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jonathan18

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#201690 30-Aug-2016 09:29
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I'm looking at getting my son a small portable video camera of sorts for his ninth birthday; I'd initially been looking at a 'spy' type device (as he's really into this kind of thing), whether it have the camera imbedded in glasses, watch or pen, but all these options have considerable limitations - in particular things such as short battery life, poor practicality (eg having to transfer video by removing an SD card) and fragility.

 

Having spent ages trolling through eBay, the most relevant kind of camera I've come up with is one which the site is awash with, namely a cheap GoPro rip-off such as http://www.ebay.com/itm/311586531631?redirect=mobile

 

I'd love to hear from anyone who has experience with such cheap cameras, or who can recommend any alternatives. Happy to purchase off eBay, AliExpress or similar, provided it'll be of acceptable quality and arrive here by mid-October.

 

My requirements are:

 

* under $100

 

* robust, and in one unit (ie, not a camera connected via a cable to its main unit/battery pack - he's likely to destroy that within days!)

 

* wifi support - must be able to transmit the video to an iPad (preferably directly, but ideally both directly and via both devices connected to the same network)

 

* decent battery life

 

* relatively easy to use

 

* compact

 

* ideally decent quality image - I'd rather have good 720 or 1080, than cruddy 4k support

 

Many thanks for any advice, ideas and ideally specific recommendations.

 

 


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kobiak
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  #1619497 30-Aug-2016 09:46
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i'm using SJCAM for 2 years now and it's perfect for our needs (snorkeling, surfing, snowboarding, selfies, jumping to pools, etc, etc, etc)

 

battery life is about 45-50 mins (so I got 2 additional batteries). but surprisingly couple weeks ago, it lasted for half a day with on and off during IDLE while snowboarding in Queenstown. In total about 30 mins video and 400+ photos at minus 5 degrees. Not bad! My nexus 5 drained 40% on idle during same time. 





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jonathan18

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  #1619523 30-Aug-2016 10:33
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kobiak:

 

i'm using SJCAM for 2 years now and it's perfect for our needs (snorkeling, surfing, snowboarding, selfies, jumping to pools, etc, etc, etc)

 

 

Thanks, that's really useful.

 

I'm assuming these cameras aren't actually waterproof without the separate shell on - is that correct?

 

I see there are heaps of SJCAM models for sale on eBay, many of them within budget.

 

EDIT: looking a bit further, at this stage I'm planning on getting an SJCAM SJ4000 WIFI model (eg http://www.ebay.com/itm/221878581987?redirect=mobile), ideally with two batteries, plus will need an SD card. Or are there other models you or others would specifically recommend?

 

I see AliExpress also sells the same model - is there any advantage buying off them versus eBay?

 

 


afe66
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  #1619686 30-Aug-2016 14:08
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Ive been using a HTC Re for the last couple of years and I love it.

 

Last year JB HiFi were clearing them for $200.

 

Might be able to pick one up on trademe or ebay.

 


A.

 

 




kobiak
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  #1619689 30-Aug-2016 14:25
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@jonathan18, yeah waterproof case comes in the box with lots of mounting points. I'd invest good $ for decent selfie stick. over 2 years 2 sticks have not survived ocean water, apart from that camera has no issues and I have S4000 wifi too





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richms
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  #1619713 30-Aug-2016 15:35
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Check it is an actual SJcam one, there are many others using SJ4000 and other numbers on their cameras, and some are really quite terrible cameras.

 

 

 

Some of the cameras let you set them up as STA mode so they will connect to a wifi network. I have 2 SJCam SJ5000's that will let me do that, the problem is that there is no software to find and control them on the same lan. If I get their IP addresses there is a web interface to pull content off the cameras, but nothing to manage them like starting them all recording at the same time or setting the clocks exactly the same on them which is things that would actually be useful for when you want to edit the files together.

 

One of the dashcam forums is quite good for action cameras, and also techmoan on youtube reviews heaps of cheapie action cameras.

 

Just dont buy a $14 one on aliexpress that says in the listing that it is a kids toy and not a serious camera, because they really are terrible cameras, but you do get a nice lot of mounts and case with them that will fit the better SJ4000 etc.





Richard rich.ms

JoshWright
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  #1619814 30-Aug-2016 18:48
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The Xiaomi Yi action cameras are something you could look at! A Chinese brand, but still pretty reputable and decent quality!


jonathan18

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  #1620731 1-Sep-2016 10:25
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Thanks for all the feedback.

I see 1day have such a camera for sale today https://www.1-day.co.nz/products/1080p-action-cam-waterproof-w-accessories?utm_source=SOS_email&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=SOS_Thursday

No way to be sure from the photos, but seems to be the no-brand version, so not feeling worried I spent $25 more to get the 'genuine' knock-off!

I was tempted by the Xiaomi, as I've been impressed with the price/quality of a Redmi phone, but in the end the need to spend additional sums to get accessories such as waterproof housing swayed me to a SJCAM with second battery. Time will tell if that was the right decision!

 
 
 
 

Shop now on Samsung phones, tablets, TVs and more (affiliate link).
richms
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  #1620733 1-Sep-2016 10:27
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Well at least it says 30FPS so the chances of getting a 15 FPS motion jpeg piece of crap is lower.

 

 





Richard rich.ms

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