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5 Best Action Cameras Under $200 (Worth Every Penny) [2021 Update]

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If you are looking for an action camera that delivers solid performance but doesn’t cost an arm and a leg, set your budget to around $200.

There are truly excellent budget action camera options in this range for cash-strapped users.

I have compiled another list of the best action cameras under $100.

This list is for what I call “moderate budget” users, who want an affordable action camera but not a dirt cheap one.

For around $200, you can get good specs like the 4K that actually works. GoPro HERO session tops the list because of its overall features.

Read ahead for a list of best action camera under $200:

5 Best Action Cameras Under $200 – 2024

1. GoPro Hero 7

GoPro is one of the best known action cameras in the world. And, with the HERO7, you get to enjoy all of the associated features for a much lower price.

To start with, you can record in Full HD video, ensuring that every video is as bright and vibrant as it can possibly be.

Thanks to the video stabilization feature, you can be certain that regardless of your activity, your footage is going to be nice and steady.

What’s more, you have the opportunity to shoot time-lapse video. Therefore, when sharing your adventure with others, you can do it in quicker, snapshot moments.

In addition to the video, you can also capture 10MP images. Even those still moments from your trip will be shared in exquisite resolution and detail.

Thanks to the voice activated control, you will not have to move a muscle while capturing your images as well.

One of the standout features with this camera is that it is waterproof and rugged. You can shoot virtually any activity that you want without having to worry that you are going to damage your camera.

The only real downside with this camera is the battery life. It can drain rather quickly, ensuring that you will have to keep some of your adventures short.

2. AKASO Brave 4 Camera

AKASO is a well-known brand in the camera industry. That’s why you can expect quite a bit from them in the world of action cameras.

With the AKASO Brave 4 camera, you get superb camera quality for the money. Because it allows you to record videos in 4k at 24fps. The AKASO Brave 4 is also at a very good price-point, which is key here when comparing to other cameras at higher price-points.

Its camera is 20MP with anti-shaking, ensuring everything you capture is relatively smooth.

Two 1050 mAh batteries at your disposal. Fully charged, for each battery you can capture 90 mins of 1080 video or about 60 min of 4K video.

With your videos captured, you can immediately share it. This is due to the camera’s wi-fi capabiltiies (or you can also use HDMI).

A lot of the accessories are note to be compatible to GoPro cameras as well.

3. Campark x30 Underwater Action Camera

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Campark is a relatively unknown name in the world of action cameras. However, they’re clearly doing something right as they’ve landed a camera on our list.

It can zoom in x30, which many would appreciate. Zooming in so much, you can still appreciate its 4k recording capabilities. It also lets you capture detailed 20mp images.

The video you capture is very smooth due to the built-in EIS. Because It lets whatever you capture be crisp, clear and stable.

You’d be thrilled by the fact that you can use the camera underwater.

If you’re wondering:

You can use it up to 131 feet underwater because of its protective casing.

It provides a 2-inch touch screen display. It’s vivid, like its images as it’s LCD. Unfortunately, there’s no protective layering so you have to take care of it well.

However, the brand offers a 12-month warranty

You’d want to use your camera for as long as possible. The Campark allows you to do so as it has a large 1350 mAH battery.

It’s small in size so it’s compact, letting you take it anywhere. Although compact, you’ll notice that it’s pretty box like which you may not like.

4. Sony HDRAS50/B Full HD Action Cam

This is definitely one of the best action cameras under $200 money can buy.

This Sony is an older model, but it can stand toe to toe with a GoPro any given day.

The quality of the video is truly impressive when shot while moving. This camera can shoot Full HD video with XAVC-S.

What really makes it worth it is the SteadyShot image stabilization tech. It reduces blur in footage shot while in rapid motion.

We’ve shot video using this when biking and driving, and there’s a noticeable difference in quality when compared to just about any other action camera in this price range.

There’s little oscillation so the video is not nauseating to watch.

The camera is a bit bulky, but it comes with a waterproof case and Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and NFC connections. With ZEISS lenses, it offers Optical Steady shots.

The waterproof housing can withstand 60m of submergence.

It’s definitely well worth the money, but keep in mind that it only works with software Sony provides. It lacks a connection to stream HD video on TVs too.

5. AKASO V50 Elite

One of the best things about this camera is that in addition to the great price, you also get lots of additional accessories as well.

So, if you tend to lead an adventurous lifestyle and need mounts and accessories for various activities, this is the camera for you.

Apart from the camera and its required tools, you are provided with different mounts, tethers, and more. This includes a waterproof case that will keep the camera protected up to 40m.

Of course, what’s really important is the quality and that is something that this action camera has managed to do well.

With images, you get 20MP pictures – some of the highest quality around. As for the video, you are able to record in 4K, 60fps.

It should be noted, though, that the camera is about average in low light, however, the images and recordings have improved over previous iterations of the camera.

To make up for this, however, the camera has electronic image stabilization. So, whether you are running around or cycling on crazy terrain, you can be certain that your images will be as still and as focused as possible.

The optional view angle feature allows you to choose from various angles, depending on your position. As such, your photos look a lot more professional.

Moreover, thanks to the touchscreen feature, you can use this camera without any issue at all.

You can also download a compatible app for the camera so that you can transfer media without any issue at all, either with HDMI cable or Wi-Fi.

Tips for Buying a Good Action Camera with a $200 Budget

Here are several tips to keep in mind when buying a good action camera under $200:

If you are willing to spend close to $200, then you are not going for a dirt cheap action camera. So look closely at the features on offer.

A $200 camera must offer more than what you can get for a $100.

Do not expect true 4K for this price. Most budget action cams advertise 4k video, but it’s shot at a very low fps, like 15. In other words, not really 4k.

What you should look for instead is the fps for 1080p.

Most budget cameras mentioned above can shoot excellent 1080p 60fps video, which is really all you need for truly great footage.

Do not buy the action camera if the max field view is below 140 degrees. The higher the field view, the wider the footage will be.

It’s best to understand various camera specs so you can make the best buying decision. Here is a useful guide.

Not all budget action cameras are waterproof or water resistant. So make sure the camera has waterproof features before buying if you need it.

Buy your action camera from a seller with good ratings for customer support.

You may need to replace parts or upgrade software, which you will have to rely on the seller for. Therefore, it’s important to go with a good one.