Chinese smartphone maker Xiaomi is bringing its attention to the camera world with results that would make even the most die-hard GoPro fan think twice about their next purchase.
The Yi Action Camera has comparable photo and video taking capacities to an entry level GoPro, despite its smaller size. The new Chinese camera is priced at 399 RMB (about $65, AU$85 or £40). This is half the price of a GoPro Hero.
Both cameras share a lot of features: built-in Wi-Fi for file transfers and a remote control via companion apps, similar battery life, identical waterproof depth, and the handy option of bracket-mounting the device on your chosen helmet, pet harness, or vehicle.
Shockingly, the Yi actually pulls ahead in video quality. The GoPro Hero shoots at a 5-megapixel resolution and records 1080p video at 30fps or 720p video at 30fps. The Yi Action Camera is powered by an Ambarella A7LS image processor paired with Sony's back-illuminated Exmor R BSI CMOS image sensor, which enables it to shoot photos at 16 megapixels and record 1080p video at 60fps, outclassing the GoPro. The Yi is also a great deal lighter at just 72g, versus the 111g GoPro Hero.
The GoPro Hero fights back with a wider viewing angle: 170 degrees against the Yi's 155 degrees. Not to mention that the GoPro's brand has a range of accessories and transparent plastic camera housing, which Xiaomi lacks. The Chinese action camera does come with an expansion option (a selfie stick, along with a choice of white or olive colored camera body) at 499 RMB ($80, AU$105, or £55).
The numbers certainly suggest that the GoPro could have a worthy rival from Xiaomi, but check out the comparison video above (with footage of the video quality from both cameras) to make your own decision.
Slave labor is awesome! NOT!
I'm sure the real gopros are made right next door
I don't doubt it.
Totally agree on that. If you do some Googling, you'll find their cameras are definitely NOT made in the United States.
Chinese steal a concept, don't respect patent and because it's cheaper, people will buy it anyway but if it was your idea that was stolen of perfectly copied, you would all be pissed big time.... Strange isn't ?
What get's my atention is the possibility to shoot slow motion. The Hero 4 is still champ on this field. 720p at 240 fps is great. Still, this Xiaomi camera is good.
Then there's the accessory thing, gopro has a load of them, not to mention wifi connection and other cool gizmos.
I don't own any sport camera, but I've been thinking about getting one just for the fun of it.
As for chinese designed and developed equipments, well, my OnePlus One phone is one of those cheap and powerfull tools, and it's a great one. If it's built with slave labour, well, even apple stuff is made in china and sold with a premium pricetag.
Wanted to buy it (for skiing and summer vacation with kids), and maybe I'll still buy it, but the major turnoff is the lack of image stabilization. What's the use of the "action" cam if there's nothing to stabilize the action.. I don't understand - they have the technology in their phones, and could have used it here too..
Cause if they gave everyone what they wanted up front then they couldn't come up with newer versions. Just enough to upgrade but never enough to keep you from wanting the next version.
those selfie sticks sell for 20RMB on every street corner here in china.. so I'd love someone to tell me why these jokers think theirs is worth $100RMB ?!