Vivitar 4K Action Camera with Remote Review Best Budget Pick

The Vivitar 4K Action Camera with Remote delivers stunning 4K video and hands-free control at an unbeatable budget price, making it a top pick for entry-level adventurers. Its included wireless remote and rugged, waterproof design offer convenience and durability without breaking the bank—perfect for capturing high-quality action shots on a dime.

Key Takeaways

• Affordable 4K quality: Delivers sharp video at a fraction of premium camera costs.
• Remote included: Control recordings hands-free with the convenient wireless remote.
• Waterproof design: Dive up to 30m without extra housing for underwater adventures.
• Long battery life: Record up to 90 minutes on a single charge reliably.
• Lightweight & portable: Easy to carry and mount for on-the-go action shots.
• Beginner-friendly UI: Intuitive menus make setup and operation simple for new users.

Why the Vivitar 4K Action Camera with Remote Might Be Your New Best Friend

Let’s be honest—life’s most exciting moments don’t wait for the perfect camera setup. Whether you’re hiking a misty mountain trail, catching air on your mountain bike, or just trying to capture your kid’s first soccer goal, you need a camera that’s ready to roll at a moment’s notice. That’s where the Vivitar 4K Action Camera with Remote steps in—not as a flashy, overpriced gadget, but as a dependable, budget-friendly companion that punches way above its weight.

I first stumbled upon this little powerhouse when I was planning a weekend kayaking trip. My GoPro was acting up (again), and I needed a backup. I didn’t want to spend a fortune, but I also didn’t want blurry, choppy footage. After reading dozens of reviews, I took a chance on the Vivitar. Spoiler: I didn’t regret it. It’s not perfect, but for the price, it delivers in spades. Over the past few months, I’ve tested it in rain, snow, and even a few accidental drops (oops). In this review, I’ll walk you through what it does well, where it falls short, and why it might just be the best budget action camera for everyday adventurers like you and me.

Design and Build: Tough, Compact, and Surprisingly Thoughtful

First Impressions: It’s Smaller Than You Think

When I unboxed the Vivitar 4K, I was surprised by how compact it felt. It’s about the size of a matchbox—small enough to slip into your pocket, but solid enough to feel durable. The body is made of a textured plastic that’s grippy, even when wet. I’ve dropped mine from waist height onto concrete (don’t ask), and it survived with just a tiny scuff. The lens is protected by a removable cover, which is a small but smart touch.

The included housing is waterproof up to 30 meters (about 98 feet), which is more than enough for snorkeling, kayaking, or even light scuba diving. I tested it in a lake during a sudden downpour, and the camera stayed dry inside. The housing seals tightly with a twist-lock mechanism, and I never had any leaks—even after 45 minutes underwater.

Remote Control: A Game-Changer for Solo Adventures

The included remote is one of the standout features. It’s a small, wrist-worn device with a single button. Press it once to start recording, again to stop. It connects via Bluetooth and works up to 15 meters away. I used it while kayaking—strapped it to my wrist, and every time I saw a heron or a fish jump, I hit the button without fumbling with the camera.

Pro tip: The remote is also great for group shots. Hand it to a friend, and they can start recording without touching the camera. No more “Wait, was that recording?” moments. Just remember to charge it separately—it uses a micro-USB cable, same as the camera.

Mounts and Accessories: Everything You Need (Almost)

Vivitar includes a decent starter kit: a bike mount, a helmet mount, a flat adhesive mount, a USB cable, and a cleaning cloth. The mounts use a standard GoPro-style interface, so you can easily upgrade later. I used the bike mount on a 20-mile trail ride—it stayed put, even on bumpy terrain.

The only thing missing? A head strap. If you plan to use this while skiing or snowboarding, you’ll need to buy one separately. But honestly, for the price, the included accessories are a solid value.

Video and Photo Quality: 4K That Doesn’t Break the Bank

4K Resolution: Crisp, But Not Perfect

Let’s talk about the star feature: 4K video. The Vivitar shoots in 4K at 30 frames per second (fps), which is standard for this price range. In good lighting—sunny days, clear water—the footage is sharp and vibrant. Colors pop, and details like tree bark or water droplets come through nicely.

But here’s the catch: in low light (dawn, dusk, shaded forests), the camera struggles. The image gets grainy, and motion can look a bit choppy. I tested it during a sunset kayak trip, and while the sky was still colorful, the shadows under the trees looked muddy. If you’re shooting mostly in daylight, this won’t be an issue. But if you’re a night owl or love twilight hikes, you’ll notice the limits.

1080p and Slow-Motion: Where It Shines

Switch to 1080p at 60 fps, and the camera performs much better. The image is smoother, and low-light performance improves. I used this setting for a mountain biking video, and the fast turns and jumps looked fluid. The camera also offers 1080p at 120 fps for slow-motion shots—great for capturing a splash, a jump, or a pet’s antics.

Example: I filmed my dog chasing a ball in 1080p/120fps. Slowed it down, and you could see every drop of water flying off his fur. It’s not Hollywood-quality, but for social media or personal archives, it’s fantastic.

Photo Mode: Decent, But Don’t Expect Pro Shots

The Vivitar takes 12MP still photos. In daylight, they’re clear and usable—good for sharing on Instagram or keeping as memories. But the camera lacks advanced features like manual focus or RAW mode. The auto-focus can be slow, especially when switching from near to far subjects.

Tip: If you’re shooting photos, use burst mode (3 or 5 shots). It increases your chances of getting a sharp image. I used this when my nephew was running around the yard—captured a few perfect smiles, even if others were blurry.

Performance and Usability: Simple, But With Quirks

Battery Life: Good, But Bring a Spare

The built-in 1050mAh battery lasts about 90 minutes of 4K recording. That’s decent, but not amazing. I usually get 75–80 minutes in real-world use, especially when using Wi-Fi or the remote. For a full day of hiking or biking, I recommend carrying a spare battery or a power bank.

The camera charges via micro-USB, which takes about 2.5 hours. It’s not fast, but it’s reliable. I’ve charged it in my car using a USB adapter, and it works fine. Just don’t expect USB-C or wireless charging—this is a budget camera, after all.

Wi-Fi and App: Functional, But Not Flawless

The Vivitar connects to your phone via Wi-Fi and the “Vivitar Action” app (available for iOS and Android). The app lets you preview the camera’s view, change settings, and download videos. It’s useful, but not perfect.

The connection can be finicky. Sometimes it takes a few tries to pair. Once connected, the live preview is laggy—about 2–3 seconds behind. I used it to frame shots while filming myself, but I wouldn’t rely on it for fast-moving action. The download speed is slow, too. A 1GB video took about 8 minutes to transfer to my phone. But hey, it’s free, and it works.

Menu and Controls: Easy to Learn, Hard to Master

The camera has two buttons: power and mode. Press mode to cycle through video, photo, burst, and time-lapse. Hold it to switch between 4K, 1080p, etc. It’s simple, but there’s no screen—just a tiny LED that blinks to indicate mode. It works, but it’s not intuitive at first.

After a few uses, I got used to it. But if you’re used to touchscreens or detailed menus, it might feel limiting. Tip: Write down the LED blink patterns (e.g., “3 blinks = 1080p”) and tape it to the housing until you memorize them.

Value and Competition: How It Stacks Up

Price vs. Performance: The Budget Champion

The Vivitar 4K Action Camera with Remote typically retails for under $100—often closer to $70–$80. For that price, you get 4K video, a waterproof housing, a remote, and a solid accessory bundle. Compare that to the GoPro HERO12 (which costs over $400) or the DJI Osmo Action 4 (around $300), and the Vivitar looks like a steal.

But it’s not just about price. It’s about value. If you’re a casual user—someone who wants to capture vacations, sports, or family moments without spending a fortune—this camera delivers. It’s not for professional filmmakers, but for everyday adventures, it’s more than capable.

Compared to Other Budget Cameras

Let’s look at a few competitors:

• Akaso Brave 7 LE: Similar price, but the Vivitar has a better remote and slightly better battery life. The Akaso has a touchscreen, though—something the Vivitar lacks.
• Campark ACT74: Also under $100, but the video quality is noticeably softer, especially in 4K. The Vivitar’s colors are more natural.
• Dragon Touch Vision 3: A bit cheaper, but the build feels flimsy, and the remote isn’t as reliable.

The Vivitar strikes a nice balance: not the cheapest, but one of the most well-rounded options in its class.

Who Should Buy It (And Who Shouldn’t)

This camera is perfect for:

• Hikers, bikers, and outdoor enthusiasts on a budget
• Parents wanting to capture kids’ activities
• Travelers who need a lightweight, waterproof camera
• Anyone tired of smartphone cameras that die in the rain

But it’s not ideal for:

• Low-light or nighttime filming
• Professional or commercial use
• Users who want advanced features like voice control or GPS

Real-World Testing: How It Performs in the Wild

Waterproof Test: Survived a Rainstorm (and a Dip)

I took the camera on a rainy day hike. The housing kept it dry, and the footage was surprisingly clear—no fog, no water spots. Later, I dropped it into a shallow creek (on purpose, for science). It stayed underwater for 10 minutes, and the video was smooth and stable.

Note: Always check the housing seals before submerging. A tiny hair or grain of sand can cause leaks.

Action Shots: Mountain Biking and Kayaking

On a mountain bike trail, the camera captured fast turns and jumps without blur. The 1080p/60fps mode handled motion well. In kayaking, the remote let me record without taking my hands off the paddle. The only issue? The camera’s wide-angle lens can distort close-up objects. A tree branch 2 feet away looked curved, like a fisheye effect.

Family Moments: Kids, Pets, and Everyday Life

I used the camera at a birthday party. The 12MP photos were good for sharing online, and the burst mode caught my nephew’s cake smash. The remote was a hit—my sister used it to record her daughter’s dance, then handed it to me to film the cake.

Tip: Use the flat adhesive mount on a table or counter for hands-free recording. I stuck it to the kitchen counter to film cooking tutorials, and it worked great.

Final Verdict: The Best Budget Pick for Everyday Adventures

After months of testing, I’ve come to love the Vivitar 4K Action Camera with Remote. It’s not perfect—low-light performance is weak, the app is clunky, and the menu takes getting used to. But for under $100, it delivers where it counts: crisp 4K video, reliable waterproofing, and a remote that makes solo filming a breeze.

This isn’t a camera for Hollywood directors or Instagram influencers chasing perfection. It’s for real people—hikers, parents, travelers, and weekend warriors—who want to capture life’s moments without breaking the bank. If you’re looking for a budget action camera that’s tough, easy to use, and packed with value, the Vivitar should be at the top of your list.

Is it the best action camera ever made? No. But is it the best budget pick for most people? Absolutely. It’s like the reliable old pickup truck of cameras—nothing flashy, but it gets the job done, rain or shine. And sometimes, that’s exactly what you need.

Quick Specs at a Glance

Feature	Specification
Video Resolution	4K (30fps), 1080p (60/120fps)
Photo Resolution	12MP
Battery Life	Up to 90 minutes (4K)
Waterproof	30m with housing
Remote Control	Wrist-worn, Bluetooth, 15m range
Connectivity	Wi-Fi, micro-USB
Storage	MicroSD (up to 128GB, not included)
Included Accessories	Waterproof housing, bike/helmet/flat mounts, remote, USB cable

So, if you’re ready to start capturing your adventures—without spending a fortune—give the Vivitar 4K a try. It might just become your new favorite sidekick. And hey, if you’re like me, you’ll probably end up using it more than you ever expected. Happy filming!

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the Vivitar 4K Action Camera with Remote a great budget pick?

The Vivitar 4K Action Camera delivers impressive 4K video quality, a wireless remote, and essential accessories at a fraction of premium brands’ prices. Its value-for-money performance makes it ideal for beginners or casual users.

Does the Vivitar 4K Action Camera with Remote work well in low light?

This camera performs decently in low-light conditions thanks to its wide-angle lens and adjustable ISO settings. For best results, use the included mounts in well-lit environments or add an external light source.

Is the remote included with the Vivitar 4K Action Camera waterproof?

Yes, the wireless remote is waterproof up to 30 meters (100 feet), allowing you to control the camera while swimming, snorkeling, or during rainy adventures. The camera itself is also water-resistant with its housing.

Can I use the Vivitar 4K Action Camera as a dashcam?

Absolutely! The camera supports loop recording and has a built-in G-sensor for automatic accident detection, making it a versatile budget-friendly dashcam option. You’ll need a microSD card (up to 128GB) for extended use.

What accessories come with the Vivitar 4K Action Camera with Remote?

The package includes a waterproof housing, handlebar mount, helmet mount, adhesive pads, USB cable, and the wireless remote. These accessories let you start filming right out of the box.

How long does the battery last on the Vivitar 4K Action Camera?

The rechargeable 1050mAh battery provides about 60-90 minutes of continuous 4K recording. Spare batteries are recommended for longer shoots, and power-saving modes can extend usage time.