Is there an analog of GoPro? Looking for a more budget-minded action camera

The GoPro camera really changed our perception of filming our extreme experiences. When someone is doing sports, going to do some crazy trick or set another record, he certainly takes this camera with him, wanting in the best quality to capture everything he saw with his own eyes.

However, given the degree of popularity and promotion of the brand GoPro, there is such a camera a lot. On the "Amazon" the cheapest version can be purchased for 120 dollars. Obviously, not everyone can afford to give so much for such a thing, which will not be used every day.

That's why many people are looking for an analogue of GoPro - a gadget that could cost less, but at the same time provide the same quality of shooting as the original.

In the framework of this article, we will try to look for such cameras. More on this - later in the text. If we really manage to find such a solution, it would be great to make extreme shooting more accessible.

What should be the analog?

First, let's define what we would like to get when we are looking for an analog of GoPro. Firstly, this is the quality of shooting. Obviously, nobody wants to buy a device that will be rented as a cheap DVR. It is necessary that the camera, which we will call an analogue, shoot no worse than the original GoPro. This means that it should be installed high-tech "stuffing", in particular a good matrix.

Secondly, the GoPro camera analogs should be able to use it in the most extreme conditions. This already indicates another quality of such a camera: protection from moisture and dust, from bumps and scratches. Ensure this is a reliable enclosure. The criterion of its quality is very important, because the action camera (analogous to GoPro) will undoubtedly be used in situations where other means for shooting simply can not stand.

Thirdly, the developers of the device, which we hope to replace GoPro, should provide means for reliable attachment. Obviously, the GoPro analog should be attached to the helmet, belt or hand of the athlete. The way this is done will affect the safety of the gadget.

Ready Solutions

Devices that claim to be a worthy substitute for the main and most famous camera for extreme shooting, several at once. However, the most outstanding are only two models.

This is a Chinese analogue of GoPro SJ5000 + (manufacturer - SJ Cam), as well as Xiaomi Yi. The first is not much cheaper than the original camera, about 95 dollars. The second will cost $ 65. As the testimonies testify, the devices do not differ much in their assembly. True, there are differences in the quality of work. Read more about this in more detail.

pros

In order to reveal the characteristics of the models in more detail, we will indicate their advantages and disadvantages. So, the advantages of both devices is their price. As you can see, it is lower than the original model, due to which, by purchasing such an analog of GoPro, you can save.

The quality of the videos shot by such cameras, as noted by the users' reviews, is quite high. This allows you to create a great material for each athlete, not worrying about how the clip will turn out.

In general, in terms of device, both devices are similar to the original. That is, paying a lower cost, we get a lot of reliable attachments, a box for removing under water, various accessories for improved shooting. Thus, all points to the real correspondence of this GoPro.

Minuses

Disadvantages of both models can be called lower quality photos (due to less technological matrices). Do them better still, the original GoPro, there is an optics much higher.

Still, judging by the reviews of the same SJ5000 +, there are some technical flaws that make the work with the camera less convenient. For example, an insufficiently long thread of the fastening, due to which it is necessary to additionally fix the device with the help of some adhesive tape, or a defective waterproof box that passes moisture. Such shortcomings are minor imperfections, but they seriously damage the picture of the device as a whole.

Good reviews go about Xiaomi Yi. Knowing the company's reputation in the smartphone market, we can assume that in the sphere of action cameras they will be successful. However, this version of the product (Yi) is a novelty today, there are not so many reviews about it and, of course, there are not some other functions, like the application for synchronization with smartphones and other things. This means: customers need to wait a little longer to say that this is the best analogue of GoPro.

Tip

If you are interested in shooting extreme videos, but can not afford or do not want to buy the original GoPro, and the analogs do not suit you, maybe it makes sense to think about a used camera? The price for such models will be lower, but if you try, you can certainly find the model in excellent condition. Perhaps this is an outlet for those who really appreciate high-quality photography. Plus, again, if you talk about such things as recording video on extreme jumps, arrivals, or something else, agree that there should not be any compromises.

conclusions

As for the GoPro analogs, then, as expected, they also have some drawbacks. And in general, you need to understand that by buying a Chinese version, you can only "outwit" yourself, the products from the Celestial Empire have long been known for not very good optics.

Although, on the other hand, maybe everything will change very much in the near future. Remember, smartphones from China were also spoken of as low-quality products, for which it makes no sense to spend money. Today, as we see, some companies, like the same Xiaomi or Huawei, are making a real revolution in this industry. So everything can be!