Please Recommend a Cheaper Alternative to a GoPro

Hello, Son (aged 11) would like a GoPro for Christmas to use for mountain biking.

Not sure how much is will get used and not liking the price of a GoPro so am wondering if there is a cheaper alternative? Tried looking for a Xiaomi product but could only see the Yi which I don’t think exists anymore.

Thanks in advance for any help.

Comments

  • Not a recommendation but how about this, it's on special this week.
    https://www.jbhifi.com.au/products/zero-x-zx-40-4k-uhd-actio…

    • Half price and more like the amount I am wanting to spend, thanks I will look into it.

    • +4

      Probably worthwhile to note that the reviews say the battery lasts 20mins max in HD, and the video doesn't get saved if the battery dies during filming.

      • Yeah, that would be annoying for him

  • +4

    A second hand GoPro.

    Your 11yo will understand and will appreciate the extra quality and dignity retention on the mountain.

    • I’ve just been looking at the second hand ones on marketplace. What you do think would be the lowest model that would still be decent?

      • +5

        I personally draw the line at 7 black at a minimum especially for action video - seriously pretty great video stabilisation as it was first to have hyper smooth but still even second or third hand it’s still out of budget.

        • Thanks that gives me a start for a second hand one. I always end up paying more than I want and often have reassess my price bracket.

  • +2

    Gopro has no alternative, they cater to their own market.

    • I think op means action cam

      • I did yes, I thought Xiaomi or similar might do a fairly decent one but seems not.

    • Don't the newer ones have massive issues?

      • +2

        They fixed it mostly, but it was only an issue for fixed position 4k high refresh rate filming, ie. putting the GoPro on a desk for filming rather than on a bike/car/surfboard. They need airflow.

    • +1

      DJI Action 3 or 4

  • +1

    We bought this camera recently and were happy enough with it for the price we'd paid. Also bought an accessory kit which allowed a lot of options for wearing and attaching.

    https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B0BMFXLLCZ?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_p…
    https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B0BYDKNHNZ?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_p…
    https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B09X7BYSFG?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_p…

    • would it be ok for use on the water?

  • +2

    I went through 2 cheaper options last year before selling both and buying a GoPro. They are seriously the best for any sport or action. One of those types of products that "buy once buy right" really does apply.

    • Are you able to share which cheapies you bought?

      • Jadfezy Action Camera FHD 1080P 12MP - Was $50 on Amazon. Absolute POS.
        SJCAM C200 4K24FPS Action Camera - Was $120 on Amazon, seems to be priced higher now. Great Youtube reviews (I did research a bit after my crap experience with the above) but in reality video stabilisation is absolutely terrible, only suitable for walking.

        Just get a Gopro Hero 9 for ~$300 via various deals, or get a 7/8 second hand. They are a quality piece of gear and worth it. Use it for the motorbike and out on the water.

        • I am looking at the brave 4 on amazon…thoughts?

        • No idea why you got negged for this helpful information!

  • +1

    GoAmateur ?

    I have a GoPro HERO4 Silver which still works fine recording in FullHD. That would suggest that, as mentioned above, a second hand unit would save money for a starter. You can always resell it later.

    • Do you think brave 4 from Amazon would be ok?

      • You can never be certain with cheap copies.

  • +1

    Yes, happy to buy second hand. The Hero4 that I have found on marketplace seem reasonably priced and I can always upgrade him at a later date if he uses it a lot.

  • +1

    osmo action

  • Any other amazon suggestions?

    brave 4 ok?

  • Dj1

  • +1
  • I thnk I would favour a 2nd hand GoPro as others have suggested.

    I don't use ours so much, mostly due to COVID ruining travel plans, but we got a Hero 7 black back in 2018/2019 I think and took it overseas to Japan once. We're not particularly action sport people but use it mostly to film travel.

    The main reasons I suggest going a 2nd hand GoPro are:
    - You can probably get a new-ish model of GoPro with, importantly, image stabilisation, at a resonable price 2nd hand. Prior to our Hero 7, we borrowed a Hero 5 previously and we realised the image stabilisation from the Hero 7 onwards is a game changer; the Hero 5 footage I found difficult to watch, particularly as I am now more prone to motion sickness for some reason. Whereas the Hero 7 footage was a joy to look back on. I'm sure the newer models are better. If you get him a Hero 6 or earlier and the experience is poor, it could really be off-putting for him to pursue his hobby (unless that is the intention).
    - It could be an important 'status symbol'; GoPro could be something your son's peers/friends have or respect, even if it is not the best bang for buck, from a social perspective, it could be the way to go.

    I hope you can get a good deal.

Login or Join to leave a comment