If you’re a fan of extreme sports and aim to capture your thrilling adventures on camera, the GoPro might have crossed your mind. While the GoPro is renowned for its durability and advanced features, it comes at a considerable cost.
To give you an idea, one of the latest versions, the GoPro Hero 12 Black, carries a price tag of approximately $500, and this is just the initial investment. To fully maximize your GoPro experience, additional expenses like an annual subscription and accessories such as a protective case, tripod, and more may be necessary.
The positive update is that during its fourth-quarter earnings call, GoPro revealed plans to launch multiple new cameras this year, with the most budget-friendly option starting at just $199. However, since there is no confirmation regarding the specific launch date and whether these cameras justify their price, it’s prudent to explore alternative options if you require an action camera immediately.
Currently, there are numerous action cameras available in the market that deliver commendable performance at a significantly lower cost compared to the latest GoPro. Many of these models boast features such as 4K video recording, image stabilization, and more, making them well-suited for capturing your sporting exploits even in less-than-ideal conditions.
Table of Contents
To assist you in selecting an alternative to GoPro that aligns with your requirements, we’ve compiled a list of four budget-friendly action cameras. Our choices are informed by professional evaluations from reputable publications and user reviews on e-commerce platforms. For a comprehensive understanding of our selection process, you can refer to a detailed methodology provided towards the end of this list.
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AKASO Brave 7 LE
The AKASO Brave 7 LE action camera provides remarkable value for individuals eager to venture into action photography without breaking the bank. In a predominantly favorable review, CNET mentioned that “the Brave LE is quite a bargain.”
The camera incorporates a front display, offering significant utility for framing shots where you are the focal point. Engineered as an action camera, the Brave 7 LE boasts an IPX7 water-resistant design. Additionally, the dive housing enables underwater use up to 40 meters or 131 feet, making it ideal for recording videos and capturing photos during activities like driving, snorkeling, or various water sports.
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In terms of performance, this 4K action camera excels in producing realistic and high-quality photos and videos across various shooting modes, including burst photos, time lapses, and fast-motion videos. While the electronic image stabilization feature may not be available for all frame rates and resolutions, it plays a crucial role in smoothing out any shakes, ensuring stable footage capture even in dynamic, on-the-go scenarios.
Akaso offers the camera both as a standalone option and within bundles on their website. The pricing for these products starts at $149.99 and goes up to $189.99.
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DJI Osmo Action 4
If you’ve been exploring action cameras, you’re probably familiar with DJI’s range. While bearing a noticeable resemblance to GoPro, cameras from this brand have gradually emerged as noteworthy competitors in the market. Notably, the Osmo Action 4 Camera is an action camera that deserves your attention.
A standout feature of this camera is its expansive sensor, delivering high-quality images even in low-light conditions. It is equipped with Rocksteady+ stabilization technology, ensuring the stability of your video footage regardless of the intensity of your activities.
Regarding design, the Osmo Action 4 closely resembles the Action 3. However, upon closer examination, you’ll observe larger interior lens elements and a smoother texture on the quick-release pad compared to its predecessor.
Notably, the camera boasts impressive durability. In a positive review, SlashGear highlighted that the action cam accidentally “tumbled several feet onto the asphalt of a trailhead parking lot.” Surprisingly, it emerged from the fall with only a few scratches.
Nevertheless, the DJI Osmo Action 4 Camera is not flawless. Its incremental improvements over its predecessor may not justify the relatively high price, particularly considering its resemblance to GoPro. However, if you’re determined to acquire this action camera, it is available for purchase at $299 on Amazon.
Oclu Action Camera
While it may deviate from the typical action camera appearance, the intentional design of the Oclu, featuring a flat body and a top screen, is aimed at providing ergonomic advantages. This design ensures convenient pocket carry, making the Oclu action cam an excellent option for on-the-go shooting and photography.
However, while the Oclu presents itself as an appealing choice for many users, it does come with certain drawbacks. Wired recently highlighted in a review, “The one area where the more prominent brands outperform the Oclu is in image stabilization. While it does provide stabilization, it falls short compared to what you get with the Hero 9 and above or Insta360 One RS.”
Nevertheless, despite its compact size, the action camera excels in sound quality and minimizes wind noise effectively. In terms of durability, it holds an IPX7 water resistance rating. Additionally, featuring hydrophobic-coated flat glass, the camera is suitable for use at depths of up to 165 feet or 50 meters.
The Oclu proves to be user-friendly with its four quick-toggle mode settings, facilitating seamless transitions between different modes for capturing the perfect shot. If you’re in the market for a compact action camera and are convinced by the features and advantages of this model, it is available for purchase at $199 on Oclu’s website.
Insta360 Go 3
The Insta360 Go 3 is an exceptionally enjoyable camera that, owing to its compact design, achieves remarkable versatility. Despite its small size, the Go 3 retains considerable capability, performing most functions expected of a standard action camera. This model represents a substantial improvement over the Go 2, particularly in video quality, as it now supports recording in 2.7K resolution, a notable advancement from its predecessor, which was limited to 1440p.
Moreover, it includes a time-lapse mode that allows you to capture and save footage in the form of a video or multiple images for individual processing. The camera also features a timer, enabling you to activate it at specific times. An additional standout feature is its dual-microphone system, ensuring the recording of high-quality sound.
However, the Insta360 Go 3 is not without its imperfections. A SlashGear review highlights a key limitation – the inability to record 4K footage and the offer of limited frame rates compared to other action cameras. If you are considering acquiring this camera, be prepared to invest $399 on Amazon for the 64GB variant. While not a budget option, it is reasonably priced considering its features.
Summary
Having gone through these options, which one do you think is most likely to be bought by you? Do leave a comment and let us know.
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