As SJCAM recently started to “print” tons of new limited edition models and release them in very short time period, plenty of customers were confused and overwhelmed with so many “new-old” action cameras.
After receiving few emails from few of the readers, I decided to finally overcome my procrastination and put everything on a paper. Well not exactly a paper, but lets call it the “virtual pergament”.
In this table-rich post, I will try to explain to you what is the difference between newly launched SJCAM SJ1000x, WiFi, SJ5000x and SJCAM5000x Elite, and once for all clear out all the confusion, that producer caused with launching this many cameras in short time-span.
Why are they launching Limited Edition cameras?
Probably the most reasonable question of all, is : why the heck are these guys launching these cameras in limited quantity? Are they insane?
While there are many theories among members on different forum communities, there are two sensible theories. Other theories include alien abduction and a Big Bang story, so lets not go that far 😛
First theory says : SJCAM wants to reach out to more potential customers by reducing the prices slightly and expanding their product line. Also because of their recent problems with marketing partner, they finally want to let people know who is an official manufacturer and owner of SJCAM brand. Additionally in the quiet winter season that is arriving, they still want people to talk about their company and cameras.
Second theory, the evil one, SJCAM had some problems recently with their SJ4000+ and SJ5000 series, which did not sell quite well. So now they are repacking the remaining hardware in order to sell some more cameras and increase volume of their sales.
No matter which theory you believe in, one thing is sure – customers are confused.
I bet that one of these questions (if not all of them) bother you, that is why you are here after all, right?
- What is the difference between the X1000,SJ4000,SJ4000+ and SJ5000x?
- Are those limited edition cameras better then the one I bought already?
- Should I hurry up and upgrade?
- Which one is better to buy?
Do not worry, allow me to brake it down to you, one step at a time. Lets begin.
What is the difference between SJ X1000 vs SJ5000x vs SJ5000x Elite?
Now, lets go through differences between these new Limited Edition models. The best way to show you what is different is in a table. For best experience, it would be good if you can preview these tables on your desktop, as they will appear side by side.
SJCAM SJ1000x
$99
- Chipset: Novatek 96655
- Sensor: Aptina AR0330 3.5 mp
- Lens f= 2.99mm F= 2.8; wide angle : 170°
- Video Resolutions : 1920 x 1080p @ 30 fps, 1280 x 720p @ 60 fps (records each frame twice, so its not real 60 fps!) -848 x 480p @ 60 fps, 640 x 480 @ 60 fps
- Image resolutions : 12 mp, 4000 x 3000 -8 mp, 3264 x 2448 -5 mp, 2560 x 1920 -3 mp, 2048 x 1536 -2 Megapixel, 1920 x 1080 (recommended) -1.2 Megapixel, 1280 x 720 (interpolated resolutions)
- LCD Display : 2” 960*240
- WiFi
- Price : Starting at 99$
- Limited Edition : 5000pcs
- Gyro Anti-shake Stabilization
SJCAM SJ5000x
$149
- Chipset : Novatek 96660
- Image Sensor: OmniVison 4689 4mp
- Lens f= 2.99mm F= 2.8; wide angle : 170°
- Video Resolutions : 2K (2560 x 1440) @ 30fps, 1080P (1920 x 1080) @ 60fps / 30fps, 720P (1280 x 720) @ 120fps / 30fps / 60fps
- Image resolutions : 12MP (4032*3024), 10MP (3648*2736), 8MP (3264*2448), 5MP (2592*1944), 3MP, 2MHD, VGA, 1.3MP.
- LCD Display : 2” 960*240
- WiFi
- Price : Starting at 139$
- Limited Edition : 1000pcs
- Gyro Anti-shake Stabilization
SJCAM SJ5000x Elite
$149
- Chipset : Novatek 96660
- Image Sensor: Sony IMX078CQK
- Lens f= 2.99mm F= 2.8; wide angle : 170°
- Video Resolutions : 2K (2560 x 1440) @ 30fps, 1080P (1920 x 1080) @ 60fps / 30fps, 720P (1280 x 720) @ 120fps / 30fps / 60fps
- Image resolutions : 12MP (4032*3024), 10MP (3648*2736), 8MP (3264*2448), 5MP (2592*1944), 3MP, 2MHD, VGA, 1.3MP.
- LCD Display : 2” 960*240
- WiFi
- Price : Starting at 139$ - to be confirmed
- Limited Edition - quantity unknown
- Gyro Anti-shake Stabilization
SJCAM SJ x1000
The first product released from the limited edition series is SJ X1000. It sounded to me as if that they waned to honor their first, SJ1000 camera with this. So at first I thought it has to be something with that camera. Well, I was wrong. X1000 has nothing to do with SJ1000, instead this camera resembles more to SJ4000.
SJ4000 vs SJ X1000
There is no change when it comes to chipset, both cameras use Novatek 96655. Sensor is the same 3.5 megapixels, Aptina AR0330. Battery is also the same. So what is the difference between SJ4000 WiFi and SJx1000?
Allow me to present it in a table. Its much easier, and then I will clarify it a bit more.
SJCAM SJ4000 WiFi
$79
- LCD Display : 1.5"
- Price : Starting at 79$
- Not limited
- Lens f= 2.99mm F= 2.8; wide angle : 170°
- Menu Language support : 17
SJCAM SJ1000x
$99
- LCD Display : 2”
- Price : Starting at 99$
- Limited Edition : 5000pcs
- Lens f= 2.99mm F= 2.8; wide angle : 170° (UPGRADED according to manufacturer, unknown improvements)
- Menu Language support : 20
First visible difference is a 2 inch LCD screen at the back, which replaces old 1.5″ and gives better view while you record. One more thing is that this kind of LCD will drain a battery slightly faster, since the battery remained the same – 900mah.
Camera menu is multilingual and supports 20 languages (English, French, Spanish, Italian, German, Portuguese, Simplified Chinese, Japanese, Traditional Chinese, Russian, Korean, Polish, Czech, Slovakian, Hungarian, Danish, Dutch, Turkish and Vietnamese. Its crazy how many different languages are there. I do not remember seeing a product with this many available options for non-English speaking people. Compared to SJ4000 it has 3 more options.
Should you upgrade from SJ4000 to SJ x1000?
You would have to be crazy to buy x1000 if you already have SJ4000 WiFi or non WiFI, as differences are nearly non-existent. Unless you are some sort of a action camera collector, I really do not see a point in upgrading from SJ4000 to SJ1000x. Obviously manufacturer added a display and a lens hoping to sell more of the SJ4000 WiFi cameras under different name. Oops.
However, if you prefer slightly larger display, which certainly gives better view while recording and do not have an action camera yet, SJCAM SJX1000 is pretty good for beginners.
SJCAM SJ5000x
SJ5000x, is actually a repack of SJ4000+ model with a larger screen for the same price. Sounds familiar? Of course it does.
5000x, is a pure repack of SJ4000+, but brings some features that make it better buy.
I am under impression that they repacked SJ4000 Plus, due to the poor reviews it got, and are now trying to sell it as a Limited Edition with a larger LCD screen, under 5000 series name.
Nothing impressive to be honest, but still better deal then with disappointing SJ4000 Plus standard.
SJCAM SJ5000X vs SJ4000+
Even though differences are not huge, there are some that are quite significant. Please understand that here I am comparing SJ4000+ non Gyro edition. (difference between Gyro and Standard)
SJCAM SJ4000+ (No Gyro)
$139
- Lens f= 2.99mm F= 2.8; wide angle : 170°
- LCD Display : 1.5”
- Gyro Anti-shake Stabilization
- Not a limited edition
SJCAM SJ5000x
$139
- Lens f= 2.99mm F= 2.8; wide angle : 170° (UPGRADED according to manufacturer, unknown improvements)
- LCD Display : 2”
- Gyro Anti-shake Stabilization
- Limited Edition : 1000pcs
First huge improvement : SJ5000x has Gyro Electronic stabilization, which should stabilize video. This was huge problem with SJ4000+, and if you watched my review about it, you probably remember me whining about lack of stabilization. SJ4000+ Gyro version has this stabilization, but first few batches of SJ4000+ do not have any sort of stabilization.
Besides different lens and an LCD screen, and Gyro stabilization, the only “innovation” is different user interface, which reminds me of GitUp Git 1 in a way, though its not the same.
Should you upgrade from SJ4000 Plus to SJ5000x?
So considering same price SJ5000x now has, it is certainly a better deal then the SJ4000+, however if you bought that one already, I do not think its worth upgrading, unless you can get a refund and buy this one. If you are tinkering about 4000 plus and 5000x, I think its ob
SJCAM5000x Elite
At the time of writing this article, Elite version of SJCAM SJ5000x is due to be released in late October, early September. From the information I managed to get, this version of the camera will finally introduce Sony Sensors inside SJCAM products, which is quite a big news.
The announced 5000x Elite, will have a 12 megapixels Sony Sensor. It is yet unknown if it will bring some more improvements and novelties. After asking some questions to one of the SJCAM representatives I managed to find out that the sensor will be IMX078CQK, which is a 12 megapixel sensor.
Update 11/15/2015
Elite version of SJ5000x has been released. Standard SJ5000x was a limited edition and will not be produced anymore. Even though originally announced as 16 megapixels still image camera, it has only 12 mp. Also it is the first SJCAM camera to have 4K video.
However, manufacturer explained that 4k video is not really a 4K, its just upscaled 2k. Besides Sony Sensor, 4K interpolated video at 24 fps Elite version offers a built in Gyro sensor which stabilizes video much smoother. Additionally there is an option to switch between wide and narrow field of view.
I plan to review SJ5000x Elite in the upcoming weeks, so make sure to check back or bookmark the website for more information on Elite model.
You can buy Elite on
Update 5/19/2016 : You can read the full SJCAM 5000X Elite Review on this link.
Summary
As you can see, even though it sounded exciting, new Limited Edition cameras are nothing impressive for people who already bought some of their previous models. They certainly give more value for them money, especially 5000x compared to SJ4000+, so if you are indecisive which one to get, limited edition models seam to bring more bang for the buck.
However, according to the specifications, SJ5000x Elite is the real deal, as it offers big improvements in video and photo quality.
If you have any questions or you managed to find something that is not written here, feel free to leave a comment below. Even if you just want to say “Hi” 🙂
All SJCAM action cameras compared side by side
SJCam SJ7 Star Action Camera Review
SJCAM released their first car camera -SJ DASH
Action Camera 4k+ Review: EKEN Alfawise V50
It is a very good post for buyer to know the difference, I can provide some useful info.
1. All these new products is SJCAM plan, not because of the problem with their partner. The reason is the NTK96660 new chipset released, so they want to upgrade all of the exist models with new chipset, so there is SJ4000 Plus, M10 Plus, SJ5000X. Regarding the sensor on NTK96660 chipset, Novatek first tuned the OV4689 sensor, then Sony IMX078, IMX206, Novatek start from the cheapest sensor, so all of new released products with OV4689.
2. Regarding the X1000, the main reason is to fight with the copy model SJ7000, which copy the SJ5000 design but upgrade to 2.0 inch screen, change the sensor to AR03330 then sold for lower price, this SJ7000 copy version affect the SJ5000 series business.
3. Sony IMX078 is 12MP sensor, not sure whether they will declare it 12MP or 16MP, but some other company like FireFly 6S have declared it as 16MP sensor, even advertise it is same sensor as GoPro.
hey!! and what about the sjcam m10+?
explain more about gyro stablization!! i want to know, same a video maybe explaining that
Review should be coming in few weeks, and everything will be explained there, as I am still testing it.
Hey Pavle,
Thank you for the great reviews; very insightful.
Reading through your posts I narrowed down my choices between SJ5000K and SJ5000Plus. Is there any post where you compared these two?
Hi NJ, I have not compared 5000x and 5000plus, but if you want my two cents, wait few more days until SJ5000x Elite gets released (with Sony Sensor and built in stabilization). I am not a huge fan of SJ5000+.
I would like to buy one of the SJ cams. I found three option, the first which I prefer most the SJ5000X, and the second one SJ5000 plus, and I’m not sure is worth the SJ5000X limited edition which can do 4K, but I need just 1080p 60 fps, but maybe the limited edition has better sensor. Which one you suggest me to buy?
Thank you for your advice 🙂
Hi Matyas, if you can afford, do not think twice, SJ5000X Limited Edition with Sony Sensor is at least three times better then usual 5000X. I am not a huge fan of SJ5000+ and haven’t tested it, as it had so many problems initially.
Sorry for that but in my first comemnt I forgat to say hi 🙂
now I’m confused, bacouse I found two different 5000x edition, actually three but one is the normal one. So I found something which is called elite edition, I put link here for this, I hope is allowed 🙂 sjcamhd.com/sjcam-sj5000x-elite-sony-imx078-gyro-4k24-2k-action-camera-pre-order/,
So this is the same as, the limited edition or this is different one, and I have one more question, the battery is compatible with all of the sj 5000 series?
Thank you for the quick answers 🙂
My bad, I meant the SJ5000X Elite, that is the one with better sensor (meaning images will be 12MP, instead of 4mp). My recommendation is based strictly on specs, as I have not yet tested any of those cameras. Differences between them are pointed out in the article.
All have 900mah battery, so they are all compatible.
Preordered a Sj5000x elite for myself. Will be my first action cam (chose it above a xiaomi yi for the accessories, screen and 4k footage). Keen to receive it (hope it gets sent soon!)
Hi Matt, were you happy with your purchase? I’m on the verge of ordering one myself. Thanks for any info 🙂
Same to me, it will be my first action camera ( i had a Canon 7D before but i felt hurt when recording video with her)
hey, what will be better then , the sj5000+ or the sj5000x elite?
the seller tell me that the elite is better quality and also cheaper, true?
Haven’t tested any of the trio, but according to specs, Elite has best hardware.
If SJ5000x Elite will be better than SJ5000+, why S5000+ still more expensive than SJ5000x Elite ?
Sorry for my ignorance.
That is a question for manufacturer. I can only say which one is better when I have them side by side. From the specs I see Elite looks quite promising though.
Lots of reading last night of all your reviews before the 11.11 sale.
Thanks heaps.
I ended up getting the elite. Hope it goes well. I’m on a tight budget and just wanted the best bang for my buck. Plus was in the market for a dashcam as well so this worked out well.
Well actually I was after dashcam for wife and wanted a action cam so worked out a way of weasiling myself one.
The 4mp sensor in other models put me off. And other brands are limited for autostart.
Seller promised me the new model at the 11.11 discounted price so seemed like a no brainer. Better send the right model once they get some.
Paid $114usd
Thanks for taking time to read through my reviews, I hope the information was helpful. That seams like a great deal for the model. I am still waiting for mine to arrive.
where did you get the elite for $114, i am looking at gearbest and the black one is $122 shipped
Aliexpress. Seller had really good feedback. Was for the limited edition and I asked about new model. They said I could buy the limited and leave message I want elite, so I can have for the discounted price of 119. Then used a $5 aliexpress coupon.
Pevly.com is the cats ass site for finding out info on these SJ’s. Most informative, to the point and easy to understand. A go to info site for me.
You rock Pevly.com keep up the excellent work.
Barn
Thanks a lot Barn, appreciate your kind words.
Hear, Hear. 🙂
Hi, Pavle. It is better to buy GoPro HERO+ or SJ5000x Elite? I want to hook the camera on my child. What camera have better video quality and is most suitable for working with in Premiere Pro? Is it possible to connect a microphone?
I do not have nor I have tested GP+, so I can not comment. It does not matter all action cameras work in Premiere Pro, its the software I use as well. Elite does not have external mic support, not sure about GP+.
Pavle, the elite does not have the external mic suport?? Whats this?
Ability to support externally attached microphone. None of SJCAM cameras support external mic, so far.
Well you will be lucky to get any response from the microphone in the SJ5000X Elite.
My camera arrived (pre ordered batch) and audio record does not work.
Faint beep but no sound recorded.
I have raised a support ticket with SJcamhd site but have not received a reply.( I bought it directly from their shop)
My camera when connected to a Windows 7 computer identifies itself as “Demo 1”. It also came with no protective overlay on the lens or LCD so I may have been sent a prototype or used camera.
Most disappointed with this product.
I bought a sj5000x ELITE and is original.Tengo the following questions:
1 – In resolution 1280 x 720 at 120 fps repeats one frame every two frames so the actual fps is 60 fps?
2 – VGA resolution 640 x 480-240 fps frame also repeats so they are also 240 different frames per second.
3 – 4K resolution is not real because it is 2880 x 2160 anamorphic.
I think the advertising is misleading because it makes us have prospects after not met
1 -This happens in low light conditions.
2.- This happens in low light conditions.
3.- True.
4.- The sound is very very low
Hi, awesome website. Thanks a lot for your work!
I am shopping for a camera to tape our baby, which means a lot of close-up video. I am thinking to attach camera to the stroller, car seat etc….Do you think SJ5000X ELite is a good buy for this ? Also is this one an elite modelhttp://www.gearbest.com/action-cameras/pp_243426.html? Thanks a lot.
Thanks Olena.
I haven’t tested the Elite model (will do it in few weeks probably). But I do not see why not can it be used for purpose of recording toddlers. If it says Elite in the headline, that’s the one. Be aware that none action camera will be able to focus details at extremely close up distance (less than 20 cm). The limit depends, but usually its 20-30cm. So if you intend to record from close up not closer than 30 cm, that is okay.
Don’t buy the sj5000x elite for the sound. the microphone is very weak the first batch has hardware problems with the mircophone.
Hi ! Thank your for the review ! I really want to get the best Sjcam at the moment for airsofting. I was eyeballing the sj4000 plus with the gyro to get that 1080 HD at 60 fps, but do you recommend me the 5000x elite instead ? Thank you !
As said few times in the comments here, I did not yet test 5000X Elite, so I can not recommend it until I test it out. But specs are better compared to SJ4000+.
You can see here all sjcam cameras specs side by side.
I bought the Sjcam 5000x Elite, but when i insert the validation code to check the authenticity, it said: “Verification Results: Not Successful”
But i think its a error, because i check all the other items, and i think its a True Product…
Anyone with the same problem?
I bought a SJ5000x (newest with sony sensor and gyro), And the video is good quality, but lots of tearing with motion, and video artifacts. I’m using a legitimate EVO 32gb class 10 card, and tried a second card to check. Played around with the settings, cant get it to look decent with any motion. tried new 1.2.3 firmware as well.
Any idea what this could be?
To reply to my own question-
I just learned of the second rating on the SD cards the “U1-U3” rating. Should I need a U3 rated card for 1080/60 and higher?
Not sure what you mean by motion tearing? Try turning the Gyro off and see if it is the same.
I have yet to test my Elite, so cant say for sure, but perhaps their firmware needs an upgrade. I noticed video with Gyro seam a bit shakier.
As for U1-U3, Not really, I have U1 one works just fine. My EVO 32 GB works just fine with 60fps in 1080p.
I have a sj5000x Elite, anyone have problem with battery drain? 10 min and it’s over..
Hi.
You’re doing a good job and your tests are very useful for people like me. I’m a little bit confused about all of this cameras. When can we expect the test of SJ5000x Elite? Still not sure about Xiaomi, 5000 plus or 5000x elite..
Thanks Tom, review on Elite is currently in progress, I guess in 2 weeks I will be able to fully finish it, perhaps a bit sooner. Due to the interest I will try to do it asap.
I’ll be expecting your review hehe
Cheers and thanks for your efforts =)
Hey pavle. Thanks for all your article it be helping me a lot. I do appreciate it. Btw im want to buy one of these camera. Which do you prefer? Sj5000 or sj5000x?
I haven’t tested either of those personally, so I can’t give you per se advice which one to get. Perhaps specs comparison of 5000 models might help. I am working on 5000X Elite however, and that review should come in 10 days or so.
hope to read your review soon thanks I got my elite but i don’t know whats wrong with it it’s original and verified.
Hello Pavle, great website, very detailed reviews.
Waiting for your 5000x elite review as I can’t make a choice between 5000x elite or 5000+. I hope you put a comparison between these two in your review.
Thanks. 5000X Elite review is coming in two weeks or so, depends on their firmware release, but there will be no side by side with 5000+ as I do not have that camera. You can check out YouTube, there are lots of side by side between these two.
Hi Pavle,
Awesome website. Love ur detailed and honest reviews.
I was eyeing on 2 sjcams and would really appreciate if u could help me with my decision. First one is SJCAM 5000x Elite and the other one is SJCAM m10+.
Am basically looking for good quality videos and nice slow motion videos.
I need to capture some awesome videos(both slow and normal speed) by putting the cam on my Axial RC Car. You know, hoping to get some good slow motion videos of my RC Car going through water/sand/mud etc.
I have not finished testing 5000X Elite out, but it is certainly way better camera when it comes to photo and video quality compared to m10+. But some batches (including the one I have) have a sound problem. So make sure to ask your seller if your Elite has audio problem or not before buying. I think for same price you get much better value with Elite.
The SJ5000X Elite is nothing short of amazing! I am blown away by the value of this camera. The still shots taken in darkness with high iso and long exposure are crystal clear and detailed.
Hey thanks a bunch for the detailed comparison! Very comprehensive! Was wondering something though, in your opinion (or anyone’s opinion), SJ5000 Plus or SJ5000x, which is a better buy?
Can you give some reviews & comments between SJ5000x Elite and Xiaomi Yi ??
This blog is so informative! You help us realize the exact specifications of the SJCAM Cameras. Please do more like this you can help many people around the globe.
Cheers from the Philippines
Cheers, appreciate your kind comment.
Any update?
Yeah, need an update/review on the SJCAM 5000X Elite soon 🙂
Have a good trust in you and your testing and what you write. Keep up the very good work please!
I have SJ5000x Elite, I was told before buying it that it would record continuous video the whole time it was turned on. It actually records for roughly 30> 38minutes, stops for 4seconds, then starts recording again. As a Dash Cam that is useless. Any help is appreciated
I am looking forward to your review of SJ5000x Elite, it can’t come quick enough
Hi I want to buy a SJCAM camera but I don’t really know which one is the best between the SJ5000+ or the SJ5000x Elite
thank you 🙂
Hello,
After reading all your post about action cameras, finally I bought a SJ5000x Elite, I am waiting for it. Thank you so much!!!I want to buy some filters and a macro lens (I will use it in Hawaii 😀 ), but I am afraid about the generics because they don’t specify if it fits that camera. What do you know? What could you advise me?
Thanks
Hi, I can’t find you’re review of the SJ5000x Elite on this website, can you point it to me? I already have an SJ4000 and SJ4000+ Gyro, do you think is worth getting the SJ5000x Elite? have you tested it, is it that much better than the SJ4000+ Gyro? the only difference between them is the sensor and lcd screen, Thank you.
You can’t see it because it hasn’t been published yet, expect it in few days.
Hi i have one more question. I am trying to figure out whether to buy 5000x or 5000x elite, since they are both cheaper than gopro. So my real question is will the video that i record show on my phone if i download an app? Since i am trying to use this often with the selfie stick i wouldn’t know where i am facing the camera , so i really want to know if either of those two have that screen sharing feature.
Hi there,
just ordered SJ5000X Elite but couldn’t buy along additional battery pack as they say it out of stock. though they have battery sets for SJ4000/5000… on my question ‘ve got the answer it is not compatible, meaning not interchangeable. Is it true?
We travel on moto 2-3 days on remote areas so it is a quite important issue.
Yes, they are all compatible and the same. Did the manufactured said they are not compatible?
Hi! SJ 5000 X ELITE has bluetooth? I can’t find a clear answer. Thank you!
No, SJCAM 5000X Elite does not have a Bluetooth.
Hi, I am looking for a lens fit for my sjcam x1000. Does it mean the sjcam 5000 lenses is compatible for my x1k?? Or can you please suggest a lens that is compatible. Thanks in advance.
Hi, John!
You should forward your question to the manufacturer, as we do not have sufficient data to answer it. We don’t take apart the cameras during our tests, as it voids the Warranty and also does not serve the main purpose of this site. The compatibility between various models may vary greatly, depending upon actual model build and parts used. But you could perhaps try to experiment with adding of some makeshift outside adaptation for add-on lens(es) to see if it will suit your purposes.
Please contact [email protected] for detailed information!
Best Regards!
Great reviews. Question: SJ5000 Elite with wifi. I want to view recordings on my s7 android device but the camera has 4k?
Hi, Steve… SJ5000 Elite records in 4K. All its features are right there in the specifications. So, read the Review, and enjoy the Good Light! 🙂