GoPro alternatives

It looks like I managed to damage my GoPro beyond repair. It was OK, but it had some problems (battery drainage being the most annoying), so I'm considering alternatives. I noticed that there are some cheap imitation GoPro cameras that go for $50 to $100 and use the same cases (and such) as a real GoPro, and many of them get good surprisingly reviews---here's one example:

http://www.amazon.com/DBPOWER-Waterproof-Action-Batteries-Accessories/dp/B00PAH9AJA/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1446931478&sr=8-1-spons&keywords=waterproof+camera&psc=1

So, I'm wondering if anybody has any experience with one of these cheaper cameras on a kayak. Also, if you have any experience (positive or negative) with higher-priced GoPro alternative (the Garmin Virb looks intriguing), I'd like to hear about that too. Thanks.

I don't know if I mentioned it here (or to you?!) so I may be repeating myself. I was talking about it on Facebook for sure though.

But I recently purchased the Limefuel battery, and so far it is the greatest thing since sliced bread and cheese whiz.

With a 64GB card, I can take 5+ hours of 1080p x 60FPS video (ran out of storage). And 9+ hours of 1080 x 30FPS video (ran out of battery).

It's not a GoPro alternative I know, but it addresses the battery drain issue you mentioned.

I decided to buy try this one:

http://www.amazon.com/Garmin-Action-Camera-Discontinued-Manufacturer/dp/B00EOHUVV8

This is the discontinued version of the Garmin Virb. It gets generally great reviews and the price is right. One thing I especially like about it is that it's waterproof to 1 meter without a case, and there is a waterproof case for real underwater shots.

I am not an owner of one but have used the Virb among other action cameras a few times and it is still a solid choice especially for that price. Easy to use, great quality and durable. I am not sure about the Virb's software but have heard mixed things about bugs and firmware updates. Usually though Garmin products are easy configure and would imagine this being the same (they also have pretty good customer service).

Enjoy it!

I decided to buy try this one:

http://www.amazon.com/Garmin-Action-Camera-Discontinued-Manufacturer/dp/B00EOHUVV8

This is the discontinued version of the Garmin Virb. It gets generally great reviews and the price is right. One thing I especially like about it is that it's waterproof to 1 meter without a case, and there is a waterproof case for real underwater shots.

I'll look forward to your review.  I've heard good things about that camera from others, but why are they discontinuing it?

I decided to buy try this one:

http://www.amazon.com/Garmin-Action-Camera-Discontinued-Manufacturer/dp/B00EOHUVV8

This is the discontinued version of the Garmin Virb. It gets generally great reviews and the price is right. One thing I especially like about it is that it's waterproof to 1 meter without a case, and there is a waterproof case for real underwater shots.

I'll look forward to your review.  I've heard good things about that camera from others, but why are they discontinuing it?

From what I can deduce, it just didn't sell well enough. The new version (Virb x, I think it's called) is shaped more like a GoPro, but otherwise seems to be essentially the same.

Now I just need to catch a fish worth filming...

Just noticed that this camera dropped in price again---down to $110 (from $125 that I paid just a couple weeks ago).

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00EOHUVV8/ref=pd_lpo_sbs_dp_ss_2?pf_rd_p=1944687582&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-1&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=B00W36SYZM&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=0V96EQ4586301BZ3ZYW9

Seems like a bargain to me...

I was in the market for a new action camera a while back -- I ended up getting this:

http://www.amazon.com/Sony-Action-HDR-AS200V-Camcorder-Battery/dp/B00T84CJKI/ref=sr_1_8?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1448340419&sr=1-8&keywords=sony+action+cam+hdr-as200v

Great quality video in low and normal light, and has a lot of extra features.

Just my 2 cents

The discontinued version of the Garmin Virb is now down to $102 on Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/Garmin-Action-Camera-Discontinued-Manufacturer/dp/B00EOHUVV8

Seems like a steal at that price...

There is the sjcam, good to 100' underwater - $69. I've been considering giving it a try.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1072775-REG/sj4000_sj4000_action_camera.html

There is the sjcam, good to 100' underwater - $69. I've Benny considering giving it a try.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1072775-REG/sj4000_sj4000_action_camera.html

I thought about that one too. It would be great to put underwater on a fishing line or downrigger. I did that a few times with my GoPro, but it always made me nervous...

Hi Nowhereman,
I saw your post on the DBPower 12MP 1080P HD camera and read the reviews on Amazon. I've wanted to buy a GoPro, but didn't want to spend a lot of bucks. The reviews looked really great for a cheap alternative to a GoPro. I ended adding a Sandisk 32GB SDHC memory Card for $9.99. I had an $18.77 Amazon credit and the whole thing including shipping w/ Prime cost my just $72.16 and it will be here in 2 days.
Will let you know how it works after I use it a few times.
Mahalo for the tip,
Da Bruddah (Michael Y.)