Action photography dirt cheap.

[Idiot Savant]

Prior to my last paddling trip, an ad for an inexpensive action camera showed up on my internet feed.
It claimed it was highly rated. Curious, but skeptical, I checked it out on Amazon.
It was the AKASO EK7000. The reviews were very favorable, so I ordered one and rigged a mount on my kayak (sorry) that I planned to use on the upcoming club trip.
What I planned to do, what I hoped to do, is have it take multiple still photos, while going through the minor rapids, which I normally can't do, since my hands are occupied with paddling. I wasn't expecting a lot but thought it was worth a shot.
Unfortunately, I didn't read the instructions carefully enough and ended up with video.
This short segment is while we were going through the Black Rocks section of the Loma to Westwater run on the Colorado River.

As you can see, the quality isn't bad and I'd say pretty amazing for what the camera cost. I can't wait to actually use it the way I intended.
There are several other similarly, or even cheaper, action cameras that are probably about as good.
I ordered a few others and just ordered one for under $34.
I plan on mounting a few on my canoe for my next trip.

 

[Dana]

After getting frustrated with GoPro's awful software I got a couple of Akaso cameras for flying videos, I'm pretty happy with them.

 

[Gamma1214]

For what you're trying to do (capture images where hands-free is the only option), I'd probably just leave it in video mode and lift the still images from it frame-by-frame. While you'd fill a memory card faster that way, there should never be a time when you miss something by just seconds.

That's how I got this shot of the log truck after my Steel River trip (GoPro on the dash).

 

[Idiot Savant]

If I had a brain, I'd be practicing and experimenting with these cameras so I know the best way(s) to operate them and don't mess up when it counts.
Since they are so cheap, I'm considering mounting multiple cameras and running, at least, one of them on video. If room is at a premium, such as with a kayak, I might even consider leaving my DSLR home and shoot everything with them.
I really like the video, but it took a ridiculously long time to upload to You Tube and I think stills are better for sharing. A lot of people don't want to watch a whole video, even if it's only a few minutes. I need to look into video editing.

 

[Gamma1214]

I scrapped the YouTube idea because I didn't want to invest the time in editing. I prefer writing anyway, so stills make more sense. That said, when I finally return to Canada next summer, I'll be filming the whitewater sections with a GoPro (or some action camera) so that I can lift photos from them.

I can't see a scenario when I leave the cameras (I carry two) at home. The zoom capabilities are just too limited on phones & action cameras.