SJCAM is a Chinese action camera manufacturer specialized in producing cheap GoPro-like sports recording devices.
They released a huge number of cameras and had lots of ups and downs along the way. As the time passes it is very hard to keep up with large amount of assortment they have. Differences between cameras vary. There are some models that are quite the same with minor improvements and there are some that are radically different.
For people who are new to action cameras, it is very hard to find info and compare wide variety of SJCAM cameras. That is why I decided to create a page, where I will list and compare all cameras released by this company based in Shenzhen.
Here I will include each and every camera launched by SJCAM. From the earliest attempts when they were completely unknown no-name brand to more advanced ones, including recently launched limited edition cameras.
You should know few things before you start comparing which one suits you the most.
The tables below are specification comparison. Though I did my best to include each and every important feature in the table, it is possible that I might have missed something. Tables are different to ones you see on manufacturers and retailers sites, mostly because I included true photo resolution and settings they did not add.
Please be aware that even though hardware specs are correct, there might be slight variation in size/weight charts as well as features such as timer, burst, etc. Size variations are possible because I have measured the cameras I have myself. The information for the ones I do not has been taken from official specs. Differentiation in features happens because if manufacturer releases new software (firmware) for the camera some features might be updated, removed or changed.
I will try to keep these tables up to date. If you find any mistake or have noticed something should be changed/added, please let me know by posting a comment below. For more in-depth comparison, please visit either compare category or action camera reviews sections of this website.
Early SJCAM models (SJ1000, SJ2000, SJ3000)
Company started their product line with SJ1000 series, which at that time, picked some quite good reviews. Unlike its successors, SJ1000 had pretty unique design. With a raising popularity of helmet cameras, SJ2000 was released to cater for bicyclist and motorists and other enthusiast.
At the time Sony entered the market with their HDR-AS15, SJCAM answered by launching SJ3000 and SJ3000 WiFi as a cheaper alternative. Until I started doing a research for this article, I was unaware of SJ3000 WiFi camera. It appears to be quite hard to get it. It is certainly the first WiFi action cam released by the company.
What is very interesting about early S1-S3 models is that nowhere on them will you see SJCAM logo.
Bear in mind that these cameras still have quite high prices for what they offer. There are many other cameras that, now, 2 years later offer at least twice better video/photo quality.
The only way it would make sense to buy first SJCAM cameras would be to have them as a collectible piece.
Do not get me wrong, you can of course still capture photos and create videos with them, but there are better solutions that are better bang for your buck.
- Chipset
- Image sensor
- Lens
- Weight
- Size
- Screen
- Max image resolution
- Max Video resolution
- Video compression format
- Image format
- Memory
- Battery
- WiFi
- Connection
- Timer
- Photo time-lapse
- Video time-lapse
- Burst
- Webcam
- External Mic
- Car camera
- Remote controller
- SJ1000
- NTK96650
- Aptina AR0330
- 6 glass
140º - 101 grams (3.56 oz)
- 7.1 x 4.4 x 3.6 cm
2.80 x 1.73 x 1.42 inches - 1.5" LCD
- 3.5 megapixels
- 1080p x 1920
30 fps - H.264
- JPEG
- 32GB
- 1100mah
- USB, HDMI
- 2s/5s/10s
- SJ2000
- NTK96650
- Aptina AR0330
- 6 glass
170º - 85 grams (2.99 oz)
- 3 x 10cm
1.18 x 3.93 inches - 3.5 megapixels
- 1080p x 1920
30 fps - H.264
- JPEG
- 32GB
- 1100mah
- USB, HDMI
- SJ3000
- NTK96650
- 2MP CMOS
- 6 glass
170º - 106 grams (3.73 oz)
- 8 x 4.8 x 2.4cm
3.14 x 1.88 x 0.94 inches - 1.5" LCD
- 2 megapixels
- 1080p x 1920
30 fps - H.264
- JPEG
- 32GB
- 1000mah
- USB, HDMI
- 2s / 5s / 10s
- SJ3000 WiFi
- NTK96650
- 2MP CMOS
- 6 glass
170º - 106 grams (3.73 oz)
- 8 x 4.8 x 2.4cm
3.14 x 1.88 x 0.94 inches - 1.5" LCD
- 2 megapixels
- 1080p x 1920
30 fps - H.264
- JPEG
- 32GB
- 1000mah
- USB, HDMI
- 2s / 5s / 10s
SJ4000 series
SJ4000 models were, and still are huge success for the company. Their SJ4000 and SJ4000 WiFi (Full SJ4000 WiFi Review) are without any doubt one of the best selling on-budget action cameras ever. Like with early products they produced, initial SJ4000 had no logo on it. Only after having serious issues with fake cameras by competitors, SJCAM started to put their logo on the products.
I wrote before on differences between SJ4000+ vs SJ4000 where you can see more details between these models as well as video comparison.
- Chipset
- Image sensor
- Lens
- Weight
- Size
- Screen
- Max image resolution
- Max Video resolution
- Video compression format
- Image format
- Memory
- Battery
- WiFi
- Connection
- Timer
- Photo time-lapse
- Video time-lapse
- Burst
- Webcam
- Car camera
- Remote controller
- External Mic
- Video Stabilization
- SJ4000
- NTK96650
- Aptina0330
- 6 glass
170º - Weight : 59 grams / 2.08 ounce
- Size : 59.27*41.13*29.28mm
- 1.5" LCD
- 3.5 megapixels
- 1080p x 1920
30 fps - H.264
- JPEG
- 32GB
- 900mah
- USB, HDMI
- 2s/3s/5s/10s/20s
- 2s / 5s / 10s
- SJ4000 WiFi
- NTK96655
- Aptina0330
- 6 glass
170º - Weight : 59 grams / 2.08 ounce
- Size : 59.27*41.13*29.28mm
- 1.5" LCD
- 3.5 megapixels
- 1080p x 1920
30 fps - H.264
- JPEG
- 32GB
- 900mah
- USB, HDMI
- 2s/3s/5s/10s/20s
- 2s / 5s / 10s
- SJ4000+ Standard
- NTK96660
- OV4689 CMOS
- 6 glass
170º - Weight : 62 grams / 2.18 ounce
- Size : 59.27*41.13*29.28mm
- 1.5" LCD
- 4 megapixels
- Video Resolutions : 2K (2560*1440 30FPS)
(1920*1080, 30/60 fps) - H.264
- Image format : JPEG
- 32GB
- 900mAh
- USB, HDMI
- 3s/5s/10s/20s
- 3s/5s/10s/30s
- SJ4000+ Gyro
- NTK96660
- OV4689 CMOS
- 6 glass
170º - Weight : 62 grams / 2.18 ounce
- Size : 59.27*41.13*29.28mm
- 1.5" LCD
- 4 megapixels
- Video Resolutions : 2K (2560*1440 30FPS)
(1920*1080, 30/60 fps) - H.264
- Image format : JPEG
- 32GB
- 900mAh
- USB, HDMI
- 3s/5s/10s/20s
- 3s/5s/10s/30s
M10 series
Cube-shaped action cameras became quite popular after Polaroid released their Polaroid Cube. It is a very common misconception that SJCAM and Polaroid copies or clones of a GoPro Hero 4 Session. As a matter a fact, both M10 and Cube were released 12 months before Session.
Being famous for quickly managing to replicate design and shape of bigger brands, SJCAM M10 came to the market just a month after Cube came out. First model M10 Basic had no WiFi.
SJCAM released M10 in two different bundles with different accessories. Check out the M10 review for more information about this model.
- Basic
- Deluxe
M10 WiFi version includes a built in WiFi that allows remote operation of the camera, downloading media, changing settings, all from your phone. That is the only difference between two models.
Like with SJ4000 and M10, M10+ is the same in terms of specifications as SJ4000+. They are different only in shape and size.
- Chipset
- Image sensor
- Lens
- Weight
- Size
- Screen
- Max image resolution
- Max Video resolution
- Video compression format
- Image format
- Memory
- Battery
- WiFi
- Connection
- Timer
- Photo time-lapse
- Video time-lapse
- Burst
- Webcam
- Car camera
- Remote controller
- External Mic
- Video Stabilization
- M10
- NTK96650
- Aptina0330
- 6 glass
170º - Weight : 67 grams / 2.36 ounce
- Size : 48.1*43.3*43.4 mm
- 1.5" LCD
- 3.5 megapixels
- 1080p x 1920
30 fps - H.264
- JPEG
- 32GB
- 900mah
- USB, HDMI
- 2s/3s/5s/10s/20s
- 2s / 5s / 10s
- M10 WiFi
- NTK96655
- Aptina0330
- 6 glass
170º - Weight : 67 grams / 2.36 ounce
- Size : 48.1*43.3*43.4 mm
- 1.5" LCD
- 3.5 megapixels
- 1080p x 1920
30 fps - H.264
- JPEG
- 32GB
- 900mah
- USB, HDMI
- 2s/3s/5s/10s/20s
- 2s / 5s / 10s
- M10+
- NTK96660
- OV4689 CMOS
- 6 glass
170º - Weight : 69 grams / 2.43 ounce
- Size : 48.1*43.3*43.4 mm
- 1.5" LCD
- 4 megapixels
- Video Resolutions : 2K (2560*1440 30FPS)
(1920*1080, 30/60 fps) - H.264
- Image format : JPEG
- 32GB
- 900mAh
- USB, HDMI
- 3s/5s/10s/20s
- 3s/5s/10s/30s
SJ5000 series
Even though many of us expected S5000 series to be the real deal, they proved to be quite problematic. Especially the SJ5000+ which is by this day the priciest product they released. The differences between SJ5000 WiFi, non WiFi and Plus can be seen in this article.
With the recent launch of SJ5000x Elite, company wants to show that SJ5000 models were not all overpriced. Elite version includes 12mp Sony sensor and can record in interpolated 4K resolution.
- Chipset
- Image sensor
- Lens
- Weight
- Size
- Screen
- Max image resolution
- Max Video resolution
- Video compression format
- Image format
- Memory
- Battery
- WiFi
- Connection
- Timer
- Photo time-lapse
- Video time-lapse
- Burst
- Webcam
- Car camera
- Remote controller
- External Mic
- Video Stabilization
- SJ5000
- NTK96655
- Panasonic MN34110PA
- 6 glass
170º - Weight : 59 grams / 2.08 ounce
- Size : 59.27*41.13*29.28mm
- 2" LCD
- 14 megapixels
- 1080p x 1920
30 fps - H.264
- JPEG
- 32GB
- 900mah
- USB, HDMI
- 2s/3s/5s/10s/20s
- 2s / 5s / 10s
- SJ5000 WiFi
- NTK96655
- Panasonic MN34110PA
- 6 glass
170º - Weight : 59 grams / 2.08 ounce
- Size : 59.27*41.13*29.28mm
- 2" LCD
- 14 megapixels
- 1080p x 1920
30 fps - H.264
- JPEG
- 32GB
- 900mah
- USB, HDMI
- 2s/3s/5s/10s/20s
- 2s / 5s / 10s
- SJ5000+
- Ambarella A7LS75 DSP
- Panasonic MN34120PA
- 6 glass
170º - Weight : 76 grams / 2.68 ounce
- Size : 59.27*41.13*29.28mm
- 1.5" LCD
- 16 megapixels
- 1080p x 1920
30, 60 fps - H.264
- Image format : JPEG
- 32GB
- 900mAh
- USB, HDMI
- 3s/5s/10s/30s/60s
- 3s/5s/10s/
- Sj5000x Elite
- NTK96660
- Sony IMX078
- 7 glass
170º - Weight : 68 grams / 2.39 ounce
- Size : 59.27*41.13*29.28mm
- 2" LCD
- 12 megapixels
- Video Resolutions : 4K (3840 x 2160) 24fps
2K(2560 x 1440)30fps
1080P (1920 x 1080) 30,60fps - H.264
- Image format : JPEG
- 32GB
- 900mAh
- USB, HDMI
- 3s/5s/10s/20s
- 3s/5s/10s/30s
Limited Editions
Even though it sounds super-awesome limited editions are little improved repacks of earliest models. To make long story short, if you are interested in learning more on LE cameras you can read this SJ5000x vs x1000 where I compared them side by side with previous models.
- Chipset
- Image sensor
- Lens
- Weight
- Size
- Screen
- Max image resolution
- Max Video resolution
- Video compression format
- Image format
- Memory
- Battery
- WiFi
- Connection
- Timer
- Photo time-lapse
- Video time-lapse
- Burst
- Webcam
- Car camera
- Remote controller
- External Mic
- Video Stabilization
- SJ1000x
- NTK96655
- Aptina0330
- 7 glass
170º - Weight : 59 grams / 2.08 ounce
- Size : 59.27*41.13*29.28mm
- 2" LCD
- 3.5 megapixels
- 1080p x 1920
30 fps - H.264
- JPEG
- 32GB
- 900mah
- USB, HDMI
- 3s/5s/10s/20s
- 2s / 5s / 10s /20s
- SJ5000x
- NTK96655
- OV4689 CMOS
- 7 glass
170º - Weight : 72grams / 2.61 ounce
- Size : 59.27*41.13*29.28mm
- 2" LCD
- 4 megapixels
- Video Resolutions : 2K (2560*1440 30FPS)
(1920*1080, 30/60 fps) - H.264
- Image format : JPEG
- 32GB
- 900mAh
- USB, HDMI
- 3s/5s/10s/20s
- 2s / 5s / 10s /20s
Hopefully this article has helped you understand the differences and similarities between all SJCAM cameras. As I said already, if you have any of these cameras, feel free to post your own experience in the comments. Also, if you spot a mistake in any of the tables, please let me know and I will update it.
If this was informative, please share this article with your friends on social media and help them choose proper action camera. At the same time you will spread the word about my site and I highly appreciate that.
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A great list and comparison.
1. I remembered there is a sunplus version for SJ3000 Wi-Fi.
2. Chipset for M10 Wi-Fi and SJ4000-Wi-Fi is NTK96655 instead of NTK96650
3. X1000 and SJ5000X limited version lens should be 6G(not confirmed).
Interesting information. Thanks for sharing. Updated the table. Never seen SJ3000 WiFi before, so it would be interesting to see if I can find more info on it.
About limited versions lens, I was told by manufacturer its 7G, but will try to get confirmation.
The standard M10 doesn’t have WiFi. 😉
Thanks, I edited the table.
The specifications of the SJ5000X Elite show a 2″ LCD display not the 1.5 in your chart.
I hope the information is helpful.
Thanks Mike, edited the info, indeed it helps.
Nice very nice , and i learned lot of information. Ty Pavle. I like you reviews.
Ps. In first chart, under sj1000 , i found small mistake, there is writen but it now .
Thanks for that Altan, I corrected a typo.
I have been looking for an action camera..and i stumbled upon this..such great info compiled to one place…excellent..keep up the good job..
Aritra, thanks a lot for your comment. Glad it was helpful.
Hi,
First of all, thanks for all the info you are providing! I was looking for an action camera, something to use on vacations and to do some videos. I am inclined for the xiaomi yi. How does it compare with these ones? and what’s your personal opinion?
thanks
The only comparison I did so far is SJ4000 vs Xiaomi Yi. There you can find info about where YI wins and where it looses. In my opinion Yi is decent camera (not perfect) But its hard to want perfection for 60-70$. It also now has a screen which helps beginners as well.
first of all, great comparison, gg
they have changed the price for 5000x elite, now it is 149$, and and for 5000+ is 169
Thanks. Price for Elite is 149$ in a table. 5000+ has been reduced and can be found for around 140-150$.
Excellent comparison.. Thank you soo much..
Am a novice at action cameras..but wana start off with one.. Reading ur reviews.. I feel Sj4000 WiFi is the best option for me.. Am not sure about Xiomi bcoz it wl cost be extra bucks for the screen nd accessories.
Can you suggest? I wana keep my budget under 100$. I am also worried about aftr sales service,coz am from India nd I don’t really know if they have any in the country..
Is there an option I cn look for? Apart from Xiomi nd Sj4000 WiFi.. My purpose is basic hiking nd wildlife holidays trip videos.
Thanks. I believe SJ4000 is great for newbies, its cheap, has user-friendly interface, etc. If you do not mind not having a screen YI can be great option as well. You should read the comparison between the two cameras. SJ4000 is easier to us.
Thanks a lot for the help.. Keep up the good work! I shall probably get a SJ4000 WiFi.
Are you sure gearbest sells standard editions ? i think there were only like 1000 pcs of standard cameras (until they were replaced with gyro version) and they were sold off months ago. Gearbest just didn’t update their description yet (or they don’t even know there are two versions).
Excellent comparison tables ! thanks !
HI everyone Can you please tell me which from SJCAM5000 SERIES is best
SJCAM SJ5000 Plus Ambarella A7LS75 1080P 60FPS…
SJCAM SJ5000 WiFi Novatek 96655 Full HD Action…
SJCAM SJ5000X 12MP Sony IMX078 Sensor [email protected]…
SJCAM SJ5000 Novatek 96655 Full HD Action Sport…
Can someone please in quick word tell me which is best ! because i have problem to decided !
so there is no SJ7000 eh…. ?
Hmmmm….
Made by SJCAM – nope.
Btw. M10+ HAS image stabilisation – gyroscope. That’s also why it’s called “plus” AFAIK – please correct it.
Thanks for the heads up, I updated the table.
hi, great write up for all the model. I have problem with SJCAM apps when taking still image. The apps its just too laggy, 2-3 second behind, sometimes the image on Handphone seem to stuck and do not appear. very hard to use it as a remote control to compose view. Happens only in still image mode, no problem with video mode. Using SJ5000 wifi, tried SJCAM and SJCAM HD apps. Same problem. Hope you can help.
hey everyone,
is the sjcam sj5000 wifi is a good action cam?
thanks
Hi Pavle,
I´m amazed by your work, congrats.
I´m looking for a cam with less distorsión as possible doing pictures in time lapse mode. It’s for an open source project supporting NGO work of http://www.missingmaps.org. We want to make a low cost & open source plane (less than 1kg) for mapping using the software http://www.opendronemap.org. The camera would face the floor.
Good maps have big impact during emergencies and both mapping drones and stitching software are still very expensive.
For stitching several pictures and create a map we need images with small distortion. At the same time the low weight and robustness of action camps simplify the things a lot, crash happen.
First I’ve been looking for action cameras with small FOV or interchangeable lens.
Later I’ve seen that Xiaomi Yi has the pre rectification, but not sure if only in video or also in time-lapse mode. Looks better than simple cropping.
Maybe the best is just post processing of the images?
Hope you can help us to see what are the best possibilities.
Best
Oriol
For 5000+ (16mp) vs5000X Elite(12mp)..is there much of a difference that you will notice for the mp difference? If so… is there something that the 500X Elite has/offers or does better over the 5000+ to make you forget the fact it is only 12mp and still buy the 5000X Elite?
Hello,
Have you had the chance to try the SJCAM M20?
Would like to see a review soon.
Thanks for your work.
Rui
One thing missing is the battery life. As an avid hiker who goes on 10~16hrs long day hikes, I need an action cam that can last 6~8hrs on 1 charge (even if mostly on standby). I usually only get 1 chance to change batteries (at the summit).
Lovin’ the reviews! Thanks so much! Cant wait to get my hands on it soon. Hopefully you will get to trying and reviewing Vidi Camera too!
Hello, i just want to ask which one is better, sjcam 4000 wifi or sjcam m20? Thanks!
M20 is a newer model, with better hardware. We have a review of both cameras so I recommend you to go through them.
Thanks for the summary!
A lot easier to understand what the model range actually is/are.
Was a sort of early adopter of Sony’s and got as100, but learned now that Sony quickly leave there products and procure next gen instead of do support and maintain, so no more Sony for me.
Was thinking of m10+ and that’s how I got on your website, how is sjcam when it comes to fixes and lifespan of there products in your opinion?
And thanks for a great site!
Like any other Chinese cheap product, you get what you pay for. Guarantees depend on retailers. If you want warranties repairs and stuff, you should go with bigger brands like GoPro, but be prepared to pay for that kind of support.
I’ve never had issues with any SJCAM camera malfunctioning, but that all depends where how often and in what conditions you plan to use it. I got my first SJ4000 in 2014 and it still works, but I used it for testing purposes and not much in extreme sports and stuff.
Thanks for the answer, I was not meaning hardware wise but more in updates in firmware and listening in on users.
If you look at Sony’s support forum for the product I went with the users where left in the dust and that can be read there.
I have now looked at avialable/made firmware updates on m10 and git2 and there does not seam that bad, and both have forums so I probably go with one of those this time, it will not see so “rough” use.
Hello, i whant to use a sjcam for airsoft but i need something that is good at low light. Ty
CORRECTION:
*The SJ5000wifi DOES have “video time lapse”.
*Mine has sounds issues: I can barely hear anything. But some people do not have the same issue.
Which one would you recommend for travels? It would be my first action camera. Price doesn’t matter if for example the new models are better than the older ones and worth the price.
I’ve read about problems with M20 and black screens so I would like to avoid that 🙂