If you love adventures, and capturing the moments during your adventures, action cameras are imperative for you. Though many may call action cameras impractical, given the extensive features in the cameras of our phones, truth is, once you have used an action camera, you will realize how indispensable they are, for the purpose they serve.
However, it is true that you can sometimes have to compromise with the budget you allocate for action cameras. And hunting down a good action camera within a tight budget can be extremely challenging. Starting from sports to basic commuting moments, you want to capture the memories using an action camera, but without having to spend a fortune for the purpose.
Given the wide variety of action cams available in the market, you might even get overwhelmed.
Cheap Action Cameras Buying Guide
Hence, before going straight to the curated list that we have compiled for you to pick the right camera for Action, let us take a look at all the important properties of the camera that you should consider during the quest.
Video abilities of the action camera
If you think we mean the ability to shoot videos, we beg to differ. Instead, we want you to consider the qualities as well as the frame rate abilities of the action camera before you make the purchase.
Of course, 4K video is the norm in the world of today and you will be compromising if your action camera is unable to deliver top quality video. Hence, you must aim for at least 1 frame rate when buying the action camera.
When it comes to regular videos, targeting 24-30 fps will be ideal for the sake of recording your adventures perfectly. Of course if you need slow-motion shooting options, you eyes should fall on 60-120 fps instead.
Usually, the frame rate is fixed when it comes to budget action cameras, meaning that you can only be shooting at a certain frame rate at all times.
Photo quality of the Action Camera
Why target an action camera which does not take premium photographs? Most action cameras of today will be able to shoot photos between 12 and 20 Megapixels, which means you can expect high resolution output from the camera, with sharper and clear images.
You can also keep an eye out for your camera to have the burst mode option available so that you are able to easily capture the coolest detail of your adventure.
Like we mentioned before, the action camera is meant to record the wildest of adventures and hence you should have the luxury to carry it anywhere. However, sometimes some cameras do not have the water resistant characteristics- not quite sure why.
However, if you love aquatic adventures, this is a mandatory aspect to keep an eye out for. Even depth rating will play an important role here- how deep can you take the camera?
Top 10 Action Camera under $100
Considering the aspects discussed above, we have scoured the market to bring to you’re the top 10 picks for the action camera under $100.
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Product |
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Price |
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Campark X20 4K Action Camera |
Megapixel: 20 MP Comes with internal microphone Includes 2 batteries Depth rating: 40 m Waterproof Include touch screen Includes stabilization |
$$ |
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Akaso V50X 4K Action Camera |
Megapixel: 12 MP Comes with internal microphone Includes 2 batteries Depth rating: 40 m Waterproof Include touch screen Includes stabilization |
$$ |
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Dragon Touch 4K Action Camera |
Megapixel: 16 MP Comes with internal microphone Includes 2 batteries Depth rating: 30 m Waterproof Does not include touch screen Does not include stabilization |
$$ |
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Apeman A80 4K 60FPS Action Camera |
Megapixel: 20MP Comes with internal microphone Includes 2 batteries Depth rating: 40 m Waterproof Does not include touch screen Includes stabilization |
$$ |
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Akaso Brave 4K Action Camera |
Megapixel: 20MP Comes with internal microphone Includes 2 batteries Depth rating: 30 m Waterproof Does not include touch screen Includes stabilization |
$$ |
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Neewer G1 Ultra HD 4K Action Camera |
Megapixel: 16 MP Comes with internal microphone Includes 1 battery Depth rating: 40 m Waterproof Does not include touch screen Does not Include stabilization |
$$ |
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Cooau Native 4K Action Camera |
Video Resolution: 4K at 60 fps and 30 fps, 1080P at 120, 60 and 30 fps, 720P at 240 fps Megapixel: 20 MP Comes with internal as well as external microphone Includes 2 batteries Depth rating: 40 m Waterproof Includes touch screen Includes stabilization |
$$ |
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Campark ACT74A 4K Action Camera |
Video Resolution: 4K at 30 fps, 2.7K at 30 fps, 1080P at 60 and 30 fps Megapixel: 20 MP Comes with internal as well as external microphone Includes 2 batteries Depth rating: 40 m Waterproof Does not include touch screen Includes stabilization |
$$ |
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Akaso EK7000 4K Action Camera |
Video Resolution: 4K at 25 fps, 2.7K at 30 fps 170 degrees wide angle shooting available Megapixel: 12 MP Long battery life Internal Wi-Fi and HDMI Includes 2 batteries Depth rating: 100 Feet Waterproof |
$$ |
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Vivitar DVR783 HD Action Camcorder |
Video Resolution: 720p 1.8” LCD display Waterproof up to 3m |
$$ |
1. Campark X20 4K Action Camera
This is one of the champions in the market of action cameras under the $100 given the waterproof features and the high megapixel it is equipped it. The touchscreen and stabilization adds to its most highly rated features. The 4K video shooting abilities are also commendable. It is one of the most affordable action cameras with extensive features out there.
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2. Akaso V50X 4K Action Camera
This is one of the best action cameras out there, just within the budget of $100, with its excellent 4K shooting capabilities and the anti-shake features. It has several lens options too: 170 degrees, 140 degrees, 110 degrees and 70 degrees. The screen is also touchscreen and includes stabilization features. It also includes the two batteries needed to function.
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3. Dragon Touch 4K Action Camera
This is the most affordable option out there, serving as a worthy investment for action cameras under $100, with ultra-high-definition 4K video shooting capabilities, excellent photo resolutions and Wi-Fi connectivity features. You have the ability to take wide angle photos as well up to 170 degrees. Slow Motion shooting is also well facilitated by the camera, allowing 4 times zooming options.
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4. Apeman A80 4K 60FPS Action Camera
Another champion in our list of the best action cameras under $100 is the Apeman, including the remote control features and the high professional video recording features. You can record 4K video at 60 fps and adjust the view of the lens as per your wish. The camera also has a good megapixel count, thereby promising on sharpness and quality of the images. It also comes with anti-shake features.
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5. Akaso Brave 4K Action Cam
This is the another affordable option out there, serving as a worthy investment for action cameras under $100, with ultra-high-definition 4K video shooting capabilities, excellent photo resolutions and Wi-Fi connectivity options. You have the ability to take wide angle photos as well up to several adjustable angles. Time lapse shooting is also well facilitated by the camera, allowing 5 times zooming options.
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6. Neewer G1 Ultra HD 4K Action Camera
This is the another reliable option out there, serving as a good investment for action cameras under $100, with ultra-high-definition 4K video shooting capabilities, excellent photo resolutions and Wi-Fi connectivity options. You have the ability to take photos in multiple modes with a 2 inch LCD display as well up to 170 degree wide angle adjustment. Time lapse shooting is also well facilitated by the camera.
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7. Cooau Native 4K Action Camera
This is one of the most powerful options out there, serving as a top investment for action cameras under $100, with ultra-high-definition 4K video shooting capabilities, excellent photo resolutions, Wi-Fi connectivity and remote control options. You can zoom up to 8 times and also record both slow and fast movements. It is super waterproof up to 40 meters and allows long exposure durations.
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8. Campark ACT74A 4K Action Camera
This is another very affordable, yet excellent option out there, serving as a good investment for action cameras under $100, with ultra-high-definition 4K video shooting capabilities, excellent photo resolutions as well as remote control and Wi-Fi connectivity options. You have the ability to take photos with perfect anti shake features as well up to 170 degree wide angle adjustment
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9. Akaso EK7000 4K Action Camera
Another safe, yet excellent option out there, serving as a good investment for action cameras under $100, with ultra-high-definition 4K video shooting capabilities, excellent photo resolutions as well as remote control and Wi-Fi connectivity options. You have the ability to take photos with loop recording options as well up to 170 degree wide angle adjustment.
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10. Vivitar DVR783 HD Action Camcorder
This camera, though the last in our list, is yet one of the inexpensive and portable options which follows a conventional look and produces high quality 720 p outputs, which having a 1.8 inch LCD screen and waterproof features up to 3m.
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Using the right action camera under $100 is indeed what will add to the fun experiences while keeping your bank healthy. With the list above, you can explore the different options and choose one that syncs best with your preferences.
You can also read The best way to Get into Pictures.