An action camera is a great way to capture your adventures and thanks to technology getting better and better, you can now get a very decent action camera for next to nothing. It’s amazing how far technology has come. In this article, we will present several options for you to get your Best Affordable Action Cam.
Don’t be put off by their low price. Their quality is amazing considering the price tag.
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This means you won’t be breaking the bank. And can use the money saved on other things like a mountain pass or a dive trip where you can take full advantage of your camera. There are several companies catering to entry-level cameras and many have fine offerings for under $50.
Our recommendations for the Best Economical Action Cam
Although in this price range you can get products with an image quality that would cost hundreds of dollars not many years ago, remember that these are pretty much the cheapest options on the market.
Therefore beware that there might be downsides and shortcomings. That said, what you’ll get is still amazing for such low prices.
There’s something I want to point out right away; none of these cameras have wind noise reduction features. Yes, it’s a desirable feature but at this price point, we really can’t demand to get such a feature.
Comparison table:
Product Name | Video Quality | Photo Quality | Battery Life | Extra Features |
---|---|---|---|---|
DBPOWER N5S | 4K/24fps, 2K/30fps and 1080P/60fps | 20MP | 90 mins per battery, contains 2 batteries | Electronic Image Stabilization and anti-shake |
DBPOWER D5 Native 4K EIS | 4K/30fps, 1080P/60fps, 720P/120fps | 14MP | 90 mins per battery, contains 2 batteries | Video stabilization for resolutions up to 4k/30fps and 1080p/60fps, 6 axis gyroscope |
Campark ACT74 | 4K/30fps, 2.7K/30fps, 1080P/60fps, 1080P/30fps | 16MP | 90 mins per battery, contains 2 batteries | None |
FITFORT | 4K/30fps, 2.7K/30fps, 1080P/60fps | 16MP | 90 mins per battery, contains 2 batteries | None |
Dragon Touch Vision 3 | 4K/30fps, 2.7K/30fps, 1080P/60fps | 16MP | 90 mins recording at 1080p, 60 mins for higher res, contains 2 batteries | None |
Crosstour CT7000 | 1080P/30fps, 720P/60fps, 720P/30fps | 12MP | 90 mins per battery, contains 2 batteries | Image stabilization, none for video |
APEMAN A70 | 1080P/30fps, 720P/60fps | 14MP | 120 mins per battery, 2 batteries included | Anti-shake |
DBPOWER EX5000 | 1080P/30fps, 720P/30fps | 14MP | 90 mins per battery, contains 2 batteries | Anti-shake |
These are our suggestions:
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DBPOWER N5S
Main features:
- 4K shooting
- 60fps at 1080p
- Electronic Gyro Stabilization Antishake
For a low-cost action camera, the DBPOWER N5S is definitely a top contender. With several different frame rates and resolutions, including 4K at 24fps and 1080P at 60fps, this camera packs a punch.
When shooting in any of these resolutions, the footage will be smoother thanks to electronic gyro stabilization with its helpful anti-shake technology.
The camera also has the ability to zoom in up to 5x and this is where stabilization is key. It also can shoot 20MP still photos which is higher than most action cameras offer, especially ones in this price range.
The camera has received many positive reviews a large amount praising it for its great features at such a low cost.
It is commonly purchased for use on holidays where the customer took it diving or snorkeling so its waterproof housing allowed them to capture great quality footage while underwater.
Its loop recording and driving mode also allow users to have it in their cars or on their motorbikes while driving, either to capture the journey or record any mishaps. It has other features such as burst photos and slow-motion filming which allow the user to get creative with what they capture.
Pros:
- 20MP stills
- 5x zoom
- Low cost
Cons:
- None
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DBPOWER D5
Main features:
- 4K shooting
- 60fps at 1080p
- Waterproof up to 45m
Another action camera from DBPOWER worth praise is the D5. This device also has 4K capabilities but has slightly fewer options for frame rates and resolutions.
Furthermore, it has video stabilization and almost as many video features as the N5S but where it overtakes it is with its waterproof capabilities – in its waterproof case, the D5 can go up to 45m (148ft). That’s the deepest figure of the cameras presented in this review.
It also has the handy feature of being able to record upside down which is helpful when the camera is unable to be attached right-side-up as might be the case when attaching it to a drone.
Many customers were impressed with the remote control that is worn on the wrist, giving more freedom for hands-free use.
Pros:
- 6 axis gyroscope
- Waterproof depth is greater than the rest of the cameras in this review
- Remote control on the wrist allows for more freedom
Cons:
- Poor photo quality compared to rivals in this price range
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Campark ACT74
Main features:
- 4K & 2K shooting at 30fps
- 16MP stills
Coming in at the higher end of the low-range action cameras, the Campark ACT74 has all the necessities of a small, robust action camera.
It has many great filming settings, including 4K, 2K, and 1080P. It also has the advantage of shooting 4K at 30fps which not all 4K cameras offer.
The accessories it comes with greatly add to the experience and allow the user to test it out in many different scenarios.
A common theme amongst its reviews is that customers bought it for the price tag, thinking it would be a good, cheap option that they wouldn’t mind taking risks with, but ended up being pleasantly surprised with its capabilities.
Its 16MP photo capability rivals those of other action cameras, even high-end ones.
Pros:
- Great range of video resolutions and frame rates
- A range of video functions
- Shoots 4K at 30FPS
Cons:
- None
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FITFORT
Main features:
- 4K footage
- 16MP stills
Another action camera offering 4K shooting and 16MP stills, this camera is another great option for more expensive cameras.
Like a few of the other cameras in this price range, it also has the benefit of wireless wrist control to allow more freedom when shooting.
Having two batteries allows the user to make sure they have a backup when shooting if the first one runs out. But a 90-minute run time allows for a lot of footage to be captured.
It does not come with a charger but luckily a standard USB charger works fine.
This was one of the issues that a lot of customers had with the product, but on the whole, it has received positive responses from happy customers.
Pros:
- Remote control on the wrist allows for more freedom
- Good quality footage and stills
Cons:
- Does not come with a charger
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Dragon Touch Vision 3
Main features:
- 4K shooting at 30fps
- 2K shooting
- 16MP stills
One of the advantages of the Dragon Touch Vision 3 is its zoom range which can go up to 4 times the regular view.
It also allows the user to film at 4K at 30fps, higher than other cameras which may only deliver 4K at 24fps, which can limit the capabilities of the footage.
It also shoots at 16MP which gives it a competitive edge against the other cameras with similar specs that have lesser quality stills.
Its dramashot feature is similar to a burst mode where multiple images are captured very close together to create a beautiful, dynamic image.
Users reported that it was a hardy camera and they were comfortable using it in a variety of settings.
Pros:
- Dramashot photos
- 4x zoom
Cons:
- None
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Crosstour CT7000
Main features:
- 1080P at 30fps
- Slow motion effect recording 720P at 60fps
At the cheaper end of the spectrum, the Crosstour CT7000 lacks the video and photo specs of the 4K cameras but holds its own in other aspects.
With the ability to shoot 720P at 60fps, this camera can still create the slow-motion effect and the footage will look smooth when viewed on smaller screens.
Its video features are limited but it can still match the underwater depth and battery life of other cameras in its price range.
It also features image stabilization which will allow users to get a steady still shot, though it does not offer the same for video footage.
Users recommend experimenting with it to see how it handles different situations, but in general, it is a solid choice for an affordable action camera.
Pros:
- Image stabilization
- One of the most affordable options
Cons:
- No 4K shooting
- Poor stills resolution
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APEMAN A70
Main features:
- 1080P at 30fps and 720P at 60fps
- Comes with 2 batteries and each can shoot for up to 120 minutes
One of the features that sets the Apeman A70 apart from the other cameras in its price range is the longer battery life.
While most cameras in this review come with two batteries that last up to 90 minutes, the A70 also comes with two but they can last up to 120 minutes, depending on the function. This allows the user to capture a whole lot more without having to worry about charging again.
It still offers shooting at 1080P and 14MP stills so can hold its own against other cameras in the same price range. It also has antishake technology which gives it an edge over others of the same price range or higher, as this feature is often sacrificed in the cheaper options.
As a very cheap camera, it may lack a few features but it makes it up with others.
Pros:
- Antishake
- One of the most affordable options
- Longer battery life
Cons:
- No 4K shooting
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DBPOWER EX5000
Main features:
- 1080P at 30fps
- Antishake
Another example of how DBPOWER can make great action cameras at affordable prices. The EX5000 is on the lower end of the spectrum than the others previously mentioned but that doesn’t mean it should be overlooked.
It lacks the higher video resolution and frame rates but it does have antishake which will allow it to create smooth footage which is not a bad compromise for quality at such a reasonable price.
As many reviews suggest, this camera is great for capturing basic footage for purposes such as surveillance and filming sports trips.
Pros:
- Decent footage quality
Cons:
- No 4K shooting
Get the Best inexpensive Action Cam now
I hope you have enjoyed this article and are ready to choose a great device.
I never get tired of stressing how much quality you can get for such a low price.
If you still have doubts about buying one of these products, please check out Action Cameras Buying Guide.
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