AKASO Brave 8: Full Review

The AKASO EK7000 is an affordable 4K action camera that packs an impressive set of features into a compact, durable body. This camera delivers sharp, detailed Ultra HD video and high-resolution photos, making it a great option for outdoor adventures and extreme sports.

Despite the low price point, the EK7000 includes advanced technology like built-in Electronic Image Stabilization and external microphone support. The camera comes equipped with a waterproof case that allows you to capture underwater footage up to 131 feet deep. Overall, the AKASO EK7000 punches above its weight class, offering performance on par with more expensive action cameras.

Design

The AKASO EK7000 has a compact yet sturdy design that makes it easy to transport and use in a variety of situations. It measures 2.32 x 1.57 x 1.1 inches and weighs only 2.15 ounces without the battery and memory card installed. This lightweight build allows you to mount the camera on helmets, bicycles, or your body without feeling weighed down.

The outer casing is made of strong ABS plastic that can withstand bumps, scrapes, and falls. Buttons are also sealed with rubber flaps to prevent dirt or water from getting inside. Despite its ruggedness, the camera still maintains an attractive and ergonomic shape. The edges are rounded and buttons are intuitively placed for quick access. An ultra 2.0" IPS touch screen allows you to change settings directly from the display.

Overall, the thoughtful design emphasizes portability and durability so the EK7000 can go wherever your adventures take you. The materials stand up to active use while still keeping the camera's footprint compact. Additionally, the AKASO EK7000 features 4K video recording capabilities and comes with a wireless wrist remote, making it perfect for capturing high-quality footage in extreme environments. It is also equipped with various mounting accessories, which further extends its usability in diverse activities.

Image Quality

The EK7000 records video at up to 4K resolution at 30 fps and takes 20MP photos, producing sharp, detailed footage and images. It uses a 12MP CMOS sensor to capture crisp and colorful videos and photos.

At 4K resolution, videos are extremely sharp with fine details and textures clearly visible. The quality allows you to crop and zoom significantly without losing resolution. Lower video modes like 1080p are also very detailed.

Still photos are captured at 20MP, resulting in high resolution images with excellent detail. Photos look sharp on the camera screen and remain crisp even when zooming in or cropping.

The large image sensor and advanced image processing provides excellent dynamic range and color reproduction. Videos and photos have accurate exposure and vivid yet natural looking colors straight from the camera.

Low light performance is also good. The large sensor and f/2.8 aperture allow you to capture usable video and photos even in dim lighting conditions. Noise is well controlled up to mid to high ISO levels.

Overall, the image quality is outstanding for an action camera in this price range. The 4K30, 20MP specs allow you to capture your adventures in great detail and quality.

Features

The EK7000 has several useful features that make it a versatile action camera.

• WiFi Connectivity: The camera has built-in WiFi that allows you to connect to the AKASO GO app on your smartphone or tablet. This allows you to view photos and videos in real-time, change settings, and download content from the camera to your mobile device.

• Auto Power Off: To conserve battery, the EK7000 will automatically power off after being idle for 3, 5, 10 or 15 minutes. This helps prevent the battery from draining if you forget to turn off the camera.

• Timelapse Mode: The timelapse mode allows you to capture photos at set intervals to create an accelerated timelapse video. This is great for landscapes, events, or any subject that has elements that change over time. You can set the timelapse to capture a photo every 0.5, 1, 2, 5, 10, 30 or 60 seconds.

Underwater Use

The EK7000 is rated to be waterproof up to 98 feet (30 meters), making it a great option for water sports and underwater filming. It comes with a waterproof case that protects the camera when submerged. The case has a flat glass lens that doesn't distort the video or photos underwater.

The waterproof housing allows you to take the camera as deep as 98 feet underwater to capture photos and videos while swimming, snorkeling, surfing or any other water activity. The case seals tightly to prevent leaks and keep water out. You can feel confident using this camera for scuba diving, although you may want a red color filter accessory for better underwater color results below 15 feet.

Overall, the waterproof rating and included housing make the EK7000 a very versatile action camera that can be used to document experiences both in and out of the water.

Battery Life

The AKASO EK7000 comes with a 1050mAh rechargeable battery. This provides decent battery life for an action camera. You can expect to record video continuously for around 60-90 minutes per charge, depending on the video settings used.

The battery life is fairly typical for an action camera in this price range. It's not amazing, but should be sufficient for most users' needs. If you plan on recording long videos or timelapses, you may want to invest in a spare battery or two.

One battery charge will give you around 60-90 minutes of total recording time. The exact amount varies based on factors like:

• Video resolution - Higher resolutions like 4K will drain the battery faster. Lower resolutions like 1080p save battery life.

• Frame rate - Higher frame rates (60fps, 120fps) reduce battery life compared to standard 30fps.

• WiFi/app connectivity - Using the WiFi to connect your phone or tablet drains the battery faster.

• External mic - Using the mic input does impact battery slightly.

• Cold temperatures - The battery life is a bit less when using in very cold conditions.

• Screen on - Leaving the screen on drains battery faster than turning it off.

Overall the AKASO EK7000 has decent battery performance for an action cam in this price range. Carrying 1-2 spare batteries is recommended for longer recording sessions. The batteries are inexpensive and widely available.

Accessories

The EK7000 comes with a good selection of accessories for an action camera at this price point. In the box, you get a wireless remote control, various mounts for attaching the camera to helmets, bikes, etc., a waterproof case good to 98 feet, a battery charger, and two 1050mAh batteries.

The wireless remote is a nice addition, as it allows you to start and stop recording without having to touch the camera. This comes in handy if the camera is mounted somewhere hard to reach, like on your helmet or bike handlebars. The remote has a range of around 10 meters, so you can control the camera from a short distance away.

The included batteries provide around 90 minutes of recording time each at 4K resolution. For longer shoots, you may want to pick up a spare battery or two. AKASO does sell an extended life 1350mAh battery that provides roughly 25% more recording time.

The waterproof housing allows you to use the camera underwater for snorkeling, shallow scuba diving, or other water activities. It's good down to a depth of 100 feet. One tip is to apply some anti-fog solution to the inside of the case before closing it to prevent fogging underwater.

Overall, the accessories AKASO provides in the box add a lot of versatility for using the EK7000 in different environments and situations. The extras like the remote and spare battery are nice bonuses not always included with budget action cams.

Ease of Use

The AKASO EK7000 is designed to be very user-friendly, making it a great choice for beginners. The simple interface uses a 2-inch responsive touchscreen, allowing for intuitive control over settings and playback. There are only a few buttons, including power, shutter, and quick settings.

Navigating the menus is straightforward with clear labeling and organization. Settings are changed through the touchscreen by tapping icons, with commonly used options upfront. The interface provides quick access to photo and video modes, resolution, metering, and more.

Despite offering many advanced options, the EK7000 manages to maintain a shallow menu structure. Most users report finding the learning curve gentle, allowing them to pick it up naturally without consulting the manual much. Everything is streamlined in a thoughtful way to not overwhelm new users.

The touchscreen also makes previewing and playback a breeze. Users can easily review photos and videos on the camera itself. Overall, the well-designed interface and intuitive controls make the EK7000 a very beginner-friendly action camera.

Pros

• Excellent video quality for the price. The 4K video at 30 fps is sharp and smooth, with accurate colors and good dynamic range.

• Very easy to use. The AKASO has a simple interface that is intuitive to navigate. Settings are easy to access and change on the fly. Beginners will have no issues operating it.

• Great value. For under $100 you get 4K video, an underwater case, remote control, and other extras. Hard to find another action cam with these features at this price point. The AKASO delivers impressive specs and performance for the money.

Cons

• Battery life could be better. The AKASO EK7000 has a battery life of around 90 minutes when shooting in 4K. This is fairly standard for an action camera, but it would be nice if it lasted longer on a single charge. You'll need to bring spare batteries or an external charger if you plan on extended shooting sessions.

• No built-in image stabilization. The EK7000 lacks any form of image stabilization, meaning videos can be shaky without the use of a gimbal or stabilizer accessory. This makes it harder to get smooth, professional-looking footage, especially during fast-paced activities. A gimbal adds cost and bulk. Image stabilization would be a welcome feature.

• Mediocre low-light performance. In dim lighting conditions, the EK7000 struggles more than some competitors. Videos get quite noisy, with reduced sharpness and detail. Low-light footage may lack the quality you'd want for showcasing nighttime activities. Using additional lighting can help compensate for this weakness.