Akaso V50 Camera Review (4 Models Compared) Pro, Elite, V50X, Pro SE

Akaso makes some decent action cameras for much less than other brands. In this Akaso V50 review, you’ll learn all about these four models, including their battery life, video and audio quality, settings, size, and accessories.

Akaso is our favorite GoPro alternative camera.

Akaso V50 Action Camera Comparison

It can be a little hard to sort out all the specs on the Akaso V50 – especially if you didn’t realize that there are actually multiple models with almost identical specs.

The first thing you should know about the Akaso V50 is that there are four models: V50 Pro, V50 Elite, V50X, and V50 Pro SE. While they are all similar, there are some important differences.

Akaso makes three different quality levels of camera: Brave, EK7000, and V50.

Brave is the high-end series, EK7000 is the entry-level, and V50 cameras are the mid-range. More on the Brave and EK7000 cameras in a future post.

This post focuses on the four models of V50 series by Akaso: V50 Pro, V50 Elite, V50X, and V50 Pro SE.

• Akaso V50 Pro Best all-around camera. Also the most popular.
• Akaso V50 Elite Premium settings with upgraded features.
• Akaso V50X The entry level V50 camera. Decent for the average user.
• Akaso V50 Pro SE The flagship camera in this series, get the best set of features in the V50 Pro SE.

6 Features Akaso V50 Cameras All Have

All four V50 models have the following features:

1. WiFi connectivity: This connectivity allows you to control your camera via the iSmart Pro+ app on your mobile device.
2. Micro HDMI Output: Easily connect your camera to your TV to view your footage and photos. You’ll need a micro HDMI to HDMI cable.
3. Remote Control: Included with each of these cameras. The remote control uses CR2032 (lithium watch battery). Buy them in bulk and they cost less than $0.50 ea.
4. Touch Screen: All four models feature a 2-inch IPS touch screen.
5. Image stabilization: Electronic Image Stabilization (EIS) with a 6-axis gyroscope.
6. Adjustable Angle: Easily control how much you capture. Choose from narrow to super wide-angle. Available angles include 170°, 140°, 110° and 70°.

And here’s what sets these cameras apart.

Akaso Comparison: All V50 Models

Here’s a detailed comparison of the V50 Pro, V50 Elite, V50 Pro SE, and V50X action cameras by Akaso.

	Akaso V50 Pro	Akaso V50 Elite	Akaso V50X	Akaso V50 Pro SE
Video Resolution	4K30fps	4K60fps	4K30fps	4K60fps
Photo Resolution	20MP	20MP	12MP	20MP
Waterproof with case	100 ft	131 ft	131 ft	131 ft
Zoom	No	8X Zoom	4X Zoom	No
Price	See current price	See current price	See current price	See current price
Image Stabilization (EIS)	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Slow Motion Video	Yes. Slow Motion Movie preset	Yes. 720p 240 (8x)	Yes. 720P 120fps (4x)	Yes. 720p 240 (8x)
Voice Control	No	Yes	No	No
Battery	1100mAh (2 included)	1050mAh (2 included)	1350mAh (2 included)	1100mAh (3 included)
Battery Life	About 90 minutes	About 90 minutes	About 180 minutes at 720p	About 90 minutes
Video Format	.MOV	.MOV	.MP4	.MOV
Recommended SD Card	Samsung 64GB 100MB/s (U3) MicroSDXC EVO Select	Samsung 64GB 100MB/s (U3) MicroSDXC EVO Select	Samsung 64GB 100MB/s (U3) MicroSDXC EVO Select	Samsung 64GB 100MB/s (U3) MicroSDXC EVO Select

Review of Akaso V50 Action Cameras

Video Quality of Akaso V50

Here’s what each of the Akaso V50 cameras can capture. All four models can shoot 4K video – but with some different frame rates.

But first, what is 4K? 4K refers to the resolution of the video footage that the camera can capture. Any camera that can shoot a video with an approximate horizontal pixel count of 4000 is classed as a 4K camera.

The first spec in the list is its highest resolution setting. I also include the other available resolutions for each model.

• V50 Pro: 4K30. (Also 2.7K30, 1080p60, 720p120)
• V50 Elite: 4K60. (Also 4k30, 2.7k60, 2.7k30, 1080p120, 1080p60, 1080p30, 720p240, 720p120, 720p60)
• V50X: 4K30. (Also 2.7K30, 1080p60, 720p120)
• V50 Pro SE: 4K60. (Also 4K30, 2.7K30, 1080p120, 1080p60, 1080p30, , 720p240, 720p120, 720p60)

The diving mode setting will compensate for the low red light – and auto-correct any distorted coloring from filming underwater – especially at dive depths.

Image Quality of Akaso V50

While most people want an action camera for the video, don’t overlook the photography capabilities of the Akaso.

The image resolution (in megapixels) for each model is listed from highest to lowest.

• V50 Pro: 20MP, 16MP 14MP 10MP 8MP 5MP 2MP
• V50 Elite: 20MP, 16MP, 12MP, 10MP, 8MP, 5MP
• V50X: 12MP, 10MP, 8MP, 5MP
• V50 Pro SE: 20MP, 16MP, 14MP, 10MP, 8MP, 5MP, 2M

Image capture settings: Still Photo, Burst Photo, Time Lapse Photo, Time Lapse Video, Long Exposure.

Most of these features are available on all of these models. If one feature is really important, just confirm before purchasing.

Audio for Akaso V50 Cameras

• V50 Pro: RAW Audio Capture with onboard mic. Add an external mic by Aksao for better audio. The external mic records one channel and plugs into the USB port.
• V50 Elite: On board mic. The camera doesn’t support an external mic.
• V50X: Comes with Audio Record setting. The audio quality is decent, especially for the least expensive model in this category. Add an external mic by Akaso to improve quality even more. This mic is specific to this model – and third-party external mics won’t work on the V50X.
• V50 Pro SE: Comes with Sound Record setting. Supports external microphone.

Battery Life: Akaso V50 Recording Time

There are lots of factors affecting the battery life of your Akaso camera. Things like voice control, how long it’s left on while doing other things, and outdoor temperature (cold weather drains batteries).

You’ll also notice the effect that filming resolution has on battery life.

Battery life is only an approximation – it can vary dramatically over each shoot.

You can expect roughly a 90-minute battery life – if you’re shooting at 1080p in standard conditions.

Here are the specifics of each model.

• V50 Pro: Roughly 90 minutes.
• V50 Elite: Each battery for 720P/About 180 mins, 1080P/About 90 mins, 4K/2.7K/About 60 mins.
• V50X: Filming at 720P will last about 180 minutes, for 1080P will last about 90 minutes, and 4K/2.7K will last about 60 minutes.
• V50 Pro SE: Roughly 90 minutes.

I was surprised that Akaso doesn’t have many options for additional batteries, especially when compared with GoPro battery supply.

Each of Akaso’s cameras comes with two batteries (the V50Pro SE comes with 3). I like having a bunch of charged batteries before beginning an adventure.

Accessories for Akaso V50 Action Camera

The right accessories will make the difference in capturing your adventures.

Here’s what comes with each of the V50 cameras by Akaso.

• V50 Pro: Bike mount, 10 adhesive mounts, 2 helmet mounts, 5 tethers, protective backdoor, waterproof case, remote control, charger and 2 batteries, USB cable, and lens cloth.
• V50 Elite: 6x Mount, bike mount, 2 double-sided tape, 2 helmet mounts, 5 tethers, protective backdoor, waterproof case, remote control, charger and 2 batteries, USB cable, and lens cloth.
• V50X: Bike mount, 10 adhesive mounts, 2 helmet mounts, 5 tethers, protective backdoor, waterproof case, remote control, charger and 2 batteries, USB cable, and lens cloth.
• V50 Pro SE: Wrist strap, bike mount, 10 adhesive mounts, 2 helmet mounts, 5 tethers, protective backdoor, waterproof case, remote control, charger and 3 batteries, USB cable, and lens cloth.

If you want to customize even further, here are some other action camera accessories to consider: backpack mounts and tripods.

Akaso V50 Waterproof 

The first thing to know is that none of the Akaso V50 cameras are waterproof without the housing.

Add the waterproof case and you can get some impressive depths. Here’s what each camera can do with the included waterproof housing.

• V50 Pro: 100 feet (30 meters)
• V50 Elite: 131 feet (40 meters)
• V50X: 131 feet (40 meters)
• V50 Pro SE: 131 feet (40 meters)

There are a few things to remember when immersing your action camera.

1. Check the gasket on the case. The case will leak of there is some sand or organic material preventing a good seal.
2. Use Rain-X to keep water from beading up on the lens. A single water drop will distort your image and ruin the photo.
3. Rinse your case after every use. Make sure to remove salt and mud from the case by rinsing it with fresh water. I like to do this before opening the housing to remove the camera. This will keep saltwater and grime off the camera – and keep the case in good shape for the next use.
4. Use anti-fog inserts. If you plan to take your Akaso camera diving (or even snorkeling), you’ll need to pick up these anti-fog inserts. Because the waterproof housing is completely sealed, you can encounter some humidity/condensation issues on the inside of the case. This condensation will affect the quality of your footage.

Here’s more about lens fog. Just remember to use the absorbent anti-fog inserts and you’ll be fine.

Learn more about using your action camera underwater in this post.

Akaso V50 Weight Comparison

How does the Akaso V50 series compare to other action cameras, like the GoPro?

• V50 Pro: 2.8 oz (80 grams)
• V50 Elite: 2.75 oz (78 grams)
• V50X: 2.8 oz (80 grams)
• V50 Pro SE: 2.22 oz (63 grams)

For comparison, here’s what a couple of GoPro cameras weigh. Even the lightest GoPro I weighed is heavier than the heaviest Akaso.

• GoPro Hero8 Black: 4.4 oz (125 grams)
• GoPro Hero7 Black: 4.1 oz (116 grams)
• GoPro Hero4 Black: 3 oz (85 grams)

When you hold them in your hand, you’ll notice a significant difference. The Hero8 is more than 40% heavier than the V50 Pro.

Of course, to use the V50 series in water or mud, you’ll have to put it in the waterproof housing – which will make it bigger and heavier than the naked Hero8 Black.

Akaso V50 Size Comparison

The four models are almost identical in size, with only slight variations. Here are the sizes of the four V50 action cameras.

• V50 Pro: Dimensions: 2.4 x 1.6 x 1.25 inches (60 x 41 x 32 mm)
• V50 Elite: Dimensions: 2.4 x 1.6 x 1.2 inches (61 x 41 x 31 mm)
• V50X: Dimensions: 2.4 x 1.6 x 1.2 inches (61 x 41 x 31 mm)
• V50 Pro SE: Dimensions: 2.4 x 1.6 x 1.2 inches (60 x 41 x 31 mm)

For comparison, here are the dimensions of a couple of GoPro cameras. As you’ll notice, the Hero8 is a little larger than the V50 cameras.

The vintage Hero4 Black is slightly smaller than the Akaso cameras.

• GoPro Hero8 Black: 2.6 x 1.9 x 1.1 inches (66 x 48 x 28 mm)
• GoPro Hero7 Black: 2.44 x 1.75 x 1.26 inches (62 x 44 x 32 mm)
• GoPro Hero4 Black: 2.3 x 1.66 x 1.2 inches (59 x 41 x 30 mm)

As already mentioned, the size benefit shifts in favor of GoPro when you have to add the waterproof case to the Akaso cameras.

Both the Hero7 and Hero8 are waterproof without a case – making them much more compact than the Akaso cameras for wet/underwater settings.

Which Akaso do I own? In addition to my five GoPro cameras, I also own the Akaso V50 Pro.

I want to mention that Akaso sent me the camera for no charge. I wasn’t paid to write this post. They just sent me the camera hoping I would cover it if I liked it.

I will cover the V50 Pro in upcoming posts and make some Akaso V50 Pro vs GoPro comparisons.

The Verdict: Choosing the Best Akaso V50 Camera

And there you have it, our detailed review of the Akaso V50 camera series. Here’s a quick overview of all four models.

• Akaso V50 Pro Best all-around camera. Also the most popular.
• Akaso V50 Elite Premium settings with upgraded features.
• Akaso V50X The entry level V50 camera. Decent for the average user.
• Akaso V50 Pro SE The flagship camera in this series, get the best set of features in the V50 Pro SE.

Your Turn

Which model do you have your eye on? Have you had experience with an Akaso action camera? I would love to hear your questions and comments below!