Akaso Brave 7 vs Brave 7 LE: Which One Is Worth the Budget?
By Elisabeth Christ
Published March 2024
In the bustling market of action cameras, Akaso has carved out a niche for adventure enthusiasts looking for quality without breaking the bank. The Brave 7 and Brave 7 LE models are perfect examples of Akaso's commitment to combining functionality with affordability. Each camera brings its own set of strengths to the table, from waterproof capabilities to impressive image stabilization, making them worthy companions for your adventures. Let's dive deeper to see how these two models stack up against each other.
Key Takeaways
Akaso Brave 7 LE wins on price and throws in a waterproof case, but trades blows for image quality. Brave 7 fights back with superior image stabilization, a wider field of view, and sharper visuals, especially in low light. It's all about stunning action shots versus keeping it light on the wallet.
Akaso Brave 7
Better choice for field of view
✓ Driving mode
✓ IPX8 water resistance
✓ Up to 4K30fps video quality
✓ 5 presets options
Akaso Brave 7 LE
Better choice for affordability
✓ At relatively low-price points
✓ IPX7 water resistance
✓ Crisp 4K video
✓ Bright 20Mp resolution images
#1 Price & Design
Akaso Brave 7
Starting with the price and their build, The Akaso Brave 7 is priced at $160, boasting a waterproof body that can dive up to 33 feet deep, a rubberized finish for a firmer grip, and dual screens for versatile shooting. Additionally, it pockets the IPX8 rating, user-friendly water-tight compartments, and a bundle of accessories including a remote control, make it a well-rounded package.
The Brave 7 LE, slightly more affordable at $140, also features dual screens and comes with a waterproof case that extends its underwater capabilities to 40m. Its design is marked by a large circular lens and a lightweight body, making it a sleek and portable option.
#2 Features & Performance
Akaso Brave 7 LE
Now, getting into the depths, the Akaso Brave 7 emerges as a beacon of simplicity and user-friendliness. Its intuitive menus are a breeze to navigate, ensuring that adventurers can capture their exploits without fuss. The device dances to the tune of your voice with its companion app, Akaso Go, adding a layer of convenience to the experience. Beyond mere video capture, the Brave 7 offers a quartet of additional shooting modes—slow motion, timelapse, still photo, and driving mode. The driving mode's auto-activation feature, designed to commence recording as your car roars to life, and the still photo mode's ability to snap picturesque moments amid video recording, exemplify Akaso's commitment to innovation. Coupled with five preset options and a variety of photography modes, from burst to long exposure, the Brave 7 stands as a versatile tool in an adventurer's arsenal, despite the fisheye lens distortion that may not suit everyone's taste.
In contrast, the Brave 7 LE sails on a sea of bright and vibrant footage, especially under the sun's generous gaze, thanks to its adeptness at capturing life in 4K. Its four zoom options offer a panoramic view or a closer peek at the details of your surroundings. This camera doesn’t just stop at capturing mesmerizing time-lapses and bursts of photos, but also ventures into the world of connectivity with a micro-HDMI slot, bridging the gap between your adventures and the big screen. The built-in, software-based 6-axis image stabilization smooths out the roughest of rides, while the microphone adeptly picks up sounds, ensuring your videos are not just seen but heard. Remote recording capabilities, via a wrist strap or the companion app, sprinkle an extra layer of magic on this impressive device.
#3 Image & Video Quality
Akaso Brave 7
Let’s moving on to the image and video quality. The Akaso Brave 7 commands attention with its ability to record up to 4K at 30fps. With a variety of resolutions at your disposal, from the cinematic 4K to the smooth slow-motion capabilities of lower resolutions, the Brave 7 is a master of adaptability. Its capability to capture stills up to 20MP allows every detail to be frozen in time with striking clarity.
On the other side, the Brave 7 LE also crafts a visual feast with its 4K capability, backed by a substantial 50Mbps, which packs each pixel with detail and color, creating footage that's not just watched but experienced. Its versatile manual settings offer a spectrum of resolutions, from the high-adrenaline rush of 720p at 240fps to the breathtaking detail of 4K at 30fps. The camera’s ability to paint pictures in 20Mp resolution with rich colors and sharp contrasts turns every captured moment into a masterpiece. Despite its struggles to keep up the crispness in its 4K footage compared to its premium counterparts, the Brave 7 LE holds its ground with its vivid moment-capturing capabilities.
#4 Battery Life
Akaso Brave 7 LE
How long both devices last to use is also an important aspect. The Brave 7 includes two batteries, each lasting about 1.5 hours on 4K recording, with a USB charging port, while LE version’s batteries charge via MicroUSB, with a quick charge feature that significantly boosts battery life in just 30 minutes, though it takes longer to achieve a full charge.
#5 Potential Downsides
Akaso Brave 7 LE
However, despite their impressive qualities, each has their own downsides. Brave 7's drawbacks include a slightly delayed power button, screens that are difficult to view in sunlight, and inconsistent auto white balance. It lacks HDR and live streaming capabilities. On the other hand, Brave 7 LE struggles in low-light conditions, has slightly sensitive microphones, and a somewhat cumbersome app pairing process.
Akaso Brave 7 vs Brave 7 LE
Final Thoughts
Akaso Brave 7 vs Brave 7 LE
Choosing between the Akaso Brave 7 and Brave 7 LE boils down to what you value most in an action camera.
If you prioritize underwater capabilities and a user-friendly design with a handy remote, the Brave 7 might be your pick. However, if you're looking for a lighter, more affordable option with rapid charging and excellent performance in bright conditions, the Brave 7 LE could be the way to go. Both cameras offer substantial value for their price, making them excellent choices for adventurers on a budget.
If you like to read more about action cameras, check out our other relevant guides here:
Best Action Cameras 2024
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DJI Osmo Pocket 3 vs Action 4
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