I have had nothing but Good Luck with the SJCAM cams. good sound, great pictures even with the lower end cameras, better prices', all around good deals..... Thanks Andrew....
Just bought today and skipped a dozen video idiots putting on an ego show before finding your very watchable and concise review. Thank you it’s been a great insight into initial setup. Having watched your footage I now know I made the correct choice 👍🏻
Excellent video Andrew. The SJ8 Pro is a very nice camera indeed and the 4K with Gyro on is superb IMO. Nice to see the wife in your video, mine is camera shy at times :)
I did not know SJ8 Pro is too old and they still review this awesome action camera right now (2020) I can’t decide to go with SJ8 Pro or SJ10 Pro. Thank you for review Andrew.
Hi Andrew. Sorry to bother - I purchased the pheonix 2000, assembled it, purchased the upgrade motor as you suggested, now would like to know if you have had any over heating issues between motor heat and potential melting of the fuse? Seen that on someone elses vid... Haven't flew it yet... As well, would like to use the 850kv original motor in an old ehawk 2000, but require a motor mount. Believe it or not, can't find one... Suggestions?
Helloo brother, Great video I want to know sjcam sj8 pro really have some problem like freezing or hang plz tell me cos I need to buy action camera before I want buy sjcam sj6 legend but I know sj8 pro more good but confused cos many people say its have freezing problem. Plz help me I'll waiting ur reply.
It looks very similar with capabilities to YI 4K plus camera (but cheaper) although I couldn't find anywhere what is compression quality for video. Any idea what is the video bit rate at 4K 60 fps ?
Well, that's the same as YI 4K+. I thought that there may be some video quality trade off for the lower price of SJ8, but it looks like it's not the case which makes this camera really attractive at its price point.
You mentioned the pwm cable allowing remote control. What if im using a ppm receiver like all the drone kids seem to be using nowadays? Or am i getting my wires crossed?
PPM or SBUS receivers connect into a flight control board which then provides PWM or servo outputs. But I have not tried operating an SJCAM from a board.
So Andrew, in Australia we have 240v/50hz power. And this camera can be set to 50hz to suit, and 50/25fps to work perfectly. My question is if you set refresh rate to 50hz, but the frame rate to 60 or 30fps instead of 50 or 25fps, will this induce flicker or other problems. Or can any issues be solved in post? I am using Davinci Resolve.
Good question, I really don't know. I set the Power frequency to 50Hz and the frame rate to 60fps and I don't seem to get flicker in the fluorescent lights. I definitely did get flicker with a Canon S100 at 24fps. I'll do some testing with my Lumix L10 and SJCAM
@@AndrewNewton Great. This is the reason I excluded the Akasa V50 Pro as it is 4k/30fps without a 25fps option. I've always understood 50/25fps are the only 2 viable frame r a test to use in Australia, but I may be totally wrong on this. Keen to understand.
@@AndrewNewton Thanks! This one is straight from the manufacturer, no other. The concept of just one camera for both fpv and hd recording is under explored but very convenient on a fixed wing. There are a handful of options, would you recommend this one?
Hi Andrew, its amazing review. I was about to asking if sj8 pro offers shutter speed control or I missed it in video (Im at 10:10 at the moment when Im writing it)? I can see that Yi 4k+ have this option and that is great when recording in higher fps (double the frame rate)
Hi Andrew, about the file size. Is it possible to record longer than 20min in 1080p 30? Because the file size is max 20 min. How can i record continuously? Thx a lot
I can remember, not too long ago, when we were excited about 1080. Looks like a lot has changed while I was away. By the way, you live in a beautiful place.
Great review sir. I got this action cam a few days ago myself after watching your review. I am very satisfied. I would like to ask a question that may be kind of stupid! Is it possible to add an external lens and be able to get some optical zoom, say 2x or 4x?
Super exciting product! Do you think the zoom will work over rc?? That will open up a whole new fpv experience! Top video as usual. Sound balance definitely left biast.
can you recommend any micro SD card 128 gb for this camera? i bought 128 gb u3 san disk extreme ,write up to 90 mb/s but unfortunetly is too slow;) thanks
Andrew, muito obrigada por este vídeo. Estou desde ontem pesquisando sobre a SJ8 e o teu vídeo foi que me deu a certeza que devo comprar esta câmera de ação. Em minhas buscas, fiquei sabendo do lançamento da SJ9, mas mesmo assim,vou comprar a SJ8. Thanks!!!
Nice review Andrew. Gee they've come a long way since the old SJ4000! Looks like it really blows out the highlights, maybe a slight reduction in exposure could help in that harsh sunlight?
Thank you for your great content. Watching your videos is always time we'll spend. I am having trouble finding a purchase link for the "big box with all the goodies". Thanks again.
I got same camera sj8 pro. I film 4k or 1080 ,when i load to pc through vlc player video is awfull quality.imposible to watch. Shows as mp4 format. How to solve this? Video is good only whe i watch thtough camera screen
I haven't had the Yi 4K in my hands so can't make a comparison. But the SJ8Pro is the best I have tried. Just back from a scuba dive using the SJ8 on 4K, video up soon.
Excellent review mate! I just ordered mine today. I agree that the stereo audio has a left-field bias. Upgrading from my current SJ7STAR and the 5000ex Elite before that. Just got the SJCAM Gimble 2 as well, all good 👍 LIKED.
Impressive video. Gave me a lot idea about the product. Thanks for everything but there is a little problem. I don't know if it's because of my phone or not but you've captured 4k60fps/30fps but the video you uploaded to youtube is 1080p. Or at least it is the best option I have.
Mine came with version v1.2.6 which is not even available at SJCAM site, probably because of the freezing problems which I'm experiencing. I'm using a SanDisk extreme PRO class 10, U3 micro SD card. The ZOOM feature is only available in Default mode, which on mine is in Chinese. If I switch to English and different settings the Zoom features disappears from screen. The bitrates are a bit low on this.....60 for 4K60 and 15 at 1080p60.....a bit disappointing. Both the YI 4K and YI 4K + gets 100+ Thanks for sharing:)
I had done a search to find a retailer for the Pro after reading the hype about clarity of it's 8X zoom. Somehow I got over to Banggood and mistakenly ordered the Plus instead of Pro. Do you really think the 8X zoom on the Pro is that special? Any opinion how much significantly better it would be than the Zoom on the Plus? Thanks - Karl K sjcam.com/product/sjcam-sj8-action-camera/
Hi Karl. I have not used the SJ8 Plus so can't comment on how it will perform, but it does have the same sensor as the SJ7 which is very good, dont know about the processor. None of these action cams have proper optical zoom like a normal camera. It is only digital zoom, which means the image is cropped down to simulate zooming, then interpolated back up to the selected resolution. Quality reduces badly with any digital zoom so I dont use it.
@@AndrewNewton Hello Andrew, Thanks for the reply. Don't know if you had a chance to click on the link to see what SJCAM claimed about it's improved digital zoom on the Pro. I was curious and did some google searches and found claims that digital zoom has recently made some strong improvement. Talk about improved logarithms and processing power in conjunction with recording in 4K. Claiming to get better results than what can be obtained on the computer with software. Since my camera is in shipment status I was hoping to get some views on anyone who might have used it. I certainly don't want to send my Plus back unless there is a marked improvement on zoom capabilities with the Pro. I need the zoom to try and eliminate vignetting on videos I take through a Spotting scope so it is very important to me. Link to vid using Digital zoom around 3.5X and downscaling interpolated 4K to HD reducing black edges: ua-cam.com/video/53s1HK8he5I/v-deo.html Thanks - Karl K.
Oh yes that makes sense. I just shot some 4K 30P footage with zooming to show you. Not easy to zoom to a specific magnification - ua-cam.com/video/yhL81G85V3M/v-deo.html
anybody know if you can output 4k/60 via a USB-C to HDMI cable? i know it doesn't make much sense, but I'd like to output to a Shogun Inferno to record instead of using the in-camera recordings, but need it to by 4k/60... Any info would be appreciated!
looks like it's a great camera, I like having the flat profile option. If only sjcam could make this cam in a smaller formfactor without the big lcd (yes i'm a quadcopter pilot :-) )
I would have loved to have 'no USB cable' as my gripe :| I now have 2 SJ8 Pro's.. 1st one doesn't power on 4 out of 5 times.. The front display doesn't do anything on eighter one :( Excellent video offcourse Andrew :)
Seems like a really nice action cam. Still using three original Mobius cams LOL, but they aren't waterproof. This new SJCAM is, which is great. I might have to bite the bullet and pull the trigger on this one. Will be great for flying and riding..
Oh wait.. Reading description at BG again: "The SJCAM SJ8 PRO action camera is able to produce ultra high-definition and smooth videos. Featuring IP68 waterproof, anti-shake and EIS stabilization function, this action camera is perfect for photo-shooting, outdoor sports, home security, deep-water probing, etc. The equipped Ambarella H22 chipset will provide you with 4K 60fps ( 3840 x 2160 ) video resolution. What is more, it comes with a 30m waterproof case which allows you to capture photos and videos underwater." So I guess it isn't water resistant at all accept in the case? Hard to even tell by description. Water resistant without a case would be great.
Very ice cam Andrew bit pricy though almost £200 UK. Bty I onto Google Earth and found the spot where you shot this video. The road bridge is the A10 and the food bridge is about a qtr mile up stream from there. I could be wrong but it looks to me that you slope between Barwon Heads and Point Lonsdale ???
A great review again. It seems to tick all the boxes, I just fear flying with it in the gimble on my mtd, but the payback in image quality is likely worth it..
Well after watching this video, and another 20 like it, I went out and bought me the SJ8 Pro kit. Boy was that a mistake! The camera that I received has a defective speaker straight from the factory and SJCAM support has basically told me touch luck, and are doing nothing to remedy the issue. I've done everything to correct the problem I can think of - checking all the right buttons in the menus, new quality sd-micro mem card, and using the camera without the waterproof case, and although the volume level is turned up to 10, the maximum, I can barely hear any sound with my ear pressed up against the camera's speaker. The videos that I produced with the camera play just fine on my computer, with solid sound, so I know the units microphones are working. But play the same video on the camera and silence. So there you have it...1.) SJCAM has an issue with quality control from their factory and, 2.) SJCAM does not care if the camera works or not once it is sold. Buyer beware!
@@AndrewNewton I do, and it was a major consideration in its purchase. Using an analogy I made on a different channel - Why would I want a sedan whose rear two doors were simply painted on to look the part? I bought the sedan because I wanted the four doors. Well when one sells a new camera that records in stereo, and is equipped with speaker, haven't they at least implied that the speakers are fundamentally sound? And shown to be defective, shouldn't the manufacturer remedy the situation under the gaze of the merchantability clause?
200 dollars and Dimension: 62.5x41x28.8mm Weight: 85g I'll stick with my Runcam2. In my opinion GoPro style cameras are not suitable for flight. To heavy and brick shaped wind drag.
Just got the newest sj8k, it got put back in the box as fast as it came out, stabilizer=earthquake Needs adjustments poor colors and drown out clouds. WiFi did not connect once Battery lost bar after one minute, no spare included I had high hopes since my 8 year old sj4000 shoots better video quality They say it’s a Sony 12 mp sensor that gets 40 mp photos lol but the box doesn’t say the Sony name. Sj messed up I will never buy them again I’m sticking with the brand they originally copied GoPro. Not even worth the $99 Amazon sells it on sale for. This newest model drops 4k 60 wtf? Only 30fps It’s a child’s camera.
Since it is possible to find an old GoPro for the same sort of price why would anyone ever buy one of these? A used GoPro will give longer service than a brand new SJcam. You say it is the best camera you have used - have you ever owned a GoPro or DJI Action? Or a Sony? The SJcam might look good beside an Akaso or one of the many junk cameras on the market, but everyone wants to know how it compares to a GoPro. Yet you never mentioned GoPro at all. SJcam has lousy build quality, lousy customer support, and as you inexplicably forgive them for - can’t even put the correct contents in the box. The internet is has complaints by people who opened the box to find broken doors and other problems with their brand new product and a company that doesn’t want to fix the problems. SJcam has earned a reputation for very sketchy customer support. Why let them off the hook? It was a perfect opportunity to test their customer support, instead you wasted your time and money on buying a cable, but then didn’t add the cost of the cable to the purchase price, because that extra cost makes the SJcam even worse value for money. You talk about the audio as if it is good. Nope, because to waterproof the device it has to be put in the housing and in the housing the audio is muffled. You talk of the stabilisation as being good, but only test it with a gentle walk. Reviews that test it in more real world use find that it gets jittery with vigorous action and cannot compete with a good action camera. Its low light footage is worse than a GoPro and even in bright light it lacks detail compared to quality action cams. If this is the best action camera you have ever used, then you must have had some dogs in the past.
I have owned GoPros previously and swore I would never buy another. The GoPro3 was so disappointing. Recently bought a GoPro Hero 7 Black, and yes it is great but also costs more than twice the SJCAM SJ8 Pro (definitely the best non GoPro action cam)
Andrew Newton The Hero 3 had many limitations but the Hero 4 Black was brilliant. I still have and use my Hero 4. It is like an ancient Egyptian monument, it might have all the signs of long life, but never quite goes away :) The old “great for its price” vs “premium price as well as product” dilemma will never be resolved. I would rather pay more and get the premium product, others are more sensible, pay less, and treat the wife to a good time with the saved cash. I don’t understand, however, how you are so sanguine about that missing cable. I would be livid.
![sjcam SJ8 Pro | Улучшаем качество [кастомные прошивки]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/qOTBx7uitjs/mqdefault.jpg)
![sjcam SJ8 Pro | Улучшаем качество [кастомные прошивки]](/img/tr.png)
I have had nothing but Good Luck with the SJCAM cams. good sound, great pictures even with the lower end cameras, better prices', all around good deals..... Thanks Andrew....
looks like 1080p is the sweet spot for this sjcam on the move or stationary even with gyro on.
stationary and using 4k 60fps /30fps the best.
Just bought today and skipped a dozen video idiots putting on an ego show before finding your very watchable and concise review. Thank you it’s been a great insight into initial setup. Having watched your footage I now know I made the correct choice 👍🏻
Ah, thanks for saying. It is a superior action cam
I'll definitely save money for this. I have been using SJCAM Cameras since then and it never failed to amaze me. Thanks for this review. Fantastic.
Excellent video Andrew. The SJ8 Pro is a very nice camera indeed and the 4K with Gyro on is superb IMO. Nice to see the wife in your video, mine is camera shy at times :)
Ha yes Virginia is not shy in front of the camera
Great little camera ,enjoyed 👍🏻
Thanks for the video very impressed , want to get one for my Yuneec q500 . Only thing I find is that the colour profiles names are wrong.
great review!
Thank you! Cheers!
nice view
I did not know SJ8 Pro is too old and they still review this awesome action camera right now (2020) I can’t decide to go with SJ8 Pro or SJ10 Pro. Thank you for review Andrew.
Deaf Mac Boi take sj9 pro
Goczku why? I heard they said SJ9 Pro has some design issues???
Deaf Mac Boi yeah i read it obout these issues today :/ so better option is buying go pro 6 or 7 silver version
Goczku I already bought a GoPro Hero 7 Black last month. Look good anyway.
Deaf Mac Boi great choice i just want camera for motorbike vlogs so for me even go pro 4 will be really cool
Very good vidio.. thanks
Hi Andrew. Sorry to bother - I purchased the pheonix 2000, assembled it, purchased the upgrade motor as you suggested, now would like to know if you have had any over heating issues between motor heat and potential melting of the fuse? Seen that on someone elses vid... Haven't flew it yet... As well, would like to use the 850kv original motor in an old ehawk 2000, but require a motor mount. Believe it or not, can't find one... Suggestions?
Very useful Video, cheers.
Helloo brother,
Great video I want to know sjcam sj8 pro really have some problem like freezing or hang plz tell me cos I need to buy action camera before I want buy sjcam sj6 legend but I know sj8 pro more good but confused cos many people say its have freezing problem.
Plz help me I'll waiting ur reply.
I have not had any problems with the SJ8 Pro but this one is cheaper and just as good ua-cam.com/video/UY1lVzwOzEI/v-deo.html
I would like to use the case and a external microphone so I can record when driving MX-motorbike, is that possible/any recommendation?
Maybe with a hole drilled in the case for the mic lead.
It looks very similar with capabilities to YI 4K plus camera (but cheaper) although I couldn't find anywhere what is compression quality for video. Any idea what is the video bit rate at 4K 60 fps ?
100.41 Mbit/s on a 4K 60fps clip. 60.79 on 30fps
Well, that's the same as YI 4K+. I thought that there may be some video quality trade off for the lower price of SJ8, but it looks like it's not the case which makes this camera really attractive at its price point.
Good to know, thanks for that
nice review, nice tests ,very helpful to me
Thanks, glad it helped
Does this support an exterior microphone for vlogging?
Yes
Which external one is compatible as the current one for SJ8 Pro is noisy if we vlog from bike.
Great Review...The Only one here that is useable an full with informations...Thank you for this good Work. Greetings from Germany
Many thanks, it is an excellent camera.
@@AndrewNewton i ordered one and she is Amazing ! and by the way i upgrated my old SJ5000x elite with the newest Firmware...Your Videos are great !
You mentioned the pwm cable allowing remote control. What if im using a ppm receiver like all the drone kids seem to be using nowadays? Or am i getting my wires crossed?
PPM or SBUS receivers connect into a flight control board which then provides PWM or servo outputs. But I have not tried operating an SJCAM from a board.
So Andrew, in Australia we have 240v/50hz power. And this camera can be set to 50hz to suit, and 50/25fps to work perfectly. My question is if you set refresh rate to 50hz, but the frame rate to 60 or 30fps instead of 50 or 25fps, will this induce flicker or other problems. Or can any issues be solved in post? I am using Davinci Resolve.
Good question, I really don't know. I set the Power frequency to 50Hz and the frame rate to 60fps and I don't seem to get flicker in the fluorescent lights. I definitely did get flicker with a Canon S100 at 24fps. I'll do some testing with my Lumix L10 and SJCAM
@@AndrewNewton Great. This is the reason I excluded the Akasa V50 Pro as it is 4k/30fps without a 25fps option. I've always understood 50/25fps are the only 2 viable frame r a test to use in Australia, but I may be totally wrong on this. Keen to understand.
Looks like a good camera. Do you still have the link to the fpv cable?
sjcam.com/product/sjcam-fpv-cable-for-sj8/
@@AndrewNewton Thanks! This one is straight from the manufacturer, no other. The concept of just one camera for both fpv and hd recording is under explored but very convenient on a fixed wing. There are a handful of options, would you recommend this one?
Hi Andrew - did you ever get the FPV cable for this camera and try to get analog video out?
Not yet
awesome review, the zoom is cropped version or real optical zoom?
Cropped, no action cam has optical zoom as far as I know
Hi Andrew, its amazing review. I was about to asking if sj8 pro offers shutter speed control or I missed it in video (Im at 10:10 at the moment when Im writing it)? I can see that Yi 4k+ have this option and that is great when recording in higher fps (double the frame rate)
I literary saw shutter speed few seconds later 🤦..
Only for still photos I suspect
Andrew Newton but...it should be for video too, I belive. Otherwise slow motion videos would look strange. Imagine 120fps @ ss 50/60.
Hi Andrew, about the file size.
Is it possible to record longer than 20min in 1080p 30?
Because the file size is max 20 min. How can i record continuously? Thx a lot
I'll have to test that, but it might just save the video in multiple 20 min segments
Ok thx hear you soon
What about GoPro hero 5. A little more expensive. But would you advise me to buy?
And mostly I would record stuff from drone with gimbal
I can remember, not too long ago, when we were excited about 1080. Looks like a lot has changed while I was away. By the way, you live in a beautiful place.
Yes we are fortunate
12:43 flat color - levels adjusted? Is there such a function?
Not in camera. Edited in Final Cut
Great review sir. I got this action cam a few days ago myself after watching your review. I am very satisfied.
I would like to ask a question that may be kind of stupid!
Is it possible to add an external lens and be able to get some optical zoom, say 2x or 4x?
I can't see why not, good idea. But I dont know of one.
Super exciting product! Do you think the zoom will work over rc?? That will open up a whole new fpv experience! Top video as usual. Sound balance definitely left biast.
Thanks fo the balance feedback Hein. Zoom is unlikely via RC, just video and still I think
Hi Andrew my smartphone (Samsung s7 edge) can't connect to camera, do you have any problems connecting yours?
No problem with iPhone 4S. Have you got the latest SJCAM App?
Yes the latest
can you rec for a few hours as i want this for long rides not 20 min or less ?
Recording time is limited by battery and card size. It may divide video up into 20min files, haven't tried that yet.
@@AndrewNewton looking for a camera that can shoot 1080p 60 for 4 hours :)
You didn’t show 1080p ultra fov
Vou compra
Can you change manually shutter speed?
For still photography yes you can. Shutter speed is Auto for video
Nice review ...from India
Glad you liked it!
how does it preform via the fpv cable? is the stabilization active on fpv?
Good question, I'll test it if I ever get the FPV cable
@@AndrewNewton nevermind i just ordered a SJ8 PRO and one cable from ebay.
Thanks for the review, it would be good to show what the low light quality is like on the camerers you test, good review though.
I am looking for a new HD cam, but looks like this SJ8 does not have HD out, like the SJ7 does?
Unknown at this stage, there is a video out cable available but dont know if it is HD
can you recommend any micro SD card 128 gb for this camera? i bought 128 gb u3 san disk extreme ,write up to 90 mb/s but unfortunetly is too slow;) thanks
That's strange. I use the same but 32GB and it's fine
@@AndrewNewton 4 k 30 fps with gyro is ok, but 60 k is lugging, sound jams in the recording, same with camera image, card is too slow
Andrew, muito obrigada por este vídeo. Estou desde ontem pesquisando sobre a SJ8 e o teu vídeo foi que me deu a certeza que devo comprar esta câmera de ação. Em minhas buscas, fiquei sabendo do lançamento da SJ9, mas mesmo assim,vou comprar a SJ8. Thanks!!!
SJ8 is a great camera, the best I have used.
Mano e como está sua experiência com ela depois da compra ?
Nice review Andrew. Gee they've come a long way since the old SJ4000! Looks like it really blows out the highlights, maybe a slight reduction in exposure could help in that harsh sunlight?
I agree. Next lot of videos will be on - 1/3 EV
Does EIS work at 25fps as well as 30fps? I'm in Australia too and that's important for me.
I should have watched all your video as it confirms EIS @ 25fps -yay!!!
Excellent, saves me rewatching my video
excellent video making andew waving the hand from turkey
Thanks, Hello Turkey
Signal to noise is quite bad, background noise can be heard also on your recording and it doesn't come from environement, it comes from internal mic.
Thank you for your great content. Watching your videos is always time we'll spend. I am having trouble finding a purchase link for the "big box with all the goodies". Thanks again.
Ah thanks for reminding me Chuck. I'll add the link
bit.ly/2MhQhC6
I got same camera sj8 pro. I film 4k or 1080 ,when i load to pc through vlc player video is awfull quality.imposible to watch. Shows as mp4 format. How to solve this? Video is good only whe i watch thtough camera screen
Do you mean live view or transferred video files. My files look excellent through Quicktime
@@AndrewNewton transfered to pc and trough vlc media player. What sd card u use?
Sandisk Extreme 32GB
This video with gimbal/stand stabilizer?
If it fits it would be wonderful
Can you please tell me can I use SanDisk 64GB Extreme Pro microSDXC Card with SD Adapter U3 V30 A2 170MB/s R 90MB/s W sd card for sj8 pro???
SanDisk 32GB Extreme works OK, that is all I have used.
My is my sj8 pro gyro stabilizer is not working on all FPS mode?
From memory that is mentioned in the video and manual
Strange how the runcam split concept isn't being adopted more.
its so practical ...
Meru Fpv Not really. For racing drones it is practical. For sure
Which one would you prefer, the YI 4K+ or the SJ8 PRO???
I haven't had the Yi 4K in my hands so can't make a comparison. But the SJ8Pro is the best I have tried. Just back from a scuba dive using the SJ8 on 4K, video up soon.
The new SJ9 looks a much better bet
Excellent review mate! I just ordered mine today.
I agree that the stereo audio has a left-field bias.
Upgrading from my current SJ7STAR and the 5000ex Elite before that.
Just got the SJCAM Gimble 2 as well, all good 👍 LIKED.
Seriously good camera, I used mine underwater just yesterday
Nice bro
Thanks dude
Is it possible to enable eis while 4k ultra?
Yes it works at 4K Ultra 30fps
Impressive video. Gave me a lot idea about the product. Thanks for everything but there is a little problem. I don't know if it's because of my phone or not but you've captured 4k60fps/30fps but the video you uploaded to youtube is 1080p. Or at least it is the best option I have.
Hi Bilal, link to 4K footage in the description
Mine came with version v1.2.6 which is not even available at SJCAM site, probably because of the freezing problems which I'm experiencing. I'm using a SanDisk extreme PRO class 10, U3 micro SD card. The ZOOM feature is only available in Default mode, which on mine is in Chinese. If I switch to English and different settings the Zoom features disappears from screen. The bitrates are a bit low on this.....60 for 4K60 and 15 at 1080p60.....a bit disappointing. Both the YI 4K and YI 4K + gets 100+ Thanks for sharing:)
V1.2.6 I'm using the SanDisk Extreme 32Gb. Zoom available when Gyro is OFF. To be honest I didn't look at bit rates, just the video appearance.
@@AndrewNewton Thank you. Did your version v1.2.6 also come in Chinese language as default when first received as mine did?
English as default luckily
I had done a search to find a retailer for the Pro after reading the hype about clarity of it's 8X zoom. Somehow I got over to Banggood and mistakenly ordered the Plus instead of Pro. Do you really think the 8X zoom on the Pro is that special? Any opinion how much significantly better it would be than the Zoom on the Plus? Thanks - Karl K
sjcam.com/product/sjcam-sj8-action-camera/
Hi Karl. I have not used the SJ8 Plus so can't comment on how it will perform, but it does have the same sensor as the SJ7 which is very good, dont know about the processor. None of these action cams have proper optical zoom like a normal camera. It is only digital zoom, which means the image is cropped down to simulate zooming, then interpolated back up to the selected resolution. Quality reduces badly with any digital zoom so I dont use it.
@@AndrewNewton Hello Andrew, Thanks for the reply. Don't know if you had a chance to click on the link to see what SJCAM claimed about it's improved digital zoom on the Pro. I was curious and did some google searches and found claims that digital zoom has recently made some strong improvement. Talk about improved logarithms and processing power in conjunction with recording in 4K. Claiming to get better results than what can be obtained on the computer with software.
Since my camera is in shipment status I was hoping to get some views on anyone who might have used it. I certainly don't want to send my Plus back unless there is a marked improvement on zoom capabilities with the Pro. I need the zoom to try and eliminate vignetting on videos I take through a Spotting scope so it is very important to me. Link to vid using Digital zoom around 3.5X and downscaling interpolated 4K to HD reducing black edges: ua-cam.com/video/53s1HK8he5I/v-deo.html
Thanks - Karl K.
Oh yes that makes sense. I just shot some 4K 30P footage with zooming to show you. Not easy to zoom to a specific magnification - ua-cam.com/video/yhL81G85V3M/v-deo.html
anybody know if you can output 4k/60 via a USB-C to HDMI cable? i know it doesn't make much sense, but I'd like to output to a Shogun Inferno to record instead of using the in-camera recordings, but need it to by 4k/60... Any info would be appreciated!
Don't know sorry
Hello, 12.48 how u did IT?
Photoshop - adjust levels
@@AndrewNewton thx for answer. Could u check my video? ua-cam.com/video/yGfxZ_WjTz0/v-deo.html. IT, s clear on your opinion?
Not super clear. Finger print on the lens?
@@AndrewNewton thx mate!
looks like it's a great camera, I like having the flat profile option. If only sjcam could make this cam in a smaller formfactor without the big lcd (yes i'm a quadcopter pilot :-) )
I agree, a flat profile high quality SJCAM would be a winner
let's hope they would make a mobius and gopro session formfactor in the future
review a glider and put it through its paces
Thanks...
You're welcome!
I would have loved to have 'no USB cable' as my gripe :| I now have 2 SJ8 Pro's.. 1st one doesn't power on 4 out of 5 times.. The front display doesn't do anything on eighter one :(
Excellent video offcourse Andrew :)
Thanks mate. 2 bad cameras would would be very annoying.
Yeah.. So I guess you'll get the views on this video I might otherwise have gotten ;)
👍 👍 🇹🇷
Hmmm eh, might have to try one of these. Thanks for the review.
I still need to do a bit more testing but it's looking like "The One"
Seems like a really nice action cam. Still using three original Mobius cams LOL, but they aren't waterproof. This new SJCAM is, which is great. I might have to bite the bullet and pull the trigger on this one. Will be great for flying and riding..
Oh wait.. Reading description at BG again:
"The SJCAM SJ8 PRO action camera is able to produce ultra high-definition and smooth videos. Featuring IP68 waterproof, anti-shake and EIS stabilization function, this action camera is perfect for photo-shooting, outdoor sports, home security, deep-water probing, etc. The equipped Ambarella H22 chipset will provide you with 4K 60fps ( 3840 x 2160 ) video resolution.
What is more, it comes with a 30m waterproof case which allows you to capture photos and videos underwater."
So I guess it isn't water resistant at all accept in the case? Hard to even tell by description. Water resistant without a case would be great.
That's right, needs the housing to be waterproof
This camera can 1080p ultrawide (súperwide in case of GoPro) 60fps with Gyro ON (stabilizer enable)
Very ice cam Andrew bit pricy though almost £200 UK. Bty I onto Google Earth and found the spot where you shot this video. The road bridge is the A10 and the food bridge is about a qtr mile up stream from there. I could be wrong but it looks to me that you slope between Barwon Heads and Point Lonsdale ???
Close, my 40W slope site is between Barwon Heads and Torquay
A great review again. It seems to tick all the boxes, I just fear flying with it in the gimble on my mtd, but the payback in image quality is likely worth it..
Yes this camera would be more expensive than any plane I have. But it has to fly
A very good action camera. Perhaps a little too good to put on a plane.....
Good review as always
Yes it's not a cheapy
i think its a very good cam,,
i like it,,
think you are too comfotable with ihis,,
Best action cam I have tried
Well after watching this video, and another 20 like it, I went out and bought me the SJ8 Pro kit. Boy was that a mistake! The camera that I received has a defective speaker straight from the factory and SJCAM support has basically told me touch luck, and are doing nothing to remedy the issue. I've done everything to correct the problem I can think of - checking all the right buttons in the menus, new quality sd-micro mem card, and using the camera without the waterproof case, and although the volume level is turned up to 10, the maximum, I can barely hear any sound with my ear pressed up against the camera's speaker. The videos that I produced with the camera play just fine on my computer, with solid sound, so I know the units microphones are working. But play the same video on the camera and silence.
So there you have it...1.) SJCAM has an issue with quality control from their factory and, 2.) SJCAM does not care if the camera works or not once it is sold. Buyer beware!
I never use the speaker, mine is also very low volume
@@AndrewNewton I do, and it was a major consideration in its purchase. Using an analogy I made on a different channel - Why would I want a sedan whose rear two doors were simply painted on to look the part? I bought the sedan because I wanted the four doors. Well when one sells a new camera that records in stereo, and is equipped with speaker, haven't they at least implied that the speakers are fundamentally sound? And shown to be defective, shouldn't the manufacturer remedy the situation under the gaze of the merchantability clause?
So basically it’s very identical to SJ6 Legend it has tripod mount while SJ7 is newer and doesn’t have one whatsoever
Identical colour but that is all.
200 dollars and Dimension: 62.5x41x28.8mm
Weight: 85g I'll stick with my Runcam2. In my opinion GoPro style cameras are not suitable for flight. To heavy and brick shaped wind drag.
Lens hood: a perfect 3D printer project, send me the measurements and I'll print one for you.
Would you? That would be brilliant James. I'll come up with a design
Still looking for a lens hood for this?
Hey James, busy with other projects sorry. I found the Firefly hood fits if you file off the little locating lugs. Thanks so much for the offer anyway
No worries. If you find something that would benefit from a 3D printed part just give me a hoi.
Mano
Akaso v50 pro mush better audio quality
Good to know, thanks. I'll check it out.
Just got the newest sj8k, it got put back in the box as fast as it came out, stabilizer=earthquake
Needs adjustments poor colors and drown out clouds.
WiFi did not connect once
Battery lost bar after one minute, no spare included
I had high hopes since my 8 year old sj4000 shoots better video quality
They say it’s a Sony 12 mp sensor that gets 40 mp photos lol but the box doesn’t say the Sony name.
Sj messed up I will never buy them again I’m sticking with the brand they originally copied GoPro.
Not even worth the $99 Amazon sells it on sale for.
This newest model drops 4k 60 wtf? Only 30fps
It’s a child’s camera.
Is that an official SJCAM? Seems too cheap
Since it is possible to find an old GoPro for the same sort of price why would anyone ever buy one of these? A used GoPro will give longer service than a brand new SJcam. You say it is the best camera you have used - have you ever owned a GoPro or DJI Action? Or a Sony? The SJcam might look good beside an Akaso or one of the many junk cameras on the market, but everyone wants to know how it compares to a GoPro. Yet you never mentioned GoPro at all.
SJcam has lousy build quality, lousy customer support, and as you inexplicably forgive them for - can’t even put the correct contents in the box. The internet is has complaints by people who opened the box to find broken doors and other problems with their brand new product and a company that doesn’t want to fix the problems. SJcam has earned a reputation for very sketchy customer support. Why let them off the hook? It was a perfect opportunity to test their customer support, instead you wasted your time and money on buying a cable, but then didn’t add the cost of the cable to the purchase price, because that extra cost makes the SJcam even worse value for money.
You talk about the audio as if it is good. Nope, because to waterproof the device it has to be put in the housing and in the housing the audio is muffled. You talk of the stabilisation as being good, but only test it with a gentle walk. Reviews that test it in more real world use find that it gets jittery with vigorous action and cannot compete with a good action camera. Its low light footage is worse than a GoPro and even in bright light it lacks detail compared to quality action cams.
If this is the best action camera you have ever used, then you must have had some dogs in the past.
I have owned GoPros previously and swore I would never buy another. The GoPro3 was so disappointing. Recently bought a GoPro Hero 7 Black, and yes it is great but also costs more than twice the SJCAM SJ8 Pro (definitely the best non GoPro action cam)
Andrew Newton The Hero 3 had many limitations but the Hero 4 Black was brilliant. I still have and use my Hero 4. It is like an ancient Egyptian monument, it might have all the signs of long life, but never quite goes away :) The old “great for its price” vs “premium price as well as product” dilemma will never be resolved. I would rather pay more and get the premium product, others are more sensible, pay less, and treat the wife to a good time with the saved cash. I don’t understand, however, how you are so sanguine about that missing cable. I would be livid.
I'll definitely save money for this. I have been using SJCAM Cameras since then and it never failed to amaze me. Thanks for this review. Fantastic.
This is the best cam I have tried.
Thanks..
You're welcome!