The action camera world has long been headed by GoPro — and for good reason. They pioneered the action camera genre with durable build quality, class-leading image stabilization, a ton of video options, and of course, excellent video quality.
While their quality can’t be denied, not everyone has the money to go out and get GoPro’s flagship (or even older) action cameras. Or maybe you just want an action camera for personal use like to attach to your motorcycle, capturing quick memories, or for video calls and/or teaching.
These use cases don’t necessarily need all the bells and whistles (and the high prices) that GoPro cameras provide.
That’s why we’ve gone ahead and compiled a quick rundown of 5 Cheap Alternatives to a GoPro in 2023.
Let’s get into it!
Table of Contents
5 Cheap Alternatives to a GoPro in 2023
SJCAM SJ4000 Air
First on our list is the SJCAM SJ4000 Air. With the SJ4000 you can capture 1080p video at 60/30fps and 4k 30fps. You get a timelapse mode and a waterproof case that allows the Air to be water-resistant for around 30 meters. The Air can also capture 16MP still photos (aside from video).
There’s a 2-inch LCD screen at the back and SJCAM’s companion app, SJCAM ZONE.
A downside here is that the Air has a Micro USB for its port and also lacks built-in image or video stabilization. However, you do get a decent entry-level action camera for the price that you’re paying.
Price: Around Php 2,099-2,717
SJCAM C200
For more money, you can purchase the SJCAM C200. The C200 has a Sony IMX335 image sensor that’s capable of 4K 24fps, 1080p 60/30fps, 2k 30fps, and 720p 120/60/30fps.
We get a design that looks like a compact feature phone that also has a 1.28-inch IPS screen at the back and a body that’s IPX8 rated for water resistance (5 meters). We get a Type-C port this time, Electronic Image Stabilization 2.0 (EIS), and a nice serving of included add-ons (helmet base, wipe cloth, waterproof housing).
Price: Around Php 4,439-5,159
AKASO V50X
Now we’re moving onto an offering from AKASO — a brand that’s made a name for itself in providing action cameras in the budget to mid-range segment. First from them on this list is the AKASO V50X.
With the V50X you get 4K/30fps, 2.7k/30fps, and 2K/30fps. It has a 2-inch IPS touchscreen at the back and built-in image stabilization. You also get a 170-degree wide-angle lens, 4x Zoom, and a slow motion mode as well.
Surprisingly, as with the other cameras here, you get a number of included accessories. You get a waterproof case, a spare battery, a remote, a charging dock for your batteries, and a few mounts.
Price: Around Php 4,899
Akaso Brave 4 Pro
Next, we have AKASO’s Brave 4 Pro. The most noticeable differences here compared to the V50X are the included front display for video and image previews, waterproofing that’s good for 131 ft, and EIS 2.0 (as opposed to EIS 1.0 on the V50X).
With the Brave 4 Pro you get 4k/30fps, 1080p/120fps, 5x Zoom, a 20MP still camera (shooting in JPEG), and a rear touchscreen as well.
There is support for an external microphone but it must be a mic from AKASO. The camera also features, unfortunately, a Micro-USB port.
Price: Around Php 4,099 – Php 5,199
AKASO Brave 7 LE
Last we have the AKASO Brave 7 LE. This one’s a bit more expensive but with the added price you get dual color screens, 6-Axis EIS 2.0 that promises much more stable video in different scenarios, and a body that’s IPX7 water resistant (3 feet for 30 minutes).
You get 4K/30fps video recording, slow motion and time-lapse modes, and the ability to take 20MP still photos. The included waterproof casing also gives 131 feet of waterproofing.
If you buy from their official site, 47 you can actually choose between two kits: one that’s catered for bikers and cyclists and another for those who ride motorcycles. Each kit will have a different set of accessories — which is pretty cool given that bike or motorcycle riders serve as a big target audience for action cameras in general.
Price: Around Php 6,899-7,000
- AKASO official site 138 (Motorcycle/Bike Kit options)
- Shopee 94
- Lazada 57
That ends our list of the top five cheap alternatives to GoPros in 2023! What do you think of our list? Did we miss any action camera that deserves to be part of our recommendations?
Let us know in the comments down below!
