Best Cheap Action Camera: A Pro’s Guide to Big Thrills on a Small Budget

Welcome to RWSTX, your trusted hub for all things action cinematography. With over a decade of experience strapping cameras to everything from helmets to drones, I’ve seen the industry evolve dramatically. The biggest change? You no longer need to spend a fortune to capture incredible, heart-pounding footage. The world of the Cheap Action Camera has exploded, but navigating it can be tricky. That’s where I come in. We’re going to dive deep into the budget-friendly market to find you a camera that punches well above its weight class without emptying your wallet.

What to Expect from a Cheap Action Camera

Let’s set the record straight: a $70 camera will not outperform a $400 flagship model from a leading brand. However, the gap is much smaller than you might think. A good cheap action camera can deliver fantastic results if you know what to look for and where the compromises are made.

Typically, budget cameras make trade-offs in a few key areas:

• Image Stabilization: High-end cameras have incredibly smooth electronic (EIS) and mechanical stabilization. Budget cameras often have more basic EIS that works well in good light but can struggle with major vibrations or low-light conditions.
• Low-Light Performance: The smaller sensors in budget cams mean they aren’t the best for recording at dusk or indoors. The footage can appear grainy.
• True 4K Resolution: Many cheap cameras advertise 4K, but it’s often “interpolated,” meaning the software is upscaling a lower-resolution image. Look for “native 4K” for the best results, though solid 1080p or 2.7K footage is often better than poor-quality 4K.
• Audio Quality: The built-in microphone is usually just okay. If audio is critical, plan on using an external microphone or recording audio separately.

Key Features to Look For in a Budget Action Cam

When you’re on the hunt, don’t get blinded by marketing buzzwords. Focus on the features that genuinely impact your final video.

Video Resolution and Frame Rate

For most users, shooting in 1080p at 60 frames per second (fps) provides a fantastic balance of quality and smooth motion. If you want true cinematic slow-motion, look for a camera that can do 120fps at 1080p. While many cheap cameras offer 4K, check if it’s at a usable frame rate like 30fps. Often, 4K at 15fps is practically useless.

Electronic Image Stabilization (EIS)

This is arguably the most important feature for an action camera. EIS digitally smooths out shakes and bumps, preventing your viewers from getting motion sickness. Even basic EIS is a massive improvement over no stabilization at all. Look for reviews that specifically test how well the EIS performs during activities like mountain biking or running.

Durability and Waterproofing

Most budget action cameras come with an external waterproof housing, typically rated to 30 or 40 meters (about 100-130 feet). This is more than enough for snorkeling, surfing, or getting caught in a downpour. The camera body itself is usually not waterproof, so you’ll always need the case for wet adventures.

Battery Life and Accessories

Battery life on a cheap action camera is often modest, lasting around 60-90 minutes of continuous recording. The great news? Most of them come with a spare battery and a massive bundle of accessories, including mounts, clips, and straps. This is a huge value-add that flagship brands charge a premium for.

Top Cheap Action Cameras of the Year

After testing numerous models, here are my top picks that deliver the best bang for your buck. These brands have consistently proven their quality in the budget space.

1. AKASO Brave Series (Brave 4, Brave 7 LE)

The AKASO Brave line is the undisputed champion of the budget market. They offer a fantastic blend of features, image quality, and reliability.

• Why it’s great: The Brave 7 LE, for instance, offers dual screens (front and back), which is a game-changer for vlogging. It also features decent six-axis EIS and is weatherproof even without the case. The image quality is crisp and colorful in good lighting.
• Best for: All-around use, from family vacations to beginner vlogging and casual sports.
• Trade-offs: Low-light performance is average, and the audio can sound a bit muffled from inside the waterproof case.

2. Campark V-Series

Campark is another reliable name that offers impressive specs for a very low price. They often bundle an incredible amount of accessories, making them a perfect starter kit.

• Why it’s great: You can often find a Campark model that shoots native 4K/30fps and includes EIS for under $100. They are known for user-friendly interfaces and being compatible with most GoPro mounting hardware.
• Best for: Beginners, as a backup camera, or for mounting in high-risk situations where you wouldn’t want to damage an expensive camera.
• Trade-offs: The build quality can feel a bit less premium, and the EIS is effective but not as buttery-smooth as top-tier options.

3. Apexcam

If your budget is extremely tight, Apexcam delivers surprisingly usable footage for a rock-bottom price. It’s a great way to dip your toes into the world of action cameras without any real financial risk.

• Why it’s great: For often less than $60, you get 4K (interpolated) video, a waterproof case, and a full suite of mounts. The video quality in bright daylight is perfectly acceptable for social media sharing.
• Best for: Kids, casual holiday use, or as a “disposable” camera for a risky shot.
• Trade-offs: Don’t expect great stabilization, and it struggles significantly in anything but perfect lighting. This is a barebones option.

As my colleague and fellow cinematographer Jameson Fitch says, “The best camera is the one you have with you. These affordable action cams have democratized filmmaking, allowing more people to share their adventures. Skill and creativity will always trump gear.”

Pro Tips for Better Budget Footage

You can elevate the quality of your cheap action camera footage with a few simple tricks.

• Light is Everything: Always try to shoot in bright, sunny conditions. Good lighting helps these cameras produce vibrant, sharp images and allows the EIS to work more effectively.
• Know Your Settings: Don’t just use the auto mode. Take ten minutes to learn the settings. Adjusting the white balance and exposure can make a world of difference.
• Keep it Stable: Even with EIS, your footage will be better if you can keep the camera as stable as possible. Use a chest or helmet mount for smoother video than a handlebar mount.
• Invest in a Good SD Card: Use a fast, reputable microSD card (Class 10 or U3). A slow card can cause dropped frames or recording errors, especially at higher resolutions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the best cheap action camera for vlogging?
Look for a model with a front-facing screen, like the AKASO Brave 7 LE. This allows you to frame your shot perfectly while talking to the camera. Also, consider models that have an external microphone input for better audio quality.

Can cheap action cameras really shoot in 4K?
Yes, many can, but it’s important to distinguish between “native 4K” and “interpolated 4K.” Native 4K uses a sensor that can actually capture that many pixels, resulting in a much sharper image. Interpolated 4K uses software to stretch a lower-resolution image, which can look blurry.

Are budget action cameras waterproof without a case?
Most are not. The vast majority of cheap action cameras rely on an included plastic housing to be waterproof. A few mid-range budget models, like some from AKASO, have basic weatherproofing, but you should always use the case for full submersion.

How is the battery life on these cameras?
Expect around 60 to 90 minutes of record time from a single battery. The biggest advantage is that almost every cheap action camera comes with at least one spare battery and a dual charger, effectively doubling your shooting time right out of the box.

Do GoPro accessories work with cheaper cameras?
Yes, for the most part. The two-prong mounting system that GoPro popularized has become the industry standard. This means that 99% of mounts, from tripods to clamps and selfie sticks, will be cross-compatible.

Get Out There and Start Filming

The action camera market has never been more accessible. While premium brands still hold the crown for professional-grade quality, the incredible value offered by a modern cheap action camera is undeniable. For a fraction of the price, you get a durable, versatile camera that can capture stunning footage of your adventures. You get the waterproof case, the mounts, and the spare batteries all included. So pick the one that fits your budget, get outside, and start creating. Your adventures are worth sharing.