Action Cameras

[nadeem_k]

Hi Guys,

From what I've read it seems like go-pro is regarded as the gold standard in action cameras. I was just wondering how the cheaper alternatives compare. Makro for instance has the Cool I Cam but I can't seem to find a decent review of the device. Has anyone bought it and how well does it work?

https://www.makro.co.za/electronics/cool-i-cam-cool-i-cam-bundle-283606EA

 

[The_MAC]

Keep in mind that the less popular ones dont have nearly as much accessories and attachments as the GoPro

 

[gimpex]

I have a go pro silver and the cheaper Chinese alternative for the kids.

I have to say the pic quality of the cheap Chinese one is great. Even underwater. And the accessories from my go pro fit their camera so we have one set of accessories /handles. The model escapes me but I think it's something 2000 or 4000. There is a WiFi version too that came.out later


Checked. It's SJCAM

 

[bwana]

Hi Guys,

From what I've read it seems like go-pro is regarded as the gold standard in action cameras. I was just wondering how the cheaper alternatives compare. Makro for instance has the Cool I Cam but I can't seem to find a decent review of the device. Has anyone bought it and how well does it work?

https://www.makro.co.za/electronics/cool-i-cam-cool-i-cam-bundle-283606EA

Specs alone are unimpressive:

Capture 5MP Still Photos and Video
Waterproof up to 10Ft (3M)
Record videos in outstanding 720p/30fps
Includes Bike Mount
MicroSD card up to 32GB (required, not included)

 

[Sneeky]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kK_YZMOze5Q

https://uk.ioncamera.com/the-cool-icam-the-perfect-camera-for-kids/

Made by Ion, looks like an entry level cam that is not high spec for kids to muck about with.

Whether or not its 'ok' depends really on what you want to get out of it and what you are willing to spend.
Get a gauge here n pricing for others
http://www.actiongear.co.za/cameras

More specs

Introducing the Cool-iCam from iON Camera – The perfect camera for kids.

Waterproof up to 3M/10Feet. Its Robust design is perfect for all youngsters, even the heavy handed. They will soon realise how easy it is to take HD Photos and videos with the Cool-iCam. Perfect for all, sun, Snow and Rain.

Specs
Sensor – OV8810
Lens – LA006B-10
Focus Range – Max 120°
Video Format – 720p/30fps, WVGA
Format – H.264 compression, saved as MOV file
Photo – 5MP
Audio – ADPCM
Storage – MicroSD card up to 32GB (required, not included)
Connection – Mini USB
Wi-Fi – No
Power – 2.5Hrs
Housing – Plastic
Waterproof – 3 meters (9ft)
Dimensions – 96.3X40X45.8mm
Weight – 112.5g

Features
Waterproof to 3m.
5MP Still Camera
Includes Bike Mount
HD 720p
Available in Red or Blue
Storage – MicroSD card up to 32GB (required, not included)
Weight – 112.5g

What’s Included
Short USB cable
Simple Bike Mount
QSG
Warranty Card
Power – 2.5Hrs

https://uk.ioncamera.com/shop/cool-icam-s3000-red/

 

[Shellyb1]

I am considering this one:

http://www.takealot.com/garmin-virb-elite-action-camera-with-wi-fi-and-gps/PLID40639183

On special at TA at the moment and it comes with "Adapter to Popular Industry Mounts" which according to some reviews is for the GoPro accessories.

The videos online seem really cool and a cousin had one he was playing with over the weekend. Was in and out of the pool with it and there were no issues.

 

[bwana]

I got the gopro session for Christmas. Great little camera but I'm not too keen on how reliant it is on having the app on your phone or the wifi remote (sold separately) to use it properly.

 

[Paul_S]

It depends on what you're going to use the camera for. Some people's requirements are different from others.
If all you need is 1080p and half decent image quality then some of the Chinese action cameras are good value for money (SJCAM, Xiaomi, etc.).
I need 2.7K at 30fps (image stabilization, defishing, data overlay and cropping to 1080p) which rules out nearly everything Chinese so my options are the GoPro Hero 4/5 or TomTom Bandit.

Let me do a shameless plug for TomTom.
The TomTom Bandit is actually a very nice camera and rivals the GoPro range.
I even consider it a better competitor to GoPro than the Sony action camera range and may consider one depending on the official GoPro Hero 5 release specs.

The TomTom Bandit has:
- Built in GPS, barometer and accelerometers so you can overlay a map, speed, g-force, altitude, rotation (and heartbeat via bluetooth heart rate monitor).
- Bullet shape with clever battery and storage on a USB stick design.
- No stupid 64GB SD limit like the GoPro (GoPro officially only supports 64GB SD cards)
- 3 hours recording time at 1080p 30fps (GoPro sucks with battery life)
- 360 degree rotation so camera can be mounted at any angle.
- Image quality is very close to the GoPro at 2.7K resolution.
- IPX 7 splash proof out of the box. You can dive to 50 meters with it without a waterproof case by just adding a dive lens cover.
- CPL filter lens available (GoPro requires some horrible after market solutions).
- 16MP camera for stills/time lapse/burst
- Nicer mounting system IMO but one can get a GoPro adapter so you can use GoPro mounts.
Bandit review

If the best image quality or very high resolution at high frame rates are your requirements then GoPro is still the leader but no longer by much.