Action Camera Alternatives to GoPro

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GoPro is not just the leader in the action camera field, its name is synonymous with the very type. Its cameras are found atop the helmets of skiers, cyclists, and parachutists and mounted to the end of selfie-sticks around the world. However, there are several companies making action cams to compete with the leader; let’s have a look at a few options.

DJI Osmo Action 4K Camera

The Osmo Action 4K Camera from DJI is recognizable for its front-facing 1.4" 320 x 320 color LCD that aids in composition when following your own action, taking selfies, or vlogging. The front and rear displays are touch controlled, and the camera employs a touchscreen lock function to avoid accidental setting changes. It also offers five specific voice command options for hands-free control of essential functions. DJI utilizes its experience as the world leader in drone photography, incorporating RockSteady Electronic Image Stabilization into most of the camera’s video modes. Images are captured with its 1/2.3" CMOS sensor and wide f/2.8 lens that records up to 4K60p HDR video and 12MP photos. Dual microphones and an external microphone input are provided, and the Osmo can be submerged to 36' for 30 seconds without a case.

DJI Osmo Action 4K Camera
DJI Osmo Action 4K Camera

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX0 II Digital Camera

Its size and durability specs align with most cameras in its class, but with the Cyber-shot name attached, you can bet this is more than just a standard action cam. With a 1" Exmor RS Stacked CMOS sensor capable of 15.3MP still images and internal UHD 4K30 video, the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX0 II Digital Camera is an imaging leader among action cameras. Complementing the sensor is a ZEISS Tessar T* 24mm (equivalent) f/4 lens with minimum focus at 7.9", electronic image stabilization, and a dedicated DRAM chip that speeds up processing and performance. Also, its BIONZ X processor enables low-light performance up to ISO 12800 and continuous still shooting to 16 fps. For highest-quality video, the RX0 II also outputs an uncompressed and clean 4:2:2 4K image over HDMI and has a 3.5mm microphone input for improved audio capture. High Frame Rate mode enables extreme slow motion capture up to 1000 fps, a 1.5" 230k-dot 180° tilting LCD makes for easier selfies or vlogging, and Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity are supported.

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX0 II Digital Camera
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX0 II Digital Camera

SJCAM SJ8 Pro 4K Action Camera

Laden with included accessories such as a waterproof housing and a handlebar stand, the SJ8 Pro 4K Action Camera is a notably lightweight action cam with comprehensive touch control through its 2.33" IPS retina LED rear touchscreen. Capable of 4K video capture at 60 fps and 12MP JPEG and RAW stills capture, this nicely priced camera utilizes a SONY IMX377 CMOS sensor with an Ambarella H22 S85 chip set for its advanced processing and six-axis gyroscope stabilization features. Several specific camera modes enable easier time-lapse, photo burst, slow-motion, video+photo, and TV mode photography; it even has settings for car and FPV (first-person view) modes. Wi-Fi at 2.4 and 5 GHz is supported, and an optional wireless remote can be purchased to control various functions. You can also use your iOS or Android smartphone to control the camera's operations or edit and share your photos and videos with the free SJCAM Zone app.

SJCAM SJ8 Pro 4K Action Camera
SJCAM SJ8 Pro 4K Action Camera

Insta360 ONE R 4K Edition

The unique modular design of the Insta360 One R 4K is what draws initial attention to this action camera system. Basically, it is a customizable three-piece design—the 4K Wide-Angle Module, the Core “brain” Module, and the battery pack—and it’s situated by the mounting frame, which then attaches to various support accessories. The beauty of this system is that you can swap out the 4K module for other “mods,” including the 1" Wide-Angle Mod, which captures 5.3K video, and a Dual-Lens 360 Mod. The core module offers a touchscreen display that can be set up as front or rear facing when used with the 4K mod. The lens on the 4K wide-angle module is equivalent to 16.4mm with an f/2.8 maximum aperture. The core module records at varying resolutions depending on to which mod it is attached. The ONE R system is designed to be waterproof to 16' without housing and can operate in temperatures between -4 and 104°F. Also, have a look at the Insta360 GO Action Camera, which is a tiny wearable camera with a range of interesting functions designed for everyday use.

Insta360 ONE R 4K Edition
Insta360 ONE R 4K Edition

OMI OmiCam Wearable Spherical VR Action Camera

Like the Insta360 GO, the OMI OmiCam Wearable Spherical VR Action Camera is suited for more quotidian activities and provides up to 15 hours of recording in Lifelog interval mode and 70 minutes of continuous recording in 4K. The OmiCam has a unique 360° clip that attaches to a hat, shirt, backpack strap, or just about anything else wearable. The camera's lens is tilted forward at a 45° angle, which is ideal for wearable POV recording. It features a 12MP image sensor and 240° fisheye lens, and it allows you to capture Ultra HD 4K, 2.5K, and Full HD 1080p resolution video at 30 fps, as well as 4320 x 2160 resolution photos in an expansive, ultra-wide angle. Built-in Horizontal Movement Stabilization and E-Gimbal Stabilization smooth out and horizontally level your footage. The OmiCam is lightweight and rain and dust resistant. An optional waterproof case is available from OMI for taking the OmiCam underwater, as is a range of mounting accessories for securing onto bikes, snowboards, and more.

OMI OmiCam Wearable Spherical VR Action Camera
OMI OmiCam Wearable Spherical VR Action Camera

And Also…

Looking nothing like the standard action camera, the Olympus Stylus Tough TG Tracker is akin to the top-of-class Olympus Stylus Tough point-and-shoot cameras with very robust protection and LOG mode to record the data from the camera's built-in GPS, compass, accelerometer, thermometer, and barometer. Certified for weapons use and IP67 rated, the SiOnyx Aurora PRO Night Vision Camera features a 1" type CMOS sensor with large pixels for extreme low-light imaging. A final consideration for road warriors is the Sena Prism Bluetooth Action Camera Motorcycle Pack, which features a 1080p action camera with unique Bluetooth capabilities such as remote voice recording and voice feedback, as well as a set of quick-release mounting accessories for motorcyclists, allowing you to capture hands-free video and remote audio as you ride.

Olympus Stylus Tough TG-Tracker Action Camera
Olympus Stylus Tough TG-Tracker Action Camera

Are you a die-hard Go-Pro fan? Which of these action cams would you consider taking on your next adventure? Let us know in the Comments section, below!

2 Comments

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