Action camera market is booming. More and more people are becoming interested in tiny, customizable and featherweight recording devices that can fit your pocket and on top of that provide hell of a fun for semi-professionals and complete newbies.
However, as technology, market, products and customers demands progress, less and less brands seem to be focused on providing a good camera priced below 60$. That is why for people on a extremely tight budget, there seems to be less and less cameras to choose. Everyone are producing something mid-range these days. Even Chinese brands.
So why is H9 by Eken is an interesting camera?
Is it because it shoots videos in full HD at 30 or 60 fps? Is it because it comes action-packed with accessories,has a built in WiFi and a neat 2 inch LCD screen? Or is it maybe due to the fact that it can shoot 4K videos in useless 10 fps?
The real reason why this camera is interesting is that it provides all these features for a little over $40. Price and options it offers make this device, launched by Chinese brand Eken, quite interesting. At least on a paper.
So I decided to give it a try. According to specs, it appears to be a perfect choice for newbies. Can this little known brand from Shenzhen create something that can beat famous SJ4000, the most popular affordable GoPro alternative?
Like you, I am so curios to find this out. I have been using Eken H9 for a couple of weeks now, and I am ready to tell you all about it in this review of mine.
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Eken H9 technical specification
- Chipset : Sunplus 6630
- Image Sensor: OV4689 CMOS
- Lens : Wide Angle: 170 degree
- Focus Range: 12cm~infinite
- Video Stabilization
- Weight : 65g (with battery)
- Size : (L*W*H) 59.3*24.6*41.1（mm）
- Screen Size: 2 inch, LCD (320 x 240 pixels)
- Colors available : 8
- Image resolutions : 4 megapixels
- Video Resolutions : 4K (4096 x 2160 @ 10FPS), 2.7K (3264 x 2448 @15 FPS), 1080P (1920 x 1080 @30,60 FPS ) , 720P (1280 x 720 @60,120FPS)
- Video compression format : H.264
- Video format : MP4
- Image format : JPEG
- Memory : External MicroSD/MicroSDHC/MICROSDXC up to 64 GB (class 6-10 recommended)
- Battery : 3.7V 1050mAh li-ion rechargeable battery
- Power Supply: DC 4.2V 450mA
- Charge Way : USB charge by PC
- Video Output: HDMI
- Built-in microphone/speaker (AAC)
- WiFi
- Android App WiFi
- iOS App WiFi
- Connection : USB 2.0
- Timer: 2s, 3s, 5s, 10s, 20s, 30s, 60s
- Burst shooting: 3 photos in 1.5 seconds
- Time Lapse 2/3/5/10/20/30/60s
As you might have noticed, camera uses the same, OV4689 image sensor as three times more expensive SJ4000+ and M10+ cameras, but has different, quite unknown Sunplus 6630 processing chip, on which there is not much info available.
Video Quality
H9 can shoot videos in these resolutions, fps and bit rates.
- 4K (3840 x 2160) – 10 fps (bit rate 49445kbps)
- 2.7 K (2701 x 1524) – 15 fps (bit rate 49401 kbps)
- 1080p (1920 x 1080) – 60 fps (bit rate 23914 kbps)
- 1080p (1920 x 1080) -30 fps (bit rate 12756kbps)
- 720p (1280 x 720) – 120 fps (bit rate 27521 kbps)
- 720p (1280 x 720) – 60 fps (bit rate 15562 kbps)
If you do not know what a resolution is, its basically the amount of pixels horizontally and vertically aligned that form an image. In theory the higher resolution the better the video clarity is. However for some resolutions it also depends on what kind of equipment are you watching the output.
For example if you are watching 4K video from a high-end couple of thousands camera on a 1080p TV or monitor, guess what? There will be little or no difference at all..
Besides resolution, FPS – frames per seconds are also important. Video is created similar way the photos are. With photo you get a still image, but video captures a motion. In layman’s words FPS is the amount of photos that camera captures in a single second of a video. Most commonly used frame rates are 24, 30 and 60. 30 fps means that in a single second, camera records 30 still images which form 1 second of your video.
Wikipedia provides good starting points if you would like to learn more on frame rate and video resolution.
Okay, since I explained to you resolution and frame rate (FPS), one other important factor is bit rate. Its not that important for newbies, but the higher the bit-rate the more data is being transformed in a second of a video, which means higher quality due to better processing and more storage consumption. Higher bit-rate files will be larger in size.
Let me tell you this in a very simple way. Videos at 10 and 15 FPS are complete crap. Videos look like flip-book, and hence these resolutions are just a way for Eken to attract uninformed people. if you want a 4K action camera, buy something real (GoPro Hero 4 Black or Sony). At those frame rates, Eken, like any other camera is useless.
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Even though 4K and 2.7k can make a minor difference in video sharpness at this frames per second in Eken H9 they are unusable. They are just a gibberish marketing talk and you really should not be recording in those resolutions with H9, unless you want to make a 1940s motion films.
If you are interested in raw video samples, you can download them here.
In order to get the best possible shot, a balance between the ISO, aperture and shutterspeed must be achieved. Our friends at photographytalk have created a great guide explaining this exposure triangle, we highly suggest you read it here.
Let me show you few video frames extracted as photos.
Resolutions you will probably use the are 1920 x 1080 (FULL HD) at 60 or 30 fps. If you intend to use slow motion in your video, shoot at 60 fps, as more frame rates give impression of more realistic and faster movement. 60 frames per second can be slowed down in post production and still look smooth, so if you know how to use video editing software, 60 FPS is a way to go.
For some every day recording, use 30 FPS, as it consumes less memory and battery.
Camera can record while being attached to a power bank, and that is great advantage as well.
Photo Quality
You can download all these images in original uncompressed quality here.
Colors that the image sensor produces are okay for the price, but in some cases it appeared to me that that images looked over-saturated over-sharpened. Colors depend a lot on the light condition and position of the camera. Still, images are decently sharp for 4 megapixels senor and camera focus seems to be set up quite well, so even in distance objects are visible.
When facing a direct sunlight camera does not do that good job. Colors get quite weird and there is a lot of reddish flare. This is where its obvious that lens is not the best one.
By previously having focus problem with cameras, I was pleasantly surprised with H9. Even though photos are only 4 megapixels, they look quite sharp in distance.
If you ever want to do a bit of color-correcting or image cropping in post production, you should know that resolution that Eken H9 has is just not enough for serious photo editing. Resolution is okay for social media sharing though, which is what most of target customers for this camera will do.
In example below, you will notice how details get lost quickly when the photo gets cropped, even by only 4 times.
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Sound quality
I never expected a low budget camera to have a decent sound. Boy I was wrong. Considering the price of the camera, I found sound quality acceptable. According to metadata in video, camera has stereo microphone inside with a 1938 kbs bitrate.
Audio levels are quite high, maybe even higher than it should be. But you can hear a person talking in front of a camera quite clearly.
This means that if you intend to record concerts though, there is a possibility that music will be hard to hear, as mic is too sensitive for such recordings in my opinion. The only way I tested the audio is talking while recording, and it sound pretty good for the price of the camera.
In my opinion, it is much better than any SJCAM cameras that are way more expensive. Audio quality is in Xiaomi Yi range.
Camera does not support external microphone either, so for professional sound recording, you will need to buy both microphone and sound recorder that supports it.
I am really sorry but I was unable to do any sort of music audio test, as I suck at playing any instrument, though I was pretty darn good on metallophone, at least I thought I was good. If you are a musician and own Eken H9, I would appreciate if you can let me know in the comments your impression on audio quality, and if you have some audio samples, even better.
Packing and accessories
Camera package is quite simple and certainly nothing new. Box looks quite cheaply made, but its not like I was expecting much for $45. On the outside there is obvious similarity with Amkov 5000s and SJ4000 boxes.
Inside the box, you get a camera inside a waterproof case with a base GoPro like mount and a screw in one compartment, where as in other, there is a large number of additional accessories.
Here is a list of everything you get in the box :
- 1x camera
- 1x waterproof case
- 1x manual
- 1x USB charger, AC Adapter 100-240Vac, output 5V, European plug.
- 1x usb cable
- 1x bicycle/handle/pole mount
- 1x spare (sound-enabling, non-waterproof) case back door
- 1x clip and bracket for mounting the camera on a 1/4″ screw
- 7x different types of mounts
- 1x lens cleaning cloth
- 4x bandages
- 2x helmet mounts
With these mounts, you can mount your camera almost anywhere including a car, boat or on your person.
Design and built quality
Overall design of the camera has zero innovation. Its the same as any other Chinese camera produced this year. Same size, dimensions and shape. The only difference is that compared to some of the competitors, Eken H9 action came has a 2” LCD screen at the back.
Thanks to this 2 inch fella, you can preview your videos and photos and also live-view your recordings as well as change settings inside the camera.
Besides LCD, I really like huge LED indicator button on top of camera. Most of cameras have tiny indicator that sometimes is hard to see. This one is without any doubt the largest and easiest to see. Eken obviously listen to feedback from users on some other cameras and constant complains on LED indicators, so they put this gigantic indicator on top.
This one is not perfect in sunlight either, but way better and easier to see than the most others. It looks a bit ugly though, but you can’t have it all.
Built quality is quite poor. I mean, we have to be realistic here. Its hard to expect awesome built quality for 40-50$, right? Camera feels light weight, which is good, but also a bit cheap. I did not have any issues with it.
It can not be compared to Git 1, Dazzne’s P3 or Xiaomi’s YI when it comes to toughness and craftsmanship. It is more in SJCAM range, which means it is made out of plastic materials with rubberized patterned edges.
Camera is available in 7 different colors from black, blue, yellow, silver, etc.
Dimension and weight
Eken H9 weights around 65 grams with battery inside. Its size is (L*W*H) 59.3 x 24.6 x 41.1 mm.
Buttons and functions
Here is a brief overview of buttons and their functions. This piece has been extracted from manual.
Operating Modes
Eken H9 can work in 5 different operating modes. Each mode does different thing. Even though their names are pretty self-explanatory, because lots of newbies probably read this, I will go through each of them and try to explain how it works.
To change a mode, just click the “Mode/Power ON button”.
- Video (default)
- Photo
- Burst
- Time-lapse (Self – timer)
- Settings
Video and Photo mode
Video mode is a default mode in which camera works will turned on. Quite obviously, when in video mode, you can record videos by pressing a shutter (OK) button. Video can be stopped by pressing the same button. There is no option to pause video, so once you stop it, camera will create a new video file.
Settings
Settings is an operating mode which will allow you to change different settings. I bet you were not expecting that?
Anyway, comparing it with some other cameras when it comes to features, Eken is in the middle. It has decent amount of options, but not all of them are useful, and the ones that could be useful are not included in the camera.
For instance, I would really like to see a white balance option, ISO or anything similar, but Eken engineers thought LCD screen refresh rate is more important than that.
Now the boring part. Warring, if you do not have a camera, the “Settings” part might bore you to death. I am not joking. But it can at the same time explain some technical stuff and show you what this camera can and cant do.
Video resolution
Inside settings, you can switch through different video res explained in the paragraph above.
- 4K-10 fps
- 2.7 K – 15 fps
- 1080p – 60 fps
- 1080p -30 fps
- 720p – 120 fps
- 720P – 60 fps
Looping video
If you turn the loop recording on, the camera will segment videos in 3 minutes. For example, if you leave your camera to record continuously 30 minutes, you will have 10 videos each lasting 3 minutes (3×10).
Since the option itself is intended for people who want to use Eken H9 as a car (traffic/dash)camera when the memory card is full and camera is recording, it will automatically delete the first video and record over it, overlapping (looping) one video sequence over another. For action camera this is useless feature, and my personal recommendation is to keep it off.
Time Stamp
Time stamp shows date or date and time in the right corner of your video. Most people including myself turn it off, but if you for some weird reason like seeing date and time on your photos and videos, you can enable it.
- OFF
- Date (shows only date)
- Date and Time (shows both date and time)
Exposure
A photograph’s exposure determines how light or dark an image will appear when it’s been captured by your camera. |Source|
If for some reason you want to boost the brightness or darner your footage a bit, you can experiment with these values. positive (plus) values give lighter videos, minus darker.
- 0
- +-0.3
- +-0.7
- +-1.0
- +-1.3
- +-1.7
- +-2.0
Photo resolution
I previously explained the video resolution. Same goes for photos. The higher resolution, the more details and the sharper the photo. If you were not reading carefully the “Photo quality” paragraph of this article, scroll up and read it to understand what is photo interpolation and how is it possible that this camera can shoot 12 megapixels photos when it has 4 megapixels image sensor.
- *12mp (4000 x 3000)
- *8mp (3264 x 2448)
- *5mp (2592 x 1944)
- 4mp (2304 x 1728)
Note : Resolutions marked with “*” indicates interpolated (scaled) resolution.
Burst photo
Burst photo is fun option that will shoot 3 continuous photos when you press shutter button in 1.5 time interval. It is good for sports photography or when you are trying to catch a fast moving object (like me trying to catch a balloon i threw up in air in the photo below).
- 3 photos in 1.5 seconds
While 3 photos in 1.5s is far from impressive speed, it is not that bad either, though if you are moving really fast, images will be blurry.
I am not sure why this option even exists inside the menu, because nothing can be turned off or changed inside Settings>Burst Photo.
Time Lapse and continuous lapse
Everyone loves time-lapse videos. This camera has a time lapse as well. But it is a bit more trickier compared to some other cameras which have this function out of the box. By setting time lapse to particular interval, your camera will shoot photo with a delay. So if you set, 20 seconds, once you press shutter button, camera will take photo 20 seconds after that. So actually this is more like a timer.
In order to enable time lapse, you need to turn “continuous lapse” on. Once you turn that on, camera will take photos each 2-60 seconds continuously one after another, until you stop it or it runs out of battery.
To conclude, there is no video lapse option, which means that time-lapse on this camera will output lots of photos, which you need to combine together in video editing software to get a video. Not exactly what newbie would like, but these videos are so fun, that I am sure if you are willing to you can learn this in less than 20 minutes, with nearly any tool. There are lots of tutorials online on how to make time lapse.
Do not forget to choose interval in time-lapse (I use 30 sec mostly) and then enable continuous lapse. Change the mode to “timer/time lapse” by pressing mode button few times and press shutter. There you have it. Its not the easiest thing, but I am sure you will get used to it eventually.
Power frequency
Even though it sounds like it has to do something with charging or battery, this is actually a refresh rate of your LCD screen. Just leave it on auto and stop worrying about such unimportant feature.
- 50hz
- 60hz
- Auto
Language
One neat thing about H9 is that it is a polyglot. It “speaks” 16 different languages. For some ridiculous reason mine was set to Turkish on default.
- English
- Simplified and Traditional Chinese
- Italian
- Spanish
- Portuguese
- German
- Dutch
- French
- Czech
- Polish
- Turkish
- Russian
- Japanese
- Korean
- Thai
Sound indicator
- Shutter (on/off) – sound when you press shutter button (works only in photo mode)
- Start up (1/2/3/off) – sound on welcome screen, you can chose from 1-3 levels or turn it off.
- Beep (on/off) – sound inside the menu/settings that can be heard when navigating.
- Volume (beep sound volume (1-4 level/ off)
Upside down
H9 has image and menu rotation or “upside down” feature. This means that if you rotate the camera and mount it upside down, this option will rotate both menu and output footage so that it looks like it was recorded normally.
- yes/no
Rotates the screen and output footage. Useful if you are mounting the camera upside down, so that you do not have to rotate the footage in post-production.
Screen and power saver
When enabled, these options can turn off the screen (screen saver) after a specified period of inactivity. Power saver turns off the entire camera upon specified time interval, but will not work when camera is recording or taking time-lapse photographs, because its considered as activity. Nobody wants camera to turn off in the middle of recording.
- OFF
- 1/3/5 min
Other
- Date and time – allows you to set time and date that can be shown in date stamp.
- Format – formats memory card (erases all data) – highly recommended when you put the card inside the camera for the first time.
- Reset – reverts all settings to default.
- Version – shows firmware version
Eken H9 Battery performance
The weakest link of H9 when it comes to hardware components is without any doubt a battery. Eken H9 is powered by replaceable 3.7 Li-ion 1050 mAh 3.885 Wh battery. The key word here is replaceable.
Why? Because battery life is so poor that you will probably need few spare batteries and replace original one.
Battery is compatible with 900mAh SJCAM batteries, which leads to a conclusion that 1050mAh advertised is faked. Not only that it is fake, but the original battery proved to be significantly weaker compared to 900mAh.
I tested out battery performance few times, and here is the average recording time I managed to get, with screen saver being turned on, WiFi off and other settings left on default.
- 1920 x 1080p 60 fps – around 45 minutes
- 1920 x 1080p 30 fps – around 83 min
Another keyword is inconsistent.
It is very hard to get exact recording time, since camera behaves quite unpredictable. Even when its fully charged, it will show 80-90%, and will quickly come down to 30-40%. Once you turn camera off, battery indicator goes to 50-60%. Sometimes I got 90 minutes at 30 fps, sometimes I got 70, so above values are average, based on at least 3 battery tests for each resolution and fps.
I am not quite sure if this was just a problem with my battery, but I read that few more users were complaining on performance of original, 1050mah battery.
Using SJCAM batteries on Eken H9
Seeing how consistent and weak the 1050 mAh battery is, I inserted 900mah battery from SJCAM, as they are the same size. To my surprise, not only that the battery meter remained more stable, but I also got way better recording performance by using “weaker” battery on paper.
Results with 900mah battery
Recording time :
- 1920 x 1080p 60 fps – around 70 minutes (35 more compared to original battery)
- 1920 x 1080p 30 fps – around 120 min (40 minutes more than with original battery)
Now these are not perfect results, but certainly far more acceptable.
My advice is to reinforce the original battery capacity that comes with a camera by buying at least 2 spare batteries, or if you do not mind carrying a power bank around, that is also a great way to extend recording time.
I use this power bank and it allows me up to 4-5 charges of my cameras, phones, etc. You can also get any other, as they all do the same job, the only different thing is capacity. And yes, you can record and take photos while the camera is connected to external power source such as power bank or car charger.
Customer Support – Knock, knock, anybody out there?
Even a dirty cheap products need to have a customer support. To be honest with you with Chinese brands, I never set my expectations bar too high for after-sale assistance.
But my experience with Eken is one of the worst I have ever experienced.
Even though you can get support from retailer from China as well, I always go with manufacturer directly, just to test the waters and see how they threat their customers. I sent 3 emails to Eken with from different accounts with different technical questions.
4 weeks later and I still have not received a reply from them.
That is unbelievable. Terrible and disgusting.
They only seam to care about their sale volume. Okay, I completely understand that they are new brand to the market, but the complete lack of customers support is inexcusable. I also added them on Skype and asked similar questions, but never ever have I received a reply.
If you ever need a technical assistance from Eken, do not count on it. Its not because they do not know English, or do not reply promptly, it is because they do not give a damn about replying.
What is even funnier is that here is what Eken claims on their about page :
Eken truly believes that long-term customer satisfaction is the foundation of our success.
Well either they completely misunderstood the word “satisfaction” or they are shamelessly lying. I will leave that one on you to decide.
Firmware updates
One thing that worries me more than lack of customer supports is lack of firmware updates. While I have not encountered any serious bugs with this camera, it is quite normal that a product has its own firmware page where users can download latest software that will improve the camera based on customers feedback.
Unfortunately on manufacturer site, at the time of writing this review I did not see a firmware list. I am really hopping they will not forget about upgrading firmware and improving the camera at least in the next few months.
I guess it all comes down to, you get what you pay for. With Eken you get camera that is great overall value for the money, but it appears they are decreasing their cost on customer support, and that is not the way you do business.
If you ever have any issues with the camera, you probably need to rely on communities and online forums and try to fix it yourself with the help of good people (trust me there are many many great people willing to help in this virtual world of ours). Also, you can always leave a comment here, and if I can, I will be happy to help.
Final Eken H9 Summary
Before I tell you my final judgment on this camera, I would like to tell you something first.
Final judgement
Most important factor when I review a product is how much value it offers for the price? With this in mind, I will now summarize my opinion on Eken H9.
Considering the insane low price of 40-50$, in my humble opinion Eken H9 is great value for the money camera. Even if it cost 70$ I would still recommend it as probably the best low-budget camera.
It has its own pros and cons, so lets go through them quickly.
Pros
First and most important advantage of Eken H9 camera is its price. At the moment of writing this review, camera can be bought from various online retailers at 45-60$ price range. That in my opinion is amazing price for what this camera offers. Besides price, I also liked the 60 fps option in full HD. I did not find 4K and 2.7k useful at all, due to their low frame rates, for me they were unusable.
For me personally it is important to live preview what I am recording. Thanks to quite big 2 inch LCD that camera has it is very easy to both navigate through the menu and see what you are photographing.
One more thing that I found appealing is quite large LED indicator located next to a shutter button on top. It flashes red while you are recording, and because of its size, you can always know if the camera is recording or not. When you stop recording, there is no sound however, so I always had to double-check if I stopped the video recording or not.
Video quality in my opinion was quite decent. Even though camera did not do that good job when facing the direct sunlight and in low-light, in pretty much all other situations it was even beyond my expectations.
Photo quality is quite sharp and focus is set up perfectly considering the price. Colors on photo and video are a bit saturated, but the contrast was quite good. Camera comes action-packed with lots of additional accessories and manual is not that bad either.
What surprised me the most is the volume of audio, which was very good.
- Affordable price
- Great overall value for the money
- 60 FPS in full HD
- LCD screen
- Large LED indicator
- Decent video quality considering the price
- Decent photo quality considering the price
- Good audio quality
Cons
Built quality is not something Eken H9 can be proud of. I do not like that their main selling point is “4K action camera”. I mean, it is 4K camera, but it can only shoot 4k in 10 FPS, which is ridiculous. Videos look like flip-book and I really can not understand how anyone can record videos that are not smooth, especially fast-paced videos make no sense in 10 frames per second. Same goes for 2.7k in 15 fps.
Battery life is quite poor, and I am under impression that the battery capacity is not 1050mah as stated in specs. Good news is that H9 is compatible with SJCAM 900mah batteries, so its highly recommended that you get at least one or two spare ones. They are quite cheap, and they will give you better battery performance.
Manufacturer declared that camera can take up to 12 megapixels stills, but this is just interpolation. The true resolution of images is 4mp, since the image sensor inside the camera is a 4 megapixels sensor. Quite deceptive behavior, but plenty of Chinese brands do this lately. This is not an excuse however.
There is no right out of the box, video time lapse, so if you are not tech-savvy, you will need to learn how to create time lapse videos out of photos.
The biggest disadvantage in my opinion, is a complete lack of support.
- Not the best built quality
- 4K is not usable in given frame rates (15 FPS)
- Interpolated image size (Manufacturer states 12MP when it’s actually 4MP)
- There is no right out of the box time lapse
- Battery life is poor
Conclusion
Overall, Eken H9 might not be the best built and supported camera on the market, nor have the best image or video quality, but for overall value for the price of 50$ is incredible. I would recommend this camera to people who are newbies to action cams or users on an extremely tight budget.
If you are not sure if action cam is what you really need, you can get H9 and play with it, see how action cam works and what can be done with it. Because of decent video quality and photos and tons of accessories, I am sure Eken H9 can be an interesting gift your children or grandson. Its cheap, so if it breaks, who cares, right?
A bit more advanced users will probably not find it interesting enough due to the lack of advanced features.
You can also take a look at other action cameras I reviewed, if this one does not suit your needs.
Where to buy Eken H9?
Here are some links where you can get this camera.
Questions
I hope this review of Eken H9 helped you while evaluating if its good for you or not. If you have any question regarding H9, feel free to leave a comment below, I would love to help you out. If you already have Eken H9, please let me know how it works for you and what is your experience with it, what you liked and what you didn’t like?
Eken H9 review
Video Quality - 6.7
Photography Quaility - 5.5
Price - 9
Value for the money - 9
User Experience - 7.5
Customer Support - 5
Built Quality - 6.5
Audio - 7.5
7.1
Great value for the money!
Camera provides great overall value. It has large LCD screen and lots of accessories. Provides good video and decent photo considering its price. However built quality is not that good, it can shoot 4k only at 10 fps, which is ridiculous and customer support is non existent. Battery life is quite poor as well, but it is compatible with SJCAM 900mah batteries. Low-light performance is not that good. No AV output via USB.
Last update on 2023-12-06 at 20:37 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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This might be the first action camera I get. My budget is pretty tight, and this seems to be decent enough!
Thanks for the review, pevly. Here’s to another year of action cameras!
Cheers Unmintz, thanks for reading, happy New Year!
What do you think, in this Small bugget: sj4000 or eken h9? Which one it’s better?
Hello guys,
Please say me which one is best xiaomi yi 4k or eken h9
Those two are not comparable due to price difference, the answer is obvious, YI 4K. You can read full review of YI 4K here.
It would be great if you could do underwater tests with the cameras. I know you have previously mentioned that it is not easy where you leave but I guess if you could find a pond or even a fountain you could attach the cam on a long stick and grab some footage.
That would be an awesome addition to your reviews (love them by the way).
Another addition I would really be interested in would be to try some slow motion footage when the cameras can shoot at 120 fps or more.
As for Eken H9 was the bit rate consistent?I think I read somewhere(cant remember where that the bit rate at 1080p60 flactuated?Was that the case with you?
Keep up the good work.This blog is great.
Thanks for great comment Nikos.
For underwater testing what matters is air pressure. So tests in fountain and such things would be useless. Its all about the housing there, not much about cameras.
I am thinking of buying an underwater testing machine for watches, but its not easy to find one where I live.
As for inconsistency in bit-rates I have not noticed such thing, but I will have to double check though. It is different depending on resolution for sure.
Hi again Pavle.
While I agree that testing the water sealing in pressure is very important, checking things like how the camera depicts colors underwater or if the housing gets foggy after a bit etc is important and could be tested in low depths. Anyway you obviously know better the capabilities and the limits of your tests. I just wanted to give some feedback and show some support for your efforts which are much appreciated.
PS: Any thoughts on slow motion testing?
Good point about colors underwater Nikos. I will try to think of something in future. Feedback is highly appreciated, and if you remember some other ways on how I can improve my test, do not hesitate to let me know.
I will include slow motion as a part of video reviews in future as well.
Does this camera have slow motion setting? I found the Elephone Explorer and it has slow motion setting. I am trying to decide between these two cameras. Thanks!
All the options are listed in the review. No it does not have out of the box slow motion.
You can record at 60fps and using editing software set it to play back at 30fps or 24fps. It would give you a slow motion affect.
While we talking about the good price, we need think about the warranty service. The after sales support seems none exist, because the price is extremely low, no other manufacture can match their price even use same hardware.
Love the camera for the price, and some places have firmware updates, but the video is sharpened to the point if losing detail. Photos are detailed, video is haloed..
Hopefully a firmware update shows up that fixes that or adds a sharpness option.
Regarding the Eken H9 review, I was stunned when you mentioned it would run on a power bank! When I tried to both record and charge from either the car and from the computer, it would stop recording. Did you have to add new firmware?
I returned my camera because it would do this, and the battery would not last long enough for me to use it as a dash camera.
The price you mentioned was also stunning. In Canada, these cameras are running for $130 (canadacomputers.com/product_info.php?cPath=139_1189&item_id=087616).
Mine works just fine on a power bank. It does not work when plugged into a PC, because that activates file transfer mode. I did not add a firmware. The price in Canada is ridiculous. You can get it from Chinese retailers mentioned here, it is pain until they arrive, but its much cheaper. Your problem is that you want an action camera to work as a dash camera, which is in most cases impossible as each has a different purpose, if you need a car cam, you should buy a car cam.
Hi again,
I have been looking at the prices from Banggood and Gearbest. A huge difference from those in Canada. Sadly, the import duties here are so bad, it almost works out to the same inflated price.
I’ll keep looking.
Thanks,
John
John, I live in Ottawa, just received mine from Gearbest and there are no import duties. I have been buying gadgets and items from China for the last 10 years and I have never paid any import or duty fees. The only time you will pay these fees is if the supplier uses DHL international, Fedex, UPS etc. the usually only ship very large or heavy items using these services. I think I paid around $65.00 Canadian all in and shipped via China post or May have been Shipped from Sweden, Not sure. That was also after after U.S. exchange rate as as usual, shipping was free.
Don’t be afraid to order
Mike
Hi Mike,
Thanks for letting me know.
Perhaps it was shipped someway other than standard postal delivery. I will definitely keep this in mind.
I do have a question for you and Pavel regarding the H9: According to the Eken website, it supposedly shoots video in 2.7k/24fps, yet in the list of resolutions on this website, and on Gearbest, it only manages 15fps. Is there another setting, or did Eken stretch the truth on this?
John
I am unaware of 2.7k @24fps, mine does not have such frame rate.
Hey John!
Yes there is a possibility to shoot 2.7K at 24fpsm, you will have to use the firmware which is to be found within the EKEN community. I would like to link you to this community but I don’t know if pavle thinks that’s okay?
Also Pavle thank you for your honest review, the EKEN is my first actioncam. Eventhough I like it a lot, the batterylife really ruins the camera for me. So that’s why I am searching for a new actioncam.
Which of the China tested actioncams does have the best picture/video quality? I watched your sample footage but you’ve more experience with the camera’s.
There is no best per-se especially because most of them are quite similar in those terms. Also I can only speak for the cameras I have, and those are sorted by my personal preference and value/money factor in the sidebar of the website. Just browse through reviews and I’m sure you will find something to suit your needs. Best photo and video quality is too generic when choosing a camera, of course everyone wants that.
Good read ?
Hello about this H9 is good or do you suggest Soocoo W8 1080P WiFi Sport Camera? Wich do you thins is better? thanks
I do not have W8, so I really do not know.
Hello and congratulations for your site, amazing!
I’m looking for an action camera with LCD, and after reading your post I’m a bit more confused…, sorry!
I know Hero Pro4 is the best one at this moment, but something a bit cheaper and a bit better than Eken H9?, Video Quality – 6.7 and Photography Quaility – 5.5 it’s not too impressive…
I will be pope soon and specially I want it to record my future baby!
Many thanks in advance!
Regards,
Xavi
Do not judge a camera just by rating, as its completely personal preference, download video samples and see if it works for you or not, simple as that.
For non professional users, that is my case, try to find differences viewing a recorded video is very difficult, and for that reason I asked you…, perhaps my question was not correct, let me try again, if you had to buy a camera for the purpose that I said, which one would you buy?, Elken H9 could be an answer, of course!
I understand, but you must understand that I do not know your budget and specific needs. Non professional user is too generic term.
Finally, you as individual should make a decision on what to get. I can recommend you to determine your budget and take a look at website sidebar where cameras are sorted by me personal preference and experience, browse through the site and see which one fulfills your specific needs. Ultimately, most of these cameras are similar. Minor things make a difference, so do not overthink, especially if you are a newbie. Just get something and start recording.
Dear Pavle!
Thank You for the deep review!
I bought one of these cams, because I crashed a few action cam with my multicopters, and the price was winsome!
Please let’ me know that only my Eken H9 cam is wrong, or yours cut the recorded files for 10 minutes pieces too with and without looping, and in any resolution?! Thanks!
(Mine good for hand warmer too under operation.) Anyway the image is same quality than on my SJ4000 cams, except the 60 fps in 1080p reslution.
That’s probably due to memory card. It’s the card that separates the file not the camera. Read this, it will help you understand it better.
As for image quality, it’s better compared to SJ4000 imho. Not significantly, but better.
Hi Pavle,
I tried to leave a comment earlier but it said it was under review, I’m assuming because I provided links to other cameras.
I am looking for a price friendly action cam ($125 give or take) that would mainly be used for snowboarding and occasionally snorkeling. I would prefer a 4k camera but understand from reading your review that most cost effective cameras that have 4k have too little fps to be worth it, especially for snowboarding (unsure where snorkeling classifies). I did find a 4k 24fps, 2k 30 fps, 1080 60fps action cam but I’m sure you need more info/experience with that cam to give me good insight. Unfortunately, I’m assuming the link I tried to post may have prevented my original question from posting. Anyway, I was hoping you could recommend what camera you think would be a good fit for what I’m looking for (does not need to have 4k feature if you think that I will not be able to find it at my price point) as I’m not to tech savvy when it comes to video cameras. Thank you
You won’t be able to find a true 4K camera at that price point. As for your needs, since they are too generic, I advise you to take a look at the website sidebar on the right side, there I have sorted cameras by my preference, read reviews and you will find something that suits your needs for sure.
Eken has an H8 for just under $100 shipped on eBay that claims to have both 4K and 2.7k at 30fps. I picked up the H3 myself because I wanted the front screen option and the 720p 120fps for better performance while recording fast movements. Be careful when buying an H3 if you decide to go for a better camera in the Eken line and want that 720p120 because I’ve noticed different sources for the H3 have different video formats. Anywho, I paid $75 shipped for the H3. Last if you are recording in 4K be sure to stick with a 32gb max that is speed rated for 4K not the 10 class cards.
How is the stabilization software for both videos and pictures. Looks like your pictures are pretty clear, Did you have to hold the camera really steady? I have a Mobius camera and all the pictures are blurry. The videos looks good, but it does not have stabilization feature.
I took all my photos hand-held without a tripod.
Hi Pavle! I want to buy an action cam only for skiing and diving. I’ve taken your considerations about this camera battery life and I already look at the xcsource batteries for sj4000 that fits eken too. So this being said,do you recommend this action cam for me? [i want to use it in 1080p 60fps (at least i think)] Or I should wait for a new release ? Please tell me (max budget is around 90-100$) Thank you!
If you are on a low budget (50$ this is great choice). Since you have 100$, you can take a look at Xiaomi YI or Dazzne P3 (P3 is 160$, but I think they are often on promotion for 100$ right now its 101$ on GB).
Not sure why would you buy a battery before camera, but SJ4000 batteries can’t fit any of the two mentioned, but it works OK in Eken H9.
I also looked up at the Firefly 6s and it kinda “turned me on”. Is that a better choice than Eken? I had to say that i need a cam in this summer,so I can also wait for new releases. You think that Dazzne P3 will go around 100$ then?
6S is obviously better as it has better image sensor, but no LCD. As for prices in summer, I really have no idea.
I dont really care that much about the LCD;if i setup the camera from the phone it will be good so the screen is not necessary..As you say you think Dazzne p3 is better than 6s? because i think these are the last options which i can choose of.
Hello Pavle,
A great review and some very well info about the cam.
I also send EKEN an e-mail and still no reply in a week. Very dissapointing.
On the website of EKEN is also the H9R available. One with a remote control.
I’m lookng for an action cam for under the €100,- so the SJCAM’s we’re the first i saw and i wanted to by.
Now the EKEN is there and yes the audio is much better that i prefer.
But i see two differnces about the H9
The cams on the website of EKEN stand on the right side of the LCD the type number. Most of the H9 cams you can by at the big Warehouses on the internet and most of the reviews on YouTube you don’t see the code.
And on the packagge stands the battery is an 1050mA but you get an 900mA as i may believe the specs at Banggood en Gearbest.
So are there “fake” EKEN’s on the market.
I noticed also that there is no EKEN logo or what so ever on the packagge.
Overall i want to buy an EKEN because it seems a very great cam for it’s price.
What do you prefer where to buy, BG or GB?
Thank you very much for your review. I also saw it on YouTube!
Regards,
Jarno
Eken is generic brand, so not really sure if there are fake or not. I bought mine from GearBest if that means anything.
Also…
I did some research and the difference is that with the H9 stamp in the right side of the LCD screen. the feature to record in 720p at 120fps is no longer available.
There is a review on YouTube, don’t know wich one, who can’t record at 720p
with H9 stamp no 720p and 900mA battery
banggood.com/Wholesale-Warehouse-EKEN-H9-WiFi-Sport-Action-Camera-DV-Car-DVR-Ultra-HD-4K-SPCA6350-HDMI-2-Inch-LCD-wp-Uk-994488.html#
Without H9 stamp. 720p available and 1050mA battery
gearbest.com/action-cameras/pp_235395.html?wid=3
Hi, I’ve just gotten the H9 from Gearbest today, the firmware on mine is. icam-H9. 151015
Aus $67 about 2weeks free delivery
And 720p /120fps is available on mine
I’ve read this is conditional on you sd card capabilities
Had a REAL quick play, I’m impressed sofar and conclude with Pavle
FOR THE PRICE. This appears to be a great little unit
I have a cheap little device, which records charging, so I will monitor original battery capacity and report back, but basically with a couple of clips recorded, 3 files transfered via wifi and a little playing around in menu then record until flat
I got approximately 30mins out of the battery 1080p/60fps on first full charge out of the box
Checked the battery…. approx 650mAh battery
(not 900 mAh – as labeled )
Also the quality of the electronics may be low too and the voltage might drop or fluctuate (would explain glitches that some people have noticed in recordings – which no longer occurs with a jscam battery )
Can u record video while charging this? And Also take pics? I want to get this camera for when I go travelling so I would be talking alot. I know u said its good audio quality but do u have samples of u talking? If u do or can make some it will be much appreciated.
Thank you
Provided it’s attached to a power source like a power bank, yes. All samples I have are provided already.
where r these audio files
I searched al over the web but i can’t find an answer.
Is it possible to connect an wifi remote control to the H9?
The new H9r has one but most of the cams comes with an wrest remote control. I love that accessoires
It’s not possible with H9. I am not sure about the new one, if it comes with a remote control, it should work then.
use your smartphone instead w/app ez icam, better than control remote
Just bought these camera and I have seen many reviews on youtube and I’m still a little nervous but hey.. For 46$ you can’t beat it. I will be using this mainly for my Youtube Uploads. Youtube search GuitarPro777.
This will definitely be better than my webcam!
Thanks for the great review and effort put into this article!
Thanks Luis and good luck with your YT channel.
Hey,
first of all thank you for this nice Review.
This blog is the Main Reason why I bought the Eken H9.
But today, when I testet it, I found a problem: Every time I switch off the Action Cam after a recording and turn it on again, the next recordings overwrite the previous one. Does anyone else got this problem? It’s not the Video Loop, I already checked this.
The memory card is nearly empty, so there is enough space for more recordings but everytime i record something after switching off the camera, the recordings overwrite the videos, that I took before the restart.
Thank you in advance
Kind regards
Felix
PS: If you don’t understand something please ask, my english isn’t perfect and i know that but I tried to describe the problem as good as possible 😉
First of all restart all options to defaults and format your memory card inside the camera. Turn off video looping (make sure its OFF).
If that doesn’t work, you’d have to try different memory card. Which SD card are you using?
Thanks for the fast reply
I set the options to default and format the memory card. The Videos still get overwritten.
I’m using the SanDisk Ultra 64GB microSDXC.
I dont have any other microSD Cards, just the exact same for my Smartphone and with this it doesn’t work properly too.
Which memory card do you use? Maybe i try this then instead.
That one should be fine, perhaps try something with smaller capacity, like 32GB or 16, if not I really do not know what might be the issue, so you should contact your retailer/manufacturer to see what they have to say.
I hope when you finish a recording you press the shutter button and not just turn of the camera. I can’t think of any other reason for videos being overwritten, doesn’t make sense.
Yes, I press the shutter button after finishing a recording.
Also I just went to the city and bought a 32GB microSD. With the smaller capacity everything works fine.
Thanks for your Support
Keep up the great work 😉
You’re welcome, glad that you managed to solved it. Good luck.
The 64Gb will work fine, you only have to format it to FAT32(search on yt how to format 64gb as fat32), I guess it is now formatted as exFAT and this causes the problems :-),
I have this cam but i didnt understand something. There is some video on youtube about timelapse and slowmotion.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RccZcUIlbSY
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_jAW3Et8G1c
This is specification of EKEN or they did this efects with another program?
When I tested it, it did not have such options. I can assume it’s separate video software used.
Depends which firmware you have 😉 all newer versions with firmware above 151202(except 151204) do not have the 720 video resolution anymore (so no more slowmo on 720/120), but have some resolutions with higher framerates. Photo timelapse is in all the 20known different firmwares available, only the later firmwares from 151128 have added 16:9 ratio option for photos where the earlier only have 4:3 options.
I just purchased the Eken H9. Test video at 1080/60 and 1080/30 doesn’t have the high sharpness that some people complain about. In fact, my seems a little soft ( just a bit). Since there isn’t a sharpness setting – could my lens be slightly out of focus ( very slightly)? Firmware is factory 151015. Card is an 8gb class 10. Thx for any assistance.
I mean it’s hard for me to say without taking a look at it, but if it’s very slightly, there is no reason to bother with it, as you can manually refocus it, but you’d have to open the camera. My advice, do not touch anything and enjoy your camera.
Thx for the reply. I agree, not worth messing with lens adjustment. It takes good-enough 1080 vids. Purchased as an inexpensive drone camera ( reduce loss in the event of a crash). So, it will serve that purpose well. And, thanks for the informative review!
wat action camera would u recommend with the best mic?
is this camera shows always like panaromic view? lines at the sides are curved. Can we see straight? thank you
Each and every action camera has fixed focus – fish eye lens which gives such effect in order to capture wide field of view.
Hi, I’d like to know ….
I’ve bought a H9 in EBAY, I’ve used but in several times I’ve been able to only record a 4 clips!! , I can’t record anymore.. I appreciate if you can help to identify the problem
Thanks! and excelent info!
Is your sd card full …. ?
What size capacity is it..?
yess.. me too..i am experiencing this problem.
I am using samsung evo uhs class 10 micro sd card..
please help..somebody someone…Pavle…
Hi … is there any protective plasic on the lens …. there was on the case, but I can’t see any on the lens, but my old eyes ain’t the best
Cheers
Hi Pavle, when 1st time ,i try to connect to wifi there’s no problem, but when I download picture with wifi, it always lose connected , I use FW 151208SJ , can you solve this problem? , if I must to update the FW , where I must to download it?
Hi everybody,
I want to ask you some things:
1. I don’t see the percentage of the battery. What can i do for see it?
2. There are some kind of cup to cover the lens?
3. My firmware is 160106. I have to upgrade it?
thanks!
Andrea
% never worked, so nothing to do
cover probably from sjcam4000 or try a bottle cup that fit
latest firmware 160309SJ or …LY for type 1 (FW: i-cam H9) or type 2 (FW: Action Cam H9) cam H9, see the settings…
the FW just have resolutions 4K/25fps, 2.7K/30fps and 1080p/30/60fps
I know why there are no support from Eken. It’s because they aren’t the one manufacturing the cameras. The only buy them from manufacturers and brand them as their own under the name “Eken”.
Proof?
1. Look at dx.com. Their exact same camera is called EOSCN H8 and H9.
2. made-in-china.com – Search for H8r 4k 30fps. The exact same camera as the “new Eken h8” is.
Link: http://ouxiang.en.made-in-china.com/product/pSDnOiMxfjVN/China-2016-Latest-Really-4k-Ultra-HD-Action-Camera-H8r-Wireles-Vido-Camera-170-Degree-16MP-Waterproof-WiFi-Remote-Control.html
So in conclusion. Eken just brand no-name cameras and sell them as their own = no support. Mystery solved.
Good afternoon.
Just want to say: Great Review, thanks for all the information.
I do have one question, does the camera allow file transfers to your phone over wifi? Or would I have to download everything to a computer?
It has a WiFi and an app, so that’s possible for sure.
Great review! I’d just like to ask your opinion about the exposure setting. Do you lower the exposure in daylight and raise it in low/dim light? If so, what exact settings do you use?
Honestly I leave it onto default.
I am not getting audio. Does this automatically occur. I found no controls. I am using a 2 gig micro sd (older). Am I missing something here?
Has anyone encountered an issue where “videos” are being saved to the “Photos” folder? I am using a class 10 64G card formatted as FAT32. Thanks!
Hi
I have the version: ICAM-H9 160222
I can upgrade, and if so, what version?
An answer?
Really cool that you review cheap side of cameras. Good and long review. Appreciate it!
Perfect review.. I have this camera and agree. It’s funny about battery, because I reclaim the camera when I saw how fast is percentage of power going down. I thougt it was broken battery and it was just normal 😀
Hello Pavle
First off love your reviews!
I have the H9 and really like the results.
I do not know if it is the settings or just the way the camera works I can do say 5 recordings… But when I turn the camera off, and turn it back on again to start recording it records over previously recorded videos.
Is this normal?
Thanking you in advance for any information, James Moss
thanks for the review
compared to the SJ Cam Wifi, the SJ Cam M10 or the xiaomi yi action cameras,
which one do you recommend?
many thanks
They are all different cameras with different features, I’d probably go with YI for my needs.
Hello Pavle
Do you have any idea what model or product which can fix Underwater Diving Filter lens suit with Eken H9 Camera Housing Case Underwater .
Tq
Great review! thank you
Product is nicely covered in your summary, Pavle… Thanks! Anyone using the mount clip#2 included? How does it clip on? It is larger than the other brackets and has a hand squeeze clip…
good images capture in shallow water like 1 to 2 meter depth. but beyond that the video/images are to exposed and loose the color in underwater. not a good camera in scuba diving. sports camera mode is above average. but not in underwater. very poor in auto adjust
Thanks for the review! My question is the video start again every 10 min. That mean if I pass 10 minute of recording it will continue recording but it start another video. Do you know how I can set it so it can continue record over 10 minute without starting a new frame thanks
No, that is a limitation of Fat32. 10 minute clips maximum.
Use a video editor to join them together.
So you’re saying that every 10 min you have to start recording again….or should you put it on loop so it continues to record after 10 min….just new videos every 10 min??
Hvala Pavle,stvarno je pomoglo 🙂 Kupio sam kameru i prezadovoljan sam 😛
You are a great guy and funny as well your review was a great help. Thanks very much
Hi thanks for great review, if I missed something here idk I just bought this cam yet but it doesnt find sd card (NTFS format) I have to use it fat32, so I cant record nonestop video, it cuts the video and takes step 2, it records 1.63 Gb and it cuts again so we have to merge them, do we have any solution for this?
And my second question, there is no setting ro record as 720p, mine shows me 4k-2k-1080p only, do I need any update or something?
10 minute maxium video clip. No solution for this except to use a video editing program to join them together
If you have lost 720p option it is because you are on a higher firmware build.
what is the difference between H9 n Eken Eken H9R?
The H9R comes with a remote control
Thanks for all the reviews. Newbie to action cameras so grabbed the Eken H9 for an upcoming trip to Thailand. Just started messing around with it and noticed that the model I received gets hot very fast. Is this something I need to be concerned about or is it standard? Just don’t want to be on my Honeymoon with no scuba pics.
Thanks,
Mike
Turning off WiFi will cause less heat
So eventually, what would you recommend me if I’m looking for an action camera that is good with video and with photos too, I’m stuck between the SJ4000 and this one, the Eken H9 !
Thanks in advance
Eken H9, just make sure to buy additional battery.
Hi Pavle,
Did Eken H9 had car mode funtion?
Thanks!
Looking answer for the same mate? Did you get one?
Guys, what is the most user friendly editing software?
Sony Vegas Pro 11.
12 is too hard to use and 13 too.
I edit in Sony Vegas Pro 11. Its really good.
My YouTube: Arni Records
There are now firmware updates that allow you to shoot 4K Video at 25FPS and 2.7K at 30FPS, this makes this camera even more of a value!!! Go to https://www.facebook.com/groups/EKENusergroup for all firmware updates, FAQS, forums, etc… Thanks for posting this review!!
And now there is an FW for
4K 25FPS
2K 30FPS
1920P 30/60FPS
720P 120FPS
Go to EKEN FB Page https://www.facebook.com/ekenhk/
to find the FW
Hi!
I have that camera for few weeks now and I have put 64Gb class 10 card in it. I don’t know if anyone has an issue with camera or it’s just with that card. What happens is when I turn on the camera, I format this card and set it on picture. I then take a few photos (for ex. display says 10/9999) and turn it back off.
Few minutes latter I turn it back on and set again on picture mode. Then I take again a few pictures and the counter doesn’t move but it stays as it were 10/9999.
So now I take next 12 or 13 pictures and when I push the shutter 10 times, and now 11 the counter says 11/9999. But there is no previous pictures that I took. It takes and saves pictures or video over them despite there is space in the card.
Does anyone have this problem also and how to set this camera to be normal and not to overwrite old picture with new one?
Thanks!
Hello Pavle,
There is another camera at Gearbest, that looks like exactly the same: H9 Ultra HD 4K Action Camera. Actually, it seems that just two things separate it from “original”: missing word “EKEN” in name and big price difference (just 36,23 EUR).
Not only that both cameras have identical appearance, but their technical specification is the same. I have sent email to Gearbest, inquiring about difference and got answer that they are different brand. In Questions & Answers Gearbest claims just oposite:
Question: Is this the Eken H9 original Action Cam? Best Regards
Reply: Hi,Antonio Thanks for your inquiry. It is the Eken H9 original action camera.
So Pavle, do you, or anyone else here, have some knowledge about this cheaper camera, is it worthy, or is it just another scam?
I am not really sure, I’d avoid those unfamiliar Chinese brands, that can be quite risky.
I’ve read that there is a EKEN H9R, and looking on some previous questions you said that the only difference between the H9 and the H9R is the remote control, but in the specifications on banggood it says it has a Sunplus 6350 chipset and OV4689 image sensor. Is there any significant difference between that sensor and the H9 one?
Hey there,
Just got the h9r, before reading your review.
Can you tell me how i can change de video format from .mov to .mp4 on the cam?
Thanks for your review. It’s my first Action Camera. I have had to work out all the settings through trial and error. Wish I’d found your review firsts. I’m happy with the results to date. I like the sync app option with my iPhone. I hate the battery life. Thanks for the tips. You’ve greatly enhanced my understanding and appreciation of the unit. I agree it’s a good option at the price.
Hey! What do you think
What is the difference with EKEN H9 AND EKEN H3.
Beacuse here in my country eken h9 blue is only available color
and my prefered color is black which is eken h3 black
so what if i buy eken h3 is there a difference with the video quality of eken h9? or non?
if nothing then i’ll buy eken h9 even though i don’t like the blue one
Beacuse i think the newer is more better quality please Answer 🙂 .
Can someone please send me a link for a 32g sd card for the Eken h9 action cam and is this one fine: https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/B005FY61EK/ref=mp_s_a_1_13?ie=UTF8&qid=1470558020&sr=8-13&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=micro+sd+card+32g
I would prefer the class 10 and is needed stop be 32g
thanks Noah
the last line should be: and I need a 32g one
So I understand that EKEN H9SE is the worst version of the H9 webcam? With the worst sensor, the worst display and without software updates?
The smallest angle lens 140 instead of 170?
Hi Pavel
I am looking for cheap camera that I can turn the Fish-eye off (without editing).
Is there any available?
Thanks
Michal
hello
i got this action cam recently and for some reason it doesn’t support in any video editing software i have tried converting into mp4 also but still it gives the same problem and no software supports this format .how did you edit the videos ??
Video will only record for exactly 58 seconds then cuts out.Using 16SD card .Photos are ok .Battery is fully charged.Can you help please?
Hi Pavle,
Nice objective review. Like it. When you say No Stabilization meaning the HR9 has no electronic anti-shake? How does this compare with the SJC4000 or the Go Pro H4? Do you have a video to compare? I and trying to get an action cam to record my runs. Running has a lot of shake so good to know which is the best option. Look forward to hear from you. Cheers.
Ok I tried this EKEN H9 for two weeks. I realize what is the big diff!!!
1. It records in MOV. A format which is not easily drag and drop into iMovie.
2. At any resolution 1080(30f) or 1080(60f) the video is jerky at points. The write speed bus to the SD cannot catch up. Therefore you have the jerky skip frame video.
3. Battery. Fully charge you get 1.5hrs at 1080(30f).
4. Have to convert to MP4 for editing.
5. No anti shake stabilization
Hi Pavle,
Awesome review, makes my decision to buy or not to buy, much more easier, will buy
And you are right, you can not compare a Porsche with an Lada (price range 60 -> 400)
Thanks for the work you have done.
Greetings from Bangkok/Thailand
Cheers
Ralf
Hello, does anybody know what is the wifi range of EKEN H9? I would like to use this cam as a rear view camera in my caravan , connected via wifi to my tablet in the car. Do you think it will work? 😉
About the cam “battery gauge”: it’s the same as in your car “fuel gauge”. You never believe it, especially at the last fuel drops in your tank. At electronic gear it comes to this: you pay more for better gauging resolution, in cash and in own battery consumption for this circuitry. If the cam is completely shut-off when not used, gauge’s own consumption isn’t play it’s part
I just got one today and audio will playback if I play back the video on the small 2″ screen, but if I download the video file to my android with the eken ezicam app the is no audio playback.
Any ideas?
I am facing the same issue. And also I cannot even play them on my laptop when I copy them from SD card. Any solutions here please.
Dear Palve, thanks for such an elaborative review. Can you please advise on how to edit and compress videos. When I download them on my phone I don’t get audio and the file size is too big to be uploaded on a social networking site.
Hi, i’m interested in this camera but i have a question…
can it be mount on an everyday tripod? i’m looking for a cheap but decent camera so i dont have to use my phone for video making. this camera sound like what i need if it can be use with a tripod.
It can be mounted on a tripod, but requires to be fitted into a frame first (frame is included with the camera).
Thanks.
Hi, I like your review it has a good insight, I just bought one. Do you know why the red light stays on after turning it off? Am I doing something wrong?
Don’t buy it if you want to use it as a car dashboard camera! It will block when the memory card is full and, even if made to loop it will tell you from time to time that “Memory is full”. What?! Should it be erasing old videos and start over?
I’ve also reflashed it with the latest firmware, even used H9R firmware which is a bit newer (it works!) hoping to either brick it or make it work… no luck. As soon as the card is full you’re in trouble.
Had a small car bump this morning, hoped to have it recorded… no luck. I think I’m going to throw it in the trash bin.
Also! That 1090mAh battery… if you pry it open, you’ll find a little 850mAh LiPo sack… Yeah… I’m a proud owner of a Eken H9… what can I say.
Very informative review. I even did it read at all, watched most of the video clip with commentary. Professional done. Thank you!
Thanks Garo, I appreciate that.
Nothing about its WiFi feature? what a way to do review.
And what would you like to know about WiFi?
I’ve had mine for a while, use on my race car. Problem I had is that it will not work with a 64GB card. Says it does in the ads but the max is 32GB. I tried the FAT32 formatting trick, still overwrites the files on every power up. Sadly, lost a lot of good video. The remote works fine. I always use with battery power, if you wish to change the battery, plug into a charger while you swap the batteries to keep your date/time.
It works fine with the SJ4000 batteries. I have a couple of those cameras. I bought my H9R because it lets me start/stop the video remotely with a little button.
I intent to use this as dash camera. SO it will be in the car most time. Is there an option to power on and start recording once the camera start charging when the is switched on? Therefore, I don’t have to start camera every time and hit record every time
Hi I’ve used SJCAM 4000 on my motorbike, does the Eken have car mode (auto record when powered by car)? I can’t find the option in settings
Thanks
Thanks for writing a really good, useful and entertaining review. wondered why you did not mention the wifi support on the H9 – my H9 works with Ez iCam on an iPhone surprisingly well in video mode including wifi transfer of short videos to the phone, only real downer is that the camera stops recording if one disconnects the smart phone from the cameras wifi network after starting to record
it works great, I tested it as dashcam as-well
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nJBV_Qgk8Qk
Excellent review I have a Gopro 4 black and the Eken I agree with everything you have said. Basically you get what you pay for. I did find a firmware update. I updated the camera I have no idea what it is supposed to do the camera functions exactly the same? Thankyou for the time you took doing the video.
Firmware updated do not necessarily bring new features, sometimes they just fix bugs. Depending on the firmware you installed, you can try to find a changelog and see exact features, or if changelog is not available contact manufacturer to ask what are the new improvements. Hope that helps.
Wow. Thanks for the info and Great review, I have tried mine by using as a webcam and it actually works! Hell yeah for the price and what can actually do for this cam. Cheers.
Hello, thanks for the great review. I ordered an H9 camera from a Hong Kong based webshop and I received it today. Works as advertised, I think the quality is way better than expected for the price I paid (41 US$). And -surprise- when I checked the version in the settings, it seems that I was sent an H9Rse with FW 161018.
Hi.. how do i get the camera off thermal image mode.
Thanks
Kendyll
The current version of the H9 now supports 4K @ 25fps and 2.7K @ 30FPS. Curious if anyone has used it and has an opinion on whether or not those are now usable. Price has dipped down to $40 too…
since it’s not real 4K – it’s interpolated – blown up digitally
it’s still useless, go for the H8pro or H8plus , real 4k
Hello everybody,
I just bought one but I have a problem
On the above side there is a red light, which does not disappear.
Camera is charged…
Can somebody help me ?
Thanks in advance
Evan S
Hi guys, I got the Eken H8Pro 4K unit yesterday and charged as it was on low battery. Then I inserted the SD card into slot. Both screens were working showing that I have the SD card inserted. Turned the unit off. Turned the unit on, only front screen working, but not responsive to any other commands. No wireless, no picture, no video, unresponsive to any command pushing/pressing the buttons on the unit or the remote unit. The unit can’t be turned off unless I take (remove) out the battery.
Tried some solutions given on some websites but without success.
Please anyone has a solution?
Can it be used for Motovlogging as I can not use a seperate mic while ride and their would be wind noises?
Let me know you views!
Thanks!
You can’t use the external mic with this one. In my opinion for any sort of vlogging proper sound is important, so you should go with something which supports it.
Something slighy more expensive but still supporting external mic is Git 2 https://pevly.com/gitup-git2-review/
Hi Pavle,
Thank you for the video! I owned this camera for a year now and only got to know it more from your video especially on the video resolution part. No wonder I’ve been finding the video looks a bit cranky when i replay it…
By the way, the major problem I’m having now with this camera is that whenever I finished recording some videos (eg. no.1,2,3), I will shut it off to save the power. Then when I want to resume video recording, I turn it on again and shoot (eg. video 4,5,6), but I realized that the previously captured video will be replaced by the latest video (eg. video no.4 replaces video no.1; video no. 5 replaces video no.2, etc). Has anyone come across this issue? I have no complaint about this camera since I’m just an amateur but this issue has been a pain. Once I started filming I had to keep the power on even when I am not recording anything soon, just so that if I’m filming another video it will not replace the the first video.
If anyone has a solution it will be a great help. Thank you!
Will 64 gd sd card work?
FYI: the gearbest links in this page all point to a fake/clone H9 currently (may 2017). problems with that one: cam crashes when smartphone app connects; 60fps/120fps modes just duplicate/quadruplicate frames, so they’re really just 30fps.
I got my cam from the Wish App for less than 30 dollars, it has all the extras with it also. My question is I was recording fine on my memory card for a couple weeks, but I got some really good footage on it right now but it keeps saying I needed codecs for this one. I got K-lite codec and still no luck now saying it may be corrupted. any advice on fixing corrupted footage cause its some really awesome videos I shot and I really would love to save them. Thanks
I have bought Eken H9R action cam. My firmware is STD_EKGKR. From a video resolution I can choose only 1080p 30fps. I was wondering is there some way to have a video resolution 1080p 60fps (Can I install a new video resolution somehow)?
I JUST RECIEVED A H9R. USEING EZ ICAM IT STORES VIDEO ON MY ANDROID PHONE IN .MOV NOT MP4. THIS CAUSES MANY ISSUES ON A ANDROID DEVISE. I READ THAT IT USES MP4? WHATS UP WITH THAT? IS THERE ANY WAY TO SWITCH IT TO MP4?THANKS!
There is no PAL option (ie: no 25/50fps) so pic cannot be played on a PAL (UK) tv. Battery life is very poor, though you get 2 batteries with the camera. And most importantly it only has one angle of shooting which is very wide. This can be useful at times but annoying most of the times (you get distortion everywhere). Correcting in post can be very time-consuming and require computer power. But the pic at 1080/60 is outstandstanding at this price. Colours are very vibrant and true (though there is some colour bleed on reds).
I hope someone can help. In March I bought the H9R and set it to record at 30 fps. I have used it well over 50 times for various outdoor activities with no problems.
One day I had it on my boat and the clamp it was on became loose and the camera fell in the water for 2 seconds before I picked it up. Of course it stopped working. I immediately took out the battery and sd card and let it dry for 24 hours. It would not turn on. So I ordered another one.
Well 48 hours after the H9R fell in the water, I tried it again and it worked fine. SD card was fine as well. I used it 5 more times and continued to work perfectly. Until the 6th time. I used it to record some birds feeding in my backyard. It was totally still for an hour. When I looked at the footage, every few seconds some areas of the screen would become pixelated for a couple of seconds then go normal for a few seconds then go pixelated again and so on. Sometimes the entire screen goes pixelated for well over 10 seconds.
Then the new one arrived. I decided I will use both on my boat. Well the new one started doing the exact same thing right out of the box!
I have tried the 32 gb SD card that came with my old H9R package and two random 8 gb cards from my old phones. And I have fully formatted all three. I have tried all three in both cams and same thing keeps happening. When I format, it’s set to FAT32.
I have always set them to 10 minute loops and 1080p 30 fps. But as an experiment, I changed it to 60 fps and same thing is happening.
I want to figure out what is going on, especially with the new one so I know if I should return it for warranty.
I have never updated firmware. Don’t even know how to. I got the cams in March 2017 and October 2017.
The version for old one:
ActionCam H9R
STD_EKEKR
O4D7RK_161221
The version for new one:
H9R_v2.0
STD_EKGZA
O4G7AX_170707
Here is an example from today. Filmed with the new one:
https://vimeo.com/237676303
After transferring the videos from both cams to my PC, I have viewed the footage in Media Player, VLC, AVC, Movie Maker and Ace Player. Doesn’t matter.
Oh and I should add that around the time this problem started happening, I updated my Windows with about 380 mb of updates. It’s been a long time! But I can’t imagine that has anything to do with it.
Some help please?
I may have found the problem. I have been taking the micro SD card out and putting it in a USB adapter and plugging it into the computer.
When I was playing the video from the adapter it would show as pixelated. When I would copy it from there to my computer, it would be pixelated after opening the video from my computer.
I just copied some random videos I downloaded from youtube on to the micro SD and again plugged that into the adapter and those played pixelated.
When I connected my cam directly to the computer and accessed the video files that way, there was no more pixelation.
The same video file that was playing pixelated from the adapter and from the computer (which I copied from the adapter) was actually playing fine when playing the video directly from the cam attached to the computer.
So somehow, that adapter causes pixelation on the file and even transfers that pixelation with the file to the computer.
Also, tried the micro SD plugged into a regular size SD card adapter and there was no problem.
As a replacement for my fried 2 y/o Hero 4 it’s fine EXCEPT that the wrist remote control has no indicator to show whether the camera is recording or not. A big problem for me as I want it for filming from top of catamaran mast; the remote just flashes once when pressed to film – then it could be either on or off and no way to verify without shinning up the mast!
Does anyone know if it is possible to program this camera to my GoPro Smart Remote? Or is there is another cheap camera with a remote that indicates when the camera is recording?
The 50hz / 60hz switch adjusts to your countries power line frequency. It is supposed to prevent flicker when filming indoors.
Thanks for the review, I got one for Christmas and it’s nice to know it is pretty much as i expected it to be.
RG
Hi, I have seen some comments upon line frequencies causing flicker, but I think it is valid for CRTs (cathode ray tubes) only, while all new LED and plasma TVs do not suffer from it. I tried making videos with some cameras on both settings, and my Samsung TV shows no difference in replay.
Best Wishes, happy holidays, and enjoy your new cam!
HI… Please help with advise. I have opportunity to buy JVC ADIXXION GC-XA2 for like 80$ or this EKEN for 45$ (EU warehouse). I would like to buy better one. JVC was great when it was released but it was like 4 years ago. Please help with advice what to buy.
Never tested that JVC so can’t tell you if it’s good or not. Our recommended cameras we tested can be found here https://pevly.com/best-action-cameras/
Is it true h9r only has 4k 10fps ? Because in eken official website its 4k 25fps ?
Hi,
… as you can see, we have tested the H9 model, which is different from H9R. And while the H9 was found to record 4K @ 10fps, the H9R records at 25fps. Also note that EKEN’s 4K in H9R is interpolated (from 1080 lpi), thus not genuine 4K.
Hi Pavle, I have quite a unique potential use for this action camera and would appreciate your opinion regarding video quality up close. For example shooting one’s hands slowing doing craft demonstration (crochet in this case). So I’m looking at about 30cm from camera (on head) to hands. I’m wondering if the video quality would be ok this close or whether it would be too grainy. I’m not expecting anything fabulous but as long as the quality is not too offensive to youtube viewers, for an initial investment to see if this approach works, I would be interested. I’m looking for a more portable and less restrictive option to tripod etc set up and also not wanting to spend big $$$ on camcorder at this point in time. Thanks.
Hi, Farrah, and congrats on your idea for an interesting camera use. Let me explain that the image being grainy or not does not depend upon the camera-to-object distance; but the sharpness of the picture is! Thus, experiment a bit to determine whether your way of mounting the camera and the resulting distance renders a sharp record. If not, try to add some distance, maybe by raising the camera support about 5 cemtimeters at a time until the picture is satisfactorily sharp. You could also augment the distance by mounting the camera more to the side – whatever works to have a sharp image.
As to the grainy image, it is directly related to the light intensity. That means, if the light is too weak, the camera will tend to compensate by raising the ISO (sensitivity) value. This, in turn, will augment the “grain” (or more precisely related to digital recording, what we call “noise”), which is actually uncontrollable pixel voltage. In video recording, the heating up of the sensor from all possible reasons also causes the noise, which adds to the problem.
In short, ensuring the proper light intensity will make the camera render better images, so the lighting should be your primary concern.
Enjoy!
For ur oppinion between h9r and mgcool explorer 2, which one is better for beginer and suits the money ?
Dear friend, as always in such cases there is not enough data to answer such questions. First, what is “better”, and what exactly is a “beginner”? Moreover, what the camera is to be used for? All such questions should be answered by the users or potential buyers themselves, since only they have the idea what is good, sufficiently good or maybe not good for what they have in mind – and also what level of device user they are or would want to be.
What we do is report our opinion on each model separately, and rarely ever suggest anything in terms of “better” or suited for “beginners”. These are very personal categories that can not be presumed by any reviewer.
Finally, there is the price – and we think all the cameras reviewed are “affordable”, which means way below “expensive”. And even these terms are too flexible.
So please do read the reviews so as to be able to collect enough data for your own conclusions!
Have a Good Light!
These are not spare doors, that back cover is for recording the sound but to reduce the wind noise – the additional doors have the openings.
Of course.
I had seen this here http://www.thebestadvices.com/best-waterproof-action-cameras/. But now your awesome review convinced me more to buy this device. The best thing I found is its camera quality at this budget.
Thanks for trusting our reviews! Enjoy your camera!
Can you tell me what’s the latest and stable firmware of eken h9r? My new h9r is having issue while recording. Lights flickr in 720p and 1080p. In need of desperate help.
Hi, Ayan!
Here https://www.gearbest.com/blog/download/eken-h9r-action-camera-update-firmware-1240 it says:
“For Gearbest customers: If you’ve purchased EKEN H9R action camera from us and still have problem after using the firmware, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us. Just fill in the ticket with your questions at our Support Center and send it to us. We will do our best to deal with your problem as soon as possible. We are always happy to help.”
Lower down on the page there is a link to download the Firmware – I can only presume it is the latest.
Enjoy!
Hi ,
I have bought this camera and am just going through the motions in setting it up. When i have taken some test videos i am getting blurring of the video and a green band along the bottom of the shot. Can you advise how i am best to resolve this??
Cheers
Ross
Hey thanks for the detailed review! You must have put a lot of time and effort in it.
I have an eken H9.
But mine seemed to be in .mov when transferred to the PC. I cant change this? Or am i missing something.
Oh, what is your opinion on the wifi connection?
Thanks
Impecable tu análisis sobre la cámara, este artículo fue determinante a la hora de elegir comprarla y en función de mi bajo presupuesto, muchas gracias por tu dedicación. Saludos desde Argentina.