Plenty of people emailed me last few days asking about the difference between the two cameras made by GitUp. Git 1 and Git 2.
In this article, I’d like to share with you my experience on which camera is better and compare them side by side.
I have both of these cameras, and if you would like to read more in-depth info on each, make sure to check :
Specification
Let’s start with basics. First and foremost, let’s compare the hardware and capabilities of both Git 1 and 2 and see which one offers what, at least on a paper. Please take a look at side by side comparison table below.
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Throughout this article, I will do plenty of real-life tests, so do not worry if you do not understand anything from the tables. It’s okay. I’ll clarify important things, and help you choose the one that suits you better.
Weight, size, built quality and design
At first glance it is impossible to differentiate GIT 1 from GIT 2. Both cameras come in black color only and are made out of same materials. Additionally their dimensions are exactly the same. Both have 1.5″ screen at the back and 4 ugly-looking silver screws attaching a mask at front (Obviously design is not the strongest pro of Gitup cameras, but since this is not I review, I’ll stop crying and complaining about their design).
On the other hand, built quality is impressive for the price. Cameras are light-weight, yet firm and compact.
So, size, built quality and design are the same. I get it. Both cameras are ugly looking, how about weight?
When it comes to weight there is a difference. If you want to split hairs, GIT 1 weights 63 grams where as GIT 2 weight is 64 grams according to my measurements.
Video quality Git 1 vs Git 2
In my tests, not only that GIT 2 provided superior video colors in daylight, but it also has more resolutions and frames per second options.
Here are few side by side comparison at daylight.
It appears that newer, GIT2 beats its predecessor at, well everything. Uh, not exactly. At low-light, GIT2 proved to be inferior in quality to GIT1.
Due to 2 megapixels sensor that GIT1 has, it has better low-light (night) video quality. Take a look at this great side by side comparison by my friend TechTronic9000.
Video stabilization
People have been going crazy about “gyro stabilization” lately. This little piece of hardware, combined with camera software stabilizes. It works similarly to image stabilization. In layman’s words. GIT 2 has video stabilization where as GIT1 doesn’t. Is it a big deal? In my opinion it is. It is quite obvious how smoother video looks on GIT2.
Don’t just take my word for it. Here is a stabilization comparison.
Photo quality comparison
Photo quality is something where GIT2 beats GIT1 without any doubt. Not only that it has far better sharpness and colors, but it also provides more options (for example vivid color) to boost photo performance.
Sound quality
What I really like about both GIT 1 and 2 is that they support external microphone. In my tests I used this external mic.
Overall, both cameras have same sound quality, though GIT 2 appears to be a bit more sensitive.
Features
Little note. The entire article is based on latest firmware versions available for both cameras at the time of writing the article.
- Git 1 (V.1.30_20160116)
- Git 2 (V1.3_0130)
Why the hell am I telling you this? Because from time to time manufacturer decides to update the firmware. Firmware (or software) updates add new features and remove bugs. So if in future Gitup releases new software versions, some features from the following table may be different.
Features are important part of the camera. A feature determines what camera can and can’t do. Features are options that camera offers to us. While user-interface, design and plenty other things may fool you into thinking that both GIT 1 and GIT 2 are the same, they are not. Here are features that both cameras have or don’t have.
In my humble opinion, this is where you have to focus. It’s what makes a huge difference which one to get.
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Even though, I explained most of these features in detail in my Git 1 and Git 2 reviews, I will briefly summarize them, since there are people who do not like to read my long reviews. Below are features that are different in both cameras. Meaning one has it, and the other does not. All other options are the same.
Image rotation
Image rotation will rotate the video/photo output for 180°. This is handy when you mount the camera upside down. Unfortunately, the image sensor that GIT2 has, does not support image rotation, so GIT2 does not have this feature, where as GIT1 has.
Video Stabilization
In my opinion video stabilization is quite important, especially if you are not that good with video editing software. GIT2 has a little hardware sensor which they call “gyro”, which servers as an gyroscope. It reduces the field of view of the camera and “negates” the motion.
In simple words, this combination of hardware and software will make video smoother, but will only work for up and down, not when camera goes left and right. It’s quite complicated how these things work, so if you are really curios, you can check this page for more info.
To sum up, GIT2 has video stabilization, GIT1 does not.
Video (Slow motion, SnapShoot, Colors)
These options can be found only in GIT2. At the time of writing these can’t be found in GIT1, but it is possible that they can be added in some of the next firmware updates.
- Slow motion – you get slow motion video right out of the box, which is good for people who do not use editing software.
- SnapShoot – during recording camera will capture a photo as well on specified interval. Actually it’s not a real 16MP image, it is more a video frame extracted. Mah, I do not see the point of it.
- Colors – you can change colors from normal, black and white and sepia.
I personally never use any of these, as I prefer slowing down videos and adding colors in post-production.
Web Camera
Personally, I really like when an action camera can be used as a webcam. I am often on Skype talking with friends or business associates and thanks to action cameras that support PC camera option, most of them are amazed with my video quality (though confused with a wide-angle view – yup they can see your entire room).
Unfortunately, lately less and less cameras can be used as a PC cameras. I contacted Gitup about this, and these guys actually added this feature in GIT2.
In my tests, GIT2 works great as a webcam on Windows 10. Git 1 does not work for me. Now, this might be different on other platforms and operating systems, but I doubt it. Important thing is that if you care to use your Gitup as a Skype camera, get a GIT2, especially if you’re on Windows 10.
Quick capture
Quick capture is awesome feature. If you enable it, you can start recording video by pressing a record button, without having to turn on the camera first. So, you turn this thingy ON, and when you mount the GIT2 onto a helmet, just click the shutter button, camera will boot up and start recording within 3 sec.
At the time of writing this comparison, only Gitup GIT 2 has quick capture.
Photo burst
For those who like to take continues photos with a single shutter click, you should know that GIT1 does not have photo burst option, where as its successor can shoot up to 10 photos.
RAW format
Only Git 2 can export photos in RAW format. If you do not know what a RAW is, you will probably never use it anyway. I wrote about it in my GIT 2 review, so make sure to check it out if you would like to understand it better.
Shutter speed
If I could name one feature that I absolutely love in my Git 2, that would be the shutter speed control. Unfortunately, GIT 1 does not support shutter speed adjustment, it is all on auto. Examples on what you can do with this feature can be seen in already mentioned review of Git 2 that I wrote. [phpzon keywords=”gitup camera” num=”4″ country=”US” trackingid=”pevly0d-20″ templatename=”columns” columns=”4″]
Price
As far as the pricing is concerned, there is obviously a difference. GIT1 is cheaper camera. It can be found these days for 80-100$ easily, even though it’s retail was around 130$.
Gitup GIT2 is newer camera and it costs more. It’s retail is 159$, but with a coupon it can be decreased. Also some retailers sell it for 10-20% off the retail.
Anyway, here are some stores where you can find both cameras, since the prices frequently change, make sure to check all the links and find best solution for yourself.
Summary
No matter which camera you choose, I believe you’ll be satisfied. Both cameras support external mic, remote controller, WiFi and have similar features. Both are well-built and have stable software. More importantly, Gitup has great support team that will help you along the way.
If your main goal is to buy something good for low-light performance with an image rotation, you can get GIT1.
But, honestly, even though the price is 30-50$ higher, I really think that Git 2 offers way better value for the money. If you can’t afford Git 2 currently, perhaps you can save for few more weeks and really get something that is better.
Unless you are on an extremely tight budget, do yourself a favor and get a GIT 2.
Git 2 provides better image, video and audio quality. Additionally it has more features and can be used as a web camera. It is without any argument a better camera. The only downside is that it is more expensive.
If I was in a place to choose between Git 1 and Git 2, I would choose Git 2. Trust me, you will get way more value for the money compared to its predecessor.
Finally, if you have a question about the differences between these two action cameras, do not hesitate to leave a comment below. I try to reply to all questions asap. On the other hand if you by any chance own both GIT1 and GIT2, perhaps you can write your own opinion and help others choose according to your experience. Either way, I hope to hear back from you. Thanks for reading.
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