The best 4K Action Camera 2017?
Here’s an overview of the most popular cameras, below you can find a detailed comparison with explanation of the most important specs:
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 | |
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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 |
YI 4K+ Action Camera vs GoPro HERO6 black vs Sony FDR-X3000
Which is the best 4K Action Camera? GoPro HERO6 black vs YI 4K+ Action Camera vs Sony FDR-X3000. These cameras are the flagships of the best known action cam manufacturers:
YI 4K+ Action Camera
- 12 MP Sony
IMX377 Sensor - Ambarella H2
- Body: Plastic
- 4K – max. 60fps
- 2.7K – max. 60fps
- 1080p – max. 120fps
- 720p – max. 240fps
- RAW photo
max. 12 MP - Display: 2,19″ touch
- Battery: 1400 mAh
- Electronic Image Stabilization
up to 4K 30fps - wifi: yes
- Bluetooth: yes
- Remote Control: yes*
- microSD: up to 128GB
- USB-C port
- no HDMI port
- A/V out: yes
- Mic in: yes
- Voice Control
- no GPS recording
- 40m waterproof with case
- Case included
- Retailer / Price: 319 USD
GoPro HERO6 black
- 12 MP
? Sensor - GoPro GP1
- Body: Waterproof 10m
- 4K – max. 60fps
- 2.7K – max. 120fps
- 1080p – max. 240fps
- 720p – max. 60fps
- RAW photo
max. 12 MP - Display: 2″ touch
- Battery: 1220 mAh
- Electronic Image Stabilization
up to 4K 30fps - wifi: yes
- Bluetooth: yes
- Remote Control: yes
- microSD: up to 128GB
- USB-C port
- micro HDMI port
- A/V out: yes
- Mic in: yes
- Voice Control
- GPS recording
- 10m waterproof without case
- Case & Mounts not included
- Price:
Sony FDR X-3000
- 8 MP Sony
Sensor - BIONZ X
- Body: Splash-proof
- 4K – max. 30fps
- 2.7K – max. 60fps
- 1080p – max. 120fps
- 720p – max. 240fps
- JPG photo
max. 8 MP (16:9) - Display: data only°
- Battery: 1240 mAh
- Optical Image Stabilization
up to 4K 30fps - wifi: yes
- Bluetooth: yes
- Remote Control: yes°
- microSD: up to 128 GB
- micro USB port
- micro HDMI port
- A/V out: yes
- Mic in: yes
- no Voice Control
- GPS recording
- 60m waterproof with case
- Case included
- Price:
° Live View Remote Control is an optional extra.
Price & Deals
GoPro Hero6 black
YI 4K+ Action Camera
- Banggood: n/a
- Gearbest: n/a
- Geekbuying: 319.99 USD – Coupon Code: YI4K+103 (incl. Case!)
- Aliexpress: 389.99 USD (official YI store) (incl. case)
- Amazon:
Conclusion
In contrast to GoPro Hero5, GoPro Hero6 black offers higher frame rates: 4K at 60fps, 2.7K at 120 fps and 1080p at 240fps. It’s waterproof without case up to 10m and offers GPS recording. YI 4K+ also offers 4K at 60fps, but lower frame rates in 2.7K and 1080p. Sony only offers 4K at 30fps. All of the cams above offer image stabilization in 4K with 30fps, GoPro Hero6 and YI 4K+ do so with electronic stabilisation, Sony offers optical image stabilisation. Whereas GoPro is waterproof up to 10m, and Sony is splash proof, you need a case for YI 4K+. In terms of photos YI 4K+ and GoPro Hero6 offer 12MP 4:3 resolution photos in RAW, Sony is limited to 8MP 16:9 without a RAW option.
Cheaper Alternatives
The following cameras are a bit cheaper hence only lack a few features compared to the cameras above. They still offer native 4K video and a touch screen, so if you don’t need all the features, you can save a few bucks:
YI 4K Action Camera
-
- 12 MP Sony
IMX377 Sensor - Ambarella A9SE
- Body: Plastic
- 4K – 30fps
- 2.7K – max. 60fps
- 1080p – max. 120fps
- 720p – max. 240fps
- RAW photo
- Display: 2.19″ touch
- Battery: 1400 mAh
- Image Stabilization:
up to 2.7K 60fps - wifi: yes
- Bluetooth: yes
- Remote Control: yes
- microSD: up to 128GB
- micro USB port
- no HDMI port
- A/V out: yes
- Mic in: no
- Voice Control*
- no GPS recording
- waterproof with case
- Case & Mounts not included
- Price: 186 USD
see offers below
GoPro HERO5 black
- 12 MP Sony
IMX117 ? Sensor * - Ambarella A9SE
- Body: Waterproof 10m
- 4K – max. 30fps
- 2.7K – max. 60fps
- 1080p – max. 120fps
- 720p – max. 240fps
- RAW photo
max. 12 MP - Display: 2″ touch
- Battery: 1220 mAh
- Electronic Image Stabilization
up to 2.7K 60fps - wifi: yes
- Bluetooth: yes
- Remote Control: yes
- microSD: up to 128GB
- USB-C port
- micro HDMI port
- A/V out: yes
- Mic in: yes
- Voice Control
- GPS recording
- 10m waterproof without case
- Case & Mounts not included
- Price:
SJ7 Star
-
- 12 MP Sony
IMX117 Sensor - Ambarella A12
- Body: Metal Frame
- 4K – 30fps
- 2.7K – max. 60fps
- 1080p – max. 120fps
- 720p – max. 200fps
- RAW photo
- Display: 2″ touch
- Battery: 1000 mAh
- Image Stabilization:
up to 1080p 60fps - wifi: yes
- Bluetooth: yes
- Remote Control: yes
- microSD: up to 64GB
- mini USB port
- micro HDMI port
- A/V out: yes
- Mic in: yes
- no Voice Control
- no GPS recording
- waterproof with case
- Case & Mounts included
- Price: 165 USD
see offers below
Xiaomi Mijia
- 8 MP Sony
IMX317 Sensor - Ambarella A12
- Body: Plastic
- 4K – 30fps
- 2.7K – max. 30fps
- 1080p – max. 100fps
- 720p – max. 200fps
- RAW photo
- Display: 2,44″ touch
- Battery: 1450 mAh
- Image Stabilization:
up to 1080p 60fps - wifi: yes
- Bluetooth: yes
- Remote Control: yes
- microSD: up to 64GB
- micro USB port
- no HDMI port
- A/V out: ?
- Mic in: no
- no Voice Control
- no GPS recording
- waterproof with case
- Case & Mounts not included
- Price: 122 USD
see offers below
* Voice Control might be added at a later point
Price & Deals
YI 4K Action Camera
- Banggood: only accessories
- Gearbest: 199.99 USD
- Geekbuying: 199.99 USD
- TomTop: 218 USD – Coupon Code: LQPYCA30
- Aliexpress: 191.99 USD (official YI store) – EU stock available!
- Amazon:
SJCAM SJ7 Star
- SJCAM: 199.00 USD
- Banggood: 183.20 USD
- Gearbest: 165.99 USD – Coupon Code: ocuyhg
- Geekbuying: n/a
- Camfere: 199.00 USD
- Aliexpress: 199.99USD (official SJCAM store)
- Amazon:
Xiaomi Mijia
- Banggood: 139.99 USD
- Gearbest: 122.24 USD – Coupon Code: GBCE
- Geekbuying: 129.99 USD
- TomTop: 129.99 USD – Coupon Code: HTYMJC30
- Aliexpress: n/a
Conclusion
Even tough I don’t show the direct spec comparison of GoPro Hero5 and YI 4K Action Camera, I did an extensive comparison of these cameras during my trip to Iceland. YI 4K lacks a few features, but in terms of image quality it’s legit to compare them.
Image Quality:
I can’t decide which one is better. Sometimes I prefer the GoPro HERO5 image, sometimes the YI 4K footage. Depends on the light situation which one is the best suited. HERO5 is a bit sharper, whereas YI 4K is a bit softer and warmer. That’s of course with auto settings, not Protune or YI Flat and edited afterwards.
GoPro HERO5 black:
Audio is outstanding! Better than on any other action camera I had before. GoPro Hero5 black has 3 mics and chooses the best audio stream and filters wind noise very good. That’s the cam to go for when audio is important to you.
Waterproof without case is such a great feature I wouldn’t have expected it to be such an important factor. Currently I’m traveling and it is raining a lot. You don’t have to care if you should take a housing or not, just take the camera and you are ready to go. While you still can access all settings very easily.
YI 4K Action Camera:
Battery life is really awesome on YI 4K. I am constantly down to 1% on Hero5 black, when YI 4K is still way over 15% (when the indicator light turns red). Even tough the Hero5 battery is brand new and I loaded my YI 4K battery several times. I turned off all features on Hero5 (voice control, GPS, wifi, Bluetooth,…) still it runs out first every time.
Display if waterproofing is not needed I prefer the YI 4K screen & menu. Not only it is larger, the response is also better and I prefer the menu structure.
SJCAM SJ7 Star:
Compared to YI 4K Action Camera, SJ7 Star offers some features which might be interesting for you: external mic is not available on YI 4K due to the micro USB port. SJ7 Star uses a mini USB port and is therefore available. It also offers a HDMI port if that is important to you.
Entry Level native 4K cameras
The following three action cameras represent the entry level of native 4K action cameras. Be aware you will fond 40 USD cameras offering “4K video”, but it is not native. These cameras record a lower resolution and scale it up to 4K! All of the below have again a little less features, non of them a touch screen e.g. But again, if you can live without it, you can save again:
Firefly 8s
- 12 MP Sony
IMX117 Sensor - Ambarella A12
- Lens: 90° or 170° model
- 4K – 30fps
- 2.7K – max. 60fps
- 1080p – max. 120fps
- 720p – max. 120fps
- Display: 2″ live view
- Battery: 1200 mAh
EKEN rounded shape - Image Stabilization: yes
- wifi: yes
- Bluetooth: yes
- Remote Control: yes
- microSD: up to 128 GB
- mini USB port
- A/V out: yes
- Mic in: yes
- waterproof with case
- Case & Mounts included
- Retailer / Price:
RRP: 119.99 USD
see offers below
EKEN H8 Plus
- 12 MP Sony
IMX117 Sensor - Ambarella A12
- Lens: 170°
- 4K – 30fps
- 2.7K – max. 60fps
- 1080p – max. 120fps
- 720p – max. 200fps
- Display: 2″ live view
- Battery: 1050 mAh
EKEN rounded shape - Image Stabilization: yes
- wifi: yes
- Bluetooth: no
- Remote Control: yes
- microSD: up to 64GB
- micro USB port
- A/V out: no
- Mic in: no
- waterproof with case
- Case & Mounts included
- Retailer / Price:
RRP: 119 USD
see offers below
Thieye T5E
- 12 MP Sony
IMX117 Sensor - Ambarella A12
- Lens: 170°
- 4K – 30fps
- 2.7K – max. 60fps
- 1080p – max. 100fps
- 720p – max. 200fps
- Display: 2″ live view
- Battery: 1050 mAh
Thieye shape - Image Stabilization: yes
- wifi: yes
- Bluetooth: yes
- Remote Control: yes
- microSD: up to 64GB
- micro USB port
- A/V out: yes
- Mic in: no/yes*
- waterproof with case
- Case included
- Retailer / Price:
RRP: 119 USD
see offers below
* a newer version of Thieye T5 go a 2.5mm port.
Price & Deals
Firefly 8S
170° Lens Version
- Banggood: 129.99 USD
- Gearbest: 119.99 USD
- Coupon Code: GBF8SZC
- Geekbuying: 147.99 USD
- TomTop: 114.99 USD
- Coupon Code: HTYHF8S
- Aliexpress: n/a
90° Lens Version
- Banggood: n/a
- Gearbest: 127.99 USD
- Coupon Code: F8S9IT
- Geekbuying: n/a
- TomTop: 130.99 USD
- Coupon Code: HTYHF8S
- Aliexpress: n/a
EKEN H8 Plus
- Banggood: 116.99 USD
- Gearbest: 125.99 USD
- Geekbuying: n/a
- Aliexpress: 139.99 USD
- Amazon: n/A
Be aware there is an “EKEN H8 Pro” which has a lower spec sensor and no image stabilization! Learn more about the difference here.
THIEYE T5
- Camfere: n/a
- Banggood: 135 USD
- Gearbest: 111.99 USD – Coupon Code: thieyet5e
- Geekbuying: 119.99 USD
- Aliexpress: n/a
- Amazon: n/a
Conclusion
In terms of processor and sensor these three cameras are the same and have a pretty much similar image quality. It depends on other factors which cam to go for. If you want to use an external microphone, EKEN H8 Plus is out of the race. Mic in works differently on the other two cameras: Firefly 8s uses its mini USB port, while Thieye Te is equipped with a 2.5mm port. Careful this feature was introduced later, so check which cam you will be getting!
Thieye T5 comes with less accessories than the other two cams, only the a quick release mount is included hence a 2nd battery.
If you want to use your camera for FPV flying, go for Thieye T5 or Firefly 8s, they offer A/V output.
Another factor might be the included App and it’s features. I’ll add some screenshots to this article.
Other famous brands
Action Cameras are also available from other famous brand names including Nikon, Garmin and Ricoh. They all have about the same price tag as Hero5 black.
Nikon KeyMission 170
- 12 MP Sensor
- ?
- Body: 10m waterproof
- 4K – 30fps
- 2.7K – max. 60fps
- 1080p – max. 120fps
- 720p – max. 240fps
- Display: 1,5″ live view
- Battery: 1050 mAh
- Image Stabilization: yes
- wifi: yes
- Bluetooth: yes
- Remote Control: no
- microSD: up to 64GB
- micro USB port
- A/V out: ?
- Mic in: ?
- waterproof without case
- Mounts included
- Retailer / Price:
RRP: 396 USD
Garmin Virb
- 12 MP Sensor
- ?
- Body: Plastic
- 4K – 30fps
- 2.7K – max. 60fps
- 1080p – max. 100fps
- 720p – max. 240fps
- Display: 2″ touch
- Battery: 1250 mAh
- Image Stabilization: yes
- wifi: yes
- Bluetooth: yes
- Remote Control: no
- microSD: up to 128GB
- micro USB port
- A/V out: no
- Mic in: yes
- waterproof with case
- Case & mounts included
- Retailer / Price:
RRP: 399 USD
see offers below
to be continued