COOAU 4K Action Camera Native
V50X 4K Action Camera AKASO
4K Action Camera Neewer G2
Hundreds of action cameras under $100 may now compete with those costing $300 and up. Instead of justifying a few hundred bucks, you can save money and still get the ideal action camera for your trips.
In this post, you’ll learn about the top 5 action cameras under $100 and understand what to look for when purchasing an action camera. After all, if you aren’t looking for the proper specifications, you will most likely be dissatisfied with your purchase.
Use the guide below to make a more informed selection when purchasing your next action camera!
What Exactly Is An Action Camera?
While every DSLR or mirrorless camera may shoot action images, an action camera serves a specific function. Action cameras can get up close and personal with the action rather than seeing it from a distance.
In most circumstances, providing unique POV perspectives would be difficult (if not impossible) to capture with other cameras.
Action cameras are also significantly more adaptable than traditional cameras. Action cameras are waterproof, compact, and capable of shooting photos and videos, so you’re never restricted!
Whether you’re going snorkeling on vacation, skiing, or looking for a lightweight travel camera, action cameras are the way to go. Until recently, the GoPro was the most popular action camera. After all, they were the ones who kicked off the niche movement.
The issue with GoPro is that they are prohibitively pricey. At roughly $300, that’s a lot of money to spend on something you’ll use as your adventure camera.
Fortunately, many other companies have begun producing their own action cameras. They’re not quite as expensive this time as a GoPro, but they provide the same functions.
What Should You Look For When Purchasing An Action Camera?
Before buying, ensure you understand what makes an action camera worthwhile. Fortunately, these factors were considered when compiling this list of action cameras under $100.
1. Capabilities For Video
4K resolution is currently the standard for video cameras. If your new action camera couldn’t shoot in this more excellent resolution, you’d be deceiving yourself. Ascertain that the camera can shoot 4K at least one frame rate.
The frame rate is the second factor to consider. You should shoot the regular video at 24 – 30 FPS (Frames Per Second). However, this will not function in slow motion.
If you want to shoot slow-motion, seek cameras that can shoot at 60 – 120 frames per second. This frame rate will record all of your activities in smooth slow motion.
Some low-cost action cameras now have a set frame rate. That implies you can only shoot at one frame rate at a time. Ideally, it would be best to have a camera that can switch between faster and slower frame rates.
2. Photographic Capabilities
What’s the purpose of having an action camera if you can’t take good photographs and videos? Examine the photo specs of an action camera before purchasing it, especially the resolution and driving modes.
Most action cameras nowadays can take photographs with resolutions ranging from 12 to 20 MegaPixels.
Consider a MegaPixel to be the overall resolution of your image. The higher the resolution (higher the MP), the crisper and clearer your pictures will appear. If you intend to use your action camera primarily for photography, go for one with a greater MegaPixel count.
It’s easy to miss a snap, especially while photographing sports. If you hit the button too soon, the photo will not capture the most exciting aspect of the action.
Fortunately, you don’t need to rehearse your trigger finger because burst mode is available.
A burst mode feature that captures many photographs at once is something to look for in action cameras. When you push the capture button, the camera will simultaneously snap a sequence of photos.
So, no matter when the ‘greatest’ moment occurred, you will undoubtedly capture it!
3. Wireless Internet Access
Wouldn’t it be great to access your action camera photographs from your phone? You can do this if your camera has wifi connectivity!
It is recommended to get an action camera with wifi capability so you can see, download, and share your photos from your phone. In rare circumstances, you can remotely control the camera and its settings!
Instead of evaluating your images on your camera’s tiny LCD screen, your phone provides superior viewing alternatives on the fly.
4. Water Resistance
The whole point of having an action camera is to carry it wherever you want. Your camera should be able to record everything, whether on land, at sea, or in space.
Unfortunately, for reasons unknown to me, not all action cameras are waterproof. That is why, before you buy an action camera, you should check to see if it is waterproof.
Check the depth rating as well as the essential waterproofing. Depending on the camera’s seals or waterproof casing, it will only tolerate specific depths.
This isn’t such a big deal if you only need a backyard pool camera. However, if you’re snorkeling, you don’t want to go too deep and damage your camera.
When in doubt, go with the highest waterproof certification camera! Typically, 20 to 30 meters (65 to 98 feet) is ideal.
5. Lens Design
Most action cameras include an ultra-wide-angle lens to record all of the action, no matter where it is.
Although this is ideal most of the time, it can be inconvenient when you need close-up images.
You’ll notice distortion around areas of your photo if you use an ultra-wide-angle lens. The horizons may appear curved, and your people may seem strangely lanky.
To avoid being trapped with this, seek an action camera with many lens kinds. Although you cannot physically change the lens, you can change the viewpoint in the camera to reduce distortion. This option is helpful since it lets you capture things precisely how you want.
6. Stabilization In-Camera
In-camera stabilization reduces the shakiness of your camera when you hold it in your hands. With an integrated stabilizer, it can naturally smooth any little bumps or rolls and make the footage feel less choppy.
In terms of photography, this means that your subjects will be sharp. Instead of having some motion blur in your photo, stabilization will help maintain everything quickly.
7. Display Options
The screen on each action camera is slightly different. They come in various sizes, with some having touch capability and others having front screens for selfies!
Because the screen is one of the most significant aspects of the camera, you should ensure that it works for you. The majority of action camera screens are relatively small. Expect a 10″ OLED panel here, but instead, emphasis on features like touch capabilities and selfie display.
A touch screen can make it easier to alter settings and view images. However, you may be among those who prefer to use physical buttons instead. Look for the screen kind that works best for you based on your preferences.
Some higher-end cameras even have a front-facing screen for selfie modes. You’ll see how good you and your buddies look before you push the capture button.
That being said, the selfie screen is the icing on the cake for your action camera sundae. Sure, it’s lovely to have, but it shouldn’t be the deciding factor in buying. Now that we’ve covered what to look for, let’s look at the best action cameras under $100!
Top 5 Best Action Cameras For Less Than $100
Let’s look over a list of the top action cameras under $100 currently available. Remember that none of these action cameras include a microSD card.
These must be purchased in addition to the camera!
1. COOAU 4K Action Camera Native
If you’re looking for one of the best action cameras under $100, the COOAU Action Camera is a fantastic beast. This camera shoots in native 4K resolution at 60 frames per second, making it ideal for producing gorgeous, high-definition movies of any activity.
This camera significantly boosts light transmittance and reduces dispersion thanks to the advanced Sony sensor and 7 layers of optical glass. It has a wide-angle lens that you can adjust to provide a broad, medium, or narrow field of vision.
Best of all, the camera includes built-in lens distortion correction, so you won’t be surprised while reviewing your images!
Furthermore, the COOAU Action Camera offers internet connectivity, allowing you to quickly control the camera or check photographs from your phone. It includes two microphones and two high-capacity batteries that are waterproof to 40 meters and can record up to one minute-long exposure.
Features
- It supports the H.265 video compression format, which can improve the quality of the picture.
- It has a high-precision electronic image stabilization function and an electronic image anti-shake function, which can effectively prevent blurry pictures caused by shaky hands.
- The camera uses a 1/2.3 inch 12 million pixel Sony IMX377CQR sensor, a 6P lens with a focal length of 170 degrees, and an angle of view of 120 degrees.
- The camera supports RAW shooting and has an external microphone socket for professional audio recording.
- The camera supports real-time shooting, time-lapse photography, and slow-motion recording modes.
2. V50X 4K Action Camera AKASO
If you enjoy the video, the AKASO V50X Action Camera is another excellent option. It can record at 4K/30fps, 2.7K/30fps, and 2K/60fps, covering all of your required frame rates in good quality. It features a 2-inch touchscreen display with an exceedingly user-friendly menu system.
With alternative lens corrections, you may adjust the field of vision of this action camera between 170°, 140°, 110°, and 70°. This is ideal for ultra-wide views and more realistic perspectives.
The AKASO V50X also has several mounting options straight out of the box. With a helmet, handlebars, and sticky mounts, you’ll be ready to go from the start. This action camera includes two 1350mAh batteries, built-in wifi for tethered control to your phone, and a waterproof rating of 40m.
Features
- The V50X 4K Action Camera is equipped with a new generation IMX377 12MP CMOS sensor and a 3-axis gimbal stabilization system.
- It supports 4K/30fps and 2.7K/60fps high-definition video recording, providing clear and smooth picture quality during the shooting process.
- Its 5-times zoom lens covers a wide angle of view up to 170°, which can capture more high-definition scenes during your travel or sports activities like cycling, surfing, skiing, etc.
- The camera has a built-in gyroscope and gravity sensor, which can improve auto-stabilization system (EIS) performance.
3. 4K Action Camera Neewer G2
The Neewer G2 Action Camera is a fantastic camera with many gadgets and mounting adapters. This camera can go anywhere because it has over a dozen mounting options.
It captures 16MP images from a high-resolution sensor and produces 4K/25FPS, 2.7K/30FPS, 1080P/60FPS, and 1080P/30fps video. This camera includes many shooting modes, including time-lapse, continuous, loop recording, and more, for limitless creativity.
This camera does not have interchangeable lenses. However, it has an ultra-wide-angle lens with a 170° field view. It has a 2-inch touch display and one 900mAh battery. You can also share photographs immediately from the camera to your phone over wifi, and it’s waterproof to 30 m.
Features
- It can record 4K video at 25fps and 1080p at 60fps (both in MP4 format).
- The 12MP sensor captures still photos at up to 16MP.
- The integrated 2″ touchscreen LCD makes it easy to frame your shots and review them afterward.
- You can even use the LCD as a viewfinder to take shots without holding onto your phone or tablet while you shoot.
4. 4K Action Camera VanTop Moment
You get the best of both worlds in photo and video with the VanTop Moment 4 4K Action Camera. It not only shoots 4K/24fps, 2K/30fps, and 1080P/60FPS video, but it also takes 20MP photographs with its Sony TrueDepth sensor.
Despite its absence of slow-motion capabilities, it is an excellent action camera to consider. It boasts a user-friendly 2.4-inch touchscreen and uses electronic picture stabilization to make your shots look professional. You may switch between a 170° and a 70° view on this lens for greater creative control.
One of the best features of this camera is the ability to manage it remotely from your phone. View, capture, and alter camera settings directly from your innovative smartphone when you’re away from the camera. Finally, this camera is waterproof to a depth of 30 meters, making it ideal for vacation or casual lake days!
Features
- Wi-Fi connection, APP control, and remote previewing.
- 1080P/720P/WVGA video recording frame rate 30fps, 60fps, 120fps.
- 4K UHD 30fps video recording supports 4K video editing on a PC or MAC computer after connecting with a USB and HDMI cable.
- Built-in microphone and external microphone jack for high-quality sound recording.
- Support TIME LAPSE mode; you can shoot time-lapse videos with different intervals from 15s to 1 hour (only available when using the app).
5. 4K Action Camera APEMAN A80
The Apeman A80 Action Camera has 4K 24fps, 2K/30fps, 1080P/60fps video recording, and 20MP pictures. With 60fps, this camera approaches basic slow motion but falls short of 120fps. Regardless, this camera is a great buy.
It includes a lens that you can adjust to provide viewing angles of 170°, 140°, 110°, and 70°. It boasts built-in wifi and an HDMI output, providing more possibilities to save and view your images than ever before. The camera is powered by dual 1050mAh batteries, giving it plenty of fuel to operate with.
To sweeten the deal, this camera includes a range of fantastic shooting settings, including time-lapse and shutter delay. It also has a variety of mounting brackets to help you get started with your action camera.
Features
- It supports 4K/30fps video recording and live-streaming via Wi-Fi.
- Equipped with a 5MP photo-taking function, which can be used to capture the moments you want to remember forever.
- The waterproof case with a thickness of 20 meters allows you to shoot underwater without worrying about water damage.
- The 120-degree wide-angle lens allows you to shoot more details than ordinary action cameras and makes it easier to shoot videos without fish-eye effects or distortion.
Conclusion
That concludes our list of the best action cameras under $100. As you can see, many excellent, low-cost action cameras can pick from. The increased features, in-camera stabilization, and quality distinguish the first camera from the last.
This list is an excellent place to start if you want a camera that can capture great photographs on any excursion.
COOAU 4K Action Camera Native
V50X 4K Action Camera AKASO
4K Action Camera Neewer G2