When it comes to the best camera to record soccer games, the amount of options can be overwhelming. You want a soccer camera that can capture all the action on the field, while providing clear, high-quality highlights. With so many factors to consider, it can be tough to decide which soccer camera system is right for you – this guide is here to help.

Do you need to be recording soccer games?

The short answer is yes. No matter the age or skill level of an athlete, soccer cameras help capture important game-day highlights and memories. All the way from U8 to college soccer games, gathering traceable footage helps young athletes review and learn from mistakes, while also creating highlight reels that can be used later for recruiting. With the right soccer camera you can:

• Enable coaches to provide personalized recommendations to help players develop
• Allow Players to review their own footage and gain valuable insights for improvement
• Compile footage to help your athlete navigate the soccer recruiting process
• Provide the soccer club with cutting-edge technology and resources

Recording games is critical and can help not just your rising athlete but their whole team as well. Thankfully, the technology for recording soccer games is more accessible than ever before.

Camera options to record soccer games and highlights

Capturing memorable moments on the field can inspire your young athlete off the field. Even more so when the footage is clean and their best plays are captured from a great angle. To get the most out of each game, consider the following soccer video camera options and methods.

1. Record games with a soccer camera

Soccer-specific cameras have become very popular in recent years, and there are a few good options in the market at around similar price points. If you’re looking to find a solution that takes the hassle out of recording and editing, you’re in luck. Trace is the only AI soccer camera that automatically records and edits each player’s highlights, delivering a comprehensive playlist of key moments shortly after every game. The best footage is a combination of high-quality and engaging content – after all, what good is game film if it’s hard to decipher and has long stretches without insight?

Trace also includes an important feature called Trace iD — a personalized profile available for every team member, allowing for quick reviewing, organizing, and sharing of each player’s best moments. Simply put, Trace is the most advanced and effortless AI soccer camera with editing and sharing software on the market.

2. Record soccer games with an iPhone

Recording with an iPhone is the next best option for a camera for recording soccer games. With the convenience and versatility of pulling out your phone to record soccer games, it’s easy to see why many coaches and parents resort to this solution.

However, using your phone to film is not as simple as simply recording and following along. For instance, here are six things to be mindful of when recording games on your phone:

• Record the game from a high vantage point
• Bring a tripod for your phone
• Choose a good vantage point on the sidelines
• Set aside time to edit the footage
• Make sure your phone has enough storage space
• Charge your phone before the game

While this solution is great in a pinch, there’s a better way to capture moments on your phone. MultiCam, a unique feature by Trace, allows spectators to set up their phones anywhere along the sidelines to capture ESPN-level highlights. During the game, the Trace camera sits at a fixed position near the midfield line, and your phone catches all of the other angles you want. Afterward, the software syncs all the footage into a cohesive video utilizing multiple vantage points.

3. Record soccer games with a GoPro

Next up is the popular (generic) sports action camera from GoPro. This is a versatile, mobile camera that is commonly used for action sports such as mountain biking, skiing, and surfing, but it can be used to record almost anything. While these cameras are not specifically designed for recording soccer games, they are more than capable and durable. The GoPro 10 Black to the GoPro 11 Black may be the best bet if you’re looking for a more holistic, lifestyle camera.

Don’t forget — recording the game is just one piece of the puzzle. It’s important to remember that with these cameras, you will be spending time uploading and editing the footage yourself in order to create highlights and useful content. Fortunately, our soccer video editing guide can help ensure your game film doesn’t go unused.

4. Record soccer games with a traditional camera

If you’re looking to simply record, and editing is not a priority, using a camcorder is probably the best option for you. With even a manual, handheld video camera, you can have a professional-like setup with a tripod and multiple lenses. Here are the top three cameras on the market:

• Sony HandyCam: A classic handheld camera with decent memory and recording features.
• Panasonic Camcorder: A mid-level option that includes features such as enhanced zoom and remote shooting.
• Sony Alpha 6000: The premier option for a compact and lightweight camera with multiple lenses, HD recording, and fast autofocus.

Get the right camera to record soccer games

Trace’s AI soccer camera does all the work for you and provides automatic highlights after each game. Your iPhone can be a convenient sidekick to your soccer camera system, but won’t provide top-end footage useful for player development. Additionally, you can get more bang for your buck with a soccer-specific camera than you would with an expensive, conventional video recorder. Contact our team today and find out how we can help you get the most out of each game!