Lightweight, durable, and easy to use, action cameras are ideal for adventure seekers, travelers, and people with active lifestyles. But they can be pricey, especially if you plan on buying action camera accessories as well. If you're looking for cheap GoPro alternatives, we've compiled 2019's best action cameras under $200!
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Best Action Camera Under $200
Have you been searching for the best action camera under $200? How much should you spend for a good quality action camera? Here is the list of cameras we recommend:
YI 4K Action Camera
Rating: 4/5
Pros: quick start up time; compatible with some GoPro accessories; tripod screw on bottom; live stream support; 1400 mAh battery
Cons: no external mic support; underwater accessories sold separately; no voice control or GPS; can't shoot RAW
Boasting 7 layers of glass lenses, the YI 4K records 4K video footage at up to 30 fps at 60 Mbps. It shoots photos up to 12 megapixels. It also has a 2.19" Gorilla Glass retina touchscreen which helps when viewing footage and navigating the camera settings. It supports live streaming from the YI Action App thanks to a recent firmware update. The 155-degree wide angle lens, together with its lens distortion correction feature, make up for the non-adjustable FOV. The YI 4K comes in three colors - Night Black, Pearl White, and Rose Gold.
Keep in mind that the YI 4K only has one button. It's used to turn the action camera on and off, as well as shoot photos and videos. To change the settings and modes, you have to use the LCD touchscreen.
If you're interested in the YI 4K, you may consider stretching your budget just a bit to land the far superior, YI 4K+ action cam...
YI 4K+ Action Camera
The YI 4K+ has a bigger screen than its predecessor and shoots 4K video at 60 fps. Note that the EIS (Electronic Image Stabilization) only works at 30 fps. The camera is easy to control thanks to its voice control support and user friendly navigation menus. The YI 4K+ also shoots in RAW and features a quad core ARM processor.
SJCAM SJ7 Star 4K
Rating: 3.5/5
Pros: kit includes multiple mounts and housing; dash cam mode; two-tone color with aluminum body frame; external mic support
Cons: can't shoot RAW; dated waterproof housing (screw type); short battery life; camera heats up; no image stabilization for 4K video
Although the S7 Star can shoot 4K 30 fps video, its image stabilization only works for 1080p videos. However, its 166-degree FOV (field of view) is slightly wider than the YI. With a 1050 mAh battery, you can expect continued usage for up to 2 hours. Some users mention that the camera heats up during recording and charging.
The SJCAM SJ7 Star comes in three colors - black, silver, and rose gold. The kit contains two different housings (waterproof case included) and an assortment of mounts. The smart remote is sold separately.
Sony HDR AS50/B
Rating: 4/5
Pros: includes waterproof housing; long battery life; 1080p video at 60 fps; 4K time lapse capture; live stream support via Ustream
Cons: no 4K video; heavier compared to other action cameras; small LCD screen; no HDMI or external mic output; wrist remote sold separately
If you don't need 4K video and are keen to go with a trusted brand, this entry-level action camera from Sony is an excellent choice! Although it looks like a traditional camcorder, the Sony HDR AS50 actually has a Zeiss Tessar lens with an adjustable view (wide/narrow). It captures stills at 11.1 megapixels and the battery life is great. SteadyShot technology aids with stabilization. The included underwater housing makes it waterproof up to 60 meters, as wells as shock proof, dust resistant, and sand resistant.
Unlike other action cameras, it doesn't have a touch screen, but it does have a small screen on the side for adjusting the settings. The wrist remote (sold separately) can be used as a viewfinder.
AKASO V50 Pro 4K
Rating: 4.5/5
Pros: HDMI port; includes many accessories; dive mode + red filter; external mic support; includes extra battery
Cons: short battery life; no voice control; mediocre low-light performance; buggy app (iSmart Pro+)
Like the SJCAM and Olfi, the AKASO V50 Pro kit comes with waterproof housing and various mounts and tethers. It also includes an extra battery plus a remote control wristband. It shoots video in Native 4K at 30 fps as well as 20 megapixel photos. It has an adjustable field of view from super wide to narrow and also features lens distortion correction technology. Underwater enthusiasts will love the camera's dive mode and built-in red filter. The only downside is the lack of voice control and the mediocre low-light performance. But if that's not important to you then this is definitely your best option. The AKASO V50 Pro 4K offers a lot of bang for your buck!
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Best Action Cameras Under $100
Olfi One.Five 4K Action Sports Camera
Rating: 4/5
Pros: kit includes carry case, two types of housing, and various mounts; dash cam mode; HDR mode; HDMI output; compatible with some GoPro accessories
Cons: no voice control or GPS; very basic app; short battery life
Designed and manufactured by HEDCAMz, the Olfi One.Five with its vertical profile looks a bit different from your typical action cam. It records 4K video at up to 24 fps and shoots images up to 16 megapixels. Its 166-degree FOV is adjustable. It also has a nice LCD screen in the back for viewing live footage. The battery leaves a lot to be desired - it's only 900 mAh.
As you might expect from a sports camera, the Olfi One.Five's gyro stabilization comes in handy along with the HDR (High Dynamic Range) mode. The kit includes 2 types of housing, various mounts, cables, and a carry case.
But if you REALLY want a GoPro...
GoPro Hero Session
Rating: 4/5
Pros: good audio; two microphones; smallest and lightest GoPro ever; very easy to use; entirely waterproof without any additional housing
Cons: no preview screen; smart remote sold separately; no 4K video; battery isn't removable (1000 mAh)
Undoubtedly, GoPro is the leading brand when it comes to action cameras. But GoPro cams don't come cheap! If you're on a budget but really want a GoPro, then the GoPro Hero Session is your best bet. Unlike the other cameras on this list, the Hero Session is waterproof straight out of the box! No additional housing is required.
The Hero Session shoots video at 1440p at 30 fps, though the 1080p at 60 fps is more useful. Stills are 8 megapixels. Since this is GoPro's entry level action camera, don't expect the premium quality footage you'd get with pricier GoPro models such as the HERO7 Black.
Specs Comparison Table
Yi 4K | Yi 4K+ | SJCAM SJ7 STAR | Sony HDR AS50 | AKASO V50 PRO | OLFI ONE.FIVE | GOPRO HERO SESSION | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Dimensions | 65 x 30 x 42 mm | 65 x 30 x 42 mm | 60 × 41 × 30mm | 24.2 x 47.0 x 83.8 mm | 60 x 41.1 x 31.7 mm | 54 x 40 x 24 mm | 38 x 38 x 36 mm |
Touch Screen LCD | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | No | No |
FOV | 155° | 155° | 160° | Wide/ Narrow | 170° | 166° | Ultrawide/ Medium/ Superview |
Max Video Resolution | 4K 30 fps | 4K 60 fps | 4K 30 fps | 1080p 60 fps | 4K 30 fps | 4K 24 fps | 1440p 30 fps |
Max Photo Resolution | 12 MP | 12 MP | 16 MP | 11 MP | 20 MP | 16 MP | 8 MP |
Image Sensor | Sony IMX377 | Sony IMX377 | SONY IMX117 | 1/2.3 type back-illuminated "Exmor R" CMOS | Panasonic | Sony Exmor-R CMOS | Sony IMX117 |
Battery | 1400 mAh | 1200 mAh | 1050 mAh | 3.6V | 1100 mAh | 900 mAh | 1030 mAh |
App | YI Action app | YI Action app | SJCAM app | Sony Play Memories Mobile/Action Cam App | iSmart Pro+ | Olfi app | GoPro Capture App |
Waterproof | 40m with housing | 40m with housing | 30m with housing | 60m with housing | 30m with housing | 30m with housing | up to 10m |
Weight | 3.6 oz | 3.39 oz | 2.6 oz | 2.93 oz | 2.9 oz | 1.94 oz | 2.6 oz |
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