Best GoPro for Kids and Top Action Camera Alternatives In 2023
Best GoPro for Kids and Top Action Camera Alternatives In 2023
Several years back, GoPro was the leading and the only provider of high-end action cameras in the market. Their cameras are preferred for their high image quality, portable design, and abundant features you’ll need to capture perfect shots.
However, GoPro is not the only action digital camera provider anymore. The industry is flooded with tons of manufacturers producing action cameras of different designs and qualities at more pocket-friendly prices.
But with the many providers available, the action camera market is full of fake and substandard cameras you can easily procure without knowing. And that’s when we come in. We’ve assembled for you the best GoPro for kids and the best action camera alternatives in 2023, plus their unique features to help you select the most suitable camera.
Table of Contents
How To Choose Best GoPro For Kids or Top Action Camera Alternatives?
Generally, the features of action cameras for kids can significantly differ from those for adults. It’s important to remember that children’s best action cameras usually also vary with their individual needs and age. Some of the vital aspects to watch out for before procuring an action camera for kids are:
Waterproofing
If your kid competes in water sports, then getting a waterproof camera is wiser. In such cases, it’s best to recheck the waterproof housing of the cam to ensure it’s highly resilient to water with a higher water resistance depth.
Battery Life
You may want to consider a camera with higher battery life for your kid to capture their moments for a long time. Alternatively, you can consider purchasing an extra battery for the cam for backup.
Video resolution
Resolution usually doesn’t matter when buying cameras for kids.
Cams with up to 1080p resolution can suffice.
Another essential consideration to keep in mind is the camera’s frames per second (fps). The most standard rate is usually 30fps, which provides smooth transitions at minimized storage space.
Display
The camera’s display also matters a lot when buying kids’ action cameras. It should be big enough for your kid to see everything they capture.
Most cameras have LCDs today, with some being touchscreens for easy navigation, setting, editing, and sharing photos/videos.
Best GoPro Action Cameras for Kids
GoPro is a famous action cameras company based in California. This name became synonymous with portable action cameras, where even off-brand cams were often referred to as GoPros.
GoPro cameras come in many models, and the absolute best among them is the GoPro Hero 10 Black.
Comparison Table - GoPro for Kids
GoPro Hero10 | GoPro Hero9 | GoPro Hero8 | |
Image |   |   |   |
Weight | 153gr | 158gr | 126gr |
Front Screen | 1.4" Color LCD with Live Preview and Status | 1.4" Color LCD with Live Preview and Status | Status-only Screen |
Waterproof | 10m/33ft | 10m/33ft | 10m/33ft |
Hydrophobic and scratch-resistant lens cover | Yes | --- | --- |
Battery | 1720mAh | 1720mAh | 1220mAh |
Photo | 23MP + SuperPhoto with HDR, and up to 19.6MP frame grabs | 20MP + SuperPhoto with HDR, and up to 14.7MP frame grabs | 12MP + SuperPhoto with HDR |
Video | 5.3K60 | 5K30 | 4K60 |
Max Video Bit Rate 100 Mb/s | 5.3K/60fps 4K/120fps | 5K/30fps 4K/60fps 2.7K/120fps | --- 4K/60fps 2.7K/120fps |
Mods | Media Mod + Max Lens Mod | Media Mod + Max Lens Mod | Media Mod |
Slo-Mo | 8x (2.7K, 1080p) | 8x (1080p) | 8x (1080p) |
Wake on Voice | --- | Yes | Yes |
Compatible Housing | You have to purchase it separately | You have to purchase it separately | You have to purchase it separately |
Processor | GP2 (New!) | GP1 | GP1 |
The main question is – does it worth buying the latest model of GoPro with such a slight price difference?
In the bottom line: YES! But we highly recommend scrolling down and reading about the high-quality and much cheaper alternatives.
Now, let’s see why GoPro Hero10 is better than its previous models:
Weight:
GoPro 10: 153gr
GoPro 9: 158gr
You can’t really tell the difference.
Waterproof to 10m/33ft:
No difference, both are the same.
Removable lens covers:
No difference, both are the same.
Hydrophobic and scratch-resistant lens cover
Only GoPro 10 has it.
Battery: 1720mAh battery
No difference, both are the same.
Photo:
GoPro 10: 23MP + SuperPhoto with HDR, and up to 19.6MP frame grabs
GoPro 9: 20MP + SuperPhoto with HDR, and up to 14.7MP frame grabs
Video:
GoPro 10: 5.3K60
GoPro 9: 5K30
100Mbps Bit Rate:
GoPro 10: 5.3K/60fps, 4K/120fps, 2.7K/240fps
GoPro 9: 5.3K/30fps, 4K/60fps, 2.7K/120fps
The bottom line is that GoPro 10 can shoot at twice the frame rate and in a higher resolution.
Mods: do you want a lens that gives you horizon-locked footage and unbreakable stabilization? Get Max Lens Mod!
Do you want mics and even more connectivity? Just add Media Mod and customize your rig.
Do you want to illuminate your subject? The Light Mod is for you.
GoPro 10: Media Mod + Max Lens Mod
GoPro 9: same features
Slo-Mo: enables you to slow things down by up to 8x.
GoPro 10: 8x (2.7K, 1080p)
GoPro 9: 8x (1080p)
Wake on Voice: use voice commands to turn on your GoPro or start recording (lasts 1 hour after powering off):
GoPro 10: missing in this model.
GoPro 9: Got it!
Compatible Housing: HERO10 Black & HERO9 Black are rugged and waterproof right out of the box, but this housing handles anything you can throw at it. It protects from dirt and flying debris, and it’s waterproof down to 196ft (60m) for deep-water diving.
GoPro 10: You have to purchase it separately. It has the same housing as the GoPro 9.
GoPro 9: You have to purchase it separately. It has the same housing as the GoPro 10.
Processor: GoPro-designed chip made to deliver next-level image quality and stabilization.
GoPro 10: GP2 (New!)
GoPro 9: GP1
It’s allowed a few improvements:
At the front display, faster refresh rate, which enables smoother real-time framing.
At the rear display, the touch sensitivity improved, which enables better responsivity.
In addition, the wireless transfers to the phones are quicker, and it can now automatically upload the GoPro Cloud.
Although we’ve compared GoPro Hero10 with GoPro Hero9, here is GoPro Hero9 full review:
This GoPro model has proven to be one of the finest among all the GoPro cameras. It comes with many exciting features that ease the filming session for both adults and young kids.
It’s big but still safe and easy to use due it its advanced mounting option and other essential features.
It’s made from high-end and robust materials, making it hard to break and a practical option for your ever jumpy and dynamic kid.
It’s also waterproof and will remain undamaged even if your kid forgets to remove it from their pocket when swimming.
Its improved 23.6Mp sensor makes the resolution of this camera top-notch. It can shoot at 5K@30fps and has a HyperSmooth Boost that can stabilize both 5K and 4k footages.
The enhanced HyperSmooth 3.0 video stabilization allows users to capture smooth shots and films, free from judder even during highly intense filming situations like off-road bike riding.
It also features a front display to frame snaps easily and a touch screen rear display for easy access to the menu and changing settings.
You can also control the camera with voice commands, making it even handier in multitasking activities.
The main advantages of this GoPro camera are an improved battery, front-facing display, and the ability to take 5K@30fps videos. It also has some drawbacks, which include reduced low-light performance and a laggy touchscreen.
The GoPro Hero8 Black is another excellent action camera for kids.
It’s lighter, more versatile, and smoother than its predecessor.
Unlike the above models, this camera can’t shoot 5K videos and has a lower stabilization feature but has the same mounting capacity as the GoPro Hero9 .
It’s compatible with many accessories, for example, Mods which can significantly elevate your kid’s photos and videoing. It also comes with a mounting point on its base for easy and quick attaching when using it. It has HyperSmooth 2.0 video stabilization that works with all frame rates and resolutions.
You can use the cam’s ‘Boost Setting’ option to capture up to 4K/30fps videos for enhanced stability.
On the downside, this action camera doesn’t have the Boost mode for 4K@60fps and has average image clarity.
Top Alternative Action Cameras in 2023
While the GoPro action cameras have many high-end features, their pieces can be relatively high for some users.
Deciding to spend more than $300 can be a tough decision, especially if your budget is tight and considering that maybe your child isn’t even familiar with filming and photography.
Instead of spending many days wondering if you’re making a reasonable decision, you can opt for other pocket-friendly alternatives with even better specs. Some of the finest action cameras you can consider in 2023 are:
This camera is among the most preferred options for both adults and kids. It comes with many great features, but the most exciting aspect is its ability to produce 4x the resolution most conventional HD cams can offer.
It comes with two rechargeable batteries with a battery life of 90 minutes each.
It also comes with a wristband remote controller, allowing kids to shoot videos and operate the camera quickly.
The AKASO EK700 has excellent connectivity. It comes with a built-in WIFI and HDMI.
You can also transfer videos from this camera to a computer/smartphone, enabling easy storage maintenance for extended use.
Its waterproof feature makes it a suitable cam for both indoors and outdoors. Its 100ft underwater water resistance elects it to be a good choice for kids needing water sports cams.
This camera can capture 4K/30fps, 2.7K/30fps, or 1080p/60fps, providing more explicit pics and videos.
It comes in four primary colors; yellow, white, blue, and black, enabling parents to select the best one based on their kids’ personalization.
This AKASO action cam is one of the best options for kids looking for an underwater adventure camera.
It captures perfect image qualities with its 4K/30fps. Your kid can dive up to 30 meters in water with this camera, and be sure to take detailed pics or films.
Its built-in diving mode allows the filtering of red light when underwater, providing very colorful and realistic images.
It enables adjustment of view angle in three different settings; narrow, medium, and super-wide, allowing kids to capture shots matching their needs/preferences.
Shooting, previewing, and editing with this camera is relatively easy with its built-in 2″ IPS touchscreen.
Its EIS system allows smooth and steady videoing even when capturing fast-moving things.
For easy capturing of action sound, you can purchase an external microphone, which can be supported with the cam.
Your kid will also stay connected with this compact device due to its built-in 2.4Ghz WIFI function. They can seamlessly connect it with their phones and share their footage immediately after they shoot them.
The Dragon Touch 4K is a step-up of the Dragon Touch Kidizoom 2.0. From its name, this camera allows capturing of videos of at 4K@30fps, 2.7K@30fps, and 1080p@60fps, and a 16MP image resolution.
Its wristband remote controller is simple for kids to use and allows more convenient photos and video capturing.
This camera also has a wireless feature for quick sharing of pics/videos on various social media platforms.
Its waterproof case makes this camera a handy device during kids’ water sports and other outdoor activities or rainy weather. In this case, your kid can get up to 100ft under the water.
These features, plus its two rechargeable batteries, make this camera the most effective option for kids.
This camera is another excellent alternative for the famous and expensive GoPro cameras.
Developed using the recent Ambarella Chip, seven glass lenses layers, and Sony IMX377 image sensor, this camera offers the best image quality, shooting up to 4k’30fps at 60mbps, equalling 4X the 1080p quality.
Its 2.19″ LCD touchscreen Gorilla Glass display is impact and scratch-resistant, highly responsive, and offers a set up for 640×360 resolution.
Its voice command feature makes it easy for kids to use by simply telling it what to do.
Compact but well-built, this tiny camera provides endless features, including capture and multi-record modes like slow motion, time-lapse, and burst functions. Your kid can also get more creative with its adjustable Shutter/ISO/WB/EV/Meter settings for raw files with 12MP, enabling them to produce superior image qualities even in low-light situations.
Its battery life is 120 minutes when in use and 8 hours when on standby.
These fantastic features and the fair and reasonable price make this camera suitable for kids needing cameras for both sport and non-sport use.
This camera’s specs make it one of the best GoPro action camera alternative in 2023.
It has a 1.75″ waterproof display screen, allows live streaming, and a voice command control system for seamless and easy filming and photography.
It comes with a microphone and LCD screen for high-end displays and recordings while walking, working, or sitting.
Its compact design and lightweight body of 3.2 ounces make it a great action camera for little kids, allowing them to capture spectacular footage with a tiny device.
It’s equipped with G-Metrix technology that allows easy overlay of graphs and gauges with action information.
It also provides smooth and hind end captions regardless of terrain due to its in-built 3-axis image stabilization mode.
It has a battery life of about 135 minutes and can shoot clear 4k/30fps and 1080p/120fps footages, with a slow-motion ability at 720p/240fps.
Looking for another pocket-friendly and versatile action cam with a feature GoPro doesn’t offer? If yes, then this camera can be the best fit for you.
It has three built-in funny kid games, making it the best toy for children and, at the same time, perfect photography and videoing tool.
This camera includes a free 32GB Micro SD card and can shoot up to 1080p/30fps videos and 5MP images, taking the most memorable moments and colorful times with sound.
It’s capable of capturing about 20,000 5MP photos and 300 minutes of video footage.
Like most other action cameras today, the Akamate Action Cam is waterproof to up to 100ft depth.
Its battery life is 150 minutes. Hence your kid won’t have to worry about low battery power when in the middle of highly spectacular moments.
The Vtech Kidizoom is one of the most popular action camera GoPro alternatives today, and it’s easy to see why. Besides its kids-friendly look, this camera has many essential features that made it deemed appropriate for kids with 4-12 years.
It can take videos/photos in both water and dry land. It comes with a waterproof case, a floating handle, and wide-angle lens, an adhesive flat mount, and a bike mount making it easy for kids to use by simply attaching them to their helmets, skateboards, bicycles, and more.
Its battery life is approximately 150 minutes and can store around 98,800 pics at 1.0MP and a 64 minutes video.
Kids can become more creative with its many effects such as time-lapse, slow motion, stop motion, frames, burst mode, and more.
Getting the most suitable cam for kids less than three years old is usually problematic since most models are designed for children with 4+ years.
If you need a camera for kids below age 3, this Feeyea Kids Camera can be an excellent choice.
It has a built-in rechargeable battery and small buttons kids this age can efficiently operate with their little fingers.
Its kids-like design can make you downgrade its capability, but it has several hidden features that make it a worthwhile investment for kids.
It comes with a flashlight, 8 scene choices, and cartoon stickers you can use to customize its exterior surface. Its software is also updatable, where you connect it to a smartphone or computer and update it whenever necessary.
It’s advisable to update this camera every time new updates emerge since the updated software can significantly enhance image quality.
The Feeyea Action Cam is constructed with non-toxic materials and is shockproof. Hence, it will hardly break or get damaged when it drops or hits a hard surface. Since kids are more likely to drop things, this feature makes it a good action camera for them.
Final Thoughts
Action cameras have extensive uses today. You can use them to capture all spectacular indoor and outdoor moments, including underwater activities. Unlike the older days, getting a suitable camera for your everyday actions isn’t so hard due to the many available options.
Instead of the famous and pricy GoPro models, you can consider other efficient and cheap options, like the ones mentioned above. When buying action cams for kids, it’s best to consider your kid’s needs, know-how, camera storage, resolution, battery life, and waterproofing to avoid buying fake/low-quality cameras with fewer lifespans
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