Action cameras have become an extremely popular gadget for adventurers, travelers, athletes, and anyone who wants to capture stunning footage of their experiences.
Two budget-friendly models that keep popping up in search results are the AKASO Brave 4 and Brave 4 Pro. But what exactly sets these two cameras apart?
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll compare the specs, features, and real-world performance of the AKASO Brave 4 and Brave 4 Pro. You’ll learn the key similarities and differences to help you decide which AKASO action cam is right for your needs.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Spec | AKASO Brave 4 | AKASO Brave 4 Pro |
| Sensor | 20MP 1/2.3″ CMOS | 20MP 1/2.3” CMOS |
| Lens | 170° FOV f/1.8 | 170° FOV f/1.8 |
| Video | 4K30, 2.7K60, 1080p120 | 4K30, 2.7K60, 1080p120 |
| Photo | 20MP JPG/RAW | 20MP JPG/RAW |
| Battery Life | 90 mins | 140 mins |
| Image Stabilization | Electronic | Electronic + Horizon Leveling |
| Front Screen | No | Yes |
| Rear Screen | 2″ touchscreen | 2” touchscreen |
| Waterproof | 131′ (40m) | 131′ (40m) |
| Weight | 2.87 oz | 2.87 oz |
Overview and Specs
The AKASO Brave 4 and Brave 4 Pro were both released in 2020 just months apart. They share a very similar form factor that is modeled after the GoPro HERO cameras. Both feature a boxy design with an ultra wide-angle lens protruding from the front. On the back is a 2-inch touchscreen. They are compact and weigh around 3 ounces, so they are easy to mount in various positions.
Looking at the spec sheets, the cameras have the same sensor and lens combo:
- 20MP sensor
- Wide-angle lens with 170° field of view
- f/1.8 aperture
Some of the shared video resolutions and frame rates include:
- 4K at 24/25/30 fps
- 2.7K at 24/25/30/60 fps
- 1080p at 24/25/30/60/120 fps
- 720p at 120/240 fps
The Brave 4 Pro does have the ability to shoot at higher bitrates up to 60 Mbps while the Brave 4 tops out at 40 Mbps.
For photos, both cameras can shoot 20MP still images in formats like JPG and RAW. The Brave 4 Pro adds the ability to capture images while recording video.
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Key Differences Between AKASO Brave 4 and Brave 4 Pro
The most noticeable differences between the two cameras come down to battery life, electronic image stabilization, and the inclusion of a front-facing screen on the Pro model. Here’s a quick spec comparison:
- Design and Build
As we mentioned earlier, the Brave 4 and Brave 4 Pro share a nearly identical outer shell and form factor. They measure around 2.3 x 1.5 x 1.3 inches, which is about the size of a matchbox. The textured plastic housing feels solid and durable, especially given the low price point of these cameras. Both models are waterproof down to 131 feet without requiring an external housing.
The buttons and ports are located in the same spots on both cams. There is a power button on the front side and a record button on the top. The back panel holds the 2-inch touchscreen and a door that opens to access the battery and microSD card slot.
On the right side you’ll find ports for HDMI output, USB charging, and an external microphone. The left side of both cameras feature two buttons for switching shooting modes and settings.
The core difference in design comes down to the front-facing display on the Brave 4 Pro. It’s a small 0.96” screen that shows you key shooting parameters so you can easily monitor and frame shots when the camera is pointed at yourself. It’s great for vlogging, action selfies, and solo adventures. The Brave 4 lacks this front display.
- Image Quality
Given their nearly identical shooting specs, you can expect extremely similar image quality from both the Brave 4 and Brave 4 Pro. They have the same lens, aperture, and sensor after all. Footage is sharp and colorful with a wide 170-degree field of view. The high frame rates also allow you to shoot crystal clear slo-mo.
Under ideal lighting conditions, both cameras can capture great looking 4K and 2.7K shots. Definition and detail remains strong when you scale the footage down to 1080p. Image quality does take a noticeable hit in low light situations. The small sensors struggle with noise and washout. But that’s expected for action cameras at this price.
For photos, you get bright, social media-ready images in daylight. There is some loss in fine details and dynamic range compared to a DSLR. But again, these cams trade off advanced photographic capabilities for portability and durability.
The Brave 4 Pro does have a leg up when it comes to stabilized video. It uses both electronic image stabilization (EIS) and horizon leveling to reduce the shakiness of handheld clips. Footage stays smooth and steady when you’re following fast action on the go. This is a big upgrade from the digital IS only found in the Brave 4.
- Features and Usage
Operating the Brave 4 and Brave 4 Pro will feel very familiar for anyone who has used a GoPro before. The touchscreens streamline changing settings without having to rely on a desktop app. You swipe through shooting modes that optimize the camera for different situations like driving, underwater use, timelapses, and slow motion. Both models also have built-in support for voice commands.
Connecting the cameras to AKASO’s mobile app brings a wider range of creative options. You can wirelessly control the Brave 4 or 4 Pro and preview shots on your smartphone screen. The app also unlocks more advanced exposure settings and ProTune audio/video tweaks. Timelapse intervals and digital zoom can be configured as well.
For a budget action camera, the Brave 4 and 4 Pro include a solid set of features:
- Shooting Modes: Video, Photo, Burst, Timelapse
- Resolutions and FOVs: 4K, 2.7K, 1440p, 1080p, 720p; Wide, Medium, Narrow
- Metering: Spot, Center, Average
- White Balance: Auto, Sunny, Cloudy, Incandescent, etc.
- Exposure Compensation: -2.0 to +2.0 EV
- ISO Limit: 100-3200
- Sharpness: High, Medium, Low
- Microphone: Stereo with wind noise reduction
- Timelapse: 0.5-60 second intervals
- Burst Rate: 3, 5, or 10 photos per second
The Brave 4 Pro pulls ahead here again thanks to its newer chipset and image stabilization. It can shoot longer burst image sequences at 20FPS with EIS/Horizon Leveling turned on. The front display also makes it more convenient to monitor shots on the go.
- Battery Life
Battery life is another area where the Brave 4 Pro shines compared to the previous model. It packs a larger 1350 mAh battery that can record up to 140 minutes of 4K video on a single charge. The Brave 4 with a 1050 mAh battery maxes out at around 90 minutes per charge.
Real world usage shows the Brave 4 lasting about 70-80 minutes when you account for stopping, starting, Wi-Fi, etc. While the Brave 4 Pro extends closer to 2 hours of usable battery life before needing to swap it out. This gives you a lot more flexibility when filming full days on the slopes, trails, or streets.
- Accessories
The abundance of mounting options is one of the biggest perks of owning an action camera like the Brave 4 or Brave 4 Pro. Both models are compatible with AKASO’s huge selection of adhesive mounts, wraparound bands, clips, brackets, grips, and harnesses. You can securely attach either camera to helmets, handlebars, surfboards, selfie sticks, and pretty much anywhere else you can imagine.
When it comes to protecting the camera, AKASO offers a range of cases and filters for underwater and rugged use. There are options like a dive case, floating hand grip, lens protectors, and anti-fog inserts. The AKASO RC remote control is also compatible with both the Brave 4 and Brave 4 Pro for controlling the camera from a distance.
So you’re not losing out on any accessory options by going with the older or newer model. The mounts and mods are interchangeable between the two.
- Price and Value
The AKASO Brave 4 originally retailed for $119.99 but can now be found closer to $100. The Brave 4 Pro sells for $139.99 brand new. So you’re looking at around a $40 price difference between the two models.
Given the usability upgrades like the front display, horizon leveling, and improved battery life, we think it’s worth spending a little more for the Brave 4 Pro. The image stabilization especially helps justify the bump in cost. But if your budget is tight, the Brave 4 remains a capable action camera under $100.
Both models give you tremendous value compared to a GoPro that can run 2-4X the price. The AKASOs hold their own for casual users and beginners. Advanced videographers and professionals will still want more manual controls and quality offered by pricier cams. But overall, it’s hard to beat the combination of features and affordability the Brave 4 and 4 Pro offer.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
GoPro cameras are widely considered the best consumer action cameras thanks to their combination of video quality, durability, features, and ecosystem. But they come at a price, usually $300+ for a flagship model. AKASO cams like the Brave 4 and 4 Pro offer a budget-friendly alternative while still packing 4K recording, waterproofing, stabilization, and useful shooting modes. For most casual users, the AKASO models will be “good enough” and save you money. But serious videographers may want the more advanced features and quality of GoPro.
Yes, the AKASO Brave 4 Pro has an IPX8 waterproof rating down to 131 feet (40 meters) without requiring a separate housing. You can submerge the camera in water to film surfing, swimming, snorkeling and other underwater activities. The waterproof design makes it great for all sorts of wet and rugged adventures.
The original AKASO Brave 4 action camera was released in early 2020. It was later followed up by the improved Brave 4 Pro model which launched in August 2020. The Brave 4 Pro added useful features like a front display screen, boosted image stabilization, and longer battery life while retaining the same compact form factor.
The AKASO Brave 4 has basic electronic image stabilization (EIS) to help smooth out video footage. It uses digital processing to counteract small amounts of camera shake when handholding the cam. However, the Brave 4 lacks the more advanced stabilization technology found in the Brave 4 Pro. The Pro introduced advanced EIS plus horizon leveling which greatly improves stabilization, especially during fast-paced activities.
Also Read: Differences Between Canon EOS Rebel T7i And EOS Rebel T8i.
Conclusion
The AKASO Brave 4 and Brave 4 Pro are two budget-friendly 4K action cameras packed with features. Their compact, rugged designs make them easy to take anywhere and capture immersive footage.
While very similar on the surface, the Brave 4 Pro pulls ahead for users who prioritize video stabilization, battery life, and monitoring shots on the go.
But the Brave 4 still delivers good value for those seeking solid performance below $100. For casual and first-time users, you can’t go wrong with either of these AKASO cams for affordable action photography.