Five Best GoPro Alternatives

Back in the day, if you wanted an Action Video Camera, all you had to choose in between was GoPro and GoPro. There was no other alternative to GoPro available in the market. 

But today, device manufacturers have understood what a grave mistake they were making. Now, there are numerous options available for Action Video cameras at reasonable prices.

Here is a list of five good and decent GoPro alternatives. These may cost up to the US $250. Most of them are very strong, lightweight, and have an amazing array of accessories for strapping them to your helmet, dashboard, car, cat, or bike. Therefore, these are all great candidates to be on your gadget shopping list.

1. Yi 4K Action Camera

The very 1st Yi Action Camera is manufactured by the Chinese smartphone manufacturer Xiaomi and has a 1080p camera. It is the updated and sleeker form of the Yi 4K Action Camera with high resolution.

This camera costs less than you would expect, given its strong specifications. It costs half as compared to GoPro Hero4 Black and has specifications close to it. 

The Yi 4K can shoot 2 hours of video in 4K with its 1400 mAh battery. It has a very clear touchscreen on the back as compared to other action cameras. That’s where most of the things are configured since the device only has one physical button.

It is available in three colors: black, white, and rose gold.

Features

• Screen: 2.19 inch
• Storage: up to 64 GB
• Viewing angles: 155 degrees
• Slo-mo: Yes, at 1080p HD
• Video: 4K HD
• Weight: 74 g

2. HTC Re

Taiwanese company HTC is still struggling to regain its lost momentum in the mobile phone race, but the HTC Re Action Camera shows that it is still tuned in to what the youngsters want. It is available in 4 colors, namely, Turquoise, Blue, Orange, and White- though you might struggle to find the blue and turquoise color.

The periscope-shaped gizmo is shaped perfectly to be gripped with a single hand and is great in portability. You can even use it while riding your two-wheeler and still be able to hold onto the handlebars with the same hand, and yes, there’s image stabilization too.

In the box, you get a free multi-purpose dock as well as the amount. This camera also wins out for supporting the most storage.

Features

• Screen: No
• Storage: Up to 128 GB
• Viewing angle: 146 degrees
• Slo-mo: Yes, at 720p HD
• Video: 1080p HD
• Weight: 66 g

3. Polaroid XS100 HD

Polaroid is still in the market in this digital age, and its XS100 HD is one of the most convincing new products. It is also replete with image stabilization.

There are many useful widgets and mounts in the box, such as handlebars and helmets.

This camera is tube-shaped, so it looks like a flashlight. It also comes with auto-rotate, so it doesn’t matter which way you hold it.

Features

• Screen: No
• Storage: Up to 32 GB
• Viewing Angle: 170 degrees
• Slo-mo: Yes, at 720p HD
• Video: 1080p HD
• Weight: 136 g

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4. Sony HDR AS50

Fourth on our list is Sony’s HDR- AS50, as Sony’s 4K Action Camera is too expensive for this list. There’s a waterproof housing (good to 179 ft./ 60 m)- plus the image stabilization, which is known as SteadyShot, included in the price.

It does 4K recording only for pictures and time-lapses.

You will not get the case to use it with a tripod as it doesn’t have a universal tripod mount. But using the case also implies that you cannot capture. It is an awkward situation as the cam also requires the case to have any splash-proofing.

Therefore, it is a strong alternative to GoPro.

Features

• Screen: No, as the live-view remote kit is a costly extra
• Storage: Up to 64 GB
• Viewing Angle: 170 degrees
• Slo-mo: Yes, at 1080p HD
• Video: 1080p HD
• Weight: 83 g

5. SJCam SJ5000

SJCam’s SJ5000 can be worth a shot if you don’t mind going ‘FauxPro’ with an off-brand gizmo. The online reviews are mostly positive, and the specifications seem strong. You might think that the price seems high for a brand or company you have never heard of, but remember that it comes with a bunch of accessories, such as a tripod adapter, frame mount, handlebar mount, waterproof housing, and quite a lot more.

A disadvantage for Slo-mo lovers is that this camera only does 60 fps at a lowly 480p.

It has got mixed reviews and the entry-level GoPro Hero is slightly cheaper as compared to this camera. Therefore, it is only an alternative because it’s an option- but it is hard to see how it’s a good option.

Features

• Screen: 2 inch
• Storage: Up to 32 GB
• Viewing Angle: 170 degrees
• Slo-mo: Yes, at 480p SD
• Video: 1080p HD
• Weight: 74 g

Conclusion

While there are some good and cheap alternatives to the GoPro, online reviews suggest that the entry-level GoPro Hero is the best starting point in terms of quality and price- and now it is available at a reasonable price. 

Its specifications- such as 720p at 60 fps and 1080p at 30 fps largely match those from HTC, Sony, and Polaroid. Moreover, reviews show a greater satisfaction level and rating for the GoPro Hero than for any budget new-comers.

Or you can select GoPro Hero with Wi-Fi. There’s no competitor in the US $250 range for the Yi Action Camera with its 4K capabilities.

Takeaway Tip- Remember that when you are buying a camera, do not get fooled by megapixel boasts or low prices, as a camera is much more than just such specifications and features.