Yi 4K Action Cam Review - The GoPro Killer!?
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The Yi Action Camera 2 is, quite frankly, the only Chinese action cam that has impressed me so far. TunnelBear message: TunnelBear is the easy-to-use VPN app for mobile and desktop. Visit tunnelbear.com to try it free and save 10% when you sign up for unlimited TunnelBear data. Cooler Master Store link: bit.ly Pricing & discussion: linustechtips.com Support us: linustechtips.com Join our community forum: bit.ly twitter.com @LinusTech Intro Screen Music Credit: Title: Laszlo - Supernova Video Link: youtube.com iTunes Download Link: itunes.apple.com Artist Link: soundcloud.com Outro Screen Music Credit: Approaching Nirvana - Sugar High youtube.com Sound effects provided by freesfx.co.uk
The Yi 4K Action Cam Review sets a skeptical tone at the outset, with the host noting the countless Chinese GoPro imitators that promise 4K video for a rock-bottom price, yet often deliver poor quality. The review quickly pivots to a surprising positive by analyzing the Yi Action Cam 2’s build and core features. The reviewer highlights an impressive 1) rear 640x360 touchscreen that remains the primary viewfinder and UIS experience, 2) strong Wi-Fi based live-preview and multi-camera control via an app, and 3) sturdy, albeit plasticky, overall chassis with a robust selfie stick kit that includes a locking telescopic pole and a smartphone holder. The camera’s front lens is described as a 2.8 aperture with a 155-degree wide field of view, using a Sony IMX 377 sensor capable of 4K video and 12 MP stills. The host notes that the Yi 4K Action Cam performs well across day-to-day conditions, including auto white balance, exposure, and low-light performance, and praises its stabilization option at 4K to 1080p, a feature that competes with established players. The review also touches on practical considerations such as battery life, the lack of included waterproof housing in the kit, and the GoPro-compatible mounting system, while acknowledging some ecosystem immaturity for accessories. In live usage, the camera is demonstrated in a partially controlled environment and compared to a GoPro Hero 4 Black for 4K 30fps footage, concluding that the Yi 2 offers compelling image quality, strong color, and usable audio from the built-in microphone, all at a far more attractive price point. The host concludes with cautious optimism about the evolving GoPro competition, while keeping a close eye on GoPro’s potential responses, and ends with a note about VPN and other sponsor shoutouts. Overall, the Yi 4K Action Cam is presented as a surprisingly capable option in a crowded market, delivering notable performance for its price and a few caveats worth considering for pros and enthusiasts. The video arms viewers with a clear sense of value for money, practical tradeoffs, and concrete first-hand impressions on both image capture and usability.
Topics · consumer_electronics · video_review · cameras_action · go_pro_competitor · technology
Questions answered
- What resolution and stabilization capabilities does the Yi 4K Action Cam offer, and at what frame rate does it shoot 4K?
- The Yi 4K Action Cam supports 4K video at 30fps, with stabilization available for lower resolutions and at 1080p, including a Sixaxis electronic image stabilization option.
- Is the touchscreen included on the Yi 4K Action Cam, and how usable is the UI?
- Yes, the camera has a 640x360 pixel touchscreen on the back, and the review describes the viewfinder and menu navigation as butter smooth and very usable, even for live previews via the app.
- Does the kit include a waterproof housing, and what mounting compatibility does the Yi 4K Action Cam offer?
- The waterproof housing is not included in the kit, but a GoPro-compatible mounting system is supported, enabling compatibility with common mounts such as head or chest harnesses.