Vivitar DVR917HD-BLK-BB 4K Action Camera with Remote – Black Review

The Vivitar DVR917HD-BLK-BB 4K Action Camera delivers stunning 4K video quality at an unbeatable budget-friendly price, making it a top contender for adventure seekers and content creators alike. With a convenient wireless remote and rugged, waterproof design, this compact powerhouse captures smooth, high-resolution footage on the go—perfect for capturing every adrenaline-packed moment without breaking the bank.

Key Takeaways

• 4K video quality: Captures sharp, vibrant footage in high resolution.
• Remote included: Control the camera hands-free with the included remote.
• Waterproof housing: Dive up to 30m with the durable case.
• Wide-angle lens: Perfect for immersive POV shots and landscapes.
• Budget-friendly: Affordable option for beginners in action cameras.
• Wi-Fi connectivity: Easily transfer files via mobile app integration.
• Battery life: Lasts 90 minutes—carry spares for longer shoots.

Why the Vivitar DVR917HD-BLK-BB 4K Action Camera with Remote Might Be Your Next Adventure Sidekick

Let’s be real—finding the perfect action camera can feel like hunting for a needle in a haystack. There are so many options out there, all promising to capture your wildest moments in crystal-clear 4K. But not all of them deliver. That’s why I was curious when I got my hands on the Vivitar DVR917HD-BLK-BB 4K Action Camera with Remote – Black. It’s priced in that sweet spot—not too cheap, not too expensive—and it claims to offer 4K video, a remote control, and a whole lot of versatility. So, I took it out for a spin to see if it’s worth your hard-earned cash.

Whether you’re a weekend warrior hitting the trails, a parent capturing your kid’s first bike ride, or just someone who loves documenting life’s little adventures, you want a camera that’s easy to use, reliable, and doesn’t break the bank. After using the Vivitar DVR917HD-BLK-BB for a few weeks, I can say it’s definitely got some standout features. But, like any camera, it’s not without its quirks. So, let’s dive in and see what makes this little black box tick—and whether it should be your next adventure companion.

What’s in the Box? Unboxing the Vivitar DVR917HD-BLK-BB

First impressions matter, and the Vivitar DVR917HD-BLK-BB doesn’t disappoint right out of the gate. The packaging is sleek, with the camera and its accessories neatly organized inside. Here’s what you’ll find when you open the box:

• The Vivitar DVR917HD-BLK-BB 4K Action Camera itself—compact, lightweight, and matte black, giving it a rugged, no-nonsense look.
• A waterproof housing (rated for up to 30 meters), which is great for snorkeling, kayaking, or just rainy-day adventures.
• A remote control wristband—a standout feature that lets you start and stop recording without touching the camera.
• Basic mounting accessories (helmet, handlebar, and tripod mounts).
• A USB charging cable and battery.
• Quick-start guide and warranty card.

First Thoughts: Build and Design

The camera feels solid in your hand—not flimsy or cheap. The buttons are tactile and easy to press, even with gloves on (a big plus for winter sports). The screen on the back is a 2-inch LCD, which is bright enough to see in direct sunlight, though you might struggle with glare in very bright conditions. The remote is a simple, rubberized wristband with two buttons: one for power and one for recording. It’s comfortable to wear and pairs quickly with the camera.

Missing Accessories? What You Might Need to Buy Separately

While the included mounts are a nice start, you’ll probably want to invest in a few extras depending on your activities. For example:

• A chest mount for biking or skiing (the included helmet mount works, but chest footage is often more stable).
• A selfie stick or pole mount for vlogging or group shots.
• An extra battery—the one included lasts about 90 minutes in 4K, which is decent, but you’ll want a backup for longer shoots.
• A microSD card (the camera supports up to 64GB, but it doesn’t come with one).

Pro tip: Buy a high-speed microSD card (Class 10 or UHS-I) to avoid lag or dropped frames when recording 4K video.

Performance in Action: How Does the Vivitar DVR917HD-BLK-BB Handle Real-World Use?

Let’s get to the heart of the matter—how does this camera actually perform when you’re out and about? I tested it in a few different scenarios: biking on a gravel trail, hiking in the rain, and even a quick swim in a lake. Here’s what I found.

4K Video Quality: Is It Really 4K?

The camera claims to record 4K video at 30 frames per second (fps), and for the most part, it delivers. The footage is sharp, with good color reproduction and decent dynamic range. In bright, sunny conditions, the image is crisp, with no visible noise. However, in low light (like a cloudy afternoon or indoors), the quality drops a bit—grain becomes more noticeable, and colors look washed out. That said, for a camera in this price range, the 4K performance is impressive.

Side note: If you’re shooting in 1080p, you can bump the frame rate up to 60fps, which is great for smoother slow-motion shots. There’s also a 720p mode at 120fps for even more slo-mo fun.

Stabilization: Does It Smooth Out the Bumps?

The Vivitar DVR917HD-BLK-BB doesn’t have built-in electronic image stabilization (EIS), which is a bummer if you’re shooting on bumpy terrain. When I tested it on a mountain bike trail, the footage was a bit shaky—not unusable, but definitely not as smooth as higher-end cameras like the GoPro Hero. However, if you’re using a chest or helmet mount (or a gimbal), you can mitigate this. For casual use, it’s fine, but if you’re doing extreme sports, you might want to invest in a stabilizer.

Audio Quality: Can You Hear the Action?

The built-in microphone picks up sound well, but it’s not perfect. In windy conditions, you’ll hear a lot of wind noise—even with the waterproof housing on. For vlogging or interviews, I’d recommend using an external mic or doing voiceovers later. That said, for ambient sounds (like birds chirping or waves crashing), the audio is clear and natural.

Battery Life: How Long Does It Last?

The battery lasts about 90 minutes when recording in 4K, which is average for action cameras. In 1080p, it stretches to around 120 minutes. If you’re planning a long shoot, bring a spare battery or a portable charger. The camera charges via USB, so you can even juice it up from your car or a power bank.

Remote Control: A Game-Changer?

The remote is one of the best features of this camera. It’s simple to use—just press the record button, and it starts/stops recording on the camera. It’s great for solo adventures where you can’t reach the camera (like when it’s mounted on your helmet or handlebars). The only downside? It’s not waterproof, so you’ll need to keep it on your wrist or in a pocket during water activities.

User Experience: Is the Vivitar DVR917HD-BLK-BB Easy to Use?

Let’s be honest—no one wants to spend hours fiddling with settings when they’re out adventuring. The Vivitar DVR917HD-BLK-BB is designed to be user-friendly, but there are a few quirks worth noting.

Interface and Controls: Simple, but Not Perfect

The menu system is straightforward, with icons for video, photo, and settings. You navigate with the buttons on the side of the camera, which are intuitive but a bit small if you’re wearing gloves. The LCD screen is helpful for framing shots, but it’s not a touchscreen, so you’ll need to use the buttons for everything.

One thing I love is the “Quick Start” feature—just press and hold the power button, and the camera turns on and starts recording immediately. It’s perfect for capturing spontaneous moments.

Wi-Fi and App Connectivity: A Mixed Bag

The camera has built-in Wi-Fi, so you can connect it to your phone or tablet using the Vivitar ActionCam app (available for iOS and Android). The app lets you preview shots, change settings, and even download videos. It works… but it’s not the most reliable. I had to re-pair the camera a few times, and the connection dropped occasionally. When it works, it’s handy, but don’t rely on it for critical shots.

Settings and Modes: What Can You Customize?

The camera offers a decent range of settings:

• Video resolution: 4K (30fps), 1080p (30/60fps), 720p (30/60/120fps).
• Photo resolution: 16MP, 12MP, 8MP.
• Time-lapse: 1, 2, 5, 10, 30, or 60-second intervals.
• Loop recording: Useful for dashcams or security.
• Exposure, white balance, and sharpness adjustments.

For most users, the default settings work fine, but it’s nice to have options if you want to tweak your shots.

Comparing the Vivitar DVR917HD-BLK-BB to Other Action Cameras

How does the Vivitar DVR917HD-BLK-BB stack up against the competition? Let’s compare it to a few popular models in its price range.

Vivitar DVR917HD-BLK-BB vs. GoPro Hero 9 (Budget Edition)

The GoPro Hero 9 is the gold standard for action cameras, but it’s also significantly more expensive. The Vivitar holds its own in terms of 4K video quality and battery life, but it lacks the GoPro’s stabilization, touchscreen, and app reliability. If you’re on a tight budget, the Vivitar is a solid alternative—but if you can stretch your budget, the GoPro is worth the extra cost.

Vivitar DVR917HD-BLK-BB vs. Akaso V50X

The Akaso V50X is another budget-friendly 4K camera with similar specs. Both cameras offer 4K video, Wi-Fi, and a remote, but the Akaso has better stabilization and a touchscreen. The Vivitar wins in terms of build quality and remote usability, but the Akaso is slightly better for action sports.

Vivitar DVR917HD-BLK-BB vs. DJI Osmo Action

The DJI Osmo Action is pricier but offers superior stabilization, a front-facing screen, and a more polished app. The Vivitar can’t match it in performance, but it’s a great entry-level option for casual users.

Feature	Vivitar DVR917HD-BLK-BB	GoPro Hero 9	Akaso V50X	DJI Osmo Action
4K Video	Yes (30fps)	Yes (60fps)	Yes (30fps)	Yes (60fps)
Stabilization	None	HyperSmooth 3.0	EIS	RockSteady
Remote Included	Yes	No (sold separately)	Yes	Yes
Touchscreen	No	Yes	Yes	Yes
Price	$99-$120	$299+	$150-$180	$199+

Who Should Buy the Vivitar DVR917HD-BLK-BB 4K Action Camera with Remote?

So, is the Vivitar DVR917HD-BLK-BB right for you? Here’s who I’d recommend it to—and who might want to look elsewhere.

Perfect For:

• Casual adventurers: If you’re into hiking, biking, or weekend trips, this camera is a great way to capture memories without spending a fortune.
• Beginners: The simple interface and included accessories make it a great first action camera.
• Parents: The remote is a lifesaver for capturing your kids’ milestones (like their first skateboard ride or swim).
• Budget-conscious buyers: At under $120, it’s a steal for the features it offers.

Not Ideal For:

• Professional content creators: If you need top-tier stabilization, low-light performance, or advanced editing features, you’ll want to invest in a higher-end camera.
• Extreme sports enthusiasts: The lack of stabilization and lower frame rates in 4K make it less suited for high-speed action.
• Underwater videographers: While the waterproof housing is good, it’s not designed for deep diving or professional underwater shots.

Final Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Vivitar DVR917HD-BLK-BB

• Use a chest mount for smoother footage when biking or skiing.
• Shoot in 1080p/60fps if you want smoother slow-motion clips.
• Keep the remote on your wrist for easy access during solo shoots.
• Clean the lens and housing after every use to avoid scratches.
• Back up your footage regularly—64GB can fill up fast in 4K!

Final Verdict: Should You Buy the Vivitar DVR917HD-BLK-BB?

After weeks of testing, I can say the Vivitar DVR917HD-BLK-BB 4K Action Camera with Remote – Black is a fantastic value for the price. It delivers solid 4K video, includes a handy remote, and is built to last. Sure, it has some limitations—no stabilization, average low-light performance, and a clunky app—but for most casual users, these aren’t dealbreakers.

If you’re looking for an affordable, easy-to-use action camera that won’t let you down on your next adventure, this one is definitely worth considering. It’s not going to replace your GoPro or DJI, but it’s a great entry point into the world of action cameras. And with the remote, you’ll never miss a shot again.

So, whether you’re chasing sunsets, kids, or adrenaline, the Vivitar DVR917HD-BLK-BB is ready to tag along. Just don’t forget to charge the battery—and maybe grab an extra one. Happy shooting!

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the Vivitar DVR917HD-BLK-BB 4K Action Camera stand out for adventure enthusiasts?

The Vivitar DVR917HD-BLK-BB delivers crisp 4K video and 16MP photos in a rugged, waterproof design, making it ideal for capturing high-quality footage during extreme activities. Its included remote control adds convenience for hands-free operation during sports or travel.

Does the Vivitar DVR917HD-BLK-BB 4K Action Camera support slow-motion or time-lapse features?

Yes, this camera offers time-lapse recording and slow-motion video modes, allowing creative flexibility for action shots or scenic sequences. These features are easily accessible via the intuitive menu system.

How long does the battery last on the Vivitar DVR917HD-BLK-BB during 4K recording?

The rechargeable battery provides approximately 90 minutes of continuous 4K recording. For longer sessions, carrying a spare battery or using a power bank is recommended.

Can I use the Vivitar 4K action camera with remote for live streaming or webcam purposes?

This model lacks built-in live streaming or webcam functionality but can record footage for later upload. It connects to computers via USB for file transfer or charging.

What accessories come with the Vivitar DVR917HD-BLK-BB 4K Action Camera?

The package includes a waterproof housing, remote control, bike mount, helmet mount, and basic adhesive mounts—everything needed for immediate use in various scenarios. Additional mounts are compatible with GoPro accessories.

Is the remote control waterproof, and how does it work with the Vivitar DVR917HD-BLK-BB?

The included remote is splash-resistant (not fully waterproof) and uses a wireless signal to trigger recording or take photos within a 10-meter range. It’s ideal for mounting on handlebars or gear for quick access.