Do you want to buy best action camera on a budget? Read this review and get the brief knowledge about it.
Action camera was released in the year 2004 and has come a long way since then. They are literally like any other camera but are small, tiny, and compact. They’re designed to be attached to a sports helmet, bike, or other objects, making it easy on the go for a high definition video.
Generally, action cameras are not known for their excellent quality in low light. Nevertheless, when shooting in limited lighting conditions, we have no choice but to believe that we will improve our video using post-processing. But which camera is the best one for low light action?
Here’s a compiled list of top 8 best little light action cameras:
Best action camera on a budget review
1. AKASO Ek7000 – Best budget action camera
- 4K video At 25fps
- 1080p video At 60fps
- Waterproof up to 40 metres.
- 16 megapixels photo
- Battery life up to 90 minute
- Remote operation
- List Element
The AKASO EK7000 4K Wi-Fi action camera is an ultra HD waterproof DV Camcorder that can record 2.7K 30 fps video with 12MP photos at up to 30 frames for extraordinary and incredible images.
AKASO EK7000 features with a wireless wrist remote control sports camera and a wrist 2.4G remote, making it convenient to frame shots and record videos.
It also features two rechargeable 1050mAh batteries, which can record up to 90 minutes of videos.
Its 100 feet waterproof camera is designed to withstand extreme outdoor environments with a waterproof case.
Product dimensions: 0.9 x 2 x 1.5 inchesProduct weight: 12 ounces
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What do we like about this camera?
It can shoot photos up to 12MP, which measures 4608×2592 pixels in the 16:9 aspect ratio.
What don’t we like about the camera?
The video quality is quite decent, but it generally does not match up to the latest GoPros. It works best in bright, clear conditions and exceptionally well in lower light. It does not have any in-camera stabilization modes. There’s only a standard full mode, which is not as comprehensive as other GoPros.
Pros
- Shift your action and shoot at a wide-angle with the standard full mode.
- Expert ultra HD 4K video recording with 4K 25fps/2.7K 30fps/1080P 60fps videos.
- It comes with a 2.4GHz wireless remote control with straps on the sides and a Velcro wrist strap that you can wear around your wrist or a Selfie stick.
Cons
- No different setting for wild fields of view
- Lithium batteries don’t work very well in extreme weather conditions.
- No voice control and built-in stabilization.
2. GoPro Hero 7 black: Waterproof Action camera
- 4K video at 60fps
- 1080p video At 240fps
- Waterproof up to 10 metres.
- 12 megapixels photo
- Battery life up to 1-3 hrs
- Live streaming in 720
- Voice contro
- Intuitive touch screen
The GoPro hero 7 has a smooth video stabilization that gives a gimbal-like stabilization without an original gimbal. It presents wildly smooth footage. The time warp video feature can capture incredibly stabilized time-lapse videos while you’re on the go. You can increase the speed pf camera up to 30x for fresh videos.
It has a rugged and waterproof surface so you can share experiences without missing them. It instantly administers HDR local tone mapping noise reduction to optimize your shots profoundly.
Live streaming feature and auto-save videos and photos in high resolution to your SD card. 4K60 Video + 12MP photos and stunning photos, which are just as impressive.
Presence of an 8x slow-mo feature with an ultra-high frame rate of 1080p240 video. It reaches with an intuitive Touch Screen, so if you have a smartphone, using HERO7 Black will feel familiar. Three main capture modes with modernized settings make navigating simple for you.
Product dimensions: 1.8 x 2.4 x 1.3 inchesItem weight: 4.2 ounces
What do we like about this camera?
The hyper stabilization works incredibly well, and it is perfect for all types of adventures.
It is rugged and waterproof, which perfect for the go.4K60 video can be used for time-lapses and makes it easier to share beautiful moments. It is tiny and yet sturdy, waterproof, and perfect for outdoor recording.
What’s more? You can shoot vertically, which makes it perfect for your Snap chat and Instagram stories. 12MP Photos with WDR – HERO7 Black takes beautiful, vibrant 10MP photos, even in tough shots that mix bright light and shadows. And with Burst mode on, you can get up to 15 pictures per second.
What don’t we like about this camera?
The low light video can get grainy at times. It’s quite impossible to record and live stream simultaneously in 4K.
The most you will be able to do is 1080p. You can’t playback 4K on your phone through the iPhone app because of file size too broad unless you download it to your phone, which is very slow, and you can’t do anything else while it’s being downloaded.
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Pros
- Hyper stabilization works incredibly.
- THE SuperPhoto HDR setting in the photo mode works perfectly.Cons:
- List Element
Cons
- Miserable battery life and an external battery pack are required.
- Issues reported of overheating when used externally.
- You cannot live stream and record simultaneously in 4k.
3. AKASO v50 pro – Wi-Fi Action camera
- 4K video at 30fps
- 1080p video at 60fps and 30fps
- 720p at 120fps and 60fps.
- 20MP image
- 2-rechargeable 1100mAh batteries.
- Build in wi-fi
- Burst and time lapse photo
The all-new AKASO v50 pro native camera is a more massive weight camera with additional features over the EK7000 pro, such as slow and fast motion recording, wind noise reduction, and so much more.
The electronic image stabilization is the most prominent feature of this camera. It houses a six-axis gyroscope that can detect changes in position and motions to smooth out footage. It comes with built-in filters, Wi-Fi, and HDMI output.
Product dimension: 2.4 x 0.9 x 1.6 inchesItem weight: 2.88 ounces
What do we like about this camera?
It has a sleek body that is waterproof. It is an excellent deal for a camera that packs in a resolution and frame rate. It has perfect image stabilization and can record longer time-lapses. It comes with two additional batteries, so you won’t have to worry about battery life anymore.
What don’t we like about this camera?
You cannot live stream and record simultaneously.A speed micro SD card is required for larger files.
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Pros
- 30m waterproof housing and has an underwater diving mode,
- excellent for underwater videos.
- Compatible with iSmart Pro+
- Inbuilt filters
- Motion detection function
Cons
- You can’t live stream on Facebook.
- Low-speed card
4. Sony FDRX 3000 – Waterproof Action Camera Under 300
- 4K (3840 x 2160) Recording
- Waterproof up to 60 metres.
- Built-In Balanced Optical SteadyShot
- Wi-Fi for Remote Monitoring
- 1600 mAh Battery
- Stereo Microphone
- 3x Smooth Zoom
Excellent image stabilization with a balanced optical steady shot that features a professional 4K with ZEISS lens and Exmore R CMOS sensor camera.
The Sony FDRX 3000 comes with an interval record at 8.3MP for stills and a 4K time-lapse video of high quality. The quality sound features a stereo sound with a wind noise reduction, a built-in Wi-Fi system with Bluetooth, HDMI, USB, and mic jacks. Its intuitive interface can record x3 and has an adjustable light and beep volume.
High-quality 12MP capture of fast-moving action with burst shooting and an 8.3MP interval record and a 4K time-lapse video. The FDR-X3000 combines brilliant 4K resolution with Balanced Optical SteadyShot image stabilization for advanced camera-shake compensation. Unlike digital image stabilization, the Balanced Optical SteadyShot is more effective at reducing the effects of camera shake and vibrations internally, the camera’s lens and sensor are joined, and they move together and control the entire optical path as one unit.
Product dimensions: 1.2 x 1.9 x 3.3 inchesItem weight: 4.2 ounces
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What do we like about this camera?
The Sony FDRX3000 has underwater housing as its standard gear. You can take them diving to 197ft/60m using the supplied underwater settings (MPK-UWH1), and you will not need to purchase any other external optional equipment.
You can easily control the settings by using the buttons on the side and shields the compact camera from dust, water, shocks, dump, and sand.
You can capture epic ultra-wide-angle views with the ZEISS Tessar lens or choose your viewing angle from Wide, Medium, or Narrow. Changing the angle of view also helps correct the barrel distortion, which is also common in POV cameras.
What don’t we like about this camera?
Few accessories provided with the product. It is not entirely waterproof but is partially resistant to it. You will be required to purchase an external housing if you plan on taking it outdoors. It is limited to a 128 GB card. Users have reported a faster draining battery life.
The built-in screen present on the camera is a little challenging to read and becomes a significant issue when its night time as there is no backlit on the screen.
The Waterproof case blocks out almost all sound. It’s what you expect, but there’s a downside if you’re hanging out with friends but don’t want the camera to get wet when you’re around a pool, river, the sea, etc.
We wish it included the live viewfinder remote feature within the same price. There are sets out there with a remote, but it’s unfortunate that for the price you’re paying, you’re not getting the remote feature.
Pros
- High-quality audio like stereo sounds with wind noise reduction.
- Enhanced convenience such as built-in Wi-Fi, NFC, Bluetooth, and GPS
Cons
- Faster draining battery life
- Not completely waterproof
- The waterproof case blocks all the sound.
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5. YI 4k – Action and Sport camera under 200
- 4K video at 30fps
- 7k video at 60fps
- 1080p video at 120fps
- 12MP raw image
- Battery life up to 120 minute
- Built-in Bluetooth
- Impressive Yi App
- Affordable price
The YI 4K Action and sports camera have superb image quality. It records at 4K/30fps and 100mbps 2.7k/60fps, 1080p/120fps, 720p/240fps video, and 12MP raw image with build-in Sony IMX377 image sensor and Ambarella dual-core A9SE75; Equipped with advanced video stabilization (EIS) can capture.
It has a long battery life and features with a high capacity rechargeable lithium-ion battery. It can efficiently record up to 120 minutes of 4K/30 fps video with just a single charge.
The YI action camera has an intuitive touchscreen with a built-in 2.2 inch high responsive LCD touchscreen with an incredible 640×360 high resolution for the natural setting access, previewing images and videos, and shooting.
They have recently released a voice command feature that makes it easier to shoot videos; the touchscreen is made of Gorilla Glass Retina to resist scratches on a daily impact.
Product dimensions: 2.6 x 0.8 x 1.6 inchesItem weight: 2.08 ounces
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What do we like about this camera?
The YI 4K action camera is one small and compact action power-packed camera that can easily fit inside your pocket and is ready for anything. It comes with a Gorilla Glass of 2.19 inches and an LCD touchscreen.
It can effectively combine 4k30 video recording integrated touchscreen and last up to two hours of battery life. Built with the new generation Ambarella A9SE75 chip, Sony IMX377 image sensor, and seven layers of all glass lenses, it records 4K/30fps at 60mbps, 4x the quality 1080p.
What don’t we like about this camera?
The live mode disconnects at times when it is being used underwater. Features are complex to understand, and it is quite difficult to post and share videos and save them into the gallery.
Pros
- single charge can last for hours
- High-speed Wi-Fi and telecommunication semiconductor solution
- Electronic Image Stabilization (EIS)
Cons
- A live feature often disconnects
- Complex features
6. Polaroid cube act II – Pocket-sized action camera
- Supports 1080p, 720p Video
- Image Stabilization
- Waterproof up to 6.6 ft
- 6-megapixels JPEG photo
- Battery life up to 90 minute
- Low-Light Capture
- 1-Year warranty
- List Element
The Polaroid cube Act Two is a small and compact camera that comes with advanced camera technology. It is small as it measures 35mm, weighs 49 grams, and is ready to capture stunning moments in high quality. The advanced camera technology can record 720p or 1080p video and take up to 6 megapixels of photos. It features a 124-degree wide-angle lens, making it the ultimate combination of power-packed performance and small size.
The rugged rubberized body ensures you on all extreme conditions making sure you capture every moment as it happens.
The camera no more fumbling around with buttons hold the multifunction button until the LED light turns green and you hear three beeps. It features rechargeable battery and advance video and image stabilization enable you to record up to 90 minutes per charge without worry continuously.
A Polaroid CUBE Camera, 8GB MicroSD Card, Polaroid Bumper Case, Wrist Strap, and a user guide is included in the package. Its manufacturer’s warranty covers only POLAROID products offered by authorized dealers.Product dimensions: 7.2 x 6.6 x 3.1 inchesItem weight: 8.8 ounces
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What do we like about this camera?
It is worth the purchase, and you get what you have paid for. The picture and video quality are perfect, even at 720p.
What don’t we like about this camera?
The camera tends to get pretty overheated in extreme weather conditions when used outdoors. It also gets grainy in a low light setting.
Pros
- Small and compact
- Perfect for outdoor adventures
- Amazing picture quality
Cons
- Weak battery life
- Cannot Withstand extreme weather conditions
7. DJI Osmo - Digital camera under 250
- 4K video: up to 60fps
- 1080: up to 240fps
- 720: up to 240fps
- 12-megapixels photo
- Battery life up to 1-2.25hrs.
- Waterproof up to11m
- Front color LCD monito
- Excellent image stabilization
The DJI Osmo action 4K HDR camera comes with a dual-screen and allows you to capture videos and click pictures in an effortless setting.
It has an 11 mm cover sporting a watertight seal and a hydrophobic coating on the back touchscreen, making it the perfect underwater camera.
Rocksteady combines EIS with complicated algorithms in the device, delivering stable, shake-free footage no matter how heavy the action and adventure gets.
You can dramatically enhance the dynamic range of your footage when recording with HDR video. This shooting mode delivers natural transitions between light and dark areas, capturing rich details often lost in environments with sophisticated lighting.
Product dimensions: 9.2 x 4.4 x 2.6 inchesItem weight: 12 ounces
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What do we like about this camera?
It has the best image stabilization when compared to other cameras. It can efficiently handle extreme vibrations and interruptions with no disturbance to the video output.
What don’t we like about this camera?
The camera misses the GPS feature and does not provide any telemetry features. The voice quality is not as clear when compared to other devices. The Rocksteady features do not work in all recording conditions, and when you move your camera way too fast.
Pros
- Better image stabilization
- Separate micro SD card slot
- Amazing picture quality
Cons
- No noise reduction
- The Rocksteady feature does not work well in all conditions.
8. Panasonic LUMIX FZ300 – Digital camera under 350
- 4K video & 4K photo
- 12.1 Megapixel CMOS sensor
- 5 Axis Hybrid Optical Image Stabilizer
- 24x zoom lens with f/2.8 aperture.
- Excellent EVF.
- Vari-angle touch-screen display.
- 12.4fps burst shooting.
- Strong high ISO images for its class
The Panasonic camera comprises of a 4K video and photo capability. It utilizes 30 frames per second in high resolutions. A 12.1-megapixel high sensitivity sensor and a five-axis Hybrid optical image stabilizer reduce the blur effect while enabling you to shoot single-handedly.
Product dimensions: 4.61 x 5.18 x 3.6 inCamera weight: 1.52 lbs
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What do we like about this camera?
This camera presents a 4K video feature with a Leica DC lens that has a 2x zoom feature. It comes with a creative panorama function that allows us to create amazing dynamic panoramic photos by panning across. It has a splash-proof and rugged design with a high-speed autofocus DFD technology.
What don’t we like about this camera?
There could have been a possibility for a larger sensor. The pull focus is a little challenging to handle, and they are not compact, so they would require an extra bag to carry.
Pros
- Weather sealing
- Amazing zoom range
- Easy Wi-Fi transfer
Cons
- Small sensor
- Could use an extra head jack
- Poor quality, low light images.
These were a compiled list of top 8 best low light action cameras currently available in the market. Since you are now familiar with the camera features, we would like to tell you some of the essential points you need to keep in mind about purchasing your camera:
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Best action camera on a budget buyers guide
It is always included in your best interest to find the camera that suits your life of adventure. You should filter their features and characteristics and compare it with other cameras as this saves your time and effort.
Here, we described some fantastic tips to help you make the final choice:
- Check if the camera works well under extreme weather conditions and is adaptable. Individual users have reported their device overheating.
- Decide on the price of the camera and the budget.
- Consider the features that you need.
- Make sure the camera works well in low light.
- Ensure the video quality. If it’s grainy, then you have to choose another device.
- Presence of Wi-Fi connectivity and built-in features.
- Longer battery life
- GPS enabled camera
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Frequently asked questions
1: How to use low light action cameras?
A low light action camera can be used in several ways, depending on your use. People prefer to use it for vlogging as it’s compact and easy to travel with while most people lie to use it while cycling or any other adventure sport such as trekking or swimming.
2: How to edit action camera videos?
It matters on what you want to use it for. There are unlimited options for editing software available both online and offline that you can use for editing. Windows movie maker, Photoshop, or iMovie are some of the great opportunities that you can look forward to using.
3: How to mount an action camera to a helmet or another surface?
Action cameras usually come along with an accessory that can make it easier for you to mount it on any surface. Mostly, all the straps are included in the box, and all you have to do is strap them onto your head or wrist.
Final verdict:
If you want to buy a camera with the best features combined with the best video and photo resolution that falls into the best budget, you should try the SONY FDRX3000. Unlike other low light action cameras, Sony widely relies on the optical stabilization for images that works just as good as when you are shooting 4K videos. It comes with a Balanced Optical steady shot (BOSS) and a longer battery life than others.
