Ranking of the best action cameras from China in 2022

The convenience of miniature and powerful action cameras was appreciated by all fans of extreme shooting and just people who are fond of video recording. When choosing a recording device, you want to get a reliable and functional camera at a reasonable price. Recently, many Chinese-made budget cameras have appeared that have the necessary parameters and allow you to save a significant amount of money. What inexpensive Chinese cameras are worth paying attention to? Or how to choose one that will become an excellent analogue of more famous brands? Let's try to figure it out.

Rating of quality action cameras from China

The proliferation of dangerous sports and video hosting sites such as YouTube and Vimeo have prompted manufacturers in China to release action cameras. These gadgets write videos in extreme conditions, and the video shot on such devices looks cool and spectacular. Below is the ranking of the best Chinese action cameras of 2022.

Cameras costing up to 5000 rubles.

SJCAM SJ4000

The improved model from the Chinese brand SJCAM with the possibility of wireless data transmission resembles the famous GoPro camera not only in design, but also in technical characteristics, albeit those that the American brand announced in its first models.

A rectangular device with a minimum number of controls (Mode and OK buttons), a large set of additional attachments - straps, car mounts, a waterproof case for shooting at a depth of up to 30 meters.

The 12 MP matrix is ​​equipped with a fast lens with a focal length of 2.8 mm. The viewing angle is 170 degrees. You can shoot in low light conditions by selecting the desired mode in the settings. In automatic mode, the image does not always accurately reproduce the color gamut and natural tones, as there are errors in adjusting the white balance. This is a manufacturing defect, the effect of which on the quality of the shooting can be eliminated by manually adjusting the camera.

The functionality is accompanied by standard features - continuous shooting, self-timer settings, autofocus with the definition of objects and faces in the frame, if necessary, changing the resolution.

This model can be used as a DVR; for this, the package includes an adhesive tape that fixes the camera on the dashboard, and in the settings there is a suitable mode that regulates recording.

Wi-Fi module allows you to transfer information to other devices without the use of additional equipment. After installing the application on your smartphone, you can remotely control the camera by changing modes and settings.

More about the action camera - in the video:

The average price is 4,600 rubles.

Characteristics:

Parameter	Meaning
Video Format	1920x1080 px (Full HD 1080p)
Matrix	3 MP
Additionally	Digital 4x Zoom; LCD screen; Auto exposure; recording in H.264; Photo mode
Dimensions	59x41x29mm
The weight	44 g

• Large selection of additional equipment;
• Primary and secondary battery;
• Waterproof case;
• LCD screen 1.5 inches.

• The charger is smaller than the compartment for it;
• Weak battery;
• Plastic fasteners squeak when deformed;
• Low quality sound recording, weak microphone.

AXNEN H9R H9

This camera is positioned by the manufacturer as a sports camera, it was specially designed to shoot in shaking conditions, is not afraid of water, dust, and thanks to the mounts, it will not occupy the operator's hands. So, it will be a great option for cyclists, skiers, trail running enthusiasts and other similar hobbies. With AXNEN H9R H9, you can shoot video with a resolution of up to 4K, take photos up to 20 MP. And also shoot underwater at a depth of up to 30 meters.

The device will also be interesting in that it is possible to use the cyclic shooting mode using the device as a video recorder.

The device comes with a large number of mounts that allow you to mount the camera on:

• Bike;
• Steering wheel;
• Motorbike,
• hand;
• Breast;
• Shoulder;
• Belt;
• Surfboard;
• Skateboard;
• pipe;
• Helmet;
• Head, forehead mount;
• Any surface.

The camera can also be attached to an animal using a collar.

Lithium-ion battery with a capacity of 1050 mAh allows the device to work continuously for an hour. The case is made of plastic, there is a color LCD-display with a diagonal of 2 inches.

The camera does not have built-in memory, but supports microSD memory cards up to 64 GB.

Operation is intuitively simple, but the remote control is not included.

You can buy the device both on domestic trading floors at a price of 4800 rubles. or on Aliexpress, where the cost is an order of magnitude lower - from 2800 rubles, while you can choose different configuration options depending on the necessary mounts and the conditions of the intended shooting.

Price - from 2800 rubles.

Characteristics:

Parameter	Meaning
Video Format	3840×2160 4K UHD
Matrix	12 MP CMOS
Additionally	Waterproof/dustproof/shockproof is only achieved with the included aquabox. There is a slow motion mode, Time-Lapse
Dimensions	59.3*24.6*41.1mm
The weight	Less than 100 gr.

• Can be controlled from a smartphone;
• You can shoot at a depth of up to 30 m;
• Dustproof;
• High resolution photo and video;
• Digital stabilization;
• Compact dimensions;
• 4 colors to choose from;
• Lots of fasteners included
• Excellent display;
• There is a Russian interface.

• Protection against dust and moisture will only be provided that the aquabox is used.

X-TRY XTC162 Neo

A very budget device, the shooting quality of which certainly cannot compete with expensive models, but in order to get acquainted with action cameras, it fits well.

The stated shooting capabilities are 3840x2160, which corresponds to UHD 4K. The CMOS type matrix has 8 megapixels, and the lens is equipped with a digital zoom. Viewing angle - 140 degrees. Connecting to playback devices can be done via USB and HDMI cables, as well as via Wi-Fi. Recording is done on a memory card, the maximum capacity of which is 64 GB.

The camera can be used underwater with a waterproof case included.

The cost of X-TRY XTC162 Neo is 2000 rubles.

Characteristics:

Parameter	Meaning
Video Format	3840×2160 4K UHD
Matrix	8 MP CMOS
Additionally	There is a slow motion mode, aquabox
Dimensions	59*30*41mm
The weight	60 gr.

Video review of this action camera:

• Compact;
• A light weight;
• Aquabox included;
• There is an adapter for a tripod screw;
• The quality of the resulting photos;
• 2 inch LCD.

• The presence of noise in the video;
• There are complaints about the leakage of the aquabox, so you should first check it before the first underwater shooting.

Eplutus DV13, 8MP

The Chinese-made action camera is equipped with one 8 MP CMOS sensor, the viewing angle is 170 degrees. The device can shoot 4K video, the number of frames per second is 30. A slow motion mode is available. You can connect to a PC or smartphone via a USB or HDMI wire, as well as wirelessly via Wi-Fi.

The device can also be used as a DVR, because the manufacturer has provided a loop recording mode, as well as a motion sensor.

For underwater shooting, the camera comes with an aquabox.

The cost of the camera is about 4000 rubles.

Characteristics:

Parameter	Meaning
Video Format	3840×2160 4K UHD
Matrix	8 MP CMOS
Additionally	There is a slow motion mode, cyclic mode, motion sensor, G-sensor, aquabox

Camera video review:

• Shooting quality;
• Good equipment;
• Remote control;
• 2 inch screen.

• Poor quality underwater footage.

Aspect F60B

A budget action camera that captures Full HD 1080p video. The matrix of the device is of the CMOS type and has 12 megapixels. The viewing angle is 170 degrees. All footage is recorded on a memory card, the maximum capacity of which is 32 GB.

The battery of the device has a capacity of 900 mAh, which allows you to shoot for an hour.

The 2-inch LCD screen provides ease of use.

The cost of Aspect F60B is 2500 rubles.

Characteristics:

Parameter	Meaning
Video Format	Full HD 1080p.
Matrix	12 MP CMOS
Additionally	Cyclic mode, protective box included.

Video about this camera:

• The quality of the shooting corresponds to the declared;
• Built-in Wi-Fi module;
• There is an HDMI output;
• You can shoot underwater at a depth of up to 30 meters, but only in the aquabox that comes with the kit;
• Built-in speaker;
• Loop recording mode.

• Few recording modes;
• The quality of underwater shooting is lame.

Action cameras from China worth over 5000 rubles.

EKEN H9R

4K video recording in this model is available at 10 fps. You can increase the frame rate by lowering the recording resolution and changing the shooting mode.

It is possible to take a series of photos at intervals of up to 60 seconds.The kit includes a remote control. The quality of the photos is low, in low light conditions the image is accompanied by noise and ripples.

Additional accessories include a waterproof housing for underwater shooting, mounts, straps, tape for attaching to a helmet or car dashboard.

There is a possibility of wireless connection with a smartphone and use as a webcam.

Review of the budget camera - in the video:

The average price is 6,700 rubles.

Characteristics:

Parameter	Meaning
Video Format	4096x2160 px (UHD 4K)
Matrix	4 MP
Additionally	LCD screen; recording in H.264; Photo mode; HDMI output; USB interface
Dimensions	59x41x25mm
The weight	64 g

• Remote control;
• High quality shooting in Full HD.

• Recording video with Wi-Fi on is accompanied by an unpleasant crash;
• Poor sound quality.

SJCAM SJ10 Pro

This camera will surprise its owner not only with the ability to record video in 4K format, improved stabilization, but also with the ability to shoot underwater at a depth of up to 10 meters without using a protective case. Viewing angle - 170 degrees.

The camera is equipped with a touch screen, its diagonal is 2.33 inches. Recording of captured photo and video material is carried out on a memory card, the maximum capacity of which can reach 128 GB.

The rechargeable battery allows you to use the gadget without recharging for one and a half hours.

The cost of SJCAM SJ10 Pro is 19,900 rubles.

Characteristics:

Parameter	Meaning
Video Format	3840x2160
Matrix	1
Additionally	waterproof, memory card recording, slow motion mode
Dimensions	63x32x45 mm

Camera video test:

• Picture quality;
• Ease of controls;
• Equipment;
• Waterproof body;
• Wireless connection with phone.

• Poor sound quality;
• There is no own memory.

EZVIZ S5 Plus

This model should be attributed to the representatives of the classics - a rectangular shell with rounded edges. The dimensions are very practical and are 58x45 mm with a weight of almost 100 g, the assembly is of high quality. The camera is available in dark and light colors. Some components fit snugly together without play.

EZVIZ S5 Plus supports connection in the spectrum within 2.4-5 GHz. Improved data transfer speed. To interact with the phone display, you need to download a special utility called EZVIZ Sports. Users like the lack of unnecessary functionality, namely the social feed and blocks with ads, when compared with most rivals.

Directly from the home screen, users are given the opportunity to open the gallery of recorded clips and go to the remote control interface.

User can control EZVIZ S5 Plus even without software. The presence of a multi-touch display made it possible to disperse a certain number of packages of control components and display panels by scrolling to one side. Thus, in a couple of touches, the format is switched and the mode is selected.

The average price is 20,000 rubles.

Characteristics:

Parameter	Meaning
Video Format	UHD 4K
Matrix	12 MP
Additionally	Electronic image stabilization; LCD screen; recording in H.264; Photo mode; HDMI output
Dimensions	58x45x--mm
The weight	100 g

Video review of the camera:

• High-quality shooting;
• Ability to shoot in slow motion and slow motion;
• Good quality shooting in low light, when compared with other well-known gadgets in this niche;
• Verified trademark;
• Excellent build reliability and quality materials used.

• Lack of a Russian-language interface, only English and Chinese;
• There is no power supply for charging from the network;
• Without cover.

SJCAM SJ6

In terms of appearance, this model does not stand out from the background of others, but the reliability of the assembly is incredible, there are no complaints about this. There are 2 displays on the shell: black and white in front, where all the necessary information will be displayed - the percentage of charge, the capacity of available memory and the selected mode of operation.

Another display, such as multi-touch, is located on the back, it can be used as a viewfinder. The gadget has 3 typical keys that perform all the basic options related to the operation and configuration of equipment. At the bottom there is a hole for attaching a tripod.

There is no ROM, like the cameras discussed above, but there is a port for installing a microSD memory card with a capacity of no more than 128 GB. Pictures are obtained in very good quality, the equipment can function in 4K video resolution, but only at 24 FPS, of course, there are HD and FHD modes.

Outwardly, it is almost impossible to notice the differences between them; in addition, there are 2 modes of operation of the stabilizer - low and high. During operation, the gadget does not heat up, it has a long battery life.

The average price is 11,000 rubles.

Characteristics:

Parameter	Meaning
Video Format	2160x2880 px (UHD 4K)
Matrix	14 MP
Additionally	Image stabilizer; LCD screen; Touchscreen; Time-lapse mode; recording in H.264
Dimensions	60x41x25mm
The weight	84 g

Camera video:

• The set includes many accessories;
• There is a multi-touch display with Wi-Fi block;
• Control is quite simple;
• Price when compared to other cameras in this segment.

• Background noise appears during video recording;
• Shooting at night is of poor quality.

Xiaomi Mijia Seabird 4K motion Action Camera, 12MP

Attractive in its design, the camera can shoot in various modes, including wide-angle, slow-motion and time-lapse shooting. In addition, the shooting mode can be customized according to your wishes, for this there are about 10 custom settings.

The camera has a CMOS type matrix, the number of pixels is 12 MP. Video quality corresponds to UHD 4K, resolution - 3840x2160. Recording of footage is carried out on a memory card, the maximum supported volume of which is 12 GB. Viewing angle - 145 degrees.

The device is powered by a battery with a capacity of 1050 mAh, which allows you to shoot without recharging for more than an hour and a half.

Cost - 8800 rubles.

Characteristics:

Parameter	Meaning
Video Format	3840×2160 4K UHD
Matrix	12 MP CMOS
Additionally	There is a slow motion mode, Time-Lapse, widescreen mode, user settings are available
Dimensions	61*30*42mm
The weight	Less than 60 gr.

Detailed video review of the camera:

• Compact;
• Light;
• Russian-language interface;
• Shooting quality;
• Normal sound.

• The kit does not include the necessary accessories for mounting;
• There are complaints about the search for components, in particular the aquabox.

YI 4K Action Camera

A powerful camera based on the Ambarella A9SE75 processor, which manufacturers introduced even earlier than the American manufacturers of new GoPro models.

A budget device has no equal in the ability to continuously record video in the highest format for 2 hours.

Anyone who needs a camera for high quality photos and videos without much effort can buy YI 4K in the basic package, in which, in addition to the camera itself, only a USB cable.

All the main information is located on the touch screen with a diagonal of 2.19 inches, with a resolution of 640x360. With touch, you can quickly change the shooting mode, adjust the exposure, set the timer, change FishEye settings, and more.

Additional accessories for this model will have to be purchased separately from the basic configuration, which raises some questions about its average price. On sale is a large selection of inexpensive mounts, belts, monopods for both extreme and everyday shooting.

Camera overview - in the video:

The average price is 8,700 rubles.

Characteristics:

Parameter	Meaning
Video Format	3840x2160 px (UHD 4K)
Matrix	12 MP
Additionally	Manual exposure setting; Electronic image stabilization; LCD screen; Touchscreen; Auto exposure
Dimensions	65x42x21mm
The weight	95 g

• 4K resolution recording (30fps);
• 2 hours of continuous shooting at the maximum 4K mode;
• Electronic stabilization;
• Touch LCD display;
• Good quality photos in 4000x3000 resolution.

• Lack of additional accessories in the basic configuration;
• Relatively high price.

How to choose an action camera?

Thinking about which camera to choose, you need to answer the question - what is it for and how will it be used?

You should pay attention to a number of parameters.

Strength

If extreme shooting is expected, recording in high-risk conditions, for example, performing tricks, diving under water or rising high above the ground - it is better to pay attention to models made of durable material adapted for this type of shooting, and be sure to check the presence of a protective removable case in the package .

For household shooting, the strength criterion is not the most important, so you can choose models with a standard plastic case.

Image quality

Many budget action cameras have the ability to record video with accurate image reproduction, good detail, without color distortion. To record a high-quality video in 1080p format, a 2 MP matrix resolution is sufficient, in the highest 4K format - 8 MP.

Recording duration

If there is a need for long and continuous shooting, it is better to choose devices with a powerful battery and the ability to recharge while recording.

It is also better to take care of a replaceable battery, which you always need to have on hand.

Sound

All budget models are equipped with a microphone, but the sound quality is much lower than on devices from other price categories. Therefore, if you need a clean audio track without crackling and extraneous noise, it is better to purchase a separate microphone with the ability to connect.

Mounts

Chinese models usually contain a wide variety of straps, helmet mounts, bicycle handlebars, for various surfaces and shapes. But, for example, Xiaomi YI will have to purchase accessories separately.

Conclusion

The average price for a Chinese action camera of acceptable quality is about 5,000 rubles. The cheapest device can be purchased for 3000 rubles, but the shooting quality will not be the best, such cameras are suitable for those who are just starting to comprehend the art of video filming. A budget camera with all the conditions for good shooting quality will cost 7-9 thousand rubles. In this case, you can get a good set of additional accessories.

You can find a budget alternative to expensive recording devices if you carefully study the features and equipment of each option, as well as determine which functions are indispensable specifically for you. Not always a high price is an indicator of quality, but when choosing the cheapest option, you need to remember about possible disappointments.