7 Best Budget Action Cameras in 2022 – Complete Buying Guide

Planning to kickstart your outdoor adventures or underwater excursions and in search for the right tool to get your death-defying moments recorded? Then try considering the best action camera, which is extremely portable, compactly designed, durable, and mounts to almost everything ranging from, motorcycles, helmet, handles to even your dog.

Best action cameras overcome the traditional way of recording videos by Camcorders. It has set up a new standard in the market with its powerful performance and feature-packed option that makes it the best choice for MTB riders, rafting adventure, and many other fanatic moments.

They all come with different purposes, specs, features, and quality. So, it is recommended to check everything in detail. We have gathered some of the 7 best action cameras to narrow out your choices, which would assist you in making the right decision.

7 Best Budget & Cheap Action Cameras in 2022 | Detailed Reviews

S No.	Camera		Video Quality
1.	GoPro Hero8	12 MP	4K UHD 2160p
2.	AKASO EK7000	12 MP	4K 25Fps
3.	Campark V40	20 MP	4K ULTRAL HD
4.	Hohem All in 1	All in 1 Gimbal	600°3D Inception
5.	Insta360 ONE	Wide-Angle	4K
6.	Dragon Touch	16MP/4x	4K/30FPS
7.	VanTop 4K	20mp/1x	4K/24fps

Best Action Camera

1. GoPro Hero8

GoPro Hero 8 Black is a strong contender in the photography world. This camera is fully loaded with amazing features that give you a satisfying experience to capture the blissful moments. The upgraded version of its previous model and the change is quite obvious between these generations. Hero 8 black comes with improved functionality, hyper smooth 2.0, and timewarp 2.0.

You can see the real and optimized colors with its superb 4k display at 60fps. It allows you to watch videos smoother than before. Besides this, the GoPro is water-resistant and let you easily records underwater footages without any struggle.

It has a timewarp feature that makes it easier for you to capture images in slow-motion and offers a perfect time-lapse. It also features 4 digital lenses, making it simple for you to choose any field of view considering your purpose of shooting.

What’s the best part about this camera? It has hyper smooth 2.0 stabilization that assists an MTB rider to record strenuous moments by offering it a solid steadiness on the rugged terrains.

The wind suppression with a front-facing mic and audio has been improved. The enhancements in the interface make it convenient and easy to use. The new version of audio gives you a clear voice and sound, even in windy and noisy environments.

There is some added capture presets feature that allows you to adjust the right setting of your choice, whatever you’re filming. Other than that, it comes with a SuperPhoto feature that lets you capture HDR action photos and a new LiveBurst feature captures 1.5 seconds of 12MP before and after the shutter.

This model of GoPro is installed with Hero8 known as Mods. The latest mods allow you to add important things that can help groom your photography sessions or vlogs. This includes a mini shotgun microphone, LED light, and a flappable selfie screen. This is an ideal choice for the vloggers.

 

Here is something another notable feature on the list that makes it a much better option than some other best cheap action cameras. The GoPro app is also launched that lets you access the camera settings from the mobile app, making it much facile to operate. Moreover, the app allows you to share the captured images and videos on social media hassle-free.

Why you should buy this?

If your main motive is to travel places and vlog certain situations and you’re searching for a camera that comes with stunning image stabilization and can be mounted easily on various spots, then GoPro is the right option to go for without any single doubt.

Cheap Action Camera

2. AKASO EK7000

The Akasa E700K is another good addition to the camera world. The camera has power-packed features that make it a perfect choice for many photographers out there. The video quality is somewhat is exceptional as compared to some other renowned action cameras.

When we talk about its video quality, it offers a stunning 4k display with bright colors to enhance your photography. It functions at 1080P at 60fps, which is simply great at this price. Moreover, the 4k UHD video recording gives you a clear crystal quality.

Moving on to its picture quality, it’s surprisingly amazing under the water deep at 30m. The water-resistant feature of Akasa E700K makes it feasible for the swimmers, scuba divers, waterskiing, and surfing.

Apart from this, you can access the camera at whatever distance with a splashproof remote. It allows you to quickly switch it between the photo and video mode. However, the Splashproof remote is not water-repellant.

It comes with a built-in Wifi system, which means you can simply connect it to your smartphone through the app. The app gives you complete access to your photos and video recordings and lets you share the wonderful moments with your closed ones.

Worried about its battery life? It has a durable battery life that can serve you well for a long time. Additionally, it includes 2 removable batteries for your ease to carry it on-the-go. Each battery can cater for up to 90 minutes and that’s simply great.

It is unlike some other action cameras, the E700K offers you a wide viewing angle of 170 degrees, which is decent at this price. It offers you an extensive field of view and is much better than a 90 or 120-degree angle, making it an ideal choice for many people.

If you’re an entry-level photographer that doesn’t want image quality as the main feature then you are right here on the spot. However, this camera won’t disappoint you on time lapsing. This might be a perfect option for sports fanatics as well for shooting underwater excursions and footages.

 

This E700K is a versatile camera that is installed with multiple shooting modes to enhance your recording experience. It includes burst mode, time-lapse, and loop recording.

Thanks to the mounting that makes it easier for you to attach or detach whenever you want to with the relevant accessories that come with the camera.

Best Waterproof Action Camera

3. Campark V40 4K/30FPS

The Campark action camera has exceeded the expectations of many with this price. Whether it is an image or video quality, this camera never fails to satisfy with real clarity of the images.  This action camera is resilient enough to offer valorous moments with ease.

Thanks to its IPX7 water-resistant feature that allows you to swim deeper and capture the immersed world quite easily. When the waterproof case is on, you can dive deeper at 40m but without a case it restricts you at 10m only, making a great companion for you underwater. The case of the camera also secures it from rain, water, dust, and other environmental factors.

With the dual-screen of the camera, it gives you maximum freedom to be the champion of your photography world.

Besides this, the front screen on the camera lets you easily capture images and record videos. On the other hand, the IPS 2.0 high sensitivity back screen of the camera gives you a splendid payback and preview experience. Also, it gives you a chance to witness vibrant colors with a mesmerizing effect. The back screen also gives you access to the camera menus from where can you modify settings.

What’s more? It is embedded with the latest Electronic Image Stabilization along with a 6-axis gyroscopic position that detects and changes the movement. Moreover, it let you record steady footages even when you’re shooting quick movement of objects.

If you’re looking to capture and record your adventure but missing something then Campark is the right equipment to carry on. It has a 4K at 30 fps that let you enjoy inspiring moments in a great way with premium quality of images and videos.

Furthermore, it includes a wireless remote control that allows you to control or manage the camera from the remote while you’re surfing, swimming, and waterskiing. Also, the remote control is not water-repellant.

 

Another important feature is the inbuilt Wifi system; the purpose of the Wifi allows you to connect t with your smartphone with an ISmartDv app, which you have to download it from your respective stores. The app gives you an excellent way to share the adventurous moments with your friends and family.

The Campark comes with 1350 mAh rechargeable batteries that make you worry-free when you’re short of battery.

Why you should buy this?

Finally, there are many features and highly impressive features, making it an ideal choice for people with a strict budget. If you’re looking for a cheap and multi-functional action camera then this might be a perfect option to consider as this is an all-in-one camera at a great price.

Best low light Action Camera

4. Hohem All in 1 3-Axis

The Hohem all in one is a multi-purpose camera that can do your job with quite a perfection. The impressive image stabilization and balance attract many users. Moreover, the installation guides online help a lot for beginners, making it easy to use a camera.

Do you know about Hitchcock shot? This is also known as the Dolly zoom. The dolly zoom makes your frame size still throughout and the background appears to move inwards or outwards. This is one of the professional features in the camera that helps to enhance your shooting experience.

With the trigger button at the back of the grip, pressing it would result in responsive to movements by ISteady Gimbal Stabilizer that would increase the motor’s speed. It is great when you need to record fast-motion objects. This way, the gimbal would scan the prompt motion of the objects that assists you when making quick transitions and inspiring moments.

The upgraded Hohem Gimbal mobile app comes with many features that help you to know about the camera much better. It also comes with a durable battery life, which is impressive for long hours of functioning.  The app works beyond your perception and creates a meaningful effect for you to capture awe-inspiring moments.

The Hohem comes with a SONY multi-cable, preferably best for Sony users. Having this gimbal for your camera, you can manage the shutter, record zoom in and out, grip the stabilizer quite comfortably. This makes your one hand free and gives you more flexibility in creating footages.

With the Hohem Gimbal, it allows you for 4 panning mode. These modes are handy when you’re filming for different purposes. The Hohem Gimbal app can produce a first-view movie that mutates the first-person view of the birds flying in the sky, giving photographers and your film a more vivid and true life experience.

 

When it comes to the compatibility of the Mohem app, it caters to almost every camera and accommodates the bigger phones as well. The best part of this camera is that it mounts easily with the GoPro Hero Black 8 with the aid of tripod mount.

Why you should buy this?

This is for those that are planning to go somewhere on their holiday vacations but are unaware of what sort of camera to pick. This camera has easy to use features and it includes many guides to train beginners easily. It is the best action camera to buy with its great time-lapsing and burst mode.

Best Sports Action Camera

5. Insta360 ONE R

Here’s another competitor insta360 that comes with unlimited features, enhancing your overall experience when shooting films. The camera is simple to navigate and works brilliantly on different lighting conditions.

The insta360 camera gives you 2 ways to capture images or record images. The ONE R transforms from a 360 cam to a 4k at 60fps, this means you have the right choice to make use of it and capture accordingly.

Thanks to its Flow state Stabilization that makes your footages ultra-smooth without the need for a gimbal stabilizer. A new detection algorithm is introduced that allows you to record films steadily, even in a dim environment.

Want to take a drone shot? Then learn to use an invisible selfie stick that creates the aerial angles and involves a third-party perspective with just a push of a button, when turning on Dual-Lens 360 mod.

Now you don’t need to consume your time when you edit photos. With the latest Shot Lab, it has made life easier by creating multiple beautiful templates. You can run your image stock through the best templates to excel in your images and videos in editing.

It comes with a 360-degree preview touchscreen to view the playback again instantly.  Besides this, it incorporates a GPS enabled stats that shows you correct data such as altitude, direction, map, alternate routes, and speed. You can use this feature to track and map your progress.

Another imposing feature is the automatic selection of the vivid and bright color grades that can help upgrade your photos with just a single touch. The slow-mo feature with the 3k at 100fps and 1080 at 200fps is quite impressive to shoot your films smoothly with dynamic action and absolute clarity.

Night shot and Star Lapse mode are 2 of the features of this beast that makes it suitable to use on dim or low light conditions or even at the fully dark area. The night mode stays natural and maintains image quality. On the other hand, the Starlapse mode automatically adjusts the exposure settings and capture the amazing time-lapse of the night sky.

 

Wanted to go to a pool or take a camera on rainy-ride? Then instaOne has got your back and delivers the powerful performance on the underwater activities as well. It is IPX8 waterproof, which implies you don’t need to worry when taking in on a deep ocean to capture the underwater world. Keep the diving case with you to protect the camera fully.

Why you should buy this?

Overall, the instaOne camera is a good pick for all-level photographers. It has quite an interesting modular design. Other than that, the camera is feature-rich that allows you to discover many things. Also, the 360-degree feature is the standout feature of this entire camera. I would be using this on my future trips.

Best 4K Action Camera

6. Dragon Touch

The camera has some advanced and quick features that let you capture the true essence of nature comfortably. You don’t need to be a pro when operating with this camera, all you can do this by just taking a look at the easy guide. The included accessories that come along with the camera are imposing to use and equip.

Want to know about its breathtaking features? Well, the Dragon touch is the best 4K action camera and comes with a 4x zoom. These features truly help a photographer in shooting professionally and making exciting moments with this camera is an easy task now.

Filming or shooting of your video is now much easier and convenient; all you can do that with a push of a button by wireless remote control wristband. The wristband lets you do the job without observing at the camera, when it is mounted anywhere like the helmet, skateboard, selfie, and stick. However, the remote is not water-resistant.

Coming on to its best part, the camera is highly versatile as it contains a lot of modes that help you improve your photography skills and editing is not a difficult task with Dragontouch. It incorporates a driving mode and image rotation, which makes this camera usable on the dashcam. Moreover, the loop recording turns on automatically and deletes the previous video to record a new one.

How about its battery life? The camera comes with 2 1050 mAh rechargeable batteries; each can serve you for 90 minutes, which is decent at this price. Other than that, it includes the kit as well that has relevant accessories in it just like a GoPro.

Taking a camera along underwater is not a problem now with its waterproof strength that can protect the camera with its case. Additionally, the diving case allows you to dive much deeper at 98ft, allowing you to record or shoot underwater excursions. The case is also quite resilient that secures it from scratches or any damage.

 

For accessing the Wifi on your device, firstly, you need to install the JDV app and then press the UV button to get Wifi activated on your camera. Real-time operate play a vital role when accessing your photos and videos and allows you to share on social media instantly. You also can connect it to your TV through HDMI cable.

Why you should buy this?

If you’re looking for the best cheap action camera that delivers strong performance at this price then You don’t need to go for higher-end ones that come with a massive price with limited features. Overall, this device is a really good camera and renders excellent image and video quality to fulfill your shooting needs.

Best Small Action Camera

7. VanTop

If you’re planning to start your photography career and looking for an entry-tier camera then try considering Vantop 4K action camera, which is best at this price and covers all your primary needs. The camera allows you to capture breathtaking moments with its spectacular 20mp camera. You can also use it as an exceptional quadcopter.

The difference and power-packed performance of this camera are exceptional to others. While other brands make use of strategies to create an illusion but this is not the case with Vantop 4K action camera. It has its UHD resolution that offers the top-notch quality for your photos and videos.

Furthermore, you can shoot videos at 60fps but if you want a more improved version to capture images then you can switch it to 1080p HD at 60fps to run it more smoothly. Besides this, when the dash-cam mode is on, you can conveniently record pictures, videos, and sounds while you’re driving.

What’s more? The adjustable field of view is another standout feature of this camera. The field of view lets you lower down or increase the degree angle for an enhanced view angle. More importantly, if you use it all modes simultaneously such as time-lapse, slow-mo, loop recording, motion direction, and burst mode, it would maximize your vlogging and shooting experience.

When it comes to the Electronic Image Stabilization of the Vantip 4K action camera, nothing beats it. You never have to worry about the steady and smooth footages, when you’re filming on rough trails with its advanced Image Stabilization.

It is equipped with the latest IPS 2.4-inch touch screen that allows you to monitor the entire camera with few taps. It is a handy feature that makes complex settings much easier and improves the user-friendly experience.

With its water-resistant ability, it allows you to capture the underwater world and let you make wonderful moments while snorkeling, drifting, and swimming. The waterproof case can serve the camera up to the 30m, which is simply great at this budget.

 

Thankfully, with the Camking App, it is now easier for you to connect with your friends and family by sharing the recorded photos and videos instantly. The App has a 10m of reach and you can manage the camera settings from the App as well.

The wireless remote control also helps, when you’re engaging in any sports activities.

Doesn’t work great on low light conditions.

You can’t plug power cable at HDMI at the same time.

The app lacks complete settings.

Why you should buy this?

Overall, this Vantop is a satisfactory camera when you compare it with renowned brands having the same standard and quality. Also, the 4K feature at 60fps is worth trying out.

Some Important Pointers to Consider When Buying Best Action Camera:

To get started with the use of the best action camera, we have outlined some of the top-notch choices for you to invest in them and capture exciting moments.

Besides this, before you invest in any camera, you must know these tips and factors to get a good quality camera that meets your expectations. These tips are must to know as it involves the things you need to avoid while purchasing and can save you from getting an undesirable product.

So without wasting any single moment let’s roll towards the buying considerations and make your buying productive and reliable.

Budget

This is one of the main features considered when you’re investing in the right product. If you’re looking for the top-of-the-line models then you might end up getting an empty pocket. Search for the action camera that values for many and comes with sufficient features.

The camera that has a modular design, voice control feature, super slow-mo, embedded with additional features, and different camera modes would have a high-price tag. But you can still opt for the expensive units as they offer the resilience, durability, and utmost simultaneously.

Video Quality

For high quality and smooth workability of the camera, you would need a 4K action camera to record your things without experiencing any lag. Having a 4K TV is a bonus point, which can connect your camera to your TV through HDMI cable.

4K is a minimum requirement for photographers as it allows them to run the videos properly and clearly. Other than that 30 fps is also acceptable but 60 and 90 fps would increase the sharpness of the video and so the budget would increase proportionally.

Image Quality

This is another important aspect that needs to given attention. So now, you need a camera that has a 4K resolution and vows to offer you top-notch results. The 4K photos would be detailed, sharp, crystal clear, and requires no sort of editing.

To have a wonderful experience, capturing vivid and bright photos you’ll want a camera that is at least 12 megapixels. But, if you’re a professional photographer then you might want a 15-megapixel camera.

Ease of operating

Above all, the functionality of a camera must be easy to use and learn. Having complex functions and mechanics of your camera would spoil the fun of your shooting in learning the whole techniques. Opt for a camera that has toggle or side buttons when you go for underwater activities so you don’t have to remove gloves and warm your hands and then use a touchscreen to change filming modes.

Durability

As you go deeper when shopping cameras, you come to know that the waterproofing ability of a camera is based on its durability. But, the durability of your device depends upon your hobbies or interests. If you’re avid swimmer then waterproof and its case should be your priority to keep it safe and serve you for years to come. Waterproof is optional for any camera you buy.

Battery Life

Filming scenes at 4K may cause your camera battery to deteriorate promptly due to the high usage of video resolution. All you need is a camera that comes with an interchangeable battery. This would allow you for a backup and continue to film for long hours of working fearlessly. When you’re in the middle of swimming, skiing, or surfing, you need a quick swap to change your batteries.

FAQ’s: Frequently Asked Questions

Is there any competitive camera like GoPro?

Yes, there are indeed some best action cameras that give a tough time to the GoPro. Akaso E700K is one of them due to its compelling features. Some of them may include EIS, 4K UHD video resolution, and Wifi connection all at a reasonable price.

Are Action Cameras worthy to use?

Capturing things from the first-person point of view would worth an action camera. If you enjoy exciting and death-defying moments like skateboarding, MTB riding, surfing, and diving then you might need a professional-grade action to record these things smoothly as the normal ones won’t do your job.

Does the Action Camera Zoom In and Out?

The latest cameras are equipped with a digital zoom feature. The zoom magnification and image distortion may depend upon the brand and quality use. You must set the zoom adjustments before proceeding toward filming; otherwise, settings won’t allow you to turn on during the filming.

Why Action Cameras are pocket-friendly?

Some action cameras are cheap as they are built with low-grade material and have limited features. While on the other hand, the cameras that have a solid build are expensive and come with a lot of features.

Final words

The best 4k action cameras come with different features and different prices, so it is a difficult task to pick the one that matches your requirements. Taking a close look at features, pros, and cons, and other technical details would help you a lot in making a wise decision.

So now you have a better understanding of the camera, as you know the dos and don’ts of choosing the best action camera 2022 that comes under your budget and has available features that you’re in search of.

All you need is a high-end action camera that serves your needs and gives strong performance overall. Also, you might want a suitable compact and portable camera that accommodates perfectly in your backpack and is ready to meet any outdoor adventures. Don’t be the brand conscious, who just go after brand names and selects the boatload of cash, which you can get at an affordable rate.

If you want to take my opinion then I would recommend you to go for GoPro Hero 8 Black without any single doubt. Choosing this camera doesn’t mean others are of no use, but all cameras are best for their purposes.