If you are skint, then don’t buy this camera. Whilst it’s cheaper than a GoPro and is fairly priced for its spec, it is just not a bargain-budget option. Stereo Audio is what we will call “normal” recording mode and is supposed to offer a true, unfiltered rendition of what is being recorded (**digital products don’t really do “true” recording but that’s a whole other post).

The best action camera for 2023: top cameras for adventures

The AKASO Brave 8’s whopping sensor does indeed deliver the goods, especially in terms of photos, which are impressively good given the compact size of the camera. You want the best image quality: A small sensor limits quality, with overexposure and telephoto softness issues too. There’s even a dual battery charger included (though you can charge the battery in the camera if you prefer), and the mounts are (to some extent) compatible with GoPro fittings.All in all, the AKASO Brave 7LE action camera is is a superb little camera that can be controlled remotely, and has all the extras you could need for your active life. In our review, we found it more versatile and fun to use than its predecessor. With GoPro's effective HyperSmooth stabilization available across most shooting modes, it's an ideal tool for recording 4K adventures and handheld vlogs alike. Thanks to its waterproof build, it's also more durable than your smartphone.

AKASO Brave 8 4K60FPS Action Camera, 48MP Photo Touch Screen AKASO Brave 8 4K60FPS Action Camera, 48MP Photo Touch Screen

Like a brain in a box, the Brave 8 utilises the latest generation AI software for metering light on a subject’s face and there is also hands-free voice control so you can control the camera remotely quite easily. You need a big screen: The 1.3-inch display on the One R 1-inch edition is too small and square for easy composition. There are little things that make it frustrating too, like the fact that when you touch the area that says ‘Video 1080P60’ it only allows you to change modes, not resolution (and mode changes are easy to do with light brushes of the finger from the main screen, hence my filming mistake). When using the front camera, there’s less information displayed, and that’s very small so it’s easy to miss that you’re in the wrong mode.I’ve got three GoPros (all of which I’ve bought myself) – a Hero 3+, a 5 and a 7, so while I can’t compare this Akaso to the most recent Heroes, I was pretty excited at the idea of upgrading my current kit for less money. You need high-res video: Capped at 2.7K, the Go 3 can't compete when it comes to outright resolution. While the right action camera for you will depend on what and how you like to shoot, there are some key skills every good action cam should have. It should be rugged enough to endure some rough and tumble, plus waterproof down to at least a few meters. It should also be straightforward to use and operate, even in extreme conditions. Touchscreens can make an action cam easier to control, but if you plan to shoot while wearing gloves, it might make more sense to select a model with physical buttons. The Akaso Brave 7 LE offers an incredible range of features for its price. If a front-facing screen and weather-sealing are more important to you than outright video quality, then it should certainly be high on your shortlist. In our tests, this model's audio quality was better than any other non-GoPro we've reviewed (in quieter environments, anyway) and it has a fantastically intuitive touchscreen interface. You want a touchscreen: It's easy to use, but its underwater credentials mean the TG-6 doesn't have a touch display.