Introduction

Welcome to the world of action cameras, where capturing your adventures in high-resolution video and stunning photos has become easier than ever before. In this article, we will be diving into the Akaso Brave 8 action camera, a popular competitor in the action camera market that promises to deliver impressive performance and features at a fraction of the price of its GoPro counterparts.

Over the past few years, action cameras have gained immense popularity among outdoor enthusiasts, adrenaline junkies, and photography enthusiasts alike. And it’s no surprise why – these compact, rugged cameras allow you to capture your most thrilling moments in stunning detail, whether you’re biking down a mountain trail, diving into the depths of the ocean, or simply capturing everyday adventures.

Akaso has made a name for itself in the action camera industry by offering high-quality cameras that rival the likes of GoPro, but at a more affordable price point. The Akaso Brave 8 is no exception, packing an array of impressive features and boasting impressive image and video quality. But can it really compete with the industry-leading GoPro cameras?

In this comprehensive review, we will delve into the design and build quality, image and video quality, performance and features, battery life, user interface, connectivity options, as well as the accessories and mounts that come with the Akaso Brave 8. We will also weigh the price against the value for money to determine if this action camera is truly a GoPro contender, or just another budget option.

So, if you’re ready to embark on an adventure with the Akaso Brave 8 action camera, let’s dive right in and see if it lives up to the hype!

 

Design and Build Quality

The Akaso Brave 8 action camera features a sleek and compact design that is reminiscent of its GoPro counterparts. With its matte black finish and durable construction, it exudes a sense of ruggedness and durability. The camera is also lightweight, making it easy to carry around without adding unnecessary bulk to your gear.

One notable feature of the Brave 8 is its waterproof housing, which allows you to take it underwater up to 40 meters. This means you can capture your diving adventures or simply take it for a swim without worrying about damaging the camera. The housing provides excellent protection against water, dust, and shocks, ensuring that your camera remains safe in various challenging environments.

The camera is equipped with a 2-inch IPS touch screen on the rear, allowing for easy navigation and control of settings. The touch screen is responsive and intuitive, making it a breeze to change shooting modes, adjust settings, and review footage. Additionally, the camera sports a sturdy and adjustable mounting system, allowing you to attach it to helmets, tripods, or other accessories for hands-free recording.

When it comes to build quality, the Akaso Brave 8 feels sturdy and well-built. The buttons and ports are solid and responsive, giving you confidence that the camera can handle rough conditions. The camera also comes with a detachable 1050mAh rechargeable battery, which provides a decent amount of shooting time.

All in all, the design and build quality of the Akaso Brave 8 action camera are impressive. It offers a sleek and durable design, with a waterproof housing that allows you to capture your adventures in various conditions. The touch screen is user-friendly and the adjustable mounting system adds versatility to how you can use the camera. Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie looking to capture extreme sports or a casual traveler documenting your trips, the Brave 8 is designed to withstand the elements and deliver high-quality performance.

 

Image and Video Quality

When it comes to action cameras, image and video quality are paramount. The Akaso Brave 8 does not disappoint in this regard, offering impressive performance that rivals more expensive counterparts in the market.

The Brave 8 is equipped with a 20-megapixel Sony sensor, which allows for crisp and vibrant photos. Whether you’re capturing still shots of landscapes or fast-paced action, the camera delivers excellent detail and accurate colors. The camera also boasts a wide dynamic range (WDR) feature, which helps balance highlights and shadows, resulting in well-exposed photos even in challenging lighting conditions.

When it comes to video recording, the Brave 8 shines with its 4K Ultra HD resolution at 30 frames per second. This allows you to capture your adventures in stunning clarity and detail. The camera also supports multiple shooting modes, such as time-lapse, slow motion, and loop recording, providing versatility in capturing different types of footage.

Another noteworthy feature of the Brave 8 is its electronic image stabilization (EIS) technology. This feature helps reduce camera shake and produces smoother footage, even when capturing fast-paced action or using the camera in challenging environments. While the stabilization is not as advanced as some high-end cameras, it does a commendable job in minimizing shakes and ensuring that your footage is steady and professional-looking.

In terms of low-light performance, the Brave 8 performs reasonably well. While it may not match the low-light capabilities of more expensive cameras, it does a decent job in capturing usable footage in dimly lit environments.

Overall, the image and video quality produced by the Akaso Brave 8 action camera are impressive. The camera’s high-resolution sensor, wide dynamic range, and electronic image stabilization contribute to sharp and vibrant images and smooth, professional-looking videos. Whether you’re capturing stunning landscapes, fast-paced action, or recording your day-to-day adventures, the Brave 8 delivers quality footage that will impress even the most discerning photographers and videographers.

 

Performance and Features

The Akaso Brave 8 action camera is packed with features that enhance its performance and make it a versatile tool for capturing your adventures. Let’s take a closer look at some of its notable performance and features.

One of the standout features of the Brave 8 is its wide-angle lens, which provides a 170-degree field of view. This wide-angle perspective allows you to capture more of the scene and is particularly useful for action shots, capturing landscapes, or group photos. The camera also offers different viewing angles, including wide, medium, and narrow, allowing you to customize your footage to suit your preferences.

The Brave 8 supports Wi-Fi connectivity, allowing you to easily transfer your photos and videos to your smartphone or tablet. This feature is particularly convenient when you want to quickly share your footage on social media or edit it on the go.

In addition, the camera supports remote control functionality via a wristband remote, which is included in the package. This remote allows you to control the camera’s settings and start/stop recording without having to physically touch the camera. This feature is especially useful when you have the camera mounted in hard-to-reach places or when you’re engaged in hands-on activities where accessing the camera’s controls directly would be impractical.

The Brave 8 also offers a built-in gyroscope, which helps stabilize the footage even further, especially during high-motion activities. This gyro-based image stabilization feature ensures that your videos remain smooth and steady, reducing the effects of camera shake and producing professional-looking footage.

Other notable features include the ability to capture photos in RAW format, which allows for greater flexibility in post-processing and editing. The camera also supports a burst mode, allowing you to capture a series of photos in quick succession, perfect for capturing fast-moving subjects or creating action sequences.

Overall, the performance and features of the Akaso Brave 8 action camera impress. From its wide-angle lens and Wi-Fi connectivity to the remote control functionality and gyro-based image stabilization, the camera offers a range of features that enhance its performance and allow you to capture your adventures in different ways. Whether you’re a professional filmmaker or a casual adventurer, the Brave 8 provides the tools you need to capture stunning footage and unleash your creativity.

 

Battery Life

One important factor to consider when choosing an action camera is its battery life, as it can greatly impact the length of time you can record your adventures without interruption. The Akaso Brave 8 comes with a 1050mAh rechargeable battery, which provides a decent amount of shooting time.

The battery life of the Brave 8 can vary depending on factors such as the shooting mode, resolution, and usage of features like Wi-Fi and image stabilization. With typical usage and shooting at 1080p resolution, you can expect the battery to last anywhere from 60 to 90 minutes.

If you need to extend the battery life, you have the option to purchase additional spare batteries, allowing you to swap them out when needed. This is particularly useful for longer adventures or when you want to ensure uninterrupted recording without having to recharge the battery in between.

It’s worth noting that using features like Wi-Fi and image stabilization can slightly reduce the battery life. If you plan to use these features extensively, it’s a good idea to have spare batteries or a portable power bank on hand to ensure you never miss a moment.

One positive aspect of the Brave 8 is its quick charging capability. The camera comes with a USB cable that allows for fast charging, so you can get back to recording your adventures in no time. The charging time will vary depending on the charger used, but generally, it takes about 2-3 hours to fully charge the battery.

Overall, while the battery life of the Akaso Brave 8 may not be the longest in the market, it offers a decent shooting time that is sufficient for most casual users. It’s always a good idea to carry spare batteries or a power bank, especially on longer adventures, to ensure you never run out of power when capturing those epic moments.

 

User Interface and Ease of Use

The Akaso Brave 8 action camera is designed to be user-friendly and intuitive, making it easy for both beginners and advanced users to navigate and operate. The camera features a 2-inch IPS touch screen on the rear, which serves as the primary interface for accessing settings, adjusting options, and reviewing footage.

The touch screen is responsive and has a user-friendly interface that allows for easy navigation. The menus are well-organized and straightforward, making it simple to find the desired settings or shooting modes. You can easily switch between different shooting modes, adjust video resolution, and access other settings with just a few taps on the screen.

A notable feature of the Brave 8 is its ability to preview and playback videos and photos directly on the camera. This is particularly convenient, as it allows you to quickly review your footage and make sure you captured the shots you were aiming for. The touch screen makes it easy to scroll through your files and view them in detail.

The camera also comes with a user manual that provides clear instructions on how to use the camera and navigate through its functions. This is especially helpful for beginners who may be unfamiliar with action cameras or those who want to explore all the features and settings the Brave 8 has to offer.

In terms of ease of use, the Brave 8 is designed to be mounted on various accessories and equipment, such as helmets, tripods, or selfie sticks, which adds flexibility to how it can be used. The camera’s adjustable mounting system allows for secure attachment and positioning, ensuring that you can capture your adventures from different angles and perspectives.

Overall, the user interface of the Akaso Brave 8 is intuitive and user-friendly, allowing for easy navigation and adjustment of settings. The touch screen provides a convenient way to access and review footage, and the camera’s compatibility with various mounts and accessories enhances its versatility. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced action camera user, the Brave 8 offers a seamless and straightforward user experience.

 

Connectivity Options

The Akaso Brave 8 action camera offers a range of connectivity options to make it easy to transfer and share your footage. One of the key features is the built-in Wi-Fi, which allows you to connect the camera to your smartphone or tablet for seamless file transfer.

With the Akaso DV app, available for both iOS and Android devices, you can control the camera remotely, preview and playback footage, and easily transfer photos and videos to your mobile device. This app provides a convenient way to manage your files, edit your footage, and share your adventures on social media platforms.

In addition to Wi-Fi, the Brave 8 also features a micro HDMI port, which allows you to connect the camera directly to a compatible TV or monitor for viewing your footage on a larger screen. This is particularly useful when you want to showcase your adventures to friends or review your shots in more detail.

Another connectivity option on the Brave 8 is the micro USB port, which is used for charging the camera and connecting it to a computer for file transfer. This means you can easily plug the camera into your PC or Mac and drag and drop your photos and videos onto your computer for further editing or storage.

Furthermore, the Brave 8 supports external microphones via a dedicated microphone input. This is a valuable feature for vloggers or anyone who wants to enhance the audio quality of their recordings. By connecting an external microphone, you can capture clear and crisp audio that complements the high-quality video footage.

Overall, the Akaso Brave 8 provides a range of connectivity options to make it easy to transfer, manage, and share your footage. Whether you want to connect wirelessly to your mobile device, view your footage on a larger screen, or enhance the audio with an external microphone, the Brave 8 offers the flexibility and convenience to meet your connectivity needs.

 

Accessories and Mounts

The Akaso Brave 8 action camera comes bundled with a variety of accessories and mounts to enhance its versatility and allow you to capture your adventures from different angles and perspectives. Let’s take a closer look at what’s included in the package.

First and foremost, the Brave 8 comes with a waterproof housing, which allows you to take the camera underwater up to 40 meters. This is perfect for capturing your diving or snorkeling adventures and ensures that your camera remains protected from water damage.

The package also includes a selection of mounts, such as a helmet mount, bicycle mount, and adhesive mounts. These allow you to securely attach the camera to various surfaces, including helmets, handlebars, or other equipment, for hands-free recording. These mounts are easy to install and provide a stable and secure connection, ensuring that the camera stays in place even during high-motion activities.

In addition, the Brave 8 comes with a remote control wristband, which allows you to control the camera’s settings and start/stop recording without having to physically touch the camera. This adds convenience and ensures that you can capture the perfect shot or moment, even when the camera is mounted out of reach.

The camera package also includes a set of rechargeable batteries, allowing you to swap them out when needed and extend your shooting time. This is particularly useful for longer adventures or when you don’t have access to a power source for recharging.

Furthermore, Akaso offers a wide range of additional accessories that are compatible with the Brave 8, such as a chest mount harness, floating hand grip, and a suction cup mount. These accessories provide even more versatility in how you can use the camera and capture your adventures.

Overall, the Akaso Brave 8 action camera comes with a comprehensive set of accessories and mounts that allow you to capture your adventures from various angles and perspectives. Whether you’re biking, diving, or engaging in other outdoor activities, these accessories ensure that you have the flexibility and convenience to capture every thrilling moment.

 

Price and Value for Money

One of the standout aspects of the Akaso Brave 8 action camera is its attractive price point, which offers excellent value for money compared to its more expensive competitors in the market. With its affordable price, the Brave 8 provides an affordable alternative for those who want the features and performance of a high-quality action camera without breaking the bank.

Despite its budget-friendly price, the Brave 8 doesn’t skimp on features or performance. It offers impressive image and video quality, a wide range of shooting modes, built-in Wi-Fi connectivity, and a durable and waterproof housing, making it suitable for a variety of outdoor activities and adventures.

Compared to higher-priced action cameras, the Brave 8 may not have all the advanced features or the same level of image stabilization, but it certainly holds its ground in terms of overall performance and functionality. For the casual user or enthusiast who is looking for a reliable action camera to capture their adventures without breaking the bank, the Brave 8 offers a great balance of quality and affordability.

Furthermore, Akaso is known for providing excellent customer support and a warranty that gives you peace of mind. Should you encounter any issues with your Brave 8, the company’s customer service team is readily available to assist you and ensure that you have a positive experience with their product.

When considering the price and value for money, it’s important to compare the features, performance, and price tag of the Brave 8 with similar action cameras on the market. While there may be more expensive options that offer additional features or higher image stabilization capabilities, the Brave 8 remains a strong contender in its price range.

Overall, the Akaso Brave 8 action camera provides excellent value for money. It offers a range of features, good image and video quality, and a reliable performance at an affordable price. Whether you’re a beginner looking to venture into action photography or a seasoned adventurer on a budget, the Brave 8 delivers a solid action camera experience without breaking the bank.

 

Pros and Cons

Like any product, the Akaso Brave 8 action camera comes with its own set of advantages and drawbacks. Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of this popular action camera.

Pros:

• Excellent image and video quality, with a 20-megapixel sensor and 4K video resolution.
• Waterproof housing allows for underwater shooting up to 40 meters.
• User-friendly interface and intuitive touch screen for easy navigation and control.
• Inclusion of various mounts and accessories, providing flexibility in capturing different perspectives.
• Built-in Wi-Fi for quick and easy file transfer to mobile devices.
• Support for external microphone for improved audio quality.
• Affordable price point, offering great value for money.

Cons:

• Image stabilization could be more advanced for smoother footage.
• Battery life is relatively short, requiring the use of spare batteries for longer shoots.
• Low-light performance could be improved for better results in dimly lit environments.
• Limited availability of third-party accessories compared to more well-known brands.
• Some users may find the touch screen interface less responsive than expected.
• The camera’s audio quality may be affected when using the waterproof housing.

Overall, the Akaso Brave 8 offers impressive performance and features that rival more expensive action cameras on the market. With its superior image and video quality, a variety of shooting modes, and an affordable price, it’s a compelling option for those who want to capture their adventures without breaking the bank. However, it’s important to consider the limitations in image stabilization, battery life, and low-light performance. Despite these drawbacks, the Brave 8 delivers a solid action camera experience and represents a great value for money.

 

Conclusion

The Akaso Brave 8 action camera proves to be a worthy contender in the world of action cameras, offering impressive performance, a range of features, and excellent value for money. With its sleek design, durable build quality, and waterproof housing, the Brave 8 is well-equipped to handle a variety of outdoor adventures.

The image and video quality of the Brave 8 are outstanding, thanks to its 20-megapixel sensor and 4K resolution capabilities. The camera delivers sharp, vibrant footage that captures the essence of your adventures, whether you’re hiking, biking, or diving into the deep blue sea.

While the Brave 8 falls slightly short in terms of advanced image stabilization and low-light performance compared to higher-end action cameras, it still delivers impressive results for its price range. The various shooting modes, wide-angle lens, and adjustable mounting system further enhance its versatility and allow for creative captures from unique angles.

The user interface is intuitive and user-friendly, making it easy to navigate through settings and playback footage on the 2-inch touch screen. The built-in Wi-Fi connectivity enables seamless file transfer to your smartphone or tablet, while the option to use an external microphone enhances the audio quality of your recordings.

Considering the price point of the Brave 8, its value for money is exceptional. The camera provides a reliable and satisfying action camera experience without the steep price tag. Additionally, Akaso’s commitment to customer support and warranty coverage instills confidence in the brand and ensures a positive user experience.

In conclusion, if you’re in the market for an affordable yet impressive action camera, the Akaso Brave 8 is a strong choice. Whether you’re a beginner capturing your first adventures or a seasoned adventurer on a budget, the Brave 8 offers the image quality, features, and ruggedness needed to document your thrilling moments and relive them again and again.