Do you like shooting and editing videos? How about action videos? Then, chances are, you know what a GoPro is. However, GoPro’s are costly. So, how about a list of the best GoPro alternative cameras?
While GoPro is the most popular action camera, they’ve also got a few competitors on the market. If you want to get into action video recording, then check out the best GoPro alternatives below.
Top Go Pro Alternatives
Your alternative to Go Pro need not be boxed shaped. These days, action cameras come in all shapes and sizes.
For example, if you want to mount the camera on helmets, then, a bullet cam best suits your need.
However, if you’re going for a chest mount, a box design does better in this position. Well, the Go Pro Hero is box-shaped.
And, what about features? There’s WiFi, 4K capabilities, GPS functions, and, of course, different types of screens.
However, all these added features add to the overall price. Do you need these features? Be sure to consider these things when purchasing your Go Pro alternative.
Drift Stealth 2
Among the alternative cameras for GoPro, there is the Drift Stealth 2. And, while the Ghost S is awesome, the Stealth 2 is far more affordable.
This go pro alternative features a 12-megapixel camera with 7-element lens. This camera captures videos up to 1080p and slow-mo videos at 720p.
However, the Drift Stealth 2 is not waterproof. But, there are waterproof cases to buy that protect the device from water damage.
Furthermore, the most popular features include; a 1.3-inch monographic LCD, the Drift app, and time-lapse videos. You may use the Drift app to sync videos between mobile devices and the camera.
Moreover, with a 1500 mAh battery, the Stealth 2 lasts for about 3 hours while recording videos. The Drift Stealth 2 does not come with a memory card, but it supports up to 32 GB. You can buy a MicroSD card here and check out the Drift Stealth 2 here for only $90. Also, check out the review video below.
TomTom Bandit
The TomTom Bandit is a bullet shaped action camera. With the TomTom, GPS is the core feature. A series of sensors, not only record location but, they record speed and G-force too. So, when the sensors pick up a change they automatically tag the footage.
The TomTom Bandit weighs190g. It is splashproof with lens swap. Furthermore, it records 4K video at 15fps. The 1080P recording goes up to 60fps and the 720 up to 120fps.
As for stills, photos come out at a resolution of 16 MP. The maximum battery life, according to the manufacturer is up to 3 hours.
Contour ROAM 3
Next on the list is the Contour Roam 3. A waterproof HD GoPro alternative camera. The water resistance on the Roam 3 holds steady for up to 30 feet of water (without a case).
This action camera features a 270-degree rotating lens with a 5-megapixel camera. It includes interval and single shot photo modes. Also, there is a built-in mic.
About the video capabilities, the Contour Roam 3 shoots HD video at 1080p with frames rates up to 30. And, for 720p videos, the frame rate caps at 60.
Features missing are LCD and WiFi/Bluetooth connectivity. Although, you can view your videos on any of the top video players for Windows.
Olympus TG-Tracker
Have you seen the movie Transformers? Then, the Olympus TG-Tracker looks like a piece of gadget right from the film. Coming in at 180g and with waterproof capabilities of up to 30m, the TG-Tracker is easy to use and features several sensors.
And, like most sports cameras, it offers up to 3 hours battery life. Notable features include the ultra wide 204-degree lens with a 1/2.3-inch CMOS sensor. Furthermore, it records 4k videos at 30fps, 1080p at 60fps and an impressive 240fps at 720p for slow motion capture.
About the several sensors, these include a GPS, compass, acceleration sensors plus a barometer and thermometer. All this information displays when you edit or playback your footage.
Moreover, not only is the Olympus TG-Tracker waterproof, but it also features built-in stabilization and can endure temperatures down to -10C.
Xiaoyi Yi Action Camera
The Xiaoyi Yi Action Camera is among the top contenders for most affordable GoPro alternatives. However, don’t let the price tag deter you from purchasing this camera.
The Yi (League of Legends Fans, where you at?) has a 155-degree wide-angle lens with a 16-megapixel sensor. Moreover, it supports 1080p video recording up to 120 fps.
The most important modes are a time-lapse mode, timed photo, timed video mode. However, like the Contour Roam 3, there is no display or waterproof casing. Although, you can purchase a waterproof case.
Olfi one.five
The Olfi one
The one.five also has a rear live view LCD screen. Moreover, you can switch to 1080p at 60/50fps or 720 at 120fps for silky smooth slow motion. There’s also an option to shoot at 1080p at 30/25fps to keep things simple and save on your storage.
SJCAM SJ5000
The SJCAM SJ5000 is a feature-rich action camera. This sports camera sports a 2″-HD display panel. Moreover, the 14 MP CMOS camera with 170-degree wide-angle lens, 4X zoom and video capture at 1080p is good enough for good videos.
There is support for HDMI HD & USB-AV output as well as WiFi. And, with the Android/iOS app, you can remotely control the camera.
Perhaps the best selling point is the extensive accessory kit that comes with the SJ5000. On purchasing this action camera, you get the waterproof housing, bicycle stand, tripod adapter, helmet base and a host of other accessories. See the video below.
Garmin Virb XE
The Garmin Virb XE weighs 152g and is waterproof up to50m. However, there’s no 4K video. The Virb XE only offers 1080p up to 60fps and 720p up to 120fps.
Furthermore, the battery life caps at just 2 hours. This one is a box-shaped action camera that features WiFi, motion sensors, and GPS tracking.
HTC Re
If you’re looking for a more portable alternative to the Go Pro, then the HTC Re is just that. Portable and super affordable. However, the device is not box-shaped or bullet-shaped.
It features a periscope-like design. But, don’t let the design turn you off. The Re has a 16 MP Sony CMOS camera sensor with a 146-degree ultra-wide angle lens. This action camera records videos in 1080p up to 30 fps tucked away inside.
There is also WiFi and BlueTooth connectivity. The HTC Re comes with an 8 GB card however it supports up to 128 GB.
iSAW Edge
The iSAW Edge has high-end features but at a low cost. This action camera features an LCD screen and 4K
But, for other formats, it caps at 120fps slow motion at 720p and up to 60fps at 1080p. Unfortunately, the battery life maxes out at a mere 2 hours.
Out of the box, the iSAW Edge’s waterproof housing withstands up to 40m of water. And, due to its GoPro Hero like
Mobius
The Mobius action camera is tiny and lightweight. And, given the size, one expects that it lacks features such as LCD.
Furthermore, it also lacks WiFi/Bluetooth, and the Mobius is not waterproof.
Fortunately, it does support microSD cards though it does not ship with one. And, as for video capabilities, it records 1080p videos at 30 fps and 720p videos at 60 fps along with audios at 512 Kbps.
The battery life offers up to 80 minutes of video recording. The lowest battery life on the list so far. However, the Mobius does allow video recording while connected to external charging devices like power banks.
I suppose it makes up for all this with a package that includes velcro, car windshield mount, bike handlebar mount, helmet mount and other accessories like an attachment sleeve, mini tripod, USB cable and a car adapter.
Conclusion
Don’t get me wrong. GoPro Cameras are excellent in their own right. However, they are expensive. By using an alternative, you reduce cost while not sacrificing quality.
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