first and foremost for sports, and the sport I love is cycling. Sure, it'd be nice to have a camera recording while I ride. But that "nice" would bring me a lot of extra work.

First, using an action camera is a tedious process. I'd have to learn not just how to shoot, but how to transfer the footage, browse it, pick clips, and edit them. Just like with a camera, footage from an action camera isn't easy to share. I gave up my cameras long ago in favor of shooting on my phone, so how could I ever use an action camera to record my rides?

Second, it would add one more thing to my life. Cycling already means wearing a lot of gear: cycling shorts, jersey, base layer, heart rate strap, clipless shoes, helmet. Honestly, a lot of the time I already find putting on the whole kit too much of a hassle. Add an action camera, and I'd need a mount too, some on a vest, some on your head. It's a hassle just thinking about it.

Finally, I've met plenty of riders who love both cycling and photography like I do. They've all owned action cameras, and without exception, they either listed them on Xianyu after a while or left them gathering dust at home.

So, all in all, I think action cameras are made for a group of people who are deeply interested in and passionate about both outdoor sports and filming, people willing to pour a lot of time and energy into them.

Most ordinary consumers, though, have just seen a lot of action camera marketing and think that buying one will get them the kind of life in the ads.

I saw through that a long time ago. I know that buying an action camera won't let me shoot the footage in those promo videos. That footage is something only a small number of people can shoot.

I know I don't love it enough, so I firmly chose not to put money into it.

A lot of things will be like this from now on: when you buy something, don't let too much of other people's will get wrapped up in it.

Before you pay for anything, be clear about what it really is to you and what it's actually for.

Remember, most people earn their money through honest, hard work. If you buy things without thinking, isn't that a pretty irresponsible way to treat yourself?