There can be various reasons why you might want to look into GoPro alternatives. These could include price, features, functionality, shape and so on. We’re here to help with a list of GoPro alternatives, whether you’re looking for budget friendly or premium options. Let’s get started!
What Are GoPros?
Before we tell you about some great GoPro alternatives, let’s look at what a GoPro is.
A GoPro is a small action camera that allows you to video in extreme situations such as underwater. Inside the cuboid design is an image sensor, processor and ultra wide-angle lens as well as various microphones. They are great for hands-free, POV shooting, and can be paired with smartphone apps.
Now that we’re all sure what GoPros feature, let’s look at our top picks for the best GoPro alternatives out there!
The Best GoPro Alternatives
Garmin VIRB Ultra 30
The Garmin VIRB Ultra 30 has incredible video quality and innovative features such as voice recognition. It is compact but study, and has a helpful touchscreen. Its additional external housing means it can be used in depths of up to 131 feet (ca. 40 m). Luckily, the additional features still work great at these depths.
With the Ultra 30, you get 4k recording at 30 fps, and have recording options such as 1080p at 120 fps, and 720p at 240 fps. Other features include Wi-Fi connectivity, voice control features and the ability to sync with your phone and stream live videos on YouTube.
The only real downsides are the limited battery life and built-in image stabilization, which isn’t always crazily effective. The waterproof external housing is also additional.
OCLU Action Camera
This GoPro alternative has everything you would find in a GoPro, and more!
Top features of the OCLU Action Camera include sharp 4k, Live Cut, which allows you to manage your clips on the go. The camera also integrates with a smartphone app, offers smooth image stabilization and has GPS tracking. It is small and perfect for travelling light, even if the shape takes a little getting used to.
Accessory add-ons include waterproof housing, helmet and body mounts and an expandable grip mount.
Sony FDR X3000R
Coming in with a higher price tag is the Sony FDR X3000R. It comes with a built-in tripod mount that is compatible with GoPro accessories and a separate Live View remote accessory. Paying a little more does mean the video quality is great, though – and it’s small, bullet shape is fantastic.
Downsides include connectivity issues using the Live View remote. However, there is an app called PlayMemories that works via the X3000R’s built-in Wi-Fi that is great. An external case is also required for underwater use, and the battery can drain quickly.
Akaso Brave 7 LE
This is our top pick for a super budget-friendly GoPro alternative! For around $140, the Akaso Brave 7 LE has 4k recording, dual-screen recording and lots of mounting accessories and remote control included.
The Brave has an electronic image stabilizer and built-in Wi-Fi that you can connect with your smartphone via an app. It is touchscreen and has the usual HDMI and USB ports. It is waterproof up to 1 m on its own, or 30 m with the included case.
Due to its lower price, there are some catches. The remote is basic, and doesn’t over Live View features. The sound quality is also on the lower side, and the quality is limited above 30 fps. Lastly, it doesn’t come with an SD card (but it does come with extra batteries!)
Garmin VIRB 360
For those looking for a 360 camera, the Garmin VIRB 360 is our top pick. It’s under $1000, can shoot at 5.7k and is durable, with superior optics. The 360 functionality creates interesting and immersive videos reminiscent of VR. It is waterproof for up to 100 ft (ca. 30 m) and has an LCD screen as well as physical buttons. You can also record regular 4k videos at 30 fps and 120 fps at 720p, making it a great action camera, also.
Downsides include that you can’t stitch 360 videos shot in 5.7k in body – you’ll need some external software for this. It’s also quite pricey and platforms such as YouTube don’t yet support 360 videos, so it’s definitely an investment for the future.
How Audiosocket Can Help
This article is all about finding equipment to shoot great content, and that’s where we can help! With your projects, it’s never too early to start looking for additional elements such as music.
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For more tips, check out our articles on beginner videography equipment, travel vlogging equipment, cleaning audio, background music for videos and more!
