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The new SJCAM SJ7 Star was released alongside with the new SJ6 Legend:

SJCAM SJ7 Star vs SJ6 Legend

SJCAM SJ7 Star vs SJ6 Legend

 

Main difference of these two cameras is 4K resolution video recording. While SJCAM SJ7 Star is capable of real, native 4K resolution recording, SJ6 Legend is recording interpolated 4K. This is SJCAM’s first native 4K action camera. Additionally the body of SJ7 is made of metal, whereas SJ6’s body is made of plastic. Both cameras feature a 2″ live-view touch display on their backside and can be hooked up with an external microphone. Below you can find a comparison of the latest SJCAM models, followed by the SJCAM SJ7 Star Specs. If you are looking for SJ6 legend information, take a look at my other article:

 SJ6 Legend Review

 SJ8 series Review

 

Comparison

Here’s a comparison of the latest SJCAM cameras including the new SJ8 series cameras:

SJ8 ProSJ8 PlusSJ7 StarSJ8 AirSJ6 Legend
SJCAM-SJ8-Pro-symbolSJCAM-SJ8-Plus-symbolsj7-star-symbolSJCAM-SJ8-Air-symbolSJCAM SJ6 Legend
12 MP Sony
IMX377 sensor
12 MP Sony
IMX117 sensor
12 MP Sony
IMX117 sensor
14 MP Panasonic MN34112PA sensor16 MP Panasonic
MN34120PA sensor
Ambarella H22 ProcessorNovatek 96683 ProcessorAmbarella A12 ProcessorNovatek 96658 ProcessorNovatek 96660 Processor
Body: PlasticBody: PlasticBody: MetalBody: PlasticBody: Plastic
Lens: 170° FOV
Aperture: f/2.8
Lens: 170° FOV
Aperture: f/2.8
Lens: 166°
Aperture: f/2.8
Lens: 160° FOV
Aperture: f/2.6
Lens: 166° FOV
Aperture: f/2.8
native 4K
max. 60fps
native 4K
max. 30fps
native 4K
max. 30fps
no 4Kinterpolated 4K
max. 24fps
2.7K
max. 60 fps
2.7K
max. 60 fps
2.7K
max. 60 fps
2K (1728x1296)
max. 30 fps
2.5K
max. 30 fps
1080p
max. 120fps
1080p
max. 120fps
1080p
max. 120fps
1080p
max. 30fps
1080p
max. 60fps
720p
240fps
720p
240fps
720p
200fps
720p
30fps
720p
max. 120fps
Bitrate: 65 Mbps (4K30)Bitrate: 33 Mbps (4K30)Bitrate: 12 Mbps (1296p)
Image Stabilization: yes
up to 4K 30fps
Image Stabilization: yes
up to 4K 30fps
Image Stabilization: yes
up to 1080p 60fps
Image Stabilization: noImage Stabilization: yes
up to 1080p 60fps
6-axis gyro sensor3-axis gyro sensor3-axis gyro sensor-3-axis gyro sensor
Digital Video ZoomDigital Video Zoom-Digital Video Zoom-
Format: .mp4 /
.h264 & .h265
Format: .mp4 /
.h264 & .h265
Format: .mp4 /
.h264
Format: .mp4 /
.h264
Format: .mp4 / .mov
.h264
12 MP native Photo Resolution12 MP native Photo Resolution12 MP native Photo Resolution14 MP native Photo Resolution16 MP native Photo Resolution
RAW photoRAW photoRAW photono RAW photoRAW photo
2,33″ Touchdisplay2,33″ Touchdisplay2″ Touchdisplay2,33″ Touchdisplay2″ Touchdisplay
0,96" Frontdisplay0,96" Frontdisplay--1" Frontdisplay
Battery: 1200 mAhBattery: 1200 mAhBattery: 1050 mAhBattery: 1200 mAhBattery: 1050 mAh
wifi: yeswifi: yeswifi: yeswifi: yeswifi: yes
Bluetooth: yesBluetooth: yesBluetooth: yesBluetooth: yesBluetooth: yes
Remote Control:
yes
Remote Control:
yes
Remote Control:
yes
Remote Control:
yes
Remote Control:
yes
microSD:
up to 128 GB
microSD:
up to 128 GB
microSD:
up to 128 GB
microSD:
up to 128 GB
microSD:
up to 128 GB
USB-CUSB-Cmini USBUSB-Cmini USB
external microphone:
yes
external microphone:
yes
external microphone:
yes
external microphone:
yes
external microphone:
yes
Case & Mounts included
(Full Box Set)
Case & Mounts included
(Full Box Set)
Case & Mounts includedCase & Mounts included
(Full Box Set)
Case & Mounts included
Retailer/Price:
(small box)
Retailer/Price:
(small box)
Retailer/Price:Retailer/Price:
(small box)
Retailer/Price:
SJCAM:
269.00 USD
SJCAM:
179.00 USD
SJCAM:
199.00 USD
SJCAM:
99.00 USD
SJCAM:
159.00 USD
Banggood:
188.99 USD
Coupon Code: 369eae
Banggood:
157.99 USD
Coupon Code: b71c67
Banggood:
135.99 USD
Banggood:
87.99 USD
Coupon Code: b71c67
Banggood:
116.99 USD
Gearbest:
215.99 USD
Coupon Code: SJ8Series1
Gearbest:
155.99 USD
Coupon Code: SJ8Series3
Gearbest:
159.99 USD
Gearbest:
79.99 USD
Coupon Code: SJ8Series5
Gearbest:
106.99 USD
Aliexpress:
269.00 USD
Aliexpress:
179.00 USD
Aliexpress:
199.00 USD
Aliexpress:
99.00 USD
Aliexpress:
159.00 USD
ReviewReviewReviewReviewReview

 

SJCAM SJ7 Star

SJCAM SJ7 Star - native 4K resolution!

SJCAM SJ7 Star – native 4K resolution!

 

Image Sensor: 
SJCAM SJ7 Star uses a 12 MP Sony Sensor (IMX117), the same sensor used in GoPro Hero 4 black. The alongside launched SJ6 Legend features a 16 MP Panasonic sensor, but is not capable of native 4K recording. The Sony IMX117 sensor is also used in the new SJ8 PlusFirefly 8S camera, THIeye T5 or GoPro Hero4 black. YI 4K features the superior Sony IMX377 sensor, same as the new SJ8 Pro.

Chipset:
Chipset will be an Ambarella A12, which can be found other cameras, such as EKEN H8 Pro &  Andoer C5.

Frame Rates:

  • 4K (3840 x 2160) – 30 fps – native!
  • 2.7 K – 30 fps
  • 2.5 K – 60 / 30 fps
  • 2K (2560 x 1440) – 60 / 30fps
  • 1080p (1920 x 1080) – 120 / 60 / 30 fps
  • 960p – 120 / 60 / 30 fps
  • 720p (1280 x 720) – 200 /120 / 60 / 30 fps

Recording Format:
.mp4 format and  h.264 codec.

Image Stabilization:
SJCAM SJ7 Star is equipped with Electronic Image Stabilization (EIS) for smooth videos without vibrations and shaky videos. It uses a Gyro sensor combined with an acceleration sensor to perceive and stabilize vibrations and shaking during a motion. Stabilisation is available up to 1080p resolution with 60fps. The new SJ8 Pro and SJ8 Plus feature EIS also in 4K resolution.

Photo Resolution:
You can choose: 16M/14M/12M/ 8.3 M/5M/3M
12 MP is the sensor size, so all resolutions above will be interpolated. Format is .jpg.

Lens:
166 Degree Wide-angle Lens, f=3mm, F/2.5 aperture.

Connectivity & Ports:
Wifi is built-in to connect with the app (iOS / Android)
SJCAM SJ7 Star also offers microHDMI port for HD video output,
as well as mini USB port to copy files and for charging.
Mic-in via mini USB is available, so you can use an external microphone!
SJ7 does not feature a 1/4″ tripod thread on the bottom compared to SJ6 Legend.

Storage:
SJCAM SJ7 Star supports microSD cards up to 128 GB. Class 10 (U1) is recommended, (U3) for 4K recording.

Display:
On the backside of SJCAM SJ7 Star you will find a large 2″ live-view touch LCD display (240 x 320)!

SJCAM SJ7 Star - 2" touch TFT display

SJCAM SJ7 Star – 2″ touch TFT display

 

Battery:
The camera includes a removable 1000 mAh battery. Currently I’m not sure if it is the same shape as the 900 mAh batteries used in SJ4000 & SJ5000 series cameras.

Remote Control:
There will be a remote control for SJCAM SJ7 Star, currently I’m not sure if it is the same Bluetooth remote as for SJCAM M20. It looks like the M20 remote:

SJCAM SJ7 Star - Remote Control

SJCAM SJ7 Star – Remote Control

 

Accessories:
SJCAM SJ7 Star comes with a frame to mount it on any GoPro mount, Clip mounts, adhesive mount, tripod adapters and cable. The 30m underwater case is also included, but not shown in this picture.

SJCAM SJ7 Star - included Accessories

SJCAM SJ7 Star – included Accessories (waterproof case included, but not shown)

Dimensions:
Size: 58 x 41 x 20.5mm – which is a little smaller than the SJ6.

 

Body, Buttons & Ports

SJCAM SJ7 Star - Ports & Buttons

SJCAM SJ7 Star – Ports & Buttons

 

Similar to the SJ6 the SJCAM SJ7 Star also has three buttons, but in contrast on different positions. Maybe this is due to the aluminum body of SJ7 Star, whereas SJ6 Legend has a plastic body. Power & Setup buttons are located on the front side of SJ7. On top of the camera there is a record/shutter button. On the side there are ports for micro USB, micro HDMI & microSD card slot. In contrast to SJ6 the SJCAM SJ7 Star doesn’t feature a front data display. Both cameras feature a 2″ live view touch display on the backside.

 

Functions & Settings

The following image is an illustration of the home screen. A lot of small icons display the current settings of the camera including the operation mode, resolution, frame rate, image quality, FOV, date & time.

SJCAM SJ7 Star - Home Screen

SJCAM SJ7 Star – Home Screen

 

Modes

 Wiping down get’s you to the “toggles screen” where you have a button for quick access to photo & video library, remote control & wifi settings.
 Wiping up get’s you to the modes screen where you can access the available camera modes:

  • Capture – for single photos
  • Self Timer – to set a delay time for photos
  • Photo Burst – for a max. of 10 consecutive photos
  • Record – to capture video
  • Video Time-laspe – to create a time-lapse with a video file as result
  • Photo Time-lapse – to create a time-lapse with several individual photos as result.

 To enter the settings either tap the screen or push the settings button on the front of the camera. The following is an excerpt of the features, I’ll update this article as soon as I have the chance to test it myself:

 

Settings

Photo Mode
Some interesting available features are long exposure, to get great night shots. Manual settings include White Balance, EV Exposure Value correction, ISO (sensor sensitivity) and metering. Not all action cams offer such a variety of settings.

Video Mode
Some of the settings I want to highlight are: FOV (field of view) which you can narrow, motion detection, which starts recording when a motion is detected within the image. Loop recording is available which saves videos in shorter files and overwrites the oldest. That’s beneficial when you use it as dash cam. For that purpose you can also switch on Car DV and and Delay off, so the camera starts when connected to a power source and turns off when disconnected. Similar to photo mode the manual settings include White Balance, EV Exposure Value correction, ISO (sensor sensitivity) and metering.

General Settings
You can switch between PAL and NTSC to either record 30fps or 25fps (or a multiple of that). You can personalize your SJ7 to your demand and set LED lights, Buzzer sound and shut off features to your demand. A very long list of menu languages is available to select: English / French / German / Spanish / Italian / Portuguese / Simplied Chinese / Japanese / Traditional Chinese / Russian / Korean / Romanian / Polish / Czech / Slovak / Hungarian / Danish.

 

Retailer / Price




 

Comparison

In this chart you can find a spec comparison with other 4K Action Cameras:

 GoPro Hero7 blackGoPro Hero6 blackSJCAM SJ8 ProYI 4K+ Action CameraGoPro Hero7 silverGoPro Hero5 blackSony FDR-X3000YI 4K Action CameraXiaomi MijiaFirefly 8SESJCAM SJ7 StarTHIeye T5
GoPro Hero7 blackGoPro-Hero6-symbolSJCAM-SJ8-Pro-symbolYI 4K PlusGoPro Hero7 whiteGoPro Hero5 blackSony FDR X-3000YI 4K Action CameraXiaom-Mijia-Action-Camera-SymbolFirefly 8Ssj7-star-symbolthieye-t5e-symbol
Sensor12 MP
?
12 MP
?
12 MP Sony
IMX377
12 MP Sony
IMX377
10 MP12 MP Sony
IMX ?
12 MP Sony
IMX317
12 MP Sony
IMX377
8 MP Sony
IMX317
12 MP Sony
IMX 117
12 MP Sony
IMX117
12 MP Sony
IMX 117
ProcessorGP1GP1Ambarella H22Ambarella H2?Ambarella A9BIONZ X image processorAmbarella A9Ambarella A12Ambarella A12Ambarella A12Ambarella A12
LensF/2.8, 170° FOVF/2.8, 170° FOVF/2.8, 170° FOVF/2.8, 155° FOVF/2.8, 170° FOVF/2.8, 170° FOV f/2.8, f=17 mmF/2.8, 155° FOVF/2.8, 145° FOVF/2.8, 170° or
F/2.8, 90° version
F/2.5, 166° FOVF/2.5, 170° FOV
4K Resolutionmax. 60fpsmax. 60fpsmax. 60fpsmax. 60fpsmax. 30fpsmax. 30fpsmax. 30fpsmax. 30fpsmax. 30fpsmax. 30fpsmax. 30fpsmax. 30fps
Bitrate in 4K78 Mbps78 Mbps65 Mbps135 Mbps60 Mbps60 Mbps100 Mbps100 Mbps100 Mbps70Mbps70Mbps
2.7K Resolutionmax. 120fpsmax. 120fpsn/amax. 60fpsmax. 60fpsmax. 60fpsmax. 60fps-
(2.5K in 60fps)
max. 30fps
(2.5K in 60fps)
max. 30fps
(2.5K in 60fps)
max. 30fps
(2.5K in 60fps)
1080p Resolutionmax. 240fpsmax. 240fpsmax. 120fpsmax. 120fpsmax. 600fpsmax. 120fpsmax. 120fpsmax. 120fpsmax. 120fpsmax. 120fpsmax. 120fpsmax. 120fps
720p Resolutionmax. 240fpsmax. 60fpsmax. 240fpsmax. 240fpsnomax. 240fpsmax. 240fpsmax. 240fpsmax. 240fpsmax. 240fpsmax. 200fpsmax. 240fps
Photo Resolution12 MP12 MP12 MP12 MP10 MP12 MP8 MP12 MP8 MP12 MP12 MP12 MP
RAW photoyes
GPR Format
yes
GPR Format
yes
.RAW Format
yes
DNG Format
noyes
GPR Format
noyes
DNG Format
yes
DNG Format
nonono
Display2″ Touchscreen2″ Touchscreen2,33″ Touchscreen2,19″ Touchscreen2″ Touchscreen2″ Touchscreendata only2,19″ Touchscreen2,44″ Touchscreen2" Touchscreen2″ Touchscreen2" live view
Battery (Capacity)1220 mAh1220 mAh1200 mAh1400 mAh1220 mAh
built-in!
1220 mAh1240 mAh1400 mAh1450 mAh1200 mAh1000 mAh1100 mAh
Image Stabilizationyes
up to 4K 60fps
yes
up to 4K 30fps
yes
up to 4K 30fps
yes
up to 4K 30fps
yes
up to 2.7K 60fps
yes
up to 2.7K 60fps
yes (optical)
up to 4K 30fps
yes
up to 2.7K 60fps
yes
up to 1080p 60fps
yes
up to 1080p 60fps
yes
up to 1080p 60fps
yes
up to 1080p 60fps
Gyro Sensor"Hypersmooth""superior to Hero5"
I guess 6-axis
6-axis3-axisI guess 3-axisI guess 3-axisoptical stabilization!3-axis6-axis (3-axis gyro, 3-axis accelerometer)6-axis3-axis3-axis
Wifiyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyes
Bluetoothyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyes
Remote Controlleryes, optional extrayes, optional extrayes, optional extrayes, optional extrayes, optional extrayes, optional extrayes, optional extrayes, optional extrayes, optional extrayes, optional extrayes, optional extrayes, optional extra
AppGoPro App
iOS, Android
GoPro App
iOS, Android
SJCAM Zone
iOS, Android
Yi Action App
iOS, Android
GoPro App
iOS, Android
GoPro App
iOS, Android
Action Cam App
iOS, Android
Yi Action App
iOS, Android
Mi Home AppFirefly Cam
iOS, Android
SJCAM Zone
iOS, Android
Thieye HD
iOS, Android
StoragemicroSD (up to 128GB)microSD (up to 128GB)microSD (up to 128GB)microSD (up to 128GB)microSD (up to 128GB)microSD (up to 128GB)microSD (up to 128GB)microSD (up to 128GB)microSD (up to 64GB)microSD (up to 128GB)microSD (up to 128GB)microSD (up to 128GB)
USB PortUSB-C portUSB-C portUSB-C portUSB-C portUSB-C portUSB-C portmicro USB portmicro USB portmicro USB portmini USB portmini USB portmicro USB port
A/V Outputyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyes(will be added)yesyesyes
external Microphoneyes
via USB-C
yes
via USB-C
yes
via USB-C
yes
via USB-C
noyes
via USB-C
yes
via 3,5mm
nonoyes
via mini USB
yes
via mini USB
yes
via 2.5mm plug
HDMI Portmicro HDMImicro HDMInononomicro HDMImicro HDMInonomicro HDMImicro HDMImicro HDMI
Voice Controlyesyesnoyesyesyesnoyesnononono
Special FeatureGPS recordingGPS recordingcomes with Touchdoor CaseFacebook Live BroadcastingGPS recordingGPS recordingGPS recordingFacebook Live BroadcastingAluminum Frame Body
MountsGoPro System on frame/caseGoPro System on frame/case1/4" thread on body
GoPro System on case
1/4" thread on body
GoPro System on case
GoPro System on frame/caseGoPro System on frame/case1/4" thread on body
1/4" thread on case
1/4" thread on body
GoPro System on case
1/4" thread on body
GoPro System on case
1/4" thread on body
GoPro System on case
GoPro System on frame/case1/4" thread on body
GoPro System on case
Waterproof10m without case
60m with case
10m without case
60m with case
30m with case40m with case10m without case
NO case available
10m without case
60m with case
splash proof without case
60m with case
40m with casewith case30m with case30m with case30m with case
Included AccessoriesFrameFrameCase & Mounts
(Full Box)
Many offers include caseFrameFrameUnderwater Case--
kits will be available later
Case & MountsCase & MountsCase, 2nd battery
Best PriceAmazon: Amazon: Banggood:
189.99 USD
Amazon: Amazon: Amazon: Amazon: Geekbuying: 159.99 USDGearbest: 99.99 USDBanggood: 119.99 USDBanggood:
149.99 USD
Gearbest: 119.99 USD
ReviewReviewReviewReviewReviewReviewReviewReviewReviewReviewReview

 

Conclusion

Great to see SJCAM offering the first native 4K Action Camera! Who’s the competition? Obviously the YI 4K Action Camera; same as SJ7 Star it offers native 4K recording & a touch display. So does the new GoPro Hero 5 black, which additionally is waterproof without case for 10m. Additional competitors might be EKEN H8 Pro, which offers native 4K video recording, hence only a live view display, not touch and no image stabilization; same as the new Andoer C5. Both have less features, but a way lower price tag.

native 4K resolution and 120 fps in 1080p.

 2″ touch display for easy menu navigation.

 Electronic Image Stabilization.

 External Microphone available (optional)

 Remote Control available (optional)

No thread for direct tripod mount (compared to SJ6)

Price is high compared to competitors with similar specs like YI 4KAndoer C5 & THIeye T5.

 

 

Demo Video

In this video Marco from action cam italia compared SJCAM SJ7 with Thieye T5 as they share the same sensor and chipset:

 

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