Best Budget Action Cam?

"Fookin' Prawns" (gluglu) 02/05/2014 at 20:12 • Filed to: None

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Hi Oppo,

I've been thinking about getting an action cam for assorted car stuff/general tomfoolery. Not anything more high-end than a GoPro since I'm on a budget, but what are your recommendations? Should I try to find a used Hero 3 or something like a Hero 2 or Contour 1/2? Thanks (and have an Iso Grifo for your trouble)!

Victorious Secret > Fookin' Prawns 02/05/2014 at 20:13

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GoPro Hero 3 is still a very viable choice. Sony Action Cam as well. But I'm partial to GoPros anyways.

Zipppy, Mazdurp builder, Probeski owner and former ricerboy > Fookin' Prawns 02/05/2014 at 20:14

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My father has a Hero 2, it's a pretty good camera, microphone leaves a lot to be desired.

MtrRider Just Wants Doritos > Fookin' Prawns 02/05/2014 at 20:18

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You can get the basic Hero3 White edition ($200). It's all the camera most people need, and unless you have a 4k TV or like to edit in slo-mo the Black Edition isn't necessary.

Note- if you put one on a Traxxas Slash Raptor, if you roll it enough times the mount will come off. Be warned.

MountainCommand > Fookin' Prawns 02/05/2014 at 20:20

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ill vote Hero 3. (its the black edition, but im sure you could get the other ones cheap)

Very easy Interface and quick to learn. My favorite part is the ability for external mic (via 'sold separately' cable though) and you can record while connected to power supply, for very long shooting situations. The app is very helpful as well.

Plus the availability of cheap mounts and extra bits since theyve had time to saturate the market.

Figure out if you are needing a particular form factor, then decide from there. The gopros are 'odd' in their design.

Jayhawk Jake > Fookin' Prawns 02/05/2014 at 20:26

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Holy shit, get out of my head.

I was literally just on eBay looking into it, and thought about posting here.

GoPros seem to hold their value, hero 3s on eBay are still in the $160 range. At that point I might just buy new...

Curious to see what everyone says on this.

Fookin' Prawns > Fookin' Prawns 02/05/2014 at 20:31

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Sorry if the Grifo pic got Kinja'd. Here it is:

webmonkees > Fookin' Prawns 02/05/2014 at 20:42

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Just to be different..JVC Adixxion.
Goofy name, goofy layout.

I got this open-box and on sale so it ended up about half a goPro.

Now, this is a rig made up of some pvc and no side-anchors so you might get seasick.

Mercedes Streeter > Fookin' Prawns 02/05/2014 at 21:37

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I have a more...creative setup:

Broken iPhone 4 from eBay: $45
Battery to fix broken iPhone 4: $5
Lifeproof case from eBay: $30
Auction cup car mount: $20

That gives me a pretty decent DIY rig for $100. The case helps protect the phone from water and shocks, and I made a "safety catch" for the car mount so that if it falls, it would not fall to the ground.

Been using it for two years without issue (first with my original iPhone 4). I sold my original phone for more than it was worth...then realized it was a mistake and bought the broken one from eBay.

Agrajag > Fookin' Prawns 02/05/2014 at 22:23

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The Hero 3 Black Edition is probably the best, but if you're looking for something a little cheaper try the Sony Action Cam HDR-AS30V. I have one and it's pretty awesome.

JasonStern911 > Fookin' Prawns 02/05/2014 at 22:33

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Any GoPro camera is recommended. Solid video quality, software support, plenty of aftermarket attachments, etc. I'm guessing there isn't a huge market for action/adventure cameras as there is very little quality competition. Avoid the GoPro knock-offs. You literally get what you pay for.

Fookin' Prawns > Mercedes Streeter 02/05/2014 at 22:40

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That's a pretty good idea! Unfortunately, it needs to be mounted to a helmet with pucks flying all over the place, so I'm a bit worried about the iPhone's protection and form factor. But I have an old 4s kicking around somewhere, so I could use something like that in the car.

Mercedes Streeter > Fookin' Prawns 02/05/2014 at 23:21

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Lifeproof cases and Otterboxes do great for protection (especially waterproof cases) but indeed, a dedicated "action" type cam would work best for helmets and high speed driving and such. Something I particularly like about GoPro cams is that they can keep themselves warm in extreme cold temperatures...that's something I don't think any other device out there can do, yet.

But for a basic car cam setup, an old smartphone would do just fine. :)