Action cameras are designed to capture your adventurous side. Whether you are skiing, bungee jumping, zip-lining, rafting or snorkeling, it can take the bumps with you. These cameras can be of use anywhere. From underwater or even in freezing grounds their optics can deliver high-quality photos and videos with a touch of a button. Here, we look into the best GoPro alternative cameras with a touch of affordability. These cameras do not make any compromises when it comes to the features. In fact, they are the best on the market.
The Features You Need to Consider Before Buying an Action Camera
Image and Video Quality
Here, we look at the megapixels. You’ll want to consider an action camera which offers high megapixels to deliver still images in a fast paced environment. You’ll encounter 4K, full HD (1080P) and standard HD (720P), from the highest to the lowest respectively.
Construction
The camera you pick should also be completely weatherproofed. It should be water, dust, debris and even shock resistant. This is because if you are going to be facing the extremities, only a rugged camera can get you the experience you want.
Compatibility
After shooting your videos you’ll want to view them on a monitor or your TV. High-quality videos that use 4K tech are only compatible with devices that support 4K. Always check for such compatibility before embarking your search.
Lightweight
Your next action camera should not weigh you down. Remember you are taking videos and photos in adrenaline pumped expeditions so your camera should be the least of your worries.
Battery Life
Most action cameras have a tendency of offering just a few hours of continuous use. Even if you could choose a camera with long battery life, you would end up spending top dollar for one. The best thing you could do is buy a camera which has cheap spare batteries.
With this list, you can now be comfortable as you take your next trip to wonderland.
10. TEC.BEAN Sports Action Camera 4K 16MP
If your Instagram is not yet filling with likes about your last summer’s expedition, it’s time you invest in the TEC.BEAN Sports Action Camera. This is a small and lightweight camera that can be taken virtually anywhere. It is water resistant and can be submerged around 30 meters making it perfect for all the water sports you enjoy. With the 4K image and video quality, you’ll be able to capture still images without blurry images. Even better, it can even shoot smooth movements thanks to the 60fps capability. This camera comes with a 2.0LCD screen plus Wi-Fi such that you can watch videos and upload them in real time by connection to your smartphone or tablet.
- It comes with rechargeable batteries
- It supports both Android and iOS devices
- It has a wide 170-degree field of view
- Constructed with durable elements
- The user manual is not well-written
9. Muson Wi-Fi 4K Action Camera
Enjoy life in your best moments with the Muson Wi-Fi Action Camera. It is a compact kit that will not only help you film stunning footage but you’ll also be able to share with your friends and loved ones. The Wi-Fi enabled Cam lets you control the unit as you cruise using your iOS and Android devices. This way you can upload live footage as you get into your groove in the most daring positions. It is great for underwater shooting since it is all weatherproofed up to 30meters. You’ll also get to store every video and picture using a 32GB memory card. You’ll fall for the various operation modes including burst photo mode, snapshot and time lapse mode.
- Boasts a large screen
- Ideal for extreme water sports
- Wi-Fi enables control and to stream live footage
- Captures in a wide angle perspective of 170-degrees
- It takes longer to recharge the batteries
8. EKEN Full HD H9R 4K Action Camera
This action camera offers the best of video and photos in equal measure. If you’ll want to be part of the summer or winter sports, the EKEN Full HD 4K Action Camera is the real deal. From the many accessories to the waterproofing, it is sure to satisfy your love for stunts. First, it features the best resolution among action cameras. There’s nothing you won’t capture with 4K tech. You can jump out of the plane for a dive and it follows that motion with optimum agility. The beauty of this camera is in the versatility. You can shoot in one of the modes which include the loop and time-lapse for self-capturing.
- It has an inbuilt HDMI port plus it supports Wi-Fi
- Comes a 2-inch HD display
- It comes with mounting accessories
- Comes with a wrist remote
- It’s not totally waterproof
7. WIMIUS Q2 1080P 30MP Sports Action Camera
The WIMIUS action camera is nothing like you have used before. It offers a combination of functionality and performance in one very excellent camera for shooting from anywhere on this planet. It is a small unit but the features it brings forth makes your world spin in a whole new dimension. You’ll like that it can shoot in full HD on a 2.0 inch LCD screen. The camera is made for the real outdoors if you are zip-lining on a wet rainforest or taking a head jump from a cliff, this camera will always give clear crisp images at the end of every session. And, you won’t be deleting or reformatting the unit to accommodate many pictures. It supports a 64GB memory card for all your activities in one place.
- It syncs with a Wi-Fi connection for real-time streaming
- Carries two rechargeable batteries
- It has multiple camera shooting modes
- It allows USB and HDMI output
- It does not come with the SD card
6. FITFORT 4K Action Camera Ultra HD
If you find yourself wondering what you were doing on vacation, you’ll want to invest in the FITFORT 4K Action Camera. One, it is one of those devices that lets you catch split-second moments thanks to its high resolution. You won’t need to invest in multiple devices since you can vary the image quality regarding where you are. With a 170-degree angle lens, it is capable of seeing far and wide to shoot every aspect of your holiday activities. If you love sharing those epic moments with friends and family, you are in luck. With your iOS or Android phone, you can save the videos and photos and share them on all the social media platforms you love. It also has an admirable battery with the capacity to extend its life through its inbuilt screen saver.
- It is waterproof up to 100ft
- It has long range Wi-Fi up to 33ft
- It is mountable on many devices and equipment
- Comes with a wireless, wrist, remote control
- The battery door is sometimes hard to come off
5. AKASO 1080P HD Action Camera
Nothing beats a good action camera like the AKASO. It is the best when it comes to Wi-Fi and uploading of videos and images in stunning HD quality. If you want to look at a picture and love how lifelike it seems, then you need to take this camera with you. 1080P and 30fps are what you get to bring the special moments closer and carry them with you. With two 1050AH batteries, it can record for 90minutes continuously. This camera gives you total control as it comes with a 2.4Gwireless remote control plus a wide angle of view. Along with the waterproofing up to 30meters, it is an all-around camera that does not disappoint.
- It has 12MP photo quality
- Comes with accessories to install on multiple platforms
- Supports 32GB memory card
- It can shoot in slow-motion
- The audio quality is not the best
4. APEMAN 20MP 4K Action Camera
Do you ever wonder how other people catch their daredevil stunts? Well, wonder no more because with the APEMAN 20MP 4K Action Camera you can also be able to be at the heart of your endeavors and get it all on tape. The beauty of this device is in the 4K HD capabilities. Wouldn’t you like to capture the most admirable pictures with every natural color? That’s what this camera gives you. It provides professionally done photo quality thanks to the 2K 30fps and 4K 25fps. You won’t need tagging someone along to make the shots since it is mountable on skateboards, surfboards, drones, bike and other equipment. It comes with all the accessories you’ll need to clip it.
- It is Wi-Fi enabled
- Water resistant to 30meters
- It has two rechargeable 1050mAH batteries
- Achieves full field of view with 170-degree angle lens
- The battery life is shorter when compared to other cameras at only one hour
3. ODVRM Underwater Action Camera
If you love white water rafting, bodyboarding, surfing and the like, you’ll want to check out the ODVRM Underwater Action Camera. It is Wi-Fi enabled for your friends to catch on the live action when you are at it. With the capability of 98ft immersion, you’ll enjoy every moment you catch on splendid full 1080P HD. Using the mobile app for this specific camera you can edit and share on Android and iOS devices. The most remarkable feature of this camera is that it can hold up charge for over 2hours. It is the longest you’ll get on an affordable camera but still very reliable. It also pleasing that you can zoom in and out and play with many other modes including car-mode, motion detection, diving, and anti-shaking operations.
- It has an HDMI port
- Batteries last longer than on regular action cameras
- Shoots in full HD
- It has long range Wi-Fi at 33ft
- It has poorly written user instructions
2. CAMPARK ACT74 16MP 4K Action Camera
Your perfect outdoor accompaniment must be CAMPARK ACT74 Action Camera. It uses a Sony Sensor to deliver every detail on moving images. The quality is top notch owing to the 4K resolution. For you that can’t get enough of water sports, this camera lets you shoot over a 170 angle of view. You’ll not only catch yourself beating the waves but also the rushing tide behind the surfboard. It features a fisheye lens which lets you get the landscape even from a distance. It has a vast assortment of mounting adapters so you can install it on your favorite sports gear and never have to worry about it dropping from the sky. The battery life is another distinct feature seeing that it can hold a charge for around four hours.
- It can connect to external devices via USB or HDMI
- Enjoys long battery life
- Features a wide HD screen
- Long range Wi-Fi connectivity up to 10meters
- One back panel for the sound on the case is not waterproofed
1. Lightdow 1080P LD4000 HD Sports Action Camera
Relive every craze you get into using the Lightdow Sports Action Camera. It is the most popular brand, and we now know why. This unit is a subtle size, weighs little for portability. It can fit in your sports gear with a line of different mounting adapters. It uses an original NOVATEK chip to ensure that every motion picture you shoot is in the best quality. With the capacity to shoot in full 1080P at 30frames per second, you’ll enjoy every moment you spend in the outdoors. It boasts a 170-degree angle of view which is another important feature if you are looking to catch the snow peaks as you ski along them. It also comes with two rechargeable batteries so you’ll never need to swap them out.
- It has many operation modes
- It achieves all-around quality in videos, photos, and audio
- Comes with all the necessary accessories
- It is entirely weatherproofed
- Isolated complaint about the case obstructing images
Conclusion
These cameras are unlike any other you’ll find on the market. They come bearing 4K and full HD quality, they are lightweight, compact and most of all they are affordable. These are leaders of the outdoors action and if you want to relive every moment you’ll want to be caught in one.