Top 5 Chinese Action Cameras You Can Buy For Summer


sjcam sj5000 action camera

Chinese tech companies aren’t just about tablets and phones, but also action cameras for capturing those extreme moments. Here are our top 5 Chinese Action Camera picks for this summer.

GoPro might have a huge following, but their high pricing has meant that Chinese manufacturers have been able to move in and offer similar performing devices at a lower retail price. Here are a few action cameras you can take a look at for the coming summer.

Blackview Hero 1

blackview hero action camera

The Blackview Hero 1 is one of a pair of new Blackview branded sports action cameras that have been recently released.

A Sony IMX206 sensor, soaks up the action through a wide-angle lens for video recorder at 2560 x 1080 @30fps, 2360 x 1296 @30fps , 1920 x 1080 @60fps, 1280 x 720 @120fps.

The compact camera measures in at 59.27 x 41.13 x 29.28mm, and comes complete with a tough waterproof shell and accessories for mounting to your person or a vehicle. Other details include a 900mAh battery, WIFI, HDMI out, and space for up to 32GB SD cards.

A very nice feature is the built-in 1.5-inch display on the rear of the camera making alignment and playback nice and simple.

[ Blackview ]

Blackview Hero 2

blackview hero action camera

The Blackview Hero 2 looks similar to the Hero but with slightly different hardware. This time a Omnivision OV469 sensor lives behind a 170 degree wide angle lens for 2560 x 1080 @30fps,2360 x 1296 3@0fps ,1920 x 1080 @60fps, 1280 x 720 @120fps video.

Rather than a rear screen, the Hero 2 comes with a small remote with 2.4G RF wireless function for streaming video and setting the camera up. Again 32GB SD cards are supported and a 900mAh battery, waterproof case, and plenty of accessories are included.

[ Blackview ]

Xiaomi Yi Action Camera

xiaomi yi action camera

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Xiaomi might be known for their range of phones, tablets and other household items, but they also make a few camera centric products, the Yi Action camera being one of them.

Up front is a 16 mega-pixel Sony Exmoor sensor behind a 155 degree wide-angle lens. Video recording options include 1080p @ 60fps, 48fps, 30fps and 24fps, 960p @60fps, 48fps, 720p @120fps, 60fps and 48fps and 480p and 240fps.

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The device comes in white or Jungle green and measures only 60.4 x 42 x 21.2mm.

One major drawback is the Xiaomi Yi Action camera comes with no accessories. Mounting straps and even a waterproof case are all sold separately. There is also no built-in screen, but WIFI and a very nice Android app make up for that.

[ Xiaomi ]

SJCAM SJ5000 Plus

sjcam sj5000 action camera

SJCAM offer a wide range of WIFI action cameras and sell their devices with a huge number of accessories. The SJ5000 Plus is the top of the range model with Panasonic MN34120PA sensor and 7G Lens.

In addition to the standard features of WIFI, (with iOS and Android APP), Full HD: 1920 x 1080P 60/30 fps 720P: 1280 x 720P 120/60/30 fps 480P: 848 x 480P 240/120/60/30 fps, the camera also has a car mode for use as an in car dash camera.

The sensor in the SJ5000 Plus is a 16.37 mega-pixel sensor, recording through a 170 degree wide angle lens. A 1.5-inch display on the rear of the camera makes set up and play back super easy.

[ SJCAM ]

SJ4000 WIFI

sj4000 action camera_LRG

Further down the SJ camera range is the SJ4000. This isn’t the cheapest camera in the SJ camera line up, but it is the cheapest with WIFI, and that is a seriously useful feature.

The SJ4000 has a 5 mega-pixel sensor and can record at Full HD: 1920 x 1080P 30 fps, 720P: 1280 x 720P 60/30 fps (double frame, not true 60fps) ,480P: 848 x 480P 60fps.

Again we have a built-in rear lens of 1.5-inch, WIFI and support for iOS and Android devices, along with all the usual great accessories.

[ SJCAM ]

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62 Comments

  1. Zombie Jesus
    April 23, 2015

    If i dont want to pay high price for GoPro, for which one should I go and still expect good quality video?

    • April 23, 2015

      SJ is pretty good and they start at around $80 for a non WIFI one

    • kimmy
      April 27, 2015

      SJ4000 Sports Camera Wifi just 88euro in Flosmall.

  2. claude
    April 23, 2015

    can u test on of the blackview heros soon ?

    • April 24, 2015

      I’ll ask if they can send them over 😀

  3. Freeje
    April 23, 2015

    Bought the knock off version of SJCam and it’s good. $80 for all accessories plus a spare battery. It has WiFi and a 2 inch display. I use it mainly as a car dash cam.

  4. Guest
    April 23, 2015

    If i dont want to pay high price for GoPro, for which one should I go and still expect good quality video?

    • Andi Sykes
      April 23, 2015

      SJ is pretty good and they start at around $80 for a non WIFI one

    • Guest
      April 27, 2015

      SJ4000 Sports Camera Wifi just 88euro in Flosmall.

  5. April 23, 2015

    Any idea if any of these are compatible with GoPro accessories? I know the Xiaomi is just slightly too large to fit without filing either the accessory or the camera itself down…

    • Adam Irvine
      April 23, 2015

      SJ4000 WiFi is definitely compatible with GoPro mounts

  6. Guest
    April 23, 2015

    can u test on of the blackview heros soon ?

    • Andi Sykes
      April 24, 2015

      I’ll ask if they can send them over 😀

  7. Guest
    April 23, 2015

    Bought the knock off version of SJCam and it’s good. $80 for all accessories plus a spare battery. It has WiFi and a 2 inch display. I use it mainly as a car dash cam.

  8. Adam Irvine
    April 23, 2015

    I’ve got the SJ4000 WiFi which I use for Motocross, fantastic bit of kit and it fits all the GoPro mounts too!

    The WiFi is especially useful when aligning the camera on my helmet and pressing record via the app, had it for a while now and it’s still going strong.

    • April 23, 2015

      Been using one myself and I agree, it’s a kickass action cam. Especially if you got it before the prices rocketed!

      • Joseph A Broflovski
        May 30, 2015

        Bro any idea where i can order this cam from India (delhi) ?

  9. Mike Lewis
    April 23, 2015

    Any idea if any of these are compatible with GoPro accessories? I know the Xiaomi is just slightly too large to fit without filing either the accessory or the camera itself down…

    • Adam Irvine
      April 23, 2015

      SJ4000 WiFi is definitely compatible with GoPro mounts

    • Mike Lewis
      April 23, 2015

      Legend… Cheers!

  10. Adam Irvine
    April 23, 2015

    I’ve got the SJ4000 WiFi which I use for Motocross, fantastic bit of kit and it fits all the GoPro mounts too!

    The WiFi is especially useful when aligning the camera on my helmet and pressing record via the app, had it for a while now and it’s still going strong.

    • Yash Garg
      April 23, 2015

      Been using one myself and I agree, it’s a kickass action cam. Especially if you got it before the prices rocketed!

    • Joseph A Broflovski
      May 30, 2015

      Bro any idea where i can order this cam from India (delhi) ?

  11. Alexey Belavin
    April 24, 2015

    i find case for xiaomi here http://ali.pub/t6gur

  12. Alexey Belavin
    April 24, 2015

    i find case for xiaomi here http://ali.pub/t6gur

  13. Mariana Alves
    April 24, 2015

    A comparison BlackView Vs Xiaomi Yi would be great, since they’re the most recent ones.

  14. Mariana Alves
    April 24, 2015

    A comparison BlackView Vs Xiaomi Yi would be great, since they’re the most recent ones.

  15. guerrierodipace
    April 24, 2015

    I am wondering if is possible to use one of them as surveillance camera with remote pc control.Anyone knows? thanks

    • Freeje
      April 30, 2015

      Yeah sure. It has a motion detection feature. The wifi version lets you use a phone (not a PC) to control it. Well at least for the one that I bought. Not an SJcam but a knock off. I use it as a dash cam.

  16. guerrierodipace
    April 24, 2015

    I am wondering if is possible to use one of them as surveillance camera with remote pc control.Anyone knows? thanks

    • Guest
      April 30, 2015

      Yeah sure. It has a motion detection feature. The wifi version lets you use a phone (not a PC) to control it. Well at least for the one that I bought. Not an SJcam but a knock off. I use it as a dash cam.

  17. chutney ferret
    April 26, 2015

    Whats actually gives the best quality footage. And pray tell the weights as i want for mounting on my quadcopter ? Really this review is lacking. Up your game !

  18. Guest
    April 26, 2015

    Whats actually gives the best quality footage. And pray tell the weights as i want for mounting on my quadcopter ? Really this review is lacking. Up your game !

  19. Александр Королев
    April 27, 2015

    Andi, please suggest – where is Blackview Hero2 could be bought from?

  20. Александр Королев
    April 27, 2015

    Andi, please suggest – where is Blackview Hero2 could be bought from?

  21. apple
    April 28, 2015

    i bought xiaiomi ant sport camera on this shop,http://flosmall.com/accessories/xiaomi-ants-sports-camera-white-detail , good camear ,now need a case

  22. Guest
    April 28, 2015

    i bought xiaiomi ant sport camera on this shop,http://flosmall.com/accessories/xiaomi-ants-sports-camera-white-detail , good camear ,now need a case

  23. SamD
    May 2, 2015

    There has been a lot of people confused by trying to buy an SJcam in China. The problem is that many online sites label an action camera made by Shan Mao as SJ. The real SJ cam does not have an SJ5000, this is the Shan Mao SJ5000. The real SJ cam only has SJ4000 and SJ4000+ the problem is that if you just search for a cheap SJ4000 you will probably only find Shan Mao because the real SJ Cam SJ4000 is slightly more expensive.

  24. Guest
    May 2, 2015

    There has been a lot of people confused by trying to buy an SJcam in China. The problem is that many online sites label an action camera made by Shan Mao as SJ. The real SJ cam does not have an SJ5000, this is the Shan Mao SJ5000. The real SJ cam only has SJ4000 and SJ4000+ the problem is that if you just search for a cheap SJ4000 you will probably only find Shan Mao because the real SJ Cam SJ4000 is slightly more expensive.

  25. Guest
    May 2, 2015

    There has been a lot of people confused by trying to buy an SJcam in China. The problem is that many online sites label an action camera made by Shan Mao as SJ. The real SJ cam does not have an SJ5000, this is the Shan Mao SJ5000. The real SJ cam only has SJ4000 and SJ4000+ the problem is that if you just search for a cheap SJ4000 you will probably only find Shan Mao because the real SJ Cam SJ4000 is slightly more expensive.

  26. longo213
    May 5, 2015

    Would be nice to add Dazzne Showtime P2 and KeeCoo Full HD into comparison so we would know which one to choose.

  27. kupoo
    May 5, 2015

    I would not recommend getting Yi right now, there are tons of issue due to low quality assemble, most can be fixed by user but I would not support manufacturer who provides faulty product. Discharge while off (due to battery touching metal parts in case), sound issues and out of focus lense, that you need to open up and manually adjust to fix. I got mine recently and it got focus issue but I don’t wish to open up and loose warranty so I am currently waiting for seller to respond on to what to do with it.

  28. longo213
    May 5, 2015

    Would be nice to add Dazzne Showtime P2 and KeeCoo Full HD into comparison so we would know which one to choose.

  29. kupoo
    May 5, 2015

    I would not recommend getting Yi right now, there are tons of issue due to low quality assemble, most can be fixed by user but I would not support manufacturer who provides faulty product. Discharge while off (due to battery touching metal parts in case), sound issues and out of focus lense, that you need to open up and manually adjust to fix. I got mine recently and it got focus issue but I don’t wish to open up and loose warranty so I am currently waiting for seller to respond on to what to do with it.

  30. May 8, 2015

    the blackview facebook is https://www.facebook.com/BlackivewSportCam

  31. danielhuang
    May 8, 2015

    the blackview facebook is

  32. VH
    May 24, 2015

    When Hero 1 and Hero 2 has different processors, which one should be better?

  33. VH
    May 24, 2015

    When Hero 1 and Hero 2 has different processors, which one should be better?

  34. Rideout17
    June 9, 2015

    I wish one of these companies would offer something similar to the Narrative Clip, a tiny wearable, clip-on camera that automatically takes pics/video at set intervals. It would be great for capturing moments without even thinking about it. I feel the Narrative Clip is way over priced and the fact that they are releasing version 2 after the summer’s over blows my mind. Here’s their site if anyone’s interested: http://getnarrative.com/

  35. Rideout17
    June 9, 2015

    I wish one of these companies would offer something similar to the Narrative Clip, a tiny wearable, clip-on camera that automatically takes pics/video at set intervals. It would be great for capturing moments without even thinking about it. I feel the Narrative Clip is way over priced and the fact that they are releasing version 2 after the summer’s over blows my mind. Here’s their site if anyone’s interested: http://getnarrative.com/

  36. pgmcore core
    June 21, 2015

    Blackview hero 2

    This camera can record 1280 * 720 120fps?

  37. pgmcore core
    June 21, 2015

    Blackview hero 2

    This camera can record 1280 * 720 120fps?

  38. hawaiiguy
    October 30, 2015

    GoPro feels just as cheap and throw away as the chinese ones. Which isn’t surprising as they all come from the same manufacturing plants. So why spend 5+x’s as much when you can order direct from china via alibaba? 4k with tons of accessories for $60.00 including shipping is a no brainer! Same 2.8 fstop etc, a little less fps but really who is making 4k pro quality on a hero anyway? “Fix it in post” is the way to go anyway:)

  39. hawaiiguy
    October 30, 2015

    GoPro feels just as cheap and throw away as the chinese ones. Which isn’t surprising as they all come from the same manufacturing plants. So why spend 5+x’s as much when you can order direct from china via alibaba? 4k with tons of accessories for $60.00 including shipping is a no brainer! Same 2.8 fstop etc, a little less fps but really who is making 4k pro quality on a hero anyway? “Fix it in post” is the way to go anyway:)

  40. action cam alan
    January 8, 2016

    There is a new daddy of the Chinese action cams http://www.banggood.com/GitUp-Git2-2K-WiFi-Action-1440P-1_5-inches-LCD-Novatek-96660-Chipset-IMX206-16_0MP-Image-Sensor-p-1007770.html?p=2O21111526893201504H This thing smashes all competitors, its terrific bang for buck. Only slight weakness is in very low light, the gyro works superb. There is no better action cam out there in this price class. The SJ5000X elite might be able to run it close but not until they get their rank firmware sorted.

  41. Guest
    January 8, 2016

    There is a new daddy of the Chinese action cams http://www.banggood.com/GitUp-Git2-2K-WiFi-Action-1440P-1_5-inches-LCD-Novatek-96660-Chipset-IMX206-16_0MP-Image-Sensor-p-1007770.html?p=2O21111526893201504H This thing smashes all competitors, its terrific bang for buck. Only slight weakness is in very low light, the gyro works superb. There is no better action cam out there in this price class. The SJ5000X elite might be able to run it close but not until they get their rank firmware sorted.