Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into the AKASO V50 Elite, an action camera that's been making waves with its promise of 4K recording at 60fps and a tempting price point. Is it a GoPro killer? Or just another budget cam? Let's find out!

What's in the Box?

First things first, let's see what you get when you unbox the AKASO V50 Elite. AKASO really throws in a bunch of accessories, which is a huge plus. You get the camera itself, of course, along with a waterproof case, two 1050mAh batteries, a battery charger, and a whole heap of mounts and straps. Seriously, there are mounts for everything – handlebars, helmets, you name it. This is awesome because you don't have to immediately shell out extra cash for essential accessories. It’s all right there, ready to go. For anyone just starting out with action cameras, this is incredibly helpful.

The inclusion of two batteries is a particularly nice touch, doubling your recording time right off the bat. The waterproof case seems sturdy enough to handle most underwater adventures, although I wouldn't push it to extreme depths without testing it thoroughly first. The various mounts are a bit of a mixed bag in terms of quality, but they're functional and get the job done for basic activities. Overall, the accessory package is one of the strongest selling points of the AKASO V50 Elite. It's a complete kit that gives you almost everything you need to start filming right away, making it an excellent value for the price.

Design and Build Quality

The design of the AKASO V50 Elite is pretty standard for an action camera. It's a small, rectangular device with a lens on the front and a 2-inch LCD screen on the back. The build quality feels decent for a budget camera; it's mostly plastic, but it doesn't feel overly cheap or flimsy. It's not going to win any awards for groundbreaking design, but it's functional and practical. The buttons are responsive, and the menu system is relatively easy to navigate, even with the small screen.

The camera is lightweight, which is great for mounting on helmets or other gear without adding too much bulk. The waterproof case adds a bit of extra protection and allows you to take the camera underwater, which is a must-have for any action camera. The case is easy to open and close, and the buttons are still accessible while it's on. One minor gripe is that the battery compartment can be a little fiddly to open, but it's not a major issue. Considering the price point, the design and build quality are perfectly acceptable. It's not a premium device, but it's well-built enough to withstand typical action camera use.

Image and Video Quality

Okay, let's get to the most important part: image and video quality. The AKASO V50 Elite boasts 4K recording at 60fps, which is impressive for a camera in this price range. However, it's important to manage expectations. While it can record in 4K/60fps, the image quality isn't quite on par with more expensive action cameras like the GoPro. In good lighting conditions, the video looks crisp and clear, with decent colors. However, in low light, the image quality suffers, with noticeable noise and a loss of detail. The electronic image stabilization (EIS) does a decent job of smoothing out bumps and shakes, but it's not perfect.

Here's a breakdown of the video quality at different resolutions:

• 4K/60fps: Good in bright light, but struggles in low light. Decent detail and color.
• 1080p/60fps: A good compromise between quality and file size. Performs better in low light than 4K.
• 720p/120fps: Great for slow-motion shots. Image quality is decent, but not as sharp as 1080p or 4K.

The camera also takes 20MP photos, which are okay for casual snapshots, but not professional-quality images. The dynamic range is limited, so you may lose detail in the highlights or shadows. Overall, the image and video quality are good for the price, but don't expect GoPro-level performance. It's a solid option for capturing your adventures without breaking the bank.

Features and Performance

The AKASO V50 Elite comes packed with features that enhance its versatility. One of the standout features is its adjustable viewing angle, allowing you to switch between Super Wide, Wide, Medium, and Narrow angles. This is incredibly useful for framing your shots exactly how you want them, whether you're capturing a sweeping landscape or focusing on a specific subject. The built-in Wi-Fi lets you connect the camera to your smartphone using the AKASO app, making it easy to transfer photos and videos, as well as control the camera remotely. This is super handy for setting up shots from a distance or for starting and stopping recordings without having to touch the camera.

The camera also supports various recording modes, including:

• Time-lapse: Capture stunning time-lapse videos over extended periods.
• Burst Photo: Take a series of photos in quick succession, perfect for capturing action shots.
• Loop Recording: Continuously record video, overwriting the oldest footage when the memory card is full, ideal for use as a dashcam.

The battery life is decent, with each battery lasting around 90 minutes of recording time at 1080p/60fps. The included charger makes it easy to keep both batteries topped up. The camera also supports external microphones, which is a great addition for improving audio quality. The performance of the AKASO V50 Elite is generally smooth and responsive, although there can be occasional lag when navigating the menus or transferring files over Wi-Fi. Overall, the features and performance are impressive for a budget action camera, offering a lot of functionality for the price.

Pros and Cons

To sum it up, here's a quick rundown of the pros and cons of the AKASO V50 Elite:

Pros:

• Affordable price
• 4K/60fps recording
• Lots of included accessories
• Adjustable viewing angle
• Good image stabilization
• Built-in Wi-Fi
• Two batteries included

Cons:

• Image quality not as good as more expensive cameras
• Low-light performance could be better
• Plastic build quality
• Occasional lag

Who is This Camera For?

The AKASO V50 Elite is a great option for anyone looking for an affordable action camera with 4K/60fps recording. It's perfect for beginners who want to get started with action photography without spending a fortune. It's also a good choice for those who need a secondary action camera for specific purposes, such as mounting on a drone or using as a dashcam. However, if you're a professional videographer or demand the absolute best image quality, you'll probably want to invest in a more expensive camera like the GoPro.

Alternatives to the AKASO V50 Elite

If you're not completely sold on the AKASO V50 Elite, here are a few other action cameras to consider:

• GoPro HERO9 Black: The gold standard for action cameras, with excellent image quality and features, but it's significantly more expensive.
• DJI Osmo Action: A solid competitor to the GoPro, with good image quality and a front-facing screen for selfies.
• Campark X20: Another budget action camera with 4K recording, but the image quality is not as good as the AKASO V50 Elite.

Final Verdict

So, what's the final verdict? The AKASO V50 Elite is a solid action camera for the price. It offers 4K/60fps recording, a ton of included accessories, and a range of useful features. While the image quality isn't perfect, it's good enough for most casual users. If you're on a tight budget and want a versatile action camera, the AKASO V50 Elite is definitely worth considering. Just remember to manage your expectations and don't expect it to perform like a GoPro. But for the money, it's a great little camera that will let you capture all your adventures without breaking the bank.