Top 5 GoPro Alternatives
GoPro`s are great, but sometimes for whatever reason, you might want to look at other action cameras. I`m going to help you decide so here`s my current (Things will probably change) Top 5 GoPro Alternatives list in random order!
Sony FDR-X3000 4K
Key Features
- Price: $370.00
- 1/2.5-inch 16:9 Exmos R CMOS sensor
- Zeiss Tessar multicoated lens
- Balanced Optical SteadyShot (B.O.SS) stabilization
- 4K resolution up to 30fps
- 1080p up to 120fps
Pros
- Excellent image and audio quality
- Good optical image stabilization
- Long battery life
- GPS
- Zeiss lens and Exmor sensor
Cons
- Poor display on the Live-View Remote Control
- Slow to power on (when using the Remote Control)
- Bulky waterproof case
- Limited included accessories
The 4K Action Camera promises to be three times more stable than previous Sony action cams thanks to advanced SteadyShot systems, and the ZEISS lens will ensure that your video is sharp and free from glare. This is the flagship model from Sony and since Sony is well known for its image quality you can be pretty sure this one is at the top of the food chain when it comes to action cameras.
My biggest beef with it is the screen or the lack of. It only has a display to change the settings so there is no way to frame your shots on the camera itself.
Get it from:
Amazon.com
TomTom Bandit
Key Features
- 4K VIDEO RESOLUTION
- EASY EDITING IN MINUTES
- BUILT-IN MOTION SENSORS detect highlights in your videos
- Film up to 3H nonstop in full HD
- BUllet shaped design
Pros
- GoPro mount option
- Easy to use
- Quick video edit and upload
- No cables design
Cons
- Heavier than some rivals
- Needs separate lens cover for waterproofing
- Bullet shape makes some mount options tricky
- 4K 15FPS only
It has some cool features like the easy editing and the cordless design but if you are not a fan of the bullet design and want a good display to frame your shots this is probably not for you. But it certainly has its appeal and is widely considered as one of the top competitors to GoPro cameras.
Get it from:
Amazon.com
Xiaomi Mijia Camera Mini 4K 30fps Action Camera
This is a bit more unexpected choice in the list since it is a rather unknown brand but the price tag makes it appealing to a lot of users.
Key Features
- Six-axis EIS: three-axis gyroscope and three-axis accelerometer
- Anti-Shake, WiFi functions
- Huge2.4 inch screen
- Uses Sony IMX 317 Sensor
Pros
- Very Cheap, costs around 125 USD
- Easy to use
- Decent image quality
- Big screen
Cons
- Display hard to see in hard sunlight
- No waterproof case as of now (will be on the market soon)
- tripod mount only
Obviously, the price is what makes this one to qualify in the list but if you want to take the camera underwater you might want to look at the more expensive action cameras. But the large screen and pretty good 4k video quality makes it a worthy opponent to the more famed cameras.
Get it from:
Olympus TG-Tracker
Key Features
- GPS and motion sensors
- 4K video at 30fps
- Flip-out screen
- Rugged and waterproof out of the box
- Led light
Pros
- Very tough and waterproof without any extra casing
- Easy to use
- Very good image quality
- Integrated LED light
- Capturing location and motion data through the five sensors
Cons
-
Heavy compared with competitors
-
No in-app auto editing
- Flip out screen can be cumbersome
Thi is perfect for high-speed athletes like skiers or bikers who love to see their ride data. The Olympus TG-Tracker is packed wit sensors to record this and this makes it stand out in the crowd. Using those sensors constantly although can drain the battery a bit too fast so be warned!
Buy it from:
Amazon.com
Garmin Virb XE
Garmin is mostly known for its GPS devices but has been in the action camera market for a while now and is starting to get more traction. The Virb XE introduced motion sensors and GPS tracking to action cameras, adding an extra element to capturing the action.
Key Features
-
GPS and other motion sensors
-
Robust Waterproof without additional case
- Excellent quality footage
- Pro recording options
Pros
- Very tough and waterproof without any extra casing
- Lot`s of additional sensors
- Compatible with GoPro mounts
Cons
-
No 4k
- No 4k
- No 4k
- No 4k
- Proprietary USB cable – wtf, why!!?!?!
- No screen for framing
VIRB XE contains built-in Garmin GPS, G-force, orientation sensors and the ability to wirelessly connect to external sensors and Garmin devices to capture even more performance data. So If you own a bunch of Garmin devices this could be the right choice for you, if not then the lack of 4k is a dealbreaker for most users. If Garming would get rid of the Proprietary USB cable and instead use a regular USB this would be so much better for them
By it from:
Amazon.com
So, here you go, this is my first list of Top 5 GoPro Alternatives. Next 5 coming soon.
