If you are the type of person who loves being active, going on adventures or travelling, then you will need an action camera. An action camera is a handy, small, digital camera that can record all of the action whilst being fully immersed in it.
An action camera is typically compact, rugged, and either handheld or mountable, so that it can capture sports, events and the environment around you.
These handy devices can be taken on your next hiking or camping trip to capture everything in real time. You can go swimming, biking, trekking, and do anything with one of these cameras attached to you!
An action camera often offers a sort of POV view of the action, as if you are there. So, you can play back all of your memories and adventures once you are done filming, and remember the trip forever.
The most popular and well known of these cameras are GoPro cameras.
The only problem with GoPro cameras is that they come at a very steep price, of which many cannot afford comfortably. Luckily, there are so many different options and alternatives that are just as good as the GoPro.
So, if you want to document and record your next outdoor adventure, then a GoPro alternative or action camera will be perfect for you!
Our Top Pick
If you are looking for the best GoPro alternative action camera, then look no further than the AKASO Action Camera.
This camera is cost effective, yet captures high quality images and videos. With 4K HD 30FPS video and 16MP photos, with up to 30 frames per second, you can create incredible images, photos and videos with ease.
This camera also has a wireless remote control for recording and taking photos during sports and other activities. With a longer battery life, this camera comes with 2 rechargeable batteries for your convenience. Each battery can continuously record up to 90 minutes of footage!
You also have built in Wi-Fi connectivity and a HDMI port so that you can edit, download and share your adventures in minutes. What’s even better is that this camera is durable, with a waterproof case that is designed to withstand extreme environments and can be submerged up to 100 feet!
Best GoPro Alternative – Comparison Table
Best GoPro Alternative – Reviews
The perfect GoPro alternative is the AKASO EK7000. This action camera is cost efficient, but still captures incredible 4K video, and 16 megapixel images! With up to 30 frames per second, you can visibly reduce blur and capture some amazing memories with ease.
What’s great about this action camera is that it has a wrist remote control that is wireless, so you can capture all of the action whilst on the move, and you will never miss a thing again!
This action camera is also equipped with built-in Wi-Fi, and has a HDMI port to download, share and view your images as quickly and easily as possible.
What is even more impressive is that it is waterproof up to 100 feet, and designed to withstand the elements, making this camera very strong, durable and sturdy. With a wide angle, and both loop recording and burst photography, you can capture anything and everything!
- 4K Video
- 16 MP images
- 30 FPS
- Comes with wrist remote control to capture quickly
- Includes a longer battery life and 2 extra rechargeable batteries
- Equipped with built in Wi-Fi and HDMI port
- Durable construction
- Waterproof in up to 100 feet
- Loop recording and burst photography
- 170 degree wide angle lens
- Battery drains quickly when shooting in 4K
For a professional, yet affordable GoPro alternative, try the Dragon Touch Action Camera. This camera offers users 4K video resolution, with up to 4X zoom, and 16 megapixels photo resolution.
You also get a wireless wrist remote control for sports, making capturing those moments all the more easier. With this action camera, you also get a 2 inch screen that can playback videos instantly.
You can also save and share your images with the WiFi connectivity, and a phone application to make downloading your recordings so much simpler.
This action camera is also perfect for water sports like swimming, surfing and diving as it is waterproof up to 100 feet! With 2 rechargeable batteries included, a charger and multiple accessories, this camera is so convenient.
What’s even better is that you have multiple functions such as slow motion, driving mode, image rotation, time-lapse, loop recording and so much more for the finest images.
- 4K quality
- Up to 4X optical zoom
- 16 MP photo resolution
- Comes with wireless wrist remote control
- Equipped with WiFi and 2” action screen to playback
- 100ft waterproof
- Comes with 2 rechargeable batteries
- Compact and versatile, with driving modes, time-lapse, slow motion and more
- Slow frame rate
Looking for a cheap alternative to the GoPro? Try this affordable action camera. With 1080p resolution, USB connectivity, and 12MP image quality, you cannot go wrong for the price!
It even comes with a waterproof case and a free accessory pack to mount on bikes, helmets and more.
- 1080p resolution
- USB connectivity
- 12MP
- 30 FPS
- Waterproof case for up to 98 feet
- Comes with accessory pack and mounting accessories for bikes, surfboards etc
- Rechargeable battery
- Records up to 90 minutes
- 2 inch LCD screen
- Comes with 1 year warranty
- Picture quality not as high as competitors
If you want something of higher quality, then try this DJI action camera. It has dual screens to capture everything with just the touch of a button. The vivid front screen frames you, whilst the back screen delivers a clear hyperresponsive display.
With a durable design, and RockSteady technology, you can capture good quality, stable and shake free footage, no matter what the terrain is.
This camera has 8X slow motion technology, a wide angle 145 degree lense, 4K video and 12MP images. It is highly temperature resistant, making it perfect for skiing trips, but only waterproof at about 11 meters, so don’t go diving with this one!
- 4K video capture
- Dual screens to capture everything
- Durable
- RockSteady technology reduces shake, creates stable footage
- Up to 8X slow motion technology
- 12 MP
- Wide angle
- Comes with various mounts
- Not as waterproof- only waterproof up to 11 meters
- Expensive
For a good quality, cost efficient GoPro alternative, try the Yolansin Nimbler Action camera. This camera boasts 20MP image resolution and 4K video resolution, making it perfect for skating, swimming, diving, snorkeling and more.
With an external microphone, this camera can capture high quality sound, and record at a wider range of frequencies.
This action camera also has image stabilization technology to counteract any bumps, shakes or tilts that could compromise your images and videos, for stable and clear results!
With built-in WiFi and a remote control, this camera is easy to use, convenient for adventuring, hiking or traveling.
What’s great about this one is that it has a waterproof case for up to 40 meters, 2 batteries and multiple accessories included within the price.
- 4K video capture
- 30 FPS
- 20MP photo capture
- External microphone for better sound quality
- Image stabilization technology
- Built in WiFi
- Comes with waterproof case and mounting accessories
- Includes wireless remote control
- Not as high quality images
- Battery does not last very long
Best GoPro Alternative – Buyers Guide
Things to Consider When Purchasing a GoPro Alternative Action Camera
There are a few things that you should consider when purchasing an action camera to ensure that you get the most out of your purchase. For instance, buying an action camera is a little different to investing in a DSLR camera.
For the most part, you will be looking at similar specifications such as image quality, size, weight etc, but there are many other factors that you need to think about before settling on an action camera.
When it comes to an action camera, you have to consider the battery life, durability, and things like the video quality of the camera.
You may also want to think about mounts that you can purchase to go with the camera, to fit onto your bike, helmet, or clothing. Some of the main things you should look for are listed below.
Video Resolution
One of the main reasons people want an action camera is because they continuously video the action around them. So, you need to ensure that the video resolution is up to scratch.
Currently, the highest level of resolution for an action camera is 4K, so you should look for the best quality cameras with this feature.
However, these will be more expensive. If this is out of your price range, then opt for one with at least 1080p (HD Quality) so that you get a good, clear and crisp image whilst video recording.
You should also consider the frame rate, or FPS. This is the frames per second. This will also affect how good your images and video recordings turn out.
The standard for most action cameras these days are about 30 FPS, but if you want to capture intense action scenes in great detail, then you will need upwards of 60 FPS or 120 FPS. The higher the FPS, the better slow motion video captures will be.
Durability & Design
Another vital component of the action camera is how durable it is. Action cameras in general are designed to withstand lots of environments, and are typically built to last. You need to ensure that the action camera you purchase is capable of withstanding certain elements.
For instance, if you want to use it for snorkeling or swimming with sea life, then obviously ensure that it is completely waterproof, and at what depths it is waterproof.
You also have to think about the construction, size and weight of the action camera. You will want to purchase one that is lightweight and compact so that you can take it anywhere with you.
As you are looking at GoPro alternatives, these are generally not as sturdy as GoPros, so be aware that the materials used to make them may be more cost efficient, and will not last as long.
Most action cameras are of a cube or square design, but you can purchase some that look like little bullets. Find which one suits your needs best.
Battery Life
Battery life is something that has to be considered. Having high quality videos and images means nothing if you cannot rely on the camera to last the whole day out, as it will be pointless. Make sure that your action camera is able to last for a while.
Most of these cameras can last from 1-3 hours if recording continuously, so maybe only use it to capture the action, or take a charger and power bank with you wherever you go!
If you intend on taking the camera on long adventures, then purchase extra batteries to change them when needed.
Be aware that shooting in high resolutions or using a higher fps will drain the battery faster, so you might want to keep that in mind when using.
Connectivity
Some action cameras are equipped with touchscreens that make them much easier to use. This means that there are no manual controls that you have to learn to use.
In addition, you may want to check to see if the action camera has wifi or USB connectivity. This can make transferring the images and videos much easier, and you can share your images with speed and simplicity.
Image Stabilization
Some action cameras may have image stabilization technology, which can be very useful as it prevents blur and shakiness. This will make the videos and images that you capture much more smooth and clear. Whilst this is a very useful benefit, it will typically increase the overall price of the camera.
Mounts/Accessories
There are so many accessories available for action cameras, from different mounts to bags, to housing for submerging in water. Make sure you also purchase any additional accessories that you may need for the purpose you want to use the camera.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a GoPro camera?
A GoPro is a sleek and compact action camera that takes good quality photos and videos whilst on the go. It is rugged, durable and waterproof, so that it can be taken hiking, in the ocean, biking, running, and anywhere you go.
For those of us who love outdoor activities such as watersports, travelling or trekking, a GoPro will be a valued addition to your trip.
In the most basic sense, a GoPro is an action camera that is sturdy, durable and waterproof, able to take on your travels with you. It can be mounted onto helmets, bike handles and many other mounts for your convenience.
GoPro is the leading name in action cameras and is the most widely known brand of action camera.
Why do I need an action camera?
There are many reasons why you may want an action camera. One of the biggest advantages of having an action camera is that they are so easily portable. They are lightweight, and mountable so you do not even have to worry about carrying them.
An action camera is small, and compact, with some able to fit in your hand. These are far easier to take along on your travels or adventures than a standard digital camera or a DSLR camera.
Many people love taking photographs and documenting their trips, but do not like the hassle of carrying a heavy camera around with them.
It takes up space, it can weigh you down and you have to rush to get it out of your bag to snap a pic of something quickly.
The beauty of action cameras is that they can be mounted, and can run continuously, taking videos to keep forever. We recently went on a trip around the US and Australia, visiting places like Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Hawaii, Sydney and the Whitsunday Islands.
We got back and wished we had taken an action camera to capture every little event and detail of the trip, to keep lasting memories forever. These cameras are perfect for capturing all of the action, so you never miss a thing again!
What is so good about action cameras?
The great thing about action cameras is that they can also capture wide angle 4K videos and photos, capturing the whole scene around you with no hassle.
The images these tiny little beauties capture can be easily sent over to your phone or computer in seconds.
The main attraction of action cameras is that they are so durable. When you are out and about, with a large digital camera or a DSLR, there is a worry that it could be stolen, or damaged when moving about or travelling.
The great thing about action cameras is that they are very durable, sturdy, rugged and able to withstand a lot. They do not break easily, they are robust, hard-wearing and resilient to the elements.
For instance, many action cameras are completely waterproof, so that you can take them in the water, for watersports, snorkelling, swimming or surfing.
For the size and convenience of an action camera, the images are surprisingly high quality. The majority of action cameras can capture 4K video, and very high quality images.
If you are a thrill seeker, who loves to capture and document your travels and adventures, then an action camera is a must have!