REVIEW – After having a not-so-good experience with another brand of action camera, I decided to give the VanTop Moment 4K action camera a try. Was it a painful experience? Read on to find out!

What is it?

The VanTop Moment 4K action camera is, as it sounds, a 4k action camera that has a form factor much like other action cameras, at a much more affordable price. It features a Sony sensor, which is highly regarded when it comes to cameras.

What’s in the box?

• VanTop Moment 4K action camera
• Dual rechargeable 1050mAh batteries
• Waterproof housing
• Folding backpack
• 32GB Kingston TF card
• 2.4GHz remote with wrist strap
• Long connector
• Short connector (2)
• Surface J-Hook Buckle
• 360° adapter
• Tripod mount Adapter
• Bicycle handlebar Mount
• Helmet mounts (2)
• USB Cable
• Cable tie
• Cleaning cloth
• Helmet belt
• Adhesive pads (2)
• Manual

Design and features

The VanTop Moment 4 4K action camera has a Sony 20MP true depth sensor. It features 4K/24fps video recording and 20mp image capturing. The high quality 170 degree lens provides for a wide angle view.

The 2.4 inch IPS touch screen provides for a real-time view of what you are shooting and makes the operation of the camera much easier than other products that don’t have a touch screen. This is what I consider as perhaps one of the “must have” features when it comes to cameras like these. Changing the settings and reviewing clips is so much easier using the touch screen as compared to other cameras that have a limited number of buttons. The camera only has two buttons, the Power/Mode button and the Shutter/Select button.

Two 1050mAh batteries provide for up to 70 minutes of video recording in 4K (per battery). The camera comes with a 32GB micro-sd card, and the specs say it supports cards up to 64GB (although the manual says 128GB).

Electronic image stabilization (EIS) provides for smoother video and photo capture during sports shooting and low light photo taking.

The 2.4ghz wireless remote is a very nice touch for a product at this price point and can be used to start and stop recording during extreme sports activities, although it is not waterproof. There are two buttons on the remote, one for taking a photo, and one for starting and stopping the video recording. Quite a nice feature! Alternatively, you can use the camera’s WiFi connection to configure and control it via the “Camking” smartphone app. The smartphone app can be used to transfer photos and video to your mobile device.

The VanTop Moment 4 4K action camera features multiple modes for both video and photos such as:

• Video – Record Video
• Photo – Capture a single photo
• Motion Detection – Start recording when any movement is detected
• Car Mode – Work as a driving recorder (dash cam)
• Video Lapse – Records a video by capturing frames at a set time interval
• Slow Motion – Records video in -2x or -4x slow motion (plays back at 30fps)
• Photo Lapse – Captures a series of photos at set time intervals
• Burst Mode – Captures a burst of photos
• Under Water – Take pictures or record videos underwater (compensates for color changes)

With the waterproof case, the camera is water-resistant up to 100ft (30 meters) but is not designed for touch screen use so when in use you have to use the two buttons to change settings, which can be a bit frustrating.

Ports on the camera include the micro-sd card slot, micro-usb charging, and a micro HDMI port. This brings up one of the things I don’t like and that is that the ports are right next to the tripod socket, which requires the removal of any accessory screwed into the bottom in order to access the ports. This makes it almost useless as a car dash cam. The same goes for the battery and SD card.

Although the camera has settings for wide, medium, and narrow fields of view, the medium and narrow modes show a drastic loss of quality in the image without much difference in the field of view.

The slow-motion mode looks as though it records at 720p 120fps and then saves the video to playback at 30fps making it easier to use the video without processing it later.

The photo mode might be useful for some people, but overall I found the image quality of the photos to be very poor.

As a nice little bonus, the camera came with a nice little backpack that folds up into itself. Although I would probably not carry around the camera in it, I will toss it in my truck in case I ever need a little pack.

Sample video, Slow Motion video, and Time Lapse video.

What I like

• Very nice touch screen
• Smart phone app
• Wireless remote
• Many mounting accessories
• Seems to have very good audio recording

What needs to be improved

• The indicator LED for recording is only visible on the back, and is very difficult to see
• Can’t shoot in 2.7K or 4K while using the phone app, other modes are limited
• Tripod mount is too close to the power connector

Final thoughts

Overall I think I’ll get some good use of this camera. I plan to use it to film some of my photography outings where there’s always a chance it will end up in the sand or the lake.

Price: $79.99
Where to buy: Amazon
Source: The sample of this product was provided by VanTop.

Filed in categories: Reviews

Tagged: Action Camera

VanTop Moment 4 4K Sports Action Camera review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on February 23, 2019 at 9:00 am.

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REVIEW – Since the launch of the GoPro action cameras, many other companies continue to produce similar products with comparable features for much less of a purchase price. Here is the result of another similar action camera that I reviewed.

What is it:

This is a GoPro type 4K action camera that takes both video and photos using its 170-degree lens to provide high-resolution wide-angle footage.

What’s in the box

1 x Hawkeye 8SE Action Camera
1 x Waterproof Case
1 x Waterproof Case Front Cover Case
1 x Bicycle Stand
1 x J Base
4 x Strap
1 x Plastic Tie
1 x Long Connector with Screws
1 x Short Connector with Screws
1 x 1/4 inch Adapters Set
2 x Mounting Base
1 x Battery
2 x Adhesive Tape
1 x Metal Cable Tie
1 x Cleaning Cloth
1 x Lens Protection Frame
1 x Lens Protective Cover
1 x Microphone
3 x Stickers
1 x English User Manual

Design and features

The Hawkeye Firefly 8SE 4K Touch Screen Action Camera is a normal styled action camera and it comes with its compatible waterproof housing. Just as with other GoPro style action cameras, it can be used in a variety of ways including as a dash cam, a surveillance camera, an aerial camera, a selfie camera, etc.

On the front of the camera on the left from top to bottom, there is a LED that lights green for photo mode and blue for video mode. Below the LED there is a circular selfie mirror. Below the selfie mirror is the power/mode button. On the back of the camera, there is the touch screen, the micro SD card slot, and the Playback button.

On one side of the camera, there are 2 up/down buttons to navigate through the settings and other screens. On the other side there a micro HD output jack and a mini USB power jack.

On the top of the camera there is the OK/selection button, and on the bottom, there is a 1/4-20″ threaded mount and the battery compartment and door.

Performance

Specifications:
Chipset: Ambarella A12S75
Chipset Name: Ambarella
Model: Firefly 8SE
Type: Sports Camera
Type of Camera: 4K
Max External Card Supported: TF 128G (not included)
Screen resolution: 320×240
Screen size: 2.0inch
Battery Capacity (mAh): 1200mAh Li-ion Battery
Battery Type: Built-in
Charge way: USB charge by PC
Charging Time: 2.5h
Standby time: 5h
Working Time: 1.33h
Lens Diameter: 12mm
Image Format: JPG
Video format: MP4
Video Resolution: 1080P (120fps),2.5K (60fps),2.7K (30fps),4K ( 3840 x 2160 ) 30FPS,720P (240fps)
Water Resistant: 20m underwater with the waterproof case
Waterproof: Yes
WIFI: Yes
Bluetooth: Yes
WiFi Distance : 10m
Camera Timer: Yes
Anti-shake: Yes
Aerial Photography: Yes

The Hawkeye Firefly 8SE 4K Touch Screen Action Camera works like most other action cameras and it has a lot of settings to control the recording and photo modes. The waterproof housing is, in fact, waterproof, and the buttons built into the housing work well to manage the controls. They do not require much extra effort to engage and are well placed. When the camera is not being used in the housing, the touch screen works very well and is very responsive. The settings screens offer much of the same in terms of functionality and capability, and I like that there is a “rotate” option that can be turned on when using the camera upside down such as when it is being used as a dash cam. The design features both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi capability to allow remote control from their app or an optional remote control (to be purchased separately). I am very impressed with their app, and its functionality, and it is just about the best I have seen so far. Here are some of the screens from the app:

Pictures: It takes clear pictures with the usual fiseye perspective.

Videos: I do like the quality of the videos even the one below from the smoggy underground railroad platform.

What I like

• The size and built quality
• The responsiveness of the buttons even when in the waterproof housing
• The Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Capability

What can be improved

• The mini USB power jack should be changed to the more current and popular micro USB standard

Final thoughts

The Hawkeye Firefly 8SE 4K Touch Screen Action Camera works very well and is really a nice GoPro alternative. While I am not a big fan of the fisheye view, the wide lens works very well. It is lightweight but feels well made and I do think that it is well priced. Unlike several other action cameras that I have tested so far, it has not responded negatively to being on my windshield in the direct sunlight, but that is not to say that it may not eventually do so. If you want a nice action camera with nice features to use in various relevant scenarios, this camera should meet most of your needs. It has handled my scenarios well, and since it comes with a nice collection of accessories, I still have a few more ideas yet to try.

Price: $129.99
Where to buy: Gearbest
Source: The sample for this review was provided by Gearbest.

Filed in categories: Reviews

Tagged: Action Camera

Hawkeye Firefly 8SE 4K Touch Screen Action Camera review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on August 27, 2018 at 9:00 am.

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REVIEW – These days, I frequently say that action cameras are “a dime a dozen”, so I was quite intrigued to review the ThiEYE T5 Edge camera which looks promising enough to seriously challenge the GoPro. Let’s see how it went.

What is it?

This is a GoPro type 4K action camera that takes both video and photos using its 170-degree lens to provide high-resolution wide-angle footage.

What’s in the box

1 x ThiEYE T5 Edge Action Camera
1 x Waterproof Housing
1 x Additional Skeleton Backdoor
1 x Remote Control
1 x 360 Degree Rotating Release Buckle
! x 360 Degree Vertical Release Buckle
1 x Flat Adhesive Mount
1 x Curved Adhesive Mount
2 x Adhesive Stickers
2 x Anti-fog Inserts
1 x Battery
1 x Micro USB Cable
1 x Microfiber Cloth
1 x Cloth Bag
1 x Instruction Manual

Design and features

Manufacturer’s Specifications:

On the front of the camera, there is the 170-degree lens, the Power/Mode selection button, and 2 LEDs that light up blue to indicate recording status and Wi-Fi on/off status. On the back of the camera is the screen display that measures 1″ x 1.75″. The two LEDs on the bottom left of the back of the camera are the recording indicator and charging indicator. They light up blue when active.

On one of the short sides of the camera, there are 2 buttons to navigate up/down through the settings. On the opposite short side, there are 3 ports that accommodate the micro SD card, the micro USB power/charging cable, and a micro HDMI cable.

At the top of the camera is the Wi-Fi/selection button. At the bottom of the camera, there is a 1/4-20″ mount for tripods, monopods, etc, the battery compartment and battery cover. Inside of the battery compartment, there is the serial number sticker that is needed for firmware updates, but it is somewhat difficult to see the serial number.

Along with the camera, there is a remote control that connects to the camera via Bluetooth. It has 3 buttons on it that control turning its own power on, taking photos remotely and starting and stopping video recording. At the top of the logo on the remote is the microphone that allows you to say voice commands like “Action Start Recording” or “Action Photo”. The remote control is not waterproof.

App

The ThiEYE App and the camera connect via the camera’s built-in Wi-Fi. The app allows you to take pictures and video and change settings. The App’s screen presents the photo/video image from the perspective of the lens of the camera. Here are a few of the app screens:

Performance

Depressing the power button with a long press (4 seconds or more) turns the camera on/off. Once the camera is turned on, it is usually in video mode. Depressing the power button in short bursts switches between camera mode, video mode, and settings mode. On the settings screen, there are 4 choices that allow you to control the settings of the camera.

The two side up/down buttons let you toggle between the 4 choices and the Wi-Fi top button lets you select. The front power button also allows you to exit each settings screen.

The ThiEYE T5 Edge Action Camera works like most other action cameras and it has a lot of settings to control the recording and photo modes. The inclusion of both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi to allow remote control from both the included hardware remote control or the app is a great feature, and they both work well most of the time with the exception of the voice control. The instructions indicate that there may be a need to repeat your voice commands that are affected by and respond based on pronunciation. I guess the camera does not like how I speak because thus far I have not been able to get it to work for me. Otherwise, the handheld remote works well. When I tried the camera on my windshield mount as a dash cam, it worked a few times but on a hot day, it froze and could only be reset by removing the battery. I also experienced the “freezing” issue more than once when I was connected to my cell phone via Wi-Fi and I tried to disconnect by powering off the camera when I was done taking photos. When it was connected to the app, it froze on the camera’s W-Fi- screen and could only be reset by removing the battery. I did check their website to make sure that I have the latest firmware.

On another occasion, I decided to take pictures of fruit nicely arranged on a fruit cart. As you can see in the picture below, the camera froze. It was in picture mode and only on for about 10 minutes prior to that moment. I decided not to bother to take the picture since it would have required me to remove the housing and the battery at that moment to restart the camera.

Otherwise, the camera performed well, and the waterproof housing worked. When operating the camera with the waterproof housing installed, the buttons required a bit of extra effort to depress and engage the camera buttons.

Pictures:
(This one on the left was taken on a very stormy and cloudy morning and without in-camera correction. The one on the right was taken in the afternoon with in-camera correction)

(Downtown Brooklyn)

Video:

The quality of the video is good, even on an overcast and foggy day, and the in-camera stabilization and correction work well to produce nice footage.

What I like

• The waterproof housing remains reliably sealed
• The 4K footage
• The remote control via the app and the included remote
• The numerous customizable settings

What can be improved

• The buggy software/hardware issue that causes the camera to freeze and stop working in random situations including heat when used as a dash cam
• The ability to rotate the video in-camera
• The buttons on the waterproof housing that require more than anticipated normal pressure to engage the buttons on the camera
• The ability of the voice control to work with various voices and pronunciation

Final thoughts

When I first saw the physical appearance and specifications of the ThiEYE T5 Edge Action Camera, I was very eager to try it. My eagerness was also based on the previous various brands of similar action cameras that I have tested and been quite impressed with. This action camera includes really nice features that are very practical, but the few flaws are too effective to overlook. I missed several opportunities to take photos and videos because of the random freezing of the camera, and the fact that the only way to recover is to remove the housing and remove and replace the battery is simply unacceptable for me. The other issue of repeatedly speaking in a remote to use the voice function and being unsuccessful at it until my jaws were tired, sealed the deal for me. This is a camera with great promise, but unless the flaws can be adequately fixed, I will pass on recommending it.

Price: $129.99
Where to buy: Amazon
Source: The sample for this review was provided by ThiEYE.

Filed in categories: Reviews

Tagged: Action Camera

ThiEYE T5 Edge Action Camera review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on August 22, 2018 at 9:00 am.

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