Vivitar DVR 786HD Action Camera Specs – Full Review and Features on CNET

The Vivitar DVR 786HD delivers solid 1080p video and 12MP photos at a budget-friendly price, making it a compelling entry-level action camera. With waterproof housing, built-in Wi-Fi, and a wide-angle lens, it’s ready for adventure right out of the box. While not as rugged or feature-rich as premium brands, it offers strong value for casual users and beginners.

Key Takeaways

• Affordable pricing: Budget-friendly option for entry-level action camera users.
• 1080p video: Delivers solid HD footage for casual recording needs.
• 2-inch LCD screen: Built-in display simplifies framing and playback.
• Waterproof housing: Withstands depths up to 30m with included case.
• Wi-Fi connectivity: Enables quick sharing via mobile app control.
• Limited battery life: Lasts only 90 minutes—carry spares for long shoots.

Why the Vivitar DVR 786HD Action Camera Might Be Your Next Adventure Sidekick

Remember that time you tried to capture your first mountain biking trail run? The wind in your hair, the adrenaline pumping, and then—your phone slips out of your hand and tumbles into a bush. Or the GoPro you borrowed from a friend? It ran out of battery halfway through your hike. We’ve all been there. Action cameras are supposed to make capturing life’s wildest moments easier, but not all of them deliver on that promise. Enter the Vivitar DVR 786HD Action Camera, a budget-friendly contender that’s been quietly building a following among outdoor enthusiasts, vloggers, and weekend adventurers.

After spending weeks testing the Vivitar DVR 786HD in real-world scenarios—from kayaking in light rain to capturing a family camping trip—I can confidently say this camera punches above its weight class. But is it the right fit for you? In this deep dive, I’ll walk you through every detail, from specs and performance to real-life usability. Whether you’re a first-time action cam buyer or a seasoned pro looking for a backup, this review will help you decide if the Vivitar DVR 786HD is worth your time and money. And yes, I’ll even share a few tips to get the most out of it.

Vivitar DVR 786HD: Core Specs and Design

What’s Under the Hood?

The Vivitar DVR 786HD is a 1080p HD action camera that retails for under $100. While it’s not a 4K powerhouse like high-end models, its specs are surprisingly robust for the price. Here’s a quick look at the key specs:

• Video Resolution: 1080p at 30fps, 720p at 30/60fps
• Photo Resolution: 16MP (interpolated), 12MP native
• Sensor: 1/3.2-inch CMOS
• Lens: 170° ultra-wide-angle
• Storage: MicroSD card (up to 32GB, not included)
• Battery: 900mAh removable (approx. 90 minutes of recording)
• Water Resistance: 30 meters (with included housing)
• Connectivity: Mini-USB, HDMI, Wi-Fi (via companion app)
• Weight: 55g (camera only), 120g (with housing)

Compared to the GoPro Hero 11 (which costs 5x more), the Vivitar DVR 786HD lacks advanced stabilization and 5.3K video. But for casual users, the 1080p footage is crisp enough for social media, and the 170° lens captures sweeping landscapes without fisheye distortion. The camera feels solid in hand—plastic, but not flimsy—and the rubberized buttons are easy to press even with gloves.

Included Accessories: A Mixed Bag

The package includes a waterproof housing, bike/helmet mounts, a USB cable, and adhesive pads. The housing seals tightly and has a flat lens port, which is great for underwater shots. However, the included mounts are basic. The adhesive pads? They’re hit-or-miss—I lost one during a bumpy trail run. Pro tip: Buy third-party mounts (like those from Amazon) for better durability. The Wi-Fi remote, sold separately, is worth the extra $15 if you plan to shoot solo.

Video and Photo Quality: Real-World Performance

1080p Footage: Good, Not Great

In bright daylight, the Vivitar DVR 786HD delivers vibrant, detailed 1080p videos. Colors are accurate, and motion is smooth at 30fps. I tested it during a sunset hike—the camera handled the low-light transition better than expected, though shadows were a bit grainy. The 170° lens captures wide scenes without the “barrel” effect common in cheaper cams. However, in fast-paced action (think mountain biking), the lack of stabilization means shaky footage. Here’s a quick comparison:

• GoPro Hero 11: HyperSmooth 5.0 stabilization, 5.3K video
• Vivitar DVR 786HD: No stabilization, 1080p video (but 720p/60fps for smoother motion)
• Akaso EK7000: 4K video, basic stabilization

Workaround: Use the camera’s 720p/60fps mode for action scenes, or stabilize footage in free software like Shotcut. For static shots (e.g., time-lapses), the 1080p mode shines.

Photos: Decent for Snapshots

The 16MP photos (interpolated from 12MP) are fine for social media, but don’t expect DSLR quality. In bright light, colors pop, and details are sharp. In low light, photos get noisy—even with the “Night Mode” setting. I tried capturing a campfire scene; the flames looked good, but the surrounding shadows were muddy. Tip: Use burst mode (10fps) for action photos. The camera’s auto-focus is quick, but manual focus isn’t available.

Low-Light and Waterproof Performance

The camera struggles in dim lighting. Indoor shots (e.g., a birthday party) looked flat and grainy. For water use, the housing is a lifesaver. I tested it kayaking in light rain—the camera stayed dry, and underwater footage was clear down to 10 meters. But the touchscreen (on the housing) is hard to use with wet fingers. Pro move: Use the physical buttons instead.

Usability and Features: What You Need to Know

Menu System: Simple but Limited

The Vivitar DVR 786HD has a 2-inch LCD screen and four buttons (power, mode, select, up/down). The menu is intuitive—no manual required. You can toggle between video, photo, burst, and time-lapse modes with a few clicks. However, the settings are sparse. For example, you can’t adjust ISO, shutter speed, or white balance manually. The “Scene Modes” (Auto, Night, Sports, etc.) are basic presets.

Real talk: If you’re a manual shooter, this isn’t your cam. But for point-and-shoot simplicity, it’s perfect. I set it to “Sports” mode for biking and forgot about it—no fiddling needed.

Wi-Fi and App: Functional but Frustrating

The camera connects to your phone via Wi-Fi using the “Vivitar Connect” app (iOS/Android). Setup is easy: turn on Wi-Fi, connect to the camera’s network, and launch the app. The app lets you:

• Preview the camera’s view in real-time
• Start/stop recording
• Change settings (resolution, exposure, etc.)
• Download media to your phone

But the app has quirks. It crashes occasionally, and the 10-foot Wi-Fi range is limiting. Once, I lost connection while trying to film a friend’s skateboard trick. Fix: Keep your phone within 5 feet, and restart the app if it freezes.

Battery and Storage: Plan Ahead

The 900mAh battery lasts ~90 minutes in 1080p mode. That’s enough for a short hike but falls short for all-day adventures. I drained it in 70 minutes while filming a 45-minute kayaking trip (with Wi-Fi on). Solution: Carry spare batteries (sold separately) or a power bank. For storage, a 32GB card holds ~3 hours of 1080p video. Use a Class 10 card (like SanDisk Extreme) to avoid lag.

Accessories and Expandability: What Works (and What Doesn’t)

Mounts and Housings: The Good, the Bad, the Ugly

The included mounts work for helmets and handlebars, but the adhesive pads peel off after a few uses. I lost a camera during a trail run—lesson learned. Third-party mounts (e.g., Peak Design) are sturdier. The waterproof housing is a standout—it’s thick, with a secure latch, and the flat lens port reduces glare. But the housing’s buttons are stiff, and the touchscreen is unresponsive with gloves.

Pro tip: For cold-weather use, buy a silicone sleeve (like this one) to keep the camera warm and the battery lasting longer.

Audio Quality: A Weak Spot

The built-in mic is mediocre. Wind noise drowns out speech in outdoor shots. I tested it while biking—the mic picked up wind and road noise, but my voice was faint. For vlogging, use an external mic (the camera has a 3.5mm jack). The included windscreen helps slightly, but it’s not a fix-all.

Expandability: Room for Growth

The camera supports microSD cards up to 32GB (not 64GB or 128GB, despite some listings). It also has a mini-HDMI port for direct playback to TVs. No external battery pack or GPS, but that’s expected at this price.

Who Should (and Shouldn’t) Buy the Vivitar DVR 786HD?

The Ideal User

This camera is perfect for:

• Budget-conscious adventurers: You want to capture memories without breaking the bank.
• Beginners: The simple menu and included accessories mean no learning curve.
• Casual vloggers: 1080p video is enough for YouTube Shorts or TikTok.
• Backup shooters: A secondary cam for risky situations (e.g., cliff diving).

I used it for a family camping trip—filming kids roasting marshmallows, hiking trails, and even a rainy-day board game. It handled everything, and the waterproof housing survived a few splashes.

The Dealbreakers

Skip this camera if you need:

• 4K video or stabilization: The Akaso EK7000 or GoPro Hero 11 are better.
• Pro audio: The mic is weak; invest in a Rode VideoMic instead.
• Long battery life: 90 minutes won’t cut it for all-day shoots.
• Advanced controls: No manual settings for pros.

One friend tried using it for a surf trip. The camera survived, but the footage was shaky, and the mic picked up too much wind. He switched back to his GoPro.

Final Verdict: A Hidden Gem for the Right User

After weeks of testing, I’ve grown fond of the Vivitar DVR 786HD. It’s not perfect—the battery life is short, the app is clunky, and the audio is weak—but it delivers where it counts: value. For under $100, you get 1080p video, waterproof housing, and a 170° lens that captures stunning wide-angle shots. It’s the camera I reach for when I want to document a hike without worrying about losing a $400 GoPro.

Here’s my advice: If you’re a casual shooter, a parent capturing family adventures, or a budget traveler, this cam is a steal. Pair it with third-party mounts, a spare battery, and a good microSD card, and you’ve got a reliable tool for years. But if you’re a pro videographer or need 4K, look elsewhere.

The Vivitar DVR 786HD won’t replace high-end models, but it proves that “budget” doesn’t mean “bad.” It’s a reminder that sometimes, the best gear is the one that lets you focus on the moment—not the specs.

Vivitar DVR 786HD: Quick Specs Comparison

Feature	Vivitar DVR 786HD	GoPro Hero 11	Akaso EK7000
Video Resolution	1080p/30fps	5.3K/60fps	4K/30fps
Photo Resolution	16MP (interpolated)	27MP	16MP
Stabilization	None	HyperSmooth 5.0	Basic EIS
Water Resistance	30m (with housing)	10m (no housing)	40m (with housing)
Battery Life	90 mins	120 mins	90 mins
Price	Under $100	$400+	$100-$150

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key features of the Vivitar DVR 786HD action camera?

The Vivitar DVR 786HD action camera offers 1080p HD video recording, a 5MP sensor for still photos, and a built-in 1.5-inch LCD screen. It also includes a waterproof housing (up to 30 meters) and supports microSD cards up to 32GB, making it ideal for capturing adventures.

Is the Vivitar DVR 786HD compatible with GoPro mounts?

Yes, the Vivitar DVR 786HD uses a standard mounting system compatible with most GoPro-style mounts and accessories. This makes it easy to integrate into existing setups for bikes, helmets, or other action gear.

How long does the battery last on the Vivitar DVR 786HD?

The built-in rechargeable battery offers approximately 90 minutes of continuous recording time at 1080p. Battery life may vary depending on usage, such as screen-on time or recording in lower resolutions.

Does the Vivitar DVR 786HD support slow-motion or time-lapse video?

Yes, the camera includes a time-lapse mode for interval shooting and a 60fps option in 720p mode for smoother slow-motion playback. These features enhance creative possibilities for action and outdoor filming.

Can the Vivitar DVR 786HD record audio while underwater?

While the camera is waterproof up to 30 meters, audio recording is disabled underwater due to the sealed housing. Audio works well in above-water activities like biking, hiking, or skiing.

Where can I find the full Vivitar DVR 786HD specs and review?

For the complete Vivitar DVR 786HD specs, features, and expert review, visit CNET’s detailed product page. It covers everything from video quality to accessory options and user ratings.