Akaso Brave 7 LE
Released on June 15, 2020, the Akaso Brave 7 LE stands out as a budget-friendly action camera, designed to cater to a wide range of users from casual adventurers to aspiring vloggers. This model features dual screens that enhance user experience, making it ideal for self-framing during recordings. The Brave 7 LE boasts a waterproof capability of up to 3.3 feet without a protective case, which is a noteworthy feature for those involved in water sports. While this camera offers decent performance, particularly for its price, it does fall short in areas like stabilization and low-light performance when compared to more expensive competitors.
Reasons to Buy
- Dual Screens: The front and rear screens facilitate vlogging and self-framing, making it user-friendly for creators.
- Water Resistant with Case: The camera is IPX7 waterproof without the case, and can go deeper with the included waterproof case, ideal for various water sports.
- Affordable 4K Capabilities: Records in 4K at 30fps, providing decent video quality at a competitive price point of around $140.
- Included Accessories: Comes with multiple mounts, a remote control, and two batteries, offering great value upfront without needing additional purchases.
Reasons to Avoid
- Limited Image Quality: The video quality, especially in low light, is often criticized for being washed out compared to competitors like GoPro.
- No External Mic Support: Lacks the ability to connect an external microphone, which can limit audio quality, especially in windy conditions.
- Stabilization Performance Issues: While it has electronic image stabilization, it doesn't perform as well as higher-end models, leading to shakier footage during vigorous activity.
- Screen Limitations: Only one screen can be used at a time; switching between the front and rear screens disrupts recording, which can be inconvenient for vloggers.
The Akaso Brave 7 LE is equipped with two screens, featuring a 3.8 cm front screen and a 5.08 cm rear screen, both capable of touch inputs. It supports 4K recording at 30 frames per second and captures photos with a maximum resolution of 20 MP. The camera includes a built-in battery that is removable and offers a recording time of approximately 90 minutes at 1080p and about 110 minutes at 4K. It features electronic image stabilization for smoother videos, although the performance has been critiqued for not meeting the standards set by high-end models. The Wi-Fi support enables easy connectivity with mobile apps for additional functionality, and it utilizes microSDXC cards for storage, supporting up to 64 GB. While it has decent audio quality according to some users, external microphone support is notably absent.
The Akaso Brave 7 LE excels in several areas that make it an attractive option for entry-level users. Firstly, the dual screen interface is a significant advantage, particularly for content creators who rely on vlogging. It allows users to see themselves while recording, ensuring proper framing and composition, which is a feature not always found in budget cameras. Furthermore, its waterproof capabilities are commendable for users looking to engage in aquatic activities without the immediate risk of damage. The camera includes a robust set of accessories, including mounts and a remote control, enhancing its usability right out of the box. All these features come at an attractive price point of around $140, offering excellent value for money compared to competitors in the same range. This affordability does not significantly compromise the overall user experience, making it a viable option for casual users and hobbyists.
Despite its strengths, the Akaso Brave 7 LE has several drawbacks that potential buyers should consider. Most notably, the image quality has been criticized, especially in low-light situations. Users have reported issues with washed-out colors which can detract from the overall video experience. Additionally, the lack of external microphone support is a significant limitation; as highlighted by various reviewers, the internal microphone does not perform well in windy conditions, which is a common scenario for action cameras. This shortcoming might lead to unsatisfactory audio quality in many recordings. The electronic image stabilization, while present, is not as effective as that found in higher-priced models, which may result in shaky footage during active movements. Lastly, the need to switch between front and rear screens disrupts the recording workflow, which is less than ideal for vloggers who require seamless operation during their shoots.
When compared to previous models in the Akaso line, the Brave 7 LE introduces dual screens, which is a significant step forward for vlogging capabilities. Previous models typically featured only one display, limiting the ease of use for self-framing. The video quality at 4K 30fps remains a selling point for the Brave 7 LE, though it must be noted that the overall quality and performance have not seen considerable advancements over its predecessors in low-light scenarios. The addition of waterproof capabilities without a case at a depth of 3.3 feet, and with the case up to 30 meters, enhances its versatility significantly compared to earlier versions that required a protective case for similar functionality. Furthermore, the accessory kit included with the Brave 7 LE adds tremendous value, allowing users to get started immediately without additional purchases, unlike older models which often required their users to buy mounts and accessories separately.
The Akaso Brave 7 LE is primarily targeted towards beginner videographers, casual adventurers, and everyday vloggers who are looking for an economical entry point into the action camera market. It appeals to users who desire a user-friendly interface, adequate video quality, and basic functionality without breaking the bank. Its waterproof design makes it particularly suitable for individuals interested in water sports, hiking, or travel vlogs. However, it may not satisfy the demands of serious filmmakers or professional users who prioritize superior image quality, better stabilization, and extensive audio options.
Akaso Brave 7 LE Specifications
In summary, the Akaso Brave 7 LE positions itself as a solid option for first-time action camera users and vloggers seeking an affordable yet functional device. While it has its limitations in terms of low-light performance and overall audio capabilities, the inclusion of dual screens and a host of accessories makes it a compelling value proposition in its price segment. For the users who won't compromise on audio quality or stabilization, seeking high-caliber options like GoPro remains the alternative. Yet, for casual use and budget-conscious creators, the Brave 7 LE offers enough functionality to capture lasting memories without extensive investment.