ATC 5000 Action Camera

The ATC5000 is the newest and most improved model Oregon Scientific have released in the ATC range.  The ATC5000 has many obvious changes, just like the ATC2000 did on the ATC1000.  Though the ATC3000 was an improved model, the changes were small improvements and not quite so radical as the ATC5000 has been as an upgrade.

I think the most obvious improvement is that it has a screen!  The built in 1.5 inch LCD screen is not massive, but big enough to be able to align your camera quickly and easy before shooting, and it is big enough to have a quick watch of any of your footage when you’re done!  None of the previous cameras have had this ability, and I can honestly say that you miss out not having a screen with the previous models.  It took me a few hours and a few bike rides before I got my atc2000 aligned correctly – with this, you should be able to attach it where you want and check what it is looking at a lot easier!

Along with the new screen, the new model also comes with a remote control!  This allows you to start and stop recording and also take still photos!  This little remote should be pretty easy to store on you and if you’ve got he camera on your helmet, it saves taking it off every time you want to start or stop recording, which is a great way to cut down on all the rubbish you end up recording otherwise.  This means you can record more worthwhile footage, easier with the ATC 5000.  The buttons should be easy to push on the remote (and the camera) even if you’ve got gloves on…or if your hands have gone numb through the cold.

The ATC5000 has 32mb of internal memory and this can be expanded by using a 4 GB SD card.  You should be able to get around 2 hours if you have it on the highest quality setting, which should be fantastic for most sports you’ll be capturing with this (especially if you use the remote to stop recording when you’re having a break, or in a less exciting bits).

You can record at three resolutions (640×480, 320×240 160×120) at 30fps or 15 fps and take still photos at a resolution of 640×480.  The ATC5000 has an improved lens, which means it should capture a bit more ’side ways’ footage (such as when you turn your head).  The ATC3000’s main advantage over the ATC2000 was that it had a greater field of view, Oregon haven’t let us down, and have improved this again to a nice 53 degrees!

Are there any downsides to this camera?

I’m afraid It’s not perfect, but it is a great piece of kit!  My main complaint with it is that it can be hard to change the batteries.  This is because there’s a little screw holding them in place.  The advantage of this is that you don’t need to worry as much as it makes it waterproof to 3 meters.  This just means that changing batteries is a little harder than before – but it’s not a massive deal.

The other problem is also on the line of batteries.  You have to use 2 AA batteries for the camera which can get quite expensive if using disposable ones.  I’d recommend getting yourself some rechargeable batteries for it and you should be fine!

Compared to the ATC3000/Go Pro Hero?

Here is a nice video reviewing the ATC3000 and ATC5000 action cameras.  I would recommend giving it a watch!

Conclusion

The ATC5000 is a great piece of kit, and should allow you to record all your extreme activities really easily.  The new LCD screen is a fantastic addition, as well as the remote control making it a little bit more convenient!  Though this model is a bit more expensive than the previous ones, I think these extra features make it worth it!

As part of this website I have created a list of some of the best places to buy an ATC5000.  With this tool you will be able to find the cheapest place to pick up one of these cameras.