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YI 4K Action and Sports Camera, 4K/30fps Video 12MP Raw Image with EIS, Live Stream, Voice Control - Black
Brand | YI |
Connectivity Technology | Bluetooth, Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n) |
Flash Memory Type | Micro SD |
Color | Night Black |
Special Feature | Built-in 2.19" LCD touchscreen HD resolution, Equipped with advanced EIS |
Screen Size | 2.2 Inches |
Photo Sensor Technology | CMOS |
Camcorder type | Action Camera |
Model Name | Z16_Black |
Included Components | 1x YI 4K Action Camera.1x rechargeable battery. 1x USB cable and 1x Manual |
About this item
- Superb Image Quality – Records 4K/30fps (100mbps), 2. 7k/60fps, 1080p/120fps, 720p/240fps video, and 12MP raw image with build-in Sony IMX377 image sensor and Amarelle dual-core A9SE75; Equipped with advanced video stabilization (EIS) can capture super smooth footage at 2. 7k/60fps.
- Long battery life – high capacity rechargeable lithium-ion battery records up to 120mins of 4K/30Fps video with a single charge. High performing cooling system prevents YI 4K Action Camera of overheating and enables stable video recording.
- Intuitive touchscreen UI - built-in 2. 2” high responsive LCD Touchscreen with 640 x 360 high resolution for easy setting, previewing and shooting. Newly released voice command makes shooting even easier than before. Touchscreen is made with Gorilla glass Retina to Resist scratches and daily impact.
- Instant sharing -- built-in Bluetooth and high speed 5GHz/2. 4GHz Wi-Fi support for wireless remote control and the YI action app for instant photo and video editing, sharing and live streaming to social media.
- Advanced features – always Update to the latest firmware (1. 8. 25) to enjoy the extra features. Flexible settings of is/WB/shutter/EV/meter for 12MP raw File help you produce high quality images even in low-light condition; multi record/capture modes, including burst, slow-motion, time-lapse, etc., get more creative and fun. Voice control is available with the latest firmware.
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This Item YI 4K Action and Sports Camera, 4K/30fps Video 12MP Raw Image with EIS, Live Stream, Voice Control - Black | Recommendations | dummy | dummy | dummy | dummy | |
Try again! Added to Cart Add to Cart | Try again! Added to Cart Add to Cart | Try again! Added to Cart Add to Cart | Try again! Added to Cart Add to Cart | Try again! Added to Cart Add to Cart | ||
Price | — | $299.00$299.00 | -11% $399.99$399.99 List: $449.99 | -21% $109.99$109.99 List: $139.99 | -33% $39.98$39.98 List: $59.98 | -15% $277.95$277.95 Typical: $328.00 |
Delivery | — | Get it as soon as Monday, Apr 1 | Get it as soon as Monday, Apr 1 | Get it as soon as Monday, Apr 1 | Get it as soon as Monday, Apr 1 | Get it Apr 4 - 8 |
Customer Ratings | ||||||
Battery life | 4.2 | 4.6 | 4.5 | 4.4 | 3.8 | 4.1 |
Picture quality | 4.2 | 4.7 | 4.5 | 4.4 | 4.1 | 4.3 |
Image stabilization | 4.0 | 4.7 | 4.4 | 4.4 | 3.6 | 4.4 |
Value for money | — | — | 4.4 | 4.5 | 4.7 | 4.3 |
Touch Screen | — | 5.0 | 4.7 | — | — | 4.5 |
Sold By | — | Amazon.com | Insta360 Direct | AKASO OUTDOOR | uoson | Video & Audio Center - Same Day Shipping |
model name | Z16 Black | AC003 | — | Brave 4 Pro | M80 AIR | DJI Osmo Action |
display size | 2.2 inches | 2.25 inches | 2.4 inches | 2 inches | 2 inches | 2.25 inches |
optical zoom | — | — | — | 5 multiplier x | 1 multiplier x | 0.01 multiplier x |
video resolution | 4K | 4K | 4K | 4K | 720p, 2.7K, 1080p | 4K |
connectivity tech | Bluetooth, Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n) | Bluetooth | Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi Protocol 802.11a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth Protocol BLE 4.2 |
shooting modes | Slow Motion, Time Lapse, Low Light | Sunrise | — | Underwater, Easy | Sports, Underwater | 4K |
From the brand
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It’s not just a camera, it’s a smart life solution!
"YI is an international brand focusing on the research and development of video imaging and vision technologies. Since it was launched in 2014, YI has over 150 patented technologies and gained various prestigious awards in advanced computer algorithm capabilities, original deep learning, edge computing, and assisted driving algorithms, around the world
Trusted by 20,000,000 users and counting to protect their properties and recordings around the globe."
Our Mission
To offer practical and affordable smart life home security solutions for everyone
What's in the box
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Customer Review: A continued review for sure no dead ends here
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Customer Review: Very happy, overall ...
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Customer Review: Best among 3 action cameras I've bought
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Product information
Product Dimensions | 2.6 x 1.7 x 1.2 inches |
---|---|
Item Weight | 3.36 ounces |
ASIN | B01FU9ZIMU |
Item model number | 90003 |
Batteries | 1 Lithium Polymer batteries required. (included) |
Customer Reviews |
4.3 out of 5 stars |
Best Sellers Rank | #239,806 in Electronics (See Top 100 in Electronics) #858 in Sports & Action Video Cameras |
Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
Date First Available | May 18, 2016 |
Manufacturer | YI Technology |
Warranty & Support
Feedback
Product Description
The camera with the most advanced technology to provide maximum fidelity, versatility, and ease of use.
The YI 4K Action Camera features an impact resistant Gorilla Glass 2.2" LCD touchscreen so you can shoot and preview with the touch of a finger. Shoot high resolution videos at 4k30/1080p120/720p240 and capture 12M photos using our selection of photo and video modes including Timelapse, Slow Motion, Timer, and Burst.
Customized with the newest Ambarella A9SE75 Chip and Sony IMX377 Image Sensor to support first-class image capture/encoding. Built-in Electronic Image Stabilization (EIS) with 3-axis gyroscope and 3-axis accelerometer provides stable video even when the camera shakes, moves, or experiences impact.The camera with state-of-the-art low power 28nm A9SE chip that enables stable and long lasting video recording due to its high performing cooling system.
Connect to the YI Action App using built-in high-speed 5GHz Wi-Fi to edit, apply filters, add music, and share on social media instantly.
With new colors and a high quality finish, YI 4K Action Camera is not just for shooting amazing photos and videos, but also the fashion accessory you've been waiting for.
The package contains:
1x YI 4K Action Camera
1x rechargeable battery
1x USB cable
1x Manual
About YI
YI believes that premium imaging technology should be accessible to all. With our passion and hard work, everyone can take charge, inspire others, and change lives. We are YI, the Young Innovator.
Customer reviews
Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.
To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.
Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers like the performance, ease of use, and touch screen of the camcorder. They mention that it's a very capable action camera, and that the menus are intuitive. They appreciate the battery life, and appearance. Opinions are mixed on quality, video quality, and bluetooth connectivity.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
Customers are mixed about the quality of the camcorder. Some mention that it has good quality, the build seems good, and feels very solid. However, others say that it is very fragile and not as rugged as a GoPro. They also say that the antishake adds some weird jitters of its own when moving.
"...Overall, for me, this cam fits in my arsenal at a very fair price...." Read more
"...I like the selfie stick. The build seems good and the Bluetooth, though limited in what it controls, works well and has made making videos much..." Read more
"...It has a good heft and feel in the hand, weighing in at 3 1/4oz or 89g on my basic Ikea kitchen scales...." Read more
"...720p/240" - Recorded at 240 fps, played back at 240 fps, but the image is dark. (GOOD)That's much better than other cameras (7 of 10)...." Read more
Customers are satisfied with the performance of the camcorder. They say it is a very capable action camera that works fine. They also mention that it is capable of recording footage that can be used. Overall, customers are happy with the quality and performance of this camcorders.
"...The app works well and connects much faster than the gopro app but the controls in the gopro app are clearer and easier to use...." Read more
"...Otherwise, the camera works fine. I've now ordered and received an aluminum case (Amazon ID: B01LPWTX0E) to avoid further injury...." Read more
"...quality I get when connected to a 4k viewing source. The gimbal works well and nicely smooths out the videos I take on my hikes...." Read more
"...This is a U3 speed card, and works in the camera without error...." Read more
Customers find the interface of the camcorder very easy to use and navigate. They say the menus are intuitive, making it easy to set up and use the camera. Customers also say the settings are easily accessible through the touchscreen, which is responsive. They mention that the camera takes nice, wide pictures and that the video option is much easier.
"...The touchscreen works incredibly well, is fluid, is responsive and is excellent for framing shots or checking status without always needing the app...." Read more
"...to Yi (or their silicon vendor) for this simple solution that saves a LOT of time!+ Camera includes lens distortion correction...." Read more
"...though limited in what it controls, works well and has made making videos much easier and more seamless...." Read more
"...The LCD screen is nice as well. Touchscreen works smoothly and is responsive. The overall image quality of this camera is up there...." Read more
Customers like the touch screen on the camcorder. They mention it's very responsive, intuitive, and easy to use. They also appreciate the LED touch screen, which works smoothly. Some appreciate the touch menu, which is well done. Overall, most are satisfied with the touch capabilities of the product.
"...The touchscreen works incredibly well, is fluid, is responsive and is excellent for framing shots or checking status without always needing the app...." Read more
"...The resolution is just amazing in the 1080 60fps mode and the 4k mode also though there is a bit of a fisheye effect in the 4k mode...." Read more
"...The camera comes on almost instantaneously. The touch menu is laid out well and the screen is responsive...." Read more
"...Made well it's not cheapo. The LCD screen is nice as well. Touchscreen works smoothly and is responsive...." Read more
Customers like the battery life of the camcorder. They say it has an acceptable battery life, it almost doubles the battery time, and it has a replaceable battery. Some customers also appreciate the integrated battery and the separate battery, which allows them to swap it out in a few years.
"...The Hero Session with its integrated battery, waterproofing and excellent dual microphones was a good upgrade and compromise...." Read more
"...The battery lasts longer than most action cams. Really good camera that records footage you can actually use. 1080p 60fps looks great too...." Read more
"...Video is excellent in night and day and the battery lasts a reasonably long time...." Read more
"...back at 120 fps, causing the clip play twice as fast and run for half as long as recorded. (BAD)"..." Read more
Customers are satisfied with the appearance of the camcorder. They mention that it looks great, the videos look great, and the images look good. They also appreciate the minimalist design and the nice screen on the back. Customers are also impressed with the color, which seems to be perfect in every shot.
"...The same is true of my phone. 1080 looks great on my laptop and fairly good on my phone but nothing close to the quality I get when connected to a..." Read more
"First impressions:The box is minimalist in design, with a small logo and title on the front and a large picture of the camera, and makes..." Read more
"...have gotten used to the menu buttons on the SJ5000X but the YI's interface looked great...." Read more
"...is no stabilization in 4k you have to drop to 2.5k but it still looks great. Many reviewers stated in the past that you had to drop to 1080p for IS...." Read more
Customers are mixed about the video quality of the camcorder. Some mention that the video and picture quality is top notch, with sharp images at 1080p. However, others say that the image isn't as crisp and detailed as their professional cameras, it's easy to blur, and has muffled audio.
"...++ It displays the video image correctly (a bit of glitch sometimes, but great for framing) after reconnecting. (XDV video is blank.)..." Read more
"...For example, the 4k video looks amazing on my 4k TV, but when I view it on my laptop it stutters due to lack of processing power and a video card..." Read more
"...Unstabilized video looks pretty good, mainly because the camera is light and it isn't difficult to hold your hand fairly steady...." Read more
"...always had to set the date/time (battery eliminated), had muffled/unsuable audio (waterproof housing) and it was 1080p30 max...." Read more
Customers are mixed about the bluetooth connectivity of the camcorder. Some mention that it works like a charm if you are within 10 feet, and has decent video quality. However, others say that it simply won't connect, has an issue with WiFi not connecting to their smartphone, and that the app could no longer connect and control it from their phone.
"...++ It reconnects with the camera well and fast, even after your phone goes into low power mode...." Read more
"...battery keeping inside the camera, from the USB cable - Bluetooth doesn’t work if the camera is taken inside water with waterproof case or the..." Read more
"...This is the only camera I have been able to successfully connect my cell phone to it. Once connected, updating the firmware was a breeze...." Read more
"...only reason I'm giving it 4 stars instead of 5 is the ability to connect to other devices. The only port on this is the microUSB. No hdmi out...." Read more
Reviews with images
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Top reviews
Top reviews from the United States
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*Great 4k and 1080p/120 option.
*Excellent touchscreen performance (smooth, no lag, responsive)
*exceptional audio for an action cam
*Built in tripod adapter
*excellent app (not quite as easy as go pro, some icons aren’t what you expect them to be)
*Can run directly off USB power bank with or without the internal battery installed.
*Available in white to help with heat if recording outside on hot summer days.
Cons:
*128gb card support seems sketchy, their site lists 6 cards they recommend and they are all 64gb cards. I have 2 of the cards they recommend (actually 4 of each), both types work perfectly, but I also have the 128gb versions of those same cards and they do not work. I have formatted in camera and on pc with different block sizes but they all pretty much start recording, then crash when the file size limit is reached producing a corrupt file on the card. I believe a firmware update can and will fix this but as of version 1.12 (1.07 default) it is still a no go.
**this is not really a “con” of the camera but when running direct off USB power source with no internal battery installed I seem to be limited to 3ft cable length in certain situations. With a 6ft cable the cam will shut down shortly after recording starts. I have successfully recorded 15 straight hours (minus card swaps every2h18m) with a USB power bank and 3ft cable. I tested this at home and found that one of my AC powered USB hubs was able to power this device successfully on a 6ft USB cable but none of my battery powered USB banks could do this. I suspect the cam is running very close to the 2.4a limit so I will try a male-male-female “Y” cable to boost power to see if this resolves the “issue”
IMO:
I have a very specific use case where I need to record up to 18 hours of fishing from a full size bass boat. I have a gopro hero3 white, a hero session and now this Yi2. I do not have any of the hero4 editions, I had the black but it would overheat every so often and shut down so it was returned. This part of the review will be comparing this against those other models.
Up to now, the best “overall” solution I had found was a Hero3 white with battery eliminator and waterproof housing mod. This setup allows me to record no matter what the weather conditions but it can be cumbersome changing cards, always required an external power source (batteries were always dead because I never use or charge them), always had to set the date/time (battery eliminated), had muffled/unsuable audio (waterproof housing) and it was 1080p30 max.
The Hero Session with its integrated battery, waterproofing and excellent dual microphones was a good upgrade and compromise. The “upgrade” being excellent audio, great video… as long as the sun was behind us and protune was enabled, and 1080p60 max. The “compromise” being it was not “waterproof’ while charging and the if the sun was facing the cam the subject would be too dark. However, If the weather turned I just unhooked the charger, closed the door and it was weatherproof for as long as the battery could hold. I also didn’t have to remember to set the date/time since it always had power from the internal battery.
The Yi 4k cam has all the resolutions and modes you could want. The touchscreen works incredibly well, is fluid, is responsive and is excellent for framing shots or checking status without always needing the app. The app works well and connects much faster than the gopro app but the controls in the gopro app are clearer and easier to use. In the Yi app there are some icons for switching video/photo and they appear to do the opposite of what I expect, however, I only really use the app to check the framing after a high-speed run (easier than getting behind the cam when it is mounted)
The things that set this apart for me are more mechanical, I can run this cam directly off a usb power bank with no battery installed in the camera (hero3 white can do this, hero session does not) which greatly reduces heat out on a hot summer day. (the hero3 and session will get so hot you can't hold them... but they still ran and the session is waterproof so I can cool it off in the lake) It is available in white which makes a huge difference in the amount of heat this thing absorbs. It shoots 4k and 1080p/120 along with a host of other modes including in-camera time lapse video.
Of course, all of this is accomplished outside of the waterproof housing. This still leaves me needing the hero3 white setup for rainy days but I was in the same situation with the session
I think MarkHawkCam has a complete review of the technical aspects on youtube ([...]) and covers everything in depth. Here is a sample running video I captured and uploaded right off the card to youtube with no enhancement: [...]
Overall, for me, this cam fits in my arsenal at a very fair price. It doesn’t replace any of the other cams I am already using but it my new primary camera.
UPDATE:
As noted below, after less than 48 hours with the camera, while videoing my daughter's volleyball, the camera, no a tripod, was struck and knocked to the concrete floor. As you can expect, it was damaged, breaking the corner off of the front cover (the one through which the lens extends, and containing the words "4K video recording...."
I contacted customer support, and asked to purchase a replacement front cover. I was told that Yi did not have these available. However, after a few back-and-forth emails (see below), they did decide to replace the camera under warranty. They DID NOT HAVE TO DO THIS, and I ask you not to expect them to do this very often (YMMV).
They then asked for my Amazon order number, which I provided. However, they responded that they could not locate that order number, and asked for screenshots of my Amazon order. I provided these, and they informed me that the company from which I purchased was not an authorized reseller of Yi products, so they could not honor the warranty. They suggested I return the camera to Amazon and then purchase from an authorized dealer.
I bought this legitimately through Amazon, with this listing (and Amazon's Choice label), and through Amazon Prime ("Sold by Electronics Club and Fulfilled by Amazon."). I was understandably, none too pleased. I contacted Amazon, and complained that they had connected me to an unauthorized dealer, without letting me know, and to my surprise, they offered to refund my purchase. Since the damage to the camera was caused by me, I insisted that Amazon provide a note in writing that they would accept the return, and started the refund process with them.
Yi had provided an Amazon link to connect me to an authorized dealer, but when I looked it was this same listing. I queried Yi about which of the companies connected to this listing were authorized, so that I could re-purchase the camera, while the refund was in process (I have more events to video nearly every week), but did not get a response within a couple of days. So I called Yi to see if I could get that list, and was told that they did not have that kind of a list in the support department. They told me that they could not connect me directly with the individual I was corresponding with, but that he was the only one with that information, and I would need to continue my email thread with him to get that list.
Well, given the delay in response, and the ticking Amazon return timeline, that meant I could return the camera, but if I bought another before ensuring I purchased from the right vendor, I would risk not getting the warranty again. I emailed my Yi contact again, and finally received a response. Yi decided to honor the warranty anyway, and shipped me a replacement camera!
I must say that, in the end, this was excellent customer service. They definitely went above-and-beyond for me personally. However, not knowing which of the vendors listed here are authorized is a problem. I wish I had gotten the list to share with you here.
---- Original Review ----
I've gone through several inexpensive action cameras, researching a lot, and ordering a few. I'll include other items I liked and didn't below, but the one thing I noticed with all these cameras is the inaccuracy of the advertised video modes, both in resolution and frame rate. The Yi 4K is about double the cost of the previous camera that claimed similar modes, but that camera didn't deliver. The Yi 4K is close enough for my purposes, but not quite perfect.
As for resolution, those appear to be standard:
4K/UHD is actually 3840x2160
2.7K is actually 2704x1520
1080p is 1920x1080, etc.
But frame rate is a different matter. The attached video shows many of the modes:
* The video itself is 4K/UHD @ 60 fps (although I don't know whether Amazon will scale it or change the frame rate). Each input video mode was scaled (by my editor) to 4K/UHD, for the duration of each 20 second segment.
* In the lower right of the screen is the "name" of the video mode, (mostly) matching the designation on the camera (although modes with "Ultra" in the name were abbreviated to "U" to save screen space).
* The source video timecode is overlaid on the lower left. This lets you compare the frame number to the frame contents. (Due to the design of my editing software's frame counter, I had to put the timecode on the left to chop off a bunch of extra, unimportant text.)
* In the bottom middle is an indication of the actual recorded frame rate (the actual number of individual, unique frames recorded each second). This should not differ from the playback rate (except for designated "slow motion" modes). This text is also color coded to indicate whether the mode matches what is specified.
* The frame rate of each input video was also scaled to match the 60 fps (actually 59.94, but that difference doesn't matter here) during the first 10 seconds of each segment. (e.g. the timecode would count from XX:00:00:00 to XX:00:00:29 during the first second of a 30 fps input video, and each time code would be shown twice to match the 60 fps output video.)
* The second 10 seconds shows the video slowed down to 1 fps, to clearly show individual frames. Comparing the video to the timecode makes it obvious when a frame is replicated (timecode changes, but content of the image does not).
* Further, (most of) the media info (obtained from Media Player Classic, using codecs installed with K-Lite CODEC Pack) is overlaid on the first 5 seconds. The important items to notice there are the video's resolution and frame rate, the latter being highlighted.
* Finally, some segments include extra information overlaid on the video.
Each video clip was recorded with most settings at defaults/auto (e.g. WB, ISO, etc.). The field of view (FOV) was set to maximum (Wide), except for the unconfigurable Ultra modes. The lens distortion was enabled for all modes that allowed it, which was mostly non-Ultra modes.
With respect to the frame rates, what the video shows:
"4K/30" - Recorded at 30 fps, played back at 30 fps. (GOOD)
"2.7K/60" - Recorded at 60 fps, played back at 60 fps. (GOOD)
"2.7K/30" - Recorded at 30 fps, played back at 30 fps. (GOOD)
"1080p/120" - Recorded at 60 fps, played back at 120 fps, causing the clip play twice as fast and run for half as long as recorded. (BAD)
"1080p Ultra/90" - Recorded at 45 fps, played back at 90 fps, with each frame repeated twice. (BAD)
"1080p/60" - Recorded at 60 fps, played back at 60 fps. (GOOD)
"1080p/30" - Recorded at 30 fps, played back at 30 fps. (GOOD)
"720p Ultra/60" - Recorded at 60 fps, played back at 60 fps. (GOOD)
"720p/120" - Recorded at 60 fps, played back at 120 fps, causing the clip play twice as fast and run for half as long as recorded. (BAD)
"720p/240" - Recorded at 240 fps, played back at 240 fps, but the image is dark. (GOOD)
That's much better than other cameras (7 of 10). The last one I tested was accurate (GOOD) only on 2 of 7 modes.
The actual image quality of these modes will take some further testing to be thorough, but so far, it is fairly decent. Some other cameras used very poor methods of scaling the data from the sensor to the video resolution, resulting in immediately obvious poor quality (see Nearest Neighbor Scaling). But the Yi 4K scaling is pretty decent on first look. I'll have to break out the resolution chart to get any more detailed, but I haven't done that yet (and I'm not certain how that's going to work with such a wide angle camera, anyway).
Beyond frame rate, here are some other Likes and Dislikes:
Likes
-----
+ Most frame rates are as advertised (at least the ones that are critical to me).
+ The individual files of long recordings, which are broken into ~3.8 GB h.264 files, are actually complete! This is not only the first action camera I've seen with this, but even my high end consumer video camcorders don't do this. They all require post-processing to join the files together (Google for AmateurResolveAndFusion), in order to avoid losing frames at the boundary, before loading the video into the editor. MANY KUDOS to Yi (or their silicon vendor) for this simple solution that saves a LOT of time!
+ Camera includes lens distortion correction. Obviously, there is some loss of data at the edges of the picture, but the lines are straight! It's not perfect (objects at the sides of the screen are a bit wider than they are in the middle), but unless your video editor has this feature, it's great to have.
+ Has built-in tripod mount, so no frame or case is needed (however, see last Dislike below).
+ Mobile app (at least for Android -- Yi Action) is much better than the one used by other cameras (XDV).
++ It doesn't crash (at least not yet).
++ It will update the camera's firmware, so you don't have to load it onto a microSD card (I think you can do that as well, but this is easier).
++ It reconnects with the camera well and fast, even after your phone goes into low power mode. (XDV usually requires killing the app, and often clearing the memory and starting from scratch.)
++ It displays the video image correctly (a bit of glitch sometimes, but great for framing) after reconnecting. (XDV video is blank.)
++ Has full controls for the camera. (XDV is limited.)
++ Has short cut buttons, including lens correction.
Dislikes
--------
- Not all frame rates are as advertised (see video).
- 720p/240 image is dark, even with ISO at max (6400 -- see video).
- Sound is poor. I haven't done much with sound (just noisy volleyball gym, so far), but what I've heard sounds pretty bad. There's distortion and buzzing, plus tons of noise. I did not include the audio with the sample video, but this was taken in a room where the only actual sound was a ticking clock, and the internal noise was so loud that the tick could not be heard on the recordings.
- File naming, especially for 2nd and later files for long recordings (>3.8 GB) is very confusing (e.g. YDXJ0028.MP4, followed by YN010028.MP4 then YN020028.MP4).
- Doesn’t do 4k Ultra (i.e. full wide angle) at 30 fps (only 24 fps)
- No configurable/setable WB. Unfortunately, at least for the volleyball gyms I've used the Yi 4K in so far, none of the presets give anywhere near a decent picture. The Auto setting isn't too bad, but the nature of Auto is that it changes (not sure whether it will change during a recording, but definitely between recordings). So doing post-processing to correct the color means a different adjustment for every clip! A setting that allowed the camera to set the white balance while looking at something (in the middle of the screen) that is white, would at least let the color be consistent, allowing one adjustment (if necessary) to be used for all video clips.
- Mobile app uses the same button to start/stop video. There is a delay, which seems to vary, so if you press the button, see that video hasn't started recording, then press it again, you are likely to have just stopped the video after it recorded only a few frames.
- Doesn’t display correct field of view (FOV) on screen until the recording starts. The first time I tried this setting, I thought it didn't do anything. So I set my camera up to take in the whole volleyball court (using either the camera screen or the mobile app, it doesn't matter). But when I started the recording, suddenly the FOV changed! The lens distortion adjustment shows immediately, even if the video isn't being recorded, but not the FOV (Wide, Narrow, etc.).
- The list of supported SD cards are too small and limiting. Not only does the list only contain the most expensive cards going, but the biggest cards on the list are 64 GB. I'm afraid to buy a 128 GB (expensive tier) card to see if it works. What about 256 GB? Yi could definitely help us out here by updating the list.
- Connecting the Mobile app to the Yi 4K via WiFi disconnects you from any other data network. This means I don't get any app notifications, and can't access the internet, if I use this feature. (I realize this may be an Android limit with WiFi, but then I'd ask whether we can't use Bluetooth instead.)
- No control over shutter speed in video mode. Again, with sports, I'd really like a faster shutter (I realize this will require increasing ISO) to freeze the ball better. The faster frame rate helps, but direct control would be preferable.
- Does not take a fall unscathed. OK, well, this isn't fair. I video my daughter's volleyball games, and a ball ricocheted and hit the camera on the tripod, knocking it to the concrete floor. It was less than 48 hours old! (The sample videos were taken before this injury.) The corner of the front cover broke (plastic vs concrete). Otherwise, the camera works fine. I've now ordered and received an aluminum case (Amazon ID: B01LPWTX0E) to avoid further injury. (I looked for a replacement case or front cover, but so far, the only one I've been able to find has me concerned about whether giving my credit card information might be dangerous. Yi, if you're reading this, and you have an empty case, broken camera, or front cover lying around, I'd love to get one!)
Maybe some of these Dislikes can be corrected with a firmware update. However, the Yi 4K is a 2017 model, and the newer (and double the price) Yi 4K+ is the top of the Yi line of action cameras, so I'm not sure how much work is still being done on this one.
I still haven't tested other features of this camera, like EIS, YouTube streaming, time lapse, (don't care too much about voice control), etc. And I haven't really checked the battery life. I didn't buy an extra battery and charger, because I doubt even 2 would make it through one day of the volleyball tournaments (the longer they play, the better they are doing, so running out of power late might mean missing the championship game!). Instead, I've been using an external battery, connected via microUSB, to be sure the camera lasts all day.
While not perfect, overall, the Yi 4K is very good. This one (unlike the last one) is definitely a keeper.
Top reviews from other countries
Happy Customer :)
Reviewed in India on January 19, 2021
Happy Customer :)
1. For half the price, Yi's camera pack in as much technology even more in comparison with Go Pro Hero 5. The video quality is better indoor, and the battery life is longer with Yi 4K.
2. Go Pro has more advantage of go in and out of water without a case but I don't do too much water related video. Plus, my old sony can go into water. So I really don't need an expensive go pro.
3. Touch Screen - On the Sony system there is no touch screen. Hello, this is 2018 and on the Sony system, they are still using buttons going back and forth changing setting it's a crazy difficult task! With this Yi 4K, I could change shooting mode and change the setting super fast. I especially love the time-lapse mode. I did a lot of really cool time-lapse video with the cloud moving fast.
After I got this action cam, I produce a lot of cool video and I love it so much. The trouble is finding a 4K screen to display it. At my home, I only have HD display. And with 4K, the file become huge and you really need to have some extra storage.
Tips for future improvement for this product.
1. Able to pop the screen out and turn it to different angle.
2. Make it more durable with water proff and shock proff without putting on a case.
3. Find a way to make file size small.
In conclusion, I would highly recommend this action cam for the quality it can produce and the touch screen features. This bundle I got also include a remote control and selfie stick. I found the remote control very helpful when we are taking photos or video, it wouldn't shake the camera. The selfie stick very well design and really easy to use. It would be nice if that selfie stick able to stand up like a tripod. As it is right now, I can attach it to another tripod and it would stand.
If you are not go in and out of water a lot (go pro is better), if your video don't have a lot of crazy movement like mountain biking (sony 4k is better), this would be the perfect 4K action camera.
Reviewed in Canada on August 30, 2018
1. For half the price, Yi's camera pack in as much technology even more in comparison with Go Pro Hero 5. The video quality is better indoor, and the battery life is longer with Yi 4K.
2. Go Pro has more advantage of go in and out of water without a case but I don't do too much water related video. Plus, my old sony can go into water. So I really don't need an expensive go pro.
3. Touch Screen - On the Sony system there is no touch screen. Hello, this is 2018 and on the Sony system, they are still using buttons going back and forth changing setting it's a crazy difficult task! With this Yi 4K, I could change shooting mode and change the setting super fast. I especially love the time-lapse mode. I did a lot of really cool time-lapse video with the cloud moving fast.
After I got this action cam, I produce a lot of cool video and I love it so much. The trouble is finding a 4K screen to display it. At my home, I only have HD display. And with 4K, the file become huge and you really need to have some extra storage.
Tips for future improvement for this product.
1. Able to pop the screen out and turn it to different angle.
2. Make it more durable with water proff and shock proff without putting on a case.
3. Find a way to make file size small.
In conclusion, I would highly recommend this action cam for the quality it can produce and the touch screen features. This bundle I got also include a remote control and selfie stick. I found the remote control very helpful when we are taking photos or video, it wouldn't shake the camera. The selfie stick very well design and really easy to use. It would be nice if that selfie stick able to stand up like a tripod. As it is right now, I can attach it to another tripod and it would stand.
If you are not go in and out of water a lot (go pro is better), if your video don't have a lot of crazy movement like mountain biking (sony 4k is better), this would be the perfect 4K action camera.