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The Best GoPro Alternatives – Cheap Action Cameras For Snorkeling/Diving
Are you looking for the best GoPro alternatives that provide you with great image quality at affordable prices? If you don’t want to spend hundreds of dollars on the latest HERO11 Black, or just looking for an additional inexpensive model for everyday use, here are the top cheap action cameras to buy!
Written by Anett Szaszi
Anett is a certified scuba diver, freediver, and an expert in snorkeling with more than 10 years of experience. She fell in love with the ocean while snorkeling in the Red Sea on a vacation to Egypt back in 2008. Since then, she has been traveling to discover the world’s best snorkeling spots and sharing her experience and tips to inspire others. Find her photos on @anett.szaszi Instagram too!
The best 6 GoPro alternatives
GoPro is still the leader in the action cam market and the latest HERO11 Black is definitely the best GoPro for snorkeling and diving thanks to its advanced features like a new, larger sensor, 27MP image quality, 10-Bit color and upgraded Hypersmooth 5.0 stabilization just to mention a few, but today’s cheap GoPro alternatives are absolutely competitive considering what you get for your money.
If you love outdoor activities, it is never a bad idea to buy an extra budget action camera even if you already have a waterproof camera! These compact-sized, affordable models you can use anytime and anywhere without worrying about breaking or losing an expensive device!
AKASO EK7000 4K waterproof action cam
This affordable 4K action camera is considered one of the best GoPro alternatives available these days. With professional quality that includes lifelike 4K25fps videos and 12MP photos, outstanding battery time and tons of accessories, the AKASO EK7000 will withstand any adventure and is perfect for underwater activities in the durable waterproof case.
AKASO EK7000
- outstanding image quality – 4K 25 fps videos, 12MP photos
- 2.4G wireless remote control
- built-in Wi-Fi, HDMI, app connectivity for easy transfer and share
The included wrist remote allows you to change the settings with a simple press of the button. Wi-Fi, HDMI make file transfer and footage sharing quick and effortless. 170 degrees wide-angle mode, loop recording and screen rotation are available.
Thanks to these advanced features, it is perfect to use in the car too as a dashcam. You get 2 rechargeable batteries, waterproof case and tons of mounts and accessories with this AKASO action cam!
Tip: should you look for a cheap action camera direct for underwater use, make sure to check out the AKASO EK7000 Pro that features 16MP photo quality, adjustable view angle and got a new DIVE mode that automatically corrects the colors so you might skip using an underwater filter!
SJCAM SJ8 Pro action camera
The SJCAM SJ8 Pro waterproof 4K action camera is one of the most popular GoPro alternatives that you can get at a very affordable price. It records Ultra HD 4K 60 fps videos and captures 12MP photos. Thanks to the 8X digital zoom, it is easy to adjust the shooting angle to fit your needs and recording style.
SJCAM SJ8 Pro camera
- 4K60fps Ultra HD videos and 12 MP photos with IMX377 sensor
- 2-inch high sensitivity touch LCD screen
- six-axis gyroscope stabilization
With a top-quality IMX377 image sensor inside, sharp and clear images are guaranteed. The new six-axis gyroscope stabilization system makes the SJCAM SJ8 Pro a great choice for cycling, running or skiing. For diving and snorkeling, use the sturdy underwater housing that makes it waterproof up to 40m/130ft!
The high-sensitivity touch LCD provides with easy-control. It also features a front screen that displays the actual settings. With tons of valuable accessories, including an extra battery and SD card, this SJCAM action camera is one of the most competitive GoPro alternatives for outdoor activities!
Tip: to create outstanding underwater photos and videos, see the best GoPro accessories for snorkeling and diving that will help you to improve your footage!
AKASO Brave 4 20 MP waterproof action camera
If you don’t mind spending a few more bucks for some real improvements, check out this upgraded AKASO action camera model that has awesome features compared to the previous AKASO EK7000.
This new model got a 20MP sensor for more incredible images and also a smart gyroscope and anti-shaking mode. No more shaky videos and blurry pictures, just clear and sharp footage! Download the AKASO DV App to be able to review your photos and videos on your smartphone or tablet, or send them instantly to your social channels!
AKASO Brave 4 20MP action camera
- 20MP photo, 4K 24 fps videos quality
- Built-in smart gyroscope
- rich accessory kit and 2 rechargeable batteries included
AKASO Brave4 action cam is one of the most recommended GoPro alternatives for water activities! The durable case ensures safe usage up to 30m/98ft. When snorkeling and diving, activate the dive mode that will automatically correct the colors resulting in natural footage.
1050 mAh powerful battery allows 90 minutes of recording. With many extras in the package such as a remote wristband, additional battery, and 19 extra accessories, the AKASO Brave 4 is definitely a GoPro alternative you should consider buying!
Dragon Touch action camera 4K
The Dragon Touch 4K action camera is popular one among the best GoPro alternatives that fits any budget and offers great quality. This model features 4K/30Fps, 2.7K/30Fps or 1080P/60Fps video recording and 16MP photo resolution. The 170 degrees super wide-angle lens guarantees that you will capture every moment even the details that happening in the background.
Dragon Touch 4K action camera
- records amazing 4K/30fps videos and captures 16MP photos
- built-in Wi-Fi to control the camera and for easy file transfer
- wireless remote control included
You can control the camera from your phone through the built-in Wi-Fi to easily transfer your photos and videos or share them on Instagram, Facebook and other social media channels.
The Dragon Touch 4K action cam package includes 2 rechargeable batteries that each support 90 minutes of recording. As an additional extra, a wrist wireless remote control also included which makes the camera operation super convenient!
APEXCAM M90 Pro 4K GoPro alternative
Bringing inspiring products for the people to share their passion and life! This mission statement moves the APEXCAM Team who offers a selection of budget-friendly GoPro alternatives. The APEXCAM 4K camera is a professional cheap action camera that takes clear, high-quality 20 MP photos and 4K Ultra HD videos.
What really makes this action cam shine is the electronic image stabilization system. It is technically a built-in gyroscope that makes your footage smooth and stable.
APEXCAM M90 Pro Action Cam
- 20 MP photo and 4K video quality
- 2-inch LCD display and super wide angle lens
- built-in Wi-Fi, HDMI output, various photo and video recording modes
HDMI and USD outputs support full connectivity, while the built-in Wi-Fi allows easy file transfer and social sharing. Various modes help to find the best setting in every condition such as loop recording, time-lapse, car mode or timer capture.
With the upgraded waterproof case, this camera is waterproof up to 40 m (130 ft). Moreover, you can enjoy full flexibility thanks to the GoPro-compatible accessory kit that includes a selfie stick, helmet accessories and a lot more!
Lightdow action camera
The Lightdow LD6000 action camera is one of the cheapest GoPro alternatives. This inexpensive yet smart model supports 12MP photos and records in full HD at 30fps.
The video quality is similar to GoPro Hero 3 Silver. The Lightdow LD6000 has a built-in screen and WIFI. Download the app and you’ll be able to control the camera remotely.
Lightdow LD6000 camera
- 12MP photo and 1080/30fps video quality
- 170° wide angle lens
- liquid crystal LCD screen
4x digital zoom, anti-shake and motion detection will help you to get smooth and clear footage. This Lightdow action camera can be used as a dash cam too thanks to the automatic start/stop option with car ignition.
The 900 mAh battery provides you with approx 60-80 minutes of recording time. In the package, you’ll find different mounts that fit with GoPro accessories too and a waterproof case so you can take the camera snorkeling and diving!
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