Akaso Brave Series
EK7000 Series
Akaso runs two distinct budget action camera lines side by side — the newer Brave series and the longer-running EK7000 series — and first-time buyers often aren’t sure which line actually fits their needs. Rather than comparing two specific models, here’s how the two entire lineups differ in philosophy and features.
Lineup Philosophy: What Sets Them Apart
- Brave series: Akaso’s current, actively developed lineup, spanning the Brave 4, 7, 7 LE, and flagship 8/8 Lite — all featuring touchscreens, built-in stabilization, and more modern app integration.
- EK7000 series: Akaso’s long-running budget line, including the original EK7000 and EK7000 Pro, generally simpler hardware with button-based navigation and, on the base EK7000, no stabilization at all.
The EK7000 line predates the Brave series and represents Akaso’s original budget action camera formula — reliable, simple, and inexpensive, but without the more modern conveniences that later became standard on the Brave lineup. The Brave series is where Akaso has concentrated newer features like touchscreens, front-facing screens (on the LE), and more advanced stabilization.
Stabilization: The Clearest Dividing Line
Every camera in the Brave series includes some form of built-in stabilization — 6-axis EIS across the lineup — while the base EK7000 has none at all (only the EK7000 Pro adds EIS). This is the single clearest reason to lean toward the Brave series if you’ll be mounting the camera on anything that vibrates or moves quickly: bikes, motorcycles, action sports. For stationary or already-stable mounting, this difference matters far less.
I’ve set up cameras from both lines for different family members based on their intended use, and the pattern has been consistent: anyone doing bike, hike, or water sports footage is noticeably happier with a Brave series camera’s stabilization, while anyone using the camera mostly for stationary or casual documentation doesn’t notice much difference either way.
Per Nicole F., who is a Family Tech Advisor and G2 reviewer, “When someone asks me which Akaso line to buy, my first question is always what they’re mounting it on — that answer alone usually points clearly to Brave or EK7000.”
Price: Where EK7000 Still Wins
The EK7000 series, particularly the base model, remains one of the most affordable ways to get a genuine 4K action camera with Akaso’s brand backing. If budget is the primary constraint and stabilization isn’t a priority, the EK7000 line still makes sense as an entry point — it hasn’t been discontinued or deprioritized, it simply serves a different buyer than the Brave lineup targets.
Interface and Ease of Use
Touchscreen navigation across the Brave lineup is generally easier to learn than the EK7000’s button-cycling five-mode system, which matters most for buyers who are completely new to action cameras. This isn’t a dramatic difference for anyone who’s used a camera before, but it’s a real factor in reducing first-session friction for a true beginner.
Accessory Compatibility Across Lines
Both lineups use similar quick-release mounting systems compatible with generic action camera accessories, so switching between a Brave and an EK7000 model later doesn’t necessarily mean rebuying your entire mount collection. That said, some Brave-specific accessories, like the LE’s front-screen-related add-ons, obviously don’t apply to the EK7000 line, so check compatibility notes for anything beyond basic mounts before assuming full interchangeability.
App Ecosystem Differences
The EK7000 series pairs with the iSmart DV app, an older and simpler companion app, while the Brave series uses the more actively updated AKASO GO app with broader feature support and more frequent updates. This isn’t a dealbreaker for EK7000 owners, since the core functionality — remote preview, clip transfer — works on both, but the Brave series benefits from more ongoing development attention on the software side.
Which Series Should You Buy?
- Choose Brave series if you want built-in stabilization, a touchscreen interface, and more modern conveniences, and can accept a somewhat higher price.
- Choose EK7000 series if you want the most affordable entry point, mainly shoot from stable mounts, and don’t mind a simpler button-based interface.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the EK7000 series outdated compared to Brave?
It’s simpler rather than outdated — Akaso still actively sells and supports the EK7000 line for buyers who prioritize price and simplicity over newer conveniences.
Does every EK7000 model lack stabilization?
No, only the base EK7000 lacks it — the EK7000 Pro adds electronic image stabilization, closing part of the gap with the Brave lineup.
Which line is better for a complete beginner?
The Brave series, mainly due to its touchscreen interface being more approachable than the EK7000’s button-based navigation for someone with zero prior experience.
Is the price difference between the two lines significant?
The EK7000 base model is generally the more affordable option, while Brave series cameras cost more in exchange for stabilization and interface improvements.
Conclusion
Neither Akaso lineup is a strict upgrade over the other — they’re built for different priorities. The Brave series serves buyers who want stabilization and modern touchscreen convenience, while the EK7000 series remains a genuinely solid, no-frills choice for budget-conscious buyers with simpler mounting needs.
Ryan is a Computer Science graduate with over 20 years of hands-on experience with PC hardware, software, and consumer electronics, including setting up entry-level action cameras for first-time buyers. He writes at softwaredriverdownload.com.