Action Camera SJ4000 based on Novatek NT96650 processor

Not so long ago, an interesting, in my opinion, action camera called the SJ4000, which outwardly copies the famous cameras from GoPro, appeared on the market. It is clear that this model is incorrect to compare with GoPro in terms of the quality of materials and iron, since the price difference is fivefold. Accordingly, the quality is different. But all the same, it is interesting to see what the manufacturers of the famous brand SJ4000 have spotted good. In addition, the accessory kit for this camera is very rich and partially compatible with GoPro. In order to show the full potential of this model as objectively as possible, he made more diverse surveys at different times of the day. But first things first.

> Technical Specifications

Matrix: CMOS, 12Mp;
Lens: 170 ° A + HD wide angle;
Processor: Novatek NT96650;
LCD display: 1.5 inches (4: 3);
Video resolution: 1920 * 1080/1080 * 720/848 * 480/640 * 480
Record format: MOV;
Video codec: H.264;
Sound: Built-in microphone
Photo format: JPG, 12 MP, 7 MP, 5 MP;
Memory: MicroSD card up to 32 GB;
Interfaces: Micro-HDMI, Micro-USB 2.0, microSD memory card slot;
Battery capacity: 900 mAh (Li-ion), 70 minutes of continuous shooting (1080p);
Dimensions: 29.8 x 59.2 x 41 mm;
Weight: 44 g, with battery - 59 g;
Additional options: single frame, delayed shooting (2s / 5s / 10s), face detection and smile mode, white balance adjustment, start recording video when the camera is turned on, charging from USB, serial and interval photography, cyclic video recording;

> Completion

Box of cardboard, inside a plastic cradle for the camera and accessories. The silhouette of the camera in a protective box appears through the transparent film:
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The set of accessories in the complete set amazes imagination: fastenings, platforms, fasteners, clothespins and adapters of the most different form and purpose:




The charger unit provides 1A current, does not overheat during operation, charges the battery in 1 hour:



The protective box made of fiberglass is equipped with a latch on the top panel and large duplicate buttons that are conveniently pressed blindly. The manufacturer stated that the box withstands heavy blows and dive to 30 meters. In addition to boxing there is a cover with slots, which is designed for shooting, where special requirements are imposed on sound.




The camera can be mounted on several platforms of different shapes, there is also a mount on the steering wheel, a clothespin for a free lock:



Wide and narrow straps for attaching the camera with a retainer and Velcro:



The main landing sites on the adhesive tape 3M, cable, tie:



Instructions and napkins for the care of optics and screen:

> Design and ergonomics

The camera is available in black with multi-colored front panels. The body is made of durable plastic with soft-touch coating, which does not allow the camera to slip out of hand. Device dimensions are 30 x 59 x 41 and weighs 59 grams.

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On the front panel there is a fisheye lens, an on / off button on the menu:



At the top of the camera are the shutter button \ menu item selection and shooting indicator:



On the right side are the connectors Micro-HDMI, Misro-USB 2.0, a slot for microSD memory cards up to 32 GB and a microphone slot.



On the left side you can see the speaker and the buttons to move through the menu:



The back panel has a 1.5 "screen and status indicators (red and blue). During charging, the blue and red LEDs are lit. When the charging process is over, the red LED goes out. The screen, though small, but as a viewfinder or for quick viewing of the footage Movie mode is indicated by flashing lights (yellow at the top and blue at the back).



Removing the cap at the bottom of the camera, remove the battery, the battery weight is 16 grams, the capacity is 900 mAh, c GoPro is not compatible:

> Iron

The Novatek NT96650 processor installed in the camera easily processes video with a resolution of 1920 * 1080 at a frequency of 30fps without failures and overheating.
This processor was released in 2013, and at that time was the best in terms of price and quality. Many sales hits among DVRs are equipped with this processor.

The camera can shoot:
1) Video mode: 1080p_30k / s, 720p_60k / s, 480p_60k / s (hardware camera only supports 30fps, and 60fps in the video is obtained by software duplication of frames: two identical frames instead of one).
2) Photos with a resolution of 5Mp to 12Mp.

> Interface and software

The camera interface is simplified to minimalism: front - button on / mode switching; top - OK start / end of shooting; on the side - the volume-zoom-transition menu. All buttons are intuitive and easily searched in the blind.



When connected to a PC, the camera asks for an operation mode, either as a USB flash drive or as a webcam.
I will note some operating modes and functions: 1) Mode of cyclic video recording of 3/5/10 minutes and rewriting; 2) Photo timer 2s / 5s / 10s; 3) CAR DV mode (recorder in the car: the camera can start recording when the charger is connected and stop after); 4) Photos while recording.

> Shooting in various modes

A lens with a fixed focal length has a viewing angle of 170 °. For shooting video, a resolution range is available from 640 * 480 to 1920 * 1080.
SJ1000 can take photos with a resolution of 12 megapixels. The images are of medium quality, with some spatial distortion and a decrease in sharpness at the edges.



Source photos

All videos that were directly shot on this camera, I conditionally divided into several parts, the title of the video shows the resolution and frame rate.

Underwater shooting in the pool:


Source video


Source video

Shooting on high-speed bikes with fixed gear:


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Source video

Shooting on a mountain bike (in a protective box from the steering wheel and from the helmet):


Source video


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Source video

On scooters and pipe run:


Source video


Source video

> Conclusion:

SJ4000 made a positive impression on me. For its price, this model deserves the highest praise.

Pros:
1. Shooting FullHD 1080p 30fps (clear picture with good illumination of objects)
2. 1.5 "color viewfinder
3. Micro-HDMI interface for video output
4. Recorder mode in auto: cyclic video recording (3, 5, 10 min.), Image rotation, video recording while charging, motion sensor
5. Compact size and light weight (59 g)
6. Waterproof protective box (up to 30m) and a rich set of accessories in the package
7. Compatibility with accessories for GoPro
8. Webcam mode when connected to computer
9. LED charging indicator, shooting mode

Minuses:
1. Lack of support for 60fps (Novatek NT96650 processor hardware limitations)
2. Date and time get lost after changing the battery.
3. When shooting in the dark, the picture loses clarity.

The camera was purchased in the store DX.com . In the coming days, this store will host the premiere of the updated SJ5000 model.

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