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The GoPro action camera is marketed as one of the most versatile and economically efficient cameras on the market today. And it lives up to its promise. For that reason, many adventurers, as well as bloggers, like it.
One of its characteristics that make people love it is its size. A GoPro is much smaller and lighter than a DSLR or even a point-and-shoot camera. The latest three generations of GoPro HERO are small enough to fit into any pocket or travel bag, measuring 1.8 x 2.4 x 1.3 inches and weighing just over 4 ounces.
Their accessories are also tiny, allowing you to pack more into a little space. You’ll be more likely to want to bring the GoPro with you and use it because portability isn’t an issue. Despite its size, of course, it also delivers great results. In fact, there are GoPros that can record videos in 4K.
Also, just because it has a small camera, doesn’t mean it’s fragile. Every GoPro comes with a casing made of tough plastic that provides a secure grip and can resist a lot of abuse. People have dropped their GoPro from various heights or from speeding cars, run over it with a bike, and even set off an explosion next to it in films. Every time, the GoPro came out victorious.
Have we mentioned it’s also waterproof? To record scuba diving and other aquatic activities before the HERO 4, you had to use a waterproof housing.
Since then, every GoPro model has been completely waterproof. You won’t have to worry about shutting the housing incorrectly, and you’ll have more room for other GoPro accessories.
The latest GoPro versions are waterproof to a depth of 33 feet. You can buy two types of waterproof housing to extend the depth greatly. but this comes at an expensive price tag. If you’re looking for more affordable alternatives with better features, here are some of the best GoPro alternatives on the market today.
Released in 2016, the Garmin 010-01529-04 Garmin VIRB Ultra 30 Europe/WW has nearly everything, from voice control to 4K video recording to YouTube live streaming, not to mention improved manual photo/video controls, a color touchscreen display that works even when the camera is in its hard-shell waterproof casing, and new travel time-lapse features. Plus, of course, it has all of the previous features like GPS, ANT+, and Bluetooth sensor support, among others.
The more you explore the camera, the more features you’ll find. This item is quite competitive with GoPro cameras. It has almost everything the GoPro has to offer. What makes it stand out even more is its ANT+ and Bluetooth sensor connectivity, which not all GoPro alternatives have. On top of that, it has a robust waterproof chassis, so you can bet that no matter where you go, you can rely on this device to capture every second of all of your adventures. However, the Garmin VIRB Ultra 30 Europe/WW requires a waterproof case to keep up with your water-related adventures. Unfortunately, it doesn’t come with one, so you’ll need to make an additional purchase. Also. it has no image stabilization in 4K mode, so it’s not the best for those who have shaky hands.
Robust waterproof chassis4K and high-speed shooting optionsANT+ and Bluetooth sensor connectivity
No image stabilisation in 4KNot waterproof without a case
Many action cameras don’t come with a waterproof case, but the Sony FDRX3000R/W 4K HD Recording, Action Cam, Live View Underwater Camcorder is different But, that’s not the only thing that makes it worth considering as a substitute for the famous GoPro. When it comes to its lens, you’ll love that it has a useful 3x digital zoom for great close-up shots.
For videos, The FDR-X3000 can record UltraHD resolution 4K (3840 x 2160) at 30 p or 24 p with bit rates of 100 Mb/s or 60 Mb/s using the XAVC S codec. In addition to 4K, it can record Full HD 1080p at 50 Mb/s in XAVC S and up to 28 Mb/s in MP4 mode. Furthermore, The FDR-X3000 is capable of recording high-frame-rate videos and is ideal for the dramatic portrayal of action scenes in 1080p and 720p HD. Full HD 1080p video may be captured at up to 120 frames per second, with a smooth 30 frames per second playback. Reduce the resolution to 720p for 240 fps recordings and 1/4-speed 60 fps playback, or 1/8-speed 30 fps playback. But, its 3x zoom is also its weak point. Unfortunately, as you zoom in, the camera lacks autofocus. It also has a short battery life, and dropouts of live view remote are common.
Waterproof housing includedUseful 3x digital zoom for close-up shotsB.O.SS image stabilization tech impresses
3x zoom lacks autofocusLive View Remote drop-outs commonShort battery life
The Garmin Virb 360 is one of the most expensive 360 cameras on the market. Yet, it’s well-made and water-resistant, which makes it qualified on the list of the best GoPro alternative. It’s well-made, with a strong waterproof construction and GPS incorporated in. It also produces clear and lifelike footage when you choose the top-end 5.7K video option. However, software support for stitching video together and the battery life might be improved.
When it comes to shooting footage with the Virb, you have a few options. The camera is set up to stitch footage in real-time by default, but your resolution is limited to 4K at 30 frames per second. You can also record in 1080p with a limited 16:9 frame at 60 or 120 frames per second with either lens. As a result, the Virb can be used as a typical action camera in the same way that the Samsung Gear 360 can. True enough, it is a powerful camera, but it comes with an expensive price tag. If you’re on a budget, this might not be the camera for you.
Shoots 360 video at up to 5.7KPre-stitched 4K 360 videoVIRB Edit enables stabilisation and G-Metrix overlays
Relatively priceyStitching 5.7K shots not straightforward
AKASO is a brand that makes action cameras way more affordable than GoPros for those who are on a budget, but just because they’re cheap, doesn’t mean you can’t have a high-quality camera. The AKASO Brave 7 is an action camera with twin color screens, an IPX8 waterproof rating (no cover required! ), image stabilization, and a viewing angle of up to 170 degrees. It includes mounting options, batteries and charger, and a remote control.
In terms of design, the Brave 7 has a fairly typical action camera appearance. It’s a squat device with a matte black finish. The huge touch screen dominates the back, while the front sports a smaller screen and a round protruding lens. On the top, there’s a button, two on the left, a sliding door for the battery on the bottom, and another for the SD card on the right. Overall, it’s a pretty useful design that hasn’t altered all that much since the GoPro turned digital in 2006, but don’t expect much on the sound quality of the videos. Also, the SD card is not included when you purchase it. Lastly, note that you can only enjoy limited quality above 30 fps.
Clean 4K recording.Dual screens.Very affordable.
Sound quality is not the best.No SD card included.Limited quality above 30 fps
Another great action camera that can replace the GoPro is the YI 4K Action and Sports Camera. The YI 4K Action Camera is a fantastic value-for-money camera that packs a lot of features and performance into a small design. For its size, it has a good battery life. A touchscreen provides you complete control over the camera, or you can connect it to your phone via high-speed Wi-Fi and operate it via an app.
The app takes care of shooting, editing, and sharing. Firmware updates from YI continue to offer new functionality. For a $250 camera, this is already a pretty decent deal. However, that price doesn’t include extra accessories or waterproof housing, so you might spend more than that if you want to take this cam on an underwater adventure. In terms of features, it’s a pared-down version of a GoPro, but it’s still worth considering.
Solid 4k video recording.Large responsive touchscreen.Great battery life.
No extra accessories or waterproof housing.Reliance upon touchscreen hampers usability.Somewhat stripped-down version of a GoPro feature-wise.
The SJCAM SJ7 STAR 4K 12MP 2″ Touch Screen Metal Body Gyro Waterproof Sports Action Camera is yet another great sub for the expensive GoPro. What makes it worth considering is that it offers excellent 4K video recording, so you can expect crisp videos to immortalize every second of your trip. Another great feature of this camera is its stabilization. Unlike other GoPro alternatives, the SJCAM comes with good image stabilization, so no more blurred photos!
Of course, its price is also worth mentioning as a huge advantage. At $189.99, you can already get a good waterproof action cam. However, its aluminum body tends to get hot when used for hours. Also, it has no tripod mount threading, and like other touchscreen-reliant cameras, the SJCAM SJ7 STAR 4K 12MP 2″ Touch Screen Metal Body Gyro Waterproof Sports Action Camera’s screen might also frustrate you.
Excellent 4k video recording.Decent image stabilization.Good price.
Aluminum body gets very hot.No tripod mount threading.Suffers from the usual frustrations of touchscreen-reliant cameras.
This ground-breaking action camera features built-in motion sensors, GPS, manual tagging, and simple operation. Shake-to-edit eliminates the hassle of editing and allows you to submit your videos quickly and easily. While TomTom is best recognized for its mapping and navigation services, the TomTom Bandit is a great entry into the action camera market. This compact camera includes GPS, motion and heart rate sensors, 4K video, and slow-motion capture, as well as a ground-breaking mobile app.
It only takes a few minutes with this camera to realize that the GoPro Hero range now has a strong competitor. Apart from the awesome videos and photos that it can deliver, what you’ll also love about this device is that it doesn’t require a cable when you charge and transfer videos and photos. For a price of $149.95, this is quite impressive. However, it is heavier than its competitors. Its mounting plate doesn’t securely lock either, so it’s a bit hard to bring it anywhere you want. Also, you will need a separate lens cover for waterproofing. But, overall, this is a decent sub for a GoPro.
Quite good and arguably better than competitorsCharging and video/photo transfers can be done without a cableGreat battery life.
HeavyMounting plate doesn't securely lockNeeds separate lens cover for waterproofing
Olympus is no stranger to tough point-and-shoots with its Tough series, but the 4K-capable Tough TG-Tracker is the company’s first real action camera. With a design that resembles a compact camcorder, complete with a flip-out screen, it’s clear that Olympus has taken a different strategy than GoPro, Sony, Garmin, and other action cam companies. The camera’s internal features contain a hearty dose of competing tech, including a GPS, compass, accelerometer, thermometer, and barometer, in addition to basic video capabilities. However, due to its features, its menu and mobile app can get a bit complicated. Also, it’s a little bigger than a GoPro, so its lens may be too wide, and changing FOV may require some more work.
Special environmental sensors.Fully waterproof without case.Excellent performance.
Complicated menus and mobile app.The lens may be too wide and changing FOV is tedious.Still not as small as a GoPro.
When it comes to cameras, of course, Sony will always be on the list. If you’re looking for a GoPro alternative from Sony, its 1.0-type Sensor Ultra-Compact Camera might be the one for you. First off, it has excellent image quality. It’s no surprise, though, as Sony is one of the big names out there when it comes to cameras.
But, that’s not all. What makes this camera worth considering is that it’s also waterproof, so there’s no need to pay extra fees for waterproof accessories. And if you’re a frequent traveler, we’re sure that this will be one of your greatest companions due to its size. Unfortunately, though, it comes with quite an expensive price tag. And if you’re looking for a wide FOV and a device that comes with an internal 4K video recording, this isn’t it.
Excellent image quality – some of the best on this list.Fully waterproof.Still tiny.
Expensive.No internal 4k video recording.Narrower FOV.
The Polaroid Cube Act II HD 1080P seems a little sketchy due to its size. Apparently, it’s so tiny that it only measures only 35 mm high and has a cubic measurement of 1 inch. But, don’t be fooled by its size. This camera can still perform well – be it capturing photos or recording videos. As its name suggests, it can record decent videos up to 1080P. Of course, with its size, it’s extremely easy to travel with it. However, that’s also one of its weak points. Unfortunately, its size affects its battery. It has a short non-interchangeable battery. This, of course, also limits its features. It’s not as jam-packed as the GoPro, but it’s still a decent camera.
Super small and portable.Cheap.Respectable video.
Short, non-interchangeable battery.More novelty than utility.Limited features.
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