Skip to content

3 Best Gopros and Action Cameras in 2024

You might be surprised to learn that most action cameras on the market can’t keep up with the demands of extreme sports and outdoor activities. But fear not, because there are a select few that can deliver stunning results. Among them, the AKASO EK7000, Dragon Touch, and AKASO Brave 4 stand out for their impressive features and performance. But what sets them apart, and which one is right for you? Let’s take a closer look at what makes these top-rated action cameras tick, and explore the key factors to weigh when choosing the perfect one for your next adventure.

AKASO EK7000 4K30FPS Action Camera

AKASO EK7000 4K30FPS Action Camera  Get it now on Amazon.com

If you’re looking for an action camera that can capture stunning 4K Ultra HD footage at 30 frames per second and take 20MP photos, the AKASO EK7000 4K30FPS Action Camera is an excellent choice.

This waterproof camera can dive down to 131 feet and features a durable waterproof case.

With its 170-degree wide-angle lens and 4X zoom, you’ll be able to capture breathtaking scenes.

Plus, it comes with a wireless wrist remote control, making it easy to operate.

You’ll get two rechargeable 1050mAh batteries, each recording up to 90 minutes, so you can keep shooting all day.

With built-in Wi-Fi and HDMI, sharing and editing your footage is a breeze.

Best For: Adventure seekers, sports enthusiasts, and underwater photographers looking for a high-quality and affordable action camera.

Pros:

  • Captures stunning 4K Ultra HD footage at 30 frames per second and takes 20MP photos
  • Waterproof up to 131 feet with a durable waterproof case and features a wireless wrist remote control
  • Long battery life with two rechargeable 1050mAh batteries, each recording up to 90 minutes

Cons:

  • Battery life is slightly less than GoPro Hero4
  • Android application for WiFi functionality is not very good and battery tray detaches from the camera and can be lost easily
  • No indication on the front of the camera when recording, and stopping footage can be temperamental

Dragon Touch 4K Underwater HD Action Camera

Dragon Touch 4K Underwater HD Action Camera  Get it now on Amazon.com

Capturing stunning underwater moments is made possible with the Dragon Touch 4K Underwater HD Action Camera, which boasts an impressive 100FT waterproof capability, making it an ideal choice for divers, snorkelers, and water sports enthusiasts.

You’ll be able to capture 4K videos at 30FPS and 1080P videos at 60FPS, as well as 20MP photos, thanks to its advanced features.

The camera also comes with a 2-inch IPS touch screen, adjustable view angle, and wireless remote control, making it easy to use and navigate.

With its decent 4X zoom and smooth video recording, you’ll be able to capture awesome moments with ease.

Plus, the camera’s WiFi connectivity and logically laid-out menu make it a breeze to use.

Best For: Divers, snorkelers, and water sports enthusiasts who want to capture stunning underwater moments.

Pros:

  • 100FT waterproof capability and 4K/30FPS video resolution make it ideal for capturing underwater moments
  • Smooth video recording and decent 4X zoom allow for high-quality footage
  • Logically laid-out menu and WiFi connectivity make it easy to use and navigate

Cons:

  • Some users have reported issues with Android OS compatibility and WiFi connectivity
  • Image isolation has been mentioned as a problem by some users
  • Limited battery life, with each battery only recording up to 90 minutes

AKASO Brave 4 4K30fps WiFi Action Camera

AKASO Brave 4 4K30fps WiFi Action Camera  Get it now on Amazon.com

The AKASO Brave 4 4K30fps WiFi Action Camera is an excellent choice for adventure-seekers and content creators who need a reliable and high-quality camera to document their experiences.

It offers impressive 4K30fps video recording capabilities and 20MP photo capturing.

You’ll appreciate its adjustable view angle, which allows you to switch between 170°, 140°, 110°, and 70°, giving you more flexibility when capturing your moments.

Plus, the built-in smart gyroscope provides anti-shaking and image stabilization, resulting in smoother footage.

With a Wi-Fi signal range of up to 10 meters and an HDMI port for TV connectivity, you can easily share your creations with others.

Best For: Adventure-seekers and content creators who need a reliable and high-quality camera to document their experiences.

Pros:

  • The camera’s 4K30fps video recording capabilities and 20MP photo capturing provide high-quality results.
  • The adjustable view angle and built-in smart gyroscope ensure flexibility and smooth footage.
  • The camera’s Wi-Fi signal range and HDMI port make it easy to share creations with others.

Cons:

  • Some users have noted that objects may appear slightly farther away in footage.
  • The screen shuts off to save battery, which may be inconvenient for some users.
  • No additional cons mentioned in the customer reviews.

Factors to Consider When Choosing GoPros and Action Cameras

When you’re in the market for a GoPro or action camera, you’ll want to deliberate several key factors to guarantee you get the right one for your needs.

You’ll need to think about the image quality you require, as well as the resolution and frame rate that will give you the best results.

From there, you can start weighing the importance of features like waterproofing, battery life, and additional modes.

Image Quality Matters

When it comes to photography, a higher megapixel count, such as 20MP, is essential for capturing detailed and crisp photos, especially in good lighting conditions.

For video recording, a wide-angle lens with adjustable view angles (like 70°, 110°, 140°, and 170°) provides more flexibility when framing shots and capturing a broader field of view.

Additionally, image stabilization, achieved through features like smart gyroscopes, helps to reduce camera shake and blur, resulting in clearer and more stable footage.

Lastly, rich colors and sharpness in video quality are key factors to bear in mind when choosing an action camera.

These elements can have a profound impact on the overall visual appeal of the footage.

Look for cameras that can deliver vibrant colors and clear details, and you’ll be well on your way to capturing stunning footage that will leave you and your audience in awe.

Resolution and Frame Rate

Now that you’ve got a handle on what makes for exceptional image quality, it’s time to think about the resolution and frame rate that’ll bring your footage to life.

When it comes to resolution, a higher setting like 4K will give you more detailed and crisp video quality compared to lower resolutions like 1080p or 720p.

As for frame rate, a higher setting like 30fps or 60fps will provide a smoother video playback, which is particularly useful for capturing fast-paced activities or sports.

When choosing a resolution and frame rate, consider the type of activity or scene being captured, as well as the desired level of video quality and the storage space available.

Some action cameras offer adjustable resolution and frame rate settings, allowing you to balance video quality with storage space and battery life.

Just make sure the chosen resolution and frame rate are compatible with your editing software and devices for viewing and sharing the footage.

Waterproofing and Durability

Durability is key to capturing unforgettable moments, and a waterproof action camera that can withstand harsh environments is essential for taking your footage to new depths.

When choosing an action camera, consider the depth rating of the waterproof case, as it can vary from 100FT to 131FT, to safeguard it can withstand the water pressure at the desired depth. A durable waterproof case is essential to protect the camera from water damage, and some cameras come with a more durable case than others.

You should also consider the camera’s construction material and build quality, as they play a vital role in its overall durability and ability to withstand rough handling and extreme conditions.

Look for cameras with a waterproof rating that matches your intended use, such as snorkeling, surfing, or deep-sea diving, to guarantee the camera can handle the water pressure and conditions. Additionally, think about the camera’s ability to withstand other environmental factors, such as extreme temperatures, dust, and shock, to confirm it can perform well in various conditions.

Battery Life and Charging

When venturing out on extended adventures, having a reliable action camera that can keep up with your activities is essential, and its battery life plays a significant role in capturing those unforgettable moments.

You don’t want your camera to run out of juice in the middle of an epic shot or when you’re in the midst of an adrenaline-pumping activity.

Look for an action camera that can last at least a day on a single charge, considering your typical usage and settings.

Some cameras can last up to several hours, while others may need recharging every few hours.

Check the manufacturer’s specifications and read reviews to get a better understanding of the camera’s battery life.

You should also consider the type of battery, whether it’s removable or built-in, and if it’s compatible with external power banks or charging cases.

Additionally, think about the charging options – do you prefer USB-C, micro-USB, or wireless charging?

A camera with flexible charging options will make your life easier when you’re on the go.

Additional Features and Modes

Beyond battery life, the features and modes offered by an action camera can substantially enhance your filming experience and the quality of your footage.

You’ll want to weigh the importance of adjustable view angles, which range from 70° to 170°, allowing you to customize your field of view and capture different scenes and perspectives.

Zoom features, such as 4x zoom, also enable you to get closer to your subjects without having to physically move the camera, adding versatility to your shots.

Additionally, look for cameras with wireless remote control capabilities, which facilitate hands-free operation and allow you to capture footage while engaged in activities or in hard-to-reach locations.

Support for external microphones is also a plus, as it enables you to improve audio quality and reduce wind noise.

Various modes, such as driving mode, loop recording, image rotation, time-lapse, burst photo, and slow motion, offer you creative flexibility and enable you to capture unique and engaging content.

Portability and Mounting Options

Your action camera’s portability and mounting options can make all the difference in capturing stunning footage, as they allow you to take your camera with you wherever you go and attach it to virtually any surface.

Compact and lightweight, action cameras typically weigh between 1-6 ounces, making them easy to carry and attach to helmets, bikes, or other objects without adding significant bulk.

You’ll have a range of mounting options to choose from, including adhesive mounts, suction cup mounts, and clip-on mounts, ensuring you can securely attach your camera to the perfect spot.

When selecting an action camera, consider the types of activities you’ll be using it for and choose a mounting option that provides the necessary stability and adjustability.

Some action cameras even come with built-in screens, allowing you to preview and adjust your shots without needing to connect to a separate device.

By considering portability and mounting options, you’ll be able to capture footage from unique perspectives and angles, taking your action camera experience to the next level.

With the right combination, you’ll be ready to capture life’s most thrilling moments.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use an Action Camera as a Regular Camera?

You’re wondering if an action camera can replace your regular camera. While it’s possible, you’ll face limitations like narrower field of view, lower image quality, and fewer manual controls, making it less ideal for everyday photography.

Are Action Cameras Compatible With All Types of Mounts?

You’re trying to find the perfect fit, like a puzzle piece, and wondering if action cameras are compatible with all types of mounts. Fortunately, most cameras come with standard mounting systems, making them adaptable to a wide range of mounts and accessories.

Can I Edit Videos Taken With an Action Camera on My Phone?

You can edit videos taken with an action camera on your phone using mobile apps like iMovie, Adobe Premiere Rush, or DaVinci Resolve, as long as your phone has enough storage and processing power.

Are Action Cameras Suitable for Indoor Use With Low Light?

You’re wondering if action cameras can handle indoor low-light situations. The answer is, they can, but you’ll need to adjust settings and consider models with features like stabilization, wide apertures, and enhanced low-light modes.

Do Action Cameras Have a Built-In Microphone for Audio Recording?

You’re wondering if your action camera can capture decent audio. Yes, most models have a built-in microphone, but you’ll likely get better sound quality with an external mic, especially in noisy environments.

Conclusion

You’ve got the best of the best in your sights, and now it’s time to make your move.

Choosing the right GoPro or action camera is like finding the perfect puzzle piece – it takes precision and patience.

With the AKASO EK7000, Dragon Touch, and AKASO Brave 4 on your radar, you’re guaranteed to capture life’s most thrilling moments with crystal-clear clarity.

So, take the leap and get ready to relive the rush!