If you’re looking for an action camera that won’t break the bank, the Akaso EK5000 used to top the list of entry-level favorites. Marketed as a budget-friendly GoPro alternative, it promised Full HD video, a waterproof case, and a generous set of accessories — all for a fraction of the cost.
While the EK5000 is no longer part of Akaso’s current product lineup, it still lives on in secondhand bundles and beginner kits — and for many content creators, it was their very first action camera.
So how did it hold up back then, and is there any reason to revisit it today? Let’s take a look at what made the EK5000 such a standout budget pick in its time — and what better options are available now.
First Impressions and Build Quality
When it first launched, the Akaso EK5000 impressed many users with its solid build and thoughtful design — especially for a camera at its price point. Even years later, its durability and usability hold up better than you might expect for a legacy device. Here’s what made it stand out:
- Compact and Lightweight: Small enough to fit in your palm and light enough to disappear once mounted, the EK5000 was built for portability.
- Durable Construction: Its matte black finish paired with a waterproof case gave it a rugged, adventure-ready aesthetic. It wasn’t premium, but it was dependable.
- User-Friendly Buttons: Oversized buttons made it easy to operate, even inside the waterproof housing — a major plus for gloves, snow, or underwater use.
- 2-Inch LCD Screen: While basic by today’s standards, the built-in screen made it easy to frame shots and change settings (though sunlight could wash it out).
- Mounting Versatility: The EK5000 came with a generous set of accessories, including mounts for helmets, bikes, and boards — making it a true out-of-the-box action cam.
Key Takeaway: For its time, the EK5000 offered surprising build quality and flexibility, giving new users an easy entry point into action videography.
Video and Photo Performance in Real Conditions
The Akaso EK5000 captured 1080p video at 30 frames per second and 12MP still images — specs that were impressive for a budget action camera in its time. While it can’t compete with today’s 4K-equipped models, its performance in the right conditions still holds up better than expected.
- Daylight Performance: Outdoors and under good lighting, the EK5000 delivered sharp video and surprisingly vivid color. Whether hiking through forests or filming a day at the beach, it reliably captured the energy and atmosphere of your surroundings.
- Low-Light Performance: Indoors or during golden hour, however, things changed. The image became grainy, details softened, and noise increased. This was one of its most noticeable trade-offs, and still a common limitation among budget cameras of its era.
- Wide-Angle Lens: The ultra-wide lens offered an immersive point of view, making it great for mountain biking, skating, or even attaching to drones. Some edge distortion was noticeable — a classic fisheye effect — but it helped maximize the field of view in action shots.
- Photo Quality: The 12MP stills were respectable in good lighting, offering decent sharpness and natural color. However, under dim conditions, they became noticeably soft and noisy. It was never meant for print-quality photography but worked well for social media or casual trip albums.
- Motion and Action Shots: While it handled slow or moderate movement without issue, high-speed action introduced some motion blur and rolling shutter artifacts. Those looking to capture clean footage of fast sports would quickly hit its limits.
Key Takeaway: The EK5000 was never a pro-level camera — but for casual daytime adventures and getting started in action content creation, it offered more than enough performance to justify its price. Today, it serves as a reminder of just how much value early action cams could pack into a small, affordable body.
Ease of Use and App Connectivity
Part of what made the Akaso EK5000 so appealing during its heyday was how beginner-friendly it was. Designed for simplicity, it introduced countless first-time users to action cameras without the intimidation factor. Here’s how its usability holds up looking back:
- Intuitive Controls: The EK5000 featured straightforward, clearly labeled buttons for power, mode switching, and capturing photos or video. The interface was easy to navigate even without cracking open the manual — a huge win for new users at the time.
- 2-Inch LCD Screen: Its built-in screen wasn’t high resolution, but it was good enough for framing shots, reviewing footage, and navigating menus. That said, it could be difficult to see in bright outdoor conditions — a common issue with entry-level cams of that era.
- Wi-Fi Connectivity: One of its standout features was built-in Wi-Fi, allowing users to pair the camera with the Akaso DV app for remote control, live preview, and wireless file transfer. This brought real convenience for solo shooters or those using mounted setups.
- Akaso DV App: Available on both iOS and Android, the app offered remote control functions and real-time monitoring. While handy, it occasionally suffered from lag, dropped connections, and sluggish performance — especially over longer sessions or when transferring lots of files.
- Remote Control: The EK5000 also came with a small wrist-mounted remote, letting you start and stop recording without touching the camera. For bike handlebars, helmets, or group shots, it was an underrated perk.
Key Takeaway: While not perfect, the EK5000’s user-friendly controls and wireless connectivity made it one of the most accessible action cams in its class. Today, it still earns credit for making adventure filming feel approachable and unintimidating.
Is the Akaso EK5000 Worth It Compared to GoPro Alternatives?
When it first hit the market, the Akaso EK5000 was praised as a budget-friendly alternative to high-end action cams like the GoPro Hero series. But how does it hold up now — and is it still worth considering in 2025? Let’s look at how it stacks up, both historically and in comparison to today’s options.
- 💰 Price: Price was always the EK5000’s strongest selling point. While GoPro Hero models often cost hundreds, the EK5000 was available for a fraction of that — complete with accessories. Even now, if you find it secondhand or in a clearance bundle, it can still be a cost-effective way to dip your toes into action videography.
- 🎞️ Video and Photo Quality: At 1080p and 12MP, the EK5000 was more than serviceable for casual use. But compared to modern 4K or 5K GoPro models with superior color science and low-light performance, it simply can’t compete. What was once “decent” is now dated.
- 🔧 Build and Durability: While the EK5000’s rugged casing held up well for its time, GoPros still lead in durability. From better waterproof sealing to shock resistance and housing quality, they’re built for harsher environments and high-impact use.
- 🎥 Stabilization: This is where the gap really shows. GoPro’s HyperSmooth stabilization redefined action footage quality. The EK5000 lacks any real stabilization, meaning shaky footage in high-motion scenes is unavoidable — especially by today’s standards.
- 🔋 Battery Life and Accessories: Both brands offer decent battery life and lots of mounts, but GoPro edges ahead with more refined power management and broader third-party accessory support. That said, the EK5000 kit included two batteries and a generous accessory pack, which helped stretch its value.
Key Takeaway: The Akaso EK5000 was a smart entry-level option in its time — and it still deserves credit for making action cameras accessible to more users. But if you’re shopping today, newer models like the Akaso Brave 7 LE offer massive upgrades in image quality, stabilization, and reliability without a massive jump in price.
Is the Akaso EK5000 waterproof?
Yes, it can be submerged up to 30 meters when used with the included waterproof casing.
Does it support 4K video?
No, the EK5000 only supports up to 1080p at 30fps. For 4K capabilities, consider newer models like the Akaso Brave series.
Can I use a tripod with the EK5000?
Yes, it includes a standard threaded mount compatible with most tripods and accessories.
Does the Akaso EK5000 have image stabilization?
No, this model does not include any form of electronic or optical image stabilization.
What type of memory card does it need?
It requires a microSD card, Class 10 or higher, with a capacity of up to 32 GB.
Additional Resources
Conclusion
The Akaso EK5000 may not stand up to today’s top-tier action cams in terms of resolution, stabilization, or durability — but back when it launched, it was a standout in the budget category. It introduced thousands of beginners, kids, and casual adventurers to the world of action videography without the pressure of a high price tag. Even now, it represents a key step in the evolution of affordable content creation tools. For what it was — and what it enabled — the EK5000 still earns its place as a legacy favorite.