GoPro Hero 8 Black was launched last year and it’s still considered the king of action cameras. It can shoot 4K videos at 60FPS, features a new HyperSmooth 2.0 stabilization tech which has become an industry benchmark in itself, and more. However, there are also other action cameras in the market which offer excellent stabilization and hosts of unique features. Apart from that, not everyone wants to splurge $300 to have an action camera. So in this article, we bring you the best GoPro Hero 8 Black alternatives which have similar features but are priced modestly. Now having said that, let’s begin the article and find a suitable GoPro Hero 8 Black replacement for you.
Best GoPro Hero 8 Black Alternatives
We have included a range of action cameras like Hero 8 Black keeping many essential points in mind particularly the price and video capture quality. Be assured, you will find capable and tough action cameras that can be used in any environment, be it underwater or beneath thick ice. So, take a glance at the replacements below and move to the description.
Top Alternatives to GoPro Hero 8 Black
1. DJI OSMO Action
DJI is a well-known name in aerial photography and produces some of the best drones with great camera capabilities. Further, they have brought an action camera called DJI OSMO Action with powerful hardware which easily contests with GoPro Hero 8 Black.
It comes in a waterproof body with dual screens on the front and back. In terms of video resolution, it can also shoot 4K videos at 60FPS with RockSteady turned on. RockSteady is DJI’s version of HyperSmooth and it works pretty well giving shake-free footage.
The DJI OSMO Action has multiple shooting modes like timelapse, action capture, underwater mode, etc. It can also capture 240FPS slow-motion videos at 1080p resolution. In terms of water resistance, the action camera can survive up to 36 feet of underwater depth and that is quite comparable to Hero 8 Black.
You can also get additional accessories that offer a longer period of water resistance and battery life. All in all, both Hero 8 Black and OSMO Action offer flagship features without cutting many corners. But the cheaper price of DJI OSMO Action makes it a far better deal for consumers.
Buy from Amazon: $245
2. GoPro Hero9 Black
If you are not aware, GoPro recently announced the successor of Hero 8 Black — the new Hero9 Black. It has bumped the video capture resolution from 4K to 5K for ultra, high-definition videos while you are out on an adventure. That said, keep in mind, you can only shoot 5K videos at 30FPS and 4K videos at 60FPS which is also available on Hero 8 Black.
Other than that, you get the improved HyperSmooth 3.0 tech which claims to make even the shakiest of footage into a smooth daydream. Not to mention, GoPro has enlarged the rear display for more touch controls, and added a front display for better shot framing. There is improved voice support with RAW audio capture, and much more.
What I like about the new Hero 9 over Hero 8 is that now you can take still images at 20MP which is awesome. So not just for videos, the Hero9 will also act as a great still camera. With just a $49 price difference, I would say, the new Hero9 Black is a compelling alternative to Hero 8 Black and you should definitely take a look at the successor.l
Buy from GoPro: $349.98
3. Ricoh Theta V
Ricoh Theta V is a new addition to the company’s portfolio of action cameras and brings sharp 4K shooting the table. Besides that, it also shoots 4K 360-degree videos at 30 fps. It has an excellent spherical camera that can help you shoot some great 360 videos.
What helps us count it among the great GoPro Hero 8 alternatives is its support for remote control, which lets you operate the action camera without touching it. For noisy environments, you may, instead, use the remote control included in the box.
Further, you can adjust the viewing angle of the lens and change between wide, medium, and narrow fields of view. For those who love to swim, Ricoh Theta V is a great option for capturing life underwater and can bear with any abrasion from water.
The only slightly disappointing bit may be the lack of optical image stabilization but it comes with Advanced EIS which should help you keep the videos defy the vibrations of adventure and adrenaline rush.
Besides these features, the Ricoh Theta V also features Bluetooth and direct Wi-Fi sharing. All in all, if you want to shoot high-definition 360-degree videos then Ricoh Theta V is perhaps better than GoPro Hero 8 Black.
Buy From Amazon: $376.95
4. Campark X30 (2020)
Campark X30 is the cheapest alternative to GoPro Hero 8 Black which does not skip on major features and even excels at some. You can say, it’s a GoPro clone better done than any other action camera out there. First of all, it comes with a 2.0 inch LCD touch screen which is quite good and offers excellent viewing angles.
Next, it offers 4K video recording at 60FPS with only optical stabilization and 4K at 30FPS with both EIS and OIS. The video quality is also pretty good with it capturing plenty of details and amazing dynamic range. And similar to GoPro, you get an adjustable field of view (FOV) ranging from Wide, Standard, and Narrow.
Having said that, what I love about Campark X30 is its wider angle of view. It goes way above 150 degrees and gives a great fish-eye effect to your shots. Other than that, the action camera comes with a separate waterproof case which increases the underwater depth to 131 feet which is awesome to have.
So, if you want to go for swimming, surfing or snorkeling then Campark X30 will not disappoint you. All in all, if you consider all the features and the price, it’s shocking that you get so much at this price point. Simply put, if you want a reliable action camera like Hero 8 Black, but at a significantly cheaper price then just go with Campark X30.
Buy from Amazon: $104.99
5. AKASO Brave 7
If you want a cheaper alternative to GoPro Hero 8 Black then Akaso Brave 7 is the action camera that I would recommend. It does not have fancy features like 4K at 60FPS, however, it does the basics pretty well and offers super steady videos in 4K at 30FPS.
Similar to Hero 8 Black and other action cameras, it combines hardware-based stabilization using 6-axis gyroscope and software algorithms to produce immersive and highly stable footage. You also get a vivid touch screen display and that is awesome.
Talking about the underwater resistance, it can withstand up to 131 feet of depth with the included waterproof case. Also, you get variable camera angles ranging from Super Wide, Wide, Medium, and Narrow. While you don’t get a range of accessory support like Hero 8 Black, Akaso Brave 7 has support for fast charger, remote control, and rechargeable batteries.
You can also use this action camera on any universal mount and go biking without any worry. So to sum up, if you want an action camera like Hero 8 Black at an affordable price, the Brave 7 by Akaso is a solid choice.
Buy from Amazon: $139.99
6. Garmin VIRB Ultra 360
The Virb Ultra 360 is a new action camera launched by Garmin to rival the Hero 8 Black. The main highlight of this device is that it can shoot 5.7K video at 30fps which actually surpasses the Hero 8’s capability. It can also shoot standard 4K videos at the same frame-rate with in-camera stitching.
The device also has 4 built-in microphones to capture 360-degree audio, as well as 4K spherical stabilization to ensure smooth videos regardless of camera movement. The best part is that it comes with a voice assistant that can be triggered by saying “Ok Garmin”.
Further, you also get a high-sensitive microphone so you can do both vlogging and control the camera using voice commands. In terms of connectivity, you have built-in Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. Other than that, sensors include GPS, accelerometer, barometer, gyroscope, and magnetometer (e-compass).
Simply put, on paper, the Garmin VIRB Ultra 360 is a proper alternative to GoPro Hero 8 Black without cutting any corners. If you want a capable action camera, you can definitely give it a shot despite its expensive price tag.
Buy from Garmin: $799
7. Olympus Tough TG-6
Olympus is a popular name in still photography, however, they have also brought an action camera that competes with the GoPro Hero 8 Black. As per the current trend, the Olympus camera might look old for action camera enthusiasts, but in terms of raw specs, it has got some powerful hardware.
First of all, the Olympus camera has a rugged design that can withstand outdoor sports, adventurous games, and hostile environments without a hitch. For instance, the Olympus TG-6 is waterproof up to 50ft, dustproof, shockproof within the range of 7ft, crushproof up to 100kgf, freeze proof up to -10 degree Celsius, has anti-fog system, and more. Basically, you can survive with this camera anywhere.
Apart from that, it can shoot 4K video at 60FPS and 120FPS at 1080p which is pretty great. In terms of sensors, the camera is equipped with GPS, accelerometer, barometer, compass and more. All in all, the Olympus TG-6 is a tough action camera that can easily replace GoPro Hero 8 in harsh conditions.
Buy from Amazon: $379
8. Insta360 ONE R
GoPro has almost become synonymous with action cameras, but Insta360 is another company that is rewriting the rules and creating some amazing footage with its incredible camera technology. First off, let me get the basics out of the picture.
The One R is both a 360-degree and action camera with a super-wide field of view and supports video recording up to 5.7K resolution. You can also take 4K videos at 60FPS which is great. It comes with something called Flow state stabilization which, just like HyperSmooth, leverages both hardware and software to capture smooth footage.
However, that is not all. It has some awesome accessories which make it distinct and quite frankly, more interesting than Hero 8 Black. For example, you can get an invisible selfie stick which is actually a normal selfie stick, but while recording videos, the software conceals the stick and it works flawlessly.
Next is Drifter which is a fish-like accessory that can be thrown anywhere for taking slow-mo videos on a flight. There is also Bullet Time accessory, GPS smart remote, and many more. The bottom line is that, if you want to capture some innovative shots with a great range of accessories then Insta360 One R is definitely a better alternative than GoPro Hero 8 Black.
Buy from Amazon: $479.99
9. Sony FDR-X3000
Sony released FDR-X3000 in 2016 and still, it remains one of the most powerful action cameras out there. Despite its camcorder-esque design, the FDR-X3000 is a compact and portable action camera with selectable viewing angles.
It comes with a 12MP Carl Zeiss lens with Wide, Medium and Narrow camera angles. You can shoot 4K at 30FPS with Optical SteadyShot enabled which is very much like HyperSmooth.
Apart from that, Sony FDR-X3000 is equipped with a built-in microphone and which also reduces noise while capturing footage at high speed. You also get the usual connectivity options including WiFi, Bluetooth, NFC, and HDMI. While the pricing is on the higher side, Sony does bring a premium lens and advanced stabilization algorithm.
If you are giving Hero 8 Black a pass then do check out Sony FDR-X3000. It’s definitely worth it. Also, you can check out the new Sony RX0 II camera if you want a tough and compact action camera.
Buy from Amazon: $368
10. Drift Ghost X
If you want a suitable alternative to GoPro Hero 8 Black for biking then let me point you to Drift Ghost X. It’s an action camera designed especially for bikers with several nifty additions to make video shooting a breeze. It can’t shoot 4K videos, but you can record 1080p videos up to 30FPS which is pretty decent.
Video stabilization is also available with both OIS and EIS support. Drift Ghost X also comes with dual mics installed on the front and rear of the camera for dynamic sound and noise reduction. It’s quite helpful for riders who want to vlog while riding without any wind noise.
Other than that, this action camera also brings some first-party accessories which are essential for bikers. You have collapsible mounts, suction cups, helmet mounts, remote controllers, and more.
On top of it, you also get an app that allows you to geotag videos and share them quickly across social media platforms. All said and done, if you are a biker and want a proper alternative to GoPro Hero 8 then go for Drift Ghost X.
Buy from Amazon: $99
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Which is the Best Alternative to GoPro?
The DJI Osmo Action is the best alternative to GoPro. It’s similarly-priced, supports 4K at 60FPS, features RockSteady tech for stabilization, and more. To find more, you can go through our article on the best GoPro alternatives.
Q. What is a Cheaper Alternative to a GoPro?
Akaso and Campark are the two companies that make quite good clones of GoPro action cameras. They are cheaper but bring a lot of GoPro features. I would recommend you Akaso Brave 7 or Camparak X30 as cheaper alternatives to GoPro.
Q. Who is GoPro’s Biggest Competitor?
Currently, DJI seems to be giving GoPro a stiff competition. Both companies are huge and excel at high-motion videos. The new DJI Osmo Action is a direct competitor to the GoPro Hero 8 Black.
Q. Is GoPro Max Better Than Hero 8?
If you have a higher budget then surely go for Max. As the name suggests, GoPro has literally maxed out the specs. You have got 6K recording, improved HyperSmooth stabilization, bigger screen, 270-degree panorama, and much more.
Q. Is the GoPro Hero 8 Better Than 7?
The GoPro Hero 8 is marginally better than Hero 7. You have got an improved HyperSmooth stabilization, Timewarp, and better waterproofing. Not to mention, the Hero 8 Black has a lot of accessories support than Hero 8.
Pick the Best GoPro Hero 8 Black Replacement
As I said above, GoPro cameras have almost become synonymous with action cameras. However, there are a bunch of great action cameras out there that offer unique ways to shoot videos and bring powerful capabilities like longer water resistance and a wider angle of view.
So, go through our list and find the best GoPro Hero 8 Black alternative which suits your requirement. Also, we have especially mentioned a few action cameras which are quite cheap and offer excellent video stabilization. So that is all from us. If you found our article informative, then do comment down below and let us know your pick.
Anshuman Jain
Sagnik Das Gupta
