Vivitar Action Camera with Remote Review Is It Worth the Hype

The Vivitar Action Camera with Remote delivers solid 4K video and convenient wireless control at a budget-friendly price, making it a compelling choice for casual adventurers and content creators. While it lacks the rugged durability and advanced stabilization of premium brands, its easy-to-use remote and compact design offer great value for the cost—just don’t expect pro-level performance in extreme conditions.

Key Takeaways

• Affordable pricing: Great budget-friendly option without sacrificing core features.
• Remote included: Convenient wireless control for hands-free shooting.
• 4K video: Delivers sharp, high-resolution footage for action-packed moments.
• Waterproof case: Ready for underwater adventures up to 30 meters.
• Battery life: Lasts 90 minutes—carry spares for extended use.
• Wide-angle lens: Captures immersive, dynamic shots in tight spaces.
• App connectivity: Easy file transfers and live preview via smartphone.

The Rise of Budget Action Cameras: Why Vivitar Caught My Eye

Remember when action cameras were only for daredevils and extreme sports enthusiasts? Back then, GoPro was the undisputed king, but its high price tag kept it out of reach for casual users. Fast forward to today, and the market is flooded with budget-friendly alternatives—and one name that kept popping up was Vivitar. Specifically, the Vivitar action camera with remote caught my attention. As someone who loves capturing outdoor adventures without breaking the bank, I decided to put this little device to the test.

I’ll admit, my first reaction was skepticism. How could a camera under $100 compete with premium brands? But after using it for a few weeks—mountain biking, hiking, and even a rainy kayaking trip—I started to see why it’s gaining traction. It’s not perfect, but for the price, it delivers more than you might expect. In this Vivitar action camera with remote review, I’ll share my honest take on its features, performance, and whether it’s truly worth the hype. Whether you’re a weekend warrior or just want a fun way to record memories, this could be your next gadget.

Unboxing and First Impressions: What’s in the Box?

What You Get Out of the Box

Let’s start with the unboxing. The Vivitar action camera with remote comes in a compact, no-frills package. Inside, you’ll find:

• The main action camera (1080p or 4K version, depending on the model)
• A wireless remote control (wristband style)
• Waterproof housing (rated up to 30 meters)
• Multiple mounting brackets (handlebar, helmet, flat surface)
• USB charging cable
• User manual (small but surprisingly helpful)
• Extra adhesive pads and a cleaning cloth

Right away, I appreciated the inclusion of so many accessories. Most budget cameras skimp on mounts, but Vivitar gives you enough to start filming right away. The remote is a standout—it’s lightweight, easy to strap on, and has a simple button interface.

Build Quality and Design

The camera itself is small—about the size of a matchbox—and made of matte plastic. It feels sturdy enough for everyday use, though I wouldn’t drop it from a skyscraper. The waterproof housing is a solid piece with a secure latch, and it’s easy to open and close even with wet hands. The lens is protected by a slightly raised bezel, which helps prevent scratches.

The remote, on the other hand, feels a bit flimsy. It’s made of thin plastic and the strap isn’t the most comfortable. That said, it’s functional and does what it needs to do. One thing I loved: the remote uses Bluetooth, so you don’t have to point it at the camera. I used it while biking with gloves on, and it worked flawlessly.

Pro tip: Before your first use, fully charge both the camera and remote. The camera takes about 2 hours, and the remote needs 30 minutes. I made the mistake of not charging the remote and missed a great shot—lesson learned!

Performance and Video Quality: Does It Deliver?

Video Resolution and Frame Rates

The Vivitar action camera with remote is available in two versions: 1080p and 4K. I tested the 4K model, and honestly, the video quality surprised me. Here’s what you can expect:

• 4K at 30fps: Crisp and detailed, especially in good lighting. Perfect for scenic shots or slow-motion playback.
• 1080p at 60fps: Smoother motion, great for fast-paced action like biking or skateboarding.
• 1080p at 120fps: Ultra-smooth slow motion, but the file sizes get huge fast.

In daylight, the footage looks vibrant and sharp. Colors pop without being oversaturated, and the dynamic range is decent for the price. I filmed a sunrise hike, and the camera handled the bright sky and dark shadows better than I expected.

Low-light performance, however, is where it struggles. In dimly lit environments (like a campfire at night), the footage gets grainy, and colors appear washed out. It’s usable, but don’t expect GoPro-level clarity in the dark.

Stabilization and Audio

The camera doesn’t have built-in electronic image stabilization (EIS), which is a bummer. If you’re moving fast—like on a bumpy trail—the footage gets shaky. That said, it has a “gyro mode” that helps a little. I found it worked best when mounted on a helmet or handlebar with a rubberized mount.

Audio is another weak point. The built-in mic picks up wind noise easily, and voices sound muffled. For vlogging or interviews, you’ll want an external mic. But for casual use—like narrating a hike or capturing ambient sounds—it’s passable.

Example: I recorded a mountain bike ride through a forest. The video looked great, but the wind noise was so loud I had to mute it for my final edit. If you’re planning to add voiceovers later, this won’t be a problem.

Battery Life and Recording Time

The camera uses a 900mAh battery, which lasts about 60-70 minutes in 1080p mode. At 4K, it drops to around 45 minutes. That’s not terrible, but it’s not amazing either. I brought a spare battery for a day-long kayaking trip, and it saved me.

The remote has a much smaller battery—it lasts about 5 hours. Not a dealbreaker, but worth noting if you plan to use it frequently.

Remote Control and Connectivity: The Game-Changer?

How the Remote Works

The wireless remote is one of the Vivitar action camera with remote’s biggest selling points. Pairing it is simple: just turn on the camera, press the remote button, and it connects within seconds. The remote has three functions:

• Power on/off: Starts or stops the camera.
• Start/stop recording: One press to record, one press to stop.
• Photo mode: Takes a still image without interrupting video.

I used the remote while mountain biking, and it was a game-changer. Instead of fumbling with the camera mid-ride, I just tapped the button on my wrist. It’s also great for group shots—no more running back and forth to start the camera.

Wi-Fi and App Integration

The camera has built-in Wi-Fi, so you can connect it to your phone via the Vivitar app (available for iOS and Android). The app lets you:

• Preview the camera’s live feed
• Adjust settings (resolution, white balance, etc.)
• Download and edit clips
• Share directly to social media

The app works, but it’s a bit clunky. It took me a few tries to get a stable connection, and sometimes it disconnected mid-transfer. Once it’s connected, though, it’s handy for quick edits or checking your framing.

Pro tip: Use the app to change settings before your adventure. It’s faster than navigating the camera’s tiny buttons.

MicroSD and File Management

The camera supports up to 64GB microSD cards (not included). I used a 32GB card, which gave me about 45 minutes of 4K footage. Files are saved in MP4 format, which is compatible with most editing software.

One annoyance: the camera doesn’t have a file-naming system. All clips are labeled “VID_0001.mp4,” “VID_0002.mp4,” etc. If you record a lot, you’ll need to organize them manually.

Accessories and Mounting Options: Flexibility Matters

Included Mounts

The Vivitar action camera with remote comes with a solid selection of mounts:

• Handlebar mount: Great for bikes, scooters, or even kayak paddles.
• Helmet mount: The adhesive pad sticks well, even in the rain.
• Flat surface mount: Use it on a car hood, table, or wall.

I tested all three, and they held up well. The handlebar mount has a rubberized grip, so it doesn’t slip on rough terrain. The helmet mount survived a 20-mile bike ride with no issues.

Third-Party Compatibility

The camera uses a standard 1/4-inch thread, so it’s compatible with most GoPro-style mounts. I tried a suction cup mount and a chest harness from another brand, and they worked perfectly. This is a huge plus if you already own action camera gear.

Example: I used a third-party chest mount for a hiking trip, and it gave me a first-person perspective that looked professional.

Waterproof Housing and Durability

The included housing is waterproof up to 30 meters (about 100 feet). I used it while kayaking in choppy water, and it kept the camera completely dry. The buttons on the housing are a bit stiff, but that’s actually a good thing—it prevents accidental presses.

The camera itself isn’t waterproof without the housing, so don’t get it wet unless it’s inside the case.

Pros, Cons, and Who Should Buy It?

The Good: Why It’s Worth Considering

Let’s be clear: the Vivitar action camera with remote isn’t perfect, but it has some strong points:

• Affordable: At $60-$80, it’s a fraction of the cost of a GoPro.
• Wireless remote: A rare feature in budget cameras, and it works well.
• 4K video: Not flawless, but impressive for the price.
• Good battery life: Enough for a half-day adventure.
• Compatible with GoPro mounts: Expand your options easily.

It’s also a great starter camera for kids or teens. I let my 12-year-old nephew use it, and he figured it out in minutes.

The Bad: Where It Falls Short

Now, the drawbacks:

• No stabilization: Footage can be shaky without a steady mount.
• Poor low-light performance: Avoid filming at night.
• Mediocre audio: Wind noise and muffled voices are common.
• App connectivity issues: The app is useful but buggy.

If you need professional-grade video or vlog-quality audio, look elsewhere. But if you’re a casual user who wants to capture fun moments, these flaws might not matter.

Who Is It For?

The Vivitar action camera with remote is ideal for:

• Beginners: Easy to use and affordable.
• Adventure seekers: Great for hiking, biking, or kayaking.
• Parents: Let your kids record their own adventures.
• Travelers: Lightweight and portable for on-the-go filming.

It’s not for:

• Vloggers who need crisp audio
• Night-time filmmakers
• Anyone needing 4K at 60fps

Final Verdict: Is It Worth the Hype?

After weeks of testing, I’m ready to give my verdict. The Vivitar action camera with remote isn’t a GoPro killer, but it doesn’t need to be. For the price, it offers solid 4K video, a useful wireless remote, and enough accessories to get you started. It’s not perfect—the lack of stabilization and poor audio hold it back—but it’s a fantastic option if you’re on a budget.

I’ll keep using it for my weekend adventures. It’s not my primary camera, but it’s perfect for times when I don’t want to risk my expensive gear. And the remote? That’s a feature I didn’t know I needed until I had it.

So, is it worth the hype? Yes—if you go in with realistic expectations. It’s not a professional tool, but it’s a fun, functional camera that delivers where it counts. If you’re looking for an affordable way to capture life’s adventures, the Vivitar action camera with remote deserves a spot on your wishlist.

Quick Comparison: Vivitar vs. Other Budget Cameras

Feature	Vivitar 4K	AKASO EK7000	Campark ACT74
Price	$70	$80	$65
Video Quality	4K/30fps	4K/30fps	4K/30fps
Remote Control	Yes (Bluetooth)	Yes (Wi-Fi)	No
Waterproof	30m (with housing)	30m (with housing)	30m (with housing)
Battery Life	60-70 mins (1080p)	90 mins (1080p)	70 mins (1080p)
Stabilization	No	Basic EIS	No

This table highlights how the Vivitar stands out—especially with its Bluetooth remote, a rare feature in this price range. The AKASO has slightly better battery life and stabilization, but the Vivitar’s remote gives it an edge for hands-free shooting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Vivitar Action Camera with Remote worth buying for beginners?

The Vivitar Action Camera with Remote is a solid budget-friendly option for beginners, offering essential features like 1080p video, a waterproof housing, and a wireless remote. While it lacks advanced stabilization, it’s a great entry-level choice for casual adventures.

What makes the Vivitar Action Camera with Remote stand out from competitors?

This model stands out due to its included wireless remote, which allows hands-free control for capturing moments during activities like biking or skiing. Its affordability and basic functionality make it a practical pick for budget-conscious users.

Can the Vivitar Action Camera with Remote record in low light?

The camera performs decently in daylight but struggles in low-light conditions, producing grainy footage. For nighttime adventures, consider a model with better low-light performance or external lighting.

Does the Vivitar Action Camera with Remote have good battery life?

Battery life lasts around 90 minutes per charge, which is average for budget action cameras. Carrying a spare battery is recommended for longer outings to avoid interruptions.

Is the remote control reliable with the Vivitar Action Camera?

The remote works well within a 30-foot range and pairs quickly with the camera, though it occasionally lags in cold or humid conditions. It’s a handy feature for group shots or solo filming.

What accessories are included with the Vivitar Action Camera with Remote?

The package includes a waterproof case, mounts, a charging cable, and the wireless remote—everything needed to start filming right away. Additional mounts or a spare battery can enhance usability.