Akaso's new Brave 7 LE is an affordable dual-display action camera that records in 4K video and takes 20 MP photos. At an affordable $139, it's an excellent entry point into the world of action cameras.
I've owned several action cameras. Some were pretty good, and some were unusable. The Akaso Brave 7 LE is the best low-cost action camera that I have used when considering image quality and usability.
Camera Features
The Brave 7 LE has five video Modes: Normal, Loop Record, Time-lapse, SlowMotion, and FastMotion. Video can be captured in 4K 30 fps, 2.7K 60 fps, 2.7K 30 fps, 1080p 120 fps, 1080p 60 fps, 1080p 30 fps, 720p 240 fps, 720p 120 fps, and 720p 60 fps. The five photo modes: Single, Burst, Time-lapse, Self-Time, and Long Exposure meet just about any need you would have. Available photo resolutions are 20 MP, 16 MP, 14 MP, 10 MP, 8 MP, 5 MP, and 2 MP. Four angle of view modes (Super Wide, Wide, Medium, and Narrow) allow for capturing just the action you want depending on the situation.
The key feature of the Akaso Brave 7 LE is its dual color screens. The back screen is a standard 2" touch screen while the front screen is a narrower screen designed to help frame yourself while vlogging. It does make it much easier both to frame your shot and to check the exposure. The rear touchscreen is very responsive and so much easier to use than cameras that don't have a touchscreen. Switching between screens is as easy as just holding down the mode button for a couple of seconds, something that isn't intuitive so I had to look it up in the manual. I wish they included a printed instruction manual, as looking up things in the PDF manual is a bit inconvenient when you're out in the field.
The IPX7 water-resistant body provides the ability to record in all weather conditions. If you wish to record underwater, the included waterproof case protects up to 121ft/40m. I like that I don't have to worry about getting it wet if it starts to rain.
The 6-axis stabilization worked fine while walking and vlogging, but during a light jog, it seemed to be a bit jerky. Image stabilization quality was just about the only thing that I was disappointed about with this camera; I was hoping it would have been a little better.
The Akaso Brave 7 LE also has built-in Wi-Fi that enables wireless photo/video sharing via the IOS and Android apps. The built-in HDMI port allows for a connection directly with a television or monitor. On other cameras, I found myself using their app to configure the camera because it was much easier, however on the Brave 7 LE I found the menus so easy to operate that used the touchscreen menus more often.
Photos
When it comes to photos, an average person may find them on par with cell-phone photos. When you consider the size and price of the Brave 7 LE, the 20 MP photos are decent.
Build and Design
I've reviewed several low-cost action cams, and the Akaso Brave 7 LE has a higher quality feel to it. The matte and grooved surface around the unit makes it easier to handle and less likely to slip out of your hands. The buttons have a nice feel to them, it's hard to describe, but they just feel higher quality. The unit weight is substantially heavier than all of the other cams I have used, and it feels more durable. It is a bit thicker than some of the other action cameras, but only by about 1/8".The Akaso Brave 7 LE comes with many accessories, including a 2.4Ghz Wi-Fi wristband remote control. The remote control has two buttons, one for video recording and the other for taking photos. I did find that it must share the same technology as one of my other action cams, as the remotes operated both cameras interchangeably.
Like most action cameras, I found the memory card a bit tricky to insert and remove, but I like how it is inside the weather-sealed battery compartment. It is easier to change the memory card if the battery is removed, though.
4K Video:
Slow Motion Video:
What I Liked
- Front screen
- Includes many accessories
- Ease of use
- High-Quality look and feel
- Includes two batteries
- Quick access to video and photo modes via screen-swipe
- Dual battery charger
- Affordable Price
What I'd Change
- Include a printed manual
- Easier to insert a memory card
- Better image stabilization
Action camera Akaso Brave 4
Specification
Device brand: | Akaso |
---|---|
Model: | Brave 4 |
Product type: | Action Camera |
Quantity per carton: | 21 pcs. |
Set: | no |
Type of port: | USB |
Equip yourself with a camera that lets you get high-quality shots during dynamic activities. Akaso Brave 4 offers 4K video recording and photos up to 20MP. The 3-axis gyro allows you to maintain high image stability, and the included remote control allows comfortable operation.
Keep the most beautiful moments for longer not only in memories! The Akaso Brave 4 camera captures 4K/24FPS video and takes 20MP class photos. Thanks to this, you will get crystal clear, clear images that will allow you to return to the greatest moments not only in your imagination!
The Brave 4 model will give you the opportunity to record exceptional videos – regardless of the circumstances. Use 5x zoom or Timelapse mode to create unique shots. You can also use the wide-angle setting to catch everything within 170° of the lens.
The Akaso Brave 4 camera uses a number of modern, functional solutions that ensure smooth and quality of shots. The 3-axis gyro ensures real-time image stabilization, allowing you to get breathtaking videos – even from sessions of highly dynamic activities.
The camera was made with real attention to detail. Its durable construction, together with the included waterproof housing, guarantees the possibility of taking it with you even during deep-sea diving – up to a depth of 30 m. Brave 4 also uses a built-in omnidirectional microphone that captures high-quality, detailed sound.
For highly comfortable operation of the device corresponds to the included remote control with a wristband. This solution allows you to manage the camera in a flash – without the need for a touchscreen interface.
- Brave 4 Camera
- Waterproof housing
- Protective back plate
- Pilot
- Remote control strap
- 2 x Rechargeable Battery
- Charger
- Tube holder
- 7 x Mounting bracket
- 2 x Helmet Mount
- 2 x Clamping Bracket
- 4 x Plastic Cable Tie
- USB cable
- 2 x double-sided tape
- 1 x Security Cable (Tether)
- Lens cloth
- Manual
Producer | Akaso |
---|---|
Model | Brave 4 |
Chip | Icatch V35AX |
Sensor | Sony imx386 1/2.9" CMOS |
Angle of view of the lens | 170˚ |
Objective | 6G |
Video Resolution | 4K24FPS / 2.7K30FPS / 1080P120FPS / 1080P60FPS / 1080P30FPS / 720P240FPS / 720P120FPS / 720P60FPS / 720P30FPS |
Video modes | Video mode, Time-Lapse, Motion Time-Lapse, Slow Motion, Video+photo, Car mode, Loop video |
Video format | .MP4 |
Photo resolution | 20MP |
Photo format | .JPG |
Shooting modes | Single shooting, Continuous shooting, Interval shooting |
Screen | 2'' IPS SCREEN |
Stabilization | Internal three-axis gyro |
Digital zoom | YES(5x) |
WiFi | 2.4 GHZ |
Voice control | No |
Remote control | App, remote control |
Waterproof | Waterproof up to 100ft/30m with Akaso case included |
Audio input | Single microphone |
Audio output | Loudspeaker |
Charging port | USB |
Video encoding | H.264 |
Distortion correction | No |
FPV | Null |
External microphone | No |
Balance | Auto/Tungsten/Fluorescent/Daylight/Cloudy/Dawn |
Exposure compensation | -3, -2, -1, 0, 1, 2, 3 |
Battery | 2 x 1050mAh battery |