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At MWC, early 2017 in Barcelona, YI Technology showed a new “HD Action Camera”. Similar to original YI, but within the body of a YI 4K Action Camera. Now the new camera is officially released and called: YI Lite Action Camera.

 

YI Lite vs Xiaomi Mijia Video Comparison- incl. Giveaway!

Similar price – which one wins?

 

YI Lite Action Camera

YI Lite Action Camera

YI Lite Action Camera

 

YI Lite Specs

Sensor
YI Lite Action Camera will have the same sensor as original YI, the 16 MP Sony IMX206. Hence it has 16 MP compared to the 12 MP Sony sensor used in Y 4K & YI 4K+, the 16 MP sensor can’t do native 4K. But you can benefit from the higher resolution for photos! Same sensor is also used in Git2 Camera.

Chip
Now here’s a change compared to original YI which featured an Ambarella A7 chip. In contrast the new YI Lite holds a Hisilicon Hi3556V100 processor. (YI 4K features an Ambarella A9 and YI 4K+ the latest Ambarella model H2).

Lens
Yi Lite features a 150 ultra wide angle glass lens / F2.8 Aperture with 6 layer. That’s the same original YI offered.
Currently it seems that electronic FOV selection is not available.

Video Resolution & Frame Rates

  • 4K – (3840 x 2160 – 16:9) – 20fps (since Firmware 1.7.9)
  • 1440p – (1920 x 1440 – 4:3) – 30 / 25 fps
  • 1080p – (1920 x 1080 – 16:9) – 60 / 50 / 30 / 25 fps
  • 720p – (1280 x 720 – 16:9) – 120 / 100 / 60 / 50 / 30 / 25 fps

Yi Lite can do 4K, but only at 15fps which is too few for a smooth video. As mentioned earlier the sensor can’t do native 4K at 30fps, hence the main usecase of this camera is not 4K recording, but HD. (There is YI 4K to do that job).
You can switch between PAL and NTCS in the device settings to get either 25fps or 30 fps and a multiple of that.
You can do video time-lapses in 4K with 30fps!

Image Stabilization
YI Lite Action camera will also feature electronic image stabilisation (EIS) up to 1440p 30fps (including 1080p with 60fps). YI 4K features electronic image stabilization up to 2.7 K and 60fps (of course 1080p with 60fps). YI 4K+ furthermore allows image stabilization up to 4K and 30fps!

Recording Format
Format: .mp4 file; Codec: H.264

Photo Resolution

  • 16MP – 4068 x 3456
  • 10MP – 3648 x 2736

File Format is .jpg; It seems that RAW photo is currently not implemented. I hope it will be introduced with a later firmware update hence I’m not sure if processor/chip are capable of doing that.
In Burst Mode YI Lite can shoot up to 10 pictures per second.

Display
In contrast to original YI the new YI Lite features a screen, but it’s not the 2,19″ display known from YI 4K and YI 4K+. It’s slightly smaller at 2″ which also results that the menu is shown on top rather than on the side.

2.19" YI 4K vs 2" YI Lite Display

2.19″ YI 4K vs 2″ YI Lite Display

 

Battery
YI Lite Action Camera will feature the same battery size used in YI 4K and YI 4K+, although the capacity of YI Lite battery 1200 mAh compared to 1400 mAh for Yi 4K and Yi 4K+. Still an improvement compared to the 900 mAh used in original YI and it benefits compatibility. Battery runtime is stated with 130 min.

YI Lite Action Camera vs YI 4K Action Camera - Battery

YI Lite vs YI 4K – Battery

 

Connectivity
In contrast to original YI the new camera has no micro HDMI port.
Yi Lite features a microUSB port, which means external microphone won’t be available.
A/V out via USB is also not available.
YI Lite supports microSD cards up to 128GB and class 10 is required.
Of course the new cam features Wi-Fi and Bluetooth to connect with remote controller and YI Action app on your smartphone.

Dimensions
Size of YI Lite is: 65 mm x 30 mm x 42 mm (same as YI 4K and YI 4K plus)
Weight is 79 g.

Yi Lite Action Camera by YI Technology - Dimensions

Yi Lite Action Camera – Dimensions

 

Color
Yi Lite is available in Blue, Green and Black.

YI Lite Action Camera - Colors Blue, Green & Black

YI Lite Action Camera – available in Blue, Green & Black

 

YI Action Camera Comparison

In this chart you can find a spec comparison of all YI Technology camera models Yi Lite, YI 4K, YI 4K+ and original Yi Action Camera:

 

YI 4K+ Action CameraYI 4K Action CameraYI Lite Action CameraYI Discovery Action Cameraoriginal YI
YI 4K PlusYI 4K Action CameraYi Lite Action CameraYI Discovery - YI TechnologyYI Action Camera
12 MP Sony
IMX377 Sensor
12 MP Sony
IMX377 Sensor
16 MP Sony
IMX 206 Sensor
8 MP Sony
IMX 179 Sensor
16 MP Sony
IMX 206 Sensor
Ambarella H2
Processor
Ambarella A9SE
Processor
Hisilicon Hi3556V100
Processor
Allwinner V3
Processor
Ambarella A7
Processor
4K – max. 60fps
max. 120 Mbps
4K – max. 30fps
max. 100 Mbps
4K - max. 20 fps
-
4K - max. 20 fps
interpolated
no 4K resolution
available
2.7K – max. 60fps2.7K – max. 60fpsno 2.7K resolutionno 2.7K resolution2.7K – max. 30fps
1080p – max. 120fps1080p – max. 120fps1080p – max. 60fps1080p – max. 60fps1080p – max. 60fps
720p – max. 240fps720p – max. 240fps720p – max. 120fps720p – max. 90fps720p – max. 120fps
12 MP
max. photo resolution
12 MP
max. photo resolution
16 MP
max. photo resolution
8 MP
max. photo resolution
16 MP
max. photo resolution
RAW photoRAW photono RAW photono RAW photono RAW photo
Display: 2,19″ touchDisplay: 2,19″ touchDisplay: 2,0″ touchDisplay: 2,0″ touchDisplay: no
Battery: 1400 mAhBattery: 1400 mAhBattery: 1200 mAhBattery: 990 mAhBattery: 990 mAh
Image Stabilization:
up to 4K 30fps
Image Stabilization:
up to 2.7K 60fps
Image Stabilization:
up to 1440p 30fps
Image Stabilization:
no
Image Stabilization:
no
wifi: yeswifi: yeswifi: yeswifi: yeswifi: yes
Bluetooth: yesBluetooth: yesBluetooth: yesBluetooth: noBluetooth: yes
Remote Control: yesRemote Control: yesRemote Control: yesRemote Control: noRemote Control: yes
microSD: up to 128GBmicroSD: up to 128GBmicroSD: up to 128GBmicroSD: up to 128GBmicroSD: up to 128GB
USB-C portmicro USB portmicro USB portmicro USB portmicro USB port
HDMI port: noHDMI port: noHDMI port: noHDMI port: noHDMI port: yes
A/V out: yesA/V out: yesA/V out: noA/V out: noA/V out: yes
Mic in: yesMic in: noMic in: noMic in: noMic in: no
Voice Control: yesVoice Control: yesVoice Control: noVoice Control: noVoice Control: no
Facebook Live: yesFacebook Live: yesFacebook Live: noFacebook Live: noFacebook Live: no
Amazon: Amazon: Amazon: Amazon: Amazon:
Amazon DE:
Amazon DE:
Amazon DE:
Amazon DE:
Amazon DE:
ReviewReviewReviewReviewReview

** might be added later, no confirmation.

 

Retailer / Price

  • Aliexpress (official YI store): 99.99 USD – ships worldwide for free
  • Geekbuying: 119.99 USD
  • Banggood: n/a
  • Gearbest: n/a
  • Amazon:
    Check Amazon site for final price, it might be lower than displayed below!
    There are frequent promotions and you sometimes get it for 79 USD.




 

Body, Buttons & Ports

YI Lite compared to original YI (YI 2K or Xiaomi YI)

YI Lite compared to original YI Action Camera (source: Sami Luo)

 

Similar to YI 4K & YI 4K+ the new Yi Lite has just one button on top: To power on / off when long pressing and to start video recording or take a picture when short pressing it. All other settings are done via the touch display. Next to the button there are the microphones – one left and one right. Also on top you can find a speaker, which is used to playback audio when watching the recorded footage on the screen.

Next to the lens on the front side there’s a LED indicating the battery status. (The original YI had a LED around the front button).
The camera has the same height as the the original YI Action Camera, but is a little wider similar to YI 4K and YI 4K+. You can use the same underwater case as the one for YI 4K and YI 4K+.

 

Functions & Settings

Operating Modes

YI Lite - Modes

YI Lite – Modes (source: Sami Luo)

 

The camera has 9 operating modes, accessible :

  • Photo – to take pictures (16 MP or 10 MP).
  • Timer, where you can set a countdown before a photo is taken. (Intervals available: 3s, 5s, 10, 15s)
  • Burst, where you can set a a number of photos taken within a timeframe. Max. is 10 pictures within a second.
    Intervals available: 3P/s, 5P/s, 10P/s, 10P/2s, 10P/3s, 20P/2s, 30P/3s, 30P/6s.
  • Video – for video recording.
  • Lapse Video, where a time-lapse is combined into a video file.
    Resolution is available up to 4K (16:9) with 30 fps!
    Intervals available: 0.5s/1s/2s/5s/10s/30s/60s
  • Slow Motion, where you can do slow motion recording without editing the footage afterwards. (Slow Rates available: 2x, 4x, 8x)
  • Time-Lapse Photo, where individual photos are taken, which you can combine to a time-lapse afterwards. Images up to 16 MP resolution
    Intervals available: 0.5s, 1s, 2s, 5s, 10s, 30s, 60s, 2min, 5min, 10min, 30min, 60min.
  • Loop Recording, where short video sequences are recorded and overwritten once the microSD card is full. e.g. to use the camera as dashboard camera.
  • Video + Photo, where there are photos taken in a set interval while a video is recorded. Video resolution is available to to 1440p with photo intervals of: 5s, 10s, 30s & 60s.

One Modes is missing: Live Broadcasting. This feature was introduced to YI 4K and YI 4K+ after the cameras were released. Let’s hope this mode will be introduced to Yi Lite later on.

 

Video Settings

YI Lite Action Camera - Video Settings

YI Lite Action Camera – Video Settings (source: Sami Luo)

 

Video Resolution
available Resolutions are:

  • 4K – (3840 x 2160 – 16:9) – 20 fps (since Firmware 1.7.9)
  • 1440p – (1920 x 1440 – 4:3) – 30 fps
  • 1080p – (1920 x 1080 – 16:9) – 30 / 60 fps
  • 720p – (1280 x 720 – 16:9) – 120 / 60 / 30 fps

You can switch between NTCS and PAL in the device settings. NTCS represents 30 fps and a multiple of that as shown above. PAL will get you 25 fps and a multiple of that. 24 fps frame rates are currently not available.

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

WB (White Balance)
You can select predefined settings for color correction based on the given light situation: Auto / Native / Tungsten / Daylight / Cloudy.

ISO
is the sensitivity of the sensor and you can set the max. signal gain. The higher the ISO the brighter, but noisier, your image will get. You can set a value if you don’t want the camera to automatically change (adjust) during recording. Available settings are Auto / 100 / 200 / 400 / 800 / 1600.

Sharpness
You can select High, Medium or Low sharpness. If you want to do color grading in post production, you should set it to low.

EV (Exposure Value)
is the exposure compensation. You can adjust exposure by setting up / down EV in these steps: +- 0.5 / +- 1 / +- 1.5 / +- 2.

Image Quality
You can set video quality to high, medium or low which will influence the bit rate of your video hence the file size as well.

EIS (Electronic Image Stabilisation)
You can turn on and off electronic image stabilisation, which is available up to 1440p with 30fps (1080p with 60fps is of course available).

Time Stamp
You can display date and/or time in your video recordings.

 

Photo Settings

Most settings are the same as for video settings mentioned above. Including: Metering Mode, WB, ISO, Sharpness, EV & Time Stamp.

Photo Resolution
You can choose between 16 MP and 10 MP photos. Since sensor pixel size is 16 MP I would recommend using this option. 10 MP photos will result in smaller resolution photos, hence smaller files.

Shutter Speed
is available with the following settings: Auto, 2s, 5s, 10s, 15s, 20s, 30s; which is needed for long time exposure photos.

 

Device Settings

YI Lite Action Camera - Device Settings

YI Lite Action Camera – Device Settings (source: Sami Luo)

 

The most important settings include:

Distortion
If you don’t like the fish eye effect you can electronically correct it. Previously it was labelled Lens aberration correction or lens rectification.

In Housing Mode
In House Mode was adapted for better control when placed inside the underwater case. Long Pressing the shutter will not turn off the camera, it will get you in a sub menu where you can select the operating mode or turn it off. Of course when long pressing the button you can turn on the camera again.

Video Standard
You can switch between NTCS (= 30 fps and a multiple of that) or PAL (=25 fps and a multiple of that). As as side note: 24 fps and a multiple of that are currently not available which was offered on YI 1.

You can expand all available settings which include Wi-Fi and SD-card settings if you want to take a closer look:

all device settings

Distortion
If you don’t like the fish eye effect you can electronically correct it. Previously it was labelled Lens aberration correction or lens rectification.

WiFi
Where you can set switch wifi on and off, display the settings and switch between 2.4G and 5G. Standard password is 1234567890.

SD Card
To see info how much space is used/free and to format your microSD Card.

Camera Default Mode
You can set one of the 9 modes in which the camera should power up or set it to “last mode used”.

Bluetooth Pairing
To pair with a bluetooth device e.g. the remote control.

Brightness
Which is related to the brightness of the LCD screen: Hight / Middle / Low. Higher brightness requires more energy which will result in shorter battery life.

Beeps
Which is the volume for the buzzer sound when hitting the button: High / Low / Mute.

Video Mute
You can set the mic of your cam to mute for video only recording.

LED
You can choose all on, only status – front LED is turned off, record LED on top will light up during recording – and all off.

In Housing Mode
In House Mode was adapted for better control when placed inside the underwater case. Long Pressing the shutter will not turn off the camera, it will get you in a sub menu where you can select the operating mode or turn it off. Of course when long pressing the button you can turn on the camera again.

Video Standard
You can switch between NTCS (= 30 fps and a multiple of that) or PAL (=25 fps and a multiple of that). As as side note: 24 fps and a multiple of that are not available which was offered on YI 1.

Advanced
Screen Auto Lock: when the screen turns off to save battery.
Auto Power Off: When the cam powers down when in standby.
Set Date & Time.

Device Info
To display firmware version and serial number.

Camera reset
with 3 options: Reset Settings, Reset Wi-Fi and Reset Bluetooth.

Location
To select your region.

About
Which will show you the internet domains of Yi Technology.

 

Firmware Updates

best way to update your firmware is via app and phone. But you can also download the firmware on YI’s website and do it manually.

latest Firmware Version 1.8.21 – Change Log: 

  • Added ISO Auto option in video
  • Add the AGC option to optimize the audio effect
  • Fixed the problem of APP crash when the memory is full in Loop Video mode
  • Fixed the problem of frame skip when EIS on

 

earlier version change logs:

all device settings

Firmware 1.8.06 – Change Log

  • Fixes the freeze video issue when playing back 60fps videos

Firmware 1.8.04 – Change Log

  • Improves the image quality under low light conditions
  • Add the switchable Low-light control options
  • Add addtional ISO option 3200& 6400
  • Add the recording volume level tagged High, Low and Off
  • Improves playback experience, support pause & continue
  • Optimizes EXIF info, Fixes GPS data error, Rename the manufacture “YI Technology”
  • Changes tutorial
  • Add “previous step” operation

Firmware 1.7.9 – Change Log

  • Changes UI
  • adjusts the layout Changes the font and position of time stamp for files
  • Improves the image quality under low light conditions
  • Optimizes the operation of touch screen
  • Fixes the SD card unrecognizable issue on Mac OS
  • Fixes the noise when the indicator becomes purple
  • Adjusts the resolution from 4K/15FPS to 4K/20FPS

 

Photo Comparison

These are the first photos I took and I compared it to original YI and YI 4K. Image quality and sharpness improved a lot (the original YI I used was an international version). Still it is not as sharp as YI 4K, but bear in mind, YI Lite offers 16MP resolution, whereas YI 4K only offers 12MP, as it uses a sensor with less pixels. You can download the original files here.

YI Action Camera vs. YI Lite Action Camera vs YI 4K Action Camera

YI Action Camera vs. YI Lite Action Camera vs YI 4K Action Camera

 

Here’s a comparison of YI Lite Action Camera and Xiaomi Mijia Action Camera. Note Yi Lite has a 4:3 aspect ratio sensor, whereas Xiaomi Mijia has a 16:9 aspect ration sensor, hence the different size in max. resolution. In general YI Lite offers a bit better photo due to the higher resolution (16 MP vs 8 MP sensor), hence Xiaomi Mijia is able to capture RAW photo. You can find the original files here.

Yi Lite vs Xiaomi Mijia Action Camera

Yi Lite vs Xiaomi Mijia Action Camera

 

Conclusion

Why this camera makes sense: A lot of users complained that the original YI Action Camera lacks a screen. So this model will satisfy users who want a screen, but don’t need 4K resolution to save a little money. Therefore this model is cheaper than YI 4K Action Camera. It also makes sense that this model shares the same body as YI 4K Action Camera as well as YI 4K+. They can share the same accessories such as underwater case, the new YI Handheld Gimbal 2YI Erida Drone or simpler the underwater case. Price seems to be very similar compared to original YI.
Although there are new competitors in a similar price range, like Xiaomi Mijia Action Camera. Even tough YI Lite has the more advanced Firmware and App, Mijia offers 4K resolution at 30fps and higher frame rates in HD. Another plus for Mijia, it can shoot RAW photos, but is limited in resolution due to its 8 MP sensor. YI Lite offers a higher photo resolution with its 16MP sensor, but only in jpg.

 Low entry price

 Touchscreen

great Image Stabilisation

 high photo resolution due to 16 MP sensor

 advanced Firmware & App

 only 20fps in 4K

 no RAW photo

no external microphone

waterproof only in case

 

Retailers / Price Comparison:

YI Lite Action Camera

  • Aliexpress (official YI store): 99.99 USD – ships worldwide for free
  • Geekbuying: 119.99 USD
  • Banggood: n/a
  • Gearbest: n/a
  • Amazon:
    Check Amazon site for final price, it might be lower than displayed below!
    There are frequent promotions and you sometimes get it for 79 USD.



 

original YI Action Camera

  • Banggood: n/a
  • Gearbest: n/a
  • Geekbuying: 72.99 USD (official reseller)
  • Aliexpress: 81.99 USD (official YI store)
  • Amazon (official YI store)



 

YI 4K Action Camera





 

YI 4K+ Action Camera

  • Banggood: n/a
  • Gearbest: n/a
  • Geekbuying: 225.99 USD
  • Aliexpress: 299.99 USD (official YI store)
  • Amazon (official YI store)




 

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