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  • History and evolution of action cameras

    History and evolution of action cameras

    It is impossible to precisely determine who, where and when created the first action camera.

    Even though early attempts to capture footage from first-person view with a camera attached to a helmet were made back in 1960s, those were all DIY attempts by innovators in various industries for single project needs.

    action helmet camera history

    First commercially available action camera was introduced by Woodman Labs (which later became GoPro) in 2004 and costed 20$. The camera GoPro made a decade ago came a long way from 20$ analog in a waterproof case to a device people in film industry use today.




    Action cameras we use now improved significantly over the last few years. But long before POV 4K, WiFi, wide field of view, mobile apps and other fancy bells and whistles, creatives willing to push their limits for the sake of storytelling attempted to capture a footage with a camera strapped to their head in various ways.

    For easier understanding , I will divide action camera evolution into three parts.

    • Early action cameras 1960-1990
    • 2002-2012 GoPro Era
    • Post GoPro Era

    The reason for categorization like this is simple. Influence of a GoPro has on marketing and commercialization of helmet cameras can not be surpassed. Its their business model that made action cameras available to an average Billy down the street.

    Prior to that, athletes, actors and astronauts all had something that can be considered as an point of view camera, therefore their influence can not be ignored either.

    Here are some facts :

    • People tried to find solution for a camera that can capture videos from first person view, decades before GoPro founder did.
    • GoPro did not make a first action camera, but had incredible influence on its development.
    • Today we have incredible amount of brands all trying to stand out from the crowd, innovating and making action cameras grow like never before.

    Early action cameras

    Long before the first camera was created, video makers were using different techniques to capture the viewers attention and spark their imagination. In such process, they tried to be come up with different, funky and unusual ways to take their movies and photographs to a whole new level.

    It is very hard to precisely determine who was the first to adopt the “action camera concept” but here is the list of people who tried to stand out from the crowd and produced different kind of videos – action videos.




    1960s

    Bob Sinclair was a skydiver (a parachuting God as colleagues called him) and one of crew members in charge of recording for the Ripcord show aired from 1961-1963. Ripcord was on air for two seasons (76 episodes) featuring extreme sky jumping that according to the show has been filmed live.

    At that time Mr Bob Sinclair, innovative genius as he was, tried to find a way to make videos more realistic and extreme. He wanted to spark the emotion of people watching the show. They had to feel like skydivers themselves from watching the videos.

    Bob Sinclair solution was to mount a camera to a fiberglass helmet to improve footage stability.
    Bob Sinclair solution was to mount a camera to a fiberglass helmet to improve footage stability. Photo credits Mark Platt

    In order to do that, Bob wanted a video from a first person perspective. He thought that standard recording from a hand was too shaky and distracting. Therefore he came to a conclusion that mounting a camera on a helmet would not only be more convenient for a skydiver, but also stabilize the video much better, since head was the most stable part during jumps.

    He began mounting his gyro-stabilized camera to a football helmet at first. He kept finding out new solutions and used better mounts and fiberglass helmet. He kept pushing his idea in order to tell a different kind of story.

    Bob Sinclair performing a skydive with his unique camera mounting idea Photo credits : parachutistonline.com
    Bob Sinclair performing a skydive with his unique camera mounting idea
    Photo credits : parachutistonline.com

    Based upon my research, I can say that Bob Sinclair was certainly one of the first, if not the first man to record action videos with his own setup of mounting a camera to a fiberglass helmet.

    Update 11/5/2015 (Thanks Mollydog)

    Somewhere in 1963, a rumor says that one of the NASA astronauts, who was also keen on photography, bought a Hasselblad 500c camera in a photo shop in Houston/Austin (Texas).

    Upon his return to NASA, engineers were so impressed with the camera that they started modifying it. Hasselblad joined the development team and together they worked on a camera that can be easy to use and survive on the moon.The main challenge was to make it easy for astronauts with gigantic gloves and suits on, to replace a film.

    First action camera on the Moon?
    First action camera on the Moon?

    One of the members from DashCam forum, Mollydog, pointed out some quite interesting facts.

    Space cameras were striped down to just the necessities, no viewfinder, no wind on handle and a few other features, and also a special motorized body that could be used with gloves on, as before this date there were no motorized Hasselblads.

    Hasselblads had two types of film backs, a 120 back shooting 12 exposures and a 220 back shooting 24 exposures before the film needed replacing or the back changing, me using Hasselblads for over 20 years I can tell you, with any kind of gloves on you are not going to be able to wind on the film and take it off its spool and re load the film back.

    NASA and Hasselblad came up with 2 larger film backs, one was for 100 exposures and the other was a 200 medium format exposure back, those long ones that can be seen on the back of the cameras, for its day that was like getting a smart phone that its battery would last a full month of use on one charge.

    What is even more interesting is that most of these cameras never came back to the Earth, due to their weight. That is why one that appeared on eBay a while ago was sold for staggering 910 000$!

    You can read more about this specific model on this link.

    Famous Scottish F1 driver, Jackie Stewart had few experiments on his own as well. First photography depicts still-image Nikon camera Stewart wore back in 1966. It should be mentioned that he did not try this experiments during an actual race.

    Jackie Stewart with an "on board" camera
    Jackie Stewart with a still Nikon camera attached to his helmet. Image source : http://kottke.org/

    Even though it is not nearly as comfortable solution as some others, it definitely shows that people were interested to get dramatic and realistic footage. Sometimes sacrifices were made to get incredible videos.

    Quite a robust solution included a battery pack on the left side.
    Quite a robust solution included a battery pack on the left side. Image source : http://kottke.org



    1970s

    There is a reason why Steve McQueen, famous American actor from the 70s had a nickname “The King of Cool”. Back in 1971 Steve wore a robust camera on set for the movie “Le Mans”. Camera was duck-taped to his helmet in order to capture first person video of him motorcycling.

    The solution that "King of Cool" had was quite robust and not cool at all :)
    The solution that “King of Cool” had was quite robust and not cool at all 🙂 Image copyrights Kotke.org

    1980s

    In 1985, Canon introduced the Ci-10, tiny camera produced in even smaller amount with a gigantic 1000$ price-tag.

    No bigger than a pack of cigarettes Ci-10 caught the attention of experts in security and surveillance niche. “Due to its size it could easily fit into investigators pocket” the NY Times reported in their 1985 article.

    Canon Ci-10 was used as a first helmet camera that broadcasted ;ove moto race from the motorcyclist point of view.
    Canon Ci-10 was used as a first helmet camera that broadcasted ;ove moto race from the motorcyclist point of view.

    Ci-10 size was 102 x 53 x 27 mm (H x W x D) and weighted around 289 grams without a lens. Sensor used was 3.8 megapixels (380 000 px) 6.6 x 8.8 mm. It allowed a resolution of 300 TV lines sensitive up to 20 lux. It also had a 1.4x optical zoom.

    Company called Aerial Video Systems found a way to transmit microwaves remotely and attached a camera to a helmet of Dirk Garcia. Footage was broadcasted live on ABC.

    Dick Garcia First live action camera broadcast 1986 Canon Ci-10

    That is on 28th of June, 1986, Canon‘s Ci-10 became the first camera used to broadcast first person view footage on air.

    These days its impossible to find much info on this camera. To prove its rarity, you can check Canon Museum and you will see it does not appear there. If nothing, Ci-10 was one of the most comfortable solutions at that time.

    Dirk from Canon Technical support tried to remember how the camera used to operate, as they have no exact information in their archives either.

    I know there was an optional video disc recorder that could be connected to the unit, making it an early predecessor of our later “Still Video Cameras” such as the RC-701 that recorded to Canon proprietary “Video Floppy Disks“.

    There was also apparently a tape recorder that could be connected to it for recording video, making it the successor to the earlier cameras in our “Color Camcorder” line.

    Effectively, this camera is the “missing link” that helped us expand from video to still images in electronic format.





    Mark Schulze was one of the early inventors of an action camera. After doing quite a research, I realized that plenty of news articles credited Mark for his contribution on action camera development. According to many sources Shulze is considered a pioneer in this field.

    Obviously Bob Sinclair and all others above mounted a camera onto their helmets way before him.

    But here is what is interesting about Shulze. His videos are documented and available today. So we have an actual proof that he recorder videos with his setup.

    Mark Shulze Helmet camera

    Somewhere in 1987 Mark, who is a video maker, was working on “The Great Mountain Biking Video“.

    His approach was no different then others when it comes to camera mounting. He mounted a VHS camera on top of his helmet and had a VCR with the latter in the bikers backpack connected with RCA cable.

    This was quite a rigid and heavy setup, especially if you are cycling for a longer period of time, but it worked. There are few videos available online, but the one from 1988 is my favorite.

    When asked why he did not patent his invention, Mark said (source) :

    Our focus at that time was to produce the best and most awesome mountain bike videos of their time. And that’s what we did. We left that technical engineering stuff to people like GoPro who have these teeny cameras   that you can mount to a helmet, a car hood, a surfboard, a boat deck, well, you name it.

    Developed by biologist and filmmaker Greg Marshall in 1986, Crittercam was a different type of camera that captured fast movement and action. Instead of attaching it to a human, Mr Marshall had an idea to film animals in their natural inhabitant not influenced or disturbed by the presence of a human.

    The main goal is to collect data of animals behavior.

    Unlike all vintage cameras and solutions featured in this article, Crittercam is being developed continuously even today. Crittercam enabled scientists to study animals behavior. Actually this is more than just a camera. Besides video and audio it collects environmental data such as temperature and acceleration.

    If you are interested in move videos that this smart device can capture, check Nat Geo gallery here.

    1990s

    1991 was a year when Helmet-Cam were introduced. Basic idea was no different than any other attempts to capture first person view video. “Lets create something different that will make viewers at home feel like they are playing football themselves.”

    Helmet-Cam footblall 1991
    Photography : worldleagueofamericanfootball.com

    Lipstick-shaped camera had to be placed over the players right ear into a VSR-3 helmet made by Riddel. An antenna was placed on quarterbacks helmet (on the top to be precise) and transmitted live signal to the production truck. Battery pack and transmitter were molded into the`s shoulder pads, which made camera itself impossible to take off by a player. That is why someone always had to unplug the cables and help QB to safely remove his helmet.

    Jaw-dropping price of 20000$ per unit and players complaints were one of the main reasons why this product never came alive.

    • Camera size – 9/16″ diameter x 2″ long
    • Antenna size – approx. 1/8″ – 3/16″ thick x 3″ x 3″

    Today, there are many videos of NFL superstars wearing a GoPro on their practice, so who knows, maybe the concept is not dead after all.



    GoPro Era – Everyone can be a hero.

    Even though, attempts to create a helmet camera that can capture action were made few decades earlier, opinions are united that Nicholas “Nick” Woodman a founder of multi billion empire GoPro, was the first to introduce a rugged and waterproof solution sold and marketed to an average consumer.

    The first prototype of a such a camera was made  in 2004/2005, while the idea itself came few years earlier.

    In 2002, while traveling through Indonesia and Australia coast in order to relax and get an idea for “the next big thing”, Nick, inspired and young adrenaline junkie and entrepreneur tried to capture still images while surfing with 35mm camera wrapped around his palm by a rubber band.

    At that time proper waterproof cameras were something that only professional photographers could afford. Seeing the struggles surfers and others like face, Nick decided to create a camera that is waterproof and can easily be attached to a surfers body.

    Initial idea was to create a wrist strap which can easily fit other cameras on top of it. Since most of the cameras he tested broke easily, Woodman had to find a camera that can be used in rigorous activities like surfing.

    Nick Woodman GoPro Wrist Strap prototype
    Young GoPro founder showcasing his first prototype.

    After two years of wondering through various trade shop seeking for a camera that can meet the requirements, he finally found a company that had something close to what he wanted. He paid them to adjust and modify the camera to fit his strap.

    Woodman once said he never met manufacturer prior to outsourcing them and  that entire communication was done through the email and one phone call, mostly because of language barrier. He eventually had to fly out to Shenzhen in China to finalize the deal. “We barely understood each other over the phone” Woodman said.

    The first GoPro action camera- Hero 35mm 0001 was analog and completely different to a GoPro we know today. It could not even record a video. It came with 35mm Kodak film, a waterproof case  and a wrist strap inside the box.

    First action camera commercially sold - GoPro Hero 35mm.
    First action camera commercially sold – GoPro Hero 35mm.

    It allowed consumers to take photos up to 15 feet (cca 5 meters) underwater and weighted around 200grams (7.2 ounces).

    Main advantage of a GoPro Hero 001, besides it being waterproof, was a secure wrist mount, which according to Nick “He designed so it fits his 9-year old cousin as well”. Camera operated completely mechanical and did not require batteries.

    It could take 24 pictures with a W/24 exposure film that was loaded inside. In order to replace a film, you simply had to unbuckle two clips from the waterproof case, It supported any kind of 35 mm film, colored or black and white.

    What is incredible that first GoPro 35mm Hero retail price was  around 20$. According to an interview Woodman did with Forbes, it costed around 3$ to produce the camera itself.

    2005 was crucial for GoPro. Nick and his two employees started selling cameras across the US. Very interesting video below, depicts young Woodman introducing his product live on QVC.

    If everyone can wear a Hero, they can be a Hero.

    In 2006 GoPro went digital and launched GoPro Hero Digital that could record VGA videos in 10 seconds sequence with no sound output. In the next few years company released Hero 2 and 3 with plenty of improvement and innovation compared to Hero Digital.

    In 2012 Foxconn from Chinese invests 200 million dollars buying 8.88% stake in GoPro, making Nick Woodman a billionaire. Rest is a history.

    What the future holds?

    Today action camera market is booming. There are hundreds of brands competing. Competition is great for consumers. Nearly each month, a company announces a breakthrough or a new features no brand implemented before.

    Few decades ago you did not have an LCD touch screen,4K, WiFi, editing software, Apps and more importantly great video and photo quality in a small package.

    Chinese companies like Xiaomi or SJCAM produce affordable cameras that nearly everyone can afford. GoPro is still an industry leader, but big boys like Sony and Polaroid entered the competitive race as well. There were rumors that Apple is ready to launch their camera, but that never happened.

    It is insane to even think what future holds with this many people and brands working on improving products on daily basis.

    Summary

    So, there you have it. If you ever wondered how action cameras looked throughout the history, I hope this article helped you a bit. As you can see technology evolved significantly over the decades, but the idea was the same : Get the most realistic, eye-catching footage and capture the attention of your audience.

    It is all about telling a story. With that in mind I can say that all of us, are in a way storytellers. We tell a story through our pocket cameras no matter the age, religion, political beliefs, and a budget.

    All of the early inventors of helmet/action/pov cameras adopted the concept in order to tell a story. Do not forget that video making is not about expensive gear and equipment. Its about the message you want to send.

    Please understand that this is not a final list. It was based on my research and contacts made with action camera communities and manufacturers.

    If you are aware of some other cameras that can fall into this category, please let me know, I would really like to add more info regarding action camera development and evolution.

    Lastly, I would like to thank : Dan (JooVuu), MollyDog, Cronnin, Dirk (Canon), Ryan and Dashmellow for their contribution in my research.

    Additional Resources

    Here are few more great links which I used during my research :

  • Canon Waterproof Camera Review – PowerShot D30

    Canon Waterproof Camera Review – PowerShot D30

    Whether you want to enter the world of underwater photography or you simply want a camera that will stand up to the water during your outdoor adventures, a good waterproof camera is a solid investment. And thanks to all the improvements in camera technology over the years, even cameras that focus mostly on being waterproof take quality photos and videos at a decent resolution.

    No matter what sort of camera you’re in the market for, it’s always a good idea to see what features a top brand like Canon has available. As you might expect, Canon offers a range of different waterproof cameras to allow you to take your love of photography with you wherever you go — even if that place happens to be 50 feet underwater. Not only are these cameras waterproof, but they also feature Canon technology that allows them to take high-quality pictures and videos in all sorts of different situations.

    One popular waterproof camera from Canon is the Canon PowerShot D30. This camera is not only a fairly capable waterproof option that’s suitable for Open Water scuba divers; it’s a flat-out good camera no matter how you slice it. However, there are a lot of competitors on the market, so you’d be wise to take a look at all the different waterproof cameras in this price range before making your decision. We’ve put together a comprehensive Canon waterproof camera review for the PowerShot D30, including a look at its features and specs, how it performs underwater and how good the camera itself is. If you’re having a hard time choosing the best waterproof camera, this review should help you out.

    Quick Navigation
    What Is the Canon PowerShot D30?
    Canon PowerShot D30 Specifications
    Pricing
    How It Compares
    Pros and Cons
    Conclusion

    What Is the Canon PowerShot D30?

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    The Canon PowerShot D30 is, at the time of writing, the only waterproof camera Canon has available directly from its website. As far as specs and prices go, it’s nowhere near the top-of-the-line cameras you might expect from Canon, but it’s got some great features that make it a good choice if you need something waterproof. Although it’s designed to handle depths that go beyond what you can explore with Open Water scuba certification, the PowerShot D30 is also shockproof up to 6.5 feet which makes it a great option for hiking, fishing or any other outdoor use.

    As far as the actual body and lens go, the Canon PowerShot D30 is basically a standard digital camera. If it didn’t mention its waterproof and shockproof ratings on the front of the camera, you might not even know this was a waterproof model. Unfortunately, this also means that you won’t get an insane photo and video quality with this camera. While it will give you good underwater still images and videos, especially for the price you’re paying, don’t expect the Canon PowerShot D30 to give you underwater camera quality like you see when professionals use expensive underwater cameras.

    Canon PowerShot D30 Specifications

    As far as the specifications go, the Canon PowerShot D30 is pretty much what you’d expect from a standard digital camera with a waterproof and shockproof body that makes it perfect for outdoor adventures. This camera is waterproof up to 82 feet and shockproof up to 6.5 feet, so both ratings are more than enough to handle regular outdoor use if you’re looking for a good hiking or fishing camera. However, the 82-foot waterproof rating means the Canon PowerShot D30 can go well beyond the 59 feet you can dive with Open Water scuba certification, so it should be fine for your needs unless you’re diving deeper than 82 feet.

    The camera in the Canon PowerShot D30 is a 12.1 MP camera with a 1/2.3-inch CMOS sensor. After you’ve taken a beautiful picture with the camera, you can look at it on the 3.0-inch TFT color LCD monitor. The maximum aperture is f/3.9 (W) and f/4.8 (T), so you have a decent depth of field but not great. Two different shutter speeds – 1-1/1600 sec and 15-1 sec – allow you to shoot either regular or long exposure photos. You also get tons of technology and options for controlling exposure, white balance, and shooting modes, which include color swap, underwater, snow, super slow-motion movie, and fisheye mode.

    The Canon PowerShot D30 can take images in 16:9 resolutions up to 4000 x 2248 and 4:3 resolutions up to 4000 x 3000, so the resolution will never be the primary problem when it comes to your image quality. As for videos, you can record at 24 fps in 1080p, 30 fps in 720p, and 120 fps or 240 fps depending on which super slow-motion mode you choose – 320 x 240 having the higher framerate and 640 x 480 having the lower one. You can play your videos back on the LCD monitor at 30 fps.

    The SD card, SDHC card and SDXC card support allows you to insert a memory card in your Canon PowerShot D30 and easily expand the storage. Canon doesn’t mention how much storage capacity in a memory card can be supported, but the support for a range of SD card formats means you can probably use a fairly large memory card in this camera. Although this is a generally standard feature for a modern camera, it’s nice to know you can add a significant amount of storage to the Canon PowerShot D30 and easily swap out another SD card when you need more storage out on the water.

    Pricing

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    Despite the fact that the Canon PowerShot D30 is a capable waterproof camera that can satisfy the needs of most certified scuba divers, this camera has an MSRP of just $329.99, and you can even find it for less at some retailers. While it won’t give you the most amazing performance in terms of picture quality, an 82-foot waterproof rating and a 6.5-foot shockproof rating with a 12.1 MP camera for $329 is a good value.

    The thing about the price of this camera is that you can find cheaper underwater cameras from other manufacturers which, on the surface, appear to have better specs. However, cameras are tricky because determining whether or not a camera captures quality photos and videos isn’t as simple as looking at the megapixel rating or the resolution at which it captures photos and videos. A lot of different factors go into making a good camera, and you’re always better off paying more for quality. For example, there is a $59.99 20 MP underwater camera at Walmart from a brand called Ivation that gets a 3.5-star rating. While this may look like a higher-quality camera, chances are you’re getting better quality from Canon despite the lower specs.

    As far as other high-end brands go, Olympus has a 12.0 MP camera called the Olympus Tough TG-5 that’s waterproof up to 50 feet and shockproof up to 7 feet. It’s capable of recording 4k video, but it costs $379.99, which is slightly higher than the Canon PowerShot D30. Nikon makes a 16 MP camera called the Coolpix AW130 that’s waterproof up to 100 feet and shockproof up to 7 feet with 5x optical zoom. This camera is currently for sale at Walmart for $328, but it’s only capable of recording full HD video like the Canon PowerShot D30 rather than 4k like the Olympus.

    We offer this information to show that the Canon PowerShot D30 is about as good a value as you can expect to find in a waterproof camera. You might be able to find comparable models at a similar price point or slightly better models for a little bit more money, but you won’t find anything that blows this camera out of the water – no pun intended – unless you want to spend a bit more money.

    How It Compares

    person holding black ceramic coffee mug beside black DSLR camera

    Image via unsplash.com

    There aren’t a ton of different waterproof cameras in the same price range as the Canon PowerShot D30, but for the most part, all of the models we compared it to are pretty similar in features. For the purposes of this article, we’ll be talking about how the Canon PowerShot D30 stacks up to the Olympus Tough TG-5 and the Nikon Coolpix AW130.

    As far as the cameras go, the Nikon Coolpix AW130 takes the lead with a 16 MP camera compared to 12.1 for the Canon PowerShot D30 and 12 for the Tough TG-5. All three cameras are the same when it comes to the 1/2.3-inch CMOS sensor. The Tough TG-5 gives you the ability to record 4k video at 30 fps, which beats out the PowerShot D30 and the Coolpix AW130 by a fair amount. Also, the Coolpix AW130 is capable of recording 1080p video at 30 fps while the PowerShot D30 tops out at 24 fps. Fortunately, the PowerShot D30 makes up for that with the ability to record super slow-motion video at two different framerates, something that neither of the other cameras is capable of.

    The waterproof and shockproof ratings of these three cameras vary quite a bit. The PowerShot D30 gives you an 82-foot waterproof rating and a 6.5-foot shockproof rating, while the Tough TG-5 offers a 50-foot waterproof rating and 7-foot shockproof rating. The Coolpix AW130, on the other hand, offers a 100-foot waterproof rating and 7-foot shockproof rating that beats both of the others. The 50-foot waterproof rating on the Olympus Tough TG-5 is a bit disappointing, but it’s still enough depth for most divers.

    With the prices of these three cameras being pretty similar, it’s hard to argue for or against any one particular model. Each camera has different things it excels at, and the camera you choose will ultimately depend on the specific features you’re looking for. However, it’s safe to say that the Canon PowerShot D30 stacks up nicely to the competition.

    Pros and Cons

    PROS

    • the Canon Powershot D30 has a nice waterproof and shockproof rating
    • 2.1 MP camera rating and 1/2.3-inch CMOS sensor give you good photo and video quality
    • record 1080p video and super slow-motion video at two different resolutions
    • Image resolutions of up to 4000 x 2248
    • At just $329.99, this camera won’t cost you a fortune but will still give you everything you need to start capturing photos and videos underwater

    CONS

    • Canon PowerShot D30 is only capable of recording 1080p video at 24 fps, which is a tad lower than the 30 fps standard which most cameras record at
    • The lack of 2k or 4k video recording is also a bit disappointing to see in a model in this price range, even though the framerate is already a bit low at 1080p
    • 30 fps playback means you don’t get the full benefit of your 120 fps or 240 fps super slow-motion video unless you’re playing it back on another device
    fishes underwater

    Image via unsplash.com

    Although the Canon PowerShot D30 is a good underwater camera, it has both pros and cons. Some of these may be minor problems for you while others may be huge annoyances, so this is a good tool for helping you make the right decision.

    As far as the pros go, the Canon Powershot D30 has a nice waterproof and shockproof rating. The 12.1 MP camera rating and 1/2.3-inch CMOS sensor give you good photo and video quality, and that’s reflected by the fact that you can record 1080p video and super slow-motion video at two different resolutions. Image resolutions of up to 4000 x 2248 give you the kind of quality you’d expect from a Canon camera. At just $329.99, this camera won’t cost you a fortune but will still give you everything you need to start capturing photos and videos underwater.

    There are some cons, however. For starters, the Canon PowerShot D30 is only capable of recording 1080p video at 24 fps, which is a tad lower than the 30 fps standard which most cameras record at. The lack of 2k or 4k video recording is also a bit disappointing to see in a model in this price range, even though the framerate is already a bit low at 1080p. 30 fps playback means you don’t get the full benefit of your 120 fps or 240 fps super slow-motion video unless you’re playing it back on another device.        

    All in all, the Canon PowerShot D30 has its fair share of both pros and cons. If the cons outweigh the pros for you, you might want to consider looking at another underwater camera model.

    Conclusion

    man holding digital camera

    Image via pexels.com

    Like we said before, the Canon PowerShot D30 isn’t going to give you the type of professional photo and video quality you see when scuba divers take an expensive camera underwater. However, the fact that you can record 1080p video and super slow-motion video with the Canon PowerShot D30 means you’ll get good enough quality for basic needs. Great waterproof and shockproof ratings make this a good camera for diving, fishing, hiking, or pretty much anything else you do in the great outdoors. The fact that you can get all of these features in a camera for a little more than $300 is great news if you want to start capturing underwater moments without spending a fortune on an expensive professional-quality camera.

  • Eleven of the Best Drones Under $100

    Eleven of the Best Drones Under $100

    Best Drones Under 100 in 2018

    Drones

    Whether you are a new or experienced drone pilot, flying a drone can be very fun and advantageous. You may be thinking of purchasing a drone that can buzz around indoors or outdoors, or as a gift to a loved one. Here is a list of the best drones under $100 in 2018! These drones on the list are catchy and attention-grabbing, because they exude excellent qualities, making them the best drones under 100 for 2018.

    Top Drones Under $100: FAQs

    Are drones safe for children?

    In today’s generation, it is no longer a surprise if a child shows interest in flying drones. The predicament then circles around the idea of how safe can drone flying be for a child. So, is it safe? Well, it depends on a lot of things. Here are some of the things that parents should consider.

    How old is the kid? If your child is at least around 8 years old, he or she can start learning how to fly a drone. Although, the choices for child-friendly drones are quite limited. A model that uses a remote control rather than a smartphone or tablet is preferable for kids.

    Another thing to consider is the camera. Unless you’re planning to teach your kid about aerial photography, you might want to tick this off your requirements during your drone shopping. Drones with camera tend to be more expensive too which will also cost you more to repair in case your child crashes it. Not to mention how these cameras can potentially be hacked by anyone, risking your family’s privacy.

    Adult supervision is the biggest factor that can determine how safe flying drones can be for kids. Even with the right model, without the parent watching over their kids during the activity, things can easily go wrong.

    What are the best drones for under $100?

    Naturally, the price range of drones can vary depending on their features. While an expensive one can be packed with impressive specs, not everyone can afford them. Fortunately, there are cheap drones that can also provide decent performance for anyone aiming to be a future drone pilot. So, to answer this question, here is a list of the best drones in the market that are just under $100.

    The Best Drones for Under $100

     

    1. Holy Stone F181

    Holy Stone F181
    Image Source: Quadcopterarena.com
    Flight TimeAbout 9 minutes
    Charge TimeAbout 80 minutes
    Camera Features720P HD camera with SD card
    Max Distance328ft
    Drone FeaturesOne Key Return

    Headless Security System

    Altitude Hold Function

    One Key 360° 4-Ways Flip

    Price Buy on Amazon

    If you visit Amazon to find the best drone under 100, you will find out that the Holy Stone F181 is enjoying itself in the spotlight as the website’s current best selling drone. Over two thousand reviews are featured under this specific drone – with most of these reviews being positive. As for its rating, this drone is given an overall rating of 4.5 stars, making it an excellent pick for every drone enthusiast. What are the great things that you can expect from this little fella?

    For its features, the Holy Stone F181 boasts a single-key return home, altitude hold, single-key flips, and headless mode. Even though it is not technically a feature, you will be happy to see an extra battery, right out of the box. This is one noteworthy addition to a high quality and affordable drone. As for its specifications, the Holy Stone F181 is highly comparable to all the other competitors on the market today.

    This quadcopter can go as far as 100 meters (328 ft) depending on weather conditions and potential interferences. However, most of the time this drone will manage a realistic flight of 80 meters (262 ft). As for its battery life, the Holy Stone F181 can fly up to nine minutes. It’s a decent pick for an affordable and high-quality drone.

    Additionally, the drone comes with a built-in camera, employing a sensor that captures images in HD resolution. It is important to note here that this drone is not much of a light-friendly pick because there’s not much light coming into your drone’s lens. A downside which may not be an issue during the day, but at night time, you can just forget about low light or night shots.

    2. Tarantula X6

    Tarantula X6
    Image Source: Justdrones.com.au
    Flight TimeAbout 10 minutes
    Charge TimeAbout 150 minutes
    Camera FeaturesNo camera included
    Max Distance328ft
    Drone FeaturesHyper IOC Function

    360 Degree Flips

    6-Axis Gyro

    Price Buy on Amazon

     

    This quadcopter is modified and described by many drone enthusiasts as something neat. This is true to the fact that it comes with a different design which is not common among other drones on the market. It doesn’t have a built-in camera, but you can purchase one separately. The Tarantula X6 has sufficient power to lift certain types of random cameras such as a GoPro. In the year 2015, Tarantula X6 happened to be one of the year’s best-selling drones!

    One of the top features of the Tarantula X6 is that you can fix it on your own. For instance, this drone allows you to replace its motors more easily, something that you may not be able to do on other drones today. Replacing the motors is very important for drone users because RC motors are known to burn out and wear out over time.

    When motors burn out, you can just order the parts from a trusted drone parts seller and do the replacement procedure yourself. Or, you can watch video tutorials on YouTube to learn the easy and proper ways to replace your quadcopter’s motors. The Tarantula X6 comes with a 7.4V 1200 mAh LiPo battery that lets your drone fly for ten to twelve minutes.

    3. Hubsan X4

    Hubsan X4
    Image Source: Amazon.com
    Flight TimeAbout 7 minutes
    Charge TimeAbout 30 minutes
    Camera FeaturesNo camera included
    Max Distance328ft
    Drone Features6-Axis Flight Control

    4-Ways Flip

    Adjustable Gyro Sensitivity

    Price Buy on Amazon

     

    In terms of price, features, and quality, this particular brand is one of the best drones that you can purchase today. Many people would agree that this is indeed the best inexpensive quadcopter brand. Would you agree? There is one thing that’s for sure though – the Hubsan X4 can be listed as one of the best drones today.

    One of the best features of Hubsan X4 is its 100-meter (328 ft) range capability. This makes it comparable to other inexpensive drones of similar size. Another great feature of this drone is its 2MP mountable camera; something that you may not see on other inexpensive drones on the market. While the first two features are simply amazing, it is important to note that the Hubsan X4 comes with a shorter flight time which is only six to eight minutes. However, a matter of importance is that its 3.7V 380mAh battery only takes about thirty minutes to charge.

    4. UDI U845

    UDI U845
    Image Source: Amazon.com
    Flight TimeAbout 9 minutes
    Charge TimeAbout 50 minutes
    Camera Features2MP / 720P / 30FPS
    Max Distance328ft
    Drone Features6-Axis Flight Control

    Battery Notifier

    Hands-Free 360 Roll

    Price Buy on Amazon

     

    If you take a closer look at this drone, you will notice that it boasts some excellent characteristics.  The UDI U845 looks unique and distinctive when compared to all the other drones on this list. When you see this drone for the first time, you might want to think of it as a UFO. Even though you may imagine it as an alien craft, the UFO-like design is essential to the incorporation of its six propellers. Thus, this would make you think that this drone is not a quadcopter but a hexacopter.

    Surrounded by a durable frame, the UDI U845 carries a 720p HD 2MP camera that comes with FPV support. This is indeed a great extra, especially for those people who want to bring their drone flying and piloting to the next level. This particular drone employs a battery that allows it to fly for about eight minutes. When the battery is drained, you need to let it rest for two hours before you can recharge.

    As for the features, the UDI U845 sports a single key that allows 360 flips, an FPV, and a headless mode. Giving it additional points is its LCD controller. The only downside to this drone is the wait time between charges; easily solved by purchasing additional battery packs.

    5. JXD 509W

    JXD 509W
    Image Source: c.76.my
    Flight TimeAbout 8 minutes
    Charge TimeAbout 60-90 minutes
    Camera Features2MP
    Max Distance164ft
    Drone FeaturesOne Key Return

    Headless Mode

    360 Degree Flips

    Price Buy on Amazon

     

    Earning the fifth spot on our list for the best drone under $100 is the JXD 509W. This drone is the WiFi version of the very popular and widely used 509G drone. Constructed with very durable ABS plastic, this drone comes with propellers that are highly flexible. These propellers can bend about 90 degrees without breaking, which helps to ensure longevity if it hits an object or crashes.

    Due to the JXD 509W’s durable construction, this drone can withstand many learning flights, hits, bumps, and crashes. Moreover, this machine sports a very professional appearance and provides a good number of features with highly competent specifications. You can have all of those features for a price tag that’s simply attractive and affordable. Some useful features of this drone include single-key home return, automatic landing, headless mode, 2MP camera, and altitude holder. With the JXD 509W, you can have all your drone-flying needs covered without spending too much.

    6. UDI U818 HD+

    UDI U818 HD+
    Image Source: thedronefiles.net
    Flight TimeAbout 8 minutes
    Charge TimeAbout 60-90 minutes
    Camera Features720p HD Camera
    Max Distance328ft
    Drone Features1 Button Flips

    Headless Mode

    Bonus Battery

    Price Buy on Amazon

     

    This particular drone placed itself at the top of the list due to its cool features and amazing qualities. It proves itself to be something that’s very easy to pilot and highly reliable. As it is also extremely durable, you can be confident that it will last for a more extended period compared to other less expensive drones on the market today. The UDI U818 HD+ comes with prop guards that help make this drone resistant to crashes.

    As for the features, the UDI U818 HD+ Drone has a headless flight mode and a single-key 360 flips for a fantastic watching experience. This drone also comes with an alarm that will tell you when the drone’s battery is running low on power. The LED lights on the UDI U818 HD+ drone make it much easier to spot. These features are well rounded with a built-in HD camera that’s more than solid.

    The camera of the UDI U818 HD+ drone captures and records 720p HD at thirty frames per second. It is definitely the best camera for a drone that you can buy for less than $100. In summary, the UDI U818 HD+ drone is a fantastic entry-level drone that’s capable of providing tons and tons of fun for everyone who flies it.

    7. Blade Nano

    Blade Nano
    Image Source: modelsport.co.uk
    Flight TimeAbout 7 minutes
    Charge TimeAbout 30 minutes
    Camera FeaturesNo camera
    Max Distance200ft
    Drone FeaturesSAFE Technology

    Extremely Small

    Powerful Lift

    Price Buy on Amazon

     

    As suggested by its name, the Blade Nano is a miniature type of drone in the entry-level category.  Small as you can see, this particular type of drone is of a sleek design that also features two colors and yellow/white schemes. With such an appearance, this little drone is pleasant for everyone’s eyes.

    One of the best features of the Blade Nano is its SAFE technology which is patented by Blade. SAFE stands for a technology that has to do with Sensor Assisted Flight Envelope. This particular technology helps and supports the drone’s overall stability and agility, assuring you that it is safe to fly in both outdoor and indoor scenarios.

    As for its flight time, the Blade Nano can fly and hover in the air for a maximum of seven minutes. Its battery life may sound a little short to those who expect more flight time, however, take into consideration that this drone is miniature. On the brighter side, it has a recharge time of less than half an hour, which is an impressive advantage.

    One big downside of the Blade Nano is the fact that it does not come with a controller on some models. If you make use of a BNF drone, you need to acquire yourself a controller or transmitter and bind it to your drone beforehand. But for those who already have controllers or transmitters, opting for the Blade Nano can be an excellent option. Flying this drone can be insanely fun, especially when you pair it up with goggles (FPV), which gives you massive immersion boost.

    8. Syma X5UW

    Syma X5UW
    Image Source: hobbycity.cdn.shoprenter.hu
    Flight TimeAbout 6 minutes
    Charge TimeLess than 30 minutes
    Camera Features720P HD Camera
    Max Distance160ft
    Drone FeaturesAuto Hovering

    Easy To Use App

    One Key 360 Roll

    Price Buy on Amazon

     

    When it comes to physical looks, the Syma X5UW happens to be a good option when choosing from the list of the best drones for under $100. This particular drone is also known to be one of the newest on the list. Offering modern and advanced features, the Syma X5UW boasts an FPV, mobile app control, and altitude hold. While it may not be tagged as the most stable of drones, you will be surprised to see its fast-flying ability. During high-speed flights, the drone’s motors are expected to be a little noisy.

    Durability is not a question for this kind of drone. Syma X5UW features an extremely durable frame that can survive and withstand multiple crashes. It comes with phantom-like batteries that can provide you with a flying time of six to ten minutes. It can also fly to as far as 80 meters (262 ft), which is a flight capability comparable to other drones within the similar price range.

    9. Syma X5C1

    Syma X5C1
    Image Source: alexnld.com
    Flight TimeAbout 7 minutes
    Charge TimeAbout 100 minutes
    Camera Features2MP Camera
    Max Distance160ft
    Drone Features6-Axis Flight Control

    Blade Protectors

    Durably Built

    Price Buy on Amazon

     

    The Syma X5C1 is known as the leveled-up version of the famous Syma X5C, a model which brought great success to Syma. People who are highly enthusiastic about drones have coined the Syma X5C as the best budget-friendly and affordable drone. Once you take it out of the box, you can fly it immediately if you so choose. This one is also known as one of the best selling drones on the market now.

    Syma X5C1’s four strong motors allow the drone to lift and transport light objects, especially if the camera is removed. The 2MP camera is easy to mount, and if you are not using the camera expect the drone to increase its flight time from five to six minutes. Its 3.7V 500mAh battery powers both the camera and the quadcopter itself. This specific drone is an excellent pick for both indoor and outdoor flying.

    10. Syma X8C

    Syma X8C
    Image Source: cdn-global-hk.hobbyking.com
    Flight TimeAbout 8 minutes
    Charge TimeAbout 180 minutes
    Camera Features2MP Camera
    Max Distance164ft
    Drone FeaturesIntelligent Orientation Control

    6 Axis Gyro

    Colorful Lights

    Price Buy on Amazon

     

    You might have noticed that this list comprised of the best drones under 100 features three that bear the name “Syma.” This is not a surprising fact since the Syma brand is well-known when it comes to quality affordable drones or quadcopters. Many of Syma’s products have become truly successful on the market, and one of the best products is the Syma X8C, basically resembling the famous DJI Phantom.

     

    Weighing 601 grams, or 1.3lbs (with the camera and battery installed), this aircraft is somewhat heavy. To manage its weight, the drone employs large propellers and makes use of a big 2000mAh battery to power up its brushed motors. The battery allows the drone to fly up to 50 meters of distance for about 8 minutes. Since it is a larger drone, it is highly stable, resistant to wind, and durable. Without its 2MP low-performance camera, the Syma X8C can fly much better. If you want a better camera, you should try a Mobius or 808-type camera.

    11. HS170 Predator

    HS170 Predator
    Image Source: best-quadcopter.com
    Flight TimeAbout 8 minutes
    Charge TimeAbout 50 minutes
    Camera FeaturesNo Camera
    Max Distance164ft
    Drone FeaturesHeadless Flight System

    6 Axis Gyro Stabilization

    Wind Resistant

    Price Buy on Amazon

     

    The HS170 Predator is an awesome drone that can provide you with endless fun and great flying experience. Apart from the flight experience this drone offers, its price point is also a nice treat since you can purchase this drone for just below $100. With its easy-to-use controllers, you can pull off moves and stunts like 3D flips and barrel rolls.

    HS170 Predator features a headless mode, as well as LED lights. It can fly for a period of six to eight minutes. This drone is not rechargeable, so every time you wish to fly it, it is important to bring along extra batteries. You will also be surprised to see that this drone flies steadily, and is very resistant to wind. From your location, you will be able to fly this drone as far as thirty-five to fifty meters (115 ft to 164 ft). The HS170 Predator is also highly durable as it can survive multiple crashes, thanks to its high-quality construction.

    Best Drones under $100: For Specific Needs

    Here’s a bonus list of drones under $100 based on different categories.

    Best Drones for Beginners under $100

    Quadcopters are generally the easiest ones to operate, so they are an excellent choice for beginners. A quadcopter drone can also be equipped with some basic autonomous-flying modes and even a low-quality camera. Here’s are some models you should consider. In fact, we have included some of them in this review.

    • Hubsan X4
    • Syma X5C
    • Parrot Swing
    • Horizon Hobby Blade Nano QX

    Best Drones with Camera under $100: Selfie Drones

    Sure, any drone with a camera can easily be a good selfie drone. However, not all of them have a price tag of below $100. So, for those on a budget, here are some of the best alternatives for you. Although, you might need to stretch your expectations a little in terms of image quality. After all, these are under $100.

    • Ryze Tello
    • Syma X5
    • Force1 UDI U818A HD+
    • Force1 U28W WiFi FPV Drone

    Best Real-Time Video Drones under $100

    Drones capable of providing its pilot with a real-time video is probably the most coveted ones. They used to be very expensive too. Fortunately, there are now a few ones out there that offer a decent first-person view at a lesser price.

    • Holy Stone F181
    • UDI U845
    • Force1 U28W WiFi FPV Drone
    • Syma X5UW

    Best Stunt Drones Under $100

    Drone racing is easily the most exciting thing you can do with this device. But, for those who are still learning, it won’t be practical to invest in expensive models right away. The good news is, there are drones under $100 that can also pull off some stunts. Check out a few of them below.

    • HS170 Predator
    • Holy Stone F181
    • U45 Raven
    • U28W Peregrine

    Final Thoughts on the Best Drone Under $100

    With rapid technology growth, all drones have significantly come down in price. With even a small budget of just $100, you can purchase a high-quality drone that can be used for training, photography and/or sheer fun. We hope our comprehensive list has helped you pick your next drone.

    Don’t forget to see our in-depth Xiaomi Mi Drone 4K review.

  • SJCAM or SJ SCAM? Difference between the real and a fake camera

    SJCAM or SJ SCAM? Difference between the real and a fake camera

    SJCAM is one of the leading manufacturers of action cameras. Although, their cameras are also commonly referred to as SJCAM. Being that SJCAM is a Chinese manufacturer who produces action cameras that work very similarly to a GoPro, the brands are often compared. The former is almost always accused of “copying” the latter.

    The funny thing is, and most people might not know this, is that there are fake SJCAM cameras out there. Some might say: “Wow, so what? There is a copy of a copy? Isn’t SJCAM a copycat of a GoPro?”

    Not really.

    What is an SJCAM?

    This Chinese company might have similarities with GoPro in terms of design, but they never really infringed copyrights of GoPro. They use their own software, lenses, logo, etc.

    And does it say GoPro on them? No. So stop saying it’s a GoPro copy!

    After all, when a brand comes up with an idea that sells, it is evident that others will try to use it. This is how the tech market works–DVD, DVIX, iPhone, to name a few. All of these products got re-invented one way or another.

    When a company invents something profitable, smaller companies try to find a hole in it and satisfy the demand of customers. SJCAM found a hole in GoPro–price.

    For some people (including myself) the big brand camera was way over my budget, so I tried a cheaper version, and guess what? I loved it. For the sake of argument, here’s a brief comparison between the two.

    SJCAM vs GoPro

    With regards to video quality, GoPro used to be the clear winner. However, more recently, even the GoPro Hero 6 falls short of the new SJ8 PRO’s video quality. Most importantly, a GoPro Hero 6 can cost you twice the price of an SJCAM.

    During an actual video recording, GoPro’s advanced video stabilization features used to undermine SJCAM’s lack thereof. However, recent models of the latter are now equipped with a Gyro stabilization mechanism that strongly competes with GoPro’s stabilization performance.

    Take a look at some of these SJCAM models and see how they can easily be some of the best budget-friendly action cam alternatives.

    SJCAM 5000x Elite

    The fifth version from the SJ5000 series is the first model to feature Sony’s IMX078CQK 12MP image sensor. It is also equipped with a 7 glass wide-angle lens, video stabilization feature, Novatek NTK96660 processor, and a 2-inch LCD screen. It is powered by a 900mah Li-Ion battery and supports a 32GB memory card.

    Other interesting features of this model that are not found in the older versions include the underwater mode, slow-motion, and long exposure.

    SJCAM SJ6 Legend

    This is the first model of SJCAM to feature a 2-inch touchscreen display. It is equipped with a Novatek 96660 chipset and a Panasonic MN34120PA 16MP image sensor. It is powered by a 1000mah battery and supports up to 128GB of an external SD card.

    There are nine shooting modes to choose from which includes car mode, underwater mode, photo and video time lapse, and many others.

    How to connect SJCAM to computer?

    This one’s pretty simple. All you need is the USB cable that comes with the camera or the SD card you’re using. So, you either connect the camera directly to the computer via the cable or take out the SD card from the camera and insert it into a memory card reader before installing it in your computer.

    While most people find these features not as impressive as that of a GoPro, that’s beside the point. So if you are here just to moan about SJCAM and its similarities with other brands, then I am sorry, but this post is not for you. You can leave right away.

    We are here to talk about a serious issue. It can be called a scam or a deception.

    SJCAM SJ4000 Action Camera: Real vs Fake

    If you ever wanted to purchase SJ4000, you probably saw many items listed. At first glance, they all look the same.

    You are wrong. They are not. Few companies are trying to deceive people by copying SJCAM cameras, especially the SJ4000 model.

    Photo shows 4 fake models of SJCAM SJ4000
    A nice bulk of FAKE SJ4000 cameras

    Let me give you an example. Take a look at the picture above.

    Nice bunch of action cameras. It appears that all of these are SJ4000?  Even though the title in the site you’re looking at says “SJ4000”, it’s not. This whole lot is fake or SJSCAM as I like to call it.

    Pirate cameras will malfunction in most of the cases and offer inferior video quality and overall experience. Keep reading if you do not like wasting money on crappy products.

    SJCAM SJ4000 Features

    Although this model is not the most advanced among the SJCAM cameras, it is undeniably a decent alternative to the more expensive GoPro.

    At first glance, it does look like a GoPro Hero Black. However, it actually comes in seven different colors and two variants: Wifi and Non-Wifi versions. Some of the notable features of this model include a 12MP CMOS Sensor, 1.5″ LCD Screen, the usual shooting modes plus additional settings that allow you to use it as a dash cam, webcam, and surveillance cam.

    Although the photo and video quality of the SJ4000 is not as impressive as a GoPro, it still offers a decent performance for its price.

    [amazon box=”B07C26PJMP”]

    SJCAM Review: How can I know if my SJCAM is original or fake?

    To be completely safe when buying your new SJCAM, you should be aware of the things that might be different. Things that the original camera has and a pirate copy does not have or imitates it in a pretty bad way.

    • front of the camera
    • waterproof case
    • UI (User Interface)
    • Packing
    • Software

    Front view of an SJCAM

    You should know that even the most shameless copycats will not (in most cases) copy a brands name on their camera. So do not buy models that do not have the company logo on it. In this case, you can be quite confident that your SJCAM is real if it has an SJCAM logo in the bottom left corner. This works with nearly all SJCAM models from SJ1000 to SJ5000.

    There is a catch with the SJ4000 model though.

    In case you do not know SJCAM changed their name in 2014. Previously they produced cameras under Shenzhen Hongfeng Century Technology Co name. You would agree that this lengthy name is not memorable nor eye-catching, so they had to re-brand to SJCAM.

    One of the main reason the name got changed was to make things harder for pirate firms copying their products and to be able to take legal action against them. The first release of SJ4000 did not have SJCAM logo on the front, even though it was an original.

    This was heaven for copycats. As a result, the market was flooded with fake SJ4000. The company did not brand their action cam so that everyone could have copied it shamelessly. There were more fakes than real ones.

    That’s why the second release (or later batch as people call it) of SJ4000 included SJCAM brand on the front of the camera. All the later models like  SJ4000 WiFi, SJ5000, SJ5000+, SJ6 Legend have an SJCAM logo on the front of the camera. (You can take a look at all SJCAM models on this link)

    My advice is to buy the second batch only, as the first one is too risky. You can’ t know if it’s real or not until you get it. So to avoid unnecessary expenses and stress, avoid all cameras that do not have SJCAM imprinted on the front of the camera.

    Different size of a waterproof case

    I will continue to give SJ4000 as an example since this is the only product that flooded the market and got copied. The original version of the waterproof case or housing is, and it has silver screws on it. The fake waterproof housing has similar, but not the same dimensions, and has black screws on the housing. Also, these may not be as safe to use for those underwater selfies.

    User Interface

    The difference in User Interface or the menu you use to navigate through your camera is different. However, there is a difference in menu design even among original SJ400 first and second release (the one that included SJCAM logo on it).

    SJCAM Packaging

    The boxes in which cameras are packed differ. Most obvious way to see this is to take a quick glance. You will laugh. There are tons of spelling mistakes. One of the most visible is “water-resistant” sign on the front of the box.

    Crazy I know. A spelling mistake. But it can give you a pretty good clue on whether or not you are about to buy a fake.

    Software and App

    The most reliable way to check if your action camera is genuine is to test if its compatible with the SJCAM firmware. There is no chance that a fake camera will work with SJCAM firmware. If it’s not real, it won’t work.

    If it does, then you made a good choice. If you do not want to mess up with firmware, there is an easier way to make a comparison if you have a WiFi model. Just install the SJCAM App on your device (Android or Mac) and try to connect your camera with it. If you are connected, then your camera is absolutely the real one.

    SJ4000 – COMPARISON CHART

    Since the SJ4000 model is one that is really hard to make a difference between real and copied one, here is a little comparison table which should sum every difference. I included the SJ4000, “SJ4000 pirate version, replica”SJ4000 WiFi version, AT200, and TourSport.

    Comparison table SJCAM400 fake, original at200 and toursport
    Comparison table

    Security check on the manufacturer’s website

    After the problems with counterfeit SJ4000 camera, SJCAM decided to fight the copycats, by adding a security code on all of their cameras. They also redesigned the package for this purpose.

    To help customers distinguish real or fake cameras, producer of these action cams, introduced a feature called Security Check on their website. Here is a link to it.

    In theory, newer batches of cameras will have a serial code which you can enter to check if your model is original or not. Be aware that this is far from perfect solution, and that it will not work on older batches which did not have a serial. However if your camera has a serial and the security check confirms its real, then you can be pretty sure your camera is genuine.

    The sealed code on the newer models looks like this.

    SJCOM code
    Image from sjcamhd.com

    So to confirm the authenticity of your camera, you have to enter the numerical values onto the SJCAM website.

    Luckily SJCAM learned from their experienced, and all later produced cameras (including the SJ4000+ Plus) have the security screech code on the boxes.

    [amazon box=”B07C26PJMP”]

    Summary of how you can detect a real SJ4000

    If you do not want to read this whole guide and prefer everything summarized here is how you can detect a real SJ4000 :

    • SJCAM logo on front (the first version of SJCAM does not have a logo and its original, still to be sure, buy the one with a logo).
    • Silver screws on a housing
    • The user interface looks like the one bellow
    • The box does not have spelling errors and looks like the one bellow
    • Software and APP compatible (you can check this only when you already purchase a cam)
    • Security check (does not work with all cameras)

    One thing you should be aware of is that these copycats make progress and it is getting harder and harder to make a difference between real and fake action camera.

    Here are some quick tips that will work when buying anything online :

    • follow your gut
    • do not be afraid to ask seller a question
    • buy from sellers with good feedback
    • buy from reputable websites that have a refund policy
    • pay with PayPal or Credit Card (since this will enable you to open a dispute and get your money back if a problem occurs)

    Where to buy original SJCAM?

    You buy SJCAM action cameras pretty much everywhere online. There are a bunch of websites, but to minimize the risk, stick with reputable ones. Here is a list of recommended stores and sellers which sell original SJCAM cameras.

    UPDATE 1/7/2017

    Since the original guide had been written in 2014, it has now been updated. Few things happened over the years, and today, it is much safer to find if an SJCAM camera is original or fake. Here are some facts.

    So far the only proven model to be faked is SJ4000.

    Recently the manufacturer upgraded the package of all SJCAM cameras. The package now has a scratch and enter the security code which you can enter on the official website to check if your camera is real or not. Be aware that sometimes even though the camera is real, codes might not work. In this case contact SJCAM directly for the assistance.

    In case your camera does not have a security code, it might be an older batch. Older and newer batches have no difference in product quality, only in package design, so do not panic. In that case, follow this guide, check for imperfections on the package and little things we showed here.

    If you want some coupons and discounts on original cameras, check out our deals and coupons page where you can find plenty of coupons from reputable stores which sell original items.

    [amazon box=”B07C26PJMP”]

    Final Thoughts on SJCAM Action Cameras

    Do you plan to get an SJCAM or you already have one? Feel free to share your experience or tell me a story if you had any problems with replicas and fake action cams.  Found a fake that is not listed here? Share it, and I will gladly update the post with more info. For more info on SJ4000 camera, check out my in-depth review.

    Please understand that I am not able to evaluate single links and tell you if your specific camera is real or not. Just follow this guide, and you will be on a right way to get a real deal, no worries.

  • It’s 2024: Which Action Camera?

    It’s 2024: Which Action Camera?

    The other day a friend challenged me to write an article on the best affordable action cameras that would be interesting in 2018… and, like a fool, I agreed! Later, when I tried to wrap up my mind around that task, I found out it is pretty overwhelming. Here’s why. More or less.

    Right away, what’s “best”? What exactly is “affordable”? What is “interesting”, and why just in 2018? What kind of action the cameras should support, or even withstand, for that matter?

    EKEN H8R – affordable and good. (Read our detailed review on this model)

    So it really is an equation with an awful lot of unknowns. Let’s not forget the fact that different folks use their cameras in very different ways – and I’d plain hate to be accused for wrong or irresponsible suggestions! So let me stumble over the self-set row of steeple-chase obstacles to still try and provide some sense in the matter.

    In the beginning there was GoPro.

    People saw what it can do and said it was good. GoPro was one and only, the company’s products were highly prized and priced. One only had to choose between two options: to buy or not to buy (that was the question). Everyone could decide alone, and the Sun was quiet.

    Days passed and more companies (especially in the Far East) joined the race. More models, more abilities, more quality levels; these sprouted like mushrooms after the rain. Competition grew fierce, and the prices of small action cameras took a headlong plunge.

    ThiEYE T5e, encased and ready for anything. (Read our detailed review on this model)

    Every manufacturer was sharply prodded to provide “somethings”, so as to distinguish their product from everyone else’s. Options were multiplying, attractive software followed, and the sales grew, enabling larger series which in turn dropped the prices even more.

    Big players joined the cavalcade of formerly never-heard-of manufacturers. Several well-known names in photography industry added their high-end versions to the general headache, and suddenly it wasn’t easy to choose any longer. In the end, people listen to the money in their wallet, and most times find some good enough model that isn’t too expensive for what they plan to do with it.

    Nowadays you can decide upon the price of an action camera you’d be willing to pay, and then go look for a model that costs exactly so much and has the features you need! The prices range from $20 thru roughly $700 with more or less basic accessories.

    XIAOMI MiJia 4K Mini. (Read our detailed review on this model)

    So pick your own bestest, it’s easy!

    Is it? Nope. Some of those original important questions still remain.

    Let’s disregard how much you can afford – this is as protean as the face of the Ocean. The priceless element is usually motivation – and thus highly personal. Any specific usage narrows down the choice significantly and so can be discussed to some distance.

    The very first question is “what do I need it for”, and it is equally valid for cameras as for the shoes. So anyone should try to realistically answer this one to themselves.

    If the camera is to be used for recording of fast movement, the choice will prefer a minimum of visual deformation known as “rolling shutter”. If it does not matter, any camera will do.

    GITUP G3 Duo, the “chameleon approach” to videography. (Read our detailed review on this model)

    If the camera is to be used for recording in low light, a larger sensor and wider apertures are to be preferred; the requirements here steeply affect the camera price! If your actions happen in bright daylight, this can be disregarded – and the prices go down.

    If you need extremely wide-angle lens, that’s easy. Most cams have it. Such lenses are simpler to make and to use. Don’t like the fisheye effect? A bit of software corrects it to rectilinear.

    If the camera is to be used for recording underwater, or in highly polluted ambient, you’ll need quality protective case. Most of the concurrent cam models already have some such casing, but while most encasements can withstand lesser depths (say 3 – 10 meters), some can endure 20 Bar over-pressure, or 200 meters water depth without any special protection.

    Typical example is Paralenz Dive cam.

    This might be the determining factor for the camera model as well, since all those many manufacturers only offer the casings that protect their own models – so far no casing of manufacture A can be used for cameras B. But do you need an extra encasement?

    SJ6 Legend Air – capable and impervious to ambiental influence. (Read our detailed review on this model)

    Maybe not. Look at this camera here! Could you even imagine it some short years ago?

    If the camera is to be used for long recording times, you have to consider its battery life, or whether an outside power source can be added to your working configuration. This might narrow down the choice drastically, especially if your camera must be powered while working inside its protective case. If you let the camera gather some time-lapse sequence or footage in adverse weather conditions, there should be ways to add a powerbank and have sufficient power for the whole recording duration.

    An example would be the SJCAM Legend Air in special case.

    If the form factor of your camera is important, that would also help in choosing. Some models are not your everyday small box within another box, as their designers preferred to encase their cameras in tubular bodies. Some place the optics on the smaller surface of otherwise box-like body, so as to expose the surface of less resistance to air- or water flow.

    An example is seen in Sony action camera line.

    Sony RX0 Camera (PRNewsfoto/Sony Electronics)

    There are split camera designs where the sensor and its optical elements are in a small tube which is cable-connected to the box containing the rest of the electronics and power supply.

    Rare example of such solution is Elmo SUV-cam.

    If you require to record more than light and sound, some cameras will include data related to geo-locating, temperature, acceleration, and ambiental pressure, allowing you to use as a choice of overlays and other kinds of application. If you don’t need such data, it gets cheaper.

    Typical examples are Garmin VIRB cameras.

    SJCAM SJ360 – the All-seeing Eye. (Read our detailed review on this model)

    If your usage requires wider or narrower lens angle… If you need add-on lenses or filters… If you need 360⁰ input… If you use outside microphone (mono or stereo)… You get it.

    Similar logic applies to all tech, be it action cameras, cars, TV, or household blenders. Production follows general interest which determines variance, prices, and finally the abundance which then forces an upgrade. From there, the cycle repeats itself.

    I hope you can see by now how hard would it be to suggest the best affordable action cameras that would be interesting in 2018! Whichever side the question is approached from, it manages to open its own labyrinth of sub-questions, each of those ending in their own personal preferences and technical cul-de-sac. That’s why I’m just offering some links and occasional illustrations, instead of direct pointers.

    How will it continue? Whence we do know, but whither bound remains foggy.

    To me, the most probable indicator for the future of action cameras resides in what can be gleaned from the general photographic trends throughout the industry.

    Newer and larger sensors with way better performance have appeared, and one has found its way into the Sony RX0 camera, which is not exactly a typical action cam, but rather something between a camcorder and a photo camera. It does have an action camera appearance, though. Very good in various lighting situation, this model roughly points down which road the new photographic devices might move.

    Paralenz Dive mounted on the mask strap, watching what the diver does. (Photo by Paralenz)

    It is already noticeable how the cheap point & shoot photo cameras are pushed off the road by very advanced smartphone cameras. The rarefied space is now filling with higher-end compact cameras able to compete on the new level of recording quality. The sensors preferred in 2018, and in the years to come, will range from 1” type to APS-C to FF (full frame, or ex-135 format) to MF (medium format). Action Cameras are sure to follow.

    Every new technology level keeps the prices high for a while. Once it has established itself as a new standard, the prices drop and the market becomes balanced – a state good for buyers, alarming for manufacturers! Then, along comes better tech to dethrone the current one.

    In that respect, nothing changes and nothing significantly deforms the universal waveline of all natural occurrences.

    And we keep on photographing under the same old, quiet Sun.