The easypix GoXtreme Barracuda 4K camera with integrated 16 megapixel sensor and a 170 degree wide angle lens is an action camera that is waterproof up to 10 meters, even without a housing.
With this cam you can expect versatile functions, a comfortable handling and breathtaking 4K video recordings at 25 frames per second. Everything else you need to know about this action camera can be found in this report.
You can view our detailed test report here:
Technical specifications
The maximum resolution of the camera is 3840 x 2176 at 25 fps, which is actually “4K”. But actually this 4K mode is interpolated according to the manufacturer. Interpolation is the extrapolation of the resolution.
Physically the camera has only a FullHD resolution, but the image is digitally upscaled to 4K resolution by adding “calculated pixels” (interpolation).
When we talk about the maximum frame rate, we are at 120 frames per second at a resolution of 1280 x 720 pixels.
All resolution/frame frequency ratios of the video mode at a glance:
- 3840 x 2176 (25 fps)
- 2704 x 1536 pixels (30 fps)
- 1920 x 1080 pixels (30/60 fps)
- 1280 x 720 pixels (30/60/120 fps)
Unfortunately, the 170 degree wide angle lens cannot be adjusted, but it still represents a big advantage over other cameras, because more image information is captured.
Videos are generally stored in H.264 MP4 format on a micro SD card. Here you can use memory cards up to 64 Gbyte. Under the flap of the battery compartment there are several connectors, including micro HDMI and micro USB.
The recording quality is extremely good. The image and video recordings appear very real, are not faded or even too bright or too dark. Although the edges look a bit stretched, this is perfectly normal due to the wide angle of the camera lens. This takes up a very wide field of view.
However, we recommend that you preferably film in 1920 x 1080 pixel mode, because at 4K and 2.7K you can clearly see that the captured images are interpolated (extrapolated).
Simple menu navigation and operation
The menu of the Barracuda camera is quite clear. But you can’t wipe to the left or right like other cameras with a touch field, for example to change or leave the menu structure.
To open the menu you have to tap once on the screen, then 4 small windows will be shown below which you also have to tap to open the main menu.
In the lower right corner there is the settings menu where you can set for example the video modes like resolution, quality, slow motion, time lapse, white balance and exposure value (EV). To scroll in the submenu you can’t just wipe up or down, but have to use the arrow keys.
In the timelapse function you can choose in which interval the camera should take a picture. The intervals are 0.5, 1, 3, 5, 10, 30 seconds or 1 minute. If you want to create a timelapse video in this mode, you have to make sure that the battery is fully charged.
If the camera goes off in the middle of the process, you won’t have any video at the end, but only an empty file will be displayed, which means all recordings are lost. This is of course a problem, because the battery does not last for hours of use, a cheap powerbank can help here.
In the general settings you can set normal things like language, invert mode, WiFi password, frequency and more.
Controlling the easypix GoXtreme Barracuda 4K action camera via smartphone and app
To pair the smartphone with the camera, you need the “iSmart DV” app, which you can download from the Appstore.
Afterwards you just have to press the “Ok-Button” of the camera a bit longer to activate the WLAN of the cam. In the app you can then select and connect the camera.
Now the images are transmitted in real time as live image to your smartphone. However, the transmission time or the time delay is about 1-2 seconds. With action cameras of the same price range this delay is much shorter, so we have to deduct a point here.
The app’s menu navigation and user interface are pretty self-explanatory and even beginners will find their way around pretty quickly.
Videos and photos can be viewed directly without having to download the files from the camera to your smartphone. When playing videos, they are virtually “streamed”.
In the upper right corner of the app, the signal strength of the WLAN connection and the charge level (battery symbol) are clearly displayed. On top of it you can find the menu of the app, where you can also set the resolution and the frame rate. In the lower right corner you can choose between video recording, photo and time lapse.
Scope of delivery
The Barracuda camera comes with many elements that make it quite easy to use. Not included is an extra housing, but a frame holder. The following is a short list of what is included in the package:
- 1x Easypix GoXtreme Barracuda 4K camera
- 1x Bicycle Mount
- 1x helmet mount
- 1x mounting foot and frame bracket
- Various angles for the brackets
Advantages and disadvantages
Let us now come to the advantages and disadvantages of the Barracuda action camera. In general we would say that despite some points of criticism this model is very well suited for hobby use, because you can get it for a rather low price.
Advantages:
- Barracuda Action Camera is waterproof up to 10 meters without housing – it is therefore perfect for snorkeling, swimming and diving to this depth
- It has a touch display and an easy to use menu structure
- Numerous accessories, angles and brackets
- Can be easily connected to the smartphone via app
- Has numerous shooting modes
Disadvantages:
- Unfortunately there is no remote control or wrist strap included for this model
- The 2.7K and 4K video mode is not as high quality as some other models, the reason is the interpolation of the images
- Up to 2 seconds delay in the real-time transmission of images to the smartphone
Conclusion: Light and shadow
Of course the manufacturer is not as well known as GoPro in the field of action cameras, but these cams are also many times more expensive than the Easypix GoXtreme Barracuda.
Unfortunately the Barracuda has some teething problems, like the time delay of 1-2 seconds during the realtime transmission or the problem that the 4K resolution is only achieved by interpolation and therefore does not do justice to the real quality of such a resolution.
Nevertheless this is an action camera which you can buy for about 98€ on Amazon.
It is perfect for hobby photographers and amateur videographers.
