Vivitar Action Camera Kit 1080p Review Top Features and Performance

The Vivitar Action Camera Kit 1080p delivers impressive HD video quality and rugged durability at an unbeatable budget-friendly price. With 1080p resolution, a 2-inch LCD screen, and included waterproof housing, it’s perfect for capturing high-octane adventures without breaking the bank. This all-in-one kit offers solid performance and essential accessories, making it a top contender for entry-level action camera users.

Key Takeaways

• Affordable 1080p performance: Delivers solid HD video for budget-conscious users.
• Waterproof case included: Ready for underwater adventures up to 30 meters.
• Wide-angle lens excels: Captures immersive action shots with minimal distortion.
• Long battery life: Records up to 90 minutes on a single charge.
• Accessories enhance versatility: Mounts and extras boost usability across activities.
• Simple operation: Intuitive controls ideal for beginners and quick setups.

First Impressions: What You Need to Know About the Vivitar Action Camera Kit 1080p

Let’s be real—action cameras can be a bit of a gamble. You’re shelling out cash for a device that promises to capture your wildest adventures, but sometimes the results feel more like a shaky, pixelated mess than the cinematic masterpiece you imagined. That’s why I was curious when I unboxed the Vivitar Action Camera Kit 1080p. It’s priced like an entry-level option, but it comes with a whole kit of accessories—mounts, cases, batteries, the works. At first glance, it looks like a no-brainer for someone dipping their toes into action videography without wanting to break the bank.

Now, I’ve used a few action cams in my time—some high-end, some not-so-much—and I’ve learned that specs on paper don’t always translate to real-world performance. So, I put the Vivitar Action Camera Kit 1080p through its paces: biking through forest trails, kayaking on a choppy lake, even a few low-light indoor tests. What I found? It’s not perfect, but it’s got some surprisingly solid features that make it a compelling pick for budget-conscious adventurers, parents capturing their kids’ sports, or anyone just starting out in content creation. Let’s dig into what this little camera can—and can’t—do.

Design and Build: Simple, Sturdy, and Surprisingly Thoughtful

Compact and Lightweight for On-the-Go Use

The Vivitar Action Camera Kit 1080p is small—about the size of a matchbox. That’s a huge plus if you’re mounting it on a helmet, bike handlebar, or even your dog’s harness (yes, I tried). It weighs just 2.1 ounces, so you won’t feel it tugging on a strap or throwing off your balance. The body is made of matte plastic, which gives it a slightly utilitarian look but also helps with grip. I’ve dropped it a couple of times (oops), and aside from a few scuffs, it’s held up fine.

Waterproof Without the Hassle

One of the biggest selling points? It comes with a waterproof housing that’s rated for depths up to 100 feet (30 meters). That’s deeper than most casual snorkelers or kayakers will ever go. Unlike some action cams that require a separate purchase for waterproofing, this one’s included in the kit. I tested it in a lake—no leaks, no fogging. The housing has a clear front, so framing shots underwater is easy. Just remember: the touchscreen doesn’t work inside the case, so you’ll need to rely on the physical buttons.

Mounting Options: A Mount for Every Adventure

This is where the Vivitar Action Camera Kit 1080p shines. It comes with seven mounting accessories: a helmet mount, bike mount, chest harness, adhesive mounts, a handlebar mount, a wrist strap, and a tripod adapter. I used the chest harness while hiking, and the footage was surprisingly stable—no wild bouncing, even on rocky trails. The adhesive mounts stuck well to my kayak, but I’d recommend using them on clean, dry surfaces. Pro tip: Let the adhesive cure for 24 hours before submerging it.

Button Layout and Controls

The camera has just three buttons: power, record, and mode. Simple, right? But it took me a minute to get used to the menu navigation. The buttons are small and flush with the body, which is great for waterproofing but not so great for gloves. In cold weather, I found myself fumbling a bit. The screen is 2 inches—small, but bright enough to see in sunlight. It’s not a touchscreen, which might disappoint some, but it’s a trade-off for durability.

Video and Image Quality: 1080p That Holds Its Own (Mostly)

1080p at 30fps: The Sweet Spot for Most Users

The Vivitar Action Camera Kit 1080p shoots 1080p video at 30 frames per second (fps). That’s not 4K, but it’s more than enough for YouTube, social media, or even family videos. I compared it side-by-side with a 4K camera, and the difference wasn’t as stark as I expected. In good light, the colors are vibrant, and the detail is sharp. I filmed a sunset bike ride, and the golden hues came through beautifully.

Stabilization: Not Perfect, But Better Than Expected

This camera doesn’t have optical image stabilization, but it does have electronic stabilization (EIS). How does it perform? It’s not GoPro-level, but it’s decent for the price. On smooth trails, the footage is steady. On bumpy roads, you’ll see some jello effect (a wavy distortion), but it’s not unbearable. I used the chest harness on a mountain bike, and while the video had a few jitters, it was still watchable. For smoother footage, stick to the bike or helmet mounts.

Low-Light Performance: A Weak Spot

Here’s the catch: low-light performance is where this camera struggles. In dim lighting—think dusk, indoor gyms, or under trees—the image gets grainy and loses detail. I tried filming a bonfire at night, and the flames looked blown out, with shadows turning into black blobs. If you’re planning to shoot a lot in low light, you might want to look elsewhere. But for daytime or well-lit indoor activities, it’s totally fine.

Still Photos: Functional, Not Fabulous

The camera takes 12MP stills, but don’t expect DSLR quality. Photos are sharp in good light, but the colors can look a bit flat. I took some shots during a hike, and while they were good enough for Instagram, they wouldn’t win any awards. The shutter button is a bit slow, so you’ll need to hold still for a second after pressing it. For quick snaps, it’s serviceable; for serious photography, not so much.

Battery Life and Storage: The Practical Side of Adventure

Battery Performance: Decent, But Bring a Spare

The Vivitar Action Camera Kit 1080p comes with two rechargeable batteries, which is a nice touch. Each battery lasts about 90 minutes of continuous recording at 1080p. That’s enough for a short hike or bike ride, but if you’re doing a full-day adventure, you’ll need to swap batteries mid-way. I used one battery for a 2-hour kayaking trip, and it died with 15 minutes to spare. Not a dealbreaker, but something to plan for.

Charging and Power Options

The batteries charge via a USB-C port (yay for modern standards!) in about 2.5 hours. You can charge them in-camera or use the included dual-battery charger, which is a lifesaver when you’re prepping for a trip. The camera also supports USB power, so you can plug it into a portable battery pack for extended use. I did this while filming a sunset—worked like a charm.

Storage: MicroSD Cards and File Management

This camera uses microSD cards (up to 64GB, Class 10 recommended). The 1080p video files are about 1GB per 5 minutes, so a 32GB card will give you roughly 2.5 hours of footage. I used a 64GB card, and it handled everything smoothly. One thing to note: the camera doesn’t have built-in storage, so you’ll always need a card. Pro tip: Label your cards with the date and activity. It’ll save you from hours of sifting through files later.

Data Table: Battery and Storage Specs at a Glance

Feature	Specification
Battery Capacity	900mAh (2 included)
Recording Time (per battery)	~90 minutes (1080p/30fps)
Charging Time	~2.5 hours (USB-C)
Storage Type	MicroSD (up to 64GB)
File Size (1080p/30fps)	~1GB per 5 minutes
USB Power Support	Yes (5V/1A)

Ease of Use: Perfect for Beginners, But Has Quirks

Setup and First-Time Use

Setting up the Vivitar Action Camera Kit 1080p is straightforward. Pop in the battery, insert a microSD card, and you’re good to go. The menu is basic—just a few icons for video, photo, and settings. I had it recording within 2 minutes of unboxing. The included manual is clear, though it’s a bit thin on advanced features. If you’re a first-time user, you’ll be up and running in no time.

Menu Navigation: Simple, But Not Intuitive

The menu system is functional but could be better. To change settings, you cycle through options using the mode button. It works, but it’s not the most intuitive. For example, to switch from video to photo mode, you hold the mode button for 3 seconds. I kept accidentally triggering the wrong mode. Once you learn the quirks, it’s fine, but it takes a bit of practice.

Connectivity: No Wi-Fi or App (But That’s Okay)

This camera doesn’t have Wi-Fi or a companion app, which might seem like a downside. But honestly, for a budget-friendly option, I didn’t miss it. Transferring files to my phone or laptop is as simple as popping out the microSD card and using a card reader. No fiddling with Bluetooth or Wi-Fi passwords. If you’re not a tech whiz, this simplicity is a huge plus.

Tips for Smoother Operation

• Use the quick-start guide: The camera comes with a one-page cheat sheet for common tasks. Keep it handy until you’re comfortable with the controls.
• Pre-format your microSD card: Before your first use, format the card in the camera. It’ll prevent file corruption and ensure smooth recording.
• Label your batteries: The two batteries are identical, so label one as “charged” and one as “used.” It’ll save you from mid-adventure panic.
• Test your mounts: Before relying on a mount, test it on a short ride. The adhesive mounts are strong, but they can fail on rough surfaces.

Who Should Buy This Camera? And Who Should Look Elsewhere

Perfect For: Budget-Conscious Adventurers

If you’re looking for an affordable way to capture your adventures, the Vivitar Action Camera Kit 1080p is a solid choice. It’s ideal for:

• Outdoor enthusiasts: Hiking, biking, kayaking—this camera handles all of it.
• Parents: Capture your kids’ sports, school events, or backyard shenanigans without worrying about damage.
• Content creators on a budget: Need b-roll for a travel vlog? This camera delivers.
• Beginners: The simple design and included accessories make it a great starter camera.

Not Ideal For: Pros and Low-Light Shooters

This camera has some limitations that might be dealbreakers for certain users:

• Professional videographers: If you need 4K, slow-motion, or advanced stabilization, look elsewhere.
• Low-light shooters: The grainy footage in dim lighting is a major drawback.
• Tech enthusiasts: If you want Wi-Fi, apps, or advanced settings, this isn’t the camera for you.
• Long-duration filmmakers: The 90-minute battery life might not cut it for all-day shoots.

Real-World Scenarios: When It Shines (and When It Doesn’t)

I used the Vivitar Action Camera Kit 1080p in a few different scenarios:

• Mountain biking: Chest harness + 1080p = stable, vibrant footage. A win.
• Kayaking: Waterproof housing + clear front = no issues in choppy water. Another win.
• Indoor basketball: Low light = grainy, dark footage. Not ideal.
• Family picnic: Bright sunlight + simple controls = easy, fun recording. Perfect.

Final Verdict: A Solid Entry-Level Option with Room to Grow

After weeks of testing, here’s my take: the Vivitar Action Camera Kit 1080p isn’t going to replace your GoPro or DJI, but it’s not trying to. It’s a budget-friendly, no-frills action camera that delivers where it counts—1080p video, sturdy build, and a generous accessory kit. The video quality is good in daylight, the battery life is reasonable, and the included mounts cover most common uses.

Is it perfect? No. The low-light performance is weak, the menu system could be more intuitive, and the lack of Wi-Fi might annoy some users. But for the price—often under $100 for the whole kit—it’s hard to complain. It’s a camera that lets you focus on the adventure, not the gear. Whether you’re a weekend warrior, a parent capturing memories, or a newbie content creator, this camera gives you the tools to tell your story without breaking the bank.

So, should you buy it? If you’re looking for a simple, reliable way to record your 1080p adventures and don’t need cutting-edge features, absolutely. But if you’re chasing 4K glory or filming in dimly lit caves, you might want to save up for something pricier. Either way, the Vivitar Action Camera Kit 1080p proves that you don’t need to spend a fortune to capture the moments that matter.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the Vivitar Action Camera Kit 1080p stand out from other budget action cameras?

The Vivitar Action Camera Kit 1080p offers a compelling mix of 1080p video quality, waterproof housing, and a wide range of included mounts—all at an affordable price. Its intuitive interface and long battery life make it ideal for beginners and casual users.

Does the Vivitar Action Camera Kit 1080p support high-quality video and photo capture?

Yes, the camera records crisp 1080p Full HD video at 30fps and captures 12MP still photos, delivering solid performance for its price range. While it lacks 4K, the 1080p output is clear and stable for most outdoor activities.

Is the Vivitar Action Camera 1080p waterproof, and what accessories are included?

The camera comes with a rugged waterproof housing rated for depths up to 30 meters (100 feet), making it perfect for snorkeling, surfing, and rainy conditions. The kit includes a helmet mount, handlebar mount, spare battery, and USB cable—great for immediate use.

Can I use the Vivitar Action Camera Kit 1080p for live streaming or remote control?

Unfortunately, the Vivitar Action Camera Kit 1080p doesn’t support Wi-Fi or app-based live streaming. However, it does feature a simple one-button control system and a built-in LCD screen for easy framing and playback.

How long does the battery last on the Vivitar 1080p Action Camera?

The included rechargeable battery provides up to 90 minutes of continuous 1080p video recording. Since the kit includes a spare battery, you can easily double your shooting time on the go.

Is the Vivitar Action Camera Kit 1080p suitable for vlogging or YouTube content?

Yes, the 1080p resolution, wide-angle lens, and included mounts make it a practical entry-level option for vloggers and content creators on a budget. While audio quality is basic, pairing it with an external mic improves voice clarity significantly.