As 4K televisions are becoming more common and average internet speeds are increasing, action camera manufacturers like GoPro are building high-resolution sensors to go into their cameras. Note that many manufacturers claim their action camera is capable of 4K recording but only offer frame rates of up to 10 or 15 frames per second– not nearly enough for smooth motion video. Here is a list of 4K action cameras on the market today that are capable of recording smooth video:
GoPro Hero 4 Black (Check reviews & prices) The GoPro Hero 4 Black is the undisputed quality champion when it comes to HD action camera quality. The GoPro Hero 4 Black shoots in 4K (3,840 x 2,160 UHD, or Ultra High Definition video) at speeds of up to 30 frames per second. Of course it also shoots in lower resolutions of 1080p (regular high definition) at higher frame rates as well (up to 120 frames per second for gorgeous slow motion). Note that if you’re shooting with the GoPro Hero 4 Black in 4K you’ll want to pick up some Class 10 memory cards for GoPro because slower cards will not be able to sustain high enough write speeds.
The Lightdow Real 4K action camera is just about the only other action camera we could find that shoots actual 4K video (not just 4K at 10 or 15 frames per second, which is practically the equivilant of a high resolution slide show). It isn’t quite as fast as the GoPro Hero 4 Black which shoots at 30 frames per second: the Lightdow only shoots at 24fps, but that’s still good enough to capture smooth video.
The Lightdow however has a couple of things the GoPro doesn’t have; it comes in multiple colors, has an included accessory pack and also sports a cheaper price.
GoPro offers a wide variety of models these days, so choosing the right GoPro action camera can be a difficult decision. What you need to know is that across their various product lines, there are three main models of GoPro (with a couple of variations of each, which can be a bit confusing at first). Here’s our GoPro buyer’s guide for 2024 to help you choose which GoPro is right for you.
If you want the cheapest GoPro available: If you’re concerned about getting the most affordable GoPro action camera on the market, the choice is clear: the GoPro for you is the GoPro Hero+.
The GoPro Hero+ is the cheapest GoPro in their lineup and the good news is, it shoots great video at impressive specs that were top-of-the-line not too long ago. The GoPro Hero shoots 1080p video at up to 60 frames per second (which can be converted to some pretty slick slow-motion footage using their bundled software for your computer). Although this model of entry-level GoPro Hero doesn’t come with a screen, its sister model which is a bit more expensive does have a color LCD screen on the rear of the unit.
If you want the smallest GoPro available: Some applications call for a really small camera, and for those uses, the GoPro Hero 5 Session is perfect. It’s small and comes in a nifty new square design. It’s also easy to use and works with the GoPro app on your cell phone for simple controls. It’s also waterproof up to 33 feet and shoots up to 4K HD video at 30 frames per second (plus HD video at up to 120 frames per second for silky smooth slow motion).
Another benefit of the GoPro session is that it may also be easier to mount in some smaller cramped spaces, depending on what your needs are. It’s also a bit lighter than a normal GoPro, so if you’re attaching two of these to a helmet, for instance, you’ll be able to tell the difference. This is the second of GoPro’s tiny Session camera models to hit the market: the first model, released last year, is still available for sale with slightly lesser tech specs but a cheaper price.
If you want the highest quality GoPro available: The GoPro Hero 6 Black is the undisputed quality champion when it comes to HD action camera quality. The GoPro Hero 6 Black sits atop the GoPro lineup and beats just about every other compact video camera on the market today. What makes the Hero 6 Black so special? Well for starters it has a more advanced sensor than the other GoPro cameras (and those of their competitors too). Another thing that sets the GoPro Hero 6 apart is that it shoots ultra high definition 4K video at an incredible 60 frames per second (in addition to a multitude of HD shooting modes) for high quality slow motion footage. One cool advantage of 4k HD video is that you can use a special advanced stabilization mode for smooth video even when you’re shooting in chaotic or high action situations.
Note that if you’re getting a GoPro Hero 6 Black that while the mounting hook remains the same, any additional case enclosures you buy aside from the included ones will need to be specially designed for the Hero 6 Black. That’s because the GoPro Hero 6 Black has been completely redesigned from the ground up and is now even slightly lighter than the tiny cube-shaped GoPro Session! That’s one of the several things that astonished GoPro watchers when it was recently revealed. The Hero 6 Black weighs only 0.26 pounds (compared to 0.28 for the Session and 0.79 lbs for the regular GoPro Hero).
Check out this video that was shot on the GoPro Hero 6 Black to get a sense of the quality of the video it captures:
Factors to consider when choosing which GoPro model to get
How much do I value quality vs price? The GoPro capable of shooting the highest quality footage is, as you might imagine, the most expensive. We would argue that unless you have specific high quality needs (like shooting in 4K), the GoPro Hero + LCD is the highest quality GoPro that normal folks should consider getting.
Will the GoPro I choose need certain types of accessories? The GoPro Session is newer and a slightly different form factor than the other GoPros so there are fewer accessories that exist for it made by both the GoPro company as well as third-party equipment manufacturers. So make sure that if you want a specific type of mount that it exists for the GoPro Session before you purchase it.
Do I want a screen on the rear of my GoPro? The GoPro Hero + LCD features a high-quality color LCD touchscreen on its rear which allows you to easily navigate the menus to choose recording modes as well as preview and review shots without hooking your action camera up to a computer. That’s a nice plus, but you probably won’t be using the screen while you’re recording because the camera will most likely be mounted somewhere– either on a helmet mount, a motorcycle mount or maybe a selfie stick or bicycle mount. The basic GoPro Hero also offers a screen on the reverse side for an upgrade of about $70. The GoPro Hero 4 Black model does not offer a screen because it’s meant for professional usage.
How important are size and weight? The traditionally shaped rectangular GoPros all weigh about the same amount (between 4 and 5 ounces), but the GoPro Session weighs only about half that, at a shockingly light 2.6 ounces and it’s also a bit smaller and cube shaped instead of rectangular. If size and weight are extremely important for your action camera uses, consider getting the Session instead of the full sized GoPro.
How do I know if accessories will fit on my GoPro?
It used to be the case that any GoPro accessories would fit any GoPro action camera but as the GoPro lineup has diversified, the models have branched off slightly so some accessories don’t fit all cameras. Here’s what you need to know:
If you have a GoPro Session: you’ll be able to mount your camera on to almost any accessory that calls for a normal GoPro mount using the GoPro mount that came with your camera. If you want to use a special case that fits over your Session, you’ll need one that’s specifically designed for the Session, otherwise, it won’t fit.
If you have a GoPro Hero 5/6 Black: You’ll be able to mount your camera to most anything that has the standard GoPro mount once your GoPro is in its included cage. However, if you’re getting a custom case, you’ll just need one that’s specially made for it.
If you have a GoPro Hero+: Almost any GoPro accessories will work, as long as they’re not specially made for one of the other two cameras.
The AlaskaLife GoPro Hero Selfie Stick is possibly the most popular selfie stick for action cameras on the internet. Or if it isn’t the most popular it’s damn close. When it’s collapsed it’s only 15 inches long– barely more than a foot so it’s easy to carry with you, but when it’s extended it can reach up to 3 feet, plenty long enough to get great third person/selfie video or stills. The mount accommodates GoPros as well as other action cameras and even most cell phones. Reviewers of this selfie stick comment about how rugged it is, and it comes in three different colors as well. It also has a strap connected to the handgrip which can help prevent the selfie stick (and your GoPro) from getting dropped when it’s fully extended.
GoPro itself offers an innovative twist on the selfie stick: a 3 way device that can be a camera handgrip, a selfie stick arm, and a tripod depending on how you configure it. Instead of telescoping like most selfie sticks, the GoPro 3-Way instead folds from about 7 inches to about 22 inches long (or high if you have it in tripod mode).
It’s also light: less than a pound, and waterproof so you can take it along with you when you’re kayaking or swimming. The GoPro 3-Way is extremely well rated and rugged for use in a variety of action situations. It works with the GoPro Hero 3 and GoPro Hero 4.
GoPro cameras are great for capturing surfing footage, in part because they come with waterproof cases and also because they’re great action cameras capable of shooting vibrant colors and fast motion at high frame rates. Here are some of the best waterproof GoPro surfing accessories that we’ve come across.
Best Waterproof GoPro Surfing Mounts & Accessories
These GoPro surf mounts allow you to attach a GoPro with its standard mount to either the front or back of your surfboard.
They are waterproof and semi-permanent (though you can use a blow dryer to heat up the adhesive and safely remove them from the board without damaging it) and allow you to lock on a GoPro with its waterproof case in either a front facing or rear facing direction, at virtually any angle (i.e. tilted upward or straight ahead). Includes two mounting panels, camera tethers and tether straps, and a mounting plug.
GoPro Waterproof Floating Hand Grip
The GoPro Handler waterproof handgrip is a short, light GoPro selfie stick that you can point forward or backwards and allows you to get a nice grip on the camera. It also floats very well (we’ve tested it!) with the bottom end of the handle with a bright red end cap providing visibility even in less than perfect lighting conditions.
This waterproof mini selfie stick also includes a wrist strap that you can adjust to fit on your wrist. Waterproof to 10 meters (33 feet).
This GoPro surf accessory kit includes a ton of great GoPro surfing accessories including surfboard mounts, backup tethers, extension arms (which can be daisy-chained one on top of the other to get a higher angle), locking thumb screws, and a bright yellow floating bobber just in case your GoPro falls off its mount or you lose your grip under a wave. (Related Article:What is the Best GoPro Underwater Camera?)
Just about the only thing it doesn’t include is a surfboard, or the GoPro itself.
Okay this GoPro surfing accessory looks a little funny at first but it’s actually pretty neat. It works… exactly as you’d expect. It’s a mouth mount for your GoPro action camera and you grip it between your teeth. It also has a red floaty on the back so if you accidentally drop it in the ocean it’ll bob right back up to the surface with a bright red pack making it easy to spot.
Want to get a similar POV angle, just without the uh, teeth clenching of the GoPro mouth grip? You could just decide to get a GoPro chest mount instead. Note that you might not want to wear this one without a wetsuit though because otherwise, the straps might be uncomfortable on your bare skin (to say nothing of the ridiculous tan lines you might get).
For a similar point of view angle, you could also get a GoPro headstrap mount, although you’ll want to make sure it doesn’t come off while you’re surfing because it doesn’t float on its own unless you add a floating accessory first.
For a lot of sports, you need your hands. You don’t have time to futz with a camera or hold it. These head straps and helmet mounts make it easy to wear your GoPro action camera and keep your hands free to focus on your sport. These mounts are great for rock climbing, skateboarding, skiing, and other extreme sports.
The official GoPro brand headstrap is one of the most popular GoPro accessories of all time. It is compatible with GoPro Hero, GoPro Hero 3 and GoPro Hero 4 action cameras, and it comes with a quick clip accessory which can be used to clip the GoPro to a variety of other clothing– not just the headstrap.
This head strap is one size fits all and features elastic adjustable straps to fit different head sizes. The GoPro head mount is also extremely lightweight and can easily be folded to fit into a pocket when it’s not being used to capture first-person video.
The ProGear Helmet Mount works with any model of GoPro Hero and is quite affordable (check the link for the current price). It mounts to the front of your biking helmet (or other type of helmet) and can be angled to suit your needs. It’s also extremely light, which is helpful for something you’ll be wearing on top of your normal helmet.
Note that this model of GoPro helmet mount does not include the plastic protective casing to hold the GoPro itself: you will need to supply that yourself.
Now here’s a novel twist on the GoPro-strapped-to-your-head concept: a baseball hat with a discrete GoPro pouch. You probably won’t exactly fool anyone into thinking that you’re not wearing a GoPro in your hat if they look at you closely but to the casual observer the black pouch does blend in quite a bit more than the normal easily recognizable plastic GoPro housing. This hat is relatively well reviewed and also comes in a camouflage version. The Bells & Bain Gosolo hat is a snapback and fits most hats. The spandex pouch is compatible with the GoPro Hero 3 and 4 snaps securely in place with a hole for the lens.
The GoPole Arm for GoPro is an articulating arm meant for helmet (or surfboard, or anything else) application where it’s helpful to have a jointed arm. Once attached to your helmet, this articulating GoPro arm can get a unique “POV” (point of view) shot of your face.
The GoPole Helmet Arm can extend from 8 inches long to 16 inches long and weighs only 3 ounces, making it a light but strong addition to your helmet setup.
The Mcocean 33 in 1 GoPro mount kit is an ultimate accessory kit to mount your GoPro to just about any helmet (and an awful lot of other things too).
In addition to plenty of mounts and a GoPro head strap, this kit also includes a selfie stick, roll bar mount (for handlebars on bikes, etc), a hook mount, and a soft carrying case for all your new gear. It also includes a standard GoPro to tripod mount, a wrist strap, adhesive strips and some anti-fog inserts.
What kind of memory card should you use in your GoPro action camera? For the best results, you’ll need a high capacity micro SDHC or SDXC card with a fast write rate so you can record at high frame rates and long record times without errors. The difference between SDHC and SDXC is capacity (cards larger than 32gb are SDXC; the smaller cards are SDHC but your GoPro can use either). Luckily these memory cards are becoming more and more affordable.
Here are some of the best memory cards for GoPros:
The SanDisk Ultra 64GB microSDXC is a terrific memory card for GoPro action cameras. It has a high capacity (64 gigabytes) and a fast recording speed (Class 10). That’s enough space to record up to about four hours with a GoPro at 1080p quality.
Although GoPro cameras only have a small micro SD card slot, this SDXC memory card also comes with a normal size SD card adapter which you can pop the micro SDXC card into and then insert into your laptop if you have an SD card slot (or an external memory card reader). Note: to save money, this card is also available in a two pack version.
For those looking for bigger storage capacity than 64gb, the SanDisk Ultra 128 micro SDXC card is the bigger brother to the above 64GB card. It has double the capacity and allows for recording time of up to 8 hours on a single card at 1080p quality mode. It’s also a fast Class 10 card, meaning that you shouldn’t run into write delays, and pulling up archived clips on your GoPro for playback if you have an LCD backpack or built in LCD monitor, will be faster than with slower cards. Like the 64GB version, this 128GB card comes with an adapter that will convert your micro SD card to fit in a normal SD card slot reader.
This is a five pack version of the SanDisk 32GB Micro SDHC memory card. 32GB cards can record about two hours on GoPros at a resolution of 1080p before they need to be swapped but with this five pack you’ll have several memory cards to swap out.
These are Class 10 memory cards so they’ll be fast enough even to record at high frame rates like 60fps (which can be slowed down later to achieve a smooth slow-motion effect). This memory card multipack also comes with a micro SD to normal SD card adapter and a USB card memory reader.
There are literally hundreds of GoPro accessories on the market today that help you transform your GoPro into an action camera suitable for just about any situation. From mounts that can attach your camera to a bike or surfboard, to protective housing that shields your GoPro from all sorts of abuse, the array of accessories is dizzying. Here are some of the most popular GoPro accessories and mounts that GoPro enthusiasts are buying and getting an awful lot of use out of:
EEEKit 8-in-1 GoPro Mount Kit (Check reviews & prices) The EEEKit 8 in 1 GoPro Mount Kit is one of the absolute most popular accessory kits. It comes with (you guessed it) eight different mounts for your GoPro. They are: A headstrap to attach your GoPro to your forehead for POV (point of view) shooting, a monopod which can allow you to angle the GoPro back toward yourself from several feet away, a windshield suction mount to securely attach your camera to your car without damaging it, a floating grip mount to make sure it doesn’t sink, a chest mount, and three other generic mounts to use as you see fit (for helmets, etc). This kit currently has almost 750 reviews on Amazon, making it the #1 best seller in their Camera Mounts & Clamps category for GoPros. For even greater variety, check out the Moocean 27 pcs Accessories Kit for GoPro Hereo.
The AlaskaLife GoPro Hero Selfie Stick is possibly the most popular selfie stick for action cameras on the internet. Or if it isn’t the most popular it’s damn close. When it’s collapsed it’s only 15 inches long– barely more than a foot so it’s easy to carry with you, but when it’s extended it can reach up to 3 feet, plenty long enough to get great third-person/selfie video or stills. The mount accommodates GoPros as well as other action cameras and even most cell phones. Reviewers of this selfie stick comment about how rugged it is, and it comes in three different colors as well. It also has a strap connected to the handgrip which can help prevent the selfie stick (and your GoPro) from getting dropped when it’s fully extended.
This GoPro Hero car mount relies on dual suction cups to secure your action camera at virtually any metal or glass surface within your car. This car mount is also articulating so you can adjust the angle of your shot to capture whatever you want to capture. The dual suction cup design provides extra insurance that your GoPro won’t accidentally fall off and is safer than a single suction cup car mount design. One unique feature of this particular GoPro car suction mount is that it also has an attachment for iPhones/Android phones which is handy for when you need to use turn by turn navigation in your car because it attaches easily to your windshield.
The official GoPro brand headstrap is one of the most popular GoPro accessories of all time. It is compatible with GoPro Hero, GoPro Hero 3 and GoPro Hero 4 action cameras, and it comes with a quick clip accessory which can be used to clip the GoPro to a variety of other clothing– not just the headstrap.
This head strap is one size fits all and features elastic adjustable straps to fit different head sizes. The GoPro head mount is also extremely lightweight and can easily be folded to fit into a pocket when it’s not being used to capture first person video.
The Captain Jaws Flexible GoPro mount is essentially what the name says: a flexible arm with a super strong clamp on one end and a GoPro mount on the other.
What makes this particular mount special is that it can clip to just about anything that’s less than two inches thick. Think: poles, handlebars, or even a tree branch. The arm extends about 10 inches long and is jointed seven times for easy articulation. Additionally, since the clamp isn’t screw-based you can easily attach, re-adjust and release it without special tools.
Wasabi Power is a third party brand that makes GoPro accessories such as extra (cheaper price) batteries. We’ve tested Wasabi brand GoPro batteries and they work quite well, holding a charge just about as long as GoPro original brand batteries in our experience. In this kit, they offer two extra batteries for the GoPro Hero 5 Black, GoPro Hero 6 or GoPro Hero 7 models as well as a battery charger that can charge multiple batteries at once. One nice feature of this battery charger is that it has a small LED light for each battery to let you know its charging status. This kit also comes with a USB cable, but it doesn’t have a charging brick that plugs into the wall, so you’ll need to connect it to either a laptop with a USB port or a cell phone charging brick or the GoPro brand GoPro SuperCharger.
GoPro action cameras already come with waterproof housing but here are several other accessories that can be particularly useful when using your GoPro in, around, and under water:
Here’s an incredibly clever concept: a scuba diving mask with a secure GoPro mount built in! This pair of scuba diving goggles is getting great reviews on Amazon. The goggles are made with tempered glass with a special anti-fog film so it won’t fog up while you’re scuba diving or snorkeling. These GoPro goggles are equipped with a standard GoPro camera mount, which works with the GoPro Hero, Session, or other third party waterproof action cameras that are compatible with GoPro standard mounts. One size fits all, comes in black.
The official GoPro floating handgrip is extremely useful when you’re swimming or doing underwater photography with your action camera. As the name suggests, it’s a handgrip that attaches to your GoPro camera, and if you drop it, the camera and grip will float to the surface instead of, you know, falling to the bottom of the ocean or pool. Cleverly, the end of this floating handgrip is bright orange so it’s easy to spot when its floating tail end up (which it naturally does since the camera inside its underwater casing is the heaviest part of the unit when it’s put together). The floating hand grip also has a useful strap as well.
If your original GoPro waterproof housing protective unit is damaged, cracked or lost you can buy a replacement unit from GoPro. (Related Article:What is the Best GoPro Underwater Camera?)
Like the original waterproof housing unit that came with your GoPro, this waterproof housing is rated for use up to 131 feet deep (40 meters underwater). It also includes the swappable standard, skeleton and touch backdoors which you can use to make the GoPro’s touchscreen available while in the casing. It fits both GoPro Hero 3 and GoPro Hero 4 cameras and can stand up to quite a beating.
The GoPole floating extension pole is a selfie stick that floats. Most selfie sticks don’t but this clear plastic selfie stick will float in the ocean, a lake, or a pool, and features a bright green handle trim so it’s easy to spot if it’s floating. It also has a useful wrist strap and comes with a GoPro mount so you don’t need to use an adapter to connect your camera to it.
The maximum length of this waterproof floating selfie stick is 24 inches (two feet), which is long enough to get great selfie shots underwater.
This waterproof GoPro mount accessory kit comes with several items you’ll find useful if you’re taking your action camera kayaking, diving, surfing or swimming. It has two maximum strength waterproof surfboard mounts (that can also be used on kayaks, etc), two camera tethers, two tether straps, an FCS compatible plug for a surfboard, plus a bright yellow floaty sponge for high visibility on the off chance that your GoPro ends up detaching.
GoPros and other action cameras can get expensive fast so if you’re on a budget or you’re using action cameras in somewhat dangerous applications where they might break, finding an affordable camera solution is a must. Luckily there are several cheap action cameras available on the market today. Many are a fraction of the price of the main GoPro models but still have the features most users need. For this article, we’ve reviewed some of the best cheap GoPro alternatives available on the market today. (If you want to see the features available in the name brand, check out the GoPro comparison chart.) Check out our comparison chart and then the reviews in the next section.
Cheap Action Cameras Comparison Chart
Check out our comparison chart for affordable and cheap action cameras. If you want to read our in-depth review of each hoverboard model, scroll down to the next section.
The Akaso has been a top seller this year and is a really fabulous option if you’re looking for a cheap action camera with great features and accessories. The EK7000 is their Ultra HD sports camera, offering 4K videos at 24 fps and a 170 degree wide angle that can capture all of the action. You can instantly share your footage via built in Wi-fi to any smartphone, tablet, or computer.
This camera also comes with 15 mounting accessories to get you started in the most common action situations like biking, skiing, or swimming. The included wireless wrist remote control is great to use with the various mounts to easily control your sports camera to take photos or video remotely.
Colors: Black, Royal Blue, Silver
Video Resolution & Frame Rate: 4K at 24 fps, 2.7K at 30 fps, 12 MP photos at 30 fps
Shooting Modes: Video, Camera, Burst Shot, Time Lapse
Waterproof: 100 feet in casing
Camera Screen: 2″ LCD display
Smartphone App: iSmart DV for iOS and Android
Mount Compatibility: Works with GoPro mounts
Notable Features: 170-degree wide angle lens, wireless wrist remote control, Wi-fi, HDMI compatibility, 2 rechargeable 1050mAh batteries, Micro SD Card memory support up to 64GB
If you want a lot of video options with your action camera, the Vision 3 sports camera from Dragon Touch is a fantastic choice. It’s also one of the most affordable HD action cameras on the market right now. In addition to the highest level 4K video resolution, you can also select 2.7K, or 1080P depending on your video needs. This camera is really well designed for extreme sports on land or sea. With the waterproof camera housing, you can capture fantastic video while surfing, swimming, or snorkeling.
The camera also comes with a great accessory bundle and a hardcover carrying case to keep your equipment protected on the go. The wireless remote control is perfect for getting unbelievable shots at any angle and from any mount. The entire kit is perfect to get shooters of any experience level started recording action video and photos.
Colors: Black
Video Resolution & Frame Rate: 4K at 30 FPS, 2.7K at 30 FPS, 1080P at 60 FPS
Lightdow has been a manufacturer of great, affordable action cameras since the GoPro fad started. Now they have their newest model available the LD-V3, a 4K action camera with all the hottest features. This compact sports camera records in 4K or 1080p, plus has shooting mode for time lapse and slow motion. Using the included case, the camera is waterproof for swimming, surfing, or even winter sports.
Reviewers have said that this budget action camera does not shoot well at night, so if you plan to film in a lot of low light conditions, you need to look for a higher priced action camera. In all regular lighting conditions, the performance is great and on par with other action cameras at this price point.
Video Resolution & Frame Rate: 4K at 30 FPS, 1080p at 60 FPS, Photo 16mp
Shooting Modes: Video, Camera, Loop, Time Lapse, Slow Motion
Waterproof: 100 feet (in case)
Camera Screen: 2″ HD LCD Screen
Smartphone App: XDV app for iOS & Android
Mount Compatibility: Works with GoPro mounts
Notable Features: 1-year warranty, 170 degree wide angle lens, Wi-fi, micro USB port, micro HDMI port, micro SD card memory support up to 64 GB, 2 batteries, accessory kit
The Campark 4K Sports Camera is a great, affordable GoPro alternative. It offers a large 2 inch LCD screen on the back and comes with a kit that includes a wide variety of mounting accessories and a carrying case. The accessories include a helmet mount and bicycle mount, which are great to get you started recording a variety of sports. It also includes a waterproof case for more action at the beach or lake.
Also includes a WiFi function that allows you to use your phone as a remote control up to 10 meters (30 feet) away. You can also view what you’re recording and instantly share the footage or videos via email or social media.
Colors: black, silver, blue
Video Resolution & Frame Rate: 4K at 30 FPS, 2.7K at 30fps, 1080P at 60fps, 1080P at 30fps, 720P at 90fps, 720P at 60fps, 720P at 30fps 16mp photo
Shooting Modes: Video, Photo, Slow Motion, Time Lapse, Loops,
Waterproof: 100 feet (in waterproof case)
Camera Screen: 2″ HD Screen (Resolution 960 x 240 pixels)
Smartphone App: iOS & Android
Mount Compatibility: Works with GoPro mounts
Notable Features: Wi-fi, carrying case, accessory kit, 170 degree wide angle lens, micro SD card memory support up to 64 GB, 2 900mAh batteries
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. The video quality on this camera is fantastic, with a 4k recording resolution at 30 FPS. This camera also offers 120 FPS at 720p, for unbelievable, smooth slow motion video.
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 is a great budget choice. Some people even use it as a dash cam to record accidents and lower insurance rates.
Video Resolution & Frame Rate: 4K at 30FPS 2.7K at 30FPS 1080P at 60FPS 1080P at 30FPS, 720P at 120FPS, 16MP photos
If you’ve still got your heart set on a GoPro, it may not be completely out of your budget. While it’s more than double the price of other cheap action cameras on this list, the GoPro Hero+ is a nice entry level sports camera that comes with limited accessories to save on cost. You will have to sacrifice 4K video with this model, but it does record in 1080p and works well in low light conditions, unlike the cheaper knock offs. This is a great option for teens and new users of action cameras.
GoPro offers a variety of software options, including smartphone apps for easy sharing and remote control. You can also use their computer software to edit your videos. Though it doesn’t come with extra mounts and accessories, there are plenty of brand name and third-party options available at a variety of price points. You can just buy what you need and save money.
Video Resolution & Frame Rate: 1080p at 60FPS, 720p at 60FPS, 8MP photos
Shooting Modes: Video, Photo, Time Lapse, Burst Photos
Waterproof: 131 feet (in case)
Camera Screen: LCD touch screen display
Smartphone App: GroPro App for iOS & Android
Mount Compatibility: Works with GoPro Mounts
Notable Features: Front digital display with battery indicator, Wi-fi & Bluetooth Connectivity, built in battery, micro USB cable, weighs 4.3 oz., camera modes: QuikCapture, VuperViewTM, Auto Low Light; compatible with microSDHC, microSDXC, microSD, SDXC, and SDHC
Factors to consider when choosing a cheap action camera or Alternative to GoPro Camera:
Is this camera compatible with GoPro accessories? Many cheap action cameras that are similar to GoPros use the same form factor as the GoPro, which means that they can use the same accessories as GoPros. Why is this important? Because the GoPro accessory ecosystem is huge. All sorts of manufacturers make GoPro style camera accessories including things like floating selfie sticks, bicycle and surfboard mounts, underwater housing, and all sorts of other knickknacks that work with GoPros and cameras with the same form factor. If you choose a camera that’s different than that, you’ll want to make sure that you will be able to find accessories for it.
Can I get extra batteries for this camera? These days most action cameras use the same micro SD memory cards but the batteries they use are quite different. Most action camera owners agree that no matter what brand action camera they use– GoPro or a GoPro alternative– the battery life on their cameras is quite a bit shorter than they’d like so they buy extra batteries to take along with them on adventures.
Does this action camera have a screen? Some action cameras have screens and some don’t. A few years ago almost all action cameras didn’t have screens so getting a camera with a screen was an expensive upgrade. These days more and more action cameras have small color LCD screens on their rear but you’ll want to make sure that your camera has one if that’s a factor that’s important to you. Action cameras are unlike normal video cameras in that you probably won’t be watching the screen while you’re recording (instead you’ll be wearing it in an action camera helmet mount or something) but a screen can still be helpful when you’re setting up a shot or mounting the camera and you want to make sure your framing is correct. So don’t just assume that the action camera you’ve got your eye on has a screen, check the photos of the unit to make sure you see one and that it’s a size you’re happy with.
How are the reviews of this action camera? Some cheap action cameras these days are crap. Check the customer reviews of any action camera you consider to make sure that real people are using the product and are happy with the results. Don’t just rely on what the manufacturer says in their product description.
How cheap is this camera? It may seem obvious that if you’re looking for a cheap action camera you’re going to be looking at how much it costs. But it’s also worth thinking about what kinds of accessories (extra batteries, GoPro memory cards, etc) you’ll be purchasing for the product and how much they cost. Because ultimately you’re buying into a full system and while some action cameras may come with a kit, you’ll want to make sure you’re getting the best value for the money.
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