2023 Ultimate Buying Guide to Action Camera Protector

Are you looking for the best action camera protector for your action camera? If so, then you've come to the right place.

In this ultimate buying guide, we'll take a look at the top five action camera protectors on the market, as well as what to look for when choosing one. We'll also provide a buyer's guide to help you make the best decision for your needs.

Why Do You Need an Action Camera Protector?

The main reason to get an action camera protector is to protect your camera from damage. If you are using your camera in an outdoor environment, it will likely be exposed to elements like rain, snow, dirt and dust.

An action camera protector can help to keep your camera safe from these elements, and it can also help to keep it from being scratched or damaged by debris.  It also helps keep your camera clean.

However, an action camera protector can also limit your camera's field of view and make it more difficult to access the controls.

How to Choose Your Action Camera Protector

1. Consider the Material It Is Made From

Photo by seankellypix on shutterstock

There are a few different options available, but the most popular ones are made from either plastic or metal. Plastic action camera protectors are usually cheaper and lighter, but they can be more fragile. Metal action camera protectors are more durable, but they are also more expensive and heavier.

2. The Size and Weight of the Protector

You'll want to make sure that the protector you choose is not too large or too heavy for your camera. Otherwise, it will be difficult to carry and use your camera.

3. Budget

There are a variety of options available at different price points, so you'll need to decide how much you're willing to spend. If you're on a tight budget, you may need to sacrifice some features in order to stay within your price range.

4. Type of Camera You Have

There are action camera protectors available for both GoPro and non-GoPro action cameras. You'll need to choose a GoPro-specific protector if you have a GoPro-specific protector. If you have a non-GoPro action camera, you'll need to choose a generic action camera protector.

Top 5 Action Camera Protector

1. Pelican Air 1555

Image credits：amazon.com

Pelican Air cases are the first in the industry built with a proprietary lightweight HPX2 resin that makes them up to 40% lighter than other polymer cases.

The double-throw latches open easily yet stay shut under impact or stress. The soft-grip, ergonomically designed top handle is hinged to stay up and out of the way while carrying.

The Pelican Air 1555 also has a stainless steel padlock protector hasps on the side of the case to protect against cutting. The case is designed with an automatic pressure equalization valve.

The case features a wide open interior with a removable pluck foam interior for complete interior customization. The case has a weather resistant O-ring seal.

Specifications

• Customizable interior
• Interior dimensions: 9 x 6.5 x 5.5 in (22.8 x 16.6 x 14.0 cm)
• Exterior dimensions: 10.2 x 8 x 6.5 in (25.8 x 20.3 x 16.5 cm)
• Weight: 1.8 lb (0.8 kg)
• Available in black, gray, or tan

Pros

• Good value
• Good build quality
• Good protection
• The case is waterproof

Cons

• Not as rugged as some other cases
• Not as much interior space as in some other cases
• This protector is huge in size and therefore not ideal for very small cameras

Install Guide (Step-by-step)

• Open the case and remove the foam insert.
• Place the camera in a foam insert.
• Place foam inserts back in the case.
• Close case and latches.

2. Tilta Single Camera Cage

Image credits: amazon.com

The Tilta Single Camera Cage is a product designed to provide protection and stability for your camera while shooting.

The cage is made of aluminum and features a host of 1/4"-20 and 3/8"-16 mounting points, as well as an integrated Arca-Swiss compatible quick release plate.

The cage also has an integrated cold shoe mount for attaching accessories such as a microphone or light. The cage is compatible with a variety of cameras, including the Canon 5D Mark III, Canon 6D, Nikon D810, and Sony A7S.

Specifications

• Material: Aluminum
• Dimensions: L 5.91" x W 4.33" x H 3.54"
• Weight: 1.1 lbs
• Mounting Points: 1/4"-20, 3/8"-16
• Arca-Swiss Compatible Quick Release Plate
• Integrated Cold Shoe Mount

Pros

• Sturdy and well-built
• Lots of mounting points
• Arca-Swiss compatible quick release plate
• Integrated cold-shoe mount

Cons

• Not suitable for bigger cameras

Install Guide (Step-by-step)

• Unscrew the top and bottom screws of the cage using the provided Allen wrench.
• Insert your camera into the cage, being careful not to damage the camera body.
• Screw the top and bottom screws of the cage back in, snug but not too tight.
• Attach any desired accessories to the various mounting points on the cage.
• You're ready to shoot.

3. ULANZI G9-5 Housing Case for GoPro Hero 10 9

Image credits: amazon.com

The G9-5 Housing Case is a waterproof case designed to protect your GoPro Hero 10 or 9 action camera. The case is made of durable polycarbonate and features a clear plastic front and back panel to allow you to see the camera display and lens.

The case is also equipped with a cold shoe mount on the top for attaching accessories and comes with a lanyard for attaching the case to your wrist or gear.

Specifications

• 52mm Filter adapter for mounting filter lens
• Detachable mount at the bottom
• Sliding battery cover
• Package Dimensions: 5.6 x 4 x 2 inches

Pros

• Durable polycarbonate construction
• Clear plastic front and back panels for visibility
• Cold shoe mount for attaching accessories
• Lanyard included for attaching the case to your wrist or gear
• Rated waterproof to depths of 30 meters (98 feet)

Cons

• May obscure camera display

Install Guide (Step-by-step)

• Remove the GoPro camera from its housing.
• Insert the GoPro camera into the G9-5 Housing Case.
• Secure the camera in place by screwing the housing case closed.
• Attach the lanyard to the case.
• Immersed the G9-5 Housing Case in water to test for leaks.

4. Smallrig Aluminum Utility Frame Cage Protective Cover

Image credits: amazon.com

The Smallrig Aluminum Utility Frame Cage Protective Cover is a form-fitting aluminum cage that covers your camera's top, bottom, and sides. It has an integrated cold shoe mount on the top for attaching accessories and 1/4"-20 and 3/8"-16 threaded holes on the bottom for mounting to a tripod.

The cage also has an opening on the bottom for accessing the camera's battery compartment.

Specifications

• Material: Aluminum
• Dimensions: 6.3 x 4.7 x 3.1" / 16 x 12 x 8cm
• Weight: 8.8oz / 250g
• Material: Aluminum Alloy
• Surface Treatment: Anodized

Pros

• The frame cage is made of aluminum alloy and anodized for durability.
• Form-fitting
• Protects camera from drops and scratches
• Integrated cold-shoe mount
• Opening for accessing the camera's battery compartment
• The frame cage has multiple 1/4'' and 3/8'' mounting holes for attaching accessories
• The frame cage can be mounted on a tripod or other support system.

Cons

• Not compatible with other types of cameras
• The frame cage is not waterproof.

Install Guide (Step-by-step)

• Unscrew the four screws on the bottom of the cage
• Remove the bottom plate
• Loosen the screws on the side of the frame cage.
• Then, slide your camera into the frame cage.
• Tighten the screws on the side of the frame cage.
• Place the Protective Cover over the cage
• Screw the bottom plate back on
• Done

5. Vlog Housing Cage for Gopro 9/10

Image credits: amazon.com

The housing is designed to protect the GoPro camera during vlogging. It is made of durable materials and has a comfortable grip. The housing also has a cold shoe mount for attaching a microphone or other accessories.

Specifications

• Material: Durable Aluminium.
• Dimensions: 4.5" long, 2.5" wide, and 1.5" tall
• Weight: 162 grams
• Color: Black
• Compatibility: GoPro Hero 9, GoPro  10

Pros

• The housing is durable and has a comfortable grip.
• The housing has a cold shoe mount for attaching a microphone or other accessories.
• Casing helps with heat dissipation.

Cons

• The housing does not have a built-in microphone.
• Only compatible with GoPro Hero 9/10
• It is not waterproof

Install Guide (Step-by-step)

• Remove the battery door from the GoPro camera.
• Insert the camera into the housing.
• Close the housing.
• Attach the lanyard to the housing.
• Attach the cold shoe mount to the housing.
• Attach the microphone or other accessory to the cold shoe mount.

Conclusion

Action cameras are becoming increasingly popular among photography enthusiasts and adrenaline junkies alike. However, as with any piece of technology, they are susceptible to damage.

In order to protect your investment, it is important to purchase a good quality action camera protector. The five products listed above are great options to help keep your camera safe from harm.

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