For many regular adventurers, an action camera is the best companion you can ask for. In the modern age of "Pics, or it didn't happen," it is an especially sound investment for every adrenaline junkie who wants to share a slice of their lifestyle with the rest of the world. However, if your camera keeps dying on you on your adventures or is only capable of low-resolution videos, it might be time for an upgrade as we step into 2021.
If you are looking for an action camera that will bring up the production quality of your action footage, check out this list of the best 4K action cameras that you can get. These 4K cameras are sure to deliver superb quality footage and make your adventures much more memorable.
4K Action Camera Under 100
1. AKASO EK7000
Videos Resolution: 4K/25fps, 2.7K/30FPS, 1080P/60FPS, 720P/120fps
Stills resolution: up to 12MP
Price: $49.99
AKASO EK7000 makes 4K action camera under $50 come true. At $49.99, you can get a Wi-Fi action camera that can shoot videos at Ultra HD 4K and take photos at 12MP as well as a bunch of accessories that allow you to mount the camera on a helmet, handlebar, tripod, or other location.
The EK7000 4K action camera can also be taken in the sea or a pool to take videos underwater, although it can't record audio when in a waterproof case.
Pros:
- Extremely affordable;
- 98ft waterproof in case;
- Compatible iOS/Android app with video editor.
Cons:
- No image stabilization.
2. Dragon Touch 4K Action Camera
Video Resolution: 4K/30fps, 1080P/60fps, 720P/120fps
Stills Resolution: 16MP
Price: $54.99
Another 4K action camera under 100 is Dragon Touch Vision 3 Pro. The camera can take 4K videos at up to 30fps and still photos at 16MP. And it provides optional wide angles between 70°,110°,140°, 170° to shoot in different field of view.
Other than using the camera for photography, you can also use it as a dashcam by turning on its driving mode and loop recording. Like AKASO EK7000, the Dragon Touch 4K action camera also offers a waterproof case to capture underwater videos, remote control, and app control.
Pros:
- 4K video recording at up to 30fps;
- Adjustable field of view;
- Driving mode.
Cons:
- No image stabilization.
Waterproof 4K Action Camera
1. AKASO Brave 7
Video resolution: 4K30fps, 2.7K30fps, 1080P60fps, 720P120fps
Stills resolution: 20MP
Price: $149.99
The Brave 7 is one of the newer 4K video cameras to join the family of AKASO's tough cameras. With a host of features including IPX8 waterproof to 5M/16FT, voice command support, and 2.0 electronic image stabilization, the Brave 7 can capture breathtaking footage in a plethora of settings.
It shoots 4K footage at 30 fps and comes with a dual-screen design, adding a new front-facing screen for taking selfies and monitoring the recording frame.
Pros:
- New front-facing screen;
- IPX8 waterproof without a case;
- 4K video recording with image stabilization.
Cons:
- No SD card included.
2. Garmin VIRB® Ultra 30 4K Action Camera
Video resolution: 4K/30fps, 2.7K/60fps, 1080p/120fps, 720p/240fps and 480p/300fps
Stills resolution: 12MP
Price：$399.99
Garmin VIRB Ultra 30 is a 4K action camera designed for sports and adventures. Not only that it is up to 40m waterproof in case, but it is also equipped with G-Metrix technology to capture data such as speed, altitude, G-force, and even heart rate.
Featuring 3-axis image stabilization, VIRB Ultra 30 can take stable videos without blurriness when you are skateboarding, snowboarding, cycling.
Pros:
- Voice control;
- 4K recording with live streaming feature;
- Touchscreen even in the waterproof case.
Cons:
- Image stabilization applies only up to 2.7K/30fps.
3. GoPro Hero9
Video Resolution: 5K/30fps, 4K/60fps, 2.7K/120fps, 1080p/240fps
Stills Resolution：20MP
Price: $349.98
Hero 9 is waterproof up to 33ft(10m) without protective housing. This waterproof action camera can not only shoot 4K videos but 5K videos at 30fps. And with GoPro's HyperSmooth image stabilization system, the camera can deliver clear and crisp 4K videos in motion.
The 4K action camera also provides cool, exclusive features, such as HindSight(capture footage before you press the recording button), LiveBurst(record 1.5 seconds before and after your shot).
Pros:
- 5K video recording;
- Excellent image stabilization for 4K recording;
- Waterproof up to 10m.
Cons:
- Steep price.
4K Action Camera ($300)
1. Sony 4K Action Camera
Video resolution: 4K/30fps, 1080p/60fps, 720p/240fps
Stills resolution: 12MP
Price: $399.99
FDR-X3000R is Sony's 4K action camera powered by Exmor R® CMOS sensor to achieve excellent low-light performance. With its BIONZ X™ image processor and optical image stabilization, the Sony action camera can record fast-moving objects at 4K smoothly.
Comparing to other action cameras, Sony 4K action camera has a different look, pairing with a remote controller that can be worn on the wrist or finger for convenient use. The camera body is not only splashproof but also shockproof, dustproof, freezeproof. It's a rugged 4K action camera for adventure.
2. Yi 4K+ Action Camera
Video resolution: 4K/60fps, 1080p/120fps, 720p/240fps
Stills resolution: 12MP
Price: $344.99
Unlike other budget offerings, the Yi 4K+ is capable of shooting 4K video at 60fps, which is rare in 4K action cameras. The ability to capture RAW images is an added benefit. And the 4K action camera has a USB-Type C port that enables you to easily transfer photos and videos for editing.
Image stabilization is available for 4K recording at 30fps. Other features like voice control, external microphone support are also available.
Pros:
- 4K video recording at up to 60fps;
- Raw image.
Cons:
- The camera body is not waterproof;
- No front-facing screen.
3. DJI - OSMO Pocket 4K Action Camera
Video Resolution: 4K/60fps, 1080p/120fps, 720p/240fps
Stills Resolution: 12MP
Price: $231.50
OSMO Pocket is a stabilized handheld camera that can shoot 4K/60fps video at 100 Mbps with optical image stabilization. The moment. The 4K camera can seamlessly work with your smartphone. The DJI Mimo app can provide filters, templates, watermark stickers, editing tools for you to enhance your videos with a professional touch.
The pocket 4K action camera offers fancy features such as ActiveTrack(automatically follow and frame a moving object), Motionlapse(time-lapse videos), 3x3 Panorama(capture wide landscape).
Pros:
- 4K at up to 60fps;
- Great image stabilization.
Cons:
- Not mountable.
4. 360fly 4K Action Camera
Video Resolution: 4K/30fps
Stills Resolution: 16MP
Price: $199.99
5. Xiaomi Mi Action Camera 4K
Conclusion
A multitude of manufacturers is claiming to offer the best 4K action camera on the market, but only a few come close. All this competition is good for consumers (you) and no matter how much you are willing to spend on your action camera, you are sure to find one tailored exactly to your budget.
