Apexcam 4K 60FPS Action Camera Review: The Budget Contender That Punches Way Above Its Weight

There’s a familiar feeling that strikes just before any great adventure—be it a scenic motorcycle ride through winding country roads, a family holiday promising sun-drenched beaches, or just a muddy mountain bike trail on a Saturday morning. It’s the desire to not just experience the moment, but to capture it, to bottle that adrenaline and joy to relive later. For years, this meant shelling out hundreds of pounds for a big-name action camera, a price tag that often felt like a barrier to entry. I’ve been there myself, weighing the cost against the potential reward, wondering if there was a way to get high-quality, dynamic footage without the premium investment. The real problem is that for many of us, our adventures are spontaneous and varied; we need a tool that’s versatile, rugged, and ready to go, but not so expensive that we’re terrified to use it. This is the very gap the Apexcam 4K 60FPS Action Camera aims to fill, promising a world of features for a fraction of the cost. But does it deliver?

What to Consider Before Buying an Action Camera

An action camera is more than just a small video recorder; it’s a key solution for capturing life in motion. It’s designed to be mounted, submerged, and subjected to conditions that would destroy a smartphone or a traditional camcorder. The main benefit is its ability to provide a first-person perspective, immersing viewers directly into your experience. It solves the problem of shaky, handheld footage during sports and activities, offering stabilized, wide-angle views that tell a compelling story. Whether you’re documenting a dive, recording a cycling commute for safety, or creating content for social media, an action camera is the purpose-built tool for the job.

The ideal customer for this type of product is someone who lives an active lifestyle or is an aspiring content creator on a budget. This includes cyclists, motorcyclists, snorkelers, hikers, and families who want a durable camera for holidays. It’s for the beginner who wants to experiment without a significant financial commitment. Conversely, it might not be suitable for professional cinematographers or extreme sports athletes who require the absolute pinnacle of image stabilization, low-light performance, and raw video processing power. For those users, high-end models from brands like GoPro or Insta360 would be a more appropriate, albeit far more expensive, investment.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Video Resolution & Frame Rate: Don’t just look for “4K.” Investigate if it’s true, native 4K or upscaled. For smooth action shots, the frame rate is arguably more important. A camera that can deliver a stable 1080p at 60 frames per second (fps) will often produce better-looking action footage than a camera struggling to produce choppy 4K at 30fps.
• Image Stabilisation: This is non-negotiable for an action camera. Electronic Image Stabilisation (EIS) is the standard in budget-friendly models. It works by cropping the image slightly to compensate for camera shake. While not as advanced as the optical or hypersmooth systems in premium cameras, a good EIS is essential for watchable footage.
• Durability & Waterproofing: Consider how you’ll use it. Most budget cameras rely on an external case for waterproofing. Check the depth rating (e.g., 40 meters) and the quality of the case’s seal. The camera body itself should also feel robust enough to handle being mounted and moved around.
• Accessories & Battery Life: A huge factor in the overall value is the included accessory bundle. Does it come with the mounts you need for your helmet or handlebars? Does it include spare batteries and a charger? A camera with two batteries that last 90 minutes each is far more useful than one with a single battery that dies in an hour. This is an area where models like the Apexcam 4K 60FPS Action Camera often provide exceptional value.

Considering these factors will help you choose a camera that not only fits your budget but genuinely meets the demands of your adventures.

While the Apexcam 4K 60FPS Action Camera is an excellent choice for many, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, especially for two-wheeled enthusiasts, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:

First Impressions: An Arsenal of Adventure in a Box

Unboxing the Apexcam 4K 60FPS Action Camera is, frankly, a delightful surprise. In an era where even flagship phones come with little more than a cable, Apexcam has taken the opposite approach. The camera and its treasure trove of accessories arrive neatly packed in a robust, semi-rigid zippered case—a thoughtful inclusion that immediately adds value. Holding the camera itself, it’s compact and lightweight, with a functional, no-frills design. The 2-inch screen on the back is bright and clear, and the buttons have a satisfying, tactile click.

But the main event is the accessories. As we emptied the case, the pile just kept growing: a crystal-clear waterproof housing rated to 40m, a 2.4G wrist remote, various mounts for helmets and handlebars, adhesive pads, tethers, and crucially, two 1350mAh batteries along with a separate dual-bay USB charger. They even include a 64GB MicroSD card, meaning you can literally start filming within minutes of opening the box. This “everything you need” approach is a massive win for beginners, removing the hidden costs and confusion of buying mounts and cards separately. As one user aptly put it, “Wow, this little action camera came with everything needed to get up and running, all for very small cost.”

Deep Dive: Performance Under Pressure

An impressive feature list on paper means nothing if the camera can’t perform in the real world. We put the Apexcam 4K 60FPS Action Camera through its paces, mounting it on bicycle handlebars, a motorcycle helmet, and taking it for a dip in the sea to see if its performance matches its incredible value proposition.

Video and Image Quality: Expectations vs. Reality

Let’s address the elephant in the room: the “4K 60FPS” claim. In our testing, while the camera can technically record at this resolution, the results lack the crisp detail and fluid motion you’d see from a market leader. The footage appears to be digitally processed or “interpolated” to reach that specification. However, this isn’t a dealbreaker; it’s a matter of managing expectations. Where this camera truly shines is at 1080p. We found, as one motorcyclist reviewer wisely noted, that switching to 1080p at 60fps makes a “such a difference.” At this setting, the footage is smooth, clear, and more than sufficient for capturing dynamic action. The colours are vibrant in good daylight, and the 170° wide-angle lens does a great job of capturing the full scene, immersing the viewer in the action.

The Electronic Image Stabilisation (EIS) is another key feature. It works reasonably well to smooth out minor vibrations and bumps, such as those from a bicycle ride on a paved path. It won’t compete with the gimbal-like smoothness of systems costing ten times as much, but it effectively transforms shaky, unwatchable footage into something enjoyable. For still photos, the camera boasts a 64MP resolution, which again is likely achieved through software interpolation. In well-lit conditions, the photos are decent and perfectly usable for social media sharing. One user found that using the “quick 5 shot mode” was a great way to increase the chances of capturing a sharp, clear image amidst the action. For a budget camera, the visual output, especially at 1080p/60fps, is genuinely impressive and offers a fantastic starting point for any budding adventurer. You can see its full feature set and user reviews to gauge if the quality meets your needs.

The ‘Everything Included’ Bundle: Unpacking the Unbeatable Value

The single greatest strength of the Apexcam 4K 60FPS Action Camera is undoubtedly its comprehensive accessory kit. This isn’t just a camera; it’s a complete filming ecosystem in a box. For a beginner, the value is immense. You don’t have to worry about compatibility issues or the unforeseen expense of buying essential mounts. The waterproof case, rated to 40 meters, sealed perfectly in our tests, and we captured some great underwater footage without any leaks. This was confirmed by users who took it diving and snorkelling, with one noting only a tiny bit of condensation after use at 10m, which is common. The included wrist-worn remote control is another fantastic feature, allowing you to start and stop recording or snap a photo without fumbling with the camera itself—perfect for when it’s mounted on a helmet or at the end of a pole.

The variety of mounts covers most common scenarios, from handlebars to helmets to flat surfaces. However, it’s worth noting a potential pitfall highlighted by a cycling enthusiast: the included handlebar mount was too small for their modern 31.8mm handlebars. This is a crucial piece of real-world feedback; while the bundle is extensive, you may need to purchase a specific mount if you have oversized equipment. The inclusion of two 1350mAh batteries and a dedicated dual charger is perhaps the most practical benefit. It effectively doubles your shooting time and streamlines the charging process, a feature that many premium brands charge extra for. The hard-shell carrying case keeps everything organized and protected. This bundle is the core of the camera’s value, making it an almost unbeatable entry-level action camera package.

Usability and On-the-Go Features: Simplicity for Everyone

Apexcam clearly designed this camera with ease of use in mind. The menu system is navigated by four simple buttons, and the settings are straightforward and intuitive. We were able to get it set up and recording in under a minute without even glancing at the manual, a sentiment echoed by several users who praised its simple interface. The 2-inch LCD screen is vital for framing shots and reviewing footage on the spot, a feature that was once a luxury on action cameras.

The built-in Wi-Fi is another modern convenience that works well. By downloading a companion app to your smartphone, you can connect to the camera, view a live feed, transfer files directly to your phone for quick editing and sharing, and even control the camera’s functions remotely. This is perfect for setting up a shot where the camera is out of reach. Battery life is respectable. We consistently got around 90-100 minutes of recording time at 1080p from a single battery. As one user pointed out, recording in 4K with Wi-Fi on is a “killer,” draining the battery much faster, which is typical for all action cameras. This makes the inclusion of a second battery and dual charger all the more valuable. One small quirk we confirmed from a user review is that the camera does not seem to charge the battery while it’s inside the unit; you must use the external charger. While slightly odd, the dual charger is so convenient that this is a minor inconvenience at most.

What Other Users Are Saying

The overwhelming consensus among users is that the Apexcam 4K 60FPS Action Camera offers phenomenal value for money, particularly for beginners and casual users. One happy buyer perfectly summarized this feeling: “If you’re new to action cameras like me and want to film adventures on a budget, the Apexcam M80 AIR 4K Action Camera is really brilliant! It’s easy to use, packed with accessories, and great value.” Many others praise the sheer quantity of useful gear, with one stating, “The bundle comes neatly wrapped in a hard shell case… What you get in comparison to other competitors is amazing.”

However, the feedback isn’t universally perfect, which lends authenticity to the overall picture. Some users have encountered issues. One reported that their handlebar mount was too small for their bike, a specific and helpful data point for potential buyers. Another noted that after using it as a dashcam for just over a year, the device failed, raising questions about its long-term durability under constant use. A different user felt they received a used product with “very low quality photos and videos,” suggesting potential quality control inconsistencies. These critical reviews are important, as they temper the excitement and remind us that this is, after all, a budget-priced electronic device. Yet, for the vast majority, the experience is overwhelmingly positive, especially for those who, as one user put it, “didn’t want to spend the £££s” on a GoPro.

How Does the Apexcam 4K 60FPS Action Camera Compare to the Alternatives?

While the Apexcam offers incredible value, it exists in a competitive market. To understand its place, it’s essential to compare it against some of the leading names and concepts in the action camera space. This helps clarify who the Apexcam is for, and who might need to invest more for different features.

1. GoPro HERO10 Black Action Camera

The GoPro HERO10 Black is a professional-grade tool that sits in a different league. Its main advantages are its superior image processing, genuinely stunning 5.3K video at 60fps, and its revolutionary HyperSmooth 4.0 stabilization, which is significantly more effective than the Apexcam’s EIS. It’s also waterproof out of the box without needing a case. However, this performance comes at a price that is many times higher than the Apexcam, and that’s before you buy any essential mounts or spare batteries. The GoPro is the right choice for serious hobbyists, semi-professionals, and anyone for whom absolute image quality is the top priority. The Apexcam is for those who want 80% of the fun for 20% of the cost.

2. GoPro Max Lens Mod 2.0

It’s important to clarify that this is not a standalone camera but an accessory for the GoPro HERO12 Black. The Max Lens Mod 2.0 enhances an already high-end camera by providing an ultra-wide 177° field of view and superior Max HyperSmooth stabilization. This is for a user who has already invested heavily in the GoPro ecosystem and wants to push their creative boundaries even further, particularly for immersive first-person point-of-view shots. It doesn’t compete with the Apexcam directly; rather, it represents the kind of specialized, high-performance add-on available in the premium market tier, which is a world away from the all-in-one budget solution offered by Apexcam.

3. Insta360 X4 8K 360 Action Camera

The Insta360 X4 represents a different approach to capturing action. As a 360-degree camera, it records in every direction at once in glorious 8K. Its killer feature is the ability to “shoot first, point later,” meaning you can reframe your video after the fact, choosing the best angle or creating dynamic pans and zooms in the edit. Features like the “Invisible Selfie Stick” effect are genuinely magical. This camera is for content creators who value creative flexibility above all else. While it can also function as a standard wide-angle action camera, its primary strength—and higher cost—is in its 360 capabilities. The Apexcam is for capturing what’s in front of you simply and effectively, while the Insta360 X4 is for capturing everything and deciding what matters later.

Our Final Verdict: Is the Apexcam 4K 60FPS Action Camera Worth It?

After extensive testing and poring over real-world user feedback, our conclusion is clear: the Apexcam 4K 60FPS Action Camera is an outstanding value proposition for a specific type of user. It is not a “GoPro killer” and doesn’t pretend to be. You will not get broadcast-quality 4K footage from this device. What you will get, however, is a surprisingly capable and incredibly accessible entry point into the world of action videography.

We recommend it wholeheartedly to beginners, families, casual hobbyists, or anyone on a tight budget who wants to start capturing their adventures immediately without the hassle of buying endless accessories. Its true strength lies not in its spec sheet, but in the complete, ready-to-film package it delivers. The inclusion of two batteries, a dual charger, a 64GB card, and a comprehensive set of mounts removes all barriers to entry. For capturing fun memories of a bike ride, snorkelling trip, or scenic drive in clear, smooth 1080p, it performs brilliantly. If you want to dip your toes into action filming without diving into your savings, this is the perfect way to do it.

If you’re ready to start documenting your adventures without the premium price tag, we highly recommend you check the latest price and see the full accessory list for the Apexcam 4K Action Camera. It’s one of the most complete and user-friendly starter kits we’ve ever tested.