Xiaomi Yi 4K
The Xiaomi Yi 4K action camera has raised many eyebrows and grabbed the attention of even the tech experts. At the first look a technologically challenged person may confuse it for a toy camera. But maybe a closer look would convince him to be the real deal after considering its price and specifications.
Yi’s approach is quite different than the most budget action cameras. With little or no money spent on advertising and marketing gimmicks, the product manufacturers may gain a lot of customers by selling it at a very reasonable price in comparison to the Hero Go Pro 3 and 4. The usual extras such as the waterproof housing, memory card and mounts need to be purchased separately. In spite of some extra costs on camera accessories, it doesn’t disappoint when it comes to quality.
• Video: 1080 p/60 fps
• Photo: 16 megapixels
• Burst: 3/5/7 per second/7 in 2 seconds
• Wi fi: Yes
• Waterproof: Yes (only with case)
• Battery: 1,010 MAH replaceable
• App: Android/iOS (coming)
Like the Go Pro Hero Yi camera can go under water 40 meters deep. The Yi 4K action camera displays sharper images and videos when inspected from up close. It’s quick to adjust exposure as you move around while recording and the colors appear warm and natural. Regarding 4K video you have the option of either 4K@ 30fps or 4K @
30fps ultra, with the latter having a wider field-of-view but has more geometric distortion.
Yi also provides an app for iOS and Android that allows you to control the 4K action Camera remotely from your phone or tablet. Similar to Go Pro’s app, Yi action has a social network element to it. You can share your Yi 4K action camera content, see and follow other people’s work wirelessly from your phone. The design is incredibly simple consisting of a small box body with a 155 degree angle of view lens positioned on the front, a power/mode button to the left of the lens and a Wi fi button on the side.
The top of the camera features the shutter button and on the back is a cover that can be easily removed to gain access to the battery compartment. A tripod base plate can be attached on the base of the small camera. The Yi gains the tripod mount on the base but loses the small screen of the Go Pro. A pocket sized camera with a pocket friendly price of $250 makes it an action camera which captures great footage and good quality slow motion clips. Low light performance may be an issue but it’s a common problem with most action cameras.
So if you’re in for a cheap decent action camera, you cannot go out to your favorite weekend getaway without the Yi.
