SJCAM SJ8 Air – Review
SJCAM SJ8 Air was released alongside with SJ8 Pro and SJ8 Plus. While SJ8 Pro and SJ8 Plus offer 4K resolution – SJ8 Pro even 60fps – SJCAM SJ8 Air is limited to 1296p resolution. But the camera offers similarities to the other SJ8 series cameras. The same high quality body, 2,33″ touchscreen & USB-C port. While this article will be a deep insight into SJ8 Air, you can find a detailed comparison of SJ8 Series cameras here.
Video Review of SJ8 Air and comparison with SJ8 Plus & SJ8 Pro
SJCAM SJ8 Air Specs
Image Sensor:
SJCAM SJ8 Air holds a different brand sensor compared to the other SJ8 series cameras, the 14 MP Panasonic MN34112PA. That’s the same sensor used in SJ6 Air, while SJ6 Legend uses a larger 16 MP Panasonic sensor. This sensor benefits higher resolution photos, compared to the other SJ8 series cameras (14MP vs 12 MP).
Chipset:
SJCAM SJ8 Air also uses a Novatek chipset, Novatek 96658, which is inferior to the one used in SJ8 Plus but the same used in Jj6 Legend.
Frame Rates:
- 4K Resolution – SJ8 Air does not offer 4K resolution (not even interpolated).
- 2K Resolution – the highest resolution available in SJ8 Air is 1296p with 30fps.
- HD 1080p – SJ8 Air only records 30fps in 1080p while the other SJ8 series cameras offer 120fps.
- HD 720p – also in 720p SJ8 Air only offers 30fps.
Image Stabilization (EIS):
SJ8 Air does not have image stabilization. SJ8 Pro and SJ8 Air offer image stabilization up to 4K 30fps.
Recording Format:
Sj8 Air records in h264 codec as .mp4 file.
Digital Zoom:
Similar to all SJ8 series cameras, also SJ8 Air offers digital zoom, available in all resolution settings.
Photo Resolution:
Native photo is linked to the effective pixel size of the sensor, therefor SJ8 Air offer 14 MP sized photos. You can even scale up the photos to 16 MP within the camera. In this category SJ8 Air beats the other SJ8 series cameras, that can only do 12 MP photos. But compared to the others RAW option is not available.
Connectivity & Ports:
Same as all new SJ8 Series cameras, SJ8 Air offer a USB-C port, compared to the mini USB port used in SJ7 Star & SJ6 Legend.
Be aware SJ8 Air does no have external microphone settings in the menu, compared to SJ8 Pro.
All SJ8 Series cameras as well as SJ7 Star and SJ6 Legend offer wifi and bluetooth connection and can be remote controlled via phone or remote controller.
Also all of the mentioned cameras feature a microSD port for cards up to 128 GB storage. For SJ 8 Air a U1 or class 10 card is enough.
Display:
The backside display is a 2,33″ touch screen. That’s even larger than YI 4K+ (2,19″) and GoPro Hero6 (2″) and larger than the other SJCAM models SJ7 Star and SJ6 Legend, which also offered a 2″ touch display.
Compared to the other Sj8 series models, SJ8 Air does not offer a front display.
Battery:
Another item all SJ8 series cameras have in common, a removable 1200 mAh battery. Battery capacity was increased compared to SJ7 Star (1000 mAh) but still be a bit lower compared to YI 4K+ (1400 mAh) and similar compared to GoPro Hero6 (1120 mAh).
Accessories:
All SJ8 series cameras will be available in 2 version: Small Box (only including camera, charging cable & manual) and Full Box including a full set of accessories known from the SJ7 or SJ6 Set, including: Waterproof Housing, Touchscreen backdoor, Quick Release Buckle, Handlebar Mount, Curved Adhesive Mount, Flat Adhesive Mount, 3M Adhesive Tape, Universal 1/4″ Camera Tripod Mount, Tripod Mount Adapter, GoPro Mount Adapters, Cleaning Cloth, USB-C cable and Manual. The full box is 20 USD extra.
Within the underwater case the camera is 30m waterproof, when using the touch screen door it’s 3m.
Comparison
Here you can find a combined list of Specs in comparison to other SJCAM cameras:
SJ8 Pro | SJ8 Plus | SJ7 Star | SJ8 Air | SJ6 Legend |
---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() |
12 MP Sony IMX377 sensor | 12 MP Sony IMX117 sensor | 12 MP Sony IMX117 sensor | 14 MP Panasonic MN34112PA sensor | 16 MP Panasonic MN34120PA sensor |
Ambarella H22 Processor | Novatek 96683 Processor | Ambarella A12 Processor | Novatek 96658 Processor | Novatek 96660 Processor |
Body: Plastic | Body: Plastic | Body: Metal | Body: Plastic | Body: 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 4K | interpolated 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: no | Image Stabilization: yes up to 1080p 60fps |
6-axis gyro sensor | 3-axis gyro sensor | 3-axis gyro sensor | - | 3-axis gyro sensor |
Digital Video Zoom | Digital 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 Resolution | 12 MP native Photo Resolution | 12 MP native Photo Resolution | 14 MP native Photo Resolution | 16 MP native Photo Resolution |
RAW photo | RAW photo | RAW photo | no RAW photo | RAW photo |
2,33″ Touchdisplay | 2,33″ Touchdisplay | 2″ Touchdisplay | 2,33″ Touchdisplay | 2″ Touchdisplay |
0,96" Frontdisplay | 0,96" Frontdisplay | - | - | 1" Frontdisplay |
Battery: 1200 mAh | Battery: 1200 mAh | Battery: 1050 mAh | Battery: 1200 mAh | Battery: 1050 mAh |
wifi: yes | wifi: yes | wifi: yes | wifi: yes | wifi: yes |
Bluetooth: yes | Bluetooth: yes | Bluetooth: yes | Bluetooth: yes | Bluetooth: 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-C | USB-C | mini USB | USB-C | mini 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 included | Case & 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 |
Review | Review | Review | Review | Review |
Retailer / Price Comparison
SJ8 Series Pro
- SJCAM Webshop
- 269.00 USD (small box)
- 289.00 USD (full box)
- Banggood:
- 219.12 USD (small box) – Coupon Code: b71c67
- 188.99 USD (full box) – Coupon Code: 369eae
- Gearbest:
- 215.99 USD (small box) – Coupon Code: SJ8Series1
- 233.99 USD (full box) – Coupon Code: SJ8Series2
- Geekbuying: 349.99 USD (full box)
- TomTop: 185.00 USD (full box) – Coupon Code: HYSJCAM
- Aliexpress (official store):
- 269.00 USD (small box)
- 289.00 USD (full box)
- Amazon: (please check which box)
SJ8 Series Plus
- SJCAM Webshop:
- 179.00 USD (small box)
- 199.00 USD (full box)
- Banggood:
- 157.59 USD (small box) – Coupon Code: b71c67
- 175.12 USD (full box) – Coupon Code: b71c67
- Gearbest:
- 155.99 USD (small box) – Coupon Code: SJ8Series3
- 171.99 USD (full box) – Coupon Code: SJ8Series4
- Geekbuying: 192.99 USD (full box)
- TomTop: 155.00 USD (full box)
- Aliexpress (official store):
- 179.00 USD (small box)
- 199.00 USD (full box)
- Amazon: (please check which box)
SJ8 Series Air
- SJCAM Webshop:
- 89.00 USD (small box)
- 109.00 USD (full box)
- Banggood:
- Gearbest:
- Geekbuying: 120.99 USD (full box)
- TomTop: 89.00 USD (full box)
- Aliexpress (official store):
- 89.00 USD (small box)
- 109.00 USD (full box)
- Amazon: (please check which box)
Older SJCAM Models:
As comparison, here are the prices for the older, still available, SJCAM models:
- SJ7 Star: 135.99 USD
- SJ6 legend: 106.99 USD
Body, Buttons & Ports
Compared to the other SJ8 models, SJ8 Air does not offer a front screen. Compared to e.g. YI 4K, SJ8 Air offers two buttons: Shutter button on the top and a power button on the side, that also works as mode switch button where you can conveniently switch between photo and video mode. This is especially necessary when the cam is inside the underwater case. On the other side you find a door that covers the USB-C port. On the bottom there’s a battery door which also holds the micro SD card slot.
Features & Settings
I want to give an overview of the new home screen, available camera modes and settings. Be aware that they are different for all SJ8 series cameras! For a comparison take a look at my SJ8 series comparison article.
Homescreen
The home screen, the one you see when turning on the camera, shows the following settings (from top left – clockwise): Current Mode (video in the image above) the available recording time on your SD card. On the top right the battery status. On the right side magnifiers for the digital zoom. When you press the rotary icon you can access the settings: camera & device settings. When pressing the current resolution & frame rate (center), you get to the mode selection menu and the play button indicates photo library.
Modes
When you press the settings in the bottom, middle of the screen you access the modes menu with the following 9 options. As already mentioned the modes are different on all SJ8 series cameras – check my comparison.
- Video – for video recording.
- VideoLaspe – to create a time-lapse with a video file as result.
- Still – for single photos.
- PhotoLapse – to create a time-lapse with several individual photos as result.
- Long Exposure, for e.g. night shots.
- Video / Photo – to take photos within an interval while a video is recording.
- Motion detection – where the camera starts recording once there is motion within the frame. (only SJ8 camera with this mode)
- Car Mode – the camera powers on automatically and loop recording is enabled (when used as dash camera).
- Underwater Mode – which corrects colours when diving.
Video Settings
Video Resolution & Frame Rates
- 1296p – 30 fps
- 1080p – 30 fps
- 720p – 30 fps
- WVGA – 30 fps
- VGA 640×480 – 30fps
There is no option to select PAL (25 fps or a multiple of that). There is a TV Mode selection for PAL in the device settings, but it doesn’t effect frame rates. 24fps is also not available.
Loop Recording
When loop recording is switched on the oldest files are overwritten once the SD card is full.
Video Lapse
You can set video lapse to 1s/2s/5s10s/30s/1m – I’m not quite sure about this setting as video time-lapse is a separate menu item.
Audio
You can switch on/off audio recording from the integrated microphone.
Time Stamp
You can turn on/off the time/date being displayed in your video recordings.
LOGO Watermark
You can switch on / off for a watermark being displayed.
Sharpness
You can set sharpness to strong / normal / soft. For grading I recommend normal or soft.
EV (Exposure Value)
is the exposure compensation. You can adjust exposure by setting up / down EV in these steps: +- 1/3, +- 2/3, +- 1.0, +- 4/3, +- 5/3, +-2.0.
White Balance
You can select predefined settings for color correction based on the given light situation: Auto / Daylight / Cloudy / Tungsten / Fluorescent.
Color
You can choose several color options – basically filters: Normal / Black & White / Retro / Warm / Cool. There is no “Flat” option compared to SJ8 Pro.
Compared to the other SJ8 series cameras there are quite some items missing: e.g. there is no ISO setting & no distortion correction. Also no gyro setting as SJCAM SJ8 Air does not offer image stabilization.
Photo Settings
Photo Resolution
- 16 MP – 4608 x 3456 – 4:3
- 14 MP – 4320 x 3240 – 4:3 (native sensor resolution)
- 12 MP – 4032 x 3024 – 4:3
- 10 MP – 3648 x 2736 – 4:3
- 8 MP – 3264 x 2448 – 4:3
- 5 MP – 2592 x 1944 – 4:3
- 3 MP – 2048 x 1536 – 4:3
- 2MHD
Quality
You can select Fine / Normal / Economy. Depending on your selection the quality of the picture (not resolution) will differ, also resulting in different file sizes.
Sharpness
You can set sharpness to strong / normal / soft. For standard photos I recommend “normal”.
White Balance
You can select predefined settings for color correction based on the given light situation: Auto / Daylight / Cloudy / Tungsten / Fluorescent.
Color
You can choose several color options (basically filters): Normal / Black & White / Retro / Warm / Cool. There is no Flat option compared to SJ8 Pro.
ISO
Compared to video mode, in photo mode you have ISO options on SJ8 Plus: 100 / 200 / 400 / 800 / 1600 / 3200.
EV (Exposure Value)
is the exposure compensation. You can adjust exposure by setting up / down EV in these steps: +- 1/3, +- 2/3, +- 1.0, +- 4/3, +- 5/3, +-2.0.
Time Stamp
You can turn on/off the time/date being displayed in your video recordings.
Compared to the other SJ8 series cameras there is no distortion correction built in, no RAW and no WDR (wide dynamic range) option. You also don’t have a self timer and no exposure time (shutter setting), you need to go to “LongExposure” mode to enable this setting!
Device Settings
In the device settings you can format the SD card, set date & time, change power off options,… Click below to see the full list of options. Compared to the other SJ8 series cameras there is no option to rotate the image.
all device settings
Language
You can switch menu between English, French, German, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, Chinese Russian, Czech, Slovakian, Hungarian, Suomi, Danish, Dutch,
Date/Time
be sure to enter the correct Date & Time when using the Timestamp option!
Format
to format your microSD card.
GimbalControl
In case you use SJCAM SJ8 Air with SJCAM Gimbal.
FPV
to enable video output.
TV Mode
as mentioned you can switch between PAL and NTSC, but the frame rate is not changing.
Fast Record
when enabled you can turn on the camera and it starts recording immediately.
Auto Power off
You can set a time to power down the camera when in standby (to save battery).
Keypad Tone
You can switch on/off sound when pressing the buttons.
Screensavers
You can select a time when the screen goes black, also useful to save battery life.
Frequency
You can choose between 50Hz and 60Hz, depending on the frequency the power lines are using in your country. Choosing the wrong frequency artificial light can be flickering in your video.
WiFi
You can switch on / off wifi. Standard Wifi Password is: 12345678 but you can change it here.
Power On Mode
You can choose in which mode the camera should power on.
Default setting
which restores factory settings.
Version
which displays the current version of the Firmware.
App – SJCAM Zone
You can connect SJCAM SJ8 Air with your smartphone using wifi. Compared to the other SJ8 series cameras you only got 2.4GHz wifi. The app for iOS and Android is called SJCAM Zone.
How to connect to your Smartphone
Turn on the camera’s wifi, you can use the quick menu when swiping down on the screen. Look for the camera’s wifi on your phone which is displayed as “SJ8AIR” followed by numbers. The standard password is 12345678. Open up the app and connect both devices.
SJCAM Zone
The App is pretty straight forward with all the settings you can select on your camera as well. SJCAM recently introduced a social media platform where you can post your photos, but it has some flaws as I was able to post my photos, but can’t see them any further.
Also the app looks a bit different on every SJ8 series camera. When opening up the app you see a live preview image of the camera. It is also possible to turn the smartphone into landscape mode for a larger image. The available modes are displayed in a line above the shutter button. The icon on the bottom left opens the resolution (and frame rate) menu. By pressing the rotary icon on the top right, you access the camera settings.
Demo Photos
The following demo photos are taken as .jpg photo. All settings were on auto. The photos are unedited, taken straight from the camera. You can click on them to view full resolution:
Retailer / Price Comparison
SJ8 Series Pro
- SJCAM Webshop
- 269.00 USD (small box)
- 289.00 USD (full box)
- Banggood:
- 219.12 USD (small box) – Coupon Code: b71c67
- 188.99 USD (full box) – Coupon Code: 369eae
- Gearbest:
- 215.99 USD (small box) – Coupon Code: SJ8Series1
- 233.99 USD (full box) – Coupon Code: SJ8Series2
- Geekbuying: 349.99 USD (full box)
- TomTop: 185.00 USD (full box) – Coupon Code: HYSJCAM
- Aliexpress (official store):
- 269.00 USD (small box)
- 289.00 USD (full box)
- Amazon: (please check which box)
SJ8 Series Plus
- SJCAM Webshop:
- 179.00 USD (small box)
- 199.00 USD (full box)
- Banggood:
- 157.59 USD (small box) – Coupon Code: b71c67
- 175.12 USD (full box) – Coupon Code: b71c67
- Gearbest:
- 155.99 USD (small box) – Coupon Code: SJ8Series3
- 171.99 USD (full box) – Coupon Code: SJ8Series4
- Geekbuying: 192.99 USD (full box)
- TomTop: 155.00 USD (full box)
- Aliexpress (official store):
- 179.00 USD (small box)
- 199.00 USD (full box)
- Amazon: (please check which box)
SJ8 Series Air
- SJCAM Webshop:
- 89.00 USD (small box)
- 109.00 USD (full box)
- Banggood:
- Gearbest:
- Geekbuying: 120.99 USD (full box)
- TomTop: 89.00 USD (full box)
- Aliexpress (official store):
- 89.00 USD (small box)
- 109.00 USD (full box)
- Amazon: (please check which box)
Older SJCAM Models:
As comparison, here are the prices for the older, still available, SJCAM models:
- SJ7 Star: 135.99 USD
- SJ6 legend: 106.99 USD