When it comes to finding a versatile camera to capture active moments, it can be difficult to find the right one. Then, when you add on a budget limitation, the task might seem insurmountable. It’s important to consider factors such as durability, image stabilization, and frame rate when choosing a camera for active moments.
Hello, fellow photography enthusiasts! My name is Lavelle and I am a professional photographer and videographer. Since 2009 I have been helping clients across the United States capture some of the best moments of their life. In many instances, I’ve made recommendations to colleagues about cameras in certain budget categories.
In this article, I will share the list of the best action cameras that you can find for under $50. I will also go over some of the things you should look for in an action camera and answer a few frequently asked questions.
Contents
Key Takeaways
- Choosing an action budget camera should center around the camera’s durability. You want a model that can withstand the rugged activities that go along with action photography.
- Look for excellent battery life. You want a camera that can last long enough to enjoy your action moments without having to stop to change or recharge batteries.
- Consider an option that has good video and image resolution. I suggest a minimum video resolution of 1080p HD and a minimum image resolution of 16MP.
As the name indicates, action cameras are great for capturing action moments. Some of the activities action cameras are used for include swimming, biking, hiking, racing, skiing, and other similar activities.
Can an action camera be used as a dashcam?
Yes, many action cameras are well suited to serve as a dashcam. They can do nearly anything that a regular camera can do with added flexibility.
Do action cameras have associated apps?
Yes, many action cameras have either proprietary applications that you can download from Google or Apple stores and some of them also have third-party applications that are compatible with the camera you choose.
What to Look for in an Action Camera Under $50
- Durability: Many times the action camera is placed in some daring circumstances and it behooves you to find one that can withstand being dropped or bounced around. A lack of durability may result in an early replacement.
- Battery Life: Shooting takes some time and it’s easy to get engrossed in the action and lose track of the battery life. Nothing ruins a good time faster than having to stop mid-way to change the battery.
- Camera Quality: It is important to look for an action camera that gives you high-quality images and videos. Action shots depend greatly on precision and clarity, therefore, having an action camera that has good image and video quality is crucial to achieving your photography goals on action shots. Look for features such as the lens dimensions, the megapixels, and the frames per second rate.
- Shutter Speed: I recommend a shutter speed of at least 1/400 of a second. As a general rule, you want a shutter speed that is as least as fast as the inverse of your focal length.
The Best Action Cameras Under $50 Reviewed
Here is the list of the best action cameras that you can get for under $50. Enjoy!
1. okejeye WiFi Action Camera (Best Overall)
- Video Resolution: 4K/30fps
- Photo Resolution: 60MP
- Image Stabilization: Yes
- Battery Life: Up to 90-minutes
My top choice is the okeyjeye Wifi Action Camera. This wifi enabled action camera is an excellent option for action enthusiasts. Its image quality is superb and the video quality is second to none.
This camera comes equipped with a wide-angle lens and records video footage in 4K resolution at 30 frames per second. The 60MP photo resolution is the best on this list and the image quality is outstanding.
It comes with a waterproof box. When in its case, it can immerse in water depths up to 131 feet deep. It is perfect for action sports such as swimming, surfing, diving, etc.
The one area of concern is that the camera does not work well in low light conditions. This may prove to be a problem in circumstances where light is limited or in some underwater conditions.
My Verdict: This is a great choice for an action camera under $50. The video and camera resolution are superb and the overall features of this camera are quite amazing. It’s a great buy at this price point.
2. Apexcam 4K Action Camera (Best Remote Control)
- Video Resolution: 4K/30fps
- Photo Resolution: 20MP
- Image Stabilization: Yes
- Battery Life: Up to 90-minutes
The next choice on my list is the Apexcam Action Camera 4K Sports. From its high-quality video resolution to its 90 minutes of battery life, this model is a great value for action cam needs.
It produces exceptional video footage in 4K resolution at 30 frames per second. It has excellent image quality with a 20-megapixel resolution. The image stabilizer is very good on this unit and it delivers some high-quality photos and videos.
The thing I like most about this camera is the Wireless Wrist 2.4G Remote Control feature. This unique feature allows you to control the device from your wrist while viewing the action on your helmet where it can be activated by touch. The remote control has a good range of about 50 feet and it is water resistant.
However, the remote control is not waterproof like the camera housing is. Therefore, if you use the camera for underwater activities, the remote cannot be used during that time.
My Verdict: The Apexcam 4K Action Camera is another great option. It is priced affordable and has nice features to choose from while using the device. It is a durable camera body and has a good battery life.
3. Surfola SF230 Camera (Best Advanced Features)
- Video Resolution: 4k UHD 30fps
- Photo Resolution: 20MP
- Image Stabilization: Yes
- Battery Life: Up to 90-minutes
The Surfola SF230 Action Camera is a good option for action enthusiasts. With its 4k video and 20-megapixel image resolution, this unit provides really good quality photos and video.
With a nice design and good features, the SF230 is a powerful camera with some nice features including an external microphone and super wide-angle shooting capability. It is waterproof down to a 40-meter depth and has a handy remote control to use with it.
The camera offers advanced features including 5 video recording formats, 4 image options, a time-lapse feature, a 2” IPS high-definition screen, a 3-axis electronic stabilization system, and can serve both as a dash cam and webcam. It easily outpaces its rivals with these incredible features.
Unfortunately, some of the features are not user-friendly. It can be difficult to navigate the functions if you haven’t used this camera before. Take some time to familiarize yourself with the camera before using it.
My Verdict: This is another good budget action camera that has some very nice features to play with while shooting action shots.
4. VEMONT Action Camera (Best Beginner)
- Video Resolution: 1080p/30fps
- Photo Resolution: 12MP
- Image Stabilization: Yes
- Battery Life: Up to 90-minutes
Next up is the Vemont Action Camera. This easy-to-use sports cam comes with a nice 2x zoom capability and high-definition video resolution. It also has a respectable 12-megapixel image resolution which produces decent photo quality.
This camera, even for beginners, offers some nice qualities such as waterproofing down to 98 feet and it has a nice, clear 2-inch LCD screen that views well underwater also. The free accessory pack that comes with it is a nice bonus as well.
The thing that stands out is the 120-degree wide-angle lens. It allows you to shoot wide-angle scenes and cover more area when capturing those amazing action-packed moments.
The main drawback is lower-quality image resolution. While 12 MP is decent, it just doesn’t give the same quality as the others on this list, although the quality is good enough for basic uses.
My Verdict: Vemont Action Camera is a good budget option that falls a little on the lower end of the quality spectrum. It’s the right camera for kids as they learn how to use action cameras.
5. Xilecam 4K Action Camera (Best Budget)
- Video Resolution: 4K/30fps
- Photo Resolution: 16MP
- Image Stabilization: No
- Battery Life: Up to 60-minutes
The last choice on the list is the Xilecam 4K Action Camera which offers a lot of bang for the buck. It’s a great value with a camera that gives you 4K video resolution and 16-megapixel image resolution.
The Xilecam 4K has a powerful image sensor and an exceptional 6-layer optical glass lens. It delivers vivid video footage and clear images. The camera can also capture underwater action up to depths of 98 feet.
The camera’s flexible multi-view switching capability is what makes it stand out. It supports wide, medium, and narrow-angle modes while allowing you to capture different angles. You can easily switch shooting modes according to your scene needs.
The biggest issue with this camera is that there is no image stabilization. This causes the videos and pictures to be shaky and unclear unless you are using a tripod or have an extremely steady hand.
My Verdict: Overall, this is a solid choice to consider for your action needs. The video and image qualities are excellent and the advanced features are nice as well.
Final Thoughts
As you consider a good action camera to purchase, remember to look for one that will withstand the rigors of action events. Durability is probably the most important factor to consider in an action camera. It is also important to consider the camera’s characteristics and specs.
The cameras listed here are all great options for you to consider. Another solid option would be the Surfola Action Camera, which also offers 4K video and has built-in WiFi for easy sharing.
Have you used any of the action cameras from the list? Share your experiences below and feel free to ask any questions that you might have.
Until next time, enjoy your action adventures!
