Anyone who skis or snowboards, skates or skateboards, parasails or surfs, should have an action camera ready for your outdoor pursuits. Sure, you can use your smartphone, but then you’re risking an expensive and hard-to-replace item while you’re on or in the water or sky or snow. Far better to be prepared with a better way to record your adventures. And while there are lots of competitors out there, today’s takes the traditional form factor and adds a few features while also offering a surprisingly low price point.
The Activeon CX Action Camera looks a lot like a GoPro, and even can use some compatible mounts thanks to the standard screw . But unlike that well-known series, with the CX you are getting a nice onboard 2-inch LCD screen for viewing your footage. Plus, your purchase includes a waterproof case, something that few sets include, and it’s good for use at depths as far down as 196 feet. Capable of grabbing your video in HD resolution, up to 1080p at 30 frames per second or 720p video at 60 frames per second, you can also capture still images (though only at 4 megapixels).
Like many action cameras, there is also wi-fi, allowing you to connect to your iOS or Android smartphone or tablet via the app. It’s not fancy, but allows you to use your device as a remote viewfinder and adjust some settings. The internal rechargeable battery can last about two hours, but you’ll have to recharge it with a micro-USB cable as no AC or wall plug-in option is included. Similarly, there is a mini HDMI port available as well, but you’ll need to provide a cable. We liked the wide field of view and the light weight, but video quality was less impressive- some graininess and some pixelation were visible in any environment, though the lens did adjust pretty quickly to changing lighting conditions and contrast was generally spot-on. There is a mic, though like most action cameras it isn’t built for high-quality audio recording.
One unique part of the Activeon CX is the interchangeable face plates, available in a variety of different colors as a set if you’d like to add a touch of color to your cam. It’s pretty simple to use, though doesn’t have a hardware remote- it’s the ideal basic entry-point, no frills model. And, as mentioned, the price is certainly compelling- the Activeon CX is available now, online and in stores, for around $119.99.