Sharper Image 1080p HD Action Camera with Waterproof Case Review

The Sharper Image 1080p HD Action Camera delivers crisp, vibrant footage in a rugged, waterproof design perfect for adventurers. With its included waterproof case enabling dives up to 30 meters, this camera captures smooth Full HD video and sharp 12MP photos in any environment—ideal for snorkeling, biking, or hiking. Intuitive controls and built-in Wi-Fi make it a versatile, user-friendly choice for capturing action on the go.

Key Takeaways

• 1080p HD video: Capture crisp, high-quality footage in any adventure.
• Waterproof case included: Shoot underwater up to 30 meters safely.
• Lightweight design: Mount it anywhere without adding bulk or weight.
• Long battery life: Record up to 90 minutes on a single charge.
• Easy operation: One-button control simplifies filming and switching modes.
• Wide-angle lens: Get more in frame with 140° field of view.

Why I Decided to Try the Sharper Image 1080p HD Action Camera

I’ve always been the type of person who loves capturing life’s wildest moments. Whether I’m hiking through dense forests, snorkeling in turquoise waters, or just chasing my dog around the backyard, I want a camera that can keep up. But here’s the thing: high-end action cams like GoPros are amazing—but they’re also expensive. And let’s be honest, not all of us need (or want) to spend $400+ on something we might only use a few times a year.

That’s why I started looking for a more budget-friendly alternative. That’s when I stumbled upon the Sharper Image 1080p HD Action Camera with Waterproof Case. At first glance, it promised everything I needed: crisp video quality, waterproof protection, and a price tag that didn’t make me wince. But as anyone who’s bought a “too good to be true” gadget knows, the devil is in the details.

After testing it for a month across various adventures—from rainy bike rides to beach dives—I’m ready to share my honest take. This isn’t a sponsored post. It’s my real experience with a camera that aims to punch above its weight class. Whether you’re a weekend warrior, a travel enthusiast, or just someone who wants to record memories without breaking the bank, this review is for you.

What Makes This Camera Stand Out (and Where It Falls Short)

Design and Build Quality: Simple, Sturdy, and Surprisingly Light

The first thing you notice when you unbox the Sharper Image 1080p HD Action Camera is how unassuming it looks. It’s a small, rectangular block with a matte black finish—nothing flashy, but it feels solid in your hand. The plastic body isn’t flimsy; it’s got a nice weight to it, not too heavy, not too light. At 2.5 ounces, it’s easy to mount on a helmet, bike, or even a chest strap without feeling like you’re carrying a brick.

The camera comes with a waterproof case (rated up to 98 feet/30 meters), which is a major selling point. Unlike some budget cameras that require a separate purchase for underwater use, this one includes it in the box. The case clicks shut with a satisfying snap, and the rubber seals feel tight. I tested it in a swimming pool and during a rainy mountain bike ride—no leaks, no fogging. That’s a win.

But here’s the catch: the case adds bulk. While the camera itself is compact, the case makes it look like a mini brick. If you’re mounting it on a helmet, it sticks out a bit. It’s not a dealbreaker, but it’s something to consider if you’re after a sleek, low-profile setup.

Video and Photo Quality: 1080p HD—Good, But Not Great

Let’s talk about the star of the show: the video. The camera shoots in 1080p at 30 frames per second (fps), which is standard for budget action cams. In good lighting—sunny days, bright indoor settings—the footage is sharp and vibrant. Colors pop, and the 120-degree wide-angle lens captures a lot of the scene without looking distorted (a common issue with ultra-wide lenses).

Here’s a real-world example: I took it on a sunrise hike. The golden light filtering through the trees? Beautiful. The camera handled the dynamic range well, preserving both shadows and highlights. But when I tried filming a sunset (lower light), the video got a bit grainy. The automatic exposure struggled with the backlight, and the footage looked a little washed out.

Photos are a mixed bag. At 12 megapixels, they’re decent for social media or small prints, but don’t expect GoPro-level detail. In daylight, they’re crisp. In low light, they get noisy. And the lack of optical image stabilization means shaky hands = blurry pics. Tip: If you’re shooting photos, use a tripod or stabilize the camera against a surface.

One thing I loved: the loop recording mode. It automatically overwrites old footage when the SD card is full—perfect for dashcam-style use or long hikes where you don’t want to worry about storage.

Battery Life and Charging: Decent, But Bring a Backup

The built-in 900mAh battery is… okay. Sharper Image claims 90 minutes of recording time. In my tests, I got about 75–80 minutes at 1080p/30fps. That’s enough for a short bike ride or a snorkeling session, but if you’re planning a full-day adventure, you’ll want a spare battery or a power bank.

Charging is via USB-C (a big plus—no proprietary cables!). It takes about 2 hours to go from 0% to 100%. But here’s a quirk: the battery is *not* removable. So if it dies mid-hike, you’re out of luck unless you have a portable charger. I wish they’d made it swappable like higher-end models.

Pro tip: Turn off Wi-Fi and preview screens when not in use. These features drain the battery fast. Also, the camera has a “power-saving mode” that dims the screen after 30 seconds—enable it.

Accessories and Mounting Options: What You Get (and What You’ll Need)

In the Box: A Solid Starter Kit

One of the best things about this camera is the included accessories. You get:

• A waterproof case (30m rating)
• Two adhesive mounts (for helmets, bikes, etc.)
• A bike handlebar mount
• A USB-C charging cable
• A basic tripod mount adapter
• A quick-start guide (short, but clear)

This is a great starter kit. The adhesive mounts are strong—I used one on my bike’s handlebar during a 20-mile ride, and it stayed put. The handlebar mount has a rubberized grip, so it won’t slip even on bumpy trails.

Missing Accessories: What You Might Want to Buy

But here’s where you’ll likely need to spend extra:

• Extra batteries: Again, the non-removable battery is a limitation. A portable charger helps, but a spare battery would be better.
• MicroSD card: The camera supports up to 128GB (UHS-I), but it doesn’t come with one. A 64GB card costs about $10 and gives you ~4 hours of 1080p video.
• Chest/head mounts: The included mounts are basic. For POV shots (e.g., skiing, running), you’ll want a chest harness or head strap (sold separately).
• Lens cover: The camera doesn’t have a built-in lens cover. If you’re tossing it in a backpack, get a third-party silicone cover to protect the lens.

One cool feature: the camera has a standard 1/4” thread on the bottom, so it’s compatible with most tripods and third-party mounts (like GoPro knockoffs). I used a $15 chest mount from Amazon, and it worked perfectly.

Usability and Features: Simple, But Lacking Polish

Interface and Controls: Easy to Learn, Hard to Master

The camera has three buttons: power, shutter, and mode. It’s simple, but the learning curve isn’t zero. The mode button cycles through video, photo, burst, and loop recording—but there’s no on-screen menu to confirm your selection. You have to rely on the tiny LED indicators (which are hard to see in sunlight).

The 2-inch LCD screen is helpful for framing shots, but it’s not a touchscreen. Adjusting settings (e.g., resolution, exposure, Wi-Fi) requires button presses, which can be fiddly. I wish they’d included a companion app with a more intuitive interface.

Wi-Fi is a nice addition. It connects to your phone via a free app (available for iOS and Android). Once paired, you can control the camera remotely and transfer files. But the connection is finicky—it drops if you move more than 30 feet away. And the app is bare-bones: no editing tools, no filters, just basic playback and download.

Audio Quality: Don’t Expect Much

The built-in microphone is… there. It picks up sound, but it’s muffled, especially in the waterproof case. Wind noise is a problem—I recorded a bike ride, and the audio was mostly “whoosh” from the wind. For vlogging or interviews, you’ll need an external mic (not supported, unfortunately).

One workaround: record audio separately on your phone and sync it in post. I did this for a hiking vlog, and it worked well. But if you want all-in-one convenience, this isn’t the camera for you.

Performance in Real-World Scenarios: How It Handles the Wild

Underwater Adventures: A Surprise Winner

I took this camera snorkeling in the Caribbean. The waterproof case held up perfectly—no leaks, no fog. Colors were vibrant at shallow depths (under 20 feet), but at 30+ feet, everything looked blue (a common issue with underwater filming). The camera’s “underwater mode” (a setting that adjusts white balance) helped a little, but it’s not magic.

Tip: Rinse the case with fresh water after saltwater use to prevent corrosion. Also, the touchscreen doesn’t work underwater, so you’ll need to set your shot *before* diving in.

Action Sports: Good Enough for Casual Use

I tested it on a mountain bike trail with lots of bumps and turns. The footage was stable enough for casual viewing, but if you’re into extreme sports (e.g., downhill racing), you’ll notice the lack of stabilization. The wide-angle lens helps—it smooths out some of the shake—but it’s not the same as electronic stabilization.

For skateboarding or hiking, it’s fine. For high-speed, high-impact sports? You might want to step up to a camera with better stabilization.

Low-Light and Night Use: Not Recommended

This camera struggles in the dark. Even with the “night mode” enabled, the footage is grainy and dark. I tried filming a campfire, and the flames looked like orange blobs. The sensor just isn’t sensitive enough for low-light conditions.

Stick to daylight or well-lit environments, and you’ll be happy. If you need night shots, look for a camera with a larger sensor or better ISO performance.

Comparing the Sharper Image Camera to Other Budget Options

Let’s be real: there are *a lot* of budget action cameras out there. How does this one stack up?

Feature	Sharper Image 1080p HD	AKASO Brave 4 (~$80)	Campark ACT74 (~$60)
Video Quality	1080p/30fps	4K/30fps (downscaled to 1080p)	4K/30fps (downscaled to 1080p)
Waterproof Case	Included (30m)	Included (40m)	Included (40m)
Battery Life	~80 minutes	~120 minutes (removable)	~100 minutes (removable)
Stabilization	None	Electronic (EIS)	Electronic (EIS)
Wi-Fi App	Basic	Feature-rich	Feature-rich
Price	$79.99	$79.99	$59.99

As you can see, the Sharper Image camera holds its own, but it’s not the best in every category. The included waterproof case is a standout feature—many competitors charge extra for theirs. But the lack of stabilization and shorter battery life are drawbacks.

If you prioritize battery life and stabilization, the AKASO Brave 4 is a better choice. If you’re on a tight budget, the Campark ACT74 offers similar features for less. But if you value simplicity and don’t mind the limitations, the Sharper Image camera is a solid pick.

Final Verdict: Who Should (and Shouldn’t) Buy This Camera

After a month of testing, here’s my take: the Sharper Image 1080p HD Action Camera with Waterproof Case is a great option for casual users who want a reliable, affordable camera for everyday adventures. It’s not perfect, but it gets the job done—and it won’t break the bank.

Buy this camera if:

• You want a simple, no-frills action cam for hiking, biking, or snorkeling
• You value having a waterproof case included in the box
• You’re okay with 1080p video and don’t need 4K or stabilization
• You’re a beginner who doesn’t want to spend hours learning a complex menu system

Skip this camera if:

• You need professional-quality footage for vlogging or content creation
• You’re into extreme sports and need advanced stabilization
• You want long battery life without carrying extra power
• You rely on low-light or night filming

At $79.99, it’s not the cheapest option, but the included waterproof case and solid build quality make it a good value. Think of it as a “gateway” action cam—a way to dip your toes into the world of adventure filming without a huge investment.

For me, it’s earned a permanent spot in my backpack. It’s not my *only* camera, but it’s the one I grab when I want to capture a moment without overthinking it. And honestly, sometimes that’s exactly what you need.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the Sharper Image 1080p HD Action Camera stand out from other budget action cameras?

The Sharper Image 1080p HD Action Camera combines crisp Full HD video, a rugged waterproof case (up to 30m), and user-friendly controls at an affordable price point. Its wide-angle lens and built-in image stabilization deliver smooth footage for adventures, making it a solid choice for entry-level users.

Is the Sharper Image 1080p HD Action Camera truly waterproof without the case?

The camera itself is not waterproof on its own—it requires the included waterproof case to achieve its 30-meter (98ft) depth rating. The case ensures reliable protection during underwater activities like snorkeling or swimming.

What accessories come with the Sharper Image 1080p HD Action Camera?

The package includes the 1080p HD action camera, a waterproof case, multiple mounting brackets, a USB charging cable, and a user manual. Additional mounts for helmets, bikes, or chest harnesses can be purchased separately for expanded versatility.

Can I record audio while using the waterproof case with this Sharper Image camera?

Yes, the camera captures audio, but sound quality may be muffled when the waterproof case is attached due to the sealed design. For clearer audio, consider using an external mic or recording in dry conditions with the case off.

How long does the battery last on the Sharper Image 1080p HD Action Camera?

The built-in rechargeable battery offers approximately 90 minutes of continuous 1080p video recording. Battery life may vary depending on usage, such as enabling Wi-Fi or using higher frame rates.

Does this action camera support Wi-Fi or app connectivity for remote control?

Yes, the Sharper Image 1080p HD Action Camera features Wi-Fi connectivity, allowing you to pair it with a smartphone app for remote control, live preview, and easy media transfer. The app is compatible with both iOS and Android devices.