SJCAM SJ8 Pro – 4K 60fps action camera – Review

SJCAM SJ8 Pro – Review

SJCAM SJ8 Pro is the new flagship action camera from SJCAM. It offers 4K 60fps video recording and image stabilization up to 4K resolution with 30fps. That’s the same specs as GoPro Hero6 and YI Technology YI 4K+. Alongside with their new top model, SJCAM also released to other SJ8 series camera (Plus & Air), here you can find a detailed comparison: SJ8 Series Comparison. In this article I want to show you:

1. SJ8 Pro Specs
2. Camera Design
3. Features & Settings
4. SJ8 Pro with App
5. Demo Photos

Video Review of SJ8 Pro and comparison with SJ8 Plus & SJ8 Air

SJCAM SJ8 Pro Specs

SJCAM SJ8 Pro

Image Sensor:
SJCAM SJ8 Pro holds the 12 MP Sony IMX377 sensor (1/2.3″ CMOS) known from YI 4K+ Action Camera and YI 4K action camera. I’m not sure if GoPro is using the same sensor for their Hero6 camera, I got no valid proof up to now.

Chipset:
SJCAM SJ8 Pro holds the new Ambarella H22 processor. This processor enables 4K 60fps but it is not Ambarella’s top of the line chipset, which is the H2, that is used in YI 4K+. Hero6 uses the GP1, which is a processor designed by GoPro.

Resolutions & Frame Rates:

• 4K Resolution – SJ8 Pro can do up to 60 fps in 4K, that’s the maximum of any SJCAM model. EIS is available up to 4K and 30fps, similar to SJ8 Plus.
• 2.7K Resolution – 2.7 K with up to 60fps was added with firmware update V1.2.1.
• HD 1080p – The new SJ8 Pro can do up to 120fps in 1080p that’s similar to YI 4K+. The only cam I’m aware of that can do better is GoPro Hero6 with an amazing 240fps in 1080p.
• HD 720p – While SJ7 Star can only do 200 fps in 720p, the new SJ8 Pro can do 240fps – a multiple of 30fps.

Image Stabilization:
SJ8 Pro is the first SJCAM to offer EIS in 4K resolution at a max. of 30fps up to 30fps in 2.7K and up to 60fps in 1080p. SJ8 Pro offers a 6-axis gyro sensor to stabilise the image, SJ8 Plus only has a 3-axis gyro sensor.

Recording Format:
With SJ8 Pro SJCAM introduced the new codec h265 which promises less storage, hence smaller files. You can choose between h264 and h265, but for some selections (e.g. 4K 60fps) h265 is compulsory.

Photo Resolution:
Native photo is linked to the effective pixel size of the sensor, therefor SJ8 Pro offer 12 MP sized photos. Photo format is .jpg, RAW option is available and saved as .raw photo.

Connectivity & Ports:
Same as all new SJ8 Series cameras, SJ8 Pro offer a USB-C port, compared to the mini USB port used in SJ7 Star & SJ6 Legend. SJ8 Pro is capable of using an external microphone. Be aware SJ8 Plus does not have that option in the menu!
All SJ8 Series cameras as well as SJ7 and SJ6 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. Be careful which card you choose, for 4K video U3 cards are needed, if you plan to record 60fps, choose a very fast card!

Display:
The backside display is a 2,33″ touch screen. That’s larger than  YI 4K+ (2,19″) and GoPro Hero6 (2″) as well as the older SJCAM models SJ7 Star and SJ6 Legend, which also offered a 2″ touch display.
Additionally SJ8 Pro, same as SJ8 Plus, features a 0.96″ front display to check the settings.

SJCAM SJ8 Pro & SJ8 Plus – 2,33″ Touchdisplay & 0,96″ Front Display

Battery:
Another item all SJ8 series cameras have in common, a removable 1200 mAh battery, so battery capacity will be increased from SJ7 Star (1000 mAh) but still be a bit lower compared to YI 4K+ (1400 mAh) and similar compared to GoPro Hero6 (1120 mAh).

SJCAM SJ8 Pro – Battery

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 touchscreen door it’s 3m.

There are several optional accessories available (original SJCAM):

• Extra Battery: 4.50 USD
• Dual Charger: 5 USD
• External Microphone: 12 USD
• Frame Mount: 2.50 USD
• Underwater Case: 9.90 USD (included in Full Box)

SJCAM SJ8 Pro – Included Accessories (Full Box)

Comparison with other 4K Cameras

Here’s my comparison chart of 4K action cameras, you can find GoPro Hero6, YI 4K+ and SJ8 Pro (since all offer 4K 60fps) at the beginning to compare the specs. If you want to compare SJCAM SJ8 camera series, take a look at my SJ8 series comparison article.

	GoPro Hero7 black	GoPro Hero6 black	SJCAM SJ8 Pro	YI 4K+ Action Camera	GoPro Hero7 silver	GoPro Hero5 black	Sony FDR-X3000	YI 4K Action Camera	Xiaomi Mijia	Firefly 8SE	SJCAM SJ7 Star	THIeye T5
Sensor	12 MP ?	12 MP ?	12 MP Sony IMX377	12 MP Sony IMX377	10 MP	12 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
Processor	GP1	GP1	Ambarella H22	Ambarella H2	?	Ambarella A9	BIONZ X image processor	Ambarella A9	Ambarella A12	Ambarella A12	Ambarella A12	Ambarella A12
Lens	F/2.8, 170° FOV	F/2.8, 170° FOV	F/2.8, 170° FOV	F/2.8, 155° FOV	F/2.8, 170° FOV	F/2.8, 170° FOV	f/2.8, f=17 mm	F/2.8, 155° FOV	F/2.8, 145° FOV	F/2.8, 170° or F/2.8, 90° version	F/2.5, 166° FOV	F/2.5, 170° FOV
4K Resolution	max. 60fps	max. 60fps	max. 60fps	max. 60fps	max. 30fps	max. 30fps	max. 30fps	max. 30fps	max. 30fps	max. 30fps	max. 30fps	max. 30fps
Bitrate in 4K	78 Mbps	78 Mbps	65 Mbps	135 Mbps	60 Mbps	60 Mbps	100 Mbps	100 Mbps	100 Mbps	70Mbps		70Mbps
2.7K Resolution	max. 120fps	max. 120fps	n/a	max. 60fps	max. 60fps	max. 60fps		max. 60fps	- (2.5K in 60fps)	max. 30fps (2.5K in 60fps)	max. 30fps (2.5K in 60fps)	max. 30fps (2.5K in 60fps)
1080p Resolution	max. 240fps	max. 240fps	max. 120fps	max. 120fps	max. 600fps	max. 120fps	max. 120fps	max. 120fps	max. 120fps	max. 120fps	max. 120fps	max. 120fps
720p Resolution	max. 240fps	max. 60fps	max. 240fps	max. 240fps	no	max. 240fps	max. 240fps	max. 240fps	max. 240fps	max. 240fps	max. 200fps	max. 240fps
Photo Resolution	12 MP	12 MP	12 MP	12 MP	10 MP	12 MP	8 MP	12 MP	8 MP	12 MP	12 MP	12 MP
RAW photo	yes GPR Format	yes GPR Format	yes .RAW Format	yes DNG Format	no	yes GPR Format	no	yes DNG Format	yes DNG Format	no	no	no
Display	2″ Touchscreen	2″ Touchscreen	2,33″ Touchscreen	2,19″ Touchscreen	2″ Touchscreen	2″ Touchscreen	data only	2,19″ Touchscreen	2,44″ Touchscreen	2" Touchscreen	2″ Touchscreen	2" live view
Battery (Capacity)	1220 mAh	1220 mAh	1200 mAh	1400 mAh	1220 mAh built-in!	1220 mAh	1240 mAh	1400 mAh	1450 mAh	1200 mAh	1000 mAh	1100 mAh
Image Stabilization	yes 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-axis	3-axis	I guess 3-axis	I guess 3-axis	optical stabilization!	3-axis	6-axis (3-axis gyro, 3-axis accelerometer)	6-axis	3-axis	3-axis
Wifi	yes	yes	yes	yes	yes	yes	yes	yes	yes	yes	yes	yes
Bluetooth	yes	yes	yes	yes	yes	yes	yes	yes	yes	yes	yes	yes
Remote Controller	yes, optional extra	yes, optional extra	yes, optional extra	yes, optional extra	yes, optional extra	yes, optional extra	yes, optional extra	yes, optional extra	yes, optional extra	yes, optional extra	yes, optional extra	yes, optional extra
App	GoPro 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 App	Firefly Cam iOS, Android	SJCAM Zone iOS, Android	Thieye HD iOS, Android
Storage	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 128GB)	microSD (up to 64GB)	microSD (up to 128GB)	microSD (up to 128GB)	microSD (up to 128GB)
USB Port	USB-C port	USB-C port	USB-C port	USB-C port	USB-C port	USB-C port	micro USB port	micro USB port	micro USB port	mini USB port	mini USB port	micro USB port
A/V Output	yes	yes	yes	yes	yes	yes	yes	yes	(will be added)	yes	yes	yes
external Microphone	yes via USB-C	yes via USB-C	yes via USB-C	yes via USB-C	no	yes via USB-C	yes via 3,5mm	no	no	yes via mini USB	yes via mini USB	yes via 2.5mm plug
HDMI Port	micro HDMI	micro HDMI	no	no	no	micro HDMI	micro HDMI	no	no	micro HDMI	micro HDMI	micro HDMI
Voice Control	yes	yes	no	yes	yes	yes	no	yes	no	no	no	no
Special Feature	GPS recording	GPS recording	comes with Touchdoor Case	Facebook Live Broadcasting	GPS recording	GPS recording	GPS recording	Facebook Live Broadcasting			Aluminum Frame Body
Mounts	GoPro System on frame/case	GoPro System on frame/case	1/4" thread on body GoPro System on case	1/4" thread on body GoPro System on case	GoPro System on frame/case	GoPro System on frame/case	1/4" 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/case	1/4" thread on body GoPro System on case
Waterproof	10m without case 60m with case	10m without case 60m with case	30m with case	40m with case	10m without case NO case available	10m without case 60m with case	splash proof without case 60m with case	40m with case	with case	30m with case	30m with case	30m with case
Included Accessories	Frame	Frame	Case & Mounts (Full Box)	Many offers include case	Frame	Frame	Underwater Case	-	- kits will be available later	Case & Mounts	Case & Mounts	Case, 2nd battery
Best Price	Amazon:	Amazon:	Banggood: 189.99 USD	Amazon:	Amazon:	Amazon:	Amazon:	Geekbuying: 159.99 USD	Gearbest: 99.99 USD	Banggood: 119.99 USD	Banggood: 149.99 USD	Gearbest: 119.99 USD
Review		Review	Review	Review		Review	Review	Review	Review	Review	Review	Review

Retailer / Price Comparison

Older SJCAM Models:

As comparison, here are the prices for the older, still available, SJCAM models:

• SJ7 Star: 128.99 USD
• SJ6 legend: 106.99 USD

Body, Buttons & Ports

SJCAM SJ8 Pro – Front & Back

On the front you can find a 0,96″ OLED display that shows the current settings of the camera and indicates recording as well as the recording time / number of photos. Compared to YI 4K, SJ8 pro offers two buttons: Shutter button on the top, which is lit when the cam is powered up and flashing while recording. Power button on the side also works as mode switch button where you can conveniently switch between photo and video mode. That’s handy when the cam is inside the underwater case. On the other side you can see 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 menus look different and settings also differ for all SJ8 series cameras! For a comparison take a look at my SJ8 series comparison article.

Homescreen

SJCAM SJ8 Pro – 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 duration (no SD card was inserted in the image). On the top right a mic to indicate that sound is recording and the battery status. The +/- magnifier is for the digital zoom you can use while recording. When you press the rotary you can access the device settings, the icon next to it is for video/photo settings. When pressing the current mode, in this case “video”, you get to the modes menu. When pressing the current resolution & frame rate you get to the resolution selection menu and the play button indicates photo library. Date and time are displayed, even when timestamp is not active.

Modes

SJCAM SJ8 Pro – available Modes

When you press the current mode in the bottom, middle of the screen you access the modes menu with the following 8 options:

• Video – for video recording.
• Video Lapse – to create a time-lapse with a video file as result.
• Slow Rec – for slow motion recording. The camera is recording a higher frame rate and it is already stored within the file to play it at a lower frame rate.
• Photo – for single photos.
• Photo Lapse – to create a time-lapse with several individual photos as result.
• Photo Burst – for consecutive photos.
• Video / Photo – to take photos within an interval while a video is recording.
• Car Mode – the camera powers on/off automatically when connected to a power source and loop recording is enabled (when used as dash camera).

Video Settings

SJCAM SJ8 Pro – Video Settings

Video Resolution & Frame Rates
are accessible straight from the home screen next to the displayed mode of the camera with the following options:

• 4K – (3840 x 2160 – 16:9) – 24 / 25 / 30 / 50 / 60fps
• 4K Ultra – (3840 x 2160 – 16:9) – 30fps
• 2.7K – (2720 x 1520 – 16:9) – 25 / 30 / 50 / 60fps
• 1440p – (1920 x 1440 – 4:3) – 25 / 30 / 50 / 60fps
• 1080p – (1920 x 1080 – 16:9) – 25 / 30 / 50 / 60 / 120fps
• 1080p Ultra – (1920 x 1080 – 16:9) – 30 /  60fps
• 720p – (1280 x 720 – 16:9) – 240fps

The PAL options are shown straight in the fps selection after picking the resolution. With the first Firmware update 2.7K resolution and a 24fps option was added.

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 / Sunny Day / Cloudy / Fluorescent / Underwater.

Color
You can choose between SJCAM (vivid color) or flat, if you want to color grade your videos on your computer.

Metering Mode
To define the area where the camera is measuring exposure: Center, Spot or Average.

Gyro Sensor
EIS (electronic image stabilization) is active when you activate the gyro sensor. EIS is available up to 4K with 30fps or 1080p with 60fps.

Encoding
You can choose between h264 or h265 encoding. In 4K with 60fps it is automatically set to h265.

Volume
of audio recording from 1 – 10; 8 is set as standard. (added with Firmware V1.2.1)

Sharpness
You can set sharpness to strong / normal / soft.

Distortion Correction
You can switch on distortion correction if you don’t like the fisheye effect of the wide angle lens. This selection is not available in 4K with 60fps and 1080p with 120fps.

Loop Recording
When loop recording is switched on the oldest files are overwritten once the SD card is full.

File Size
You can set the max. length of a clip to 1 min. / 2 min. / 3 min. / 5min. / 10 min. / 15 min. / 20min.

Video Quality
can be set to Fine / Normal / Economy and this setting influences the video bitrate! In 4K 30fps fine equals 65 Mbps, normal 50 Mbps and Economy 32 Mbps. Careful! Normal is set as standard!

ISO
What’s very nice is that you can set either max. ISO, so the camera doesn’t exceed the value, or set it to a fixed ISO value. Available options are: 100 / 200 / 400 / 800 / 1600 / 3200 / 6400.

Audio
You can switch on/off audio recording from the integrated microphone. External Microphone option is in the device settings.

Time Stamp
You can turn on/off the time/date being displayed in your video recordings.

App Preview
You can switch on/off App Preview. If turned on a preview file will be created which allows it to be viewed via your app on your smartphone (.LRV file). Turn it off if you don’t use the app to save storage. (removed with Firmware V1.2.1)

Photo Settings

SJCAM SJ8 Pro – Photo Settings

Some of the photo settings are similar to video. Resolution can be selected in an extra menu straight from the home screen:

Resolution

• 12 MP – 4000 x 3000 – 4:3 (native sensor resolution)
• 10 MP – 3648 x 2736 – 4:3
• 8 MP – 3840 x 2160 – 16:9
• 8 MP – 3264 x 2448 – 4:3
• 5 MP – 2592 x 1944 – 4:3
• 3 MP – 20148 x 1536 – 4:3
• 2 MP – 1920 x 1080 – 16:9

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 / Sunny Day / Cloudy / Fluorescent / Underwater.

Color
You can choose between SJCAM (vivid color) or flat, if you want to edit your photos.

Metering Mode
To define the area where the camera is measuring exposure: Center, Spot or Average.

ISO
You can set ISO to Auto / 100 / 200 / 400 / 800 / 1600 / 3200 / 6400. This feature was added with firmware V1.2.1.

Shutter Time
This option is especially needed for long exposure photos. The available options are: 1/30 s, 1/20 s, 1/10 s, 1/5 s, 1/2 s, 2 s, 5 s.

Sharpness
You can set sharpness to strong / normal / soft.

Time Stamp
You can turn on/off the time/date being displayed in photos.

Distortion Correction
You can switch on distortion correction if you don’t like the fisheye effect of the wide angle lens.

RAW
When you switch on RAW the camera will take a .RAW photo and a .jpg photo.

Picture Quality
You can select Fine / Normal / Economy. Depending on your selection the quality of the picture (not resolution) will vary, resulting in different file sizes. Careful, normal is set as standard!

Device Settings

SJCAM SJ8 Pro – Device Settings

Among the most important device settings are the following. You can expand the full list below if you need further infos.

External Microphone
SJCAM SJ8 Pro offers the use of an external microphone which has to be enabled with this menu item.

UI (User Interface)
You can switch between classic and new user interface. The classic one is shown in the photos above. With the new menu you can see icons, similar to the mode menu, instead of the list of items. I prefer the classic view.

App – SJCAM Zone

You can connect SJ8 Pro with your smartphone using wifi, either 2.4GHz or 5Ghz. 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 “SJ8PRO” 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.

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. Pressing the mode button (bottom left) you can access the mode menu which looks similar as on SJ8 Pro. Pressing the rotary on the top right gets you to the video, photo and device settings. Interestingly there are no other selections for photo other than the resolution. RAW option and shutter times would be necessary.

SJCAM Zone App

Demo Photos

The following demo photos are taken as .jpg photo with distortion correction on. Other settings were in auto setting. The photos are unedited, taken straight from the camera. You can click on them to view full resolution:

SJCAM SJ8 Pro – Demo Photo

SJCAM SJ8 Pro – Demo Photo

SJCAM SJ8 Pro – Demo Photo

SJCAM SJ8 Pro – Demo Photo

Retailer / Price Comparison

Older SJCAM Models:

As comparison, here are the prices for the older, still available, SJCAM models:

• SJ7 Star: 128.99 USD
• SJ6 legend: 106.99 USD