

Campark ACT74 4K Action Sports Camera

Garmin VIRB Ultra 30 Action Camera

Crosstour Action 1080p Sports Camera

Action style cameras can come in really handy when you are hurting down that first black run on your snowboard or scuba diving and get up close and personal with your first ever shark! You don’t want to be missing those moments in life now do you? Nobody will ever believe unless you have the photographic and video recorded evidence! GoPro’s can be expensive though and maybe you haven’t got the budget but you still want the features and functionality. Step forwards our review of the best GoPro alternatives that will help you capture and share all those thrill-seeking moments forever!
The Best GoPro Alternative
1YI 4K Discovery Action Sports Cam (GoPro Alternative)
YI 4K Discovery Action Sports Cam is a pretty decent alternative to a GoPro with lots of fabulous features you’d expect including a touchscreen display. Better still, it films in 4K too so you’ll really capture all the detail and be able to re-live your action adventure time and time again. Comes with a fantastic 120 minutes of continuous recording capability so should record you pre, during and post that dramatic feat! It also handily features electronic image stabilization so you will get smooth footage every time without having to worry too much about finishing of the finer of your first all action production details in post-production editing.
Superb Video quality recording in 4k/60fps video with built in Sony IMX377 image sensor to capture 12MP pictures and film in full HD quality
Impressive Built-Image Stabilisation for smooth and steady professional videos even at fast pace
Intuitive design with its easy to operate touchscreen that is ultra-responsive
Easily change setting from shoot mode to preview to playback
Long battery life – records up to 70 minutes of footage and comes with USB-C connector for fast data transfer
Packed with tones of additional features which make it a really versatile option including: voice control, live stream, RAW image capture and built-in Bluetooth
- BrandYI
- ModelJ22
- Weight2.4 ounces
Waterproof to 30 meters, 40 with a waterproof case
64 GB of storage
4K Video recording & 1080P
8 different shooting modes
Built in WIFI
Touch Screen Display
Long battery life
Only 12 MP photo which is low by today’s standards
Waterproof case sold separately
2Fitfort 4K Action Sports Camera (GoPro Alternative)
The Fitfort 4K sports style action camera won’t let you know and is a great alternative to a Go-Pro allowing you to capture and easily share with family and friends all those exciting and memorable moments without worrying about compromising on picture quality or resolution. It can shoot up to 4K quality and because it is also waterproof too, you’ll be able to use this for boating and snorkelling trips without worrying about the camera getting damaged. Better still, it can be remote operated and features as handy splash resistant wrist band so you can capture the very moment for yourself when you ride that big wave. Impress everyone with all your epic extreme sports prowess, beautifully and clearly captured on this impressive and fully portable camera. Please note, epic fails also liable to be captured forever in all their breath-taking glory!
Professional 4K Ultra HD Action
Built-in WIFI and App Control with HDMI ports for quick and easy sharing
2.4G Splash-proof wrist remote control operation with 33-foot range
Comes with portable travel bag which includes an impressive 19 different accessories
100 foot waterproof and with case
- BrandFITFORT
- Model1
- Weight2.24 ounces
Waterproof to 30 meters
4K HD Video recording @ 25fps & 1080P at 60 or 30 fps
170-degree ultra-wide angle lens
Up to 90 mins minutes battery life
Built-in power saving screen saver
Wireless remote control operation
Only 12 MP photo which is low by today’s standards
Separate purchase and formatting of SD card required
3Campark ACT74 4K Action Sports Camera (GoPro Alternative)
Possibly one of the best things about this Go-Pro alternative is the price. This is seriously budget friendly and represents exceptional value for money. Not only that but you are still getting a host of features including a 170-degree wide angle lens, waterproof design and it comes with super 4K video footage recording capabilities. Compark ACT74 4K has a big and bright 2-inch LCD screen and really will allow you to capture and share all those wonderful memories in fabulous resolution.
Super 4K recording allowing you to shoot and record video at 4K/30fps and take photos at 16MP so provides fabulous resolution
2-inch HD screen display and 170-degree wide angle lens to capture all the details
WIFI remote control action camera compatible with iOS and Android systems so you can control your camera real time via your phone
Waterproof up to 30 meters for perfect for water based sports like Surfing & Windsurfing
Dual Recharger Batteries with long battery life of up to 180 minutes
Tones of additional free accessories included with purchase
- BrandCampark
- ModelACT74-black+BF513
- Weight1.1 pounds
Waterproof to 30 meters
32 GB of storage
16 MP Photo
4K Video recording & 1080P
Up to 180 minutes of battery life
No Touch Screen Display
SD card requires formatting before use
No external battery charger supplied
4Crosstour Action 1080p Sports Camera
Crosstour Action 1080p is a seriously affordable action style camera that is fully rechargeable, water-proof and can shoot in full 1080P HD. It really does pack a serious punch when you consider the features versus the entry level cost. It also comes complete with a full mounting and accessory kit so that you can use tit Go-Pro style whenever and wherever your adventurous spirit might take you in search of thrills and spills and let’s hope, not epic falls recorded for everyone to view later!
Full HD Video and Photo Resolution combined with 170-degree wide angle lens to really capture the surroundings in style
Waterproof to 30 meters allowing for unparalleled under water exploration
Wireless remote control connectivity via your phone’s WIFI – just download the iSmart DV App
Record videos, take pictures, download, delete and view files
Comes complete with 18 multifunctional mounting accessories so you can use on a helmet, your bike or even attach to your wrist
Comes with two fully rechargeable high capacity batteries included
- BrandCrosstour
- ModelCT7000
- Weight2.24 ounces
Waterproof to 30 meters
Full HD 1080P video recording with 12MP photo resolution
Large 2-inch LCD Display
170-degree wide angle fisheye lens
Full rechargeable batteries last up to 90 minutes
Full mounting and accessory pack
Only 12 MP photo which is low by today’s standards
No touch screen display
Micro SD card no included and will require pre-formatting
5Garmin VIRB Ultra 30 Action Camera
Garmin VIRB Ultra 30 is seriously stylish looking Sports Action Camera which does not disappoint in either design aesthetics or in fully loaded features. You get spectacular professional style footage and photos whatever the conditions in a highly portable, compact, lightweight and waterproof camera. With the additional G-Metrix technology that comes with this Garmin Ultra HD model, you can even over-lay voice and action graphs to further enhance and personalise your action recordings. With its built-in image stabilisation too you can be sure that you will always record crisp and steady footage that you will love reviewing time and time again with friends and family. Yes, you really did hurtle down the side of that mountain at lightning speeds on your road bike and you will forever have the footage to prove it! With voice activated control too you are fully in control and can command the Garmin VIRB to take a photo even if the perilous position you are currently in mean you can’t operate it hands free!
Ultra HD Crystal Clear 4k 30 fps footage and 1080P 120 fps with additional slow motion shooting capabilities
Built-in GPS system with external sensors for connectivity to Garmin devices via proprietary G-Metrix technology
Large 1.75-inch full touch screen display for easy use and management
Voice control enabled to allow complete hands free operation or to tag and record footage with important details via high sensitivity microphone
3 axis image stabiliser to capture perfectly 1080P 60 fps crystal clear footage
- BrandGarmin
- Model010-01529-03
- Weight3.2 ounces
Large 1.75 LCD color touchscreen display
Voice control with sensory hands-free
Ultra HD 4/K video
Image stabilisation over rough terrain
Live streaming capabilities
Tag and capture statistics
WIFI & Bluetooth enabled
Must be removed from water proof case for charging
6Dragon Touch 4K Action Sports Camera
Enjoy hours of fun and don’t worry about ever missing a moment whether you are on land, air or sea with this fantastic Dragon Touch all action camera that is quite literally stacked so full of features you might not even know what to do with them all. Where to even start? It’s waterproof so you can shoot those underwater exploits, it comes with a wide range of mounting accessories so you can film yourself hurtling down the side of a mountain on your bike to board plus with its 170-degree wide angle fisheye lens you won’t miss any of the periphery details either. Did we mention it’s also 4K action ready too and has an impressive 4.0 X zoom! Yes, really. This is a great gift for photography lovers.
4K action camera with 4 x Zoon to shoot professional style 4K 30 fps or 1080P 60 fps videos and 16 MP photos all captured using a Sony Sensor
Wireless wrist remote control feature when you need it the most with range of up to 10 meters
Large 2-inch screen for full preview and playback viewing
WIFI enabled to save and quickly share your experiences via a phone or tablet with the XDV App
Comes with a host of accessories including a waterproof case for underwater exploits
Totally versatile and feature rich with multiple shooting options including driving mode, image rotation, time-lapse, loop recording, slow motion, dramashot, exposure and white balance. Basically, its’ got the lot!
- BrandDragon Touch
- Weight2.08 ounces
Waterproof to 30 meters
Wireless range of 10 meters
16 MP Photo
4K Action Video recording & 1080P
Up to 90-minutes battery life at 1080P and 60 minutes when shooting 4K footage-
Remote control is not waterproof
SD card not included and will require pre-formatting
Does not support an external microphone
7Olympus TG Tracker
Olympus TG Tracker is a lot more rugged looking than lots of the other video style cameras let it’s still easy to carry and lightweight meaning its ultimately portable so that you can take it with you anywhere. The spec though is what sets this one apart with its waterproof resistancy up to 30 meters without the need for any additional bulky underwater housing. It’s shockproof , crushproof, freeze proof and dustproof! Yes, you got it, this Tracker style active camera real is built to tackle the most extreme of conditions you through yourself and it at!
Ultra HD 4K 30P Video Capture
204-degree extreme angle lens featuring 2.0 high speed
Built in action track sensors that will capture GPS, eCompass, Accelerometer, Thermometer and Barometer and also electronic image stabilization
Waterproof, crushproof, shockproof, freeze proof, dustproof, we say it’s also fool proof
Active high-speed HD modes for slow motion playback or 4K time lapse for short videos
Interchangeable lithium ion battery for extended recording times
1.5- inch LCD tilt monitor for perfect shot composition every time
- BrandOlympus
- ModelV104180EU000
- Weight6.4 ounces
Waterproof to 30 meters without housing
4K 30P Video capture recording with spectacular resolution
5 built in sensors for movement capture
Built in WIFI connectivity
Fabulous 204-degree ultra-wide perspective lens
Come with 3 prong mount adaptor
No zoom lens for close up action
8Tom Tom Bandit 4K Action Camera
Tom Tom Bandit 4K is one awesome active sports camera with full 4K Ultra HD capabilities and a long long battery life of up to 3 hours which should give you plenty of time to capture all that extreme action! It’s build for speed and made for action with integrated monitors that can record Speed, G-Force, Altitude and Rotation. These can all be overlaid on your videos just in case you want to really impress your family friends with your latest prowess! Drago and drop, save and share your footage easily too with the Bandit App that can be integrated with both iOS and Android systems.
One of the longest battery lives we’ve found at up to 3 hours continuous non-stop filming
Integrated on-board sensors to monitor and overlay vital info like Speed, G-Force, Altitude and Rotation – great if you are a sky-diver or snow boarder!
Waterproof up to 40 meters and 4K Ultra HD ready for superb picture quality and recording
Cable free operation – comes with an integrated USB port for charging and file transfer called a Bandit’s Batt-stick
Built-in media server meaning you can start editing without having to download first
- BrandTomTom
- Model1LB0.001.00
- Weight6.6 ounces
Waterproof to 40 meters
4K HD Video capture recording with spectacular resolution
Sports Action sensors for movement capture
Go-Pro mount adaptor is included
Non-stop filming capabilities of up to 180 minutes
No cables required
Easy editing functionality and simple drag, drop and share
Stats visualisation currently limited to iOS only
Little bit unsteady when in the mount
9HD Cool HC8000 4K Action Camera
Fabulous Go-Pro style professional action camera, fully portable and waterproof with heaps of accessories giving you the full freedom to record all your exploits whenever and wherever you might be. HD Cool HC8000 4K is the perfect sports camera to take with you on outdoor adventures and for extreme sports activities so that your exploits are committed forever in all their full color HD glory. It makes the ideal video camera for recording swimming, drifting, snorkelling, surfing skiing and so much more. The only thing you need is your imagination and plenty of adrenalin. Never miss a moment, never miss a shot, just shoot and go and always be confident that you can capture high quality crystal clear video and images every time.
Super HD 2-inch display screen with 170-degree wide angle lens
Professional style 4K 30 fps with 16 MP photos
Built-in WIFI and HDMI allowing editing and sharing of photos
Fully waterproof to 120 feet (in waterproof case) enabling you to take fabulous underwater shots
Complete with fantastic range of accessories for recording on the go extreme activities including brackets and clips
- BrandHDCOOL
- ModelHC8000
- Weight5 ounces
Waterproof to 30 meters
16 MP Photo at up 30 fps
4K video at 30 fps , full HD 1080P
170-degree wide angle lens
Up to 90-minutes battery life from 2 rechargeable batteries
Built in WIFI and HDMI
Storage card not included
Power adaptor not included
10Nextgadget 1080P Action Sports Camera
Fantastic on the go action style sport camera that comes with over 10 sleek, compact and adjustable mounting accessories so that you can literally take it with you anywhere to capture those all-important moments. Nextgadget 1080P is the perfect go-anywhere camera allowing you to capture stunning memories like a pro. It even features time lapse and burst photo function modes too for precision under speed.
HD Video 1080P recording with 170-degree wide angle lens and 2-inch LCD display
650 Cam shooting mode allows for slow motion, time lapse and dash cam recording
Fully waterproof housing, durable, robust, shockproof and dustproof
Easily clips onto helmet or bike to capture action moments
Simple to operate and versatile menu options
Comes with free accessory pack for compact mounting with 10 different compact mounting solutions from straps to suction pads and so much more
- BrandNEXGAGDET
- Model650-BLK
- Weight1.41 pounds
Waterproof to 30 meters
32 GB of storage
Time lapse and burst photo
Full HD 1080P Resolution, 720P @ 60FPS
Charge up to two batteries at once
Only 14 MP Photo which is low by today’s standards
Go Pro Alternatives Buying Guide & FAQ
In case you are still undecided, below we answer some of the most common questions people regularly ask about action style cameras.
Q: How do I use an action camera?
A: Now that you have got your new action camera the key it to experiment with all its features and settings and really get to grips with how it operates so that you can get the best results from using it. You can only do that with regular practice and lots of trial and error. We’ve a few handy tips and tricks up our sleeves to help you get the most from yours.
In no particular order, don’t be afraid to try using different angles and to be playful and adventurous when capturing those action shots. Film from different angles and try out new things. Wear your camera, mount your camera, but also place your camera in different static positions too and bring the action to the camera, not the camera to the action! You might be surprised by some of the amazing footage shooting this way can deliver. You might even try filming the same bit of action but from various different mounting points so that you get a real montage of shots that you can edit nicely together for variety.
Keep your sessions short and sharp. You’ve seen and no doubt shared for yourself plenty of clips from social media and none of them require you to sit down for half an hour with a cup of tea. They are generally fast paced and energetic and real.
Do your research, check out what other people are doing with their action cameras, how they use them to get the results and any insider tricks of the trade. Whilst it might be fun experimenting, you certainly don’t want to miss capturing any of those killer moments because you’d forgotten some of the essential basics.
Have a go practicing around the house, testing out framing, speeds and resolutions first so that when you do get out and about, you are in control of all your settings.
Always capture more, rather than less footage too, that way if you have had a couple of technical malfunctions along the way, you should have plenty of back-up footage.
The most important this is to just get creative. Use it any opportunity that you can. Experiment, be playful and don’t worry about getting it wrong at first. Same as with riding a bike in the first place, practice makes perfect. You weren’t hurtling down the side on a mountain with a sports camera on your helmet day one now were you!
Q: Are action cams waterproof & how deep underwater can action cameras be used?
A: Of course it completely depends up on the individual model of camera that you have purchased but most have certainly been designed with under-water photography and videography needs in mind and should generally be good to about 30 meters which is almost 100 feet as long as they are fully waterproof or in a waterproof casing. The whole point of an action style sports camera is that you want to shoot your exploits over land and sea. If you know that you are going to want to record surfing, snorkelling or sailing adventures for example, then make sure you get a camera that is fully waterproof and not just one that is only weatherproof.
Q: What accessories can you use with an action cameras?
A: Again, as with a regular camera there are plenty of accessories that can make your shooting experience more enjoyable. You’re going to need a connector of course, and plenty of mounting accessories and attachments too so you can use the camera on a helmet or your bike handlebars for example to really capture those exhilarating moments. You might also want to invest in a tripod to give you extra stability if your camera doesn’t have built in stability sensors. If you are also interested in tracking information about the terrain you’ve covered then you might decide to invest in an additional motion sensor.
Q: Do action cameras come with editing software?
A: Lots of cameras today some with their own integrated on the go editing software generally but if yours doesn’t, you’re going to have to pick one that you can quickly get to grips with. Again, depending upon what you indeed to do with the footage go for something that is user friendly and allows you to make quick and compelling bits of video for yourself or your social media channels. You could try something like the Antix app which is free and available for both Android and iOS users.
Q: What file format are the videos/images saved as?
A: Your action camera should be able to save files in a host of different user friendly editable formats and again it will depend upon the model and make of action camera that you have bought. The more expensive cameras will allow you to save raw data files. The rest will save as camera rendered formats that are usually ready to be edited in your choice of editing software and could be QuickTime (MOV), MPEG-4 (MP4/M4V), Material Exchange Format (MXF) or Audio Video Interleave (AVI).
Below are some of the things to consider when purchasing a gopro alternative:
Size
Remember that you’ve bought a sports style action camera to capture those special moments so don’t buy anything that is too big and bulky either size or weight wise. Anything too big or bulky could end up throwing you off balance especially if you have it mounted to your helmet or your handlebars so go for the most compact but durable camera you can afford on your budget.
Picture quality - HD/4K
With Sports cameras, like regular cameras you essentially get what you pay for and there is always something bigger and better being released. You can get everything from a high resolution 4K Ultra HD picture, to 1080P and 720 so decide how important the clarity and crispness of your completed footage needs to be.
FPS (frames per second)
This refers to the speed at which your camera can capture video and photos. The higher the FPS, the more options and photos you’ll be able to record and capture. Sometimes though, you might want to go for a slow speed, it’s not always about how quickly you can take the shot, rather about the quality of the shot. When you need to capture something quickly though and time really is of the essence, then the greater the FPS the more the chances are that you will get the perfect shot in the bag!
Storage
Important if you want to keep your camera safe, secure and un-damaged when not in use. Never just leave it laying around otherwise you are asking for trouble. You’ve invested in in new bit of high tech kit so do yourself a favour, respect it and make sure you look after and store it well to keep in in tip top condition.
Zoom
If you really want to get up close and personal with your experiences, don’t forget to look-out for the Zoom capacity on your camera. There’s nothing worse than spotting something incredible in the distance whilst you are out hiking or biking and not being able to hone in to record it for your friends and family to also experience.
Connectivity
Go for something that is WIFI enabled so that you can quickly and easily upload and share you videos and photos. You’ll have to download a user App but there are plenty of action style cameras that feature WIFI with a range generally of around 30 meters.
Battery life
You’re not always going to have access to a charging port especially if you are out for the day climbing a mountain or diving an ocean so look out for a good extended battery life. Consider also investing in a portable power pack. There’s nothing worse than filming yourself falling over all day only to finally nail your technique and discover your action camera has, quite frankly, bitten the bullet and is itself, flat out of action!