Help Me Choose an Action Camera?

Labb on 05/02/2019 - 09:37
Last edited 05/02/2019 - 09:41

I'm trying to buy an action camera, but stuck in analysis paralysis. Too many options out there!

I want to use it for mainly snorkelling and motorbiking, and I'd like the ability to use filters on the lens (polarizer, colour correction for underwater).

Models I have considered:

Seabird - US$115 including floating stick and waterproof case. Sample footage looks annoyingly jerky though. Relatively new so not many real-world opinions, not sure what filters fit (is their waterproof case exactly the same as GoPro 4?), doesn't seem to have a remote control option.

SJ8 Pro - US$173 including waterproof case and a bunch of mounts, can use the touchscreen in water, water-proof remote available. Was about to buy but then I saw forums have lots of unhappy users - too-low bitrate video especially at 1080, some other glitches.

SJCAM also have their "ion" series about to launch, can't find pricing but if their sales page is true the stabilization looks awesome.

Yi 4k - US$115 camera only. Seems fairly popular, only 1 button might be awkward to use in water, has a very basic remote control (would be sufficient for riding), haven't checked out sample videos yet.

Mijia 4k - US$96 camera only. Haven't looked at this one in detail, apart from finding out no-one makes the filters I want to suit it, so can probably rule it out on that basis.

Eken H5s plus - US$86 with waterproof case, remote, and mounts. A late discovery, cheapest price, suspect therefore cheapest quality. edit: looked up sample vid and it's jerky as hell.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
(Even if it's another option for around $200)

Electrical & Electronics Camera

Comments

  • blonky on 05/02/2019 - 10:43
    +1

    From your list, probably close between the Yi 4k and Miija 4k

    Yi 4k is a really good camera - but it's coming very close in price to the Gopro 5 Black once you factor in the exchange rate, shipping, case + mounts, as well as no local warranty and low resale value. I've seen the 5 Black as low as $250 locally brand new if you could stretch it

    • abb on 05/02/2019 - 11:27

      Thanks for the advice. I didn't look into GoPro as the new models don't look to be as good value for money, but will see if I can spot any older generations around.

  • hasselbladsnapper on 05/02/2019 - 11:18
    +1

    I agree with blonky, I have the Yi4k and I am very happy with it regarding image quality. The underwater case is quite expensive, so a look at the GoPro is a consideration to make. If you do buy the Yi just go to the "official" factory website on AliExpress for a good purchase and DELIVERY experience!.

    • abb on 05/02/2019 - 11:29

      Cheers. There are a lot of non-official stores on ali haha "yi Authorized store", "yi Franchised store", "yi - store".
      Hopefully "yi Official Store" is the right one (I'll check their website)

  • colin1 on 05/02/2019 - 11:40
    +1

    I Went down the same route in looking for an action camera. I decided on the Firefly 8SE. It may be a bit dearer but I am very happy with it.

    Here is a link to a review from a guy I respect when it comes to action Cameras. Hope it helps

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ks8LVRsYwfk&t=13s

    • abb on 05/02/2019 - 11:47

      What factor/s sold you on that one rather than one of the more well-known brands?

      • Fiximol on 05/02/2019 - 15:24

        Depending on the type of image you want, the Firefly is the only one I know of that has a version with a 90 degree, undistorted lens. You have a narrower field of view but also none of the fish eye effect. You can 'un fish' the others afterwards with post processing, or use a menu in the action camera to narrow the field and get less distortion, but they aren't perfect.

  • Mumbles on 05/02/2019 - 13:32
    +1

    For snorkelling/scuba diving definitely choose whichever does well in low light situations. Light is a precious commodity under the water and choosing an action camera with good light sensitivity lets you dive on non-ideal days eg. overcast, cloudy, windy.

    For motorcycling its less important. I'd recommend anything designed specifically for helmets:
    http://hub.chainreactioncycles.com/buying-guides/accessories…

    Nice to have features are 60fps and image stabilisation.

    I haven't been following action camera's for a few years but I used to like the SJCAM brand for their value vs light sensitivity.

    • abb on 05/02/2019 - 14:16

      Thanks, might wait a couple of days to see if they announce pricing on the ion ones…

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