UPDATE 14 Feb 2014: FLOPPY HINGES. I discovered today that however hard the screws are tightened up on the hinge mounts, they can still be freely moved. This seemingly makes the mounts in the box useless...however there is a solution. Use some sandpaper to roughen up the shiny plastic on the hinges...now when you tighten up the screw, the plastic has some friction and will lock in position properly.
Now THAT... was what I'd call a review. It was clear, concise and gave me all I needed to know about the positives and concerns for the camera. Great job.
Dear Techmoan, thank you for a fantastic review! It is very clear, informative, concise, and covers pretty much everything... I started losing my hopes after watching too many other (poor) videos, with people mumbling 'instructions' with incoherent voices or simply reading out lists of items packed in the box, while struggling to even open battery compartment and not saying anything about functions, positives or flaws. Well covered, good footage, everything explained, and I like your clear understandable voice! I really appreciate the effort you have made in preparing this video. Well done! Cheers...
***** Thanks - I try to make the kind of videos that I'd like to watch. There are lots of good youtube people out there making really interesting videos, but sometimes they are a bit hard to find amongst the other stuff.
@@Techmoan just found your channel few days ago, very enjoyable watch.......love your informative witty knowledgeable thorough reviews on these nostalgic rare products ....thanks so much ¡ keep up with your awesome work.
As a fellow Mancunian I must say I enjoyed three things about this video: 1) Fantastic in depth review (I've been looking at getting one of these for a while for band touring and it's finally sealed it for me) 2) Seeing the lovely sights of the city centre included 3) The classic mancunian dry humour involved. All in all, fantastic review and much appreciated!
Every now and then - someone comes along and says "Hey that's a clone - it doesn't say SJCAM on the case" - This is incorrect and you might want to know the story behind this. The upload date on the video is Feb 4 2014. At this time there were no clones as the SJ4000 had only just come out a couple of weeks earlier. Companies can't clone what doesn't exist. I believe that this was the first review of the SJ4000 on youtube. I gave the warning in this video that it was likely copies of this camera would start appearing soon. I had experienced this effect before with various popular mini cameras, and as expected, a few months later SJ4000 clones did start to appear. The clones were the reason for the later SJCAM rebrand - I was in touch with the manufacturers shortly after reviewing their earlier SJ1000 camera (a few months before this video). Whilst communicating with them I suggested that they start branding their camera with a recognisable name rather than just a number so people could better identify their models and avoid buying the clones. When they introduced the SJ4000 WiFi camera they started branding all their cameras with the SJCAM name. The manufacturers true name is Shenzhen Hong Feng Century Technology Company Limited which doesn't trip off the tongue (or fit on a camera).
I have the same camera as this one with the old box. My settings on my camera look completely different... I don't have any options to change picture resolution I also don't have zooming. I don't think my camera is the same software and when I put new firmware on it. Nothing updates the settings don't change
Came back to this video to comment on how amazing this camera really is. I bought mine in 2014 after seeing this video, and it's still going strong today after 5 years of use - I've actually only just upgraded to the new SJ8 Pro, however intent to keep the SJ4000 to run along side it. I've seen the SJ4000 for as low as £12 nowadays, and I highly recommend it, despite its age it still performs really well!
I remember bought a 7£ action camera in 2016, It looks like in this video, but in terrible quality. The lens is zoomed, the video is looks like VGA even it's on 1080p mode. The action camera died after i forced to open the lens because i want to modified it into fisheye lens, maybe i broke something on the camera sensor. Still turning on but can't get into camera mode, it restarting many times. Sorry for my bad English anyway....
Definitely not broken...give it a second to load..or perhaps it's browser issues. UPDATE - Turns out it's Firefox...give it another go now, I've changed the link shortener to Google.
Techmoan Hi Mat, the link to buy is broken for me too. The link here in the description and the one on your blog. I'm using Firefox ver 26.0 . Edit: I just tried it with Internet Explorer and the link works. Must be a FF issue. Cheers, b.
The only video I have found which includes a helpful explanation of features and a simple guide on how to use all the accessories which the included manual failed to do. You should be a paid presenter (eg TV) as your voice, tone and pace makes you an extremely effective communicator. Great work!
No reply needed, I am sure you are a busy man. I only wanted to tell you I have been a subscriber since your Mobius videos. Your videos are great, I love the duration of your videos because you don't care about length. You give a FULL review and we feel like we know everything about the items you review, it's like we own them already. Please keep up the great work!
I need an help in terns of setting the licence. Please do upload a video on how to get it done . . Your video did inspire me to buy the camera. Thank you
I looked at a load of your reviews and eventually settled on one of these. I checked that it was a genuine SJ and it seems to pass all the tests. The only difference I notice is that the time and date are on the bottom left on mine. The links to the videos was most helpful. Thanks for the info.
Hi.ive bought this camera to make youtube videos. Didnt want to pay a lot for one in case I didnt carry on. Ive only tested it today for 10 mins and looked at the vid on PC. Very impressed. Cant find instructions so found your review. Very helpful thank you. Oh... and I wish I had a voice as good as yours on MY videos!!!!!! Cheers.
Just got one of these guys for Christmas semi-based on your review. Looks to be a fantastic deal so far, but I have only gave it a quick test in my turtle tank. Still looked great even with full water immersion, nice and bright with HDR on and one bump in exposure as you suggested. Thanks for the review!
to save you all 28 mins- It doesnt have a mic in, but it records sound better than anything in its price range on the market. It runs for about 100 minutes, and has a heap of features. It's basically a go-pro weened down to (on the first of August) 40 AUD. You need your own SD card. Get it if you dont have one already
Bought this on the strength of your review and am pleased to say it is as good as expected so thank you for a great review. The waterproof case does a brilliant job, hinges are already nice and tight on mine so no sandpapering needed, and even in heavy rain and hail the video quality recorded is very good. For me batteries last only about an hour when recording 1080p but I have three batteries (there are lots available on eBay) so that's no problem :-) Overall a very impressive camera, and great value for money at under sixty pound delivered (bought mine from UK). The addition of the yellow LED blinking while recording is very handy as mine is on chinpiece of motorbike helmet so means I can see if it is recording.
IMissTrollingVideos The hero is better but this one is way cheaper and it gets the job done very well. I got this one, used it for scuba diving and motorcycling, really great camera. Real difference is the Hero captures sound quite much better.
I'm impressed with the video quality of the those I downloaded from your blog. Looks and sounds way better than then compressed video on youtube. Thanks for the review, I'll be picking one up soon!
PLEASE READ IF YOU ARE A BIT DIM - Before you post an uninformed comment along the lines of "The SJCAM is the real one this is a fake" - - LOOK AT THE UPLOAD DATE of this video - (Feb 4 2014) That's before anyone copied this camera - Also watch my FOLLOW UP VIDEO th-cam.com/video/uirzCD-qALE/w-d-xo.html where I explain all about why the manufacturer started using the SJCAM branding after the camera became popular.
Yami7171 better on Banggood (it's only $64 now - www.banggood.com/SJ4000-Waterproof-HD-1_5-Inch-Car-DVR-Camera-Sport-DV-Novatek-1080P-p-917037.html?p=4H1016066273201207NC)
Your review has been very helpful in my recent quest for a nice inexpensive do everything action camera. I like the fact that it can be an action camera, dash camera, and motion detecting security camera all in one. Thanks for doing such a thorough and excellent review of this product.
Hey look at this: SJ4000 HD Action Camera Review All the mounts half the price you could be the first person on youtube with a legit reasonable copyright claim.
Yeah it's very good. Extended capacity batteries will probably be available soon too, making it last even longer. I am buying mine tomorrow in black :D
So I've ordered the Wifi version and I'm using it as an action helmet camera for airsoft. That means I'll be using the waterproof case as protection from the BB's being fired my way but the only thing I'd have liked would be an option to mount the camera from the top (like dashcam) but with the waterproof case on also. Would make airsofting mounting much easier. Fantastic little alternative to the "other" brand though. Very pleased you did the review on this because it saved me a fair chunk of money.
***** audio is coming out of the usb and you can get usb to AV cables for it but i think for sure the gopro usb set up will be different but if you have one give it a shot,let us know if you do and if it works or not as that info could help lots of people
I got myself one of these after watching this review and it has proved to be a great buy and an excellent camera. You cannot attach an inline mic but on the upside it does not cost £400. Another great review from Mr Techmoan
NOTE - SINCE I MADE THIS VIDEO (IN FEB 2014) THIS CAM HAS BEEN REBRANDED AS THE SJCAM - See the first section of the SJ4000 WiFi review HERE The Big SJ4000 WiFi Action Cam Review for a full explanation.
Mr Crossplane This doesn't make any sense when you consider that Banggood sell the SJ4000 with the SJCAM logo on. I think the true explanation is that the latest genuine models have the SJCAM logo on them.
Just got this camera for head camera and its great! I took it gliding yesterday and the battery lasted 1.5 flights which is about 2 hours. The quality was great and the camera might be one of the best cameras for aviation out there!
Thanks I just bought this with one day shipping so I should get it tomorrow. I'm excited. I love taking pictures and videos and I've been using my Nokia N8 12mp cell phone. I recently bought a monopod and used my N8. Although it captured some cool angles, it didn't really capture the wide view fisheye perspective I wanted plus the phone is heavy compared this these action cameras. I was so nervous my N8 would drop while taking a selfie or something lol. I wish I really looked into these action cameras like years ago, I would have some amazing shots from the places I've been to from back then and recently. I'll visit those out of state places some day again. I'm glad I researched Amazon and TH-cam for action cameras and because of your videos and other videos, it sold me in getting this SJ4000. I'm coming from taking shots from a cell phone, so getting this is the next step for me. And for the price of this camera plus all accessories I would need included, I'm sold! Thanks!
I bought this camera to use on jobsites, no dust or damp gets in there, mounted on a telescopic monopod it can go places where I can't reach, very useful to inspect equipment, conduits, crawlspaces and the like. it's pretty sturdy and definitely lives up to expectations.
Just bought one of these and it appears that they have done the upgrades. The small yellow led will flash when recording and there are a couple more options in the menu to choose from. There is also a 720p @ 30fps in the resolution menu now. Great review. Thanks for the time you put into this.
Brilliant review!!! I ordered my yellow sj4000 yesterday since I really dislike the yellow tint in gopro, and its price as well. I just watched your review now, and am sure i did the best deal purchasing it. Quality and color-wise this seems alot more nicer to put at post production, and post production is what I do for living anyway.
Thanks for the review.... looking for an "expendable" HD action camera for my RC quadrotor. I do have a GoPro 4 Silver and lover it, which is where I learned a use for the additional narrow attachments (5:09) - Daisy chain those to get additional length/extension/rotated orientation... I use it to get the GoPro out past the quad propellers for unobstructed videos. Thanks again!
Thank you!!! Besides the obvious attributes/features/price, YOU have given me much more than I expected from a review! I posted a question in a Facebook group asking for a low cost underwater camera, and was advised this was the best bet for my budget. I got a great deal on Amazon tonight with a lightening deal! I am excited to use it on my first trip to Riviera Maya when I hit up some cenotes and go snorkeling. The British accent made me as wet as the camera will be though, and I thank you! Cheers!
Mat, great review as usual. I've had three genuine SJ4000's and two of them have had to be returned. The first one I got is still working. The second I bought on a famous auction site, and had a hell of a lot of agro to get a refund, as it "was working when I got it and only failed two days later". The third I got from Amazon, and that fell over after a few months, but I had a refund, from Amazon, as soon as I'd handed it in at one of their collection locations. Now I don't know if I've been unlucky or not, but I know where I'd buy one from if I were getting another.
Thankyou very much for a well presented review. You've got an excellent style of reviewing that cuts straight to the point. In addition you've clearly spent a lot of time producing this review at your own time. I shall be investing shortly.
This is possibly the best review I've ever read. I love your humour and expertise m8 thanks for sharing and taking the time to do it :) We use these for kayak fishing (get me on (kayak fishing uk) and love them! Hundreds of £££ saved by not spending on "certain other well known products" lol ;) cheers
Thanks Techmoan, yes I am talking of file time. I will definitely get a class 10 card as I knew the class 4 was slow to begin with and try the settings as well. I'll let you know how it turns out.
Thanks for your review on this camera, I ended up buying one and it works great on my motorbike even in the dark! One thing I'd like to mention is that my mounts are quite rigid once tightened up so maybe they have resolved this issue now. I did not need to sandpaper anything, it doesn't budge when riding so that's one more plus. :)
Thanks mate - brilliant vid and awesome little camera this - just got mine for xmas and it is surprisingly good at a fraction of the price of...the other one!!
There is a unusual flicker effect with lights and the digital bus signs. I just noticed watching this for a second time. It doesn't seem to be an issue in the night footage. Also you have a great accent! haha
Great review...as always! I'm getting the gopro hero 4 silver for the front of my bike and this SJ4000 for the rear and occasionally use it as a dash cam aswell. Cheers!
I like the clip thing, you mentioned groin eye view :) This mount is very interesting to me, not for groin eye, but for clipping to a (decent) shirt pocket or lapel (if i can get it rotated right) I'm gonna google to see if I can get this separate. If my hero 3 gets fixed i may skip this camera, if not.. I'm buying it!
Rachel Ward That will be a fake/copy of the one in this review - not good - check out this article (amongst others) sjcamguides.com/sjcam-sj-scam-difference-real-fake-camera/
+Badre Din This one isn't fake read this Techmoan 4 months ago (edited) Every now and then - someone comes along and says "Hey that's a clone - it doesn't say SJCAM on the case" - This is incorrect and you might want to know the story behind this. The upload date on the video is Feb 4 2014. At this time there were no clones as the SJ4000 had only just come out a couple of weeks earlier. Companies can't clone what doesn't exist. I believe that this was the first review of the SJ4000 on youtube. I gave the warning in this video that it was likely copies of this camera would start appearing soon. I had experienced this effect before with various popular mini cameras, and as expected, a few months later SJ4000 clones did start to appear. The clones were the reason for the later SJCAM rebrand - I was in touch with the manufacturers shortly after reviewing their earlier SJ1000 camera (a few months before this video). Whilst communicating with them I suggested that they start branding their camera with a recognisable name rather than just a number so people could better identify their models and avoid buying the clones. When they introduced the SJ4000 WiFi camera they started branding all their cameras with the SJCAM name. The manufacturers true name is Shenzhen Hong Feng Century Technology Company Limited which doesn't trip off the tongue (or fit on a camera).
@21mins, I laughed so hard at the "coz its a bit of a dump at times" comment, This is the first of your vids I have watched and I think it was a great review with some light hearted humor, you remind me of Yahtzee from The Escapist's Zero Punctuation videos. Thanks for this review, I will be getting one of these instead of one from "that other leading brand" lol
Thanx for this outstanding video. It's absolutely essential since the manual with the camera is UNBELIEVABLY short and unhelpful. I DEFY any new owner to get their camera working without your video - which is nicely shot with an expert commentary. I hope you are on 10% commission.
+Kay Wheeler I just bought the SJ4000 Wi-Fi and the manual is just as unhelpful. Not only is it utterly lacking in user instructions, it actually has information that is incorrect. I suggest having a look at the website for B&H Photo/Video, a US seller. The Q&A section for the camera has lots of both - questions and answers. Some answers are from B&H staff, others are from users. Beyond that, trial-and-error, and this video, are your best bets. Cheers :) www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1081151-REG/sjcam_sj4000wfs_sj4000_silver_with_wi_fi.html
Hi, great review, thanks. I have been using an original GoPro Hero as a dash cam, with a 3M adhesive clip sited behind my rear view mirror, and the camera filming in UPd mode (upside down, because the GoPro had a mount at the bottom of the housing unit). This obviously means the footage is the correct way around. I note that you mention the cradle around the 3 minute mark in your video, and it sounds like you're saying I cannot film upside down, so would need to use the cradle, but can I use my existing 3M clip on my windscreen by fitting it into the top screw of the cradle somehow, or is the only option with this camera to use the suction cup with the cradle? Hope that makes sense. Thanks a lot.
UPDATE 14 Feb 2014: FLOPPY HINGES. I discovered today that however hard the screws are tightened up on the hinge mounts, they can still be freely moved. This seemingly makes the mounts in the box useless...however there is a solution. Use some sandpaper to roughen up the shiny plastic on the hinges...now when you tighten up the screw, the plastic has some friction and will lock in position properly.
Now THAT... was what I'd call a review.
It was clear, concise and gave me all I needed to know about the positives and concerns for the camera.
Great job.
Plus he said tripod screw hole
Dear Techmoan, thank you for a fantastic review! It is very clear, informative, concise, and covers pretty much everything... I started losing my hopes after watching too many other (poor) videos, with people mumbling 'instructions' with incoherent voices or simply reading out lists of items packed in the box, while struggling to even open battery compartment and not saying anything about functions, positives or flaws. Well covered, good footage, everything explained, and I like your clear understandable voice! I really appreciate the effort you have made in preparing this video. Well done! Cheers...
***** Thanks - I try to make the kind of videos that I'd like to watch. There are lots of good youtube people out there making really interesting videos, but sometimes they are a bit hard to find amongst the other stuff.
Marko Lovrekovic ok you have 50 year
nice info here:cn1519985396pmgw.fm.alibaba.com/
@@Techmoan just found your channel few days ago, very enjoyable watch.......love your informative witty knowledgeable thorough reviews on these nostalgic rare products ....thanks so much ¡ keep up with your awesome work.
As a fellow Mancunian I must say I enjoyed three things about this video:
1) Fantastic in depth review (I've been looking at getting one of these for a while for band touring and it's finally sealed it for me)
2) Seeing the lovely sights of the city centre included
3) The classic mancunian dry humour involved.
All in all, fantastic review and much appreciated!
Every now and then - someone comes along and says "Hey that's a clone - it doesn't say SJCAM on the case" - This is incorrect and you might want to know the story behind this.
The upload date on the video is Feb 4 2014. At this time there were no clones as the SJ4000 had only just come out a couple of weeks earlier. Companies can't clone what doesn't exist.
I believe that this was the first review of the SJ4000 on youtube.
I gave the warning in this video that it was likely copies of this camera would start appearing soon. I had experienced this effect before with various popular mini cameras, and as expected, a few months later SJ4000 clones did start to appear.
The clones were the reason for the later SJCAM rebrand - I was in touch with the manufacturers shortly after reviewing their earlier SJ1000 camera (a few months before this video). Whilst communicating with them I suggested that they start branding their camera with a recognisable name rather than just a number so people could better identify their models and avoid buying the clones.
When they introduced the SJ4000 WiFi camera they started branding all their cameras with the SJCAM name. The manufacturers true name is Shenzhen Hong Feng Century Technology Company Limited which doesn't trip off the tongue (or fit on a camera).
I have the same camera as this one with the old box. My settings on my camera look completely different... I don't have any options to change picture resolution I also don't have zooming. I don't think my camera is the same software and when I put new firmware on it. Nothing updates the settings don't change
I have the qumox sj4000, it looks very similar with good video quality, is it the same?
Techmoan this explains a lot for me, being new on the scene of these things! cheers!
TheLewisOSF
the original is sjcam.... sj4000 is not a garanty to get the origina from what i read.... the clone got cloned!!!
So are the links that you gave in the description legitimate? I don't want a clone. Please answer thanks.
You should work in BBC , your voice just amazing ....
Sultan Hassan The BBC think otherwise. but thanks for the support.
Techmoan your voice made this review gold!
here share a link which sale a very good action camera, don't miss!
goo.gl/yb5kwu
Amazing presentation and voice also,
Just like a reporter.
I'd love to see him work a bbc!
"it's a camera, in water...magic." Love the dry humour!
Came back to this video to comment on how amazing this camera really is. I bought mine in 2014 after seeing this video, and it's still going strong today after 5 years of use - I've actually only just upgraded to the new SJ8 Pro, however intent to keep the SJ4000 to run along side it.
I've seen the SJ4000 for as low as £12 nowadays, and I highly recommend it, despite its age it still performs really well!
I remember bought a 7£ action camera in 2016, It looks like in this video, but in terrible quality. The lens is zoomed, the video is looks like VGA even it's on 1080p mode. The action camera died after i forced to open the lens because i want to modified it into fisheye lens, maybe i broke something on the camera sensor. Still turning on but can't get into camera mode, it restarting many times. Sorry for my bad English anyway....
Link to buy broken, good review though as always, i seem to relax alot watching your vids. Please keep them up
Definitely not broken...give it a second to load..or perhaps it's browser issues. UPDATE - Turns out it's Firefox...give it another go now, I've changed the link shortener to Google.
Techmoan
Hi Mat, the link to buy is broken for me too. The link here in the description and the one on your blog. I'm using Firefox ver 26.0
. Edit: I just tried it with Internet Explorer and the link works. Must be a FF issue. Cheers, b.
biggles1024 I've put an alternative link up now which might work in Firefox...thanks for testing it out.
Techmoan
Techmoan
Hi Mat, the new link works just fine for me in FF ver 26.0
biggles1024 I had to turn off disconnect on google chrome for it to work
The only video I have found which includes a helpful explanation of features and a simple guide on how to use all the accessories which the included manual failed to do. You should be a paid presenter (eg TV) as your voice, tone and pace makes you an extremely effective communicator. Great work!
Thanks great video - got to say very confused who I should buy from is there any way of telling a genuine seller.
Perfect review. I mean, perfect! In every single detail.
I can tell you are perfectionist by nature. Best review ever!
A groin-eye-view
No reply needed, I am sure you are a busy man. I only wanted to tell you I have been a subscriber since your Mobius videos. Your videos are great, I love the duration of your videos because you don't care about length. You give a FULL review and we feel like we know everything about the items you review, it's like we own them already. Please keep up the great work!
I need an help in terns of setting the licence. Please do upload a video on how to get it done . . Your video did inspire me to buy the camera. Thank you
I looked at a load of your reviews and eventually settled on one of these. I checked that it was a genuine SJ and it seems to pass all the tests. The only difference I notice is that the time and date are on the bottom left on mine. The links to the videos was most helpful. Thanks for the info.
This camera looks same as GoPro.
Hi lol this is so old before you were even famous
4 years later has over 10000 subs lololololololololololol
No shit Sherlock
🤦♂️
Did anyone answer his question lol
Hi.ive bought this camera to make youtube videos. Didnt want to pay a lot for one in case I didnt carry on. Ive only tested it today for 10 mins and looked at the vid on PC. Very impressed. Cant find instructions so found your review. Very helpful thank you. Oh... and I wish I had a voice as good as yours on MY videos!!!!!! Cheers.
The NoPro Silver edition..
Just got one of these guys for Christmas semi-based on your review. Looks to be a fantastic deal so far, but I have only gave it a quick test in my turtle tank. Still looked great even with full water immersion, nice and bright with HDR on and one bump in exposure as you suggested. Thanks for the review!
to save you all 28 mins-
It doesnt have a mic in, but it records sound better than anything in its price range on the market.
It runs for about 100 minutes, and has a heap of features. It's basically a go-pro weened down to (on the first of August) 40 AUD.
You need your own SD card.
Get it if you dont have one already
+Jewsus Nippleton but one question, so if i wanted to use in a concert or in a electronic festival, the sound will distortion easily?
+Blame NOise You could take a microphone with you and switch out the audio.
Jewsus Nippleton do you mean 1:00 minute or 100:00 minute
Jewsus Nippleton Thanks for getting to the point☺
Jewsus christ .. tnx man !
Bought this on the strength of your review and am pleased to say it is as good as expected so thank you for a great review. The waterproof case does a brilliant job, hinges are already nice and tight on mine so no sandpapering needed, and even in heavy rain and hail the video quality recorded is very good. For me batteries last only about an hour when recording 1080p but I have three batteries (there are lots available on eBay) so that's no problem :-)
Overall a very impressive camera, and great value for money at under sixty pound delivered (bought mine from UK). The addition of the yellow LED blinking while recording is very handy as mine is on chinpiece of motorbike helmet so means I can see if it is recording.
Should I get this or the GoPro Hero?
This is cheap like 100€ and I think it is better
money budget then this one but if you have money to spend then gopro
Psh I saw this for $52 bucks on eBay. This is better than the hero.
This there is about a $300.00 difference
IMissTrollingVideos The hero is better but this one is way cheaper and it gets the job done very well. I got this one, used it for scuba diving and motorcycling, really great camera. Real difference is the Hero captures sound quite much better.
Youre one of the best reviewers in the net.
I bought gears based on your reviews. Thanks!
sj4000 📷📷📷
who needs a hero?
Jesus, someone on TH-cam with cut nails and clean hands......Respect.
You sound like James May from Top Gear
ha, i watched all this guys videos and I never noticed that until you mentioned
BrasherN I was actually convinced it's James May until I saw his face on one of the videos
I spoke with James, voices are very similar )))
I'm impressed with the video quality of the those I downloaded from your blog. Looks and sounds way better than then compressed video on youtube. Thanks for the review, I'll be picking one up soon!
PLEASE READ IF YOU ARE A BIT DIM - Before you post an uninformed comment along the lines of "The SJCAM is the real one this is a fake" - - LOOK AT THE UPLOAD DATE of this video - (Feb 4 2014) That's before anyone copied this camera - Also watch my FOLLOW UP VIDEO th-cam.com/video/uirzCD-qALE/w-d-xo.html where I explain all about why the manufacturer started using the SJCAM branding after the camera became popular.
where can i get this camera?
Yami7171 ebay
Yami7171 better on Banggood (it's only $64 now - www.banggood.com/SJ4000-Waterproof-HD-1_5-Inch-Car-DVR-Camera-Sport-DV-Novatek-1080P-p-917037.html?p=4H1016066273201207NC)
Mikhail King Would to camera take a 128GB Micro SD Card?
Definitely cheapest on Amazon, 60 USD free shipping:
goo.gl/XrVbbd
Your review has been very helpful in my recent quest for a nice inexpensive do everything action camera. I like the fact that it can be an action camera, dash camera, and motion detecting security camera all in one. Thanks for doing such a thorough and excellent review of this product.
Hey look at this: SJ4000 HD Action Camera Review All the mounts half the price you could be the first person on youtube with a legit reasonable copyright claim.
Thanks for the info.
YW I appreciate how much work you put in to making good quality videos, you deserve the credit.
hey mate. one of the best reviews i have ever seen on youtube. what a wonderful edited work. kudos !!!!
This is the copycat of GoPro Hero... Much cheaper, just only $99. 100 minutes batry lifespan. Not bad!
Yeah it's very good. Extended capacity batteries will probably be available soon too, making it last even longer. I am buying mine tomorrow in black :D
So I've ordered the Wifi version and I'm using it as an action helmet camera for airsoft. That means I'll be using the waterproof case as protection from the BB's being fired my way but the only thing I'd have liked would be an option to mount the camera from the top (like dashcam) but with the waterproof case on also. Would make airsofting mounting much easier. Fantastic little alternative to the "other" brand though. Very pleased you did the review on this because it saved me a fair chunk of money.
You can see the follow-up video about the SJ4000 WiFi camera here The Big SJ4000 WiFi Action Cam Review
Hello Techmoan,
Do you know does SJ4000 work with GoPro's micro usb to 3.5mm adapter, or does any of GoPro cases fit the SJ4000?
Thanks.
***** audio is coming out of the usb and you can get usb to AV cables for it but i think for sure the gopro usb set up will be different but if you have one give it a shot,let us know if you do and if it works or not as that info could help lots of people
My friend, you give the best reviews I've ever seen. Great detail and very thorough.
Thanks very much for your efforts!
It vaguely reminds of something called a GoPro...
Maybe but the 200 dollars cheaper is a little bit easier to swallow 😂😂
Maybe but the 200 dollars cheaper is a little bit easier to swallow 😂😂
I got myself one of these after watching this review and it has proved to be a great buy and an excellent camera. You cannot attach an inline mic but on the upside it does not cost £400.
Another great review from Mr Techmoan
NOTE - SINCE I MADE THIS VIDEO (IN FEB 2014) THIS CAM HAS BEEN REBRANDED AS THE SJCAM - See the first section of the SJ4000 WiFi review HERE The Big SJ4000 WiFi Action Cam Review for a full explanation.
Mr Crossplane
This doesn't make any sense when you consider that Banggood sell the SJ4000 with the SJCAM logo on. I think the true explanation is that the latest genuine models have the SJCAM logo on them.
الهاجس الشواش كلمات مسفر بن حلاص وأداء الجغرافي
here share a link can buy it, when you order it, leave the message, will give you a discount！don't miss!
goo.gl/yb5kwu
dear mr. moan, your comment about the camera in water, "look, its a camera in water, magic." has earned you a sub. good on you sir.
Just got this camera for head camera and its great! I took it gliding yesterday and the battery lasted 1.5 flights which is about 2 hours. The quality was great and the camera might be one of the best cameras for aviation out there!
Thanks I just bought this with one day shipping so I should get it tomorrow. I'm excited. I love taking pictures and videos and I've been using my Nokia N8 12mp cell phone. I recently bought a monopod and used my N8. Although it captured some cool angles, it didn't really capture the wide view fisheye perspective I wanted plus the phone is heavy compared this these action cameras. I was so nervous my N8 would drop while taking a selfie or something lol. I wish I really looked into these action cameras like years ago, I would have some amazing shots from the places I've been to from back then and recently. I'll visit those out of state places some day again. I'm glad I researched Amazon and TH-cam for action cameras and because of your videos and other videos, it sold me in getting this SJ4000. I'm coming from taking shots from a cell phone, so getting this is the next step for me. And for the price of this camera plus all accessories I would need included, I'm sold! Thanks!
i have just bought one and the new ones have cam rotation now ,well happy with my one
I have never seen any review done better. Thanks
I bought this camera to use on jobsites, no dust or damp gets in there, mounted on a telescopic monopod it can go places where I can't reach, very useful to inspect equipment, conduits, crawlspaces and the like. it's pretty sturdy and definitely lives up to expectations.
Just bought one of these and it appears that they have done the upgrades. The small yellow led will flash when recording and there are a couple more options in the menu to choose from. There is also a 720p @ 30fps in the resolution menu now. Great review. Thanks for the time you put into this.
Just bought one something like 5 minutes ago. Thanks for the encompassing review of the camcorder!
Cheers from Brazil! =)
Thank you for your work Techmoan. Very impressive you go through all that. Greetings from California!
Brilliant review!!! I ordered my yellow sj4000 yesterday since I really dislike the yellow tint in gopro, and its price as well. I just watched your review now, and am sure i did the best deal purchasing it. Quality and color-wise this seems alot more nicer to put at post production, and post production is what I do for living anyway.
great review, without it, would not of gotten it, KAYAK fishing memories here i come!
Thanks for the review.... looking for an "expendable" HD action camera for my RC quadrotor. I do have a GoPro 4 Silver and lover it, which is where I learned a use for the additional narrow attachments (5:09) - Daisy chain those to get additional length/extension/rotated orientation... I use it to get the GoPro out past the quad propellers for unobstructed videos. Thanks again!
Thank you!!! Besides the obvious attributes/features/price, YOU have given me much more than I expected from a review! I posted a question in a Facebook group asking for a low cost underwater camera, and was advised this was the best bet for my budget. I got a great deal on Amazon tonight with a lightening deal! I am excited to use it on my first trip to Riviera Maya when I hit up some cenotes and go snorkeling. The British accent made me as wet as the camera will be though, and I thank you! Cheers!
An excellent review... thank you for posting this. You managed to answer my questions and raise a few I hadn't thought of. Cheers!
man....this review is..flawless.
Thanks.
Great review.Very in depth and to the point.
Going to buy one soon! Thanks for the information.
Mat, great review as usual.
I've had three genuine SJ4000's and two of them have had to be returned. The first one I got is still working. The second I bought on a famous auction site, and had a hell of a lot of agro to get a refund, as it "was working when I got it and only failed two days later". The third I got from Amazon, and that fell over after a few months, but I had a refund, from Amazon, as soon as I'd handed it in at one of their collection locations. Now I don't know if I've been unlucky or not, but I know where I'd buy one from if I were getting another.
This is what review should look like!
Really good review mate - very thorough as ever. Good work.
Great review, I bought one after viewing this and other reviews. Very happy with the camera
Thanks
Rod
That's pretty impressive video- particularly the night time footage. Better than my Hero 2. Great review - thanks!
Thankyou very much for a well presented review. You've got an excellent style of reviewing that cuts straight to the point. In addition you've clearly spent a lot of time producing this review at your own time. I shall be investing shortly.
This is possibly the best review I've ever read. I love your humour and expertise m8 thanks for sharing and taking the time to do it :) We use these for kayak fishing (get me on (kayak fishing uk) and love them! Hundreds of £££ saved by not spending on "certain other well known products" lol ;)
cheers
THANK YOU SO MUCH .. THIS VIDEO WAS REALLY USEFUL !!!
Thank you for this video. Very very informative. I'm actually in the market for a cheap decent action cam within this price range. Kudos to you man!
Thanks very much for all your effort Techmoan, your reviews really help me to chose right equipment. Thanks and Happy New Year.
What an excellent video. So thoroughly done. Thanks for posting.
Thanks Techmoan, yes I am talking of file time. I will definitely get a class 10 card as I knew the class 4 was slow to begin with and try the settings as well. I'll let you know how it turns out.
Looks really great for the price. Might have to invest as a second camera. Thanks for the review :D
Thanks for a great and entertaining pretension on the SJ4000.
Thanks for the upload i think in dollar terms this is better than ''the other one' for me
Perfect review and awesome camera! Realy nice work man :)
Thanks for your review on this camera, I ended up buying one and it works great on my motorbike even in the dark! One thing I'd like to mention is that my mounts are quite rigid once tightened up so maybe they have resolved this issue now. I did not need to sandpaper anything, it doesn't budge when riding so that's one more plus. :)
Great and informative video.. Answered some of my questions. I love this camera and now i can do more things with it.Thanks
Im still using it... 6 years old and still working fine
Very nice thorough review. Thanks -- I'm surprised I haven't heard about this model before.
SUPER NICE AND DETAILED REVIEW. thank you.
Absolutely brilliant vid mate! really helpful
Thanks mate - brilliant vid and awesome little camera this - just got mine for xmas and it is surprisingly good at a fraction of the price of...the other one!!
There is a unusual flicker effect with lights and the digital bus signs. I just noticed watching this for a second time. It doesn't seem to be an issue in the night footage. Also you have a great accent! haha
Kip Scott that's what happens when you film a 50hz device with a 30fps device. You'll often get a similar effect if you film a TV with a camera.
Bruh this camera looks awesome! I got one can't wait for it to come in! Nice video :)
Great review...as always!
I'm getting the gopro hero 4 silver for the front of my bike and this SJ4000 for the rear and occasionally use it as a dash cam aswell. Cheers!
thanks. brilliant video!! got mine coming in a couple of days, and now I have all the information, thanks again.
I like the clip thing, you mentioned groin eye view :) This mount is very interesting to me, not for groin eye, but for clipping to a (decent) shirt pocket or lapel (if i can get it rotated right) I'm gonna google to see if I can get this separate. If my hero 3 gets fixed i may skip this camera, if not.. I'm buying it!
I just bought one today for £22 can't wait to use it !
Rachel Ward That will be a fake/copy of the one in this review - not good - check out this article (amongst others) sjcamguides.com/sjcam-sj-scam-difference-real-fake-camera/
***** this is the fake one in video ;)
***** Yes i have the fake and the real one ,, but in this video its the fake one ,, sj4000 A9
+JamesVlogs I'm thinking of getting one how do I look out for the fake, what are the differences, if u can get back to me that would be fab, thanks
+Badre Din This one isn't fake read this Techmoan 4 months ago (edited)
Every now and then - someone comes along and says "Hey that's a clone - it doesn't say SJCAM on the case" - This is incorrect and you might want to know the story behind this.
The upload date on the video is Feb 4 2014. At this time there were no clones as the SJ4000 had only just come out a couple of weeks earlier. Companies can't clone what doesn't exist.
I believe that this was the first review of the SJ4000 on youtube.
I gave the warning in this video that it was likely copies of this camera would start appearing soon. I had experienced this effect before with various popular mini cameras, and as expected, a few months later SJ4000 clones did start to appear.
The clones were the reason for the later SJCAM rebrand - I was in touch with the manufacturers shortly after reviewing their earlier SJ1000 camera (a few months before this video). Whilst communicating with them I suggested that they start branding their camera with a recognisable name rather than just a number so people could better identify their models and avoid buying the clones.
When they introduced the SJ4000 WiFi camera they started branding all their cameras with the SJCAM name. The manufacturers true name is Shenzhen Hong Feng Century Technology Company Limited which doesn't trip off the tongue (or fit on a camera).
nice review mat. totally sold it to me... 42 english on ebay from berkshire... lets hope it actually is in berkshire!!
Thank you for the detail review mate, thinking to buy one.... Cheers....
Very good review. I have just purchased this camera from amazon and hope to get as good footage with it.
5 star mate , no woffle just great info , well done .
I ordered this camera hopefully it works thanks for this
Wow, what an excellent video review! Good job :)
Thanks for a really useful review; I just placed an order for one :-)
@21mins, I laughed so hard at the "coz its a bit of a dump at times" comment, This is the first of your vids I have watched and I think it was a great review with some light hearted humor, you remind me of Yahtzee from The Escapist's Zero Punctuation videos. Thanks for this review, I will be getting one of these instead of one from "that other leading brand" lol
Gosh I love your reviews!
Thanx for this outstanding video. It's absolutely essential since the manual with the camera is UNBELIEVABLY short and unhelpful. I DEFY any new owner to get their camera working without your video - which is nicely shot with an expert commentary. I hope you are on 10% commission.
+Kay Wheeler I just bought the SJ4000 Wi-Fi and the manual is just as unhelpful. Not only is it utterly lacking in user instructions, it actually has information that is incorrect. I suggest having a look at the website for B&H Photo/Video, a US seller. The Q&A section for the camera has lots of both - questions and answers. Some answers are from B&H staff, others are from users. Beyond that, trial-and-error, and this video, are your best bets. Cheers :) www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1081151-REG/sjcam_sj4000wfs_sj4000_silver_with_wi_fi.html
Hi, great review, thanks. I have been using an original GoPro Hero as a dash cam, with a 3M adhesive clip sited behind my rear view mirror, and the camera filming in UPd mode (upside down, because the GoPro had a mount at the bottom of the housing unit). This obviously means the footage is the correct way around. I note that you mention the cradle around the 3 minute mark in your video, and it sounds like you're saying I cannot film upside down, so would need to use the cradle, but can I use my existing 3M clip on my windscreen by fitting it into the top screw of the cradle somehow, or is the only option with this camera to use the suction cup with the cradle? Hope that makes sense. Thanks a lot.
really good video Techmoan I have just bought one for myself and its really good thanks
I'm rather sure that this review helped me decide to buy the SJ4000 as a wedding present recently.
Great review!!!! Very through.
your video helped me loads, also made me laugh an smile with your northern humour; ) owen from liverpool uk