Content
A trip to the water park, rides on attractions, parachute jump and descent from a mountain river - all these events are combined due to extremeness, high speed and adrenaline rush. To capture important moments as a keepsake, you need a functional, lightweight and durable action camera, such as Xiaomi Action Camera. A normal camera will not cope with this task. The choice of action devices that can be used even for video recording of an ordinary walk is large today.
What is an action camera
The Action Camera is a type of digital video camera that is specially designed for shooting in motion and in aggressive environments. environment. The first devices of this type were developed by GoPro, which opened a new direction in the design of video equipment. Action cameras have become a must for many athletes. Differences from the usual model are cardinal:
- Appearance, dimensions, weight. These are the first differences that catch the eye. Action cameras are lightweight and compact. With active recreation and dynamics, excess weight on the human body can be crucial. If an ordinary device for photo and video weighs about 400-500 g, then an action device should have a mass of up to 100 g, and the size should be almost the size of a matchbox.
- Resistant to water, shock. Such a device is made of durable materials - often these are metals based on aluminum, reinforced plastic. Due to this, the device turns out to be durable and light, all the more it is very important, otherwise the action devices would break or fail due to moisture ingress after the first descent from a mountain river. They do not break after falling from a height, which cannot be said about simple models. High-quality cameras are distinguished by a large temperature range of operation - they are not afraid of water, heat.
- Video quality. The standard shooting resolution for conventional video cameras is about 720x576 pixels, although modern models have a better figure. Action cameras are labeled Full HD, i.e. they record in the format of 1920x1080 or 1280x720 pixels - this is the highest requirement for frame resolution. Compared to conventional photo and video cameras, action devices are practically no different in this parameter.
- Video recording speed. The usual model has an indicator of 25-30 frames / sec. Action devices have a fast recording mode, thanks to which the speed increases to 60 frames / sec. This parameter is important for thrill-seekers who race at high speed - landscapes change very quickly, and a regular camera is not able to record everything in normal quality: frames can turn out to be very blurry, and some will be completely absent.
- Viewing angle, lens. Another feature of action cameras (including Xiaomi brands) is the wide viewing angle. Such devices are capable of shooting video with an angle within 90-170 degrees. Such a large parameter is needed to shoot wide frames without the so-called "dead" zones. True, it is impossible to achieve their complete absence.
- Mountings available. Another distinguishing feature is the mount, due to which the device can be attached to a helmet, clothing, bicycle handlebars and just a hand. Action cameras have become widespread in motor sports, where they are attached to the windshield with suction cups.
Xiaomi YI action camera review
Xiaomi Inc is a Chinese company that was founded relatively recently - in 2010. Despite this, it is developing rapidly and we can confidently say that Xiaomi has already become a world famous company that specializes in the production of portable electronic devices and "smart" technology for daily use. The products offered by Xiaomi are distinguished by good technical characteristics and relatively low cost. In addition to tablets and smartphones, the company also sells digital video cameras.
The modern Xiaomi action camera is a functional, compact and very convenient device that can become indispensable when traveling. Some models have a modular LCD screen, backlit sensor, 3D noise reduction, auto exposure, Wi-Fi support, etc. In addition to the device itself, the package includes instructions, a Micro-USB cable for charging, and a battery. You can order the desired model in any specialized online store with delivery by mail. Popular options include Xiaomi YI:
- Basic Edition;
- Travel Edition;
- MiJia 360 Panoramic;
- Sport 4K.
Basic Edition
The Xiaomi YI Basic Mini Camera is compact in size and high in performance. The Ambarella A7LS processor and a high-quality matrix from Sony are responsible for processing video and photos. The 155-degree wide-angle lens is equipped with high-definition aspherical lenses. The camera has four shooting modes: normal, motion, high speed, maximum speed. In shaking or low light, photo and video frames are clear due to the special 3D noise reduction mode, motion compensated filtering technique:
- name: YI Action Camera Basic Edition;
- price: 3990 rubles;
- characteristics: media - rewritable Flash-memory, max video resolution - 1920x1080, photo - 4608x3456, frames / sec. - 60 at 1920x1080/120 at 1280x720, viewing angle - 155°, matrix - CMOS 16 megapixels, focal length lens - 2.73 mm, aperture - F2.8, recording formats - 480p / 720p / 1080p, interfaces - Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, USB, HDMI-out, memory cards - microSDHC, microSD with a capacity of up to 128 GB, dimensions - 60x42x21 mm, weight - 72 g;
- pluses: it is relatively cheap, excellent functionality, powerful processor;
- cons: heats up (but not much), no LCD screen.
Travel Edition
Another multifunctional option of Xiaomi YI Action Camera is Travel Edition with professional features. The device is the ultimate solution for both recreation and tourism. Capture the highlights of your journey in crisp, clear 4K resolution. The model is equipped with a built-in 3-axis stabilizer and Ambarella A7LS processor, thanks to which you can shoot more photos and videos using less space. Thanks to the professional monopod included, you can shoot from any angle:
- name: YI Action Camera Travel Edition;
- price: 5890 rubles;
- characteristics: viewing angle - 155 °, video formats - 720p / 960p / 480p / 1080p, matrix resolution - 16 megapixels, video frame rate (maximum) - 240, photography resolution - up to 4608x3456, interfaces - Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, microUSB, memory cards - microSDHC, microSD, dimensions - 60.4x42x21.2 mm, weight - 72 g;
- pros: waterproof, functional, good quality received videos and photos;
- cons: no LCD screen, poor lighting results in not very good pictures.
MiJia 360 Panoramic
Xiaomi MiJia 360 Panoramic Camera is one of the popular action camera options with a compact body and a wide viewing angle of 190 degrees. The device has a widescreen video mode. Recording video or photo files is possible on a memory card up to 128 GB - class 10 is recommended. The model can be controlled using a smartphone with iOS / Android OS via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. Using the gadget is facilitated by fast charging and a micro-USB connector. Compliance with the IP67 standard provides an excellent level of moisture and dust protection. The kit includes a tripod, USB cable, instructions:
- name: Xiaomi MiJia 360 Panoramic Camera;
- price: 18900 rubles;
- characteristics: viewing angle - 190°, max video shooting resolution - 3456x1728, speed - 30 frames / sec., photo resolution - 3456 × 1728/6912 × 3456, matrix type - CMOS 16 megapixels, sensor - Sony IMX 206, aperture - F2 , degree of protection - IP67, battery life - 75 min., processor - Ambarella A12, memory cards - microSDHC 10 class, microSD, interfaces - Wi-Fi, USB interface, Bluetooth (distance up to 30 m), battery - 1600 mAh, dimensions - 78x67x24 mm, weight - 109 kg;
- pluses: water resistance, excellent dust protection, versatility, quality of shooting, sound;
- cons: it is expensive, gets very hot, built-in battery, no screen.
Sport 4K
If you like extreme recreation and an active lifestyle, then pay attention to the Xiaomi Yi 4K Sports Action Camera 2 action camera. This model is capable of shooting videos in Ultra HD quality and taking pictures in photo mode with a resolution of 12 megapixels. The camera is made in the traditional design in the form of a rectangle, one side of which is occupied by a touch screen, and on the other is an overhead lens. The case is made of durable plastic, which can withstand intense vibrations and significant mechanical stress. The glass surface of the screen is scratch resistant:
- Name: Xiaomi Yi 4K Sports Action Camera 2;
- price: 24000 rubles;
- characteristics: viewing angle - 155 °, chipset - Ambarella A9SE75, screen type - LCD, size - 2.19 inches, resolution - 360x640, memory cards - TF 64G class 10 or higher, battery - 1400 mAh, operating time - 120 min., video resolution - 4K (4096x2160), Ultra HD frequency - 30 frames / sec., interfaces - Micro-USB, Fi-Wi, Bluetooth, dimensions - 42x65x21 mm, weight - 95 g;
- pros: strength, functionality, high quality received images, video recordings, there is a display;
- cons: high cost, built-in battery.
How to choose a Xiaomi action camera
On sale in stores in Moscow, St. Petersburg and other cities of the country, you can find dozens of models of action cameras, among which Xiaomi brand devices have gained particular popularity. Some devices have a touch screen that allows you to change the exposure settings, white balance, choose the format and shooting mode, etc. There are models with a manual telescopic tripod-monopod. In order not to make a mistake with the purchase, consider the following criteria:
- Recording quality. Many action cameras have Full HD (1920x1080) video resolution. The best choice there will be a model capable of shooting at a resolution of 3840x2160 - if this is not too important for you when traveling, then it is better not to overpay for more functionality.
- Frame frequency. It also affects the quality - the higher this parameter, the clearer the recordings will be. At the maximum resolution of the action camera, incl. and Xiaomi often shoot at 30 fps. It's good if the device supports 60 and 120 fps modes, but the resolution will decrease.
- Viewing angle. The larger it is, the better, but a narrow angle will help you focus on individual details - this is not always required from an action device.
- Strength characteristics. It is desirable that the Xiaomi camera you choose has increased strength, shock resistance, as well as water and dust resistance. Most of these properties can be enhanced with a protective case.
- Battery. The battery life of the device depends on its capacity. It is desirable that the camera can shoot 1.5-2 hours.
- Memory card. The more volume the device supports, the better. Additionally, pay attention to the class of the SD card - do not save money, choose better than the 10th class. The capacity must be 32 GB or more.
- Built-in screen. Its presence simplifies the control process, but the camera in this case consumes more energy.
- Mounting methods. Some kits come with several mounts, which are desirable if you are going to install an action device on a bicycle handlebar, helmet, etc.
Equipment and design
Video and photo
Application
Conclusion
The popularity of the Chinese brand Xiaomi is gaining momentum and now, once again, manufacturers are delighting with a new product - the YI action camera. Today we will talk about it and compare it with the flagship GoPro Hero 4 Silver Edition.
Equipment and design
The camera is sold in a cardboard box that is standard for all Xiaomi devices and comes complete with instructions, a battery and a charging cable. Xiaomi manufacturers, unlike GoPro, give you the opportunity to choose the color scheme. Either light green-turquoise body, or white. For the test, we got the second option.
The YI is slightly larger in length and width, the location of the lenses is different, so the possibility of using protective boxes and cases from GoPro immediately disappears, which is undoubtedly frustrating, because on this moment for Xiaomi, there is only a monopod that comes with the “Travel Edition” package.
There is no display here either, there is only an on / off button, which is also responsible for switching photo / video modes, a button to start recording and a button to turn on the Wi-Fi module.
You can change the rest of the camera settings and select modes only through your smartphone, using a special application, which we will talk about later. On the back of the camera, under the cover, there is a slot for micro SD cards with a capacity of no more than 128 GB and standard micro USB and micro HDMI connectors.
Like the GoPro, the lid is loose, so it's very likely to get lost. At the bottom of the camera there is a standard mount for tripods and monopods - there are no problems with this. In the near future, both covers and waterproof boxes for Xiaomi will appear on sale, therefore, there is no reason to worry, everything has its time.
Video and photo
The most important and exciting question for everyone regarding the quality of the photo and video shooting of the Xiaomi camera remains open. Will it be able to compete with Hero4 SE or not? Let's try to figure it out!
Camera modes are very similar to each other. They have almost the same shooting characteristics, but in one Xiaomi is much inferior to GoPro: there is no 4K video shooting mode.
You cannot change the viewing angle on YI - you have to be content with a wide viewing angle of 170 degrees. There is no analogue of the Protune mode, as on GoPro, either, but soon it will appear along with new firmware. It makes no sense to completely compare these two cameras, since these are completely different price segments, but even at its price, Xiaomi is stepping on the heels of GoPro.
An example video from Xiaomi YI:
Video in low light:
The Yi camera is equipped with a 16-megapixel Sony sensor, which allows it to take photos at a resolution of up to 4608 × 3456 pixels and shoot Full HD video (1080p) at 60 frames per second. Not bad, right? But that's not all: the sound is recorded in 2 channels (Stereo), there is a camera search function from the application and much more. If we compare two videos taken with our cameras in good light, few people will notice the difference. Is that Xiaomi does not have image stabilization and night shooting modes.
Application
At the moment, the app for Xiaomi is only available on the Android platform and in Chinese-English. The version is very crude, but the manufacturers release updates almost every week, so they will soon finalize everything and make it much more convenient. Unlike GoPro, where it is sometimes not necessary to use the application, there is no way without a program. On the camera itself, you can only switch the video or photo mode, and already inside the program you can adjust the frame rate and other important nuances.
The YiCamera app itself is more informative than the GoPro App. In the main menu, you can see the camera's battery level, communication quality, and the viewfinder device's battery level. Switching photo/single shot/video modes is at the top and switches instantly. If you dig deeper, then in the settings you can set the desired mode, quality, viewing angle and type of shooting. There are several photo modes here and each is interesting in its own way. Photo with timer, Timelapse and storyboard will help you make an unforgettable shot in any situation.
In the application for Xiaomi, as well as for GoPro, there is a rating of the best videos. So far it's all in Chinese and works only for China, but it will soon appear for other countries. There is also an online store where you can order a camera or accessories. It’s convenient, you won’t say anything, especially if you live in China.
Conclusion
This camera is suitable for both travelers and ordinary users who use ordinary cameras. Nowadays, all vloggers use action cameras to record videos "in the field", so Xiaomi is ideal for them in all respects. It has a stylish design, good video and photo quality, stereo sound and a bunch of handy features. And most importantly: in comparison with its competitors, it is inexpensive.
If you use a Xiaomi Yi action camera, then accessories for it will surely come in handy. These are small and inexpensive, but very useful devices. Thanks to them, you will discover much more possibilities for using the device. Using it will give you even more pleasure, and with the created videos you will surprise not only friends and acquaintances, but the entire Internet.
No need to search in third-party stores - everything is already in Xiaomi Store
The developer of the popular Yi action camera, the Chinese company Xiaomi, also creates additional devices and accessories. There is no need for you to turn to third-party manufacturers: hardly any of them can offer something better than Xiaomi, which created the camera and knows its features thoroughly.
Xiaomi Yi Action Camera Accessories for All Occasions
In this section, you can pick up products, thanks to which you will use the capabilities of the device to the fullest. Products are grouped in the catalog, provided with brief descriptions with photos and prices. To learn more about a product, click on it and go to the corresponding page.
To make your search even faster, select only the categories that interest you. To do this, use the filter, which is located on the left side of the screen. For you, the Xiaomi Store offers:
- aquaboxes for safe underwater shooting;
- batteries and chargers to shoot video in any conditions and in any area, even far from civilization;
- mounts and holders, including universal clamps and functional tripods, mounts and adapters for all kinds of situations, holders for animals and so on - now you can capture absolutely any process on video;
- ultraviolet filters, image stabilizers, lighting devices, thanks to which shooting will become more convenient and safer, and the video itself will look better;
- remote controls, panoramic timers, LCD displays - find out what else your action camera is capable of;
Among other things, ready-made sets of tools, fasteners and other accessories for servicing Xiaomi Yi are offered. The manufacturer not only created one of the most versatile action cameras - he also made sure that you can pick up everything you need from the available range.
In the catalog you will find accessories that will allow you to shoot hiking and sports competitions, cycling or scuba diving. Shoot through the eyes of your growing children or pets, let your imagination run wild, come up with the most incredible angles and ways of shooting.
Quality and compatibility warranties are provided on behalf of the manufacturer
A distinctive feature of the Xiaomi Store is that we cooperate directly with the Xiaomi company, which produces gadgets and products for them. Therefore, we have every reason to guarantee the quality and performance of the presented products. You can also be sure that the products sold here are fully compatible with the device - you will not have any problems using them.
After the release of the successful Yi Sport action camera, active athletes showed interest in Xiaomi products, and the second version was already expected. After the publication of the characteristics, the question arose by itself: “Will the second Yi be a worthy competitor to the GoPro HERO 4?” The first in the public sector for a good price / quality ratio has gained popularity, and the second could well repeat the success. Wide viewing angle, 12 megapixel sensor, A9SE95 processor… Specifications look promising.
Let's see what the novelty is in business.
Supplied in a small cardboard box:
The packaging dimensions are small, as only the battery and USB cable are included with the camera. Mounting hardware sold separately.
1400 mAh battery for long camera operation without recharging or changing the battery.
The official list of accessories is small: two aquaboxes and two protective cases made of different materials:
But thanks to the ¼ inch threaded socket, the Yi 2 4K can accommodate many versatile mounting systems.
Unfortunately, due to the increased width compared to the GoPro 4 (66 vs. 59 mm), it is not possible to use the camera in conjunction with boxes for GoPro.
The control layout and overall shape of the Yi 2 4K is similar to that of the GoPro, which has long been the go-to model for third-party models. Alas, this form cannot be called optimal, especially considering the scope. Otherwise, there is nothing to complain about: Yi 2 4K fits comfortably in the hand, is easy to control and pleases the eye with rounded body features.
At the top of the case there are two microphones, a speaker and a single camera control button:
The microphones are paired, the sound is recorded in stereo mode. The LED activity indicator is located on the front of the case. The colors of the glow inform about the operating mode: blue - the camera is on, red - the camera is recording or charging the battery, purple - the camera is connected to the PC in removable storage mode.
The storage uses a microSD card installed in the compartment next to the battery.
Charging the battery and transferring files via USB 2.0 interface; the nest is located on the side and is covered from contamination with a small plug.
The camera parameters are controlled via a 2.19" screen on the back of the case. The turn-on time corresponds to that declared by the manufacturer (3 seconds). After the download is completed, the main parameters of the current settings are displayed:
Just a few words about vertical stripes. They are present in any screen mode and are especially noticeable on contrasting images - it is possible that this is a shortcoming of a particular instance. It does not affect the work in any way, it also does not interfere with navigating the menu and setting the required settings.
Clicking on the arrow next to the inscription "Video" opens the menu for selecting camera modes:
As you can see, there are six of them: Photo, video, slow motion video, series of shots, time-lapse video and timer shooting. The settings for all modes are similar, so I will analyze in detail only the basic ones for photo and video shooting.
Basic Movie Shooting Setting - Resolution:
The currently active mode is highlighted with a green triangle, the frame rate is selected immediately after specifying the desired resolution. A complete list of modes can be found in the table.
Additional options are selected on the main screen (gear icon in the lower right corner):
Additional options for Slo-mo shooting are slightly different:
For photo mode, the list of options is in many ways similar to video mode:
The rest of the camera settings are available by clicking on the gear icon on the left.
Their content is standard and does not raise questions. Rarely used items are collected in the Advanced Settings submenu:
When the Wi-Fi module is activated, the camera is available in the access point mode, which can be connected to from a smartphone. You can communicate via Wi-Fi with the camera using the free YI Action app.
After a simple and short connection procedure, the image from the camera is displayed on the background of the application and all previously shown options become available for changing.
Based on observations, the image on the smartphone is delayed by about half a second, there are no friezes and slowdowns. In general, the utility is simple and adequate, for 7-8 hours of work it crashed with an error once.
The day to day use of the Yi 2 4K consisted mostly as a helmet-mounted DVR, with occasional filming to test other features (photos, handheld shooting, etc.). For fastening, complete accessories from other cameras and an M4 screw were used.
Video quality is good at night and excellent during daylight hours at maximum resolution.
But the 4K format, although it is trendy, is not yet provided with a sufficient amount of reproducing equipment (monitors). Another thing is 1080p, which has already become firmly established in everyday life as the “default format”. And here Yi 2 4K comes in handy because of the ability to shoot FullHD video not only with the standard 30 fps, but 60 and even 120.
Image stabilization only works when shooting at 30 fps; I think it's the relatively small processor power.
For dynamic scenes (where action cameras are used most often), this is very useful: 25 or 30 fps is not enough, the picture is a little jerky, the freeze frames are blurry. For the same reason, the Slo-mo mode is good, allowing you to consider many processes in slow motion. It is a pity that the resolution in Slo-mo is only 720p, and not FullHD.
With photographs, the situation is similar: with a sufficient amount of light, the frames are juicy and clear, colors are lost at dusk, the amount of light noise increases, and the frames are blurry.
About sound. It is, and yes, two-channel (stereo). But due to the lack of wind protection, the recording is interrupted by even the slightest breeze, and at speeds of more than 10 km / h nothing is heard except noise (therefore, all videos are without sound). A case with wind protection for microphones would be very helpful for such a camera.
An important note for those who will mount the camera on a helmet and choose third-party mounts: at speeds above 100 km / h, aerodynamic drag is very high. Subjectively, at 120 km/h, a Yi 2 weighing less than 90 grams feels heavier than another camera weighing over 170 grams due to less drag. Going beyond 140 km / h can be felt without a speedometer, as the head begins to pull back strongly.
The battery life of the camera is more than 2 hours when recording 4K video with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth turned off, and when changing the mode to 1080p, more than 3 hours. Compared to other action cameras, the Yi 2 is much less likely to require a USB connection for recharging.
Thanks to the voice acting, you can perform basic actions (start-stop recording, take a photo, turn it on and off) by touch, focusing on the sounds made. The volume of the speaker is enough to hear the conventional signals on the road with a helmet on (with good sound insulation).
In conclusion, general impressions. is a well-designed product with many video and photo shooting modes. The video quality is good (by the standards of action cameras), you can watch 4K videos shot at dusk and not spit. Wi-Fi remote control also works flawlessly, and battery life is top notch. A quick start and an intuitive menu are also the advantages of the Xiaomi product.
But there are nuances. The first is the price: it is adequate, but the budget version of Yi 2 no longer pulls, rather in the middle segment, where there are fewer competitors, but it is already harder to compete with them. The second is the complete absence of mounting accessories in the basic package, everything is purchased separately. This is both good (everyone will choose fasteners according to their taste), and bad (at no additional cost, only from hands and remove, exposed to precipitation without an aquabox). The third is shape: copying the layout of elements set by GoPro negatively affects the aerodynamic resistance of the device, which should be taken into account when designing and choosing fasteners.
Camera Features:
| Turn-on time |
3 seconds |
| CPU |
Ambarella A9SE95 800 MHz |
| Sensor |
Sony IMX377 |
| Lens |
155° |
| Screen |
2.19"" 640x360 pix, Gorilla Glass |
| Microphone |
double |
| Battery |
Li-Ion 1400 mAh |
| Memory card |
microSD, up to 64 GB |
| Food |
USB, 5 V 1 A |
| Light control |
automatically |
| Video modes |
4K (3840×2160) @ 30 FPS; 4K Ultra (3840×2160) @ 30 FPS; 2.5K (2560×1920) @ 30 FPS; 1440 (1920×1440) @ 30 / 60 FPS; 1080 (1920×1080) @ 30 / 60 / 120 FPS; 1080 Ultra (1920×1080) @ 30 / 60 / 120 FPS; 960 (1280×960) @ 60 / 120 FPS; 720 (1280×720) @ 240 FPS; 720 Ultra (1280×720) @ 60 / 120 FPS; 480 (848×480) @ 240 FPS |
| Photo modes |
12 megapixels (4000x3000) 8 megapixels (3840x2160) 7 Mpix W (3008x2256) 7 Mpix M (3008x2256) 5 megapixels (2560x1920) |
| Wireless connection |
Wi-Fi 802.11n Broadcom BCM43340, Bluetooth 4.0 |
| Additionally |
Three-axis gyroscope, timer, distortion correction |
| The weight |
88 g |
| Dimensions |
66 x 42 x 31 mm |
| Price |
21 000 rubles |
Bonuses for those who have read
In addition to the main heroine of our review, there are many interesting coupon and flash sales going on right now on Gearbest.
- A popular and reliable smartphone - 5.5 inches, 4000 mAh battery, Android 5.1 is available on the flash sale without too much modesty
- According to the GBMI2 coupon, the lightweight and comfortable Original Xiaomi Mi Band 2 fitness bracelet will cost only $29.59. The offer is more than attractive, only 1000 pieces are available, one buyer can buy only one bracelet.
- Slim Wi-Fi Router
Extreme sports are getting closer to the average consumer. Ten years ago, to get impressive skydiving footage, you had to use very expensive equipment. And now it is enough to have a GoPro! And it's still expensive. Xiaomi has gone one step further and made shooting extreme video even more accessible with a camera called the Yi. Let's talk in detail about the device in review.
Equipment
All products Chinese company are delivered in a box made of very thick cardboard without any bright, identifying signs. The packaging is simply and tastefully made from recycled materials. And an adult can safely stand on the box. Why all this? Probably to reach the jar of jam on the top shelf. In general, it was personally verified by me - the package withstood 85 kg easily, like, in fact, the box from the fitness bracelet.
In nature, there are two types of equipment: regular and tourist. We got the latter to tell you not only about the device itself, but also about the branded monopod that comes with the extended delivery.
Inside the package, the gadget itself is neatly stowed, and next to it is a telescopic monopod. A micro USB cable is hidden under the cardboard layer for recharging the device from the computer ports (there is no power supply included), a battery of a very modest capacity of 1010 mAh and a battery cover.
No additional holders, mounts or underwater cases are provided by the manufacturer. All this is sold separately, or rather, will be sold in the near future. By the way, because of the lens slightly shifted to the middle and the power button, cases from GoPro or from Chinese cameras from Alibaba for 70 bucks will not work. In Yi, everything is in its own way, and don't be embarrassed that this is also a Chinese camera for 70 bucks. This is Xiaomi, which means a separate conversation.
Design
The buyer can choose from only two color variations: all white and bright green shades. Since at the time of ordering from Aliexpress there was only a white Travel version of the camera available, there was no question of choice for me: I need a monopod, I need to tell you everything.
The body of the gadget is entirely plastic. There is a matte finish on the front and back, and a ribbed design around the perimeter.
In front, above the front surface, a 24mm lens in diameter seriously sticks out. Of course, it is not covered by anything, and the bezel around the convex glass is made of dark plastic. And here I immediately want to scold the company. Yes, protective cases are sold separately, but what if I don't need them or can't buy them?
An uncovered lens can be easily scratched, and the Chinese did not even bother to report to the gadget some kind, even a bad one, but a cover. It can't, it can't.
On the front side there is a wide mechanical power button. One press switches the shooting mode from photo to video and vice versa. Long press turns off the camera. The button has a round LED that glows blue, purple or red depending on the battery level. When connected to a power source, the power button is always highlighted with a red halo.
In addition, four more indicator lights can be found around the perimeter of the case. The top, bottom and back reflect the set shooting mode, the side is responsible for wireless activity. The backlight can be turned off in the settings completely or left active only at the time of shooting.
On the top edge is the shutter button. It is single-section, since Yi does not have autofocus. On the underside, there's a standard screw mount for a tripod, monopod, selfie stick, and more. The hole is unified and suitable for any accessory. By the way, we'll talk about them later.
On the right side there is a Wi-Fi and Bluetooth activation key. There is no separation. I want to draw your attention to the fact that the camera is very thoughtful. After turning on and establishing a stable connection with the smartphone, it takes about 10-15 seconds. Previously, the gadget will not be able to be found by the phone.
Inhibition is also present at the moment of photographing. I pressed the shutter and the photo is ready, but the device thinks for another second or two before hanging from the process of creating a photo.
Of course, the camera is equipped with a microphone. Under it there is a hole in the upper part of the device. We will talk about sound recording later.
On the back side is the battery cover, as well as all the connectors of the gadget, hidden under a plastic cap. It is strange that the plug is not attached to the case in any way and it costs nothing to get lost. Be careful. Of the available ports, there are Micro USB, Micro HDMI and a slot for a memory card.
The device can also be controlled blindly without connecting to a smartphone. The top, bottom and rear LEDs will serve as a reference point, which light up red at the moment the video recording is activated and go out when set to photograph.
Monopod from the kit
Now let's talk about what users overpay their money for when they get a Travel package - about a monopod. The latter gives the impression of a quality and reliable thing. Perhaps even more reliable than the camera itself.
Indeed, the accessory is made entirely of metal, and the handle is made of soft, very hooky and pleasant to the touch material. The total weight of the stick is 183 grams. The camera itself, by the way, has a mass of 71 grams.
The head is attached to the telescopic body of the monopod by a spherical bone. The lever on the right tightens or loosens the rotary mechanism. Due to all this design, the head can rotate 360 degrees.
The structure of the base consists of five metal elbows, which are opened and secured by turning them to the left or right, respectively. At first, the opening mechanism works rather tight, but after a dozen or two opening-folding cycles, everything returns to normal.
As a fastener, a tight fastener for the belt and a rope loop at the very end of the holder are provided here. The latter tends to unwind and at one fine moment the loop may remain on your wrist, and the monopod with the gadget will fall to the ground. Not a very thoughtful moment.
Specifications of Xiaomi Yi Camera:
- 16-megapixel (Sony Exmore R CMOS) sensor with back-illuminated matrix (BSI), image resolution 4608 x 3456 pixels
- 155-degree (wide-angle) F 2.8 aspherical lens
- optical stabilization and 3D noise reduction
- shooting speed: up to 7 photos/second
- Time Lapse function 0.5 - 60 seconds
- Ambarella A7LS processor
- Bluetooth 4.0, Wi-Fi for file transfer and video streaming to a smartphone (Broadcom chip)
- support for Micro SD memory cards up to 128 GB (10 class)
- triaxial accelerometer
- Panasonic battery (lithium-ion)
- dimensions 60.4 x 42 x 21.2 mm
- weight 72 g
- H.264 video codec
- sound recording up to 96 kHz, 92 dB
Photography
The whole device is based on a 16-megapixel Sony Exmore R matrix. Above it is a lens with aspherical lenses and aperture F 2.8. The latter does not affect the appearance of a beautiful blur (bokeh) in any way, because the focus is set to infinity, starting from 20 cm. Accordingly, it will not work to take real macro photographs. I tried and it didn't work for me. You can see the result below.
Of course, the lens used here is wide-angle and can capture the space 155 degrees in front of you. And thanks to the use of aspherical lenses, this is a real Fisheye. Some people will definitely like it, and some won't. We'll talk about this a little more later.
The maximum image resolution is 4608 x 3456 pixels. You can set the resolution to 13, 8 or 5 megapixels.
I don't know what good things can be said about the photo part. Yes, the photos are good, but not impressive.
The quality of the images lags behind modern flagship smartphones and more or less tolerable digital cameras.
Let's start with the details. The 100% crop examples below show that the Yi Action camera cannot be compared with the picture that the Sony Xperia Z3 produces - one of the best camera phones of 2014-2015. Fuzziness, digital interference - all this is present in the brainchild of the Chinese digital industry.
I suggest a little more look at the pictures taken on the smartphone Sony Xperia Z3 (left) and Xiaomi Yi (right).
With the clarity of the picture in the corners of the photos, there are generally big problems.
This is especially noticeable when distortion suppression (barrel effect) is turned on. At this point, the system, using its own algorithms, removes the excessive roundness of the shots, which is characteristic of fisheye lenses. Together with this operation, the photo is smeared along the edges in one hundred percent of cases. Below, as an example, I have given a piece of a picture with the original image (on the left) and a piece of a photograph on which the system has already managed to conjure, removing lens distortion (on the right).
Notice how badly blurred the picture is in the right image. When you activate this function (Lens rectification), be prepared that the photo will be clear only in the center of the frame - the rest will float.
Here are some original fisheye photos (left) and images with distortion reduction (right) as an example.
Didn't like the exposition. In most photos, the machine is mistaken and instead of juicy and bright colors, the image becomes yellow-green.
Attempts to change the exposure metering did not lead to anything. The system is wrong and everything continues to turn yellow, as in the desert. Of course, later, on a computer, photographic materials can be corrected and as a result something like this will turn out (on the left is the original, on the right is the simplest color correction).
On the other hand, given the affordability of the camera and its versatility, provided that protective cases are used, we get a very good photo solution for active life. Still, you won’t be able to dive into the Red Sea with a smartphone, but with Xiaomi Yi it’s easy and even relatively budget.
We look at examples of all the other photos.
The originals of all images can be downloaded in one archive from here.
As additional modes, there is timer shooting, Burst mode (up to 7 frames per second) or Timelaps. In the latter, the time between shutter releases can be set from 0.5 to 60 seconds. As a result, several hundred pictures will be obtained, which later, using special programs, can be combined into one video.
By the way, some specifications declared by the manufacturer on the official website do not correspond to the real state of affairs.
So, it was initially indicated that the time intervals when shooting Timelaps are from 3 to 15 seconds, although in reality they are completely different. The same goes for shooting video: real 50 frames per second in maximum quality, instead of 60 declared or 240 at 420p resolution (it is not in the parameters at all). The Chinese are so Chinese.
Camera can shoot only in a horizontal position. Despite the fact that the manufacturer claims support for the accelerometer, it is clearly not intended for automatic orientation reversal.
Of course, there is optical stabilization, so the picture does not shake so much even if you hold the monopod with the gadget at arm's length. In this kind of devices, without it, nowhere.
The maximum possible video recording quality is 1920 x 1080 pixels at 50 frames (16:9) per second. Below is a list of other supported resolutions:
- 1920 x 1080 25 FPS (16:9)
- 1920 x 1080 48 FPS (16:9)
- 1920 x 1080 24 FPS (16:9)
- 1280 x 960 50 FPS (4:3)
- 1280 x 960 48 FPS (4:3)
- 1280 x 720 50 FPS (16:9)
- 1280 x 720 48 FPS (16:9)
- 1280 x 720 100 FPS (16:9)
- 848 x 480 200 FPS (16:9)
Movies are recorded with a maximum length of 5 minutes. This cannot be changed, however, you can set the memory to be continuously filled with such five-minute segments until the space on the map runs out.
Full HD resolution at 50 frames is perhaps the most optimal setting for recording video on a device. At 25 or 24 frames, objects in the video move in jerks. An example of such a video is below.
In addition, it is possible to record 100 and even 200 frames per second. However, the picture resolution noticeably drops to 1280 x 720 pixels and 848 x 480 respectively. An example of a 100-frame shoot is below this sentence.
Now about recording audio. The camera does not record sound well. Even at a distance of an open monopod, it is very difficult to distinguish a voice on the street, where the wind often blows. In addition, the sound is muffled and sounds quite unflattering. The Buzzer volume setting does not correct the situation in any way, in fact, as well as some kind of 3D noise reduction declared by the manufacturer. You can listen to the sound in the video example below.
And again, an action camera is not designed to record an audio stream. This is not its main function. The focus is on the video, not how you scream while riding a roller coaster. In addition, you can always put some cool music on the background.
However, some craftsmen have already found a way out. Here on the video you can see how to improve the quality of the recording of the audio stream on your own and with the help of a screwdriver.
Yi Camera app
To work with the device, you need a special application. For now, there is only an Android version. The developers promise to add iOS support in the future.
Don't bother looking for the utility on Google Play. At the moment, it's just not there. To install the program, you need to scan the QR code from the instructions and follow the link recognized by the scanner.
Not bad, of course, to get also your own account on mi.com. The system will prompt you to do so.
Those who pass the entire quest will be rewarded with an installed application in English-Chinese. The thing is that part of the menu has been translated into English, while the other half has remained in native Chinese. It all looks especially funny when you try to activate some function, and the application instead gives out an inscription with hieroglyphs.
In fact, there is no inconvenience from crookedly translated software. 80% of the required parameters are translated into public English, and the rest is clear and so.
The main feature of the application is the Lifeview mode, that is, the smartphone screen acts as a viewfinder for the camera. The picture transmitted from the device to the phone is slightly delayed (by about 0.5 seconds) and its quality leaves much to be desired. On the other hand, the main thing is to compose the frame and the image transmission quality is sufficient for this to the fullest.
The connection range does not exceed 100 meters. In reality, about 20 meters or a couple of rooms with relatively thick walls are enough to transmit a picture without breaks.
The company claims that the utility also has a built-in image editor, but I did not find it. Maybe it is securely hidden behind various buttons in Chinese, or it can be available exclusively on Xiaomi branded phones.
In conclusion, I will still give a link so that you can download the Yi Camera application. For Android devices, download from here. Owners of iOS devices, look for your application, but later.
Battery life
The built-in battery manufactured by Panasonic has a capacity of 1010 mAh (3.7 V and 3.74 Wh). I want to say right away that batteries from GoPro or from Chinese fakes from Alibaba are not supported. Xiaomi closed a loophole for cunning users who want to save on consumables.
Continuous shooting of Full HD-video (25 fps) ate the entire 100% battery charge in one hour and fifty minutes. At the same time, only a quarter of the time the device was connected via Wi-Fi to a smartphone.
In Timelapse mode (photo every 60 seconds), the camera worked for only 1 hour and 41 minutes when connected to a smartphone. By the way, Lifeview is not available in this mode.
A full charge from a 2A power supply takes 1 hour 40 minutes, which is a lot. When recharging from the USB connector of the computer, it will take more more time.
Accessories for Xiaomi Yi
What will be available accessories Directly from Xiaomi - not yet known. Judging by the available official photos and videos, so far the list is limited only to an underwater case (diving up to 40 meters) and special straps for attaching the device to a pet. Perhaps the company will come up with something else interesting or go along the beaten track, copying GoPro accessories cleanly.
A little more about what we have in stock. The only inconvenience in a regular monopod is the lack of a shutter button. As a remote control, you can use a connected smartphone or blindly control the camera. Only in this way and this somewhat limits the user.
However, the Bluetooth button is found on other, third-party selfie sticks that are actively sold on the Internet. We have already reviewed a couple of these. Yi made friends with them easily and naturally, but again, not without a crutch. The role of the latter is a smartphone, to which you need to connect a Bluetooth monopod. The Xiaomi app easily recognizes accessories such as a regular Bluetooth keyboard, with which you can shoot. Thus, we get three devices at once that need to be actively used when shooting: Yi itself, mobile phone and a selfie stick with a built-in shutter button. The only pity is that we only have two hands.
Outcome
In the photos, and in reality, the camera looks very decent. The paper specs are also impressive and make you reach for your wallet for money or a credit card to place an order as soon as possible.
In fact, the device has a fairly large list of shortcomings. These are the design nuances that we have already discussed, and the quality of photos and videos, of course.
Of course, it is slightly behind the popular GoPro Hero 3 in terms of features and settings. The latter has a huge fleet of accessories and more freedom in setting up video shooting. Comparing Xiaomi Yi Camera with Hero 4 is incorrect. These are products from different categories, both price and quality.
Xiaomi Yi seems to me to be a kind of starting device for those who want to try and understand for themselves what an action camera is. Do you travel a lot? Love to snorkel or even scuba dive? Do you climb mountains and skydive? So why not give this thing a try for yourself? Suddenly hooked and have to go to the yard? Further more. Open a channel on Youtube and become a famous extreme. Separately, you can highlight shooting from a multicopter. For a relatively small amount (copters are different), you can shoot amazing aerial shots at home.
Thinking about purchasing Yi Camera, you need to keep in mind its cost. This is the main and most advantageous advantage of the novelty. Price at 399 and 499 Chinese yuan, which at the current rate (1 yuan = 8.23 rubles) is about 3281.85 rubles for the basic package and 4104.37 rubles for the extended one (with a monopod). However, you can immediately relax, since it is almost impossible to buy Yi for this price. And it's not even that the purchase requires a real Chinese address and a Chinese bank card. All batches periodically thrown out by the manufacturer in the online store are bought up by resellers and sold at various online auctions or in their shops directly in China. The domestic consumer should look towards Aliexpress, as I did.
Release date: already on sale from resellers from China Price: 399 and 499 yuan
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