Action cameras

Started by 00Garza, May 12, 2023, 03:47:02 PM

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00Garza

May 12, 2023, 03:47:02 PM
Thinking of recording rides.  Are any of the Chinese action cameras worth looking at? Something like a SJcam or should I save up for save up for a DJI/GoPro/Insta360?

ChrisB

#1
May 17, 2023, 02:03:45 AM Last Edit: May 18, 2023, 02:43:38 AM by ChrisB
I used some Akaso Cameras: The V50X and the Brave 7.
Generally they work until they don't...

The V50x was a good buy for the money but image quality and stabilisation is not even up to par with a GoPro9.

The Brave 7 is better in terms of image quality and for 150US$ at the time seemed to be a good choice.
However after 2 months the battery lifetime reduced dramatically and finally I found the problem is not the battery but in the electronic that measures the battery state.
Contacting Akaso was useless, they refused to replace the defective camera even after proving the defect by video to them. They just wanted to offer a 50 buck discount when buying a new camera....
Here the video I did showing the problem:

My personal advice is to try a cheap Chinese camera if you want to experiment... Once you decided it is something you really want to do with good image quality, go with GoPro/DJI or Insta360.
I am very happy with a GoPro9, stabilisation even on rough roads is way better than on the Akaso cameras.

When it comes to accessories, e.g. camera mounts or charger and batteries, you will get good deals from 3rd parties on AliExpress.
No need to spend extra money on original accessories at least in my opinion.

BR Chris

coffeebreak

#3
May 17, 2023, 03:47:35 PM
Quote from: Tijoe on May 17, 2023, 11:47:25 AM
I've used one of these for about 2 years now on my road rides where traffic is questionable, and I want to have a record if a vehicle driver forces me off the road or hits me.

I used it a few times on local mtn bike trails, but it bounces around some.

https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256804600374995.html?spm=a2g0o.cart.0.0.65b138daqWntQY&mp=1&gatewayAdapt=glo2usa

THis is the exact form factor I wanted. How is the battery life and video quality, can you make out number plates of vehicles?

Tijoe

#4
September 17, 2025, 03:38:50 PM
Quote from: coffeebreak on May 17, 2023, 03:47:35 PM
THis is the exact form factor I wanted. How is the battery life and video quality, can you make out number plates of vehicles?

I stopped using it for road riding after the outer lens cap vibrated/ unscrewed and fell off and I lost the outer glass that protects the LED and camera.   These days I still occasionally use it for other activities and on hikes.  I never had any road incidents while using it, so I never saved any of the recordings.  In general, the recording quality is really good for the price point.

kwantani

#5
September 22, 2025, 01:15:34 PM
I used this one. Not chinese, but japanese.
https://www.amazon.com/AKEEYO-710Pro-Waterproof-Anti-Shake-Function-G-Sensor/dp/B0DP2DWBNV?th=1

recording time around 4 hrs with HD res. It does 4k nevertheless and have stabilization/anti shake.

check out the video footages I recorded using this cam:
https://www.youtube.com/@kwantani-cycling/videos

00Garza

#6
October 07, 2025, 02:45:05 PM
I ended up splurging on a Insta360 Ace Pro 2. Used some random influencer's code for a free bike accessory kit.

robinoco

#8
November 05, 2025, 01:13:21 PM
Quote from: kwantani on November 03, 2025, 12:51:34 PM
Check out this "RIPOON Q100 Rear Light Bicycle Dash Cam". Inexpensive rear view DV recorder, not exactly an action camera, but providing some form of video footages for incidents.

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1767732-REG/a02_ur_ripoon_q100_y_q100_smart_bike_dash.html/?kw=RIQ100Y&ap=y&smp=y&store=420&smpm=ba_f2_lar&BI=5451&ap=y&smp=y&lsft=BI:5451&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=12706497822&gbraid=0AAAAAD7yMh1Y3PSLJPvLJVduAsLyPyndC&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIj5SL19LWkAMVBx6tBh1V7jBpEAQYAyABEgKMGvD_BwE

I think AE also have it too.
Looks good but I can't get in UK - Anyone have the AE link?

BatmanLoko

#10
December 09, 2025, 02:59:44 AM
good info here thanks

jonathanf2

#12
January 23, 2026, 01:42:27 PM
Has anyone tried sunglasses with built-in cameras? I'm also considering a magnetic camera that attaches to a jersey. I don't need fancy video, just enough so I can record some action of the mountain trails or fast road bike descents. I've been using my phone, but I'd like to keep both hands on the handle bars for some of the more sketchier riding!

jhearrtot

#13
January 23, 2026, 02:24:11 PM
Quote from: jonathanf2 on January 23, 2026, 01:42:27 PM
Has anyone tried sunglasses with built-in cameras? I'm also considering a magnetic camera that attaches to a jersey. I don't need fancy video, just enough so I can record some action of the mountain trails or fast road bike descents. I've been using my phone, but I'd like to keep both hands on the handle bars for some of the more sketchier riding!

I've had my meta ray ban for a year now and used it to record videos while cycling and running. They're pretty good in terms of video quality, though limited to 3 mins recording for the 1st gen and the battery life is just 'okay' so you'll need to bring the bulky case to top up the charge when needed.

CycOps

#14
January 24, 2026, 05:14:18 AM
Thanks for the Ripoon link on eBay. I've seen it in an US webshop before and found it very interesting, as it claims battery life of 9 hours. Does it really last so long, at least in warm weather conditions?
I'm thinking of recording my commute and training rides for having evidence on dangerous traffic situation for a long time now. But I know I'd be filing complaints on a weekly basis if I'd take it serious.
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