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The only thing better than living an adventure is recording it for posterity and watching it over and over again. There used to be only one choice for a capable action shooter: a GoPro. The company set the standard for what to look for when it comes to rugged handheld cameras. Devices that are sturdy, relatively inexpensive and small enough to sit in the palm of your hand; can be attached to almost anything, from a surfboard to a tripod to a bald eagle; and produce remarkably high-quality video, which you can post online. Millions have used a GoPro to record their sky-diving, drone-flying, water sport, and mountain-biking exploits.
Today, the San Mateo, California-based company no longer has a stranglehold on the category. Over the past few years, the number of action cameras on the market has grown exponentially to include a variety of high-quality alternatives.
To help you find one that is worthy of being called a substitute of the GoPro, here’s a guide to the best adventure cameras based on video quality, durability, ergonomics, connectivity and usability.
Akaso V50 Elite
The V50 Elite is the successor to Akaso’s popular V50 Pro. At first glance, the Elite looks and feels like a GoPro, and it comes with some of the same features, including 4K video resolution, 20-megapixel photos, a 170-degree viewing angle with a 5x zoom, and superb image stabilization. In its waterproof housing, the Elite is protected to depths of 100 meters. The most notable difference between it and the Pro, however, is a more powerful voice control system that’s operated via a Bluetooth-enabled remote worn on the user’s wrist.
Bottom line: Voice control from the wrist, 4K video capture at 60 frames per second and a huge variety of accessories as well as robust image stabilization, make this is a compelling alternative to the GoPro.
Sony FDRX3000
Do you want top-notch picture quality? Excellent image stabilization for smooth video? Great sound? A cool-looking device? Then the Sony FDRX3000 is for you. It combines superb 4K resolution with powerful SteadyShot optical stabilization to deliver clear pictures and smooth video without any distortion, which is especially useful when the camera is mounted on, say, a remote-controlled drone. The unusual shape of the case allows you to hold the camera securely while shooting. It’s also protected from dust and shock, but it takes an enclosed housing to make the device waterproof up to 60 meters. The FDRX3000 also comes with a separate Live View Remote that allows you to view the live video without stopping the recording, which is meant to be mounted on a nearby surface like a bike handle or a wrist.
Bottom line: High-quality video, sound, excellent stabilization and comfortable ergonomics make this camera a good option.
YI 4K+
The Yi 4K+ camera is an improvement over its predecessor, the Yi 4K. Notable additions include the ability to shoot 4K video at a frame rate (60 frames per second) twice as fast, and a new advanced electronic image stabilization system that will allow you to create photos and video materials of the highest quality. There is also a convenient voice-control camera function, meaning you can start and end your video by saying special commands. Additionally, the camera can be remotely controlled and images displayed on a large screen, and it has built-in Bluetooth and Wi-Fi modules.
Bottom line: The Yi 4K+ is a reliable alternative to the GoPro line, offering a similar feature set, including a high-touch screen, 4K resolution at 60 fps, electronic image stabilization and voice control.
DJI Osmo Pocket
Design-wise, the Pocket is a bit different from the other cameras reviewed here. It consists of a drone-style camera stabilized in a handheld gimbal. (A gimbal is a tri-axis device that tilts and pans and pitches along with the person who is shooting video, which helps keep the captured footage relatively stable whether you are walking, running, skiing or sky-diving.) The camera is controlled from the hand-grip itself, making it easy to use and comfortable to hold. It captures 12-megapixel still images and, more notably, full 4K video at up to 60 frames per second, and has a built-in mic. Unfortunately, the audio isn’t the best in stressful situations; it picks up on all kinds of background noises. For better sound, you’ll want to use an external mic. Expansion modules are available to expand functionality (attachment to cellphones and other devices) but also quickly add to the price tag.
Bottom line: The Pocket is super compact, easy to use and delivers excellent image quality. However, it’s not as rugged as other action cams or as versatile. If you don’t need the ergonomics and pocketability, then you might be better served by a more general-purpose alternative.
Garmin VIRB Ultra 30
While the Sony, GoPro, YI and others are built for the average sports fan, the VIRB Ultra 30 is designed for the extreme enthusiast or professional shooter. The most unique feature added by Garmin is the G-Metrix, which records performance data such as speed, altitude, heart rate and G-force for people who care about their health. Build-wise there’s little wrong with the Ultra 30. Without any extra accessories, it is quite small and features a tough shell and equally resistant touchscreen. Although not waterproof on its own, Ultra 30 has an external housing, which is rated at a maximum water depth of 131 feet. It’s also the first Garmin to offer 4k recording at 30 frames per second.
Consequently, video and still image quality are superb with vibrant colors and excellent sharpness. However, image stabilization is limited to 1080p. Wi-Fi connectivity is also included and can be used to sync up with your phone and even stream live videos on Youtube.
Bottom line: If you’re looking for an action camera with fitness and data tracking, then you found one that provides an easy-to-use, data-rich experience for action sports enthusiasts. It’s well-built, delivers superb video and has a host of unique features.
