Category: GitUp

In this review I’m going to introduce you to one of the latest cameras released by a comparatively less known action camera brand GitUp. The company has been around for a while now, and they have produced some surprisingly good sports cameras.

Recently, they announced a new model – GitUp F1. We have already reviewed their Git 1 and Git 2 which performed well in our tests. And just a while ago, we did a review of their G3 Duo which ended up on our best action cameras list.

Those are a few reasons that got me quite pumped up about the F1. In this review, I will test this uniquely shaped camera. Will it perform as good as its predecessors? Let’s find out.

The Gitup F1 has a completely different shape, compared to the other cameras we covered so far. It is long and flat, with the lens on the front, looking more like a flashlight. This kind of shape could prove to be better in some situations but maybe somewhat worse in other. The camera can be easily mounted on the helmet – but not that easily to a chest mount. As always, it all depends upon the way  you need to use the camera.

Specifications

[go_pricing id=”gitup_f1″]

Unboxing & Accessories

The F1 arrives in a cardboard box with just a few accessories included. Take a look at the video below, to see what’s inside the box.

Well, there is not much to show with this camera. In its box there is a clip mount that’s essential to make the camera compatible with any other accessory. There are some cables to use with remotely controlled vehicles, one charging cable, two stickers, and a Manual.

There are no other accessories so… How do I mount this camera on my helmet? Or anywhere in my car? Or elsewhere I’d desire? Simply: I can’t. I’m forced to buy other mounts separately off their website or a kit like this.

The camera has no chance to go underwater because it is not waterproof, and a waterproof case for it doesn’t exist. Equally, this camera is not usable in the rain, in the mud, or in any other wet situation, since it’s not splash-proof either. I honestly think it is a huge disadvantage. It is supposed to be an ACTION CAMERA, and yet, I can’t use it in situations where it gets wet.

Design and Build quality

The design is quite unique but very functional. You have everything at your thumb tip. This camera conveys a good sensation to the touch, because it is compact and very well made, also appears to be very stout.

The three buttons have a great click/beep feedback, impossible to ignore or misunderstand. I usually complain about cameras with a lean choice of buttons since these are most times quite difficult to use, but with this camera GitUp has made a good job. We will dissect it deeper in the Menu section.

Both ports situated on the bottom of the camera are super accessible and functional. The two LEDs over the buttons are very visible, especially the red one that indicates when the camera is ON and whether it is recording or not. Its blue colored LEDs that indicate when the camera is charging have a lower brightness level.

If I wanted to find a flaw, I’d notice that the screen is not particularly bright in direct sunlight, and sometimes you will want to hold the camera at a different angle to read the numbers on the screen. Another little LED next to the two ports would have been great, but I always have a problem with LEDs… so it’s not a real problem!

Menu Overview

As I said before, this camera has only three buttons; same as many other cameras, but GitUp has developed a good software, and you’ll be able to easily manage all with only 3 commands. So overall user navigation is very slick. The functions of those buttons are:

• Power Button – Turns camera On/Off + Switches among Modes + Scrolls Menu pages
• Settings Button – Opens Settings in selected Mode + does Back function
• Rec Button – Starts/Stops the recording + Selects the voices in the Menu

This camera is one among those that offer a lot of settings for each mode! Let’s see:

First we encounter the traditional top menu. On this camera, the top menu is the only place where you can change the Video/Photo settings. It contains:

• Video Mode
• Photo Mode
• Settings

In the Video Mode we can find these settings:

• Mode – Loop/Normal/TimeLapse/SloMo/Vid+Photo – Each of these modes has its own particular subset of options, but I will not list all of them, only the main points.
• Resolution – 4K@30fps – 2160p@30fps – 1440p@30/60fps –  1080p@30/60/120fps – 720p@240fps
• Quality – Fine/Normal/Super Fine
• Interval – 1min/3min/5min/Max
• Stamp – On/Off
• Meter – Spot/Average/Center
• WB – Auto/Incandescent/Sunny/Cloudy/Fluorescent/Outdoor/
• Color – GitUp/Art/Sepia/Negative/B&W/Vivid/70film/PopArt/
• Sharpness – Low/Med/High
• Ev – +-0/+-0.3/+- 0.7/+- 1.0/+- 1.3/+- 1.7/+- 2.0
• EIS – On/Off
• Audio – On/Off

In the Photo Mode we can find these settings:

• Mode – Normal/Burst/Timer/Time Lapse – Each of these modes has its own particular subset.
• Resolution – 8Mp
• Shutter – Auto / 1/30s / 1s / 2s / 5s / 10s / 30s/ 60s
• Stamp – On/Off
• Zoom – Off/1.1x/1.2x/1.3x/1.4x/1.5x/2x
• Meter – Center/Average/Spot
• WB – Auto/Incandescent/Sunny/Cloudy/Fluorescent/Outdoor
• Color – GitUp/Art/Sepia/Negative/B&W/Vivid/70film/PopArt
• ISO – Auto/100/200/400/800/1600/3200/6400
• Sharpness – Low/Med/High
• Ev – +-0/+-0.3/+- 0.7/+- 1.0/+- 1.3/+- 1.7/+- 2.0
• No Fisheye – On/Off
• DNG – On/Off

In the Settings section we can find all the general settings for the camera:

• Quick Rec – On/Off
• WiFi – On/Off
• WiFi – 2.4G/5G
• Bluetooth – On/Off
• System – NTSC/PAL
• Def Mode – Video/Mode
• OSD – On/Off
• Led – On/Off
• Flip – On/Off
• Beeps – On/Off
• Auto Off – Off/3min/5min/10min
• Time Setup – Setting up your local time
• Date Setup – Setting up your local date
• Model Stamp – On/Off
• Logo Stamp – On/Off
• Exit Power – Power on/Charge/Record
• BT Boot – On/Off
• Frequency – Auto/50Hz/60Hz
• Format – Format your MicroSD card
• Default Settings –Turn all the settings to default values
• Version – (current) F1- V1.0-20171010

Video Quality

This is my first GitUp camera and honestly I was pleasantly surprised about its video performance. I don’t want to beat about the bush. The camera has a really good video quality with great sharpness and depth of colors, it is also able to balance the light in contre-jour conditions. Its Field of View is wide, but it doesn’t distort the image too much. What really amazed me is this cam’s EIS stabilization – it has one of the best stabilizations I have seen, ever since I’m reviewing the action cameras!

A random driving video follows, and I’m inviting you to concentrate on the bonnet of my car. You will notice how my car jumps up and down, but the image remains perfectly stable.

Now you might say “Good, but the car has a suspension, so in a way, the camera is already stabilized!”

OK, then check this video. The camera was mounted on my helmet like this:

If you are not yet satisfied, here is the most “extreme” example I could make: the handlebar stress:

Now you have no more wiggling space! This camera can perfectly handle the shaking in any action scene, and this is what we prefer in an action camera. Sorry if I didn’t use my usual test path, but I won’t go through the mud without a waterproof case! That’s why I decided to use asphalt roads.

During my tests, I had some fun with my dog. and I want to show you a little walk, the biggest resolution this camera has, and some slow motion.

To my own surprise, all the resolutions and frame-rates are correct- everything is as it should be! The reason I was surprised is that it’s not uncommon for Chinese brands to “fake” the resolutions for the sake of marketing.

This camera can show its best during the night, too. It can gather an incredible amount of light. While a little bit noisy, it still allows you to see everything!

The performance in daylight, low-light, and stabilization are more than satisfying.

Photo Quality

The quality of still images is good too.  These could always be a little bit better, but they are really well balanced. You know, it’s not a DSLR, so we can’t rightly pretend to expect super quality!

Audio Quality

It seems incredible but this camera has a good audio quality too. Mike sensibility is not the highest, but it is able to record sharp frequencies and it’s near impossible to distort with the high volume.

WiFi and App

WiFi and the App are perfectly stable with this camera, without any crashing or slowdowns. The WiFi can be turned on in the Setting menu with its specific voice and the camera will connect with the phone when the default initial password is typed in: 1234567890

In the App we can find every important setting, not just the resolution and a few other settings – as opposed to many other camera apps.

Battery Performance

The results of my battery tests:

• 4K 30fps – 76 minutes (18,4Gb)
• 2.7K 30fps – 75 minutes (17Gb)
• 1440p 60fps – 71 minutes (17Gb)
• 1440p 302fps – 67 minutes (13,2Gb)
• 1080p 120fps – 75minutes (20,2Gb)
• 1080p 60fps – 71 minutes (25,6Gb)
• 1080p 30fps – 91 minutes  (17,2Gb)
• 720p 240fps – 80 minutes (19,5Gb)

The battery life of this camera is a little bit shorter than some of its contenders.

Summary

This is one great little camera. Its shape could be seen as a double-edged sword, but all will depend on what you need to do. All the things were made right: video, photo, audio and build quality. I was only sorry to discover that this camera actually has no range of usual accessories. If GitUp decides to make a waterproof version of this camera and scare up some basic accessories, it could be one of the best affordable cameras of 2017.

Pros

Cons

In this article, let me gently dissect a highly-anticipated GitUp G3 Duo camera. After the company’s great success with Git 1 and Git 2, we at Pevly have been quite excited at the chance to test the successor to a well-known pair, as soon as the G3 was announced.

The scene opens just like so many times before. The car honks outside, our doggies scream back and run to the balcony to see what’s up. And there’s our postman, first producing the receipt book to be signed, and then he hands over one big cardboard box. It is wickedly wicked in brown sellotape, adorned with stickers and crisscrossed with fiber bands for safety appearance and rough handling.
The box is rather heavy, feels like a well-packed brick. When I cut through the bands and sticking tape, I see about a year’s supply of plastic bubble sheets. Let’s unwrap and see…

What’s In The Box?

Two boxes!

The large box contains a GitUp G3 Duo camera in its protective casing and, you guessed it, one smaller box. It is filled with mounts and cables. Each of those parts is in its own ziploc^® bag, and all that is in one bigger ziploc bag. Someone out there loves to pack!

The other box holds the GitUp Duo Slave camera – revealing the „duo“ hint in this cam’s name. It is a hefty, tubular camera on one end of a 5mm thick cable. The other end features a mini USB contact with the same clever shape used with SJCAM SJ6 Legend Air. One single accessory found in the package is a plastic ring that fixes the Slave cam to its base mount.

Connecting the two cameras introduces you to something… let me call it Chameleon View… since that lizard too can independently direct each of its eyes!

Build Quality

It is high, and no doubt about it whatsoever. GitUp obviously values precision in production and putting together of all components. Everything feels nice and sturdily compact to the eyes and touch as if the product is a single piece.

The camera sides are grippy with tasteful diagonal corrugation. Its front plate edges are elegantly inclined toward the body. This all-black cam with dark glass touchscreen; the whole just spells hi-tech and hi-taste.

True, the cam still appears designed from the monitor out, being boringly brick-like with the lens tube sticking out of the frontal upper corner… This is already becoming hard to grasp nowadays, as there are so many better form factors to explore! I tend to repeat myself lamenting on designers which stubbornly stick with a box-in-the-box concept, instead of building the innards right into the solid water- and pressure-proof box, et cetera. There’s a lot of ceteras, but here we are. I can only grumble until someone deigns to pay attention.

Still, this cam design details somehow compensate for a rather uninventive overall shape.

The two buttons are just slightly convex and set flush with the front and upper surface. At first, you need to feel the surface difference to locate them. The front (ON / Mode) button has a gently engraved switch symbol on its surface, which helps to locate it until you remember it’s diagonally on the other end from the lens! The top (Shutter) button is smooth, and you find it by the difference in texture amid its surrounding surface. Before you get used to this you might search for a while, especially if you’re wearing gloves.

Good things are found on the cam underside, too. There is a brass-made, six-turns-deep standard ¼“-20 tripod bushing, just slightly off the lens’ optical axis. And there is a spring-loaded battery cover that slides out to unlock. It is rather friction-resistive, and it feels safe.

Beneath the battery cover, you’ll be happy to see one fat Li-ion battery taking up about 1/3rd of the total camera volume. See more about the battery in the Specifications.

First Attempt

Using the smartphone charger with the cam’s own cable I went to charge the battery. The camera LEDs lighted red, and its screen showed an animated battery-charging symbol. In the meantime I have also downloaded the latest firmware and rummaged among my memory card stash looking for an adequate MicroSD. Which means the memory card must be rated Class 10 or UHS-1, and not over 128GB.

I unpacked the firmware zip container, formatted the SD card, and copied the firmware binary file to its root. Clicking the card into the camera, I then concentrated on the User Manual.

User Manual

I feel everyone should read the Manual right away, never mind how comfy one feels handling some new gear! It is never quite what you’d expect. Getting yourself acquainted with all the long and short pressings, taps and sweeps will save you some frustration.

The booklet included with the GitUp G3 Duo is very well made. It is rather small, measuring just about 10 x 7 centimeters. Its 32 pages contain detailed, refreshingly correctly written info on all camera functions, presented in easy, dumb-proof text and drawings. If you have old eyes like mine, the .pdf version enables page enlarging for more comfortable perusement.

In the meantime, it took just about an hour to top off the battery, as it had arrived partially charged already. So I was feeling safe to proceed and update the firmware.

Firmware

It is quite a simple process, which has seemingly been adopted by the majority of camera manufacturers. I unpacked the downloaded firmware zip container, and within there was a Changelog.txt file and GIT3FW.bin file. Making sure the camera was OFF, I took out the MicroSD card and formatted it in my laptop to FAT32. Then I transfered the .bin file to the card, and inserted the card back into the camera.

Switching the camera ON makes it go look for the card, and when it finds a .bin file, the updating process begins. All the LEDs blink in various colors and tempo, there are some short dark pauses – be patient – the lightshow occurs once more, and after maybe a minute or so, the firmware upgrading file erases itself and the camera switches itself On. Done!

There is a slightly different procedure for it, as suggested on the GitUp Firmware Updating page, and it goes like this:

Upgrade Instructions:

• Use max. 128GB card formatted by camera or on computer as FAT32
• Insert card in camera and connect it to computer using USB cable
• Copy just the GIT3FW.bin on the root of the card
• After GIT3FW.bin is copied to the card disconnect the camera from computer
• Reconnect the camera to your computer and wait about 30 seconds until you can choose Mass Storage from camera menu, the front green LED and back red LED will be blinking while upgrading. Now you can disconnect the camera from PC and enjoy new GitUp implementations.

During the firmware update, some settings will reset to their default values. So you’ll have to re-check the date/time, beeps, signals, and also some preferences related to photo and/or video resolutions, bitrates, or working modes that you might have set previously.

When you become familiar with various taps and sweeps on the camera touchscreen, you’ll easily check the latest firmware version, how to format the card in-camera, and many other things, as this camera really is rich with functions and options!

One dinky tweak relates to personalization of your camera that might save you some grief if you somehow manage to lose it.

You can modify your Startup and Shutdown screens to carry your personal information. It gives you hope that someone, upon finding your lost camera can return it to you.

Here’s a how-to:

Make a JPEG picture sized 320 x 240 px and insert your personal content as per wish. It might contain your photo, e-mail address, phone number, or more. Save the image as logo.jpg taking care it is not larger than 20KB. (Hint: 96 ppi resolution will be sufficient!)

Format the MicroSD and copy logo.jpg to the card root directory. Put the card into the camera and switch it on. There will be a message „logo updated OK“. The image is replaced in the software and erased from the card. It will appear upon the next camera startup.

You can do the same procedure for the Shutdown screen. Just name another image logo2.jpg

Main Camera

The GitUp G3 Duo is literally a dual camera. It has this curious option of a dedicated slave camera that one connects to the main camera by USB cable. As the slave camera is optional, you’d have to have some original ideas about using it along with the main cam, but action camera users shouldn’t lack in imagination department. It is not difficult to envision situations where one camera would look this way, and the other that way. You might find it interesting to record an action while recording the recording of that action, who can tell? Or maybe your video should show both the action and behavior of some detail within? Then there is the „one look front, one look back“ car scenario… How would I know? I only test dem thangs!

As always, the singular limit is one’s imagination! Me, I’d like to be able to record things both underwater and above water in the same time. By dint of my typical lack-a-luck, it’s a straight no-go, as there is no watertight option for connected cameras. The technical requirement is not insurmountable, of course. Just not possible with the current set and setup.

Back at the farm, there are numerous dry-world scenarios where dual cam system can be fun.

The main camera’s top resolution is 2160p when it operates alone. With the slave cam connected, the resolution of each is 1080p @ 30fps, and you can control what is recorded via picture-in-picture (PIP) shown on the main cam monitor. You can pick which camera will deliver the main image, and which will be revealed by the inner frame. The cameras, however, record two separate video files titled as [filename]-A and [filename]-B.

Without the slave cam, GitUp Duo primary behaves just like any other action camera.

NOTE: There’s a typo in the source specs: main cam’s FOV is 170°, not 150°.

Slave Camera

This camera adds another perspective to your recording via its 135° field of view. It is tubular in shape, with a glassed-off lens port on its „stem“, and about three meters (!) of sturdy cable emerging from its „stern“. The cable finishes in an USB mini contact of the same type that you find on data transfer, battery charging, TV, and external microphone cable. However, the slave camera (with either built-in, or a stand-alone) 10X GPS module connects to another USB point. Since various accessories connect to the main camera via the same type of USB connector, one should take care when choosing a proper connecting receptacle. Perhaps there should have been different connector types used for easier differentiation? Maybe.

The Slave Camera has a single red LED signal on its upper surface. It shows continuous light when the camera is connected, and a blinking light during the recording.

On the camera’s underside there is a ¼“ tripod bushing and that’s about all to see there. Beside the slave camera, its box contains a fixing ring that goes around its circumference, and fits the standard three-pronged swivel mount with a usual finger-tightening screw. The ring fits to another types of mounts, though, so it can also be used with third-party accessories, actually with any three-pronged swivel receptacle from the wide range of models and manufacturers. And of course, thanks to the universal tripod point, this cam’s mounting modes are practically unlimited.

Whatever resolution you have set on the GitUp G3 Duo main camera, the connection od the slave cam will reset to 1080p @ 30fps, so both cameras will share that resolution for the duration of the session. Details can be gleaned from the informative User Manual added to the slave camera package. It is the same Manual delivered with the main camera, so you’ll have two if you add the slave cam to your range of accessories.

You can’t use the Duo’s Slave cam independently. It works only connected to the main cam, for now. I wish GitUp could be challenged to perfect this Duo in several ways, one of those providing a water-resistant concept. So the slave could observe the scene under the surface, while the main camera would record the over-the-surface content!

No external commands and tubular form factor suggest it would be easy to pack the slave’s minimal electronics and optics into a waterproof case. Only the lens port and the cable would have to be sealed, and cable sealing is easy. It has already been perfected 40 years ago!

For the same purpose, the main camera’s protective encasement should be made with a sealable USB port. That way one could use the Duo underwater, but also in all adverse weather conditions. There’d be useful uses for it in many boating applications, and I’d guess many would appreciate that.

GitUp G3 Duo 2K Action Camera With WiFi – Pro Pack

$109.95

Check Prices

Amazon.com

GitUp G3 Duo 1080p Slave Camera

$49.95

Check Prices

Amazon.com

Amazon price updated: November 4, 2018 5:25 pm

Video quality

There are ways to tweak the camera settings to achieve better results in every mode, but the best test is to let the camera do the choosing. So the optical, electronic, and firmware side have a chance to give you some insight into this three-sided collaboration.

Right off, the daylight results are acceptable – especially the color and sharpness as set to default values. Twilight results are also correct. Night-time, it gets better when Wide Dynamic Range is ON, which is understandable. In  the daylight, applying WDR might reduce contrast. It will depend upon the ambiental light the camera is encountering. It works quite correctly under the Sodium and LED streetlight since there is usual sufficiency of detail. Car headlights will differ since not all cars use the light of the same temperature. The lightcone returns satisfactory results, its reflective values will tend to be a tad low.

Audio Test is included in the Night Drive footage! With my car radio set at decent loudness level and the camera audio set at Medium, all that’s to hear is there – including wind and engine noise. I for one, am very satisfied with the way this camera records ambiental sound. And external microphone just makes things better.

Let’s never forget the camera’s technical limitations reflected in the price, though. All in all, I think GitUp G3 Duo is worth every cent. Best see and hear for yourself:

Disclaimer: Video below shows Audio ON for the slave camera. Slave camera does not collect sound, so even though the audio will appear in the video, the sound you’ll hear is recorded by the main camera.

Photo Quality

In low light, and letting the camera pick the elements all by itself, the images will be a tad too dark and noisy. Shooting out of hand in low light is not recommended, so if you must take photos, find something stable to lean on, or use a tripod. These things are to be expected, considering the sensor size. On the good side, at least the JPEG engine doesn’t overly smear the details, and you have a chance to post-process the photos to your liking.

In normal daylight, the camera will enjoy the scenery, rendering attractive colors. Images will be sharp and acceptable. Against the light, there is some tonal reducement between the lightest portions of the image and its darker parts. In all, the camera manages quite well, and the overall price shouldn’t cause you to grumble at all.

Funny things happen sometimes and the reasons are hard to detect. At times, the cam seems to apply slightly different image ratio – not quite 4:3, or not exactly 16:9. I can only presume it has to do with EIS (Gyro) action that might slide some contents out of the sensor margins, retaining only the stabilized portion. I could be wrong there, since I’ve had the Gyro switched On all the time, but variation of ratio was not always there.

Battery test

Truth be said, I did most of the photo and video tests here on a first full charge. That is, the battery arrived partially charged, I topped it up in about 60 minutes using standard 5VDC/1A smartphone charger. While I fumbled with camera settings and shot some test photos in various modes, the battery symbol hardly changed at all.

After recording about 1.2GB of mixed content the battery was finally flat. Here follow some pretty good numbers for a 1200mAh capacity. I timed the battery endurance for just the main camera and also with dual camera power use; at the highest resolution, as well as at the highest fps recording.

• Recording with Main camera at 2160p  = 90min, followed by 110min recharging
• Recording with Dual cameras at 1080p  = 95min, followed by 112min recharging
• Recording with Main cam 720p/120fps  = 105min, followed by 110min recharging
• Recording with Dual cams 720p/120fps  = 100min, and fully re-charged in 110min

NOTE: these values are approximate at best since there are variables that influence the tests, such as ambiental temperature, internal temperature, usage with or without protective housing, specific charger, battery production batch, also monitor or WiFi being Off or On, or single vs. double camera employed, etc.

More Features

Built-in Gyro helps ironing out visually disturbing vibrations and shocks in a recorded video.

The camera can be used as a webcam. You will be offered such choice when you connect it via USB to your computer.

Upon the first connection as a webcam, and if you’re running Windows 7 like I do, it will go search for the latest cam driver. As the Windows secret name is „Please Wait“, that search takes until the cows come home. But the next time everything is better. Isn’t it always?

An independent GPS dongle lets you record a variety of useful external data. There is also an in-line GPS unit available with the Slave camera and features a cheaper two-in-one option.

You can’t connect an external stereo microphone, but the mono you add will work parallel with the one built into the camera. Speaking of microphones… there are no indices where the mike or a loudspeaker on the primary camera are located, not even in the Manual. But there is a row of 13 tiny holes just above the cable contacts on the cam’s left-hand side, described as „cooling holes“. 13… maybe there’s more to it than just some hot air exit!

The camera’s 2.0″ touch screen makes setting up of various functions in an intuitive and easy way. In some submenus, the touch screen responsiveness appears a bit sluggish, which is quizzical. Feels like the screen needs a different charge depending upon… hard to say what. Use it another time, and it will react normally. Maybe my finger is not equally charged every time? Anyway, it works… just that it’s not equally responsive.

Various mounts in the package cover most attaching means and needs. But then, 90% among third-party accessories and mounts will be compatible, and thus easy to acquire.

The type of mini USB connector used ranks among the most solid of the sort.You might even have such cables from decades back. These will work well – and again!

GitUp App

It is easy to control your GitUp action camera with GitUp APP, since you get full remote control of all camera functions! You can use your phone to take photos, start and stop recording, and easily adjust all the settings. And it works as advertised. Very well made and stable software, at least its Android version. I was not equipped to test it with iPhone, as there is no-one with an iOS phone in my vicinity – at least not at this time of the year.

Underwater Casing

The diveable waterproof case is built along the lines and principles usually present with almost all action cameras. It consists of acrylic (Perspex) transparent body, a lens port, the main hatch, two sealed pin-button commands, a latch & lock hatch mechanism, and a standard two-pronged swivel mount.

There are some notable differences between this GitUp case and other similar products.

The casing’s main hatch opens sidewise, with the hinge on its left-hand side and the latch/lock on the right side (with the camera held in recording position). This keeps the topside uncluttered, and the Shutter button command free. Also, when closing the case around its shorter side the hatch gasket enters its casing seat with less friction that might cause it to twist or warp.

And indeed, the casing’s hatch rim reveals a significantly thinner gasket. So the hatch can be closed with no need to force the gasket, and when it is completely closed, the latch will hold it in that position with almost zero force fighting against the closing mechanism.

In turn, it means more durability for all parts involved. The latch has no extra springy elements, because it doesn’t have to counteract forces working inside-out, such as gasket elasticity and imperfect dimensioning. GitUp G3 Duo casing is refreshingly more precisely made, and I’m looking forward to use it underwater. For now, the weather keeps me out of the water, on the dry, warm side of life.

Let me mention the case pin commands that operate the two camera buttons. These work exactly like any other action cam casing commands, transferring finger pressure via o-ring sealed metal pins. The pin is centered within its guiding well, kept in position by a biased spring under the button, and an e-clip on the end of the pin.

New to my experience is the button on each pin being finished in plastic instead of metal. These two commands sit in much shallower wells and have much shorter travel; barely two millimeters. Aside from sheer elegance considerations, pressing upon this command is easier, and also returns a very positive tactile feedback.

There is no exact data on the lens port. I could not bring myself to scratch it to check whether it’s made of glass. GitUp pages describe it as „Dual mirror surface optical and waterproof membranes with high transmittance“, which does not reveal much in common optical terminology. So I’d say it is highly polished, plan-parallel acrylic port – until I’m proven wrong. It will require careful use and maintenance to avoid scratches.

An optional skeletal case is available optionally, similar to a waterproof one, but open on its left side. This enables the attaching of various cable-connected accessories, mainly those listed as optional. It is supposed to keep the camera safe from the rain, presumably if it isn’t an aquacera, or wind-blown in from the left…

GitUp G3 Duo Specifications

[go_pricing id=”gitup_g3_duo”]

Accessories (included)

One waterproof case, one Handlebar mount, one Flat and one Curved adhesive mounts, two mount extension elements (both at 90-degree angle), two mount fastening screws, one Tripod-to-Swivel adapter, one Swivel-to-Tripod adapter, one USB data & charging cable, and one very useful Silicone lens cover.

Accessories (optional)

• A dedicated slave camera
• A dedicated slave camera with 10X GPS module (that’s its name, not quantity!)
• 10X GPS standalone module (USB-connected)
• Bluetooth Wrist Remote Control, Skeleton case (lefthand side open for cable connection)
• Extra battery, External microphone, and Connection cables (A/V, composite A/V, USB / TV, External Microphone/charging, FPV)

Summary

GitUp has that certain high-quality approach to their products and the G3 Duo is no exception. From the very first look and handling, it spells quality in both design and manufacture. Materials feel good. Components fit each other well, are put together meticulously, and the whole product appears as solid as one single piece. You might find the dual camera concept a tad sprinkled with question marks, but then the application ideas begin to appear as if provoked by the new range of possibilities. Okay, I am somewhat (er, a lot) oriented to water usage, so my regular response is an ever so slight grumble about the inability to use the tandem too close to water. Then again, there are so many dry-land possibilities for this tech… except when the weather plays up at the wrong moment! Then you’d have to pack up the gear and seek out some rain, sleet, or snow-free shelter muy pronto! Let’s hope GitUp accepts the challenge and provides the same product in a no-compromise waterproof version.

The availability of FPV connection suggests the camera usage with remotely controlled carriers, like RC planes, helicopters, quadcopters, and boats. Wouldn’t some, if not all, profit from a somewhat less optimistic approach to possible water influence and damage?

Thus, just a hint here: GitUp, please consider doing away with box-in-the-box protection, and just build the camera innards right into a properly waterproofed encasement!

That includes also the USB cable end modifications, so these can be connected in a waterproof way, which is not complicated at all. Look up the ancient Nikonos III, IVa, or V models sync cable contact watertighting! It’s high time to revive some good, old solutions.

The very concept would attract many usages that are now either too risky or plain impossible.

Otherwise, throughout its range of functions and available options, I have found both cameras operating correctly – which is as it has been advertised – which is the best you can expect! The occasional sluggish reaction of touchscreen in some setup modes is something I’ve never seen before, but I think it can be fixed in the next firmware iteration. It’s not that it wouldn’t work at all though, so I think many people will be happy with this product.

Good work, GitUp!

Good:

Not So Good:

Plenty of people emailed me last few days asking about the difference between the two cameras made by GitUp. Git 1 and Git 2.

In this article, I’d like to share with you my experience on which camera is better and compare them side by side.

I have both of these cameras, and if you would like to read more in-depth info on each, make sure to check :

• Git 1 full review
• Git 2 full review

Specification

Let’s start with basics. First and foremost, let’s compare the hardware and capabilities of both Git 1 and 2 and see which one offers what, at least on a paper. Please take a look at side by side comparison table below.

[go_pricing id=”git1_vs_git2″]

Throughout this article, I will do plenty of real-life tests, so do not worry if you do not understand anything from the tables. It’s okay. I’ll clarify important things, and help you choose the one that suits you better.

Weight, size, built quality and design

At first glance it is impossible to differentiate GIT 1 from GIT 2. Both cameras come in black color only and are made out of same materials. Additionally their dimensions are exactly the same. Both have 1.5″ screen at the back and 4 ugly-looking silver screws attaching a mask at front (Obviously design is not the strongest pro of Gitup cameras, but since this is not I review, I’ll stop crying and complaining about their design).

On the other hand, built quality is impressive for the price. Cameras are light-weight, yet firm and compact.

So, size, built quality and design are the same. I get it. Both cameras are ugly looking, how about weight?

When it comes to weight there is a difference. If you want to split hairs, GIT 1 weights 63 grams where as GIT 2 weight is 64 grams according to my measurements.

Video quality Git 1 vs Git 2

In my tests, not only that GIT 2 provided superior video colors in daylight, but it also has more resolutions and frames per second options.

Here are few side by side comparison at daylight.

It appears that newer, GIT2 beats its predecessor at, well everything. Uh, not exactly. At low-light, GIT2 proved to be inferior in quality to GIT1.

Due to 2 megapixels sensor that GIT1 has, it has better low-light (night) video quality. Take a look at this great side by side comparison by my friend TechTronic9000.

Video stabilization

People have been going crazy about “gyro stabilization” lately. This little piece of hardware, combined with camera software stabilizes. It works similarly to image stabilization. In layman’s words. GIT 2 has video stabilization where as GIT1 doesn’t. Is it a big deal? In my opinion it is. It is quite obvious how smoother video looks on GIT2.

Don’t just take my word for it. Here is a stabilization comparison.

Photo quality comparison

Photo quality is something where GIT2 beats GIT1 without any doubt. Not only that it has far better sharpness and colors, but it also provides more options (for example vivid color) to boost photo performance.

Sound quality

What I really like about both GIT 1 and 2 is that they support external microphone. In my tests I used  this external mic.

Overall, both cameras have same sound quality, though GIT 2 appears to be a bit more sensitive.

Features

Little note. The entire article is based on latest firmware versions available for both cameras at the time of writing the article.

• Git 1 (V.1.30_20160116)
• Git 2 (V1.3_0130)

Why the hell am I telling you this? Because from time to time manufacturer decides to update the firmware. Firmware (or software) updates add new features and remove bugs. So if in future Gitup releases new software versions, some features from the following table may be different.

Features are important part of the camera. A feature determines what camera can and can’t do. Features are options that camera offers to us. While user-interface, design and plenty other things may fool you into thinking that both GIT 1 and GIT 2 are the same, they are not. Here are features that both cameras have or don’t have.

In my humble opinion, this is where you have to focus. It’s what makes a huge difference which one to get.

[go_pricing id=”gitup_git1_vs_git2_features”]

Even though, I explained most of these features in detail in my Git 1 and Git 2 reviews, I will briefly summarize them, since there are people who do not like to read my long reviews. Below are features that are different in both cameras. Meaning one has it, and the other does not. All other options are the same.

Image rotation

Image rotation will rotate the video/photo output for 180°. This is handy when you mount the camera upside down. Unfortunately, the image sensor that GIT2 has, does not support image rotation, so GIT2 does not have this feature, where as GIT1 has.

Video Stabilization

In my opinion video stabilization is quite important, especially if you are not that good with video editing software. GIT2 has a little hardware sensor which they call “gyro”, which servers as an gyroscope. It reduces the field of view of the camera and “negates” the motion.

In simple words, this combination of hardware and software will make video smoother, but will only work for up and down, not when camera goes left and right. It’s quite complicated how these things work, so if you are really curios, you can check this page for more info.

To sum up, GIT2 has video stabilization, GIT1 does not.

Video (Slow motion, SnapShoot, Colors)

These options can be found only in GIT2. At the time of writing these can’t be found in GIT1, but it is possible that they can be added in some of the next firmware updates.

• Slow motion – you get slow motion video right out of the box, which is good for people who do not use editing software.
• SnapShoot – during recording camera will capture a photo as well on specified interval. Actually it’s not a real 16MP image, it is more a video frame extracted. Mah, I do not see the point of it.
• Colors – you can change colors from normal, black and white and sepia.

I personally never use any of these, as I prefer slowing down videos and adding colors in post-production.

Web Camera

Personally, I really like when an action camera can be used as a webcam. I am often on Skype talking with friends or business associates and thanks to action cameras that support PC camera option, most of them are amazed with my video quality (though confused with a wide-angle view – yup they can see your entire room).

Unfortunately, lately less and less cameras can be used as a PC cameras. I contacted Gitup about this, and these guys actually added this feature in GIT2.

In my tests, GIT2 works great as a webcam on Windows 10. Git 1 does not work for me. Now, this might be different on other platforms and operating systems, but I doubt it. Important thing is that if you care to use your Gitup as a Skype camera, get a GIT2, especially if you’re on Windows 10.

Quick capture

Quick capture is awesome feature. If you enable it, you can start recording video by pressing a record button, without having to turn on the camera first. So, you turn this thingy ON, and when you mount the GIT2 onto a helmet, just click the shutter button, camera will boot up and start recording within 3 sec.

At the time of writing this comparison, only Gitup GIT 2 has quick capture.

Photo burst

For those who like to take continues photos with a single shutter click, you should know that GIT1 does not have photo burst option, where as its successor can shoot up to 10 photos.

RAW format

Only Git 2 can export photos in RAW format. If you do not know what a RAW is, you will probably never use it anyway. I wrote about it in my GIT 2 review, so make sure to check it out if you would like to understand it better.

Shutter speed

If I could name one feature that I absolutely love in my Git 2, that would be the shutter speed control. Unfortunately, GIT 1 does not support shutter speed adjustment, it is all on auto. Examples on what you can do with this feature can be seen in already mentioned review of Git 2 that I wrote. [phpzon keywords=”gitup camera” num=”4″ country=”US” trackingid=”pevly0d-20″ templatename=”columns” columns=”4″]

Price

As far as the pricing is concerned, there is obviously a difference. GIT1 is cheaper camera. It can be found these days for 80-100$ easily, even though it’s retail was around 130$.

Gitup GIT2 is newer camera and it costs more. It’s retail is 159$, but with a coupon it can be decreased. Also some retailers sell it for 10-20% off the retail.

Anyway, here are some stores where you can find both cameras, since the prices frequently change, make sure to check all the links and find best solution for yourself.

• Buy Git 1  : Amazon|eBay | Gitup |
• Buy Git 2 : Amazon | BangGood | eBay | Gitup |

Summary

No matter which camera you choose, I believe you’ll be satisfied. Both cameras support external mic, remote controller, WiFi and have similar features. Both are well-built and have stable software. More importantly, Gitup has great support team that will help you along the way.

If your main goal is to buy something good for low-light performance with an image rotation, you can get GIT1.

But, honestly, even though the price is 30-50$ higher, I really think that Git 2 offers way better value for the money. If you can’t afford Git 2 currently, perhaps you can save for few more weeks and really get something that is better.

Unless you are on an extremely tight budget, do yourself a favor and get a GIT 2.

Git 2 provides better image, video and audio quality. Additionally it has more features and can be used as a web camera. It is without any argument a better camera. The only downside is that it is more expensive.

If I was in a place to choose between Git 1 and Git 2, I would choose Git 2. Trust me, you will get way more value for the money compared to its predecessor.

Finally, if you have a question about the differences between these two action cameras, do not hesitate to leave a comment below. I try to reply to all questions asap. On the other hand if you by any chance own both GIT1 and GIT2, perhaps you can write your own opinion and help others choose according to your experience. Either way, I hope to hear back from you. Thanks for reading.

I’ll be honest. Lately my passion for reviewing cheap action cameras nearly vanished. Why? Because last few cameras I reviewed, proved to be disappointing. How can one be motivated to write about a product that is not exciting and does not work well?

When I heard that Gitup released new GIT 2 camera, I secretly hoped my luck is about to change. Their previous, GIT 1 model, which I reviewed, was well built, stable and provided great low-light performance due to its small, 2 megapixel sensor.

However it was a bit pricey and had inferior image quality compared to other cameras in same price-range. Due to its stability, performance as well as customer support, it was one of the cameras I felt quite comfortable recommending.

In my review of Gitup GIT1 camera, I said :

Now that their first product is good, criteria from reviewers and consumers will certainly lift, for the upcoming Git 2, which will bring new features, but will also cost more.

Here we are few months later. I have been using GIT 2 camera for a while now, and in this article, I would like to tell you everything about it.

General information

Some of the exciting features of GIT2 are 16 megapixels IMX206 Sony Exmor image sensor (Xiaomi YI has it as well) and Novatek NTK96660 chip. Combination of the two allow camera to create true 16mp images, and more importantly video at 1080p 60 FPS together with 2K @30FPS and 2880×2160 @24fps. Camera supports external microphone and memory card up to 64gb.

Like previous model, this one is compatible with wrist controller which allows remote control of the camera via radio frequency. Additionally camera has a built in WiFi, so you can connect to it via your smartphone. Its retail price is around 159$, though some Chinese retailers sell it for a bit less.

Camera picked up quite decent reviews and I wanted to see if Git2 by Gitup is a good mid-range action camera. Honestly, it is a bit pricier compared to some other Chinese cameras but it has plenty of exciting features, so let’s get going.

GitUp GIT 2 specs

[go_pricing id=”git2″]

Package

Like its predecessor, GIT2 comes in two different editions. The “standard” and a “pro“.

Difference is only in accessories that come with a camera. Obviously pro package offers more additional mounts, holders and most importantly a waterproof case. So if you are on a budget, and do not need all these extra bells and whistles, you can buy standard packing and save 20$.

If by any chance you have GIT1 and want to upgrade, you can get standard, as all accessories are 100% compatible between the two.

Of course, most of the accessories can be bought separately. But buying them from official site, won’t be cost-effective, so think twice before you decide for standard instead of a pro edition. I highly recommend a pro. Here is why.

Just as an example, if you just need a camera with a waterproof case, you can buy standard packing, and buy waterproof case for GI2 (link) which is 19.99$ when bought separately. In my opinion PRO pack offers way better value for the money, since official gear is quite pricey when purchased separately.

Accessories Standard packing

Standard pack contains :

• 1x camera
• 1x lens cover
• 1x USB cable
• 1x battery
• 1x quick start guide

Buy GIT 2 Standard on | Amazon | eBay | Gitup |

Accessories Pro packing

Pro pack contains :

• 1x camera
• 1x waterproof housing
• 1x battery
• 1x bike/handlebar mount
• 1x holder
• 1x flat adhesive mount
• 1x curved adhesive mount
• 2x connector
• 2x screw
• 1x tripod mount
• 1x adapter
• 1x usb data/charging cable
• 1x lens cover
• 1x quick start guide

Buy GIT Pro packing on| Amazon | eBay | Gitup |

Optional accessories

There are several accessories that can be bought separately. These do not come neither with pro or standard package.

• dual battery charger (link)
• wrist remote controller (link)
• external microphone (link)
• frame
• suction mount
• FPV Cable

Manual that comes with a camera explains the basics pretty well. You will be able to do basic functions in no time. I especially liked “Using Git 2 as a dash camera” and “Wrist Remote” sections.

However the manual itself does not go deep into other features and options. Besides basics, it doesn’t cover other important things such as white balance, WDR, gyro and many others. That is why later on, I will try to give brief info on these features, and provide you with optimal settings to use. Manufacturer informed me they are working on an expanded manual.

Design and built quality

Design-wise GIT2 is the same as GIT1. Both cameras are quite well-built and rigid. Their dimensions are exactly the same. This means that a waterproof case for GIT1 can be used on GIT2. From the aesthetic point, GIT 2 is not the prettiest camera around, even though it’s minimalist and does not have plenty of buttons.

As a design freak I did not find it appealing. It’s not because it comes in single color only, but because it has 4 metallic screws on the front. I have no idea why they did not use black screws instead. Putting them on the front, displaying them proudly is already painful for me to watch. Who wants to see screws? But putting metallic-colored screws is taking ugly design to a whole new level. I know, I know, you do not care about it, but I do. Bottom line, GitUp has to work on improving the design.

One of my favorite things about GIT2 is its built quality. Camera does not feel cheap nor flimsy. When you hold it, you can feel that it is a well-crafted product you are holding.

One more thing that I did not like about camera appearance is that HDMI and USB ports together with memory card slot are wide open. There is no cover to prevent the dust from getting inside. Not many cameras on the market use covers for these ports, but in my opinion, it is something they should start doing, as it will make camera cleaning much easier.

LCD Screen

At the back of the GIT2 there is a tiny 1.5″ display. The screen can be used for previewing what you record in real time. LCD screen is not completely flattened with the back of the camera. This is good because you can leave GI2 laying on its back without worrying that screen will scratch itself.

This also means that cleaning of the screen might be tricky. Even though the display is not huge, it is quite enough for previewing footage, changing settings, etc.

Weight and size

Despite it’s tough built quality, GIT2 is quite light-weight camera. It weights only 64 grams. This is quite impressive, since the Dazzne P3 camera which is one more well-crafted action camera weights a lot more. Dimensions of GIT2 are exactly the same as GIT 1 : 59 x 30 x 40 mm.

Buttons and their functions

GIT2 does not have many buttons. Its operation is quite simple. Below is a brief descriptions of all buttons, ports and indicators and their functions.

1. Shutter / select (for start/stop recording or menu selection)
2. Video Mode indicator (red when in recording mode)
3. Photo Mode indicator (green when in photo mode)
4. Power / Mode (turning camera on or off, switching through 5 different modes)
5. Lens
6. Mini USB (for charging, AV out and microphone)
7. HDMI port (previewing on TV)
8. Internal microphone
9. Working status (red when camera is on, flashes red when camera starts recording)
10. Working status (red when camera is on, flashes red when camera starts recording)
11. Memory card slot.
12. WiFi Status
13. Settings/WiFi/Custom button (press to access settings for photo or video mode, hold to enable WiFi. Shortcut button)
14. LCD screen

Modes

Git 2 has several operating modes :

• Video
• Photo
• Playback
• System settings

[phpzon keywords=”gitup git 2″ num=”4″ country=”US” trackingid=”pevly0d-20″ templatename=”columns” columns=”4″]

Video

In this part of the review, I would like to show you a video review I made and also brief analysis of video quality.

First, take a look at my brief video.

NOTE : 2/14/2016 – Video review is coming soon. Please bookmark this page or subscribe to my YouTube channel and you’ll be notified as soon as I publish it. Additionally, I will be updating this review with more info, as I still have lots of cool plans with the camera. This is not a final review. I do plan to add more info, believe it or not.

You can download RAW video samples on this link.

Video recording

Video recording mode is a default mode which will appear when you turn the camera on. There are few ways to know that you are in a video recording mode. First one is to check the upper right corner of the screen, if you see a video camera icon there, you are in a video mode.

Another way is to take a look at the camera front LED light, which will show RED when camera is in movie (video) or green when it is in photo mode. Common sense already tells you that in video mode camera records …wait for it – videos!

Video Quality

Colors that IMX206 sensor provides are really natural-looking. For my taste video colors were really good. What bothered me is that video is not as sharp as I expected. It might be that my lens needs a bit of refocus, I am not 100% certain about it.

Also I did not like the lens they used. I know it provides nice colors, but also gives a distortion and smudging on the edges. While most people won’t notice it, it kinda bothered me. I hope they will use better lens in their next camera to avoid objects smudging when camera moves quite fast.

Video Settings

While in  video mode, press “Menu/WiFi button” to enter video settings. Here you can set up options and activate features exclusive to videos. Following few paragraphs describe all of the functions briefly. It might be a bit boring, but I believe it will help people who are newbies. Some of the options have been explained over and over, I am aware of that. So if you already have a decent knowledge on action cameras, you can skip the settings part.

Resolution

Compared to previous GIT, this one supports more recording options at higher resolutions and frame rates. Here is a list of resolutions which GI2 supports.

• 2880×2160 @ 24fps
• 2560×1440 @ 30fps
• 1920*1440 @ 30fps (4:3)
• 2034×1296 @ 30fps
• 1920×1080 @ 60fps
• 1920×1080 @ 30fps
• 1280×720   @ 60 fps
• 1280×720   @ 120 fps
• 1280×720   @ 30 fps
• 768×480     @ 30 fps
• 640×480    @ 240 fps

Loop recording

You should use this feature with caution. When an interval is selected (2 minutes for instance), camera will create video files in 2 minutes length. If you are recording for 20 minutes, you will have 10 video files of 2 minute each. But that’s not all. When your memory card gets full, GIT2 will start overlapping the first recorded video, deleting it, and recording new one over it. This feature should be used only if you are using GIT2 as a car/dash camera. Here are intervals available :

• off/2/3/5/10 minutes

Record Audio Level

• High
• Medium
• Low
• Mute

Date Stamp

If you want to see date and time sign on your videos, turn this on. Most people will keep it off.

Time Lapse

GIT2 has out of the box video time-lapse. If you are unsure what is a time-lapse video, you can read this article on Wiki.

• 1F/200ms
• 1F/1 sec
• 1F/5 sec
• 1F/10 sec
• 1F/30 sec
• 1F/1 min (60 sec)
• 1F/5 min (300 sec)
• 1F/10 min (600 sec)
• OFF

Video SnapShoot Timer

Snapshoot timer is not a self-timer, although it sounds like it. How it works? Well while you record camera, if snapshoot is enabled, camera will create a photograph without interrupting the recording. So if you set, 5seconds, while recording, each 5th second, GIT2 will export one video frame as a photo in 1920×1080 resolution. It is not the 16mexapixel photo, please understand that. It is an exported video frame.

• 5/10/20/30/60/off

White Balance

To determine the warmth of your video/image, you can adjust the white balance. Obviously you are not obliged to obey the rules. Since white balance setup depends on the situation you are in and the effect you are trying to achieve, it is the best to experiment with these features.

GIT2 goes a bit extreme by having blue and red together with light blue and red, which for me personally did not mean much. Good addition is custom white balance, that allows you to adjust perfect match manually by adding a bit more blue or red. Quite fun. For some normal use, I recommend auto, since camera handles auto WB quite well.

Here is an entire list of white balance options.

• Auto
• Cloudy
• Daylight
• Tungsten
• Fluorescent
• Blue
• Light Blue
• Red
• Light Red
• Custom

In the example above, there is not a huge difference between auto and vivid options. However in slightly different lighting and in portraits, vivid gives more vibrant colors. For me personally, it looks good, but gives the effect to the skin, that I did not like. I prefer auto white balance.

Menu Button Function

This lovely and useful feature is not something I expected. It shows how much Gitup listens to their customers feedback. This option will transform the menu button (one of the right hand side of the camera) into a shortcut button. This means that menu button becomes custom one or  a shortcut which allows you to quickly activate the function you use the most.

I have seen plenty of custom buttons like this in DSLR and mirorless cameras (those cameras have tons of buttons), but nothing similar in action cam so far. I am in love with this feature.

• Exposure Lock (locks the exposure which means camera will not try to detect and change option automatically)
• White Balance Lock (locks the white balance which means camera will not try to detect and change option automatically besides the one you selected)
• Exposure and White Balance Lock (locks both)
• Audio Recording (turns sound on or off)
• Gyro Stabilization (turns video stabilization on)
• OFF (default, menu button remains menu button)

EV (Exposure value)

Opposite to white balance which affects the warmth, the EV (exposure value) determines the brightness/darkness of the videos or photos.

ISO

The amount of light that goes through the sensor is determined by ISO. In low light situations, ISO should be higher, as sensor needs more light. In daylight ISO should be lower, since there is already enough light. Be aware that inappropriately set ISO can cause the image noise. Just leave it on auto if you do not wish to experiment, it is perfectly fine. ISO vale ranges from 50 to 1600.

Color

Those who  prefer a bit different approach to videos and photographs can chose from different color presets.

• Normal
• Black and white
• Sepia
• Vivid

Gyro Stabilization

Lately plenty of Chinese cameras began to implement so called “gyro” video stabilization. Newly released like SJ4000+ (gyro edition), M10+ and Firefly 6S all have this feature. So what exactly is a “gyro”?

Gyro is a hardware part located inside the camera (photo) which measures the movement. Basically it’s an one-axis accelerometer. It will reduce the field of view and try to “negate” the shake. It is not only a hardware that measures the shake. Camera needs to have properly adjusted software that works in combination with accelerometer.

In short, thanks to this feature, videos will be less shaky. It is very similar to digital image stabilization. I believe this is too technical, what you should know that camera will stabilize the video when you move it up and down, but not left and right of forward or backwards. Stabilization is quite well optimized, and obviously works well for videos when you are walking or when GIT2 is attached to a bike handlebar.

WDR

Wide dynamic range should be enabled in situation when there are lots of contrast between light, (shadows). Thanks to it, camera takes multiple photos and merges them in one, creating better contrast.

Slow Motion

If you do not like to waste time in post production and video editing, but you still love slow motion videos, you can enable this setting and GIT2 will create right of of the box slow mo video.

• 2x
• 4x
• 8x
• OFF

Sharpness

• Normal
• Soft
• Strong

Metering

• Center
• Spot
• Average

FOV (Field of view / Angle)

• Wide angle (170 degrees)
• Narrow angle (120 degrees)

Motion Detection

In theory, if you want to use GIT2 as a surveillance camera that will start to record when it detects motion, you should enable “motion detection”. In practice – this is an action camera. If you need something to monitor movements around your house, go buy surveillance camera! I really do not understand the trend of having a motion detection in an action cam, especially if it works poorly. At the time of writing this review, motion detection barely detects a motion. It only works in close range, and performs extremely unreliable. Just turn this off, it useless.

G-sensor

When g-sensor is enabled, GIT2 will start to record and protect the video file when it’s sensor detects a force. You can set up sensitivity from low to high. Depending on the sensitiviry camera will activate recording mode and protect file from erasing. As an example, if you are driving a car and hit the breaks, camera will start to record. This is a car camera feature and should be used in combination with loop recording and car camera options. Unlike motion detection, in my tests g-sensor worked quite well.

Photo

While video mode servers for recording movies (clips), photography mode enables you to take still images in various resolutions. Thanks to its IMX206 image sensor GIT2 supports maximum of 16 megapixels still images.

Taking photographs

To capture an image, press “Mode button” to switch from video (default ) to photo mode. You can defer video from photo by icons in top left corner and LED indicators on front of the camera. While you are in photo mode, click top shutter button, and that’s the whole philosophy.

Image quality

Personally I was very satisfied with the quality of GIT2 images. They were sharp, though not ultra sharp. Colors are quite natural looking and there are so many options to play with to improve your images. Here are some samples below.

Image samples

Please understand that images put online have been compressed to enable faster loading of the website. You can download original, uncompressed images on this link.

Photo Settings

Understand that some of the settings appear in both photo and video mode. Repetitive features will not be described again, since it’s pointless, as they do the same thing.

Image resolution

• 16mp (4:3)
• 12mp (16:9)
• 8mp (16:9)
• 5mp (4:3)
• 3mp (4:3)

Shutter speed

Unlike most of the professional cameras (DSLR,SLR, mirorless), action cameras have digital instead of mechanical shutter. Shutter protects the image sensor from light. When you want to take a photograph, shutter opens for very short amount of time, allowing light to that travels through the lens to enter the sensor.

Digital shutter does not open, instead pixels begin to “activate themselves”. The amount of time the shutter is opened or “active” is called shutter speed.

Shutter speed is also known as exposure time, since it determines the amount of time the film (in past) or image sensor (present) are exposed to light. Slow shutter speed are used when you want to capture fast-moving objects. Long shutter speed is used at night mostly. Be aware that for anything above 1/30 sec you will need a tripod or your photos will be blurry.

GIT2 has shutter speed from 1/30 to 1 minute. If you select 1min, this means camera will be in process of taking an image for 60 seconds. In that time, it gathers the light. The more light it gathers, the brighter the image.

• Auto
• 1/30 sec
• 2 sec
• 5 sec
• 10 sec
• 15 sec
• 20 sec
• 30 sec
• 1 min

I personally used GIT2 shutter speed from 10-30 seconds at night, to capture very neatly looking images. There are so many things you can do with a shutter speed. Since I am far from professional photographer, I would advise you to read a bit more about it.

There are many great resources and examples how to be creative and make great photos. I really loved this  feature. But be advised, that camera needs to be still if you are taking long exposure images.

Photo credits in this section go to Nigel Savidge. Nigel created far better images than I did.

Photo time lapse

Unlike video time-lapse which creates out of the box time-lapse movie, photo one will create image sequences. Each image represents 1 video frame. So if you select 10 seconds, each 10th second GIT2 will trigger a shutter and capture an image. If you leave a camera for 1 hour (3600 ), you will have 360 images (3600 seconds/10). If you create a 30 FPS( frames per second video) you will have 12 seconds time lapse output (360/30). Be aware that images need to be merged in post production. If you do not want to bother with editing software, just use video time lapse.

• 1/2/5/10/30/60/300/600/900 sec

Self-timer

Self-timer function will trigger a shutter button with a delay, which is good for group photos.

• 3/5/10/15/30 sec

Capture mode

Capture mode lets you select how many images should camera capture in a single shutter click. Camera can take up to 10 photos continuously.

• 1/3/10

RAW photo mode

People who want to use RAW format, already know what it is, so I will try to explain it in a easy to understand way. Each time any digital camera captures an image, that image needs to be processed. Processing happens in camera brain – processor (chip, chipset) which is then transferred to a memory card.

While”in processing” image is compressed and converted into a particular format (JPEG in most cases). JPEG images can be viewed and printed right away, they are compressed, and have smaller size. RAW image are unprocessed files that are much larger in size. They require further processing and converting, but have better quality, since they are data that comes directly from the image sensor.

In GIT2 example, if you turn RAW on, you will get a large file of 30mb compared to 4mg JPEG. That file in particular can’t be viewed right away.  You will not see an image. What you will most likely see is just black/white shadow. That is an unprocessed data. It has to be converted to another format. Gitup provides some tools on their site, so if you want to use RAW, check it out.

RAW format is something for people who want to edit their images in post production and have decent knowledge on photography. If you are a regular users, who just wants a damn photos, nothing too technical, turn RAW off, and enjoy your JPEG images.

I am aware that photographers here will freak out, but I am using simple JPEG and do not give a damn about RAW at this point, as I do not have time for all that conversion hassle. For my needs JPEG does good job. Yell, laugh, cry, type angry comments, but I really couldn’t care less.

Playback

People love to preview their footage. Sometimes we wait until we get home, but sometimes we are so excited that we want to see it right away. Like most of action cameras with an LCD screen, GIT2 has a preview (playback) mode. In this mode, you can logically, preview your footage and delete ones you do not like.

One thing I would like to point out is that during video preview, you will not be able to hear a video sound.

System Settings

System settings is mode which allows you to change most basic camera settings that will apply for both video and photo mode.

Quick Capture

In situations where you have GIT 2 mounted on a helmet, you do not wish to take it off, just so what you can start recording, don’t you? Neither do I, or anybody else. That is why quick capture is one of my favorite features. By enabling it, camera will start recording a video without having to be turned on.

This means that when this option is turned on, camera starts recording right when you press shutter button, even when it’s turned on. Very handy shortcut.
I personally have this option enabled.

Beep

Camera has pretty loud beeping sound that can be heard when browsing through the menu. Luckily, it can be turned off.

On my camera, beeping has been turned off.

OSD

When in video or photography mode, camera will show lots of information on the screen such as (mode icon, resolution, remaining time, date, battery, etc). If you find this distracting, you can turn on screen display off.

Since I change resolutions quite frequently when testing a camera, I keep this OSD enabled.

Car Mode Auto Start

If you want to use Gitup GIT 2 camera as a car camera that when connected to a car charger starts recording when you turn the engine on, or stops when you turn the car off, enable this option.

Custom Text Stamp

Custom text stamp is basically a watermark for your video. If you want to show your name or anything else in the corner of your photos or videos, turn custom text stamp on, otherwise, keep it disabled.

LED Status

Git 2 has 4 indicators or lamps that will blink to indicate different things. If for any reason, you do not want these lights, you can turn one of them or all of them off. Turning indicators you do not use, can save your battery life slightly.

• All LED on
• All LED off
• Front LED off
• Side LED off
• Back LED on

Screen Auto Sleep

Besides LED indicators, battery life can be saved by turning sleep option on. This means that after certain time of inactivity, camera screen will go to sleep, but will wake up when you press any button. I keep mine at 1 minute, and battery life improves quite a lot when you have this option to 1 minute.

Unless you need to monitor what you are recording constantly, my recommendation is to enable it.

• 1/3/5min or off

Auto Power OFF

Sometimes people forget to turn their cameras off. If you are one of those oblivious guys like I am, it might be good idea to enable Auto Power OFF. By enabling this feature, camera will turn off only if you are not recording or pressing anything after specified time interval.

If you choose 3 minutes, camera will turn off completely after 3 minutes, unless you are not recording or pressing any buttons.

• 3/5/10/15/30/60 min or off

Date and Time

Select date and time here.

System language

Like most of Chinese cameras, this one has tons of language option. Camera supports 11 different languages, and selecting any of them will translate the entire camera interface.

TV Mode

• PAL
• NTSC

Unfortunately, at the time of writing changing from NTSC and PAL has no influence on frame rates.

RC Pairing

If you have a remote control wrist watch for your GIT2, you need to pair it with the camera. That’s what this feature does. For more details see “Remote control watch headline”.

RC operation mode

With 1.3 firmware upgrade camera allows two different options when using camera with a RC watch.

• standard
• quick shoot

With quick shoot enabled, GIT2 will start taking photo/video as soon as you enter photo/video mode. For instance in standard, you have to change mode, and then click one more time in order to capture movie/photo.

USB Mode

USB mode allows you to choose what GIT2 will do when it’s plugged into a PC.

• prompt (camera gives you a choice for mass storage / pc camera when you plug it into a PC)
• mass storage (goes to mass storage right away, when camera is plugged into a  PC)
• web camera (goes to web cam mode right away, when camera is plugged into a  PC)

This means, that if you use GIT2 as a web camera, chose web camera, if you plug it into a PC just to transfer file, choose “mass storage”. If you use both regularly, juts use “prompt”.

Format

Formatting memory card deletes all videos and photos. It is recommended that when you first use a card on a camera, to format it. Also formatting is highly recommended before a firmware upgrade. Memory card can be formatted in your PC as well.

Default Setting

Playing with settings is fun, but if at any point you realize you messed too much, just preform a default reset, and all options will be returned to factory set settings. Your files on memory card will not be deleted like with format.

Version

This option shows what software is your GIT 2 running on. It is good idea to check this before doing a firmware upgrade, since you might already have the latest firmware running.

Sound

GIT2 sound is quite decent. Camera has mono internal built-in microphone, but also supports external mics. I have this external mic.

It’s the one that is the best value for the money according to manufacturer, since its quite cheap. There are many others you can use, but I have not tested them.

Since I am not a sound guru, you can check the video below and hear how internal vs external microphone comparison.

Please understand that camera has 3 different volume levels (High, Medium, Low). Volume level has a huge influence on your audio. While I found high way to loud for normal talking, it worked OK for music in the distance for instance. External mic quality is obviously better than the internal one, so if you want slightly better audio, you can get external mic here.

Like the GIT1, internal mic gives a bit of hiss when set up on high, where as external one does not give any sort of hiss.

It would be dumb for me to talk about audio, when you can hear it in the video below. Just listen to it.

If you can invest cca 10-20$ more, my recommendation is to get external mic.

Remote control watch

Git 2 is compatible with the same remote control watch as its predecessor GIT1. Remote controller (GIT1RC101) allows you to control camera via a tiny plastic  and silicon made wrist watch with 4 basic commands.

Range of controller is around 7m. Even though on the the official site there is no information that the watch is waterproof, one of the Gitup technicians told me it is splash-proof and can go only up to 3m underwater. This remote controller is an additional accessory and can be bought separately.

It is quite handy when you have a camera attached to a helmet, chesty or handlebar. With watch, you can turn on WiFi, turn off the camera, switch between photo and video mode and start/stop recording a video or take a photograph. Camera needs to be paired with a watch, and the process is described in the manual.

RC watch uses CR2032 battery. The one inside is some non-brand, so it might be a good idea to get few spare ones. I bought (eBay link) CR2032 Varta, they are reliable and quite cheap. You can get 5-6 for 3$ or so.

Retail price of the RF Wrist Remote Control Watch is around 30$. You can buy RF Watch on |Amazon|or Gitup|

Waterproof housing

GIT2 waterproof case allows camera to go up to 30m underwater. It is exactly the same and compatible with GIT1 housing. Buttons are a bit tiny and if you have huge fingers, you might be annoyed. On the bright side, unlike some other cameras, buttons on the case are soft and easy to press, which is important underwater. Camera has an interesting locking mechanism on the side, while most cameras have it at the back.

Case seems to be quite quality and well built.

The issue I had is more camera-related, but happens when the camera is in a housing. When a camera is in a waterproof case and creates photos in 16 megapixels (4:3), there is a visible black spot (from waterproof housing) in upper left corner of an image. When I tried another GIT2 in same housing, it did not have such issue. If you bought GIT 2 and your unit has a black spot when camera is in waterproof case, the only workaround is to set image resolution to 12 mp (16:9). (Thanks to Nigel for the idea on how to solve the problem)

One more complain is that the side mechanism is pain to open until you get used to it. After that it’s smooth. For biking vlogers who would like to use external microphone and waterproof case by drilling a hole in the plastic case, this will not be possible, since the locking mechanism goes directly onto a external mic port.

I have not tested camera underwater, since at the time of writing it is winter here, plus we do not have ocean or sea. But if you want to see how it performs underwater, there are lots of videos on YouTube, so take a look.

How to pair GIT2 with a watch?

1. Turn on your camera and go to system settings by pressing power button.
2. Inside system settings find RF Pairing and press shutter button to confirm.
3. Pairing process has started.
4. On a RC watch, hold video and photo buttons for 2-3 seconds)
5. When you see a “RF Pairing success” on your screen, you are good to go.

Battery life

Even though there has been some controversy regarding battery capacity of GIT2, official camera uses 950mah Li-ion GITLB101 3.5Wh , 3.7V replaceable battery.

There were some reports that battery life is not that good, but my results were satisfactory. As the matter a fact, camera performed better in the mode I use the most 1980×1920 @ 60 fps compared to two cameras I quite like : Dazzne P3 or Firefly 6S.

Here is how much recording time you can get in different resolutions with gyro stabilization turned off, and screen saver on.

• 2880×2160 @ 24fps – 104 minutes
• 2560×1440 @ 30fps – 117 minutes
• 2034×1296 @ 30fps – 103.5 minutes
• 1920×1080 @ 60fps – 104 minutes
• 1920×1080 @ 30fps – 127 minutes
• 1280×720   @ 60 fps – 135 minutes

Camera is compatible with SJCAM 900mah batteries as well. It can record while being attached to a power bank, and in that case, you can remove the battery and record without it. I personally tested it with this power bank, but I am quite sure plenty others will be fine.

Charging the camera

Plug in the camera into your PC by using the USB cable that came in a box. Once connected, you will see on the screen Mass Storage or PC Camera. Choose Mass Storage and camera will start charging.

As for charging via other chargers, such as wall charger, car charger and power bank, you just need to plug the camera, and charging will automatically start.  The top recording LED will flash while the camera is charging, once its 100% completed it will turn off and the front green LED will indicate that charging process is finished.

User interface and navigation

Overall user experience with Gitup GIT2 action camera in great. Camera is easy to operate and navigate. It is well-built and feature-rich. Even though its operation is completely different compared to some other action cameras and takes a day or two to get used to, I found it quite good.

The only thing that is a bit slower is changing options and settings. I did one test for instance, and it takes me more time to change something in GIT2 than in SJ5000X Elite for instance.

PC Camera

Ever since the 1.3 update, GIT2 can be used as a web-camera. I tested it on Windows 10 and works great. Previously I used Eken H9 and SJ4000 as web-cameras, but I prefer the quality of GIT2. I used it only for video, as I already have external microphone, so not sure about sound quality. But Skype recognized that device has external mic.

WiFi and App

GIT2 is a wireless camera, which means you can control it via your smartphone. However, at the time of writing this review, Gitup hasn’t released an official app yet. Instead, inside the box, there is a little card where they apologize for a delay in app development and tell us to use alternative app in the meanwhile.

Reviewing third party apps would be useless, so I will update this part of the review when manufacturer launches the app. I would however like to point out that it has been months since they promised that app will be ready, ever since GIT 1 was launched. So nobody knows with certainty when Gitup GIT 2 WiFi app will be finished. You can use Final Cam app in the meanwhile. (Android and iOS)

Do not be surprised if alternative apps do not work as expected, after all they are not made for 1 specific model, hence some options might be unavailable.

Frequently asked questions (Gitup GIT 2  FAQ)

1. Can Git 2 camera record in 4K? – No, it’s maximum resolution is 2880×2160 @24fps (UHD 4K is 3840 pixels × 2160)
2. Can you record and charge GIT2 at the same time? – Yes you can.
3. GIT2 battery life? – Check battery section of this article.
4. Can you use GIT2 in a car? – Yes.
5. Which external microphone do you recommend? – I do not recommend any in particular, I only tested this one.
6. Which camera is better GIT2 or SJ5000X Elite? – Still testing 5000x Elite, so please do not ask me these kind of questions.
7. Which camera is better GIT1 or GIT2? – Erm, obviously GIT2, except in low-light. I will soon do some side by side.
8. Git 2 vs Xiaomi YI? – It depends. GIT2 offers external mic, has LCD screen and comes with lots of accessories. Costs around 150$. Xiaomi YI is 70$ and comes bare-boned. In the end if you do not need accessories, just a camera for travels, etc Xiaomi YI is better choice. For those who need true action camera with an LCD screen and all accessories as well as external microphone, GIT2 is better choice.
9. I have a problem with my GIT2? – You can contact their support here.
10. Is there a non-fish-eye lens for GIT2? – They are working on 94° lens. (source)
11. Where can I find latest firmware for GIT2? – Here.

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Summary

It’s summary time. To sum up, Git 2 by Gitup is one of those action cameras I had a blast reviewing. I really enjoyed playing with it and testing it’s options.

Camera is well-built, has an LCD,WiFi, supports external microphone and remote controller. It is compatible with all GoPro and similar accessories. Colors and video quality are quite good, though I personally am not a huge fan of lens they are using. It is sometimes causing a weird smudging, distorted effect, which I hate. Sharpness of the video is not perfect either. My recommendation is that if you want to see license plates in the distance, make sure to use highest possible resolution. Audio quality is good. It gets even better with external microphone.

Customer support is great. They replied to all my queries promptly. What I like about guys at Gitup is that they listen to their customers. They are always willing to listen to all suggestions and implement them. They regularly do software updates, so I really can’t complain about it. Obviously, they are still a small company, but let’s hope that as they grow, their relationship with consumers will not change.

The best thing about GIT2 are it’s features. There are so many things you can use it for – and the best part they keep adding new things with each update.

Overall, for around 160$ GIT2 provides excellent value for the money. I feel comfortable recommending it to advanced action camera users as well as newbies.

Your questions

Thank you for taking your time to read the article. You reached till the end. I hope it was informative and helpful. As always, if you have this camera, do not hesitate to leave your own opinion on it by leaving a comment below.

As always, if you have any troubles or questions, post a comment, I gladly reply to each and every one.

Where to buy GIT2 camera?

Here are some stores and websites where you can get GIT2.

• Buy it on Amazon (for fastest delivery)
• But it on eBay (for auctions if you are a deal seeker)
• But it on BangGood
• Buy it from Gitup

Pros

Cons