GoPro’s dominance has shifted slightly in recent years but when it comes to dedicated action cams with incredible stabilization, it’s hard to beat. That performance comes at a price, however, so what do you get when you buy yourself a budget option?
In this excellent video, Gene Nagata a.k.a. Potato Jet puts the AKASO V50 Pro Native 4K30fps 20MP WiFi Action Camera with EIS Touch Screen to the test, pitting it against the GoPro Hero 8 Black. The AKASO is one-third of the price of the GoPro and the box includes a watch that enables remote control, along with a spare battery and charger — all items that are missing from the basic GoPro Hero 8 option. At just $120, it's something of a bargain.
Nagata runs through a load of comparisons and while video quality and stabilization is definitely not on par with the GoPro, much of the AKASO’s limitations seem to be about usability and durability. As with most camera gear, you will get what you pay for.
Notably, if you opt for the AKASO, you’re investing in technology from a company that has no proven record. There may be a warranty but making the claim might be tricky, and once outside of that first year of use, it’s hard to know how long the camera will hold up. Of course, at that price point, it’s much more replaceable, so it probably balances out.
Have you bought a cheap action cam? Are there any models that stand out above the rest? Leave your thoughts in the comments below.
I have no problem with "cheap" alternative systems, as long as minimum subjective and technical quality is present. I've learned to deploy "cheap" alternatives (including used) when the risk to equipment is fiscally irresponsible. Boats, rocks and kids often don't mix well with photo equipment.
I've had good luck with the Apeman brand on Amazon. I have two. They come with a bunch of accessories and the quality is pretty good.
Definitely looking for a GoPro alternative. Here's a post from January of my experience with GoPro.
"It's sad to see the state of support at GoPro. I haven't experienced anything like this in decades. The issue started when I recorded a ride Monday and I got a 1.5 hour video of my driveway while listening to the engine and rocks hitting my skid plate. Reviewing the 6 segments of the video there is motion for the first 30 seconds and then the video freezes while audio continues to record. Spent 5-6 hours over 2 days with support focused on playback. We proved multiple times that the issue is not playback, but either the camera recording function or the download by GoPro's Quik software. Support (probably their script, I don't fault the front line individuals) could not shift their focus off of playback onto the real issue. A quick search of GoPro's forum before I contacted support showed that others have had a similar issue where video freezes and audio continues on the same model (Hero 7 Black). Asked to escalate and was told that there was no way to directly contact a manager. The best that they could do was to forward it to a team to review the playback smoothness (?). Could not get any acknowledgement that it is a problem with the video file and not the playback (tried 5 different players on 4 devices with the same result). Called headquarters and asked to talk to someone in Mr Woodman's office and was told by the receptionist that they weren't authorized to send calls there. GoPro's support model appears to be delay until you get tired and give up.
#GoPro #GoProBeBetter"