When you're looking for an affordable action camera, Akaso often comes up as a popular choice. You might be wondering how the Akaso Brave 8 Lite stacks up against the Akaso Brave 8. Both cameras offer solid features for their price, but they have some key differences that could affect your decision.
In this article, I’ll walk you through the main features, performance, and value of both models. By the end, you’ll have a clear idea of which camera fits your needs, whether you want something simple or more advanced.
Design and Build Quality
Both the Akaso Brave 8 Lite and Brave 8 have a similar compact design, making them easy to carry and mount. However, there are subtle differences in their build and durability.
- Akaso Brave 8 Lite: This model is lightweight and slightly smaller. It has a plastic body with a matte finish, which feels comfortable to hold. It’s waterproof up to 10 meters (33 feet) without a case, which is great for casual water activities.
- Akaso Brave 8: The Brave 8 is a bit more robust. It also has a plastic body but with a more textured grip. It offers the same waterproof rating of 10 meters without a case, but the overall build feels a bit sturdier.
Both cameras come with a touchscreen on the back, but the Brave 8’s screen is slightly larger and more responsive. This makes navigating menus and reviewing footage easier on the Brave 8.
Video and Photo Quality
Video and photo quality are crucial when choosing an action camera. Here’s how the two compare:
- Akaso Brave 8 Lite:
- Video: Shoots up to 4K at 30fps, 2.7K at 60fps, and 1080p at 120fps.
- Photo: 20MP sensor.
- Stabilization: Features 6-axis gyro EIS (Electronic Image Stabilization) for smoother videos.
- Akaso Brave 8:
- Video: Also shoots 4K at 30fps, but supports 4K at 60fps for smoother high-res footage.
- Photo: 20MP sensor, same as the Lite.
- Stabilization: Uses advanced 6-axis gyro EIS with better performance in shaky conditions.
The Brave 8’s ability to shoot 4K at 60fps is a significant advantage if you want smoother slow-motion or high-quality footage. Both cameras produce vibrant colors and sharp images, but the Brave 8 handles low-light conditions slightly better due to improved sensor technology.
Both cameras come loaded with features, but the Brave 8 offers a few extras that might sway your choice.
- Akaso Brave 8 Lite:
- Voice control for hands-free operation.
- Built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for easy file transfer.
- Time-lapse, burst mode, and slow-motion video.
- Supports external microphones via USB-C.
- Akaso Brave 8:
- All features of the Lite plus:
- 4K 60fps video recording.
- Enhanced voice control with more commands.
- Live streaming capability via the Akaso app.
- Dual microphones with noise reduction for clearer audio.
The Brave 8’s live streaming feature is perfect if you want to share your adventures in real-time. The improved audio with dual microphones also makes a difference if you record vlogs or interviews.
Battery Life and Storage
Battery life is a key factor for action cameras, especially if you’re out shooting for hours.
- Akaso Brave 8 Lite:
- Comes with two 1350mAh batteries.
- Each battery lasts about 90 minutes of continuous 1080p recording.
- Supports microSD cards up to 256GB.
- Akaso Brave 8:
- Also includes two 1350mAh batteries.
- Slightly better battery optimization, offering up to 100 minutes per battery at 1080p.
- Supports microSD cards up to 256GB.
Both cameras allow you to swap batteries quickly, so you can keep shooting longer. The Brave 8’s slightly better battery life and optimization help if you’re recording in higher resolutions like 4K 60fps.
User Experience and Ease of Use
If you’re new to action cameras, ease of use matters a lot.
- Akaso Brave 8 Lite:
- Simple menu system with clear icons.
- Responsive touchscreen, but sometimes slower in bright sunlight.
- Voice commands work well but are limited.
- Akaso Brave 8:
- More intuitive interface with a larger touchscreen.
- Faster menu navigation.
- Voice control supports more commands, including starting/stopping live streams.
Both cameras come with a mobile app that lets you control the camera remotely and edit footage. The Brave 8’s app integration is smoother and offers more options for live streaming and sharing.
Price and Value
Price is often the deciding factor. Here’s how they compare:
| Model | Approximate Price | Best For |
| Akaso Brave 8 Lite | $100 - $130 | Budget users, casual filming |
| Akaso Brave 8 | $150 - $180 | Enthusiasts, vloggers, live streamers |
The Brave 8 Lite is a great choice if you want a reliable action camera without breaking the bank. The Brave 8 offers more features and better performance, making it worth the extra cost if you want higher-quality video and live streaming.
Which One Should You Choose?
Choosing between the Akaso Brave 8 Lite and Brave 8 depends on your needs and budget.
- Pick the Brave 8 Lite if:
- You want a simple, affordable camera.
- You mainly shoot casual videos or photos.
- You don’t need 4K at 60fps or live streaming.
- Pick the Brave 8 if:
- You want smoother 4K 60fps video.
- You plan to live stream or vlog.
- You want better audio and more advanced features.
Both cameras offer excellent value for their price, but the Brave 8 is a step up for those who want more versatility.
Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Akaso Camera
No matter which model you choose, here are some tips to improve your experience:
- Always carry extra batteries for longer shoots.
- Use a high-speed microSD card (Class 10 or UHS-I) for smooth recording.
- Experiment with different shooting modes like time-lapse and slow motion.
- Use the mobile app to preview shots and control the camera remotely.
- Keep the lens clean for the best image quality.
Conclusion
Both the Akaso Brave 8 Lite and Akaso Brave 8 are solid action cameras that offer great features for their price. The Brave 8 Lite is perfect if you want a budget-friendly option that still delivers good video and photo quality. On the other hand, the Brave 8 is better suited for users who want higher resolution video, live streaming, and improved audio.
Your choice depends on what you prioritize: affordability and simplicity or advanced features and performance. Either way, Akaso provides reliable cameras that can capture your adventures with ease.
FAQs
What is the main difference between Akaso Brave 8 Lite and Brave 8?
The Brave 8 supports 4K at 60fps and live streaming, while the Brave 8 Lite maxes out at 4K 30fps and lacks live streaming features.
Can I use the Akaso Brave 8 Lite underwater?
Yes, it is waterproof up to 10 meters without a case, suitable for swimming and snorkeling.
Do both cameras support external microphones?
Yes, both support external microphones via USB-C for better audio quality.
How long does the battery last on these cameras?
Each battery lasts about 90 minutes on the Brave 8 Lite and up to 100 minutes on the Brave 8 during 1080p recording.
Is the touchscreen on the Brave 8 better than the Lite?
Yes, the Brave 8 has a larger and more responsive touchscreen, making it easier to navigate menus and preview footage.
