So, you’ve got yourself a budget-friendly action camera, ready to capture all your adventurous escapades. That’s awesome! But if your footage isn’t quite living up to the epic scenes in your head, don’t worry – you’re not alone. The secret often lies not in buying a super expensive camera, but in mastering the best menu settings for cheap action camera models.
Many folks think that a cheap camera just can’t deliver good results, but with a few tweaks and the right understanding of its menu options, you can significantly boost your video quality and overall shooting experience. It’s all about getting the most out of what you’ve got!
In this guide, we’ll dive into how to optimize your budget action cam’s settings and then review some cameras that, despite their affordable price tag, offer surprisingly good control over their output. Let’s get your footage looking its best!
Decoding Your Cheap Action Camera’s Menu: What to Tweak
Before we look at specific models, let’s talk general action camera tips. Even with a basic camera, understanding these core settings can make a world of difference.
- Resolution & Frame Rate: This is your primary video quality setting. For action, aiming for at least 1080p at 30fps (frames per second) is a good starting point. If your camera offers 1080p at 60fps, use it for smoother motion, especially for fast-paced activities. Some budget cameras now even offer 4K, but check if it’s native 4K or upscaled, as higher resolution can impact file size and battery life.
- Electronic Image Stabilization (EIS): Many cheap action cameras now feature EIS. Turn it on! It helps smooth out shaky footage, making your videos much more watchable. Be aware that it might slightly crop your field of view, but it’s usually worth it.
- Exposure & White Balance: These settings control how bright your video is and the color accuracy. Most cameras have automatic modes, which are fine for general use. However, if you’re shooting in challenging lighting (e.g., very bright snow, deep shadows, or underwater), manual adjustment can prevent overexposure or washed-out colors. Look for presets like “daylight,” “cloudy,” “fluorescent,” or “underwater.”
- Field of View (FOV): Some cameras allow you to adjust the lens’s field of view (Super Wide, Wide, Medium, Narrow). A wider FOV captures more of the scene, which is great for immersive action. A narrower FOV can reduce distortion and focus more on the subject. Experiment to see what works for your activity.
- Loop Recording: Useful for dash cam functionality, but turn it off if you’re shooting continuous action sequences, otherwise your camera will overwrite older footage once the memory card is full.
- Time-Lapse & Slow Motion: Explore these creative shooting modes! They can add a professional touch to your videos. Time-lapse is great for sunsets or cityscapes, while slow motion really highlights quick actions.
- Metering Mode: This tells the camera how to measure the light in the scene. “Multi-segment” or “matrix” metering is good for general use, but “spot” or “center-weighted” can be useful if your main subject is very bright or dark compared to the background.
Remember, the best menu settings for cheap action camera models aren’t one-size-fits-all. It often involves a bit of trial and error and understanding what your specific camera can do. Let’s look at some products that offer good control for their price.
Our Top Picks for Cheap Action Cameras and Their Menu Mastery
ATEYA Rotating Menu Compact Digital Camera with Wrist…
The ATEYA AT02 stands out for its sheer simplicity and innovative “rotating menu” design, making it a fantastic choice for beginners or anyone who wants easy access to core settings without getting bogged down in complex sub-menus. While not a rugged action camera in the traditional sense, its compact size and user-friendly interface mean you can quickly switch between photo modes or apply creative filters on the fly, ensuring you capture that fleeting moment with your desired look. It’s perfect for casual adventures or vlogging where ease of use is paramount.
- High-Resolution Images & Videos: Equipped with CMOS sensors and IPS color screens for clear photos and videos.
- Rotating Menu Quick Settings: Unique rotating key for fast, one-finger access to photo modes and settings.
- Small & Compact Design: Lightweight, smaller than a phone, easy to carry with a wrist strap.
- Encourage Creation: 11 creative filters and various image styles (beautify, nine-grid, scenarios, exposure compensation).
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Included Accessories: Comes with a 32GB memory card.
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Pros:
- Extremely easy and intuitive menu navigation with the rotating key.
- Compact and portable, great for everyday use.
- Good range of creative filters and shooting styles for customization.
- Includes a memory card, ready to use out of the box.
- Cons:
- Not designed for extreme action sports like traditional action cameras.
- Focuses more on still photography than high-action video.
- Requires original USB cable for charging/transfer.
User Impressions: Users love how straightforward this camera is, especially appreciating the rotating menu for quick setting changes. Many find it ideal for kids or as a simple point-and-shoot for travel, praising its ability to capture good casual photos without fiddling with advanced settings.
AKASO V50 Pro Native 4K30fps 20MP WiFi Action Camera with…
For those seeking a true action camera experience without breaking the bank, the AKASO V50 Pro delivers excellent value. Its native 4K resolution and 20MP stills capture crisp detail, but what truly makes it shine for getting the best menu settings for cheap action camera footage is its robust electronic image stabilization and, crucially, the optional view angle settings. Being able to choose between Super Wide, Wide, Medium, and Narrow means you have more control over your shot composition directly from the camera’s menu, tailoring it precisely to your adventure, whether it’s an expansive landscape or a focused close-up.
- Superb Image Quality: Native 4K/30fps video and 20MP photos.
- Electronic Image Stabilization (EIS): Built-in 6-axis gyroscope for stable videos.
- Optional View Angle: Adjustable between Super Wide, Wide, Medium, and Narrow with distortion calibration.
- Built-in WiFi and HDMI Output: Easy sharing via app (iSmart Pro+) and TV connectivity.
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Free Valuable Accessories: Includes 2 rechargeable 1100mAh batteries, charger, remote control, and mounting kits compatible with GoPro.
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Pros:
- Native 4K resolution at an affordable price point.
- Effective EIS significantly improves video stability.
- Adjustable field of view provides creative control over framing.
- Comes with a generous accessory bundle, including extra batteries and a remote.
- User-friendly app for quick sharing.
- Cons:
- Low-light performance might not match higher-end models.
- Battery life can be limited, though two are included.
User Impressions: Reviewers frequently highlight the V50 Pro’s impressive video quality for its price, often comparing it favorably to more expensive brands. The EIS is a common point of praise, as is the inclusion of numerous accessories that make it ready for action right out of the box. Users appreciate the flexible view angle settings for different scenarios.
VELATEMOR 4K Body Camera, with 180° Rotating Lens, Wearable…
The VELATEMOR 4K Body Camera offers a unique blend of wearability and flexible shooting, making it perfect for hands-free recording where precise framing is often needed. Its standout feature is the 180° rotatable lens, which acts as a physical “menu setting” allowing you to manually adjust the angle on the fly, ensuring you capture exactly what you want without cumbersome re-mounting. Coupled with a full-color LCD screen for instant playback and a detailed menu for easy control, this camera allows you to quickly dial in the best menu settings for cheap action camera needs in various personal and security contexts.
- High Definition 4K Wearable Camera: Captures clear 4K resolution video.
- 180° Rotatable Wide Angle Lens: Manually adjustable lens angle for versatile recording.
- Motion Detection for Smart Recording: Automatically starts/stops recording based on movement, saving battery and space.
- Full Color LCD Screen: Allows instant playback, real-time angle adjustments, and easy menu navigation.
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Clip On Design for Flexible Mounting: Easily attaches to pockets, belts, backpacks, etc.
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Pros:
- Highly versatile thanks to the rotating lens and clip-on design.
- 4K resolution provides excellent detail for its form factor.
- Motion detection is great for security or hands-free recording efficiency.
- Built-in LCD screen simplifies setup and review without an external device.
- Intuitive menu for quick adjustments on the go.
- Cons:
- Battery life may vary significantly with continuous recording or motion detection.
- Not designed for extreme water sports (though good for general outdoor use).
User Impressions: Customers love the discreet nature and flexibility of this body camera. The rotating lens is frequently cited as a game-changer for framing shots without having to reposition the entire camera. The motion detection feature is also a big hit for those using it for security or long-duration recording.
Vantrue E360 ACE 3 Channel WiFi Dash Cam, Dual STARVIS…
While primarily a dash cam, the Vantrue E360 ACE breaks boundaries with its “Extended Handheld Mode,” transforming it into a highly versatile device capable of capturing life’s moments far beyond the car. For those looking for extensive control, this camera offers voice and touch control for its menu navigation, allowing you to save video, take photos, and adjust settings hands-free. Its advanced STARVIS 2 and HDR technology, combined with 8 IR night vision lights, ensure superior low light performance, a critical factor often missing in cheaper action cameras. It’s an all-in-one solution for those who demand detailed control and high-quality recording across various scenarios.
- 3 Channel 2.7K Wide Angle Recording: Simultaneously records front, rear, and cabin views with ultra-wide lenses.
- Extended Handheld Mode: Transforms into a versatile action camera with a handheld mount, including a 9:16 portrait mode.
- Dual STARVIS 2 & HDR, 8 IR Night Vision: Superior image quality in all lighting conditions, including no light.
- 5GHz WiFi & Dual-Sys. GPS Logger: Fast video downloads, accurate location tracking, and driving data analysis.
- 24/7 Buffered Parking Mode: Automatic event recording with pre-recording for security (requires hardwiring).
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Smart Voice & Touch Control: Control camera functions with voice commands or a 1.54’’ IPS touchscreen.
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Pros:
- Exceptional video quality in various lighting conditions due to STARVIS 2 and HDR.
- Highly versatile, functioning as a dash cam and a handheld camera.
- Advanced control options via voice commands and a responsive touchscreen.
- Comprehensive 3-channel recording with wide coverage.
- Robust parking mode with pre-recording for security.
- Cons:
- Primary design is for in-car use; handheld mode requires a separate mount.
- Requires hardwiring for 24/7 parking mode.
- Might be overkill for users solely seeking a basic action camera.
User Impressions: Users are incredibly impressed by the Vantrue E360 ACE’s overall video quality, especially its night vision capabilities. The seamless transition to a handheld action camera mode and the intuitive voice/touch controls are frequently highlighted as major advantages, making it a powerful and versatile recording tool for both on-road and off-road adventures.
Canon EOS M10 Mirrorless Camera Kit with EF-M 15-45mm…
While not a “cheap action camera” in the traditional sense, the Canon EOS M10 offers a compelling upgrade path for those who started with a basic action cam but now crave significantly more creative control over their footage and photos. It offers extensive menu settings typically found in higher-end cameras, including manual movie control for Full HD video, and the innovative Creative Assist feature that lets you easily adjust brightness, background blur, color vividness, and more via its intuitive touch screen. This makes it perfect for users who want to step up their game, ensuring superior video quality and photographic versatility in various scenarios, making it an excellent choice for content creators and enthusiasts.
- 18.0 Megapixel CMOS (APS-C) sensor: Captures stunning detail in challenging lighting with ISO up to 25600.
- Hybrid CMOS AF II: Speedy and accurate autofocus with up to 4.6 fps continuous shooting.
- Intuitive Touch Screen 3.0 Tilt-Type LCD: Perfect for selfies, easy menu navigation, and image review.
- Full HD 1920×1080 Movies: Records at 24p and 30p in MP4 format with manual movie control.
- Creative Assist: Easily adjust image settings like brightness, blur, vividness, contrast, warmth, and filters.
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Built-in Wi-Fi and NFC: Seamless transfer to smartphones/tablets and sharing to social media.
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Pros:
- Significantly superior image and video quality compared to most cheap action cameras.
- Extensive manual control over movie settings and creative effects.
- Intuitive touchscreen interface makes menu navigation easy.
- Tilt-type LCD is excellent for vlogging and creative angles.
- Wi-Fi and NFC for easy sharing and remote control.
- Cons:
- Higher price point than a typical “cheap action camera.”
- Not as rugged or waterproof out-of-the-box as dedicated action cameras.
- Larger and less portable for extreme action sports.
User Impressions: Canon M10 users praise its excellent image quality, user-friendly interface for a mirrorless camera, and its compact size that makes it a great travel companion. The touchscreen and Creative Assist feature are frequently highlighted for making advanced settings accessible even to beginners, allowing them to truly fine-tune their shots.
FAQ Section
Q1: What is the ideal resolution and frame rate for a cheap action camera?
A1: For most cheap action cameras, aiming for 1080p at 30fps is a solid choice, offering a good balance between video quality and file size. If your camera supports 1080p at 60fps, definitely use it for smoother, more fluid motion, especially for fast-paced action. Some cameras offer 4K, but verify if it’s native or upscaled, as upscaled 4K might not always provide a significant visual upgrade and can consume more battery and storage.
Q2: Should I always use Electronic Image Stabilization (EIS) if my camera has it?
A2: Yes, almost always! EIS dramatically reduces camera shake and vibrations, resulting in much smoother and more watchable footage. While it might introduce a slight crop to your field of view, the benefit of stable video usually outweighs this minor drawback, especially on budget cameras where physical stabilization is absent.
Q3: How can I improve low-light video quality on my affordable action camera?
A3: Improving low-light performance on a cheap action camera can be challenging, but some menu settings can help. Try increasing the ISO sensitivity if your camera allows it (but be wary of increased noise). Ensure your frame rate is not too high (e.g., stick to 30fps instead of 60fps). Some cameras might have a “low light” mode. Ultimately, external lighting is often the most effective solution for truly dark environments.
Q4: What are the best menu settings for cheap action camera battery life?
A4: To maximize battery life, reduce resolution and frame rate if possible (e.g., from 4K to 1080p, or 60fps to 30fps). Turn off Wi-Fi when not actively using it for transfer or remote control. Decrease screen brightness or set the screen to turn off after a short idle period. Avoid excessive use of advanced features like GPS or high-power modes unless necessary. Carrying extra batteries is always a good idea.
Q5: What’s the difference between “Wide” and “Narrow” field of view settings?
A5: “Wide” or “Super Wide” captures more of the scene, creating an immersive, expansive look often associated with action cameras. It’s great for landscapes, group shots, or showing the entire scope of an activity. “Narrow” crops the image, reducing the fisheye distortion typical of wide-angle lenses and focusing more tightly on your subject, making it more akin to a standard lens. Experiment to see which suits your specific shot.
Q6: Can I use an external microphone with my cheap action camera?
A6: Some budget action cameras do include a port for an external microphone, but many do not. Check your camera’s specifications and ports carefully. If it has a 3.5mm jack or a USB-C port that supports audio input, you might be in luck. Using an external mic can significantly improve audio quality, which is often a weak point on cheaper models.
Q7: How do White Balance settings affect my video, and when should I change them?
A7: White Balance adjusts the color temperature of your video to ensure white objects appear white, preventing an unwanted color cast. Auto White Balance usually works fine, but in specific lighting conditions (e.g., indoors with artificial lights, underwater, or very cloudy days), the auto setting can get confused. Manually selecting presets like “Daylight,” “Cloudy,” “Fluorescent,” or “Underwater” can help achieve more accurate and natural colors in your footage.
Q8: What is Loop Recording, and when should I turn it on or off?
A8: Loop recording is a feature that allows the camera to continuously record by overwriting the oldest footage when the memory card is full. It’s incredibly useful for dash cam applications where you want continuous surveillance but don’t need to save every moment. However, for general action camera use where you want to keep all your recorded footage of an event, you should turn loop recording OFF to prevent your camera from deleting important moments.
