In this review I’m going to introduce you to one of the latest cameras released by a comparatively less known action camera brand GitUp. The company has been around for a while now, and they have produced some surprisingly good sports cameras.
Recently, they announced a new model – GitUp F1. We have already reviewed their Git 1 and Git 2 which performed well in our tests. And just a while ago, we did a review of their G3 Duo which ended up on our best action cameras list.
Those are a few reasons that got me quite pumped up about the F1. In this review, I will test this uniquely shaped camera. Will it perform as good as its predecessors? Let’s find out.
The Gitup F1 has a completely different shape, compared to the other cameras we covered so far. It is long and flat, with the lens on the front, looking more like a flashlight. This kind of shape could prove to be better in some situations but maybe somewhat worse in other. The camera can be easily mounted on the helmet – but not that easily to a chest mount. As always, it all depends upon the way you need to use the camera.
Specifications
- Chipset
- Image sensor
- Lens
- Filed of view
- Weight
- Size (L x W x H)
- Screen
- Max native image resolution
- Video resolutions
- Video format
- Image format
- Memory
- Battery
- Connection
- GPS module
- WiFi
- Remote controller support
- Video Stabilization
- External Mic Support
- GitUp F1 4K
- Ambarella A12S75
- Sony 1/2.5 inch Sensor
- Ultra sharp image quality with all-glass lens 5G +2G
- 160°
- 68g
- 82 x 41.5 x 23mm
- OLED Screen
- 8MP (3840 x 2160)
4K HD video: 3840 x 2160P; 30fps
2160P HD video: 2880 x 2160P: 30fps
1440P HD video: 2560 x 14440P: 60/30fps
1080P HD video: 1920 × 1080P; 120/60/30fps
720P HD video: 1280 × 720P; 240/120fps- H.264 codec, .mp4 file format
- JPEG
- up to 128GB
Rechargeable lithium-ion battery
Battery Capacity: 1010mAh
USB Charging: DC 5V 1000 mA- Mini USB,Micro SD
optional, sold separately
Unboxing & Accessories
The F1 arrives in a cardboard box with just a few accessories included. Take a look at the video below, to see what’s inside the box.
Well, there is not much to show with this camera. In its box there is a clip mount that’s essential to make the camera compatible with any other accessory. There are some cables to use with remotely controlled vehicles, one charging cable, two stickers, and a Manual.
There are no other accessories so… How do I mount this camera on my helmet? Or anywhere in my car? Or elsewhere I’d desire? Simply: I can’t. I’m forced to buy other mounts separately off their website or a kit like this.
The camera has no chance to go underwater because it is not waterproof, and a waterproof case for it doesn’t exist. Equally, this camera is not usable in the rain, in the mud, or in any other wet situation, since it’s not splash-proof either. I honestly think it is a huge disadvantage. It is supposed to be an ACTION CAMERA, and yet, I can’t use it in situations where it gets wet.
Design and Build quality
The design is quite unique but very functional. You have everything at your thumb tip. This camera conveys a good sensation to the touch, because it is compact and very well made, also appears to be very stout.
The three buttons have a great click/beep feedback, impossible to ignore or misunderstand. I usually complain about cameras with a lean choice of buttons since these are most times quite difficult to use, but with this camera GitUp has made a good job. We will dissect it deeper in the Menu section.
Both ports situated on the bottom of the camera are super accessible and functional. The two LEDs over the buttons are very visible, especially the red one that indicates when the camera is ON and whether it is recording or not. Its blue colored LEDs that indicate when the camera is charging have a lower brightness level.
If I wanted to find a flaw, I’d notice that the screen is not particularly bright in direct sunlight, and sometimes you will want to hold the camera at a different angle to read the numbers on the screen. Another little LED next to the two ports would have been great, but I always have a problem with LEDs… so it’s not a real problem!
Menu Overview
As I said before, this camera has only three buttons; same as many other cameras, but GitUp has developed a good software, and you’ll be able to easily manage all with only 3 commands. So overall user navigation is very slick. The functions of those buttons are:
- Power Button – Turns camera On/Off + Switches among Modes + Scrolls Menu pages
- Settings Button – Opens Settings in selected Mode + does Back function
- Rec Button – Starts/Stops the recording + Selects the voices in the Menu
This camera is one among those that offer a lot of settings for each mode! Let’s see:
First we encounter the traditional top menu. On this camera, the top menu is the only place where you can change the Video/Photo settings. It contains:
- Video Mode
- Photo Mode
- Settings
In the Video Mode we can find these settings:
- Mode – Loop/Normal/TimeLapse/SloMo/Vid+Photo – Each of these modes has its own particular subset of options, but I will not list all of them, only the main points.
- Resolution – 4K@30fps – 2160p@30fps – 1440p@30/60fps – 1080p@30/60/120fps – 720p@240fps
- Quality – Fine/Normal/Super Fine
- Interval – 1min/3min/5min/Max
- Stamp – On/Off
- Meter – Spot/Average/Center
- WB – Auto/Incandescent/Sunny/Cloudy/Fluorescent/Outdoor/
- Color – GitUp/Art/Sepia/Negative/B&W/Vivid/70film/PopArt/
- Sharpness – Low/Med/High
- Ev – +-0/+-0.3/+- 0.7/+- 1.0/+- 1.3/+- 1.7/+- 2.0
- EIS – On/Off
- Audio – On/Off
In the Photo Mode we can find these settings:
- Mode – Normal/Burst/Timer/Time Lapse – Each of these modes has its own particular subset.
- Resolution – 8Mp
- Shutter – Auto / 1/30s / 1s / 2s / 5s / 10s / 30s/ 60s
- Stamp – On/Off
- Zoom – Off/1.1x/1.2x/1.3x/1.4x/1.5x/2x
- Meter – Center/Average/Spot
- WB – Auto/Incandescent/Sunny/Cloudy/Fluorescent/Outdoor
- Color – GitUp/Art/Sepia/Negative/B&W/Vivid/70film/PopArt
- ISO – Auto/100/200/400/800/1600/3200/6400
- Sharpness – Low/Med/High
- Ev – +-0/+-0.3/+- 0.7/+- 1.0/+- 1.3/+- 1.7/+- 2.0
- No Fisheye – On/Off
- DNG – On/Off
In the Settings section we can find all the general settings for the camera:
- Quick Rec – On/Off
- WiFi – On/Off
- WiFi – 2.4G/5G
- Bluetooth – On/Off
- System – NTSC/PAL
- Def Mode – Video/Mode
- OSD – On/Off
- Led – On/Off
- Flip – On/Off
- Beeps – On/Off
- Auto Off – Off/3min/5min/10min
- Time Setup – Setting up your local time
- Date Setup – Setting up your local date
- Model Stamp – On/Off
- Logo Stamp – On/Off
- Exit Power – Power on/Charge/Record
- BT Boot – On/Off
- Frequency – Auto/50Hz/60Hz
- Format – Format your MicroSD card
- Default Settings –Turn all the settings to default values
- Version – (current) F1- V1.0-20171010
Video Quality
This is my first GitUp camera and honestly I was pleasantly surprised about its video performance. I don’t want to beat about the bush. The camera has a really good video quality with great sharpness and depth of colors, it is also able to balance the light in contre-jour conditions. Its Field of View is wide, but it doesn’t distort the image too much. What really amazed me is this cam’s EIS stabilization – it has one of the best stabilizations I have seen, ever since I’m reviewing the action cameras!
A random driving video follows, and I’m inviting you to concentrate on the bonnet of my car. You will notice how my car jumps up and down, but the image remains perfectly stable.
Now you might say “Good, but the car has a suspension, so in a way, the camera is already stabilized!”
OK, then check this video. The camera was mounted on my helmet like this:
If you are not yet satisfied, here is the most “extreme” example I could make: the handlebar stress:
Now you have no more wiggling space! This camera can perfectly handle the shaking in any action scene, and this is what we prefer in an action camera. Sorry if I didn’t use my usual test path, but I won’t go through the mud without a waterproof case! That’s why I decided to use asphalt roads.
During my tests, I had some fun with my dog. and I want to show you a little walk, the biggest resolution this camera has, and some slow motion.
To my own surprise, all the resolutions and frame-rates are correct- everything is as it should be! The reason I was surprised is that it’s not uncommon for Chinese brands to “fake” the resolutions for the sake of marketing.
This camera can show its best during the night, too. It can gather an incredible amount of light. While a little bit noisy, it still allows you to see everything!
The performance in daylight, low-light, and stabilization are more than satisfying.
Photo Quality
The quality of still images is good too. These could always be a little bit better, but they are really well balanced. You know, it’s not a DSLR, so we can’t rightly pretend to expect super quality!
Audio Quality
It seems incredible but this camera has a good audio quality too. Mike sensibility is not the highest, but it is able to record sharp frequencies and it’s near impossible to distort with the high volume.
WiFi and App
WiFi and the App are perfectly stable with this camera, without any crashing or slowdowns. The WiFi can be turned on in the Setting menu with its specific voice and the camera will connect with the phone when the default initial password is typed in: 1234567890
In the App we can find every important setting, not just the resolution and a few other settings – as opposed to many other camera apps.
Battery Performance
The results of my battery tests:
- 4K 30fps – 76 minutes (18,4Gb)
- 2.7K 30fps – 75 minutes (17Gb)
- 1440p 60fps – 71 minutes (17Gb)
- 1440p 302fps – 67 minutes (13,2Gb)
- 1080p 120fps – 75minutes (20,2Gb)
- 1080p 60fps – 71 minutes (25,6Gb)
- 1080p 30fps – 91 minutes (17,2Gb)
- 720p 240fps – 80 minutes (19,5Gb)
The battery life of this camera is a little bit shorter than some of its contenders.
Summary
This is one great little camera. Its shape could be seen as a double-edged sword, but all will depend on what you need to do. All the things were made right: video, photo, audio and build quality. I was only sorry to discover that this camera actually has no range of usual accessories. If GitUp decides to make a waterproof version of this camera and scare up some basic accessories, it could be one of the best affordable cameras of 2017.
Pros
- Good Video Quality
- Good Audio Quality
- Good Build Quality
- Impeccable WiFi and App development
Cons
- Absence of accessories
- Not waterproof
- Low battery life on average
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I was/am looking at this camera, and over all performance seems good but as you not, accessories are lacking, in particular a protective/waterproof case that pretty much Every other action camera on the market offers.
I did email Gitup about the lack of the case and the response was that the waterproof case was still in the R&D stage.
The camera was announced last August and it’s now basically April, so 8 months after it was announced and the case still being in the R&D stage tells me it’s unlikely one will ever come to market which is a shame because it really limits an otherwise fine looking inexpensive cameras use.
Hi, Bobo… You’re right, it is a pity this model does not have a protective casing yet. It is probable that the F1 cam’s form factor requires completely new set of tools to make the case. You might look into a simple adaptation of cylindric encasements already on the market (look up Ikelite program!) or simply resort to DIY if your camera use dictates that kind of urgency. Personally, I still can’t see why ALL action cameras are not built right into at least some weather-resistant cases as a matter of default. Those are meant to be action cameras, after all!
But then, the manufacturers of lower-priced devices rarely innovate and, more often than not, simply knock off some copy or other. Nothing much we can do about that way of thinking. 🙂
Enjoy the Light with whatever camera you have! 🙂
I’ve been considering this camera for a helmet mounted set up, but would prefer it to be mounted on the side of the helmet. How will the images be interpolated when mounted flat (or vertical I guess?) on the side of the camera and not in the horizontal position under a brim as shown in your review ?
Hi, Brian. Since it is only possible to flip the image (upside down), there are really only two directions the camera will record properly. This means that the camera can’t correct the orientation of the sensor at 90 degrees angle, which is what you suggest.
This is because of the sensor format and orientation, and it is fixed that way within the camera body.
Also, as far as I know, there is no post-processing program that corrects the record made at that angle. Even if you could rotate the recorded aspect to so much, it would still cause a loss of a large part of the recorded field of view. Now if the sensor was round, then…right? But it’s not.
It is possible and easy to correct still photos, though, but pretty counter-productive for video records.
As to the interpolation, the sensor readout occurs line-by-line horizontally, and rotating the cam would change that, too, together with the “jello effect” deformations.
So IMHO, your only options would be to mount the cam screen-up, or screen-down.
Looks like a great camera, but for me the lack of waterproof ability is a deal breaker. I emailed the company about a waterproof case and the response I got was it’s still in the r&d stage, which given how long the camera has been on the market tells me it’s unlikely we’ll ever see one. In a similar price range (slightly more expensive) I like the Yi4k though it is the typical form factor.
I also like the idea of the GitUp3 duo but not sure how often the “slave” camera would actually get used and also not quite sure if the low light ability is as good as the Yi 4k or even the F1 (which looks excellent)
As for the orientation question on the F1, I would think that you’d just end up with a “portrait” (vs “landscape”) video much like you would when taking a video on a cell phone, not sure I agree with the “jello effect” but I guess it could depend on what exactly is being filmed
I think the slave camera would be more likely left in the car, and only the main unit exposed to ambientals. By the way the protective casing for the main camera is well-made, so it can be used in critical ambient.
The slave camera is quite different, mainly usable in situations where you can make use of its wide angle (like in controlling the backview of a vehicle, however it’s always open to discussion which circumstances would suit it best.
Also, true… the protective case should have been a part of the project, and not made subsequently. Again, what we see is what we get. The F1 lacking an ambiental protective case is another move that doesn;t make much sense, as the “action cameras” are meant to be used in adverse situations, and not be hidden from such.
Re the F1 orientation… it’s just the way the camera is made, and how it was intended to be used. Since there is no option to rotate its function 90 degrees, you’d end up with a scene recorded bottom side right (or left) and with “portrait” ratio. This in turn, were you able to rectify the recording, would create the final record of the normal scene height becoming the new width. The kind of scene recorded would influence the look of “jello effect” – I’m not sure how it would appear, but I presume the bending of quickly moving objects would also change its direction.
In all, I’d rather avoid the problems by mounting the camera the way it was intended.
Experiment is the mother of discovery… so it’s best to try it!
Enjoy!
Typically most of the water proof cases also double as protective armour as well, though I see the Git3 offers 2 different cases for protection and water proofing so I guess it isn’t always the case.
You’re correct in the assessment that action cameras aren’t always used in ideal conditions no matter how they are operated and in the case of the F1 it seems like it’s main intent was for use on RC devices so a protective/waterproof case should have been a no brainer.
On the video orientation, If I were to use the camera in a 90* offset I wouldn’t bother to try to correct the “portrait” orientation in post production and would just accept the “portrait” view even if it is less then ideal.
As long as I’ve been doing such reviews, I kept asking all action cam manufacturers to consider building the optics and electronics right into an waterproof casing, and quit the box-in-the-box concept. They simply have no understanding for that, even if their production costs would diminish that way. So what we have is what we have to use.
If they did the F1 along these lines, it would be perfect for many applications, as it has acceptable shape for an u/w casing as it is.
Using the cam at 90 degrees… it would also mean setting your video projector on its side, right? Not impossible if it has well conceived forced cooling. You could go for it then. Me, I’d rather solve the helmet mounting. But then, I don’t know what you’re using your camera for. Main thing is, use it and enjoy the results! 🙂
Alessio: Impressed with your honest reviews. About the Gitup F1. Someone mentioned it is not possible to operate it as a dash cam with the battery removed? Plugged into constant 12v, of course, with no battery installed. Leaving battery out (especially in a hot vehicle) seemed as if a logical idea. This person claimed the F1 would come on, but then shut down after ten seconds? Would you mind checking that for me? I emailed Gitup with no reply. (Note: Gitup DID reply to other emails. Reputable.) Although, not a dealbreaker for me to purchase. Lastly, do you think ALL Gitup camera’s would do the same thing? Needs battery installed to stay on? Then again, the person could have been lying, so, true, or not? Thanks.
Hi Gregory,
I never thought about it. Since my review was publish, i’m still using it as dashcam but i never tried it without the battery until your message. I just made a fast test and it works without battery BUT there is an annoying low frequency “BZZZZZ” in the background and i also noticed that if you turn off the power, the camera shut down immediately loosing the last clip. These days in Italy there is a very hot weather but i never had issues about it. My routine travel is 1 hour face up the sun, usually the camera becomes quite hot but it never give up (at the moment) then i think there is no need to detach the battery. Honestly i don’t think all the GitUp cameras can do it because, for example, the GitUp G3 DUO doesn’t even turn on without the battery. (I just be informed from my colleague Fil that did the G3 review). I hope i was clear enough buddy!
Alessio
Can you charge and record at the same time?
It could be a good camera *IF* it was waterproof – I can’t see how any action camera could be called such without any waterproof or even splashproof ability!
And I agree about Action Cameras being waterproof out of the box – I’ll stick to the Warrior G1 which has a 5hr battery and requires no waterproof case for US$100 or less.