The app is useable but clunky in places, and the sound recording could also be improved.
There are just three buttons on the camera with the power/display button on top and a Recording start/stop button.
On the side is the Mode button.
(Image credit: Future)
The USB-C socket can be used to power the camera or charge the battery.
On the bottom of the camera is an equally well-sealed battery compartment.
It is a very solid set of accessories.
However, it wasn’t without its quirks, and we will discuss those shortly.
Of course, the main thing is the video quality.
The first is no stabilization.
Finally, there is a Super Smooth option.
Here, the camera falls way behind the stabilization that the latest GoPro cameras offer.
A decent amount of configs allow control of the video image.
Generally, the camera produced images with a good exposure.
I did tweak it a few times in extreme conditions.
I found myself making +/-0.3EV changes to the image to balance this out.
(Image credit: Future)
I advise experimenting with the different metering prefs and seeing what suits your needs best.
It may not be the most comprehensive in terms of all the color prefs or image styles.
Some lasting memories I captured included filming my children running in and out of the sea on holiday.
(Image credit: Future)
The waves sometimes smashed over the camera, completely submerging it in salty Atlantic water.
I wouldn’t think of using the audio if I was on a motor or pedal bike.
Additional microphones can be attached via USB-C, but sadly, the camera has no mounting points.
(Image credit: Future)
The touchscreen worked well and was responsive, with onscreen buttons and navigation presenting no problem.
I found it was easy to change tweaks and navigate the menu.
Again, I tried this - it is especially useful when you have the camera mounted to a helmet.
(Image credit: Future)
There are problems with exposure, which is largely due to the sensor’s small size.
Overall, I am pretty impressed with the image quality and features that the Akaso Brave 8 offers.
Sadly, the image stabilization will be a letdown for those wanting super steady footage.
(Image credit: Future)
Similarly, the microphone and audio processing need some tweaking to bring it up to scratch.
Should I buy the Akaso Brave 8?
Finally, I used one of the included mounts to attach the camera to my bike helmet.
(Image credit: Future)
With my iPhone mounted to the bike, I could monitor what was being filmed using the Akaso app.
I also used the voice control options and the physical remote control.
(Image credit: Future)
(Image credit: Future)
(Image credit: Future)
(Image credit: Future)
