The 7 Best Cheap Action Cameras Reviewed 2024

An action camera is vital for anyone who leads an active lifestyle. Indispensable action camera on vacation. And in everyday life, a picky brick with a video recording function will be useful. But not everyone is ready to spend 500 dollars on a device that is now fashionable.

Therefore, we have formed a rating of the best inexpensive action cameras, the cost of which does not go beyond 100 dollars. These are the most successful models from trusted brands. We were genuinely surprised when we learned that for a modest amount you can buy an action camera with support for 4K or with stabilization. Here is a list of the best cameras that won’t let you down.

For more our buying guides, take a look at the popular links: Stabilizers For Action Cameras, Nikon Lenses, Travel Cameras.

Cheap Action Camera Reviews

#1 EKEN H9R 4K WiFi Waterproof Action Camera

Highlights of EKEN H9R 4K:

2 inch LCD FHD Display

Built-in WiFi & HDMI output

Waterproof housing up to 100 feet

A solid camera that owns 4K. In the reviews they write that the manufacturer has embellished the characteristics, and the real action camera “plows” at a good 2.7K. However, the best picture is obtained with Full HD – light, bright, detailed. The viewing angle is small by the standards of action products – 140 °. The 4MP matrix provides good picture quality – the model accurately fulfills its budget cost.

Pleased with the quality of workmanship. The action camera is soundly assembled, lies well in the hand – tactile sensations are pleasant. Buttons do not play. People take surveys of how to use this device as a webcam and as a DVR. In the last scenario, you will have to turn the device on and off on your own – it does not know how to start up independently. This is the best choice for those who are looking for something multifunctional, inexpensive and with a “non-Chinese” quality.

#2 SJCAM SJ5000 WiFi Novatek Action Camera

Highlights of SJCAM SJ5000:

Capture 14MP Photos at 3 fps

Records HD Video up to 1080p30

Included Housing Waterproof to 98′

The most inexpensive action camera from a Chinese manufacturer. He conducts an active PR campaign aimed at the Russian market, so there are custom reviews and reviews of models of this brand on the network. But this does not negate the fact that this is one of the best action cameras in the budget segment.

There is a 14-megapixel camera and an f / 2.8 aperture – all at the level of expensive competitors. The equipment is surprising – the manufacturer put in a box a bike mount, a base mount, a belt clip, a helmet mount, a tripod mount, duct tape and even a tissue for optics. This is the best choice for beginners and those who are tightly limited in budget and do not want to spend money on additional accessories.

#3 SJCAM Original SJ4000 WiFi Action Camera

Highlights of SJCAM Original SJ4000 WiFi:

Wi-Fi Function

12 Megapixel CMOS Sensor

Support HDMI HD output function

A compact brick with the ability to shoot in Full HD, a viewing angle of 170 degrees and a small color (!) Display is the top. The set is full of all kinds of gifts: a waterproof box, a bike mount, tie adapters, a tripod mount, a belt clip, all kinds of Velcro and cable ties, a cloth for cleaning the screen. Cake Cherry – Accessories compatible with GoPro action cameras.

The camera is convenient – there is no remote control, but the manufacturer levels it with a compact body, convenient button layout, simple controls. And SJCAM constantly updates software – removes small jambs, adds functionality. But the main advantage of the model is the lack of glitches. In reviews and reviews, users who have owned the SJ4000 WiFi for several years note that the camera has never ruined the video, has never been buggy or slowed down.

#4 Sun-Mall Seabird 4K WiFi Action Camera

Highlights of Sun-Mall Seabird 4K:

Video Resolution: 4K@30fps

Pocket Size & Simple Control

The 7 layer optical glass lens

Inexpensive action camera, which in the reviews are called top for your money. Having bought it, you will get the opportunity to shoot in 4K 12 megapixel matrix with a frame rate of 30 FPS. There is a Time-lapse and a function for recording video in H.264 – a format that maintains high recording quality with strong compression of the video stream. The camera viewing angle is 145 degrees. The aperture is F / 2.6, so in low light conditions the picture will not please with light shades.

The reviews mention that the dynamic range is excellent, and the colors do not fade even when shooting underwater. The touch screen allows you to conveniently control the device. Minimalistic design in bright colors creates a feeling of expensive cameras. This is one of the best budget solutions where there are all the basic functions. A great option for beginners – inexpensive, high quality, simple and compact. The camera weighs only 60 grams.

#5 Xiaoyi Yi Action Camera

Highlights of Xiaoyi Yi:

Electronic Image Stabilization(EIS)

Integrated LCD Gorilla Glass Retina Touchscreen

120 Minutes 4K 30/fps Video with a Single Charge

The camera is from a brand that is popularly considered synonymous with Xiaomi. In fact, YI is an independent manufacturer that has collaborated with Xiaomi for some time. The model shoots in Full HD, connects to devices via Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. The viewing angle is not the largest – 155 degrees, but there are almost no distortions of the geometry along the perimeter, judging by the reviews. Photographs an action camera in 4K. A three-axis G-sensor is used as stabilization. The baby weighs 72 grams.

In the reviews, users praise Action Camera Basic Edition a lot and slightly criticize it for the lack of a display, the inability to connect an external microphone, for mild heating of the case when working via Wi-Fi and quiet sound when recording. There are no serious claims to this model, and the listed disadvantages are a consequence of the budget price. Therefore, this action camera deservedly got into our top. It will be the best choice for those who want an inexpensive and high-quality model.

#6 Xiaomi Mijia Mini 4k Action Camera

Highlights of Xiaomi Mijia Mini 4k:

145° large wide angle

Ambarella A12S75 Master Chip

Display: 2.4 Inch Touch Screen

The best budget action camera that features 4K and Time-Laps. The reviews respond positively about battery life. Under warm conditions, it can withstand 2 hours of shooting in 4K resolution. At minus temperatures, autonomy decreases, but not critical. You can shoot a movie lasting up to 1.5 hours in the cold. Photos are saved in RAW format, which gives ample opportunities for post-processing.

The frame rate is also pleasing – you will shoot videos with FPS in the range from 60 to 240. Software support is excellent – updates come out regularly. Disadvantages – this action camera is demanding on the quality of memory cards, so we recommend choosing a high-speed and large volume (from 64 GB). The built-in stabilization system does not work as expected, but it removes small tremors.

#7 SJCAM Original SJ4000 Action Camera

Highlights of SJCAM Original SJ4000:

Captures 12MP Still Photos

Records Full HD 1080p Video

Camera Housing Waterproof to 100′

An action camera model that is ideal for the role of a DVR in a car. There is a screen, a wide-angle lens, an exciting sector of 170 degrees, a three-megapixel matrix and shooting in Full HD at 30 frames per second. There are many mounts in the kit – the action camera is immediately ready for adventures with immersion in water (in the aquabox), for pokatushki on the handlebars of the bicycle, for shooting from a tripod.

In reviews and reviews, knowledgeable people noted the shortcomings of the model: poor-quality sound, lack of stabilizer, long power-up and short battery life. Also in the reviews, users warn: there are a lot of fakes on sale, so check the device for originality before buying.

Final Thoughts

I hope you have found the best cheap action camera for yourself after this tutorial. If you would like to comment, notice that the article content has not been updated in time, or suggest a action camera I did not include, please use our contact form to stay in touch.

Have fun and good luck!

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