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Action cams are extremely fun to use with all types of outdoor activities. If you’re planning on buying one for the first time, you’ll be really glad you did because you’ll love using it. You’ll be surprised at how many different things you can use it for. Having one will motivate you get out of the house more often and go make some videos. Action cams make excellent gifts for teens and young adults. Everyone loves them because they make a casual outing a lot more fun. Since whether you want to buy one or not has probably already been settled, now it’s time to figure out which one to buy.
The Price Difference is Huge, is this a Fair Comparison?
Before we even get into the details, we need to settle something. Just because GoPro is the top action cam brand in the world doesn’t necessarily mean that it is the best, especially when it comes to value for the money. The lesser known GeekPro cameras pack a real punch that might be overlooked by brand-loyal elitists. At first glance, the GoPro might seem much better, but first let’s take a look at what GeekPro has to offer before we jump to conclusions.
Features of the GeekPro EOV1 Plus
As can be expected from a 4K camera, still images are extremely detailed. The camera itself has two screens, one very small one on the front to display which mode you’re currently in, and a 320×240 resolution 2” screen on the back to display what is being recorded. There is a small remote control included that can be worn around your wrist like a watch. It also includes a sturdy waterproof case and a very wide variety of mounting accessories. The case is good for depths of up to 30 meters (100ft). The camera itself measures at 41mm x 59mm x 21.4mm and has an 80-90 minute battery life.
It has built-in Wi-Fi so you can link it up to the accompanying app. The App allows you to use your phone or tablet as a remote control with up 30 meters distance, but only supports 1080p. Some of the GeekPro EOV1 Plus’ functions include loop record, burst photo, time stamp, exposure, continuous lapse, and time lapse. For the price, this is an excellent camera that is capable of producing extremely good videos. It’s a great alternative for anyone who doesn’t want to spend a lot on a newer GoPro model.
Pros
- Excellent quality recording comparable to GoPro
- Very cheap price
- Lots of accessories included
- Dual screens
Cons
- 4K video has a noticeably slow framerate
- Less settings, modes, and extra features than the GoPro
Features of the GoPro Hero5 Black
The coolest thing about the new GoPro is that it has voice control that recognizes 7 languages. You simply say, “GoPro, start recording,” to start. There is a variety of commands that it recognizes, such as in-video highlight tags that will appear as text while your video is playing. It can also be controlled with the Smart Remote.
Another great new feature is that it is totally waterproof without the case. Unlike its cheaper competitor, if you get it totally wet it doesn’t matter. With the waterproof housing on, it’s good for underwater depths of up to 60m. It also comes with digital image stabilization that helps a lot to prevent shakiness, even on bumpy bike rides. It records in the same resolution as the Hero4, 4K at 30 fps, 2.7K at 60 fps, 1080 at 120 fps, and many, many more recording speeds to choose from in a huge variety of different resolutions.
The Black features GPS, Wi-Fi connectivity with a versatile companion app, and a solid 2 hour battery. Unlike the GeekPro, this model has a touchscreen back. They both have a mini LCD screen on front for displaying the current mode and capture settings. This camera is compatible with the Karma drone for detailed aerial shots, which if you can afford to buy both will give you amazing angles that would otherwise be impossible to capture.
Pros
- An incredible amount of video settings and recording options
- Waterproof up to 10m without housing
- Accurate voice control
- Compatible with Karma drone
- Has a touchscreen back
- Improved noise cancelling mic
- Effective image stabilization
Cons
- High retail price
Conclusion
The only issue with the Hero5 is that it has a very premium price when compared to the EOV1 Plus. It is unquestionably better though, so if you’re still on the fence, you ought to decide which features from the GoPro are actually worth the extra money and how much you really need them. The EOV1 Plus can’t do everything the Hero5 Black can do, but it is an excellent bargain and a great camera to have if you’re willing to settle on something really good instead of something amazing.