SJCAM SJ5000 vs SJ4000 – What is the difference?

Ever since SJCAM launched their new SJ5000 camera which comes in three versions, we have been wondering what is the difference between it and SJ4000. It is a known fact that SJ4000 became one of the most popular action cameras in just a year. But can SJ5000 beat it?

different sjcam models compared

You want short answer? The answer is YES. In terms of features, software, chip-set and video quality, the newer is nearly always better.

The big question : SJ5000 plus is nearly as twice as expensive as SJ4000 WiFi. Are the new features worth the money?

In this post I will compare the two cameras in terms of specifications, video and photography quality.

Since SJ4000 comes in WiFi and non WiFi version, I decided to compare the WiFi model, since that is literary the only difference between these two SJ4000.

On the other hand, 5000 has 3 different models. SJ5000, SJ5000 and SJ5000 Plus. If you would like to see what is a difference between them, check out this comparison I wrote recently.

To sum up, this comparison will include three models :

• SJ4000 WiFi (link)
• SJ5000 WiFi (link)
• SJ5000 Plus (link)

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SJCAM SJ4000 WiFi vs SJ5000 Novatek 96655 WiFi

The biggest difference between these two cameras, except the price is sensor. The first one has the Aptina AR0330 where as the other has Panasonic MN34110PA. For a regular users this might not be  a huge difference. Quite simply said, Panasonic sensor preforms better according to tests. It is also better in low-light conditions.

Another difference comes in image resolution. Where as the maximum still shoot resolution in SJ4000 WiFi is 12M（4000×3000), SJ5000 WiFi can shoot in 16M(4608×3456). The more pixels your image has, means it can show more detailed photograph.

Final, and the least important (at least for most of users) is the size of LCD display. 1.5” 960*240 is the size of the SJ4000 LCD. SJ5000 WiFi has 2” 960*240 LCD display. The reason display is smaller could be the different size of the chip-set. Though it is not much larger, SJ4000 display looks better.

SJ4000 vs SJ5000+ (plus)

The biggest advantage of SJ5000 Plus is its ability to record videos in 60 fps at 1080p. No other SJCAM product before it was able to do that. In addition to higher frames per second in 1080p mode, this camera offers better image resolution and better sensor. Obviously, it preforms better in low-light condition and has slightly more natural colors.

With displays being the same size, there is no feature in which SJ4000 can beat the SJ5000 plus, except, wait for it… Price.

Are all improvements worth the price difference you may be wondering? Well, that really depends on your needs.

The truth is that people used to love SJCAM products because of its affordable price and rich features. With all the previous product, I was under impression that I was getting a better deal. I was the winner in consumer vs manufacturer battle. But not with the SJ5000 plus. Its price tag currently says 169$.

While on one hand it has better features then the 4000 WiFi, you can add few more bucks and get an action camera from an established brand like Sony or GoPro. I know that this is not comparison of the Sony AS100V vs SJ5000+, but if you are patient enough, you can get the Sony´s camera for around 199-219$ (This is what I paid for mine. Ordered directly from Sony).

Coupons and discounts on SJ4000 and SJ5000

If you already decided which one to get, on our deal page you can take a look at hand-picked coupons and discounts on these cameras.

So if you want to save few bucks, check these deals out.

To be sure you’re buying an official SJCAM product, you should probably go with one of the following sellers/stores.

• SJCAM Official Amazon Store – link to the store
• SJCAM AliExpress Authorized Reseller – link to the seller

Final thoughts on SJ5000 vs SJ4000

If you are just a regular on budget user trying to capture video of your trips, surfing, playing soccer or anything else, SJ4000 is still the best sjcam when you compare cameras. Unless you need 60fps and slightly better video and do not want to stretch your budget beyond 170$ SJ5000 plus is the way to go. I would not recommend SJ5000 WiFi since it does not offer as much as Plus does, but does not recommend tremendously better features then SJ4000. I also wrote quite lengthy article and review about SJ4000 so make sure to check it out if you are interested in in-depth feature analysis.