Vivitar Action Camera with Remote Silver Review Best Budget Pick

The Vivitar Action Camera with Remote Silver is the ultimate budget-friendly choice for adventurers seeking reliable 4K video and convenient wireless control. Packed with essential features like waterproof housing and a wearable remote, it delivers impressive performance without breaking the bank—perfect for capturing action on a dime.

Key Takeaways

• Affordable performance: Delivers solid 4K video for budget-conscious buyers.
• Remote included: Control recordings effortlessly with the wireless remote.
• Compact design: Lightweight and portable for all adventure types.
• Waterproof housing: Dive up to 30m with included case.
• Easy sharing: Built-in Wi-Fi enables quick file transfers.
• Battery life: Carry spares for extended outdoor use.

Why I Chose the Vivitar Action Camera with Remote Silver

Let’s face it—life moves fast. Whether you’re chasing waves, biking down a mountain trail, or just capturing your kid’s first steps, you don’t always have time to set up a perfect shot. That’s where action cameras come in. After trying a few high-end models, I wanted to see if a Vivitar Action Camera with Remote Silver could deliver real value without burning a hole in my wallet.

I’ll admit, I was skeptical at first. Vivitar isn’t exactly the first name you think of when it comes to action cams. GoPro and DJI dominate the headlines. But after reading dozens of reviews and seeing how many people were raving about this little silver box, I decided to give it a shot. And honestly? It surprised me. Not in a “this beats a GoPro” way, but in a “this actually works really well for the price” way. If you’re on a budget but still want to capture your adventures in crisp detail, this might just be the camera you’ve been looking for.

First Impressions: Unboxing and Build Quality

What Comes in the Box

When I opened the box, I was pleasantly surprised by how much was included. The Vivitar Action Camera with Remote Silver doesn’t skimp on accessories, which is a big win for beginners or anyone who doesn’t want to buy extras right away. Here’s what you get:

• The silver action camera (1080p model)
• A waterproof housing (up to 30 meters)
• A wireless remote control (wrist strap included)
• Multiple mounting brackets (helmet, handlebar, adhesive mounts)
• USB charging cable
• User manual and quick start guide

For under $60, that’s a solid package. I’ve seen other budget cams that force you to buy mounts separately, which quickly adds up. With Vivitar, you’re ready to go right out of the box.

Design and Durability

The camera itself feels surprisingly sturdy. It’s compact—about the size of a matchbox—and the silver finish gives it a sleek, modern look. The body is made of durable plastic with rubberized edges, which helps absorb minor drops. I accidentally knocked it off my desk once, and it survived with just a tiny scuff. Not bad for a budget model.

The waterproof housing clicks in securely and has a tight seal. I tested it in a pool and even submerged it in a river during a hike. No leaks. The buttons on the housing are a bit stiff, but that’s actually a good thing—it prevents accidental presses underwater.

One thing I love is the magnetic base on some of the mounts. You can snap the camera on and off in seconds, which is great when you’re switching between helmet, chest, and handlebar mounts mid-adventure.

The Remote Control: A Hidden Gem

The included wireless remote is a game-changer. It’s small, lightweight, and clips easily onto your wrist or handlebar. With a single button, you can start/stop recording, take photos, or switch modes—all without touching the camera.

I used it during a mountain bike ride. Instead of fumbling with the camera on my handlebars, I just tapped the remote on my glove. Worked perfectly. The range is about 10–15 feet, which is more than enough for most use cases. I did notice a slight delay (maybe 0.5 seconds) when pressing the button, but it’s not a dealbreaker.

Pro tip: Keep the remote in a small pocket or clip it to your backpack strap when not in use. It’s tiny and easy to lose!

Video and Photo Performance: What You Actually Get

1080p Video Quality

The Vivitar Action Camera with Remote Silver shoots in 1080p at 30fps. That’s not 4K, but let’s be real—most of us watch videos on phones or laptops, and 1080p is more than enough for that. I tested it in three scenarios:

• Bright daylight: Colors popped, and details were sharp. I filmed a sunrise hike, and the camera handled the changing light well. No overexposure.
• Low light (dusk): This is where budget cams usually struggle. The Vivitar did okay—grainy, but still watchable. Don’t expect GoPro-level clarity, but for casual use, it’s fine.
• Underwater: In clear water, the footage was surprisingly good. Colors looked a bit washed out, but that’s common with most action cams unless you use a red filter (sold separately).

One thing to note: there’s no image stabilization. If you’re filming while running or biking over rough terrain, you’ll get some shake. I found that using a chest mount helped reduce this, as it keeps the camera more stable than a helmet or handlebar mount.

Photo Mode and Burst Shots

The camera takes 12MP still photos. In good light, they’re crisp and vibrant. I took a few shots of a waterfall, and the details in the water spray came out nicely. However, in fast-moving scenes (like a dog chasing a ball), motion blur was an issue. The autofocus isn’t super quick, so you’ll need to plan your shots.

It also has a burst mode (3 photos per second) and a time-lapse function. I used the burst mode during a skateboarding session, and it captured some cool mid-air tricks. The time-lapse was fun for sunsets—just set it on a tripod and let it run.

Audio: A Minor Letdown

Let’s talk about sound. The built-in mic is… okay. It picks up voices clearly if you’re speaking directly into it, but in windy conditions, it’s a mess. I filmed a bike ride on a windy day, and the audio was almost unusable. Same with underwater—obviously, it doesn’t work, but even with the housing sealed, wind noise was a problem.

If you care about audio, I’d suggest using an external mic (though none are included) or just syncing the video with music later. For vlogging or interviews, this isn’t the best choice. But for action shots where you’ll add a soundtrack, it’s totally fine.

Battery Life and Storage: How Long Can It Last?

Battery Performance

The Vivitar Action Camera with Remote Silver comes with a 900mAh rechargeable battery. Vivitar claims 90 minutes of continuous recording, and in my tests, it was pretty close. I got about 80 minutes at 1080p/30fps with Wi-Fi off.

That’s not amazing, but it’s not terrible either. For a full day of shooting, I’d recommend:

• Carrying a spare battery (sold separately)
• Using airplane mode to save power
• Turning off Wi-Fi when not needed

One cool feature: you can charge the camera while it’s recording, as long as you’re using the USB cable. I used this during a long time-lapse shoot—plugged it into a portable power bank, and it ran for hours.

Memory and File Management

The camera supports microSD cards up to 32GB (not included). I used a 32GB Class 10 card, which gave me about 3 hours of 1080p video. The files are saved in MP4 format, which is compatible with most editing software.

Pro tip: Format the card in the camera before your first use. This helps prevent errors and ensures smooth recording.

The camera has a “loop recording” mode, which is great for dash cams or long events. It overwrites old footage when the card is full, so you never run out of space.

Usability and Features: Who Is This Camera For?

Ease of Use for Beginners

If you’ve never used an action cam before, this one is super beginner-friendly. The menu is simple, with just a few icons for video, photo, burst, and settings. No confusing submenus or complex controls.

There’s also a small LCD screen on the back (1.5 inches), which is a nice touch. It’s not a touchscreen, but the buttons are responsive, and the interface is intuitive. I had my 12-year-old nephew set it up in under 5 minutes.

Wi-Fi and App Connectivity

The camera has built-in Wi-Fi, so you can connect it to your phone using the “Vivitar Action Cam” app (available for iOS and Android). The app lets you:

• Preview the camera’s view on your phone
• Start/stop recording remotely
• Transfer files wirelessly

I used the app during a family picnic. Instead of running back to the camera every time, I just controlled it from my phone. Super convenient. The connection was stable within 20 feet, though it did drop once when a tree blocked the signal.

File transfer is slow (about 1 minute for a 30-second clip), so I wouldn’t rely on it for large files. But for quick social media posts, it works.

Who Should Buy This Camera?

This isn’t a pro-level camera. If you’re a filmmaker or need 4K/60fps, look elsewhere. But for:

• Beginners learning action videography
• Parents capturing kids’ sports or vacations
• Hikers, bikers, and outdoor enthusiasts on a budget
• Anyone who wants a reliable backup cam

…the Vivitar Action Camera with Remote Silver is a fantastic pick. It’s not perfect, but it nails the basics and delivers where it counts.

Comparing the Competition: How Does It Stack Up?

To give you a clearer picture, I compared the Vivitar to two other popular budget action cams: the Akaso EK7000 and the Apeman A80. Here’s how they stack up:

Feature	Vivitar Action Camera (Silver)	Akaso EK7000	Apeman A80
Resolution	1080p/30fps	4K/30fps, 1080p/60fps	4K/30fps
Battery Life	90 minutes	90 minutes (2 batteries included)	120 minutes
Remote Included?	Yes	Yes	No
Waterproof Depth	30 meters	30 meters	30 meters
Wi-Fi & App	Yes	Yes	Yes
Price (approx.)	$55	$70	$65

The Akaso and Apeman offer 4K, which is a big advantage. But they’re also pricier, and the Apeman doesn’t include a remote. The Vivitar’s remote is a standout feature—especially for under $60. Plus, the included mounts and ease of use make it a better value for casual users.

If you need 4K, go with the Akaso. But if you’re okay with 1080p and want a hassle-free setup, the Vivitar wins.

Final Thoughts: The Best Budget Action Camera?

After weeks of testing, I’ve come to a simple conclusion: the Vivitar Action Camera with Remote Silver is the best budget action camera for most people. It’s not flashy, it won’t replace your DSLR, and it has a few quirks. But it gets the job done—and does it well.

The video quality is solid, the remote is a lifesaver, and the included accessories mean you don’t need to spend extra. It’s perfect for capturing everyday adventures, from backyard barbecues to weekend hikes. And if you’re just starting out, it’s a low-risk way to learn the ropes.

Is it perfect? No. The audio could be better, the battery life is average, and 1080p is showing its age. But for the price, it’s an incredible value. I’ve used cameras that cost three times as much and didn’t deliver a noticeably better experience for casual use.

If you’re on a tight budget but still want to document your life in action, I can’t recommend this camera enough. It’s not just a “cheap” option—it’s a smart one. Whether you’re a parent, a weekend warrior, or just someone who loves to explore, the Vivitar Action Camera with Remote Silver will help you capture those moments without breaking the bank.

So go ahead—grab one, strap it on, and start filming. Your next adventure is waiting.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the Vivitar Action Camera with Remote Silver a good budget pick?

The Vivitar Action Camera with Remote Silver offers 4K video recording, a durable waterproof design, and a convenient wireless remote at a fraction of the cost of premium brands. Its balance of performance and affordability makes it ideal for casual adventurers and content creators on a budget.

Does the Vivitar Action Camera with Remote Silver work well in low-light conditions?

While it performs best in well-lit environments, the camera includes basic low-light enhancement features. For nighttime or underwater filming, adding an external light source significantly improves video clarity.

Can I use the wireless remote underwater with this Vivitar action camera?

The included remote is water-resistant (IP67 rating) and works for basic functions like starting/stopping recording up to 3 feet underwater. For deeper dives, the camera’s touchscreen or physical buttons are more reliable.

How long does the battery last on the Vivitar Action Camera with Remote Silver?

The rechargeable battery delivers about 90 minutes of continuous 4K recording or 2 hours in 1080p mode. Spare batteries are affordable and easy to swap for extended use.

Is the Vivitar Action Camera compatible with GoPro mounts?

Yes, it uses a standard mounting system compatible with most GoPro accessories, including chest harnesses and helmet mounts. The package also includes basic mounts for immediate use.

What accessories come with the Vivitar Action Camera with Remote Silver?

The bundle includes a wireless remote, waterproof housing, two batteries, a charging cable, and multiple mounts (bike, helmet, and adhesive). This all-in-one setup adds great value for beginners.