MGCOOL Explorer 2C

MGCOOL just released a new action camera, their top-of-line product. MGCOOL Explorer 2C is their first camera to offer a touch screen, and with a pre-sale price of 99 USD it is probably the cheapest action camera offering this feature. MGCOOL announced a real 4K camera Explorer 2 a while ago, but even this cam looks like it, it’s not a real 4K camera. Let’s take a look at the specs and its competition:

MGCOOL Explorer 2C – available in black & orange

Sensor:
MGCOOL Explorer 2C holds the 12 MP Sony IMX078 sensor. This sensor is quite common with action cameras and also used in MGCOOL Explorer 1S, Firefly 7S or EKEN H8.

Processor:
Similar to Explorer 1S also Explorer 2C features a Novatek NT96660 sensor, same one used in many action cams such as Git2 or SJCAM SJ5000x.

Video Resolution & Frame Rate:

4K – (3840 x 2160) – 24 fps (interpolated)
2K – (2560 x 1440) – 30 fps
1080p – (1920 x 1080) – 60 / 30 fps
720p – (1280 x 720) – 120 / 60 / 30 fps

Video Format:
.mp4 format, .h264 codec.

Photo:
Max. photo resolution is 20 MP, which is upscaled from the 12 MP sensor. File format is .jpg.

Display:
Up to now MGCOOL Explorer Explorer 2C seems to be similar to Explorer 1s. Major difference is the 2″ touch screen. One feature of the touch screen is exposure correction. Similar to your smartphone you can press and move the lever up/down to set exposure correction to improve your shots. Menu looks pretty similar to YI 4K Action Camera.

MGCOOL Explorer 2C – 2″ touch screen

Battery:
The battery got a capacity of 1050mAh which lasts for 90 min. video recording in 1080p.

Storage:
microSD card support for cards up to 64GB; Class 10 is recommended.

Connectivity & Ports:
Wifi
You can connect Explorer 2C camera to MGCOOL App (available for iOS and Android). There seems to be a new App as the website currently says: App coming soon.

Ports
On the side of the camera you’ll find microUSB & microHDMI port
as well as microSD card slot.
Mic-in via USB is not available due to the microUSB port.

MGCOOL Explorer 2C – Ports: microHDMI, microUSB, micro SD card

Colors:
MGCOOL Explorer 2C is available in black and orange.

Dimensions & Weight:
Weight: 55g camera;
Dimensions: 59 x 41 x 29mm, so same size as Explorer series cameras.

Accessories:
MGCOOL Explorer 2C packaging includes a waterproof case, camera bracket, clip, USB cable, bicycle mount, helmet mount, adaptor and manual.

Features:

Explorer 2C features image stabilisation (EIS).
An optional accessory is an external GPS Receiver. Currently I don’t have info how the data is stored and how it can be displayed. Seems it is connected via micro USB port.
Another optional extra is a remote control

MGCOOL Explorer 2C – Remote Control / GPS tracker

Competition

Which are the competitors of MGCOOL Explorer 2C? I think there are 3 (groups) of cameras:

SJCAM SJ6 Legend – also offers interpolated 4K with touch screen, but at a higher price tag.
4K cameras (without touch screen), but similar price: Firefly 8S or Thieye T5 are a bit more expensive, but offer real 4K, hence no touch screen.
Similar Specs cameras (without touch screen): Firefly 7S and even their own Explorer 1s are competitors, similar specs, but without touch feature. They are cheaper if you don’t need that feature.

	MGCOOL Explorer 2C	MGCOOL Explorer 1S	SJCAM SJ6 Legend	Firefly 8S

Sensor	12 MP Sony IMX 078	12 MP Sony IMX 078	16 MP Panasonic MN34120PA Sensor	12 MP Sony IMX 117
Processor	Novatek NT96660	Novatek NT96660	Novatek NT96660	Ambarella A12
FOV selection	yes	yes	yes	90° or 170° version
4K Resolution	24 fps (interpolated)	24 fps (interpolated)	24 fps (interpolated)	30 fps (real)
2K Resolution	30 fps	30 fps	30 fps	max. 60 fps
HD 1080p	max. 60fps	max. 60fps	max. 60fps	max. 120fps
HD 720p	max. 120fps	max. 120fps	max. 120fps	max. 240fps
Display	2" touch screen	2" screen	2" touch screen	2" screen
Battery	1050 mAh	1050 mAh	1000 mAh	1200 mAh
Wifi	yes	yes	yes	yes
Image Stabilization	yes	no	yes	yes
Remote	yes (optional)	no	yes (optional)	yes (optional)
Ports	microUSB, micro HDMI	microUSB, micro HDMI	microUSB, micro HDMI	microUSB, micro HDMI
A/V out via USB	no	no	yes	yes
Mic in via USB	no	no	yes	yes
Dimension	59 x 41x 29mm	59 x 41x 29mm	59 x 41 x 21mm	59 x 41 x 21mm
Mounts & Case	included	included	included	included
Review:		Review	Review	Review
Price	99.99 USD	58.99 USD	127.20 USD	119.99 USD