AKASO Brave 4 Action Camera 4K 30fps Ultra Hd Video 20MP Photo, EIS, WiFi Remote Control, 2X Batteries, Waterproof Underwater Camera for Snorkel, Travel, Motorcycle, Bicycle, Helmet Accessories Kit
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AI Verdict
This 5.6-ounce action camera captures 4K 30fps video and 20MP photos, waterproof to 40 meters with its case, making it a budget-friendly option for casual outdoor recording.
This camera is a situational fit, offering 4K 30fps video and 20MP photos at an entry-level price point, making it suitable for users who prioritize affordability and a wide accessory kit for casual action capture. Its 5.6-ounce weight and 40-meter waterproof capability (with case) are practical for light adventure, but the button-only UI and limited EIS performance mean it's not for demanding users.
If you need smoother action footage and better stabilization, look for cameras offering 4K 60fps video and optical image stabilization (OIS) or more advanced electronic stabilization.
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Pros
- Includes two 1050mAh batteries, each providing up to 90 minutes of recording time.
- Comes with a remote control wristband and 19 accessories for various mounting options.
- Waterproof case enables underwater recording down to 40 meters.
- Features a 2-inch rear screen and a 0.96-inch front screen for framing shots.
- Offers four adjustable view angles: 170°, 140°, 110°, and 70°.
- Can function as a webcam when connected to a PC.
Cons
- User interface navigation relies solely on physical buttons, which users describe as clunky and not intuitive.
- Electronic Image Stabilization (EIS) can still result in shaky footage, especially in low light, and is not comparable to higher-end cameras.
- Internal microphone picks up significant road and wind noise, resulting in poor audio quality.
- Micro SD card capacity is limited to 64GB, and the FAT32 format creates new files every 4GB during recording.
- Image quality can appear digitized or oversaturated, with limited dynamic range and visible chromatic aberration.
Dimension Scores
While it captures 20MP photos and 4K video, users report issues with digitized appearance, oversaturation, limited dynamic range, and chromatic aberration.
The camera has a fixed focal point and cannot focus on nearby objects, making autofocus speed irrelevant and limiting versatility.
It records 4K at 30fps and 1080p at 60fps, which is average for its price band, but 4K footage can be shaky even with EIS and 30fps is often too low for smooth action.
Weighing 5.6 ounces and designed for compact mounting, its small size and light weight make it highly portable for various activities.
Best For
- Snorkeling or shallow diving up to 40 meters with the included waterproof case.
- Mounting on bicycles or helmets for casual travel and adventure recording.
- Users needing an expendable camera for stunts or situations where a more expensive camera might be damaged.
- Capturing vacation footage without spending a lot of money.
Not Recommended For
- Professional videography requiring cinematic 4K 60fps footage or advanced stabilization.
- Vlogging where high-quality internal audio is essential.
- Recording in low-light conditions due to poor performance.
Watch Out For
- The screw on the waterproof case can be extremely difficult to remove initially, with users reporting it feels like plastic is breaking.
- 4K video at 30fps is often not smooth enough for fast action, leading users to record at lower resolutions like 1080p for better frame rates.
- The electronic image stabilization requires ample light to function effectively, producing shaky footage in dimmer environments.
- The fixed focal point means the camera cannot focus on nearby objects, limiting its use for close-up shots.
- The camera's white balance can sometimes lean towards a reddish tint when set to auto.
Full Specifications
| ASIN | B076DD5JNS |
| Brand | AKASO |
| Language | English |
| Batteries | 2 Lithium Polymer batteries required. (included) |
| Item Weight | 5.6 ounces |
| Screen Size | 2 Inches |
| Manufacturer | AKASO |
| Special Feature | Waterproof |
| Maximum Aperture | 2 f |
| Flash Memory Type | Micro SD |
| Item model number | Brave 4 |
| Product Dimensions | 2.32 x 1.57 x 0.91 inches |
| Video Capture Format | MOV |
| Supported Audio Format | AAC, MP3 |
| Connectivity Technology | HDMI, Wi-Fi |
| Photo Sensor Technology | CMOS |
| Video Capture Resolution | 4K |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
What Buyers Say
Many users find that while the camera advertises 4K 30fps, the actual footage often works better at 1080p for smoother action, especially since the electronic image stabilization struggles in less-than-ideal lighting. The physical button interface is a recurring point of frustration, described as clunky and difficult to navigate without a touchscreen. Despite these video and UI quirks, the sheer volume of included accessories and the waterproof capability are frequently highlighted as significant advantages for the price.
“Look, for eighty bucks, it's fine for splashing around on vacation, but don't expect your epic mountain bike footage to look like a movie, the stabilization is kinda weak and the sound is trash.”
Common Praise
- Includes a wide array of mounts, clips, and two 1050mAh batteries.
- Waterproof case performs as advertised, allowing dives up to 40 meters.
- The camera's build feels durable despite its plastic construction.
- Dual screens (2-inch rear, 0.96-inch front) are useful for framing shots.
- Offers adjustable view angles from 70° to 170°.
Common Complaints
- Electronic image stabilization is not effective enough for consistently smooth footage, particularly in low light.
- Internal audio quality is poor, picking up excessive wind and background noise.
- The button-based user interface is difficult to navigate and lacks responsiveness.
- 4K 30fps video can appear digitized or oversaturated, and 30fps is insufficient for fast-moving subjects.
- The waterproof case's initial screw can be extremely tight and hard to open.
Ownership Tips
- You'll probably end up shooting most action in 1080p 60fps for smoother results, even if 4K is an option.
- Invest in an external microphone if you care about any audio, the built-in one is mostly useless for anything but ambient noise.
- The included accessories are a huge plus, saving you from buying extra mounts right away.
- Be prepared for a clunky menu experience; it's not a camera you'll quickly change settings on mid-action.
- Always double-check the waterproof case seal, especially after struggling with the initial screw.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the AKASO Brave 4 have a touchscreen?
No, this model of the AKASO Brave 4 does not have a touchscreen; navigation is done via physical buttons.
How deep can the AKASO Brave 4 go underwater?
When placed in its waterproof case, the AKASO Brave 4 can be used underwater down to 40 meters (131 feet).
What kind of memory card does the AKASO Brave 4 use?
It requires a micro SD card with a U3 rating and a capacity of up to 64GB. You need to format the card in the camera before use.
How long do the batteries last?
Each of the two included 1050mAh rechargeable batteries can record for up to 90 minutes.
Can I use GoPro accessories with the AKASO Brave 4?
Yes, the included accessory kit and mounting style are compatible with most GoPro accessories.
Buying Guide
When looking at action cameras, you need to think about what you're actually going to do with it. If you're just splashing around in the pool or want some basic vacation clips, a camera like this with 4K 30fps and a waterproof case is probably enough. But if you're planning on fast-paced sports or want really cinematic, smooth footage, you'll quickly notice the limitations in stabilization and frame rates. Don't get hung up on '4K' if it's only 30 frames per second; for action, higher frame rates at 1080p often look much better.
4K 30fps Video
This means the camera records video with a resolution of 3840x2160 pixels at 30 frames per second. While '4K' sounds high-end, 30fps can make fast action look choppy, like watching a slideshow rather than a fluid movement. For smoother action, 60fps or higher is usually preferred.
Electronic Image Stabilization (EIS)
EIS tries to smooth out shaky footage digitally. Think of it like software trying to guess how you moved and then shifting the image to compensate. It's not as effective as Optical Image Stabilization (OIS), which uses physical lens movement, and often struggles in low light, leaving your videos still looking wobbly.
Waterproof Underwater Camera (with case)
This tells you the camera itself isn't inherently waterproof, but it comes with a separate case that makes it safe for submersion up to a specified depth, in this case, 40 meters. This is crucial for water sports, but you always need to ensure the case is properly sealed.
Alternatives
If this camera doesn't quite fit, look for action cameras with 4K 60fps video, more advanced stabilization (like OIS or gimbal-like EIS), and external microphone support for better audio.
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