The Best GoPro Alternatives: Which Action Cam Should I Buy?

2023 Author: Sheila Hailey | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-11-26 15:18

Watch DJI Osmo Action on Amazon

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The first from the well-known drone manufacturer DJI surprised the scene and not least the Primus GoPro. Valuable metal housing meets a sharp 4K resolution, combined with an innovative voice control. The action cam can even submerge up to 11 meters - without any additional underwater housing. The special feature: the second display on the front for live control. The DJI Osmo Action, on the other hand, could still add more - reports speak of a runtime of just over 80 minutes, slightly shorter than the prototype of GoPro (Hero7). Only the manufacturer knows why the camera does not support GPS - gives a small point deduction. Price: Around 360 euros.

• Advantages: good workmanship, video quality and image stabilization, simple operation, waterproof, second display
• Disadvantage: no GPS module

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The price tip among the action cams: GoXtreme Black Hawk + 4K

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Real 4K video at 60 frames per second is also cheaper. Equipment and video quality of the camera with not particularly well-known names are really good - even an underwater housing (suitable up to a depth of 60 meters) and other accessories (bike and helmet holder, tripod adapter etc.) are in the box. The inexpensive entry then becomes noticeable with the display - you have to do without a touchscreen. The battery lasts in about 90 minutes. Price: around 155 euros.

• Advantages: Very good equipment, underwater housing, good video quality
• Disadvantage: no touchscreen installed

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The brand hit with FullHD resolution: Sony HDR-AS50

Watch Sony HDR-AS50 at Amazon

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Does it always have to be a 4K resolution? If you are satisfied with FullHD, you can get brand quality from Sony for relatively little money. You notice this in the compact, very well-made housing. Sony also gives the camera an underwater housing (up to 60 meters diving depth). The image quality is decent for a FullHD model - tests alone attest to missing details in dark areas of the image. The tone is a bit low. Price: Around 153 euros.

• Advantages: processing, underwater housing, video quality
• Disadvantage: only FullHD

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Buying action cams: important questions and answers

If you want to buy an action cam, you should first think about it and ask questions.

What are the camera shots for? If they only serve the analysis and should not be used in neat films, cheaper models are also sufficient - 4K and Co. can then be dispensed with.

What about the refresh rate, what do I have to consider? The image repetition rate is given with "fps" (frames per second), which means how many images are taken per second. Don't forget: The human eye only perceives flowing movements from 24 frames per second. The rule is: the faster, the better. Because you also have enough reserves for post-processing - slow motion. From 60 frames per second it becomes usable, among which one acts with action cams in the limit area.

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How much space is required for the videos? A lot, at least if you shoot in 4K. A 10-minute clip needs 4.5 GB. On the other hand, if you only film in FullHD and reduce the refresh rate, you save space. One should also not forget that the higher the quality, the higher the power consumption. So: Before recording, consider whether you always really need the highest quality level at the moment.

Are accessories always included? Curiously, the cheap manufacturers usually give the most extensive accessories at the same time. Brand providers, on the other hand, sometimes charge a surcharge for corresponding brackets and more. Before buying, you should think about which accessories you need and include any surcharges in the price calculation.