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?
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 :
- Chipset
- Image sensor
- Lens
- Weight
- Size
- Screen
- Max image resolution
- Max Video resolution
- Video compression format
- Image format
- Memory
- Battery
- WiFi
- Connection
- Timer
- Photo time-lapse
- Video time-lapse
- Burst
- Webcam
- Car camera
- Remote controller
- External Mic
- Video Stabilization
- SJ4000 WiFi
- NTK96650
- AR0330 Sensor
- 6 glass
170º - Weight : 59 grams / 2.08 ounce
- Size : 59.27*41.13*29.28mm
- 1.5" LCD
- 3.5 megapixels
- 1080p x 1920
30 fps - H.264
- JPEG
- 32GB
- 900mah
- USB, HDMI
- 2s/3s/5s/10s/20s
- 2s / 5s / 10s
- SJ5000
- NTK96655
- Panasonic MN34110PA
- 6 glass
170º - Weight : 59 grams / 2.08 ounce
- Size : 59.27*41.13*29.28mm
- 2" LCD
- 14 megapixels
- 1080p x 1920
30 fps - H.264
- JPEG
- 32GB
- 900mah
- USB, HDMI
- 2s/3s/5s/10s/20s
- 2s / 5s / 10s
- SJ5000 WiFi
- NTK96655
- Panasonic MN34110PA
- 6 glass
170º - Weight : 59 grams / 2.08 ounce
- Size : 59.27*41.13*29.28mm
- 2" LCD
- 14 megapixels
- 1080p x 1920
30 fps - H.264
- JPEG
- 32GB
- 900mah
- USB, HDMI
- 2s/3s/5s/10s/20s
- 2s / 5s / 10s
- SJ5000+
- Ambarella A7LS75 DSP
- Panasonic MN34120PA
- 6 glass
170º - Weight : 76 grams / 2.68 ounce
- Size : 59.27*41.13*29.28mm
- 1.5" LCD
- 16 megapixels
- 1080p x 1920
30, 60 fps - H.264
- Image format : JPEG
- 32GB
- 900mAh
- USB, HDMI
- 3s/5s/10s/30s/60s
- 3s/5s/10s/
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.
- GearBest – verified retailer – link to the store
- 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.
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Errr…when I last looked 169 divided by 109 was 1.55, nearer to one and a half times than twice as expensive. Lots of reasons for the 5000+ to be better if they ever get the introductory bugs ironed out. One fundamental difference you have missed is resolution , or at least how it is achieved. There are some others but I’ll let you find them out.
Hey,
Thanks for taking the time to comment. That´s why I said nearly as twice as expansive. Especially because SJ4000 can now be bought on other sites for 80-99$ including shipping with promotions and coupons for instance.
Resolution was added to the table, but I will update the article as well. Appreciate your feedback. Let me know if you have any other suggestions. I plan to add more info during the week.
i bought an old unbranded sjcam 4000 (a real one ) might i add !
43£ incluiding p&p the only gripe , I updated the firmware big mistake, dont it totally stuffs the video quality , managed to put the find the right firmware,
30£ just for a gopro mount !!!!!!!
Hi which firmware was prevouis on the cam and which did you update it too. Just curious might downgrade myself.
Thx
Josh, if your camera is original, you do not have to downgrade as each firmware brings better things. However if its fake or clone of SJ4000, then do not upgrade at all.
Hi, do you see a difference in the quality of the pictures between 2Mp, 4Mp and 12Mp with the sj4000 ?
I don’t understand why they tell that the camera can take 12Mp still pictures when their sensor is only a 3.4Mp sensor.
The only difference is in image size.
You can read more about it in photography section of my SJ4000 review.
If you are looking at a cheap camera to take photos mostly, take a look at Xiaomi YI it has true 16 mp if that is something that you need of course.
great review. il definitely be getting the 4000 model, based on my needs. thank you!!
Glad to hear that, feel free to let me know how it works for you once you get it, would love to hear your experience.
Hi
I want to take underwater photo which camera is better
I need sharp with good colours photo
Thank you
Have not tested them underwater personally. Sorry. Try to check some videos of underwater videos on YouTube.
while recording does the A/V out in the USB port always there or must we turn on TV mode with every power up like my sj4000
Is it possible to uninstall a firmware. I had the 2,4 installed the 2,5 and the screen turned white. thanks…
Yes it is, use the same process you did when upgrading, just use different FW. You either have a fake camera or installed a wrong firmware the new is not working properly.
Hi, I am currently deciding if I should get the SJ CAM 5000 WiFi over the SJCAM 4000 WiFi (I don’t have enough money to get the SJCAM5000+). It is about 1.5x the price of the SJCAM 4000 WiFi in a store I found here in the Philippines. Does the 5000 offer enough improvement over the 4000 to justify the price difference? Is it a good purchase?
I haven not personally tested SJ5000 WiFi. In my opinion none of the SJ5000 series are worth the price. SJ4000+ came out, I will be reviewing it in a week or two. I am very satisfied with SJ4000 however. You can check full review with pros and cons here
Thank you for your quick response. However, I am also considering the Xiaomi Yi Camera, would you recommend it over the SJCAMX000 series? I would primarily use it for still photography and stationery video.
If photography is main goal, I recommend YI. Not sure what you mean to do with videos, but action cameras are ment to be used in motion instead of the tripod.
Does the lack of an LCD panel hinder it a lot? Or is using the app not as bad as some people say it is? The only reason I considered the SJCAM series is because they have an LCD panel. (LOL, yeah, seriously).
I will publish a comparison very soon between the two cameras. For now I recommend you to read YI review and SJ4000 review.
Its all a matter of habit. My 50-year old father enjoys SJ4000 and learned to use it in a day, while he hates YI. My younger 14-year old cousin loves using app. Its all a matter of personal taste and depends on your needs.
Thank you for replies and your time, Pavle!
You are welcome Rafael 🙂
just wondering where in the philippines they sell sjcam as Iam moving there
you can check here – lazada.com.ph
They are selling in some malls here in cavite. Try shopwise.
Great review!
Wondering sj5000 or sj5000+ suitable for scuba diving with dept to 35m
Have not tested them personally, as I am not a diver, but according to specs it should be okay. (according to specs, not my test).
I am looking to buy my first action camera for occasional use (trips, car etc, nothing for professional publishing) and who would say that it won’t be easy to pick.
Xiaomi Yi – best video for the money but lack of screen is big minus for me, because I don’t want to waste time adjusting everything thru the app, but big plus is ability to use RC
Sj5000 + – simillar quality of the photo/video like Xiaomi, but at higher cost, lack of remote control option via bluetooth
Sj4000 wifi – average quality with average price, colors not the best
Sj4000+ – same as 4000 but with 2K video and real 1080P 60FPS.
I got good price from well known seller, SJ5000+ with 2 extra batteries and charger for $165, SJ4000 wifi with 2 extra batteries and charger for $95. SJ4000+ with same equipment 2bat and charger for $140.
Is it worth to spend extra $70 on SJ5000+ or $45 on 2K video?
I can’t comment on SJ4000 plus, as I yet have to test it out. At the time my SJ5000 arrived, it had so much problems, that I decided to return it right away. If you can stretch for Sony AS100V, its also great value for the money.
I can stretch but I don’t have need for that kind of camera because I won’t use it for commercial work.
Is there any way to adjust colors in SJ4000 to be more natural like SJ5000+?
I know that colors on sj5000+ are great out of box, and that colors on sj4000 are blueish etc.
That is possible with any camera, but requires decent knowledge on video editing.
After reading this blog, I have decided to get sj5000+ because of the colors. Who wants colors that are not good?
This morning I got promo email from one of the websites and bought sj5000+ for $125. I think its a good price.
Hi! Im choosing between sj4000 and sj5000wifi. Can you help me decide? Is sj5000wifi produces 16mp? Is there a big differnce with the results of image between them? Is sj5000wifi more clearer than sj4000?
Thanks! Hoping for you reply!
I have not tested SJ5000 WiFi, therefore I can not help you.
Hi Pavle,
me gain 🙂 I would like to own a action camera and compare between SJCAM SJ4000 and SJ5000 (5000+ definately will be too pricey to me).
My main purpose of this camera is video shooting under the water.
I can’t make my mind which model should go.
If i would take SJ4000, the quality of the video (blueish) is my 1st concern as it does not show the natural color in the video.
However, you had mentioned that SJ5000 does not give as much features enhancement as Plus does, but also does not came out with better features then SJ4000.
**price different between these 2 – MYR150 (~40 USD)
Could you please advice?
If I was you, I would check for underwater videos of both on YouTube. I haven’t tested SJ4000 underwater.
Thanks for your suggestion. I had made up my mind after check the video in youtube 🙂
The blueish color cast isn’t notable on my SJ4000. I can adjust any color shift with my iMovie editor if I need to. I am interested in true 1080 @ 60 FPS that is not just a duplicate frame which is what you get in the 720 @ 60 FPS on the SJ4000 +. Does anyone know if the 5000 is true 60 (FPS) frames per second?
Hi, what do you think of sjcam.com? Is it a legit site to buy an SJ cam? pls advice. Thx
I recommend GearBest, Amazon or eBay much better support.
Sj 5000 VS xiaomi yi.. which wan better?
It has already been answered few times in comments. YI. Here is full review.
thanks.. i Jus finish read after i ask u this question.. haha.. i wan for snorkeling.. i think xiao yi is OK
I think sj4000 is the best ideal model to buy for new users of action camera.there is no big difference between them.for example sony z2 and sony z3..they created nearlydame time.z3 is better but z2 is not garbage.they have almost same options;)have a good record guys:))
I have the SJCAM SJ5000 WiFi. Have you run across an issue with it powering on? I did get the firmware to update it. It worked fine for about a week. Then just a few days ago I would power the cam on and 2 to 3 minutes later the display opened and was ready to use. I have sent an email to their support email, but have not gotten a reply yet. Can you tell me which firmware update to get for the camera I have. Can you post a link to the firmware update for a SJCAM SJ5000 WiFi.
I do not have SJ5000 here to tell you, but all the latest FW updates can be found on their website. Link.
Hello guys,
I purchased 8 sj4000, end want to make 360 video. But now I am stuck with focal lenght.
When I recordnig on 1080hd what is focal lenght?
Sj4000 wifi or sj4000
HI.
i am about to purchase the SJCAM but i want to know which model is better?
i am Struggle between the 5000x Elite, the 5000+ and the 4000+?
which is the best?
i want to have real colors and very sharp video resolution even when the camera is on movement.
in addition i would like to have best night vision that possible in this models.
for some reason i think that the SJ5000x elite is doing some blur on the details when taking videos.
i tried to see more then 20 YouTube review and compares but the results are different between one review to another. maybe the white Balance is not the same on all videos?
please help!
Thanks!
Ben
Hello….
i am thinking of getting the SJCAM SJ5000X but it says that it is the elite edition?
Is it a quality camera that it is the elite edition??
Hi, can you please help what iOS app is compatible with sjcam 5000 wifi? Thank you
I am not able to upload photos or videos to my iMac, any suggestions?