AKASO Brave 8 Action Camera User Manual

BRAVE 8
ACTION CAMERA

USER MANUAL
V2.6

What’s in the Box

Your Brave 8

1. Shutter / OK Button
2. Front Screen
3. Lens
4. Power Button
5. Speaker
6. Memory Card Slot
7. USB / External Mic Port
8. Charging/Wifi Indicator
9. Touchscreen
10. Mode Button
11. Battery Cover

Button Operation Instructions

• Power Button:
  Press to turn on the display screen; press and hold to power on or off.

• Mode Button:
  On the preview screen, press the Mode button to switch shooting modes; press and hold the button to switch between the front and touch screens.

• Shutter Button:
  In Photo or Video mode, press the Shutter button to capture photos or start video recording. To stop recording in Video mode, press the Shutter button again.

Note:

1. Screen switching is not possible while recording.
2. The touchscreen can’t be operated when using the front screen, and vice versa.

1. Memory Card Icon:
   Displays remaining recording time/number of photos.

2. Battery Level:
   Displays the percentage of battery.

3. Audio switch:
   Turns on or off the sound when recording a video.

4. Photo Mode:
   Switches modes or display the current mode.

5. Resolution and Aspect Ratio:
   Displays or configure the resolution and aspect ratio.

6. Zoom:
   Adjusts the shooting angle.

7. Preview Screen:
   Displays the camera status.

Note: The camera will not record sound when it is in the waterproof case.

Getting Started

Welcome to your AKASO Brave 8. To capture videos and photos, you will need a memory card (sold separately) that meets the following requirements.

Memory Card Use

1. U3 (UHS Speed Class 3).
2. Capacity up to 512GB (FAT32).

Tips:

1. Format the memory card in the camera before using it to ensure compatibility.
   Regularly reformat your memory card for optimal performance. Remember, reformatting erases all data, so transfer your photos and videos before reformatting.

2. Memory cards larger than the specified maximum capacity can cause issues like non-recognition or even camera malfunctions like unresponsiveness or firmware failure.

3. With FAT32, the card will stop recording and create a new file if the file size of a recording reaches 4GB.

Notes:

1. Don’t use the card near strong currents or magnetic fields.
2. Don’t let the card touch metal objects, or use any metal tools on it case it’s squeezed, bent, or falls.
3. Store the card in dry places away from corrosive substances.
4. Ensure that no foreign items are inserted into the card slot.
5. Turn off the camera before inserting or removing the card.

Powering on or off
To power on:
While the camera is off, press and hold the Power button to turn it on.
To power off:
While the camera is on, press and hold the Power button to turn it off.
Zooming in or out:
You can adjust the viewing angle by tapping the “+” icon on the screen.
Quick Start Guide
When using the camera for the first time or after resetting it, set the system language, date & time, and follow the on-camera guide to begin using the camera. If you prefer not to use the guide, simply tap “Skip” to bypass it.
Quick Operation Guide
Swipe down from the preview screen to open the quick menu.
Swipe up from the preview screen to enter the video or photo settings screen.
Swipe right from the preview screen to enter the mode menu.
Swipe left from the preview screen to enter the playback screen.

• Mode Switching:
  On the preview screen, swipe right or tap the Mode icon to access the mode menu, choose “Video” or “Take photo”, then swipe left or right to select a desire shooting mode.

• General Settings:
  Swipe down to access the preferences screen, then scroll down to General Settings and set up your Brave 8 camera.

• Playback:
  Swipe left to enter the playback screen, tap the Square icon in the upper left corner to enter the album screen, then tap “Video” or “Photo” to enter the video or photo set for file playback.

• Video / Photo Settings:
  Swipe up to enter the video or photo settings screen, and configure the settings per your needs.

Overview of Modes

The Brave 8 action camera offer 6 shooting modes.

Video Modes

• Video Mode
  The camera is in Video mode by default when turned on. In this mode, press the Shutter button to record normal video at the preset resolution and frame rate.

• Timelapse Video Mode
  Timelapse Video condenses longer events into brief clips by capturing frames at designated intervals. This mode is ideal for capturing mesmerizing transitions like sunrises, sunsets, blossoming flowers, and more.

• HyperLapse Video Mode
  HyperLapse Video mode enables the camera to produce steady and fluid fast motion videos, seemingly faster than real-time. This mode is perfect for capturing dynamic scenes.

• Slow Motion Video Mode
  The Slow Motion Video mode allows the camera to capture footage at your chosen resolution and slow motion speed, but it saves the video at a playback rate of 30 fps. This ensures that on playback, the video displays in a captivating slow-motion effect.

Photo Modes

• Photo Mode
  In Photo Mode, press the Shutter button, the camera takes a photo. Or adjust the burst photo menu to take several photos at the same time. You can also adjust the countdown menu to take a timed selfie.

• Time Lapse Photo Mode
  Press the Shutter button. The camera will automatically start the countdown and continuously take photos at the specific interval till you press the Shutter button again.

Image Stabilization

The Brave 8 action camera can efficiently smooth out the lens shakes, resulting in smooth and pristine videos thanks to its Electronic Image Stabilization (EIS4.0) and SuperSmooth Stabilization algorithms. This feature is ideal for capturing scenes involving activities like riding, skating, and handheld use.
Tip: SuperSmooth stabilization is an upgraded in-app image stabilization mode that delivers ultra-smooth footage. To achieve this, the SuperSmooth stabilization algorithm is applied via the AKASO GO app. For SuperSmooth results, record the video with SuperSmooth enabled, then download the stabilized video via the AKASO GO app.

Quick Menu

1. Memory Card Capacity
2. Time
3. Battery Level
4. Voice Control
5. Wifi
6. Screen Brightness (3 Levels)
7. Screen Lock
8. One Key Fast Shooting
9. Preferences
10. Grid

System Settings

You can dive into the System Settings to adjust your Preferences and General Settings.

AKASO Take photo AKASO Power off
Language| English| 9 languages supported.
Standard| NTSC (default)/PAL|
Code| H.264 (default)/H.265| Select a desired video code, each offering different image effects and compression ratios.
Wireless Connection| Turn on/Turn off (default) | Connecting Device | Camera Information | Wifi Band-5G (default)/2.4G|
Remote| Turn on /Turn off (default)| Pair your camera with the included remote for remote operation.
One Key Fast Shooting| Turn on /Turn off (default)| With this feature enabled, the camera will automatically turn on and start recording as soon as you press the Shutter button. To stop recording and turn off the camera, simply press Shutter button again. The camera will automatically save the file and power off.
Tip: You can also turn this feature on or off on the quick menu; if you do not wish to use this feature, press and hold the Power to turn on the camera.
---|---|---
Gyroscope| Turn on / Turn off (default)|
General Setting| |
Screen Brightness| 0-100%| Adjusts the screen brightness.
Sound| 0-100% – Volume On (default)/Off- Key Tone| Beep Tone | Photo Beep Tone| Adjusts camera sounds to an acceptable level.
Indicator Light| Turn on /Turn off (default)|
Video Sound| Turn on /Turn off (default)|
Auto Power Off| Never/2 Minutes/5 Minutes (default)/10 Minutes /20 Minutes/30 Minutes|
Screen Saver| Never/15 seconds/30 seconds/1 Minute (default)/ 2 Minutes/ 5 Minutes|
Time Date| Date: YY/MM/DD
Time: HH/MM (AM/PM/24 Hours)|
Date Stamp| Turn on /Turn off (default)|
Formatting| Format Memory Card – Cancel/ Confirm | Memory Card Capacity|
Factory Reset| Cancel/Confirm|
About| View camera information|

Setting Resolution

On the preview screen, tap the resolution icon at the bottom of to access the resolution settings screen, then swipe left or right to choose the desired resolution.
You can also set the image stabilization on this screen. After the configuration is complete, swipe down to exit.

• Video

4:3/2.7K120 16:9/2.7K90 16:9/2.7K60 16:9/2.7K30 16:9/1440P180/ 1440P120/1440P90/1440P60/1440P30/1080P200/1080P120/ 1080P90/1080P60/1080P30
PAL: 4K25 4:3/4K50 16:9/4K25 16:9/2.7K75 4:3/2.7K50 4:3/2.7K25 4:3/ 2.7K100 16:9/2.7K75 16:9/2.7K50 16:9/2.7K25 16:9/1440P150/ 1440P100/1440P75/1440P50/1440P25/1080P200/1080P100/ 1080P75/1080P50/1080P25
Time Lapse Video Mode| Resolution ratio: 8K/4K4:3/4K16:9/2.7K4:3/2.7K16:9/1440P/1080P
Time interval: 0.5s/1s/2s/5s/10s/30s/1min/2min/5min/10min/30min/1h
HyperLapse Video Mode| Resolution ratio: 4K 16:9/2.7K 4:3/2.7K 16:9/1440P/1080P
HyperLapse Speed: 2x/5x/10x/15x/30x
Slow Motion Video Mode| Resolution ratio: 2.7K/1440P/1080P/720P
Slow Motion Speed: 2x/4x/8x/16x
Image Stabilization| Off / Image Stabilization / SuperSmooth

• Photo

Time interval: 0.5s/1s/2s/5s/10s/30s/1min/2min/5min/10min/30min/1h

Personalized Settings

On the preview screen, swipe up to access the video or photo settings screens.
Specifications are as follows:

4:3/2.
7K120 16:9/2.7K90 16:9/2.7K60 16:9/2.7K30 16:9/1440P180/
1440P120/1440P90/ 1440P60/
1440P30/1080P200/1080P 120/
1080P90/1080P60/1080P30| Video Mode
8K16:9/4K4:3/4K16:9/2.7K4:3/2.
7K16:9/1440P/1080P
Time interval: 0.5s/1s/2s/5s/10s/30s/ 1min/2min/
5min/10min/30min/1h
HyperLapse Speed: 2x/5x/6x/10x/15x/ 30x| Time Lapse Video Mode/HyperLapse Video Mode
| Resolution ratio: 2.7K/1440P/ 1080P/720P
Slow Motion Speed: 2x/4x/8x/16x| Slow Motion Video Mode
---|---|---
Image Stabilization| Off (default) /Normal/SuperSmooth| Off: Turn off Image Stabilization. Normal: The in-camera stabilization mode that uses the EIS4.0 algorithm along with a 6-axis gyroscope for shake-free footage. SuperSmooth: An upgraded in-app image stabilization mode that delivers ultra-smooth footage.
Metering| CAM (default) /AM/CM/SM/AFM| CAM (Center Average Metering): Prioritizes the scene’s center but also considers surrounding areas. AM (Average Metering):
A metering mode that bases the whole screen.
CM (Center Metering): Emphasizes the scene’s center, making it ideal for selfies or close-up shots, like flowers.
SM (Spot Metering): Targets a specific spot in the scene to determine exposure.
AFM (AI Face Metering):
A smart mode that adjusts exposure based on detected facial features, enhancing selfies.
EV| 3.0/2.5/2.0/1.5/1.0/0.5/0(default)/
-0.5/-1.0/-1.5/-2.0/-2.5/-3.0| Sets the brightness of photos and videos. A higher EV value creates a brighter image.
ISO| Auto(default) /100/200/400/ 800/1600/ 3200/6400| Sets the image sensor’s sensitivity to light.
White Balance| Auto(default) /2300K/2800K/3200 K/4000K /4500K/5000K/5500K/ 6000k/ 6500K| Fine-tunes the color temperature of your videos and photos.
Sharpness| 0/1/2/3 (default) /4/5/6| Sets the level of detail in your photos and videos.
Bit Rate| High (default)/Medium/Low| Influences the file size. A lower the bit rate results in a smaller file size.
---|---|---
Color| Normal (default) /Vivid| Selects the tonal quality.
Fragment| Turn off (default)/15S/30S/180S| Fragment: Captures a 15- or 30- second video clip that is ready to be shared on social media.
Loop Video: Captura continuamente clips de vídeo de 180 segundos.
Audio| Stereo (default)/VE| Stereo: Records stereo audio for better sound quality.
VE (Vocal Enhancement): Records mono audio to reduce background noise for clear human voice.
Dark Light Mode| Turn on /Turn off (default)| This mode uses a longer shutter speed to allow more light to enter the camera sensor. Not suitable for action- packed activities.
Distortion Correction| Turn on /Turn off (default)| With this feature enabled, the fisheye effect common in wide-angle captures will be corrected. But the view angle will be narrowed.

• Photo

48MP (default)/12MP
Time interval: 0.5s/1s/2s/5s/10s/ 30s/1min/2min/5min/10min/ 30min/1h| Time Lapse Photo Mode.
Metering| CAM (default) /AM/CM/SM/AFM|
---|---|---
EV| 3.0/2.5/2.0/1.5/1.0/0.5/0
(default)/-0.5/-1.0/-1.5/-2.0/-2.5/- 3.0| Sets the brightness of photos and videos. The higher the value, the brighter the video or photo.
ISO| Auto/100/200/400/800/1600| Sets ISO values of photos and videos.
Shutter| Auto,5S,2S,1/125S,1/250S,1/500S, 1/1000S,1/2000S| Sets the length of time that a shutter remains open.
White Balance| Auto/2300K/2800K/3200K/4000K
/4500K/5000K/5500K/6000k/ 6500K| Fine-tunes the color temperature of your videos and photos.
Sharpness| 0/1/2/3 (default)/4/5/6| Sets the level of detail in your photos and videos.
Color| Normal (default)/Vivid| Choose the tonal quality.
Self-Time| Turn off (default)/3s/5s/10s/30s| Sets the countdown time to take a selfie.
Image Format| JPG (default)/JPG+RAW| Sets the output format for the image.
Number of Burst Photo| Turn off (default)/ 3 /5 / 8| Sets the number of photos taken in Burst mode.
Note: Ensure camera stability throughout the entire burst duration while using this mode.

Connecting to the AKASO GO App

You can connect your camera to the AKASO GO app via Wifi. To do this, download this app from the App Store or Google Play to your smartphone first. When your camera is connected to the AKASO GO app, you can control it to capture, or change its settings using your phone. You can also live preview, playback, download, edit, and share videos via this app. We recommend you connect Wifi before connecting to the AKASO GO app.

1. Turn on the camera’s Wifi
   To turn on Wifi, tap the Wifi icon on the quick menu or enable “Wireless Connection” on the Preferences settings screen. The camera will enter Wifi mode and display the Wifi information in 3 seconds.

2. Connect Wifi
   Enter your phone’s Wifi settings page, find the Wifi SSID in the list and tap on it, then enter the password 123456789 for connection.
   Warm tip:
   ➀ Once the camera Wifi is connected, a “No Internet Connection” or “Weak Security” notification will appear since the phone’s data is paused. You can ignore it and continue the app connection.➁ When Wifi is successfully connected, the Wifi indicator will turn on, and the display screen will state “Connected to Brave _xxxxx”.
   ➂ If Wifi isn’t connected within 5 minutes, it will auto-disconnect. Enable Wifi again to reconnect.

3. Connect to the AKASO GO App
   Follow the steps below to connect your camera to the AKASO GO app.
   ➀ Open the AKASO GO app on your smartphone.
   ➁ Tap “Device” at the bottom, then tap “Add Device” in the upper left corner.
   ➂ Select Brave 8 from the options.
   ➃ Search for the camera’s Wifi, then tap the “Connect” option in the bottom right corner.
   ➄ Tap the “Join” option in the bottom right corner for connection.
   ➅ Tap the “Connect” option at the bottom. Your camera is successfully connected to the AKASO GO app.
   Tips:
   ➀ If you failed to connect the camera’s Wifi, please confirm if you successfully turned on the camera’s Wifi. Please tap the “Research” option if you can’t find the camera’s Wifi.
   ➁ The screenshots and steps below are for your reference only.

4. Control your camera with the AKASO GO app.
   You can capture, playback, download, delete, and edit videos or photos using the phone app.

5. Disconnect from the app.
   If you wish to disconnect your camera from the app, tap the “X” icon in upper left corner of the app, or press the Mode button to turn off Wifi.

6. Download SuperSmooth Videos
   To get a SuperSmooth video, you need to record a video with SuperSmooth enabled, then download it from the app to your phone by following the steps below.
   ➀ Enable SupperSmooth on the app. To do this, connect the AKASO GO app to the camera, tap the settings icon in the upper right corner to access the app’s settings screen, then tap “Image Stabilization” to select the “SuperSmooth” option.
   Tip: You can also enable SuperSmooth on the camera.➁ Tap the Album icon in the bottom left corner to enter the playback screen, select the video with the SuperSmooth icon to view it in full screen, then tap the icon in the upper right corner and choose “Download”.
   ➂ Choose “SuperSmooth”. After accessing the download screen, wait for the download progress to complete.
   ➃ Once it is downloaded successfully, the video is processed by the SuperSmooth Stabilization algorithm. Please wait.
   ➄ Once processed, the video is stored in your phone’s album.

7. Firmware Upgrade Instructions
   ➀ In the app’s System Settings, tap “Firmware update”. A pop-up window will show.
   Select “Upgrade firmware” and tap “Download”.
   Note: Before initiating the upgrade, make sure you’ve installed the latest AKASO GO app on your smartphone, and inserted the MicroSD card in the camera.➁ Upon receiving a “Internet Connections” prompt, tap “Switch Networks” to access the network settings page. Then, switch to an available network and tap “done”.➂ The app will automatically download the upgrade package. When the download progress is complete, tap “Connect camera”. A “Connect to Device” prompt will appear. Please tap the “Connect” option on the prompt.➃ The system is now being upgraded.
   Note: This usually takes about one minute. Please be patient. When the upgrade progress is complete, the app will show “Update Succeeded”. Tap “Try it now” to use the camera of the up-to-date version.

Playing Back Your Content

To playback your content on the Brave 8 camera, follow the steps below:
➀ Swipe left from the preview screen to enter the playback screen, then tap the “Square” icon in the upper left corner to access the album screen.
➁ Tap “Video” or “Photo” to enter the video or photo set for file playback.

➂ Tap the file you want you playback to see it in full-screen view, then tap the playback icon, and it will play.

Deleting Your Content
You can delete files from the album, video, and photo screens.
To delete files from the album screen, tap the Square icon in the upper right corner to select file (s) or deletion, then tap the Delete icon in the upper right corner followed by the “Confirm” option to complete the deletion of the selected files.
To delete files from the video screen, tap the Delete icon in the bottom left corner of the current video file, and select the “Confirm” option to complete the deletion of the selected file.
To delete files from the photo screen, tap the Delete icon at the bottom of the current photo file, and select the “Confirm” option to complete the deletion of the selected file.

Connecting to USB

You can connect your camera to a computer with the included USB cable. A message with 3 connection options will be displayed on the camera screen. Select “USB Storage” to establish a connection for file transfer between your camera and computer. Opt for
“Camera Mode” if you wish to utilize your camera as a Web camera. Alternatively, select “Charging Mode” to charge your camera.

Maintaining Your Camera

Please follow these guidelines to get the best performance from your camera:

1. For optimal audio performance, gently shake the camera or blow on the microphone to remove any debris from the microphone holes.
2. To clean the lens, use a soft, lint-free cloth to wipe it. Avoid inserting any foreign objects near the lens.
3. Do not touch the lens with your fingers.
4. Store the camera away from drops and bumps, as this may cause damage to the internal components.
5. Store the camera away from high temperatures and strong sunshine to protect it from damage.
6. Store the camera away from sharp objects and moisture-prone areas.

Maintaining Your Battery

If the battery reaches 0% while recording, the camera will save the file and the power goes off.

To maximize battery life, please follow these guidelines if possible:

• Turn off Wireless Connections when not using
• Capture videos at lower frame rates and resolutions
• Use the screen saver setting

Battery storage and operation

• If storing for extended periods, maintain a battery charge of 50-60%. Charge every 3 months and discharge the battery every 6 months.
• Do not store the battery with metal objects such as coins, keys, or necklaces. If the battery terminals come close to metal objects, a short circuit may cause fire.
• Store the battery in dry areas, safe from potential physical damage caused by squeezing or collision.
• Avoid using or storing the battery at high temperatures, such as in direct sunlight or a hot compartment. The battery will heat up, malfunction, or have its service life shortened in these conditions.
• Avoid using or storing the battery in low-temperature environments, as this will shorten the battery life or cause it to malfunction.
• Avoid environments with strong static or magnetic fields; these can compromise the battery’s protective unit, posing safety risks.
• If the battery emits an odor, overheats, changes color, gets distorted, or exhibits any anomalies, discontinue use and remove it immediately from the camera or the battery charger whether it is being used, charged, or stored.
• Safely insulate used electrodes to prevent potential hazards.

Remote Control

Note: The remote is not waterproof but splashproof only.

Once your camera is successfully paired with the remote, you can remotely control your camera to take photos, record videos and more using the remote. Below you will find a list of operating instructions for using the remote control.

1. Power on or off / Pair

remote control. The red and blue indicators on the remote will be flashing quickly.
Pair| Pairing| Press Mode and Shutter buttons| 1. Enable the Remote feature on the camera. To do this, swipe down to access the quick menu and locate “Remote”, then turn on the remote feature by using the slide switch.
2. Press and hold the remote’s Mode and Shutter buttons at the same time till its screen displays the date.
The two indicators will stop flashing.
Now the remote is successfully connected to your camera.
Warm tip: The remote will be automatically connected to the  amera in your second use.
Power off| On| Press the Power button| Press the Power button again to turn off the remote control.
2. Use the shutter button|
Function| Operation Status| Operation| Detail
Record videos| Video Mode On| Press the Shutter button| Press the Shutter button to start recording. Press again to stop recording.
Take photos| Photo Mode On| Press the Shutter button| Press the Shutter button to take a photo.

3. Switch modes

button to toggle between the video and photo modes.
**4. Turn off the camera| |
Function| Operation Status| Operation| Detail**
Control the camera to shut down| On| Press and hold the Power button for 5 seconds| Press and hold the Power button for 5 seconds to turn off the camera. The remote is also turned off.

5. Indicator status description

6. Charge the remote
Connect the remote to a USB adapter using a USB cable. The red indicator will remain on while charging and black out when the remote is fully charged.
Tip: Once fully charged, disconnect the cable and ensure the charging cover is securely fastened.

Accessories

Contact Us
For any inquiries about AKASO products, please feel free to contact us.
We will respond within 24 hours.
Tel: 888-466-9222 (US)
Email: cs@akasotech.com
Web: www.akasotech.com

References

• Affordable Sports Action Camera | Best GoPro Alternative - AKASO

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