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
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
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
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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.
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 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
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 ]
If i dont want to pay high price for GoPro, for which one should I go and still expect good quality video?
SJ is pretty good and they start at around $80 for a non WIFI one
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.