Okay, you’ve got your GoPro action camera. You’ve taken some footage, now what do you do with it? What is the best GoPro video editing software? Here are several choices for GoPro editing software that you can download and use to make videos with the footage from your GoPro camera:
Option 1: GoPro Studio
GoPro itself makes editing software specifically for making videos out of the footage its cameras produce. This free GoPro editing software will let you organize your clips, edit/trim them, add titles & music, use fast and slow motion effects, time lapse and apply fish eye reduction effects to your video. GoPro Studio (part of their Quik Desktop package) also offers a set of pre-made video templates that can help you make professional looking videos out of your GoPro footage very quickly. Also includes special timelapse features.
Pros: It’s available for both Macs and Windows PCs, it’s free, and it’s made specifically for GoPro video editing
Cons: It doesn’t have all the features that fully fledged video editing software offers
Adobe, the maker of professional-geared programs like Photoshop and the Acrobat PDF reader you’re probably familiar with, makes video editing software called Premiere Pro. As the name suggests, it’s professional grade video editing software so it’s not meant to edit only GoPro footage but instead footage from any type of video camera. Unlike GoPro studio it’s not free, but it does include sophisticated features like advanced video and audio editing, color correction and others. When GoPro themselves edits their promotional videos, we wouldn’t be surprised if they were using Premiere Pro to do it.
Pros: Has powerful, pro-level video & audio editing features & integrates with other applications
Cons: More difficult to use than GoPro Studio, not free
Apple’s video editing software Final Cut Pro X is somewhere in between GoPro Studio and Premiere Pro in terms of its difficulty level. If you’ve tried the iMovie program that Apple bundles on its computers and you want more powerful features, Final Cut Pro X is worth a look. It includes some easy to use color correction features as well as a large gallery of filters and titling and transition effects, plus loads of downloadable add-ons to the program. Note that it’s only available on Macs and not PCs.
Pros: Easier to use than Premiere Pro,
Cons: Not free, no PC version (but you can start with a free 30 day trial to see if you like the App or not)
Ultimately, it depends on what you value: ease of use (GoPro Studio or Final Cut Pro) vs powerful features (Premiere Pro vs Final Cut Pro X) vs free (GoPro Studio). If we had to suggest one piece of software as a bottom line, we’d recommend giving GoPro Studio a shot first before you download any application that you have to pay for. Using GoPro video editing software can help you create excellent videos though, and with free software available for download on both Macs and PCs, there’s no excuse not to give it a try.
360 degree videos are all the rage right now on Facebook, and they’re popping up on YouTube as well. So naturally people are wondering: how do you make my own 360 degree video for Facebook? You’ll need a 360 degree equipped camera. Luckily there are several of these VR cameras on the market right now and they’re cheaper than you would expect. Here are our picks for the the best 360 degree camera available today:
The Ricoh Theta S Digital 360 Degree Camera
The Ricoh Theta is probably the best 360 video camera today and it’s becoming quite popular. It features a camera on the front and a camera on the back and it digitally stitches the two videos (or photos, depending on which mode you set it on) together, to create a seamless 360 degree experience that you can explore on either your smartphone or computer. The Ricoh Theta uses its two super wide angle lenes to create spherical images which look amazing and can record video for up to 25 minutes at a time on its internal 8GB storage (which realistically is probably way more than you need for 360 degree Facebook videos or photos).
Since the camera doesn’t have a screen on it, you can’t really preview what you’re shooting but since it’s shooting in 360 degrees that doesn’t matter that much anyway! Anything you can see (and more), this camera will capture it. There is also a companion phone app for iPhone or Android which allows you to preview images and tweak advanced settings. You can also download Ricoh’s special software on to a computer, which allows you to tweak photos or videos after they’re taken, but that’s optional.
You can also get accessories for the Theta S spherical camera, such as a water-resistant hard case which will allow you to use the camera in the rain (though you’ll need to use your smartphone app to start the recording since you won’t be able to push the camera’s physical buttons while it’s in the case).
Another accessory we’d highly recommend: this selfie stick with leg support which you can use as a tripod and duck out of frame to get a truly 360 degree photo or video without you holding the camera.
Alternatives to The Ricoh Theta S 360 Degree Camera
When it comes to capturing 360 degree video or photos, the Ricoh Theta S is not the only game in town. There are several alternatives that will also allow you to capture 360 degree photos and video. Here are some other contenders for the title of the best 360 camera:
Ricoh Theta M15 360 Degree Spherical Panorama Camera
The Ricoh Theta M15 is the little brother model to the Theta S. It records shorter videos (up to 3 minutes long) on its 4GB internal storage.
The Theta M15 comes in four colors: blue, yellow, pink, and white, and, like its bigger brother the Theta S, it also can also be controlled via your smartphone (with record modes ranging from video, still image, or interval still photos every 5 seconds up to every 10 minutes for timelapse). Since it’s less expensive than the higher quality Theta S model, those looking for a cheap 360 video camera might be happier with this option.
TopVision 360 Degree Panoramic VR Camera with Dual Spherical Lens
The TopVision 360 Degree Panoramic VR Camera sports dual identical wide angle lenses– one on either side of the camera, to shoot true spherical 360 degree video. This VR camera records both stills and video and works with a free smartphone app that helps control the camera and enable certain features, as well as software for your computer to stitch videos together afterward. Comes with an adjustable mini tabletop style tripod.
The Nikon KeyMission 360 Degree Camera offers identical dual lenses (one on the front and one on the back) that combine to provide a spherical 360 degree view. It records up to 4K as well as several lower-resolution HD modes. The Nikon KeyMission also shoots still photos and is waterproof up to 100 feet without additional waterproof housing (though you will have to swap the included lenses it’s using if you want to use it underwater). The KeyMission also works with an iPhone/iPad and Android app to preview shots since the unit itself doesn’t have an LCD screen– and frankly it doesn’t have room for one with cameras on both sides! Weighs only 7 ounces and records on microSD cards.
The Kodak SP360 is another spherical camera for capturing 360 degree video and photos. There’s a catch though: unlike the Ricoh cameras, it only has a single lens (not one on each side) which means it can only capture 180 degrees at a time. It’s meant to be held with the bubble lens facing up so your pictures will show the sky and all directions except the ground. For some uses, this might be enough, though if you want true 360 degree video you’ll either need to consider a different camera or get two of these things and strap them together…
Kodak PIXPRO SP360 4K-BK5 4K Dual Pro Pack VR Camera
…Speaking of strapping two of these things together, Kodak also has a “pro” line which captures 4K video instead of just 1080P. It includes two of these cameras and a dual handle grip that mounts them back to back so you can capture full (i.e. “real”) 360 degree video. Their included software for PCs or Macs can stitch the resulting images together for you afterward. (And you can also get a single one of these pro line 4K 360 degree cameras if you don’t want the dual model.)
Frequently Asked Questions about 360 degree spherical cameras
How do I upload my 360 degree video or photo to Facebook or YouTube?
Each of the cameras on this list works with both Facebook and YouTube. Facebook automatically detects 360 degree videos (more info here), and YouTube offers special instructions for how to upload them.
Are these 3D videos?
No. They’re panoramic, or spherical 360 degree videos but you won’t get 3D effects like you would get if you go to the movies and wear special glasses.
How does the Theta S 360 degree camera work?
360 Degree spherical cameras work by automatically stitching together the images captured by the front and rear cameras and then providing you with video files that automatically react to your finger (on a phone) or your mouse (on a computer) by allowing you to “navigate” through the video.
What is the best 360 camera?
We’d argue that right now the best 360 degree camera is probably the first camera in this article, the Ricoh Theta S.
Is there a 360 degree GoPro camera I could get?
Not right now. So far 360 degree GoPro solutions have required you to buy a bunch of GoPros (which is pricey) and strap them all together in a ball.
Can’t I just record 360 degree video on my iPhone or Android device with an app? Why do I need a special camera?
Most phones these days do have front and rear-facing cameras so you might just assume that you can download an app to record 360 degree video. However the truth is, the “special sauce” in creating 360 degree spherical video isn’t just the fact that there are two cameras working together, it’s also the fact that both cameras are the same quality (the rear camera on my phone is smaller and worse quality than the front camera), plus neither camera has a wide-angle bubble to capture either sides. So what you would end up with is a bit of the front, and a bit of the back image in worse quality, but not the full 360 degree (or even 180 degree) view. There are a few apps that try to mimic the same effect but they don’t work very well and are often limited to only recording for a couple of seconds of poor quality video. That’s why you’re much better off buying a dedicated 360 degree video camera.
GoPros cameras work extremely well underwater because they’re designed to be used underwater. The old-fashioned way to use an underwater camera was to get a normal still or video camera and buy a plastic underwater housing made by a different company to put your camera in. The problem with these third party cases is they didn’t necessarily fit your camera very well because they were usually designed to fit a number of different cameras, so no individual camera worked that well in it. And additionally, they made it quite difficult to control the various buttons that cameras have on them. (Read more about the history of underwater photography on Wikipedia for more.)
The GoPro underwater camera, on the other hand, is much easier to use because its plastic protective underwater housing is designed to fit action cameras like a glove, and the underwater cases themselves have buttons built-in so you can manipulate all the controls you need to, even while underwater. A GoPro underwater camera can both take still images and high-quality HD video in either saltwater or freshwater.
What is the Best GoPro Underwater Camera?
If you’re looking for a waterproof GoPro type underwater camera to take scuba diving, there are several models to choose from. Here are some of the top contenders for the title of best underwater camera:
GoPro Hero 6 Black
Check out the video above that was shot with a GoPro Hero 6 Black. It features some underwater imagery so you can get a sense of the quality underwater.
The GoPro 6 Hero Black is one of the most popular underwater cameras because of its small size, good battery life, ability to record on tiny and cheap micro SDHC memory cards, and extremely high image quality in either still image or video mode for underwater photography or underwater video.
Out of the box this GoPro model is waterproof up to 33 feet deep without any additional housing. However you can purchase special waterproof housing separately to dive up to 196 feet deep, which is nothing to sneeze at.
The GoPro Hero 5 Session is the newest addition to the GoPro family of action cameras. It’s waterproof even without a plastic housing, up to 33 feet (or 10 meters). If you add a third party waterproof case, you can dive with your Session up to about 150 feet deep.
Check out the video above shot with the GoPro Hero 5 Session. If you thought the original GoPro Hero was small, the Session is even smaller: it’s just an inch and a half wide cube that weighs just 2.6 ounces. The benefits of the GoPro Hero 5 Session are that it’s tiny and light, though it doesn’t go quite as deep in the water and its video quality isn’t quite as good (and it has no screen unlike the GoPro Hero 6 Black). Still, it takes great quality video and photos underwater and is becoming a popular underwater action camera in its own right, even when compared to its bigger brother Hero edition GoPros.
Factors to consider when shopping for an underwater action camera
How deep in the water can I take this camera?
The plastic waterproof camera housing doesn’t designate how deep you can take an action camera in the water, the camera itself does. Action cameras like GoPros are rated for specific maximum depths due to pressure reasons. For instance, the older GoPro Hero 6 Black edition is rated to 131 feet (40 meters) with waterproof housing, but the tiny GoPro Hero 5 Session is only rated to go 33 feet (10 meters). So it’s important to pay attention to depth ratings especially if you’re planning on doing scuba diving with your GoPro, or other deep water activities.
Can I get replacement underwater housing if the one that comes with the camera breaks or gets cracked?
Stuff happens. It’s easy to drop a GoPro underwater camera on the ground and if it’s “wearing” its protective underwater housing, there’s a good chance that the plastic could crack or chip resulting in it becoming less waterproof or completely ineffective at protecting your camera underwater. But hey, it’s better to need a new GoPro underwater case than a whole new GoPro, isn’t it? So check to make sure it’s possible to buy a replacement underwater case for whatever action camera you’re considering buying. For instance, you can buy either official replacement GoPro underwater cases or cases made by third party manufacturers. The GoPro Session is waterproof to 33 feet without a housing and it doesn’t come with one, though third party manufacturers have made cases for them anyway which can boost how waterproof they are. One third party GoPro Session case we found will allow you to bring a GoPro Session as deep as 147 feet (45m), almost five times its original waterproof depth.
Are there any specific waterproof accessories I might want to use my action camera underwater?
For instance, if you’re a surfer you might want to pick up some waterproof GoPro surf mounts. Or if you’re a diver you might want to grab some waterproof selfie stickers or other dive gear. You’ll want to make sure that whatever action camera you get it’s compatible with the accessories you may want to use. Generally speaking GoPro Hero brand action cameras have the widest range of compatible accessories.
If you’re getting the GoPro Hero 6 Black or Session you’ll want to make sure that whatever accessories you buy, like special waterproof casing or housing, fits your particular model because they’re different form factors and sizes.
Interested in mounting your GoPro or similar action camera on your dog? There are now special GoPro dog mounts and dog camera harnesses available for just this purpose. When you mount your GoPro to your dog, you can get a dog’s eye view of the world. It can result in some pretty neat or funny footage. There are a few different types of GoPro dog mounts so you’ll want to pick the right one for your pet.
Best GoPro Dog Mount and Dog Camera Harnesses
Besvalo Dog Harness with Camera Mount
The Besvalo dog harness with a camera mount has adjustable bands to fit dogs of different sizes (small through large). The adjustable black straps to fit securely around your pet’s front legs and stomach to securely mount a GoPro on your dog. Works with either GoPro and cameras that work with GoPro mounts (like GeekPro or Lightdow cameras, etc). The chest area is padded and wide for a comfortable fit. Includes two different mounts for chest or back mounting options.
If you want a GoPro harness for a dog that comes with all the mounting gear you need in one package, the official GoPro Fetch kit is probably the right choice for you. It works with two dog mounting options, which you can either use separately or at once to mount two cameras on your dog! The first is on top, giving a “third person” dog angle, and the other is an “underneath the chin” camera mount. This waterproof dog mount comes in black and is adjustable to fit dogs that weigh anywhere from 10 pounds to 120 pounds. Soft and padded for your pet’s comfort. The underneath view is better than a GoPro dog dollar, because your dog will probably find that too heavy, whereas with this chest mount it distributes the weight more evenly than a dog collar for GoPro would.
Here’s another GoPro dog mount to harness your action camera on your dog. It comes with a GoPro buckle mount and screw and is designed to fit large dogs. You can mount your GoPro or other compatible action camera (any camera that works with the standard GoPro camera mounts) on top of your dog. Washable and waterproof.
So, you’ve got a GoPro. And, like a lot of GoPro owners, you’ve got a bunch of accessories. Different mounts, extra batteries, memory cards, charging, and data cables: the works. You need a GoPro Hero or GoPro Session carrying case. We get it. We’ve been there too.
Here are several candidates for best GoPro carrying case:
CamKix Carrying Case for GoPro Hero
Here’s a great GoPro carrying case. It’s a soft pouch with a semi-hard cover, handle and zipper. It has plenty of room for a GoPro Hero, additional housing or backdoors, power charger, extra batteries, a GoPro remote, and more. In addition to blue (linked below), this GoPro carrying case also comes in a black version. There’s also a waterproof camouflage print version.
If you need a floating GoPro carrying case, this model might be the right one for you. It’s a crushproof hard case that measures 11 inches long by about 10 inches wide and 6 inches deep with a tray compartment to securely hold up to two GoPros and plenty of batteries, chargers, memory card cases, etc. Its precut foam compartments are large enough to accommodate both the GoPro Hero 4, as well as the Hero 3 and Hero 2 models. This GoPro case, made from hard plastic, also has a loop to use a padlock on, to keep your gear secure from theft.
The AmazonBasics GoPro carrying case comes in both a large version and a small version that are both sleek semi-soft cases with carrying handles. The large version has space for two GoPros and the small version has room for a single GoPro and plenty of other accessories. The precut foam cutouts also come with foam slugs in them so you won’t have empty holes if you don’t have anything to stick in their individual compartments just yet. The large version is about the same size as a small laptop carrying case.
IBEX offers a watertight GoPro carrying case in both black and a yellow. If you want a hard case that doesn’t have precut foam so you can cut your own custom compartments, this is the right case for you. It comes with pre-scored virgin foam that is easy to cut yourself and shape to whatever size you need the internal compartments to be. It’s also rugged and has room for several GoPros, tons of batteries and memory cards, chargers, and mounting gear. Measures 13 inches long by 11 inches wide and 4.7 inches deep.
GoPole Venturecase – Weather Resistant Soft Case for GoPro HERO Cameras
If you need a carrying case for GoPro cameras with compartments that aren’t foam cutouts (i.e. you prefer a looser case and aren’t concerned about jostling your gear) this soft case is a great option. It has two generous compartments for cameras or mounting gear and a longer compartment for floating handles, collapsable selfie sticks, mounts, etc. It also has a zippered mesh pouch for memory cards, batteries, remote controls, and more. Measures 8.5 inches long by 8 inches wide and 3 inches deep.
Overall, carrying cases for GoPros, whether they’re soft cases or hard cases can be extremely useful. Some are large hard cases, others are smaller and more like a pouch, but the key thing is to keep your GoPro camera and related gear well organized and protected from the elements.
Motorcycle helmet cameras are becoming quite popular as action cameras get smaller and lighter. So far helmet manufacturers haven’t created motorcycle helmets with cameras built in. But there are tons of small and light action cameras with motorcycle helmet mounts now available to help you attach a POV camera to your motorcycle helmet or other type of helmet.
When choosing a motorcycle helmet camera and mount solution, you’ll want to consider the weight of the camera (too heavy may be uncomfortable to wear on a helmet), the size of the camera, and the angle at which you attach the camera to the helmet. Some people prefer to have cameras that attach to the front of their helmet, and others prefer to attach a video camera to the left or right side of the helmet at a 90 degree angle. Some camera helmet mounts provide articulating arms to allow for side mounting.
Here are some of the best motorcycle helmet cameras and mounts available today:
This is a great inexpensive GoPro camera mount for motorcycle or motocross helmets. It features an articulating arm which can be configured at all sorts of different angles to capture side or front or top point of view shots. This GoPro motorcycle helmet mount fits the latest GoPro Hero 7 action camera, as well as previous GoPro hero models like the GoPro Hero 5 and GoPro Hero 6 all the way back to GoPro Hero 3 and 4 cameras because of its universal mount system. One nice feature of this action camera motorcycle mount kit is that it comes with both flat and curved sticky mount pads, so no matter what your helmet’s shape is or which part of the helmet you want to mount to, you’re covered. Comes with motorcycle chin mount, J hook, 2 curved mounts, 2 flat mounts, 10 sticky pads, 2 screws, 1 safety rope buckle, 1 wrench, and a few other small accessories to make mounting your GoPro to your helmet easy and simple.
Here’s a great action camera you can mount on your helmet – whether that’s a motorcycle helmet, a bike helmet, a motocross helmet, or another helmet type. This kit comes with everything you need to mount the camera to your helmet, including a safety cable as a backup in case it gets knocked off. Gives you a 125-degree field of vision and has an internal microphone (actually two microphones!). Check out the motorcycle POV videos on the product page for samples. Weighs just 75 grams – less than 2.7 ounces, so you’ll barely notice you’re wearing it.
GoPros are probably the most well known action camera out there. They’re small, light, and very high quality. Out of the box, a GoPro won’t attach to your motorcycle helmet, but there is helmet camera mount gear available. Here are a couple possible configurations you might use (you can mix and match too of course):
The GoPro Session or GoPro Hero combined with the GoPro Helmet Front Mount:
Yes, we know those aren’t technically motorcycle helmets but this mount works just as well on any type of helmet. The GoPro Front Helmet Mount works with either the small and light cube shaped GoPro Session, which shoots high quality 4K & 1080P HD video, or the GoPro Hero which weighs a bit more but shoots higher quality video. Because this uses GoPro’s universal mount system it will work with GoPro Hero 7 as well as models all the way back to GoPro Hero 3.
Here’s another great option to mount a GoPro on a motorcycle helmet:
The GoPro Helmet Side Mount works with either the tiny GoPro Session or the full sized GoPro Hero and is similar to the front mount but the adjustable center joint is articulated at a 90 degree angle so it can easily mount to the side of your helmet instead of the front. Both types of GoPro helmet mounts will detach the arm from your helmet, leaving only the small connector base attached to your helmet so you can easily re-attach the arm and GoPro camera in a few seconds.
Contour Roam 3 Waterproof HD Video Camera
The Contour Roam 3 is a great point of view camera for motorcycle helmet mounting. It shoots 1080p video with a built in microphone and is designed to be easily attached to a motorcycle helmet using included mounting gear. Like the GoPro, the Roam 3 is also has a 170 degree ultra wide angle mode to get super wide angle POV footage. And it’s also waterproof up to 30 feet to boot. Records on standard micro SDHC cards, just like the GoPro. The Contour is one of the most popular motorcycle helmet cameras available today.
If you need a truly rugged design for a helmet camera, you might consider an action camera designed for firefighters. Firefighters need really rugged gear and there are a whole range of firefighter helmet cameras on the market today. This appropriately named camera, the Bullet HD Pro 4 for firefighters is shaped like, well, a bullet. It’s marked specifically towards firefighters and it’s heat tested up to 950 degrees Fahrenheit. Like all the fire cameras listed in this article, the Bullet HD Pro 4 has audio recording built in. Although we couldn’t find a fire-specific test video, here’s an example of the video quality in the camera’s 720p widescreen (wide field of view) mode, which distorts things with a slight fisheye look:
Bullet HD Key Specs:
Video quality: Up to 1080p, 30 frames per second Weight: 4.4oz Battery Life: 2 hours of recording time Waterproof? Yes, up to 30 feet Special Features? Various mounts included in kit including a BlackJack mount
This fire helmet camera records on micro SDHC memory cards, sold separately. Here is the model of memory card we suggest if you don’t already have some.
There are several different types of Go Pro camera available today. In fact, there are so many Go Pro action camera models it can be confusing. So we’re going to run down the list of Go Pro cameras and compare each model and talk about what each one is best for.
Choosing the Best Go Pro camera
The Best Cheap Go Pro Camera:
The Go Pro Hero + is the cheapest Go Pro camera available. It records 1080p full HD video at up to 60 frames per second which can be slowed down into slow motion footage using their included editing software. The Go Pro Hero + is a great budget action camera and provides all the basic features that you might want for shooting sports, action footage and more. It’s compatible with a multitude of GoPro accessories and third party accessories ranging from waterproof surfing mounts to helmet mounts.
Important note: this starter level GoPro camera doesn’t have an LCD screen on the back to review shots with though, so if you want that you’ll either need to upgrade to its slightly more expensive sister model, the GoPro Hero + LCD, or the much more expensive GoPro Hero 6 Black (below).
If you’re looking for the smallest Go Pro Camera, the Go Pro Session is going to be the best choice. It is cube shaped and measures only 1.5 inches by 1.5 inches and weighs just 2.6 ounces. In addition to a new 4K mode that records at 30 frames per second, the Go Pro Hero 5 Session camera records in Full HD (1080p) at up to 60 frames per second which can be slowed down into great slow motion footage using the free Go Pro editing software. It also has a super wide angle mode that shoots at 1440p and takes 12 megapixel photos. The Go Pro Session is waterproof up to 33 feet deep without any additional waterproof housing (though you can also get waterproof scuba housing for it to extend its range up to about 150 feet).
The highest quality Go Pro with a built in screen:
The Go Pro Hero 6 Black is the highest quality GoPro camera you can buy. It offers 4K video recording in a tiny package (up to 60 frame per second!), and super high quality video stabalization which is especially helpful for shooting action footage. It features a rear touch screen which allows you to navigate the menu and also preview shots when you’re setting them up and review them after you’ve shot them. It shoots 12 megapixel photos and 1080p Full HD video at up to an astronomical 240 frames per second for super silky smooth slow motion. Out of the box it can be submerged in water up to 33 feet deep though you can also buy separate waterproof housing to enable it to go quite a bit deeper (196 feet). If you’re looking for the all around best quality Go Pro camera, we’d recommend the Go Pro Hero 6 Black in a heartbeat.
Check out this video that was shot exclusively with the GoPro Hero 6 Black:
Factors to consider when choosing a GoPro action camera
Price: How much are you willing to spend? Keep in mind if you have a limited budget, the less you spend on the camera the more you can spend on the accessories that you may need to mount the camera or use it in specific ways.
Quality: We’re happy to say that these days all GoPro camera models offer excellent image quality (this wasn’t always the case). Today the main decision you need to make in regards to action camera quality is whether or not you want a camera that has the ability to shoot 4K video or not. If you’re not interested in 4K video then you can probably skip this feature and be happy with a lower-priced action camera. But if you’re planning to keep your GoPro for a long time to come or you’re considering using it in certain environments where you want the absolute highest quality image possible, the 4K mode on the Hero 6 Black model may be worth the investment. Additionally, the Hero 6 Black model has extra image quality features which can allow you to color correct your footage.
Size & Form Factor: The GoPro Hero + camera which maintains the traditional action camera form factor is compatible with the widest array of GoPro accessories. The other models, the tiny cube-shaped Session and the new slimmer and lighter Hero 6 Black won’t work with 100% of the GoPro accessories out there and while their mounting options remain the same some housing options will not fit. So you’ll want to keep this in mind as you shop for GoPro accessories.
Disposability: In some cases you may want an action camera that won’t break your heart if it breaks or gets lost. Imagine mounting a camera in a very high risk environment that could break– you probably wouldn’t want to put your most expensive camera in that type of situation. So in some cases you may want to opt for a cheap GoPro instead of an expensive model. You may even wish to opt for an even cheaper action camera similar to GoPro but not made by the GoPro company officially.
LCD screen? The GoPro Hero + model doesn’t have an LCD screen and neither does the Session. Having a color LCD screen on the back of an action cam can be useful not only to preview shots but also to easily navigate the camera’s menu system allowing you to adjust settings or delete accidental or unsuccessful footage or photos which can be nice if you’re running low on memory card space (and if you’re recording at 60 frames per second your memory cards will fill up at twice the rate of normal shooting). Whether or not you’ll find an LCD screen helpful in framing your shots and previewing what footage will look like is an important factor that you’ll need to consider when picking a camera model.
There are a wide variety of action cameras for hunting available today to capture your kills or missed shots. Action cameras for hunting are quite useful because you can study the footage to either review what went right, or discover what went wrong with your shot. As many experienced hunters can tell you, learning from your mistakes is the most important part of hunting. Being able to see where your shot went, how the animal reacted and other conditions that may have impacted the shot can be invaluable.
Here are the best action cameras for hunting:
iON CamoCam Realtree Xtra® Texture Camouflage HD Video Camera
The iON CamoCam is a great action camera for hunting. It comes in a realistic camo print and is shaped like a sight for easy mounting on either a rifle barrel or bow (it also comes with a quick-lock mounting accessory). The iON CamoCam shoots full 1080p HD video at up to 30 frames per second and also can shoot 14 megapixel still images. Out of the box, it’s also waterproof to 32 feet and can shoot for up to 2.5 hours. It also turns on silently without a beep like some other action cameras, so you don’t alert animals to your presence when you’re getting ready to line up a shot.
Tactacam has designed their camera with the hunter in mind. One of the top point-of-view cameras on the market, it not only shoots in 4K but features image stabilization to make sure your video is crystal clear. The 8X zoom brings you straight into the action and if you download the smartphone app, you can use your phone to live stream your hunt in real-time. With one touch operation, it’s easy to start recording while you’re focused on lining up your shot.
Tactacam offers several different packages depending on your hunting needs. You can purchase the camera alone, or the “Gun Package” comes with a barrel/scope mount. If you prefer an under-scope rail mount, get that package. Bow hunters will appreciate the package with the bow mount. Long range shooters will love the package that comes with an FTS mount that allows you to film directly through your scope. If you want as much flexibility as possible, the Ultimate Hunter Package comes with the barrel/scope mount, under-scope mount, and stabilizer mount for the smoothest video.
The basic kit comes with the camera, rechargeable battery, USB cable, and a wall charging adapter.
RunCam has brought an affordable 4K hunting action camera to the market with the ScopeCam2. Offering high-quality video, the camera also features 4x digital zoom for closer images of your targets. The instant on record button means you’re already ready to record when it’s time to take your shot. Made with an aluminum body, this camera is waterproof and shockproof, meaning it can take the abuse of hunting outdoors in rough weather.
Use the RunCam app for a live preview of the camera, to watch your videos, or to share them with friends and social media. The ScopeCam2 doesn’t come with any mounts, so make sure to get the accessories you need to attach to your gun or bow.
Action cameras like GoPros can be pricey. But luckily they’ve been falling in cost over the last couple of years and there’s been an explosion of different types of action cameras to suit all kinds of needs, whether it’s shooting sports, stunts or anything else. We’ve compiled some of the cheapest GoPro like action cameras available today.
The Lightdow is a great action camera under $100. It shoots 1080P just like a GoPro and even comes with waterproof plastic housing like a GoPro, which allows it to work with almost any GoPro accessory on the market. It also has a 1.5″ color display on the back to help you frame up shots and navigate the menu system. The Lightdow is waterproof up to about 100 feet and uses MicroSD cards, just like a GoPro does. For more on the right memory cards to use with this camera and all the other cameras on this page, see our related article, The Best Memory Cards for Use with GoPros.
Here is another one of the best action cameras under $100. It’s a bit more pricey than the previous model but it also comes with a ton of great accessories like mounting clips and straps, a carrying case, and even a 32GB Micro SDHC memory card. One thing that also sets the Raynic action camera apart from even official GoPros is it features a color LCD screen on the front to show the battery, mode, and recording status. The Raynic records in full HD quality up to 30 frames per second and can also take burst 12 megapixel photos for stunning action shots. The Raynic action camera also comes with wifi features to use your iPhone or Android device as a remote control.
The Akaso 4K action sports camera is a little bit more expensive than some other GoPro alternatives, but it offers a large 2 inch LCD screen on the back. The Akaso camera records at quality up to 4K at a frame rate of 25 fps and at 2.7K at 30 fps, as well as standard 1080p high definition modes. It’s waterproof up to 100 feet (30 meters) just like most GoPro models so all in all, it’s a great action camera under $100. Comes with a wide variety of mounting equipment that uses the standard GoPro mount so when you purchase this cheap action camera you’re also buying into the GoPro ecosystem with all the compatible accessories.
Here is another one of the best action cameras for the money. It comes in white, black, or a fluorescent lime green color that is sure to stand out. The Yi Action Camera comes in a kit with a telescoping selfie stick that extends up to 28 inches in length (more than two feet). It also comes with a wireless remote control that can be attached to the selfie stick or used separately, allowing you to start or stop a recording without needing to fiddle with the camera itself. Pretty neat!
Factors to consider when looking for the best action camera under $100
How much will the entire system cost? Some action cameras come with accessories that could save you money. For instance, an action camera with a large kit might save you money on things like a carrying case, certain types of mounts or a selfie stick that you’d end up buying any way. So add up the budget savings for buying a cheap action camera under $100 alone or along with a kit to see if it’s really a good deal for the money or not.
How are the action camera’s reviews? Of course you don’t want to buy an action camera that costs very little only to find that you’ll only be able to use it for a very little amount of time before it breaks. Check to make sure that whichever action or sports camera you’re considering doesn’t have terrible reviews. One or two bad reviews isn’t necessarily a warning sign because every popular product will have its share of haters or people who use it incorrectly or get a lemon, but a really large percentage of bad reviews is a good reason to consider an alternative camera, even if it means spending a bit more money. If you need to buy a cheap action camera twice because it breaks, it probably would have been more budget-friendly to spend a few more bucks the first time on a camera that will last.
Is this camera suspiciously cheap? Okay, hear us out on this one. Believe it or not, there are some companies out there trying to sell action cameras for $20 or $30. That’s… suspiciously cheap to be honest. If a price seems too good to be true, it probably is. And you’ll be better served by choosing a slightly higher-priced camera for the money.
Am I okay with buying two action cameras if the first cheap one breaks? As the old saying goes, if you buy cheap, you buy twice. you get what you pay for. Are you okay buying a super cheap action camera under $100 and then having it break easily, forcing you to buy a second GoPro type camera? You get what you pay for and some of these cheap action cameras may not be worth the price and hassle if they break down quickly. Consider what’s important to you and if you do want an action camera that will be more rugged, consider buying an official GoPro model.
Are you looking for a cheap GoPro like camera? GoPro was one of the first affordable action cameras on the market, but their prices haven’t dropped much since they first came out. Luckily there are now several cheap options for people looking for a cheap camera similar to GoPro.
Here are some of the best cheap GoPro like cameras:
The Lightdow action camera is similar to a GoPro: it has the same shape, size and even fits inside mounts made for GoPro cameras. This means that you can use virtually all the accessories made for GoPros with the Lightdow too. And trust us, that’s a lot of accessories, from waterproof surfboard GoPro mounts to GoPro selfie sticks.
The Lightdow is a great entry-level action camera choice that shoots full 1080P HD video and has a 2 inch LCD display on the back to preview your shots and navigate the menu. It even looks like a GoPro, but at a fraction of the price! Comes with a rugged plastic waterproof case and a variety of mounting accessories.
WiMiUS 4K Wifi Action Camera is a great cheap GoPro like camera. It comes with a ton of accessories including several different mounting options (that are compatible with GoPro mounts), a pouch, and two batteries as well as a battery charger. it also comes with some other useful accessories like a screen cleaning cloth and a USB cable.
When the included waterproof case is on this action camera, it protects it up to 30 meters deep (100 feet). If you’re looking for a great GoPro or action camera for the money, this might be our top choice.
Here’s another cheap camera similar to GoPro: the Sony AZ1 Action Camera Mini POV HD Video Camera. It has a different form factor which can be better for some uses. It records high quality 1080P HD video in 5 different modes including a 60p mode which can be slowed down into a slow motion mode using the included software. This Sony action camera is available in different configurations including one with an included wrist-worn live view remote which lets you see exactly what the camera is seeing and start/stop recording remotely, which is quite useful.
The Campark ACT74 Action Camera is very similar to a GoPro in that it shoots crisp 1080p footage at up to 60 frames per second (great for slow motion recording) as well as 4K at 30 frames per second. It also is compatible with GoPro accessories and comes with its own plastic waterproof housing just like a GoPro does. With a 2 inch color LCD display on the rear, you can preview your shots and get the right angle for whatever you’re shooting. Uses standard SDHC memory cards up to 64 gigabytes (not included) and comes with two batteries and a carrying case.
Also includes a WiFi function that allows you to use your phone as a remote control up to 10 meters (30 feet) away.
We hope you find the cheap camera similar to GoPro you’re looking for!
Frequently asked questions about cameras similar to GoPros
Will these GoPro knock-offs work with official GoPro accessories? Several of the action cameras similar to GoPros on this page are indeed compatible with the official GoPro accessory ecosystem. On this page, the only model that is not compatible with GoPro mounts is the tube-shaped GeekPro camera. All the others are compatible with standard GoPro mounts, GoPro selfie sticks, and more.
Do these cameras use the same battery as GoPros? No, each camera has its own separate independent battery system that is not compatible with GoPros.
Do these cheap action cameras similar to GoPros record in 4K? Some of them listed in this article do record in 4K, like the latest GoPro action camera models. Not everyone does, however, so be sure to check the tech specs on each product page if 4K recording is a feature that’s important to you.
