Akaso Brave 7 Action Camera
5. Conclusion
The Akaso Brave 7 is a small portable action camera as it is supposed to be. To start using it you must supply your microSD (up to 512GB and U3 compatible). The included dual charge helps you charge the batteries via its TypeC connection port, so you can use already phone chargers you might have around. There are many included accessories to use with, either in helms, chest or at cars, etc.
Since most users will buy such cameras for underwater use, you have to know that the camera is rated as "waterproof" up to 10m max as it comes from the box and up to 40 meters with the official waterproof case accessory. You have also to check that all ports have been closed OK and that the lens protector is in good condition and that it is not damaged, and Akaso suggests that you do not jump into the water with the camera. The device powers up quickly around 3 seconds you can start using the device from a cold start. The touch screen is OK, meaning it will do the job even if we would like it to be more sensitive. The back screen is bright enough that even under the direct sunlight you might have issues seeing. The panel does seem IPS with good viewing angles. The overall swipes need some time to get familiar and the firmware v2.0 did improve overall system response.
A big positive of the device is the front small screen that is only for display and doesn't support touch screen operation. You can switch between front and back screens, after pressing and hold the Down button. You can't switch between the screens while the video is recording.
Passing to the positive area, this product is priced much less than a GoPro9. The device has image stabilization, 4K video capacity, slow-motion, image distortion correction, and a host of other in-camera features for a lot less money. The overall menu is straight to understand and with a single button on the top, you can power up/down, start recording video, or take pictures. The retail package is almost complete, the Brave 7 comes with a bunch of accessories, including a remote control, 2 batteries, lots of adhesive mounts and buckles, and a charging block, making it an even better value. Acceptable Video quality 4K/30FPS with EIS, AKASO app works for both Android/iOS operating systems. Akaso has good support page and an in-depth manual of the device for entry-level users. Akaso also offers a waterproof case for $27 and since included batteries will last around 30 minutes each, you can also buy two more for $17 also.
Passing to the negative points, the connection between AKASO App and the device requires Wi-Fi which means you need to use a 4G network for your phone to stay connected to the Internet. The voice commands are useful to be present, but they don't work Ok sometimes especially if you are for example biking. The Audio recording seems to be the weak point of this device as many other users have noticed, with a clear environment you will get acceptable quality however with wind you won't get much quality.
The photo quality daytime would be OK however when the light drops, we didn't like the produced results, don't expect miracles with low light video quality as well. We noted some ghost flare when the device hits directly the sun so keep that in mind when using the device.
Another issue that may trouble you is the fact that the back screen will shut off after 5 minutes of displaying, meaning you cannot see if the device works or not and you have to press the touch screen to keep it alive. Of course, using for ever the screen will drain the included battery and introduce additional heat to the device so that is why probably this setting is set to 5 minutes... Lastly, we didn't like the fact that the device cannot be charged while installed in the mounting frame, you have to remove the camera entirely.
Concluding this review we found the Akaso Brave 7 to be an honest product for its money, meaning for $158 it offers a good performance/price ratio with all the bundled accessories, that will further help you unleash your creativity with this product. Akaso also has very good support in case something happens with your action camera, so you also have this covered as well.