gopro hero+ camera with lcd touch screen made in china

GoPro has introduced the Hero+ LCD camera, sharing many features with the entry-level Hero with the addition of a touchscreen. The Hero+ LCD is waterproof to depths up to 40m/131 ft, and adds both Bluetooth and integrated Wi-F with support for the Android and iOS GoPro App. Videos can be recorded at up to 1080p/60, and 8MP still image capture is offered.

The Hero+ LCD"s features include HiLight Tagging for marking notable moments while recording or playing back footage, as well as in-camera video trimming for rapid editing and sharing without the use of a computer. Content can be shared directly to Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. Like the Hero, the Hero+ LCD offers a QuikCapture setting, allowing the user to power the device on and start recording with one button press. The battery allows for about two hours of recording per charge; microSD cards up to 64GB are supported.

The Hero+ LCD will launch in the United States at retailers and online on June 7 for $299.99 USD. The camera will then go on sale internationally on July 12.

SAN MATEO, CALIF. (June 1, 2015) – GoPro, Inc. (NASDAQ:GPRO), enabler of some of today"s most immersive and engaging content, has announced the availability of its new HERO+ LCD camera. Capturing life-like high definition 1080p60 video and 8MP photos, the HERO+ LCD features a convenient touch display for easy shot framing, settings control and access to an all-new in-camera video trimming feature. Like the entry-level HERO, the HERO+ LCD is built directly into its waterproof housing. The simplicity of this all-in-one design now combines with expanded features to make capturing life’s memorable moments easier than ever.

Rugged and waterproof to 131’ (40m), HERO+ LCD also includes advanced features like HiLight Tagging and in-camera video trimming to make it easier to identify and share your favorite moments. HiLight Tagging lets you mark key moments while recording and during playback so you can easily find them later, and the all-new video trimming feature allows you to create short clips in-camera for easier sharing without a computer.

Built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth® connect the HERO+ LCD to your GoPro App-enabled smartphone or tablet for easy camera control and shot preview when your camera is mounted or out of reach. The GoPro App also allows for easy content sharing to Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and more and combines with the new in-camera video trimming feature to form a convenient content sharing solution.

“HERO+ LCD illustrates that even as we push the limits of life capture with bleeding-edge devices like the HERO4 Black, we’re also focused on delivering accessible, high-quality capture solutions to anyone wanting to GoPro,” said Nick Woodman, founder and CEO of GoPro.

Whether you are a first-time user or a GoPro veteran, the HERO+ LCD is an impressive capture solution. It combines GoPro’s famed image quality, versatility and durability with WiFi connectivity, long battery life and touch display convenience in an all-in-one design.

HERO+ LCD will be available for purchase in the U.S. at authorized GoPro retailers and GoPro.com beginning June 7, 2015. International availability will begin July 12.

²Applies only to purchases made on GoPro.com. Some accessories excluded. Learn more. Limited to a maximum of 10 items per subscription anniversary year.

²Applies only to purchases made on GoPro.com. Some accessories excluded. Learn more. Limited to a maximum of 10 items per subscription anniversary year.

GoPro, Inc.GoPro and sometimes stylized as GoPRO) is an American technology company founded in 2002 by Nick Woodman. It manufactures action cameras and develops its own mobile apps and video-editing software. Founded as Woodman Labs, Inc, the company eventually focused on the connected sports genre, developing its line of action cameras and, later, video editing software. It is based in San Mateo, California.

On May 19, 2014, GoPro filed its Form S-1 with the SEC without specifying the number of shares or their price. The company stated that they hoped to raise at least $100 million through the sale of shares, using the money to pay off debt in full ($111 million as of March 31, 2014) and "to acquire or invest in complementary businesses, technologies or assets". They said that they planned to list on the NASDAQ stock exchange using the symbol "GPRO."

The expected price range was $21 to $24 a share; on June 25, 2014, GoPro sold 17.8 million shares to initial investors at $24 per share (totaling $427.2M).

One reason for GoPro"s decision to go public was the potential to become a media company to generate additional revenue from the content its cameras create.

Woodman worked on his first camera for two years after founding the company, eventually introducing the GoPro 35mm HERO in September 2004 at San Diego"s Action Sports Retailer trade show.

In 2014, the company was selling the HERO3+ in editions of different colors. It was capable of filming in 16:9 aspect ratio, supporting 4K UHD video and 12 MP still photographs.

On September 28, 2017, GoPro released the HERO6 Black, which claims improved stabilization over the HERO5 models and is capable of capturing 4K video in 60 FPS.

On September 20, 2018, GoPro came out with the HERO7 Black, which apart from providing improved stabilization over HERO6 models with HyperSmooth, also featured the new form of video capturing, "TimeWarp", providing a high speed effect to the videos. HERO7 also came out with capability to stream live across multiple platforms like Facebook and YouTube .

On October 15, 2019 GoPro released the Hero8 Black, which included improved in-camera stabilization by way of Hypersmooth 2.0. The Hero8 Black introduced integrated mounting "fingers" which could be folded down for use, and was also notable for not having an easily replaceable lens available from GoPro, though a third party replacement lens kit is available from a company called Camera Butter.

In 2014, GoPro entered into discussions with DJI for a private label model built with the GoPro branding. After the failure of these negotiations, GoPro entered into an agreement with 3D Robotics (3DR) for a similar partnership based on 3DR"s flight controllers. 3DR failed to meet their agreed-upon timelines. As a result, GoPro took full control of the development process in mid-2015.

Scheduled to be released early 2016, the GoPro Karma project was delayed several times before the GoPro Karma was announced with an introduction date of October 23, 2016. The Karma was released along with newer models of the HERO5 and Session cameras and features a removable handheld stabilizer (gimbal) integrated into the design. After a few customers complained about power failure during operation, GoPro recalled Karma drones and gave customers full refunds.

In November 2017, GoPro launched the Fusion camera,omnidirectional camera which is capable of recording 360-degree footage. The Fusion was the first GoPro to feature an increased maximum resolution of 5.8K.

GoPro produces various mounting accessories for its cameras including a 3-way mount, suction cup, chest harness, jaws-type flexible clamp, dog harness, surfing mount, etc.

In April 2014, GoPro was listed by Adweek as one of the "Top 10 Best Brand Channels on YouTube" based on a combination of views, shares, comments and overall engagement.

As part of its transformation to a media company in 2014, GoPro created additional channels with GoPro content on YouTube, Virgin America, and Xbox Live.PlayStation Network in 2015.

The 35mm camera (model #001) became available on April 13, 2005. It had dimensions of 2.5 by 3 inches (64 by 76 mm) and weighed 0.45 pounds (200 g). It included the camera, a clear case with quick release, a camera strap and ski glove adapter lash. It could pivot "on the fly" and be functional to a depth in water of about 15 feet (5 m). It was described as a "reusable wrist camera" and included a roll of 24 exposure Kodak 400 film.

The first generation of Digital HERO cameras (2006–09) were powered by conventional AAA batteries and included a rugged housing and wrist strap. Models were distinguished by their still image resolution and shot video in standard definition (480 lines or lower) with a 4:3 aspect ratio. Like the film camera HERO, the first-generation Digital HERO cameras were equipped with an optical viewfinder.

The original Digital HERO (DH1; 640×480 still resolution, 240p video in 10-second clips) of 2006 was succeeded by the Digital HERO3 (DH3; 3-megapixel stills, 384p video) and Digital HERO5 (DH5; same as DH3 but with 5-megapixel stills). All three of these had a 54° angle of view. A variant of the DH5 was released with an extreme wide-angle lens with 170° of angular coverage on the diagonal as the Wide HERO; the Wide HERO had a different housing than the other first-gen cameras (DH1/DH3/DH5) to accommodate its larger lens.

The Digital HERO released in 2006 (Model: SQ907 mini-cam) had a 640×480 camera and shot QVGA definition 320X240 (10 fps) video for a maximum of 10 seconds. The Digital HERO1 had 32 MB internal memory without SD slot.

The Digital HERO5 was first introduced in 2008. It had a 5 megapixel still photo sensor and supported standard definition (512×384) video capture. It ran on two AAA batteries, had 16 MB of internal memory and could function with a 2 GB SD card. Its housing was rated to 100 ft/30 meters depth. Its dimensions were 2.6 × 1.75 × 1.25 inches (66 × 44 × 32 mm).

The GoPro Wide HERO was the first model with a 170° wide-angle lens. It was released in 2008 alongside the Digital HERO5 and had the same 5MP sensor (2592 x 1944), capable of 512x384 at 30fps video with sound recording (up to 56 min. on a 2GB SD card), 5MP Photos, 10s Self Timer, 3X sequence still photo burst and Auto "Photo every 2 or 5 seconds" mode. It was powered by 2 x AAA batteries (not included in the box).

The second generation of the HERO cameras (2010–11) were branded HD HERO for their upgraded resolution, now offering up to 1080p high-definition video. With the HD HERO generation, GoPro dropped the optical viewfinder.

The basic HD HERO was marketed either with a basic set of accessories (case and mount) as the "Naked", or in bundles with additional accessories named for the intended purpose (such as the HD Helmet HERO, HD Motorsports HERO, and HD Surf HERO).

The HD HERO also offered an expansion port on the camera"s rear panel, branded the HERO Bus. Optional accessories included the LCD Bakpac, which offered a small monitor that displayed and played back video, and the Battery Bakpac, which doubled the battery life of the camera.

All three versions of the HERO3 come in a 30% smaller and 25% lighter package, with WiFi built in. The change of the physical dimensions of the cameras compared to the previous generations (HD HERO and HD HERO2 were physically identical) means that some accessories for HD HERO Original and HERO2 are not compatible with HERO3, so GoPro made new versions of those accessories specifically for HERO3, which mostly also were compatible with HERO3+, see below. Those new versions of accessories are usually not compatible with older Hero camera generations. However, a lot of other accessories are compatible with all HD Hero camera generations.

The Black EditionWVGA at 240 fps.BSI sensor included in a GoPro. The Black edition also includes the WiFi Remote. The Black Edition cannot record at 25/30 fps in 720p and WVGA resolutions; it can only record at very fast frame rates in those resolutions. This is a deliberate firmware limitation, as the manufacturer does not expect that this high-end camera model will be used at these lower resolutions and frame rates.

A timelapse recording one frame every 10 seconds with a GoPro HERO3 camera mounted on a bicycle helmet during a bike ride in Chicago. Note how the wide angle lens allows for the rider to capture wide images.

The HERO3+ camera models claim dramatically improved low light performance and have a waterproof enclosure which is 20% lighter and 15% smaller than the HERO3"s, according to the GoPro website. The HERO3+ camera housing is 20% smaller than the HERO3. The cameras are claimed to have improved image sharpness (close focus down to 7" vs about 3 ft on the HERO3, at the expense of distant focus which is slightly less sharp

The HERO4 Black Edition still has a 12 megapixel (MP) CMOS and a f/2.8 fixed maximum aperture and focus free. It adds Bluetooth connectivity, Highlight tag, Protune Available for photo and a new processor claimed by GoPro to be twice as fast as that of the HERO3+ Black Edition, doubling the frame rates in most resolutions. The HERO4 Black Edition can record 4K UHD video (3840×2160) at a frame rate of 24, 25 and 30 fps.Wi-Fi disabled at 4K/30, GoPro claims the HERO4 Black Edition battery life to be 65 minutes, increasing to a maximum of 1h 50" at 720p/240.

The HERO4 Silver Edition is basically a HERO3 Black Edition with the addition of a micro speaker,touchscreen display, Protune for photo and highlight tag (the first GoPro with this), a lower clocked Cortex-A9 and missing the Black Edition"s integrated analog-to-digital converter which supports a wider variety of professional low-sensitivity external microphones.4K video (3840×2160), but it supports Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and contains the sameAmbarella Inc. A9system on a chip (SoC) as in the HERO4 Black.

The HERO4 models maintain the H.264 video codec of previous versions and MP4 file formats. GoPro claims the mono microphone in both the Black and Silver Editions has twice the dynamic range of that in the HERO3+, and that the HERO4 Black and Silver Editions have improved low-light performance.

In September 2014, GoPro released an entry level camera named simply "HERO", priced at $130, alongside the HERO4 Black and HERO4 Silver. It is built into a waterproof housing, unlike the HERO4 line.

The GoPro HERO (2014) can capture 5mp still images and has a 5fps burst option. It is able to record 1080P at 30 or 25fps and 720P at 60 or 50fps on to a MicroSD card up to 32GB. It has an LCD non touch display on the front and is waterproof down to 40m.

In June 2015, the company started to sell the GoPro HERO+LCD, which provides video recording at 1080p at 60 fps and 8 megapixel photos. The HERO+LCD is also built into a waterproof housing.

The HERO6 Black was introduced on September 28, 2017.HEVC video recording at up to 60 fps and 1080p at up to 240 fps, automatic upload of footage to cloud, voice controls and 5 GHz Wi-Fi. It was the first GoPro sporting GoPro"s custom system on a chip (SoC) the GP1.

The HERO7 White, HERO7 Silver and HERO7 Black were announced and released in September 2018, as the seventh-generation action camera series from GoPro.

The HERO7 White was intended as the entry-level camera, featuring only 1440p resolutions for video and time-lapse video functions and a lack of WDR or HDR in its photos. The HERO7 Silver was intended as the mid-range camera, featuring 4K resolutions for video and time-lapse video resolutions and WDR in its photo mode. Initially, both the HERO7 White and Silver defaulted to a video resolution of 1440p with 1080p only available by cropping.

By contrast, the HERO7 Black was introduced at the high-end level and primarily encompasses the features of the HERO6 Black with major improvements. The HERO7 Black introduced a heavily improved electronic image stabilisation known as "HyperSmooth" video stabilization, which GoPro has advertised heavily as "Gimbal-Like", as its primary improvement.

During its release, the HERO7 Black largely competed with rival camera and camera accessory manufacturer DJI which released the DJI OSMO Action, which also introduced a similar enhanced stabilization feature.

On February 28, 2019, GoPro released HERO7 Black in a new "dusk white" color. This is a limited edition and it has the same specs as in regular version and differs just in color.

The HERO8 Black essentially contained the former features of the HERO7 Black, however improved on certain functions. Most notably, the "HyperSmooth" feature introduced in the HERO7 Black was improved on and named "HyperSmooth 2.0", also resulting in an improvement of the TimeWarp feature introduced in the HERO7 Black. The HERO8 Black also improved the image quality, improving the HDR functions of the camera to allow HDR to assist the SuperPhoto function of the camera that automatically chooses what image processing to use such as high dynamic range (HDR). GoPro also reintroduced the field-of-view (FOV) functionality as, "Digital Lenses" which retains the original SuperView, Wide, Narrow, Linear FOV settings. Moreover, live-streaming now streams in 1080p instead of the HERO7 Black"s 720p and the RAW imaging functionality has now been expanded for all photo modes.

The HERO8 Black largely introduced several new functions into the camera. Physically, the HERO8 Black now incorporates the connecting prongs that are used to connect accessories, directly onto the camera. Originally, the cameras would only be able to access the prongs if the cameras utilised either the frames (for cameras HERO5 to HERO7) or the protective cases for HERO4 and before. Moreover, the GoPro logo moved under the LCD screen to make way for extra microphones. More additions to the camera most notably were part of the software aspects of the camera. These included an option to switch between various settings presets, including standard, activity, cinematic and action shots and adjusting on-screen shortcuts of the user interface. Most notably as part of software, was the introduction of the night-lapse video, which similar to the time-lapse video mode, automatically stitches the frames captured by the camera at set intervals, however with the addition of improved low-light performance.

The HERO8 Black also attempts to address vloggers who may wish to use the GoPro in such a manner. As such, GoPro has also introduced an external accessory known as the "Media Mod" which includes a USB Type-C port for supplying power to external microphones and accessories, a micro-HDMI port and a 3.5mm microphone port. Moreover, the accessory includes a mount to connect either external microphones, LEDs or an LCD screen.

The HERO9 Black essentially contained the former features of the HERO8 Black, however, improved on certain functions. Most notably, the "HyperSmooth" feature introduced in the HERO7 Black and refined in HERO8 Black was improved on and named "HyperSmooth 3.0". It also features a max resolution of 5K for video and 20M for photos and adds a front-facing 1.4-inch color "selfie" screen.

The HERO10 Black essentially contained the former features of the HERO9 Black, however, improved on certain functions. Most notably, the "HyperSmooth" feature introduced in the HERO7 Black and refined in HERO8 Black was improved on and named "HyperSmooth 4.0".

The major changes new GP2 processor, HERO10 Black shoots 5.3K video with double the frame rate, 23MP photos, enhanced low-light performance and HyperSmooth 4.0 video stabilization in all modes. On top of all that, HERO10 is cloud connected—so the moment you charge it, your footage is automatically uploaded to the cloud.

Karma Drone became available October 23, 2016. The drone is compatible with the HERO7 Black, HERO6 Black, HERO5 Black and HERO4 Black and Silver. The Drone has 20 minutes of battery life.

GoPro released the 3D HERO system in April 2011, which coupled two HD HERO cameras via a synchronization cable in a single housing to form a stereoscopic 3D camera. One of the cameras is used in upside-down mode.anaglyph to be viewed wearing red-cyan glasses.

In 2014, GoPro released an update as the Dual HERO system, which provides similar functionality using two HERO3+ Black edition cameras. The updated Dual HERO BacPac sync/link cable now has an asymmetric design: the right or primary camera (viewed with the lens facing away from the user) is larger than the left (secondary) camera, and the left camera is used in upside-down mode.

The Odyssey is a 16-camera panoramic stereo rig designed to produce content for the Google Jump virtual reality platform by synchronizing the cameras and automatically stitching their footage together.Google I/O in May 2015

The Fusion was announced alongside the HERO6 Black360° Panorama video. Fusion Studio can export to several formats, including H.264 (4K), CineForm 422, and Apple ProRes 422.

The GoPro GP1 is their own System-on-Chip with the main task of image processing. It replaces the earlier used Ambarella SoC"s and launched in the GoPro HERO6.Socionext.

"GoPro doesn"t like their HERO3 compared to Sony"s AS15?". DigitalRev.com. March 19, 2013. Archived from the original on March 17, 2015. Retrieved February 20, 2015.

"GoPro Hero 3 Black Edition: Seconda solo a se stessa". InsideHardware.it (in Italian). October 25, 2013. Archived from the original on September 24, 2015. Retrieved September 28, 2015.

"GoPro launches 3D HERO system; world"s smallest 1080p 3D Camera" (Press release). GoPro. April 4, 2011. Archived from the original on 12 November 2021. Retrieved 12 November 2021.

"Dual HERO System Workflow - Setup and Recording". GoPro Support. September 30, 2019. Archived from the original on 10 December 2021. Retrieved 9 December 2021.

If you asked me what I thought about action cameras many years back I might have scoffed and told you they’re just a fad. However, the GoPro HERO3+ I was gifted back in 2013 completely changed my mind.

Some people would say modern camera phones have made action cameras redundant. After all, phone cameras are fantastic these days, and let’s not forget the vast selection of outdoor phone accessories on the market today.

But action cameras aren’t going anywhere. Action cameras serve a very specific purpose, something you find out the moment you actually step out and record something adventurous.

Whether it’s lifting it up on a selfie stick when you’re going down a slide, mounting it on your bike helmet or even taking it underwater diving – the benefits of owning an action camera are numerous.

Personally, I feel that if your budget allows it, going for a GoPro has many advantages. The GoPro doesn’t necessarily have the best capture quality or best technical specs, but they’ve developed their own ecosystem that makes doing everything a breeze.

The GoPro camera’s user interface is top-notch, the iOS/Android app is great and there’s no shortage of great support and custom accessories. They’re a bit like the iPhone of action cameras.

But there are people who would disagree with me. New Chinese brands like DJI are producing action cameras with features on par with the most expensive GoPros, and in some aspects superior. Many ‘GoPro’ accessories are also compatible with these cameras nowadays, so there’s more competition than ever before.

What about if you just want to have a go filming action sports? Or perhaps you’re thinking of buying an action camera as a gift for someone who may or may not end up using it.

In cases such as these, a budget action camera is an awesome way to test the waters—without breaking the bank. They will pretty much do everything you need them to do, and be infinitely better suited for filming intense action than any smartphone.

When you shop around for action cameras you’ll notice practically all of them feature ‘4K’. The reality is that for many of the cameras, this is little more than highly misleading marketing gimmick.

Many of these so-called 4K cameras are simply up-scaling footage by means of interpolation. The resulting output file is technically a 4K video, but the actual quality difference with a camera that is capable of shooting native 4K is drastic.

Most action cameras under $100 won’t shoot native 4k footage. And those that can will cost something very close to $100. So it really makes sense to split up the sub-$100 bracket into the following:

If your budget allows, getting an action camera that can record native 4K video is definitely the way to go. Even if you’re not going to be recording at that resolution, the video quality is likely much better.

AKASO is becoming one of the biggest names in the budget action camera market. The V50 is their flagship camera line and the only one to boast 4K30fps recording.

Although you probably haven’t heard of its predecessor, the Akaso V50X is the upgraded V50. In specs, however, it is much more comparable to the older V50 Pro than the V50. Like the V50 Pro it features a 2-inch IPS touchscreen, adjustable viewing angle, WiFi, and gyroscope.

The 20MP Sony sensor produces amazing daylight footage and acceptable nighttime video recordings (no action camera can produce great nighttime footage because the sensors are so small). The ability to record at up to 170° wide-angle means you also won’t miss anything in your shots.

Compared to the V50, the touchscreen is definitely the most welcome new addition, bringing it closer to GoPros which have featured them since the relatively old HERO5 model.

One of the cheapest native 4K action cameras you can find, the Apeman Trawo does everything you need to start recording high quality video with electronic image stabilization.

Previously it one-upped the AKASO V50 with its bigger 1350mAh batteries which gave it superior battery life. However, the V50X now also features 1350mAh batteries which nullifies that advantage. Both can continuously record for an impressive 180 minutes at 1080p.

Compared to the AKASO V50X, its f 1.8 lens and Panasonic image sensor allows it to capture higher resolution 20MP still images, but personally I don’t care much if my action camera takes 12MP or 20MP photos. It’s also slightly cheaper.

On the flipside, the TRAWO’s 2-inch IPS retina display isn’t touchscreen, which makes controlling the camera a little troublesome. It’s true that 90% of the time you’re only looking to hit the record button, but the other 10% of time there’s no touchscreen to navigate the awkward menus.

The 4K+’s younger brother, the Yi 4K, can often be picked up for less than $100. With 4K @ 30fps recording, the ability to capture 12MP raw stills with EIS and a nice scratch-resistant, gorilla glass 2.2-inch touchscreen display, the Yi 4K is a very solid action camera.

However, the overall package is a little bit expensive for what it is. It doesn’t feature an accessory pack, something you’ll normally get when purchasing a cheap action camera. Granted, a lot of us don’t plan on taking our action camera underwater or mounting it to a helmet, but that isn’t the point. For a camera that isn’t superior to the likes of the AKASO V50X or Apeman TRAWO, it doesn’t offer the great value for money it did back in 2017.

In the last few years, Xiaomi has quickly gained a reputation for being a high quality, budget friendly Android phone manufacturer. Now it appears they are having a stab at the action camera market, too.

The Xiaomi MI Mijia 4K is an excellent native 4K action camera. Capture quality is on par with the V50X and Yi 4K. The camera itself also looks incredibly sleek and sexy.

If native 4K isn’t necessary, our options for action cameras costing below $100 are plentiful. In fact, they’re too plentiful. Finding the right one is a daunting challenge.

Most of these cameras record fairly similar quality video. Many of them share the same 16MP or 20MP image sensors which deliver acceptable 2.7K footage at 30fps or [email protected]

Like most budget action cameras on the market there is no shortage of bundled accessories. Put it in the waterproof housing and suddenly you have an underwater camera. The included wrist-strap remote is quite basic but does the trick for taking photo and capturing video without having to touch the camera itself.

You might think the software might be a problem coming from a relatively unknown brand like Dragon Touch. However, I found it to be surprisingly usable, which shouldn’t be too surprising since Dragon Touch are primarily a tablet producing company.

The Dragon Touch Vision 3 is currently my recommendation for the best under $50 entry-level action camera available today. If you want an external mic and EIS, take a look at the Dragon Touch Vision 4

Voice control using various voice commands is a relatively new feature for action cameras. Most action cameras are yet to feature it, let alone the budget ones.

The AKASO Brave 6 is really the only choice you have when it comes to sub-$100 action cameras featuring voice commands (besides the more expensive ThiEYE T5 Edge I discussed earlier).

The AKASO Brave 6 features a decent 20MP sensor which is similar to that of the AKASO EK7000. It’s nothing special but typical for a decent budget action camera.

It also features Electronic Image Stabilization (EIS) which reduces the impact of camera shake via electronic processing (software). That is another reason why it costs more than most other non native 4K action cameras.

Ever since the release of the GoPro HERO5 (released in 2016), GoPros are waterproof out of the box (typically up to 10m). You don’t have to worry about extra casing when you go to swim at the pool, surf around the beach or go kayaking on the river.

However, the vast majority of non-GoPro action cameras are not waterproof out of the box. You need to put them in plastic casing which is usually included in the box. This is not only a bit of a hassle, but using external housing will also slightly reduce audio quality since it adds an extra layer between the sound and mic.

The Dragon Touch Vision 5 is waterproof up to 40m without casing. It’s therefore a great budget friendly GoPro alternative for those who don’t want to deal with external casing.

Now, if you’re only going to surf once a month and plan to mostly record footage of you doing mountain biking or other less ‘wet’ sports, I’d personally get one of the other cameras on the list which offer better bang for buck.

As for video quality, it’s not the Vision 5’s strongest point, and it is very similar to slightly cheaper action cameras like the Vision 3, ACT-74 and AKASO EK7000. In other words, you’re definitely paying a premium for the waterproof design.

Polaroid got their name from building instant cameras, but the company is moving along and has come up with their very own action camera—The Polaroid Cube Act II.

The 124-degree wide angle lens simply isn’t up there with the 170-degree ultra wide angles you’d expect from a ‘true’ sports action camera. That means you don’t capture as much in the video. However, for simple vlogging a less wide angle lens is appreciated (reduces fish eye effect).

With a design similar to the GoPro HERO session, The Polaroid Cube is a very cute action cam that makes a fantastic and affordable gift. It’s very simple to operate and a great way to get a newbie into the world of shooting action videos.

Polaroid Cube Act II – HD 1080p Mountable Weather-Resistant Lifestyle Action Video Camera & 6MP Still Camera w/ Image Stabilization, Sound Recording, Low Light Capability & Other Updated Features

While marginally more expensive than the Dragon Touch 4K Vision 3, this list wouldn’t be complete without the Campark ACT74 Action Camera which was once the best selling budget action camera for almost 2 years running.

It was released back in December 2016 so it is slightly older, but has an incredibly solid track record. Its 2-inch HD screen was a unique selling point before, but that’s already become a standard feature across cheap action cameras.

In terms of features and video quality, it is almost identical to the Dragon Touch 4K Vision 3. Yet it costs a little more and doesn’t come with a remote control so I wouldn’t consider it the best ultra-budget action camera today.

With stellar Amazon reviews and a lot of praise across the website, the Campark ACT74 might seem like a great choice. However, it’s outdated by today’s standards and the Dragon Touch Vision 3 is a better ultra-budget choice (especially as it includes a remote).

Most cheap action cameras also come with other bundled accessories. Typically this will include a spare battery, mounting accessories, a remote control and a waterproof case.

All the action cameras listed on this page feature built-in WiFi. It’s an essential feature to have as it allows you to connect your iPhone or Android to the phone. By connecting to your smartphone, you can remotely control your action camera using your phone.

It is helpful to disable any form of Electronic Image Stabilization if you are recording at night. This can improve video quality, but you will need to be aware that the recording will be more sensitive to camera shake.

Action cameras are designed to be taken underwater. However most action cameras will require them to be put in waterproof housing. Make sure you correctly fit the waterproof casing before taking your new action camera underwater.

Recording at higher resolutions and using features like EIS will consume more battery. Most of these budget action cameras come with a spare lithium battery so make sure you carry that around with you.

Slow motion recording and time-lapse modes are also fairly common. If there are any shooting modes you would like to use, check to make sure the camera features it before purchasing.

2023 is no doubt the beginning of the $100 native 4k action camera. If your budget allows, going for a native 4k action camera will allow you to record much better quality videos.

At the same time, $50 can now buy you a perfectly acceptable action camera that can be taken underwater and controlled using a remote. This offers incredible value for money.

I’m a photographer and the chief editor of Capture Guide. After spending several years in parts of South America with my trusty old Nikon D7100, I’m now back home patiently waiting for borders to re-open.

GoPro makes some of the best action cameras, especially its flagship Hero10 Black. It has excellent image quality and supersmooth stabilization and the whole thing is waterproof without a case. But all those features don"t come cheap -- the Hero 10 Black costs around $449. If you can"t quite stretch the budget to get the best GoPro, you can get a

There"s no shortage of contenders looking to take on the GoPro. I"ve chosen two cameras to compare with the current top-tier GoPro, at different prices to suit all budgets. First is the Akaso EK7000 Pro, at $75. The second is the

There are also companion apps on iOS or Android that let you view the live image, start recording, pull down footage to your phone or even livestream (GoPro and Yi only). I didn"t have any problems connecting, downloading footage or filming with any of the cameras when I tested on iOS.

Open the box that comes with the Akaso EK7000 Pro and you"ll be shocked at how much you get for your money. There are several mounts, a waterproof case, a remote control and a spare battery.

Fortunately, all the cameras are compatible with the standard GoPro mounting system. It"s really easy to change them in and out as you need, as long as you have the right parts.

Hands down, the best image out of these cameras comes from the GoPro, which is our benchmark for all these comparisons. The other two cameras just can"t match it for dynamic range, especially underwater. But the Yi gets close and captures detail and color in bright, outdoor situations well. Motion at 60fps looks smooth and overall I think the image looks quite good.

I went to the Aquarium of the Bay in San Francisco to test out underwater image quality. Dive safety operator Chris Grace took all three cameras down to 16 feet in the Near Shore and Sharks of Alcatraz tunnels. Want to see sharks and fish up close? Watch the video at the top of the article.

Note that all the sample video and images were taken on default color settings, although you can use ProTune on the GoPro or a flat profile on the Yi so you have more flexibility to color correct footage.

Stabilization is so important on an action camera, otherwise that epic bike ride or skate trick will make you sick when watching the footage. GoPro has its own version of electronic image stabilization called HyperSmooth that makes everything look like it"s been filmed on a gimbal. And it works at most resolutions and frame rates, including 4K/60.

The Yi also offers its own electronic image stabilization but it"s nowhere near as nice as the GoPro and it"s only at 4K/30. And the Akaso … well, the less said about that the better. It"s only at 1080/60 and it doesn"t look particularly smooth at all, at least from the footage I took on a bike ride.

My pick is the Yi 4K Plus Action Cam because it does a lot more than the Akaso and offers comparable image quality to the GoPro -- for half the price. That said, you get absolutely nothing apart from the camera in the box, so you"ll have to invest a little more in accessories to get the most out of it.

Also, if you have your heart set on getting an actual GoPro but aren"t prepared to pay for the Hero 10 Black, then you"ll want to check out the Silver and White lines. Or look for discounts on earlier models like the Hero 9 or Hero 8.

In this highly documented age, action cameras have come to be quite popular. Big camera names each have their own spin on these types of cameras. One of the more, if not most, reputable ones is the Hero series from GoPro.

GoPro cameras offer excellent tech specs, features, diverse mounting capabilities, robustness, remarkable performance, and as expected, a pretty sizeable price tag. Simply put, it is not easy for everyone to get your hands on one. However, if you are looking for an action cam but do not want to lose an arm and a leg for it, fear not for there is such a thing as clones. The SJ4000 resembles the GoPro Hero 3+ so much that you can easily mistake it for one at first glance.

The form factor of the SJ4000 is very similar to the GoPro, as well as the user interface design. There are 4 buttons on this little camera – the power button situated in front, right beside the lens, an OK/trigger button on top, and scrolling (up, down) buttons on one side. The ports for the micro SD, micro USB, and micro HDMI are located on the opposite side of the scroll buttons. The battery can be accessed at the bottom by removing a (very challenging) cover. Even with the battery inserted, the SJ4000 is extremely light to the point of doubting its robustness. However, the waterproof casing seems sturdy enough to protect the camera from fair forces of impact.

The SJ4000, priced at around US$100, comes with a variety of mounts, connector converters, straps, and a waterproof casing. The mounts and converters are made of seemingly reliable plastic with steel nut and bolt connectors. The waterproof casing is designed similarly to the GoPro casing as well, including the sealing mechanism. I tested the reliability of the waterproof casing using a humidity detector placed inside it, and submerging it in water for some time. Unfortunately, the 5% and 10% indicators were triggered as shown below. The 5% and 10% indicators had started to get a pinkish tint to them.

Since only low levels were detected, perhaps a bit of reinforcement of the case would suffice when using it underwater. Additionally, the screws of the mounts don’t fasten too securely, giving the camera a bit of wobble, but again, can be easily modded/reinforced.

The camera supports micro SD cards up to 32GB large. There is a micro HDMI port which is fully functional to project the screen display. The port, however, has a less than perfect fit – it can lose the HDMI cable connection in certain positions. The micro USB on the other hand fits perfectly in the port.

The preview screen is a very nice feature, and is actually a big step up from earlier models in the GoPro Hero series in this aspect. There is no need for an external device to obtain an FPV while setting up/mounting the camera.

The camera has a single immensely long list of setup configuration options. Video, photo, and general settings are all listed randomly in the setup menu.

In 1080p mode with good lighting, the video is clear and sharp enough as can be expected, and maybe even a little bit impressive for the camera’s price. It also delivers on its 170 degree wide angle claim. On the other hand, in low light conditions, even with increased exposure settings, the video loses sharpness and gets quite grainy despite the 1080p setting. HDR mode seemed to help very little, too.

(7) Capture Mode: Single by default, may be selected to shoot successive photos every 5, 10, and 20 seconds. This is the closest to time lapsing in this camera.

The differences in the different resolutions of the photos are not very apparent unless zooming in. It is fairly good for outdoor stills. Do not expect it to be good for up close photography – this is not the camera’s purpose. If you are interested in taking a look at the full 12mp stills, you can download them from here.

(23) Screensavers: Switches off the preview after 1 minute of idle time or recording by default. There are 3, and 5 minute options, as well as the option to keep the preview on screen.

(26) Car Mode: Off by default, may be enabled to automatically turn on and start recording when the car is started. It seems that it is triggered by input power detection. So charging the camera through an AC outlet will trigger it to turn on and start recording as well. Just switch it off manually.

(31) Version: This shows the current firmware version loaded. Flashing a new firmware can be easily done by copying the firmware file onto the micro SD, insert the card into the camera, and boot it up. It will take a few minutes for the camera to start up as it loads the new firmware. The firmware file must be deleted after flashing, or the camera will reload it every time the camera boots.

As I’ve said, an exhausting list of configuration options. The list is accessible after passing the video mode, the photo mode, and the review, which makes it very cumbersome to tweak settings. It forces the user to pick one setting and stick with that during the entire session of using the camera. Although, keep in mind that it is an action camera, and is pretty much how it should be used – set it up once and let it rip.

A comforting thing is the support for this camera; there are frequent firmware updates for this model (easily Googleable). My first SJ4000 unit had a white screen issue which I had replaced, but a little later, they seem to have had addressed the issue with a simple firmware update. It was released quite promptly, much to the appreciation of the users with the same bug.

Honestly though, these cons are on the boundary of nit-picking. For the price of this camera, some things are bound to have imperfections, and this one has these – very minor issues, easily remedied with a bit of reinforcements for the accessories and some editing for the video and color bug.

https://gizbeat.com/4688/china-sj4000-gopro-hero-3-clone-action-cam-review/https://gizbeat.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/sj-4000-reviewsj4000-gopro-clone-3-450x337.jpghttps://gizbeat.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/sj-4000-reviewsj4000-gopro-clone-3-150x150.jpg2014-07-02T15:36:34+07:00Nicky ArriolaRecentTechaction,cam,china,clone,gopro,hero,review,sj4000Review: SJ4000 Action Camera

In this highly documented age, action cameras have come to be quite popular. Big camera names each have their own spin on these types of cameras. One of the more, if not most, reputable ones is the Hero series from GoPro.

Today GoPro announced its latest action camera, the GoPro HERO+ LCD.  This marks the first time GoPro has done an ‘off-cycle’ release of a new camera product, as the company has historically released new action cams in the September/October timeframe.  It also bookends a rather busy week of announcements for the company.  Last week they announced both their intentions of launching a drone early next year, as well as their crazy 6-camera spherical mount system.  And that’s all before we talk about an apparent upcoming software update to start cloud sync of GoPro files to some sort of still unannounced internet service.  And don’t forget that even more crazy 16-camera virtual reality mount they built for Google.

While I normally don’t post about products unless I’ve had hands-on time, I’m also keenly aware of how many e-mails/tweets/etc I’d get if I didn’t post about this one.  The new cameras are apparently already on the way to me, so I’ll likely have a better hands-on first-impression of them soon (and then likely an in-depth review some period later).  In the meantime, here’s a quick rundown.

The new GoPro HERO+ LCD is sorta exactly as the name implies: It’s the 2014 GoPro HERO…plus…an LCD screen.  Well, and connectivity over WiFi and Bluetooth Smart.

You’ll likely remember that the entry level GoPro HERO was $129US, and had a non-removable external case.  That meant that you couldn’t take it out of the case, which in turn meant you couldn’t add in any additional rear-attaching accessories such as the extra battery packs or LCD screen.

They also added in the WiFi and Bluetooth Smart compatibility.  Not for sensors, but rather for connecting to your mobile phone. This connectivity allows you to transfer photos and videos over to your phone, and then up to the interwebs.  Further, the HERO+ LCD includes the remote highlight tagging, which wasn’t available on the lower end model.  This means you can use the remote control to tag highlights so you can find them quicker later on during editing.

Finally, the camera has an internal editing capability, allowing you to slice the clips a bit better before transferring them.  This helps reduce the time to transfer video clips to your phone, making the process a little bit quicker.  This is planned to come to the HERO4 Silver later this summer, and the HERO4 Black as well (if you have bought the additional LCD back touchscreen).

Now the downside is that you can’t swap out batteries like the more expensive HERO4 Silver & HERO4 Black.  Nor can you remove it from the case like those other units (at +$100 and +$200 respectively).  You’ll also lack the 2.7K and 4K video, as well as some of the higher speed options found like the 120/240FPS speeds.  Same goes for lack of HDMI connectivity.

But the reality is that for the vast majority of folks wanting an affordable camera, the specs hit the core of the market.  The noted 2.5 hour battery life is in the ballpark of most other units these days (though, without a way to swap batteries, that can be a problem for certain activities).  Here’s a comparison between the four GoPro HERO units:

The Hero+ LCD unit includes a few different back doors, so you can use it in wet environments and still touch the screen, as well as using an open door too.

This is a brilliant move by GoPro.  Since last October’s announcements came out, it left a bit of a hole in the price range.  They had the GoPro HERO Basic (2014 Edition) at $129, but then the next camera up was at $399US (HERO4 Silver), and then the HERO4 Black at $499 at the top.  For many (including myself), the brilliant touch screen on the back of the HERO4 Silver was loved – but for most consumers that was a bit pricey when existing action cameras were mostly in the $200-$300 range.  But with GoPro’s cheaper HERO base not having mobile phone connectivity and a bunch of other limitations, it wasn’t as ideal in the share-it-instantly world that is today.

By removing the 2.7K/4K support in the HERO4 Silver and focusing on 1080p (w/60FPS) support with good phone connectivity – they hit the majority of the audience (Oh, for those curious why I’ve said that Garmin needed to be at 2.7K support on their new XE product, it’s because they priced themselves that high).

In some ways, it’s almost like GoPro did a bit of a fake-you-out move price-wise.  See, both TomTom and Garmin recently announced new cameras – and matched GoPro’s $399 prices for certain models (for reasons that even then seemed hard to justify).  With those cameras being less well known, and specs to the average consumer in the same range – it was a hard sell. With the GoPro brand so strong, you have to compete and beat on multiple levels: Specifications and Prices.

In the case of Garmin, this move is even more so ironic – given Garmin recently cut the display when they updated Garmin VIRB lineup with the X/XE and decided to go without the preview screen that was present on the first generation units. A move that many of you thought was short-sighted (no PUN intended).

Looking forward, the real question is will GoPro again release this fall as they have done annually for years?  With neither the recently announced Garmin or TomTom units actually shipping yet – it might be challenging for both if GoPro doubles down as usual in the fall with new models.  In Garmin’s case, they are better positioned with a more unique offering around widely extended sensor offerings in the X/XE range, including new automotive and boating support – but that continues to be more of a niche offering at the $299 price point when trying to compete with GoPro branding/marketing.  While TomTom will need to iterate quickly with their automated movie maker software to truly become a competitive offering.

Definitely an interesting market for sure.  For those curious about my recommendations – for 95% of folks it’ll likely shift from the Hero4 Silver to the HERO+ LCD, assuming there are no issues with it.  The reason being that if you’re using it for cycling and such, you can actually use your Garmin Edge device with the GoPro, inside of Garmin’s free VIRB Edit software suite – thus getting all the benefits of data overlays there (I suppose Garmin is probably happy you’re buying their device).  It’s really only if you’re doing direct to camera sensors and don’t already have a GPS device for speed/distance/pace/altitude that I’d recommend looking at the Garmin X/XE lineup.

Note: You can now order the Hero+ LCD via both Amazon and Clever Training.  While both sites help support the site here and all the work I do, by using Clever Training you’re also going to save 10% on your order with DCR Reader Coupon Code DCR10BTF – further, you’ll get free shipping within the US!

SJCAM is one of the leading manufacturers of action cameras. Although, their cameras are also commonly referred to as SJCAM. Being that SJCAM is a Chinese manufacturer who produces action cameras that work very similarly to a GoPro, the brands are often compared. The former is almost always accused of “copying” the latter.

The funny thing is, and most people might not know this, is that there are fake SJCAM cameras out there. Some might say: “Wow, so what? There is a copy of a copy? Isn’t SJCAM a copycat of a GoPro?”

This Chinese company might have similarities with GoPro in terms of design, but they never really infringed copyrights of GoPro. They use their own software, lenses, logo, etc.

After all, when a brand comes up with an idea that sells, it is evident that others will try to use it. This is how the tech market works–DVD, DVIX, iPhone, to name a few. All of these products got re-invented one way or another.

When a company invents something profitable, smaller companies try to find a hole in it and satisfy the demand of customers. SJCAM found a hole in GoPro–price.

For some people (including myself) the big brand camera was way over my budget, so I tried a cheaper version, and guess what? I loved it.For the sake of argument, here’s a brief comparison between the two.

With regards to video quality, GoPro used to be the clear winner. However, more recently, even the GoPro Hero 6 falls short of the new SJ8 PRO’s video quality. Most importantly, a GoPro Hero 6 can cost you twice the price of an SJCAM.

During an actual video recording, GoPro’s advanced video stabilization features used to undermine SJCAM’s lack thereof. However, recent models of the latter are now equipped with a Gyro stabilization mechanism that strongly competes with GoPro’s stabilization performance.

The fifth version from the SJ5000 series is the first model to feature Sony’s IMX078CQK 12MP image sensor. It is also equipped with a 7 glass wide-angle lens, video stabilization feature, Novatek NTK96660 processor, and a 2-inch LCD screen. It is powered by a 900mah Li-Ion battery and supports a 32GB memory card.

This is the first model of SJCAM to feature a 2-inch touchscreen display. It is equipped with a Novatek 96660 chipset and a Panasonic MN34120PA 16MP image sensor. It is powered by a 1000mah battery and supports up to 128GB of an external SD card.

This one’s pretty simple. All you need is the USB cable that comes with the camera or the SD card you’re using. So, you either connect the camera directly to the computer via the cable or take out the SD card from the camera and insert it into a memory card reader before installing it in your computer.

While most people find these features not as impressive as that of a GoPro, that’s beside the point. So if you are here just to moan about SJCAM and its similarities with other brands, then I am sorry, but this post is not for you. You can leave right away.

Nice bunch of action cameras. It appears that all of these are SJ4000?  Even though the title in the site you’re looking at says “SJ4000”, it’s not. This whole lot is fake or SJSCAM as I like to call it.

Pirate cameras will malfunction in most of the cases and offer inferior video quality and overall experience. Keep reading if you do not like wasting money on crappy products.

At first glance, it does look like a GoPro Hero Black. However, it actually comes in seven different colors and two variants: Wifi and Non-Wifi versions. Some of the notable features of this model include a 12MP CMOS Sensor, 1.5″ LCD Screen, the usual shooting modes plus additional settings that allow you to use it as a dash cam, webcam, and surveillance cam.

To be completely safe when buying your new SJCAM, you should be aware of the things that might be different. Things that the original camera has and a pirate copy does not have or imitates it in a pretty bad way.

You should know that even the most shameless copycats will not (in most cases) copy a brands name on their camera. So do not buy models that do not have the company logo on it. In this case, you can be quite confident that your SJCAM is real if it has an SJCAM logo in the bottom left corner. This works with nearly all SJCAM models from SJ1000 to SJ5000.

In case you do not know SJCAM changed their name in 2014. Previously they produced cameras under Shenzhen Hongfeng Century Technology Co name. You would agree that this lengthy name is not memorable nor eye-catching, so they had to re-brand to SJCAM.

This was heaven for copycats. As a result, the market was flooded with fake SJ4000. The company did not brand their action cam so that everyone could have copied it shamelessly. There were more fakes than real ones.

That’s why the second release (or later batch as people call it) of SJ4000 included SJCAM brand on the front of the camera. All the later models like  SJ4000 WiFi,SJ5000, SJ5000+,SJ6 Legendhave an SJCAM logo on the front of the camera. (You can take a look at all SJCAM models on this link)

My advice is to buy the second batch only, as the first one is too risky. You can’ t know if it’s real or not until you get it. So to avoid unnecessary expenses and stress, avoid all cameras that do not have SJCAM imprinted on the front of the camera.

The difference in User Interface or the menu you use to navigate through your camera is different. However, there is a difference in menu design even among original SJ400 first and second release (the one that included SJCAM logo on it).

The boxes in which cameras are packed differ. Most obvious way to see this is to take a quick glance. You will laugh. There are tons of spelling mistakes. One of the most visible is “water-resistant” sign on the front of the box.

The most reliable way to check if your action camera is genuine is to test if its compatible with the SJCAM firmware. There is no chance that a fake camera will work with SJCAM firmware. If it’s not real, it won’t work.

If it does, then you made a good choice. If you do not want to mess up with firmware, there is an easier way to make a comparison if you have a WiFi model. Just install the SJCAM App on your device (Android or Mac) and try to connect your camera with it. If you are connected, then your camera is absolutely the real one.

After the problems with counterfeit SJ4000 camera, SJCAM decided to fight the copycats, by adding a security code on all of their cameras. They also redesigned the package for this purpose.

To help customers distinguish real or fake cameras, producer of these action cams, introduced a feature called Security Check on their website. Here is alink to it.

In theory, newer batches of cameras will have a serial code which you can enter to check if your model is original or not. Be aware that this is far from perfect solution, and that it will not work on older batches which did not have a serial. However if your camera has a serial and the security check confirms its real, then you can be pretty sure your camera is genuine.

One thing you should be aware of is that these copycats make progress and it is getting harder and harder to make a difference between real and fake action camera.

You buy SJCAM action cameras pretty much everywhere online. There are a bunch of websites, but to minimize the risk, stick with reputable ones. Here is a list of recommended stores and sellers which sell original SJCAM cameras.

Since the original guide had been written in 2014, it has now been updated. Few things happened over the years, and today, it is much safer to find if an SJCAM camera is original or fake. Here are some facts.

Recently the manufacturer upgraded the package of all SJCAM cameras. The package now has a scratch and enter the security code which you can enter on the official website to check if your camera is real or not. Be aware that sometimes even though the camera is real, codes might not work. In this case contact SJCAM directly for the assistance.

In case your camera does not have a security code, it might be an older batch. Older and newer batches have no difference in product quality, only in package design, so do not panic. In that case, follow this guide, check for imperfections on the package and little things we showed here.

If you want some coupons and discounts on original cameras,check out our deals and coupons pagewhere you can find plenty of coupons from reputable stores which sell original items.

Do you plan to get an SJCAM or you already have one? Feel free to share your experience or tell me a story if you had any problems with replicas and fake action cams.  Found a fake that is not listed here? Share it, and I will gladly update the post with more info. For more info on SJ4000 camera,check out my in-depth review.

Please understand that I am not able to evaluate single links and tell you if your specific camera is real or not. Just follow this guide, and you will be on a right way to get a real deal, no worries.