The Best Chinese Action Cameras as GoPro Alternatives
The wheels hum against the asphalt in a steady rhythm that travels up through the deck and straight to my feet. The city's always alive in the morning—people glued to their screens, pacing with purpose, lost in Bluetooth conversations while vendors try to get their attention the only way they can. The smell is the most powerful sense after all. This is the kind of day you want to capture: the movement, the sound, the energy. Maybe not at the GoPro price range.
Chinese action cameras—GoPro’s scrappy, ambitious, and ridiculously affordable cousins—are the answer. Besides the photography, I need something that can take a fall, just in case. Something that won’t crap out when the sun dips and the city lights take over. Recording at night time proved to be challenging for most of the cameras without proper gear—time to hit the tech shops and see what’s up.
Spoiler alert: I was happy I found something that won’t leave me eating instant ramen for a month just to afford it.
The Contenders
First stop: a dingy electronics stall wedged between a bubble tea joint and a specialty coffee shop hipster joint. The glass display case is filled with expensive GoPros, but spread around the corners, far below eye-level, are cameras that look like GoPros but with price tags that don’t make me wince.
1. DJI Osmo Action 4 – The heavyweight of the bunch, made by the same guys who dominate the drone game. 4K 120fps, insane stabilization, and dual screens so I can see myself eat pavement in crystal-clear slow motion. Pricey, but not ridiculous.
2. Insta360 GO 3 – A tiny beast. Magnetic, pocket-sized, and perfect for POV shots. I could slap this on my cap or board and get some wild angles. Plus, it’s waterproof without a case. That’s a win.
3. Akaso Brave 8 – The budget king. Shoots in 4K, has solid stabilization, and comes with a whole box of accessories. It might not have the prestige, but at under $200, I can’t complain.
4. SJCAM SJ10 Pro – A dark horse. 4K 60fps, gyro stabilization, and a sturdy build. Basically, if GoPro and DJI had a low-key cousin who’s cool but doesn’t flex about it, this would be it.
The shop clerk hands me the Osmo Action 4 after taking it out from the display. I turn it over in my hand. Feels solid. Feels like it could survive getting thrown into the pavement—an inevitability in my hands. The seller senses my interest and starts pitching, but I’m already sold. The Insta360 is tempting, though.
Our Top 5 Chinese Action Cameras as GoPro Alternatives
DJI Osmo Action 4
- Resolution:
Image Resolution10MP
- Recording Time (1080p, minutes):
Rec Time (1080p)160Min
- Mobile App Compatibility:
Mobile AppYes
The DJI Osmo Action 4 is making waves, and users are definitely taking notice. Drawing comparisons to GoPro right off the bat, this action cam is turning heads with its user-friendly DJI app and straightforward setup.
Insta360 Go 3
- Resolution:
- Recording Time (1080p, minutes):
Rec Time (1080p)45Min
- Mobile App Compatibility:
Mobile AppYes
Based on initial feedback, the Insta360 Go 3 is making waves as an action camera. Right off the bat, people are talking about the camera itself, and it's compact portability.
Akaso Brave 8
- Resolution:
Image Resolution48MP
- Recording Time (1080p, minutes):
Rec Time (1080p)110Min
- Mobile App Compatibility:
Mobile AppYes
Users report that the Akaso Brave 8 stands out as a solid contender in the action camera market. Right out of the box, many appreciate its practicality, ease of use and overall "quality". The Brave 8 delivers a strong balance of usability and value.
SJCAM SJ10 Pro
- Resolution:
Image Resolution12MP
- Recording Time (1080p, minutes):
Rec Time (1080p)180Min
- Mobile App Compatibility:
Mobile AppYes
Based on user feedback, the SJCAM SJ10 Pro presents a mixed bag for action camera enthusiasts. Straightaway, some users applaud its 4K image quality, noting its crisp detail. However, the experience isn't universally smooth.
Top Ranking Product
Top 3 features DJI Osmo Action 4
Reasons to Buy
- Excellent low-light performance
- Good battery life
- Durable design
- Voice command feature
Reasons to Avoid
- May be pricier than some alternatives
- Limited information on potential drawbacks
DJI Osmo Action 4 Specifications
Must-Have Accessories
I can’t just strap the action camera on my forehead. And that requires accessories.
- Helmet Mount – Because POV shots make everything more intense.
- Chest Strap – For that ultra-immersive, feels-like-you’re-there footage.
- Gimbal or Selfie Stick – Stability is everything unless you want your footage to look like a found-footage horror film.
- Extra Batteries – Because no adventure should end with a dead camera.
- ND Filters – If you wanna get fancy with cinematic shots.
Recommended Accessories
The Test Ride
I slap the Osmo Action onto a helmet mount and push off into the street, dodging delivery e-bikes and weaving through the foot traffic. The camera stays smooths out the chaos as I carve through an open plaza. The audio? Crisp. The video? Sharp enough to catch the disapproving look on a pedestrian’s face as I pass by.
Later, I check the footage. The city photos in stunning 4K, the colors rich, the video footage buttery smooth. This is it. I guess the action cameras underdogs are pulling ahead. And at half the price? Yeah, I’ll take that trade.
Featured image by Gabe.