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| Videoqualität | |
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| Average 0/5 |
If you want to make breathtaking videos in 4K resolution and 60 frames per second while snorkeling or diving, it is worth taking a closer look at the SJCAM SJ8 Pro. You can dive with the waterproof IP 68 housing up to 30 meters deep and take great pictures & videos of the underwater world.
At the same time it is super light and easy to transport. Furthermore, the handling is quite simple in terms of design and menu navigation. So the camera is also quite suitable for beginners.
Besides the use in underwater areas, there are also many alternative application possibilities. The action camera is suitable for aerial photography, cycling, motorcycling, skiing and even extreme sports.
In the following report we have collected the most important facts about the SJCAM SJ8 Pro camera and would like to make your purchase decision easier. It is definitely inexpensive and carries a lot of technical power.
You can watch our detailed test video of the Actioncam here:
Technical data of the SJCAM SJ8 Pro 4K/60FPS Sport Action Camera
The heart of the camera is the 12 MP sensor and the Ambarella H22 chipset. The photo lens has a diameter of about 2.8 mm. The modern chipset makes it possible to produce videos in the following resolution formats:
- 4K (60 frames per second)
- 4K (30 fps)
- 2.7k (60 fps)
Such high frame rates are not available with every camera in this price segment and raise the value significantly. You can create extremely high slow-motion movies because the chipset and the photo sensor provide you with up to 240 frames per second.
Furthermore, you have the following settings options regarding resolution and frame rate:
- 1080P (1920 x 1080 up to 120 fps)
- 720P (240 fps)
If you record in 4K and 60 fps, the video of course has an enormously high data rate and you need a lot of storage space. You can insert a TF memory card with 128 Gbyte into the device. This is unfortunately not included in the scope of delivery.
The 3.8V 1200 mAh battery gives the camera life for about 90 minutes. This time value is only an average value. You can also use the camera for a much longer or shorter time, it depends on the resolution and fps you have set. At 4K resolution and 30 frames per second, you should end up with a battery life of 45 minutes, at Full-HD 90 minutes. The charging time is about 2.5 hours when fully charged.
The camera can store images and videos in one format each. For images, it is possible to save them in JPG or RAW format. Recorded videos are in WAV format and may need to be converted on the PC if you need MP4.
For hobby use the available formats are sufficient. But the device can also be used by professionals, as it supports RAW-format images and demanding photographers can get the most out of their photos afterwards.
The dimensions of the camera are: 6.25 cm (width) x 4.1 cm (height) x 2.88 cm (depth). It is therefore very compact and hardly noticeable. You can also mount it on your drone and create great videos from a bird’s eye view.
Photo and video quality
Certainly many people are interested in the photo and video quality and how this is to be evaluated in the price segment in which the camera is moving.
In comparison to other action cameras, the SJCA SJ8 Pro scored very well in terms of resolution, clear and smooth images and high frame rates in video recordings. Even at twilight and in darkness, the lens captures all existing light sources and the image doesn’t look too dark.
The device has a WIFI function. The signal reaches about 10 meters and you can connect any device to the camera and watch the pictures & videos.
Alternatively, you can view the files on the 2.33 inch LCD screen. On the display the pictures are shown pin sharp & fine.
Furthermore, the camera has an 8x digital zoom, which can optimally reach even distant objects. In the following we have made two photos, each of them showing one picture without zoom and the second one with maximum zoom.
You have to accept a reduction in quality, but this is perfectly normal for action cams that have a zoom.
Video recordings with 60 frames per second and Ultra-HD are really almost ready for the cinema, but the exposure should be good. As you have seen in our recordings, the camera also cuts a good figure underwater. We have been snorkeling as well as diving and can say with certainty that the housing keeps the Actioncam completely dry up to 20m depth.
So that you can see the camera in action, we have packed the SJ8Pro onto the Phantom 3 Professional and made a few rounds with it.
Features and scope of delivery
Not every action camera has an extra waterproof casing. The SJCAM SJ8 Pro camera stands out from the crowd with its IP 68 waterproof housing.
IP 68 is to be understood as follows: IP is a designation and stands for “International Protection”. It is a measure of how well electronic equipment is protected against the ingress of water and solid foreign bodies such as dust. 6 Stands for Dust-proof, i.e. no dust can penetrate from outside. 8 Means that the device is protected against water up to 1 meter or deeper. In this case up to 30 meters. The highest degree would be IP 69, in which case the unit would also be protected against a high-pressure water jet.
Surely you are wondering what is included in the package. Well, you’ll find everything you typically need for the extensive use of an ActionCam in the package.
Are included:
- 1 x SJ8 Pro Action Camera
- 1 x waterproof housing with bracket and screw
- 4 x base
- 1 x adhesive
- 2 x mounting bracket
- 1 x handlebar mount
- 1 x tripod adapter
- 1 x USB cable
Must still be bought:
- TF memory card (ActionCam supports cards up to 128 Gbyte)
Assets and drawbacks
The purchase of a good ActionCam for over 250€ should be well considered. We have therefore summarized the most important advantages and disadvantages for you once again. Of course the price plays a big role here, but you also get a lot of quality. The price/performance ratio is right in our opinion.
Advantages:
- Ambarella H22 S85 Chipset (Latest chipset solution for action cameras)
- 12 MP photo sensor
- High battery performance, up to 90 minutes battery life when shooting in Full HD
- 2.33” UHD touch screen with simple structured menu navigation
- 8 x electronic zoom
- Ultrasonic sharp, smooth photo and video recording
- High frame rates (60 fps at 4K resolution, 240 fps at 720p)
- Waterproof housing up to 30 meters (IP 68 – ideal for snorkelers & divers)
- Features USB type C connector (improved data transfer – you can connect an external microphone)
- Supports RAW format (files can be saved losslessly)
- 170 degrees wide angle
Disadvantages:
- Price-intensive
- Upgrade to latest firmware must be done for everything to work properly
Conclusion about the SJCAM SJ8 Pro 4K/60FPS camera
This ActionCam has only been on the market since the spring of 2018 and combines the latest technological achievements with high-quality design and this for the first time in the field of action cameras. The new Ambarella chipset has been built into this model and has never before been used in any other ActionCam.
Thus, the SJCAM SJ8 Pro 4K/60FPS camera has a unique selling proposition, which definitely justifies the high price. In our opinion, it is definitely worth the proud sum of about 270-280€.
Whether you need so much power to document your leisure activities via videos and photos is another matter. If you have no experience with action cams and are looking for a slightly cheaper model, just have a look at our section Action Cams, there you can get cams for a fraction of the price.
But if you finally want to invest a little bit of money in high-quality, pin sharp, smooth shots and capture your sports & leisure activities as detailed and real as possible, this action cam is one of the best on the market.
==> Here you can buy the SJCAM SJ8 Pro camera on Amazon*.
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