[Closed] PSA - GoPro alternative (sj4000) less than 40 quid!

Yeah, mine is supposed to be here between the 7th and the 27th of November. I've not had much luck with stuff shipped from China recently. My SDR never arrived and the vendor claimed the postie might have stolen it. They have shipped another one anyway.

Let's hope this one turns up.

Has anyone had there's yet? I had an attempted delivery card yesterday but was in work 🙁 anyone else had theirs yet, can't think of anything else I've ordered so hopefully that will be it! Wife's home today so hopefully they will try again!

I bought one of these via Amazon and it arrived within 2 days. Tested it today on commute to work and I am very happy with picture quality. BUT forward facing mic is non-existent when camera is in the casing. I tried talking to the camera from the front of the bike and it picks up nothing. I am guessing this is due to the case but am a bit disappointed by sound pick up. If the sound could be made better this would be an excellent buy.

Picked mine up from the depot today, not had chance to have a proper play but the firmware confirms it's definitely an SJCAM SJ4000.

Mine still has not arrived, hopefully it should be here before the weekend.

I bought one of these via Amazon and it arrived within 2 days. Tested it today on commute to work and I am very happy with picture quality. BUT forward facing mic is non-existent when camera is in the casing. I tried talking to the camera from the front of the bike and it picks up nothing. I am guessing this is due to the case but am a bit disappointed by sound pick up. If the sound could be made better this would be an excellent buy.

I use the waterproof door always myself, it just tends to pick up bike noises/vibrations.

[quote=buck53 ]Picked mine up from the depot today, not had chance to have a proper play but the firmware confirms it's definitely an SJCAM SJ4000.

Can I just confirm that is an EvoMtb one, and that the firmware is a standard way of checking it is genuine? (I'll google anyway, but nice to know if somebody else has confirmation). Might just go for it in that case, thanks for being the guinea pig!

Gah! Mine is still not here!

Yep, ordered through EvoMTB. Firmware name/version is the easiest way to test with one in your hand, IMO. Firmware is not the latest version as standard but can be updated online.

Also just checked against the 'how to spot a fake' article. I'm 100% happy it's a genuine SJ4000. Hope that helps someone.

@buck53: I hope you're right but looking at the EvoMTB site I can't help but think they're a tad dubious. In4dealz images, no phone number and a shoddy Facebook site = questionable authenticity IMO. Connected with Amazon but that means diddly squat.

Not heard anything about mine for a couple of weeks now.

Can any one recommend a cheap/good chest strap?

Apparently only 8 yellow units left...so I grabbed one whilst it was at £34.65, I'll get the latest firmware so it'll be updated when it arrives.

[url= http://www.amazon.co.uk/Adjustable-Elastic-Harness-SJ4000-Camera/dp/B00LUKL846/ref=sr_1_cc_1?s=aps&ie=UTF8&qid=1415915130&sr=1-1-catcorr&keywords=QUMOX+chest ]Chest mount[/url] - £9 - mine arrived earlier this week and it appears to be the same as a GoPro chest Mount - I've not tried it yet but I've worn it in the house and it seems to be ok.

Also, [url= http://www.amazon.co.uk/Mounts-Accessories-SJ4000-Action-Camera/dp/B00JEUMHYE/ref=sr_1_cc_1?s=aps&ie=UTF8&qid=1415915233&sr=1-1-catcorr&keywords=QUMOX+Mounts+Accessories+Stips ]Mount Accessories[/url] - £13 - again, they all seem to be great, but not tried them yet.

I've got a Drift Innovations Ghost camera and it uses a standard 1/4" screw for the mount and the accessories kit had this plus the go-pro attachment and it appears I've got better helmet mount now than the one I had.

Anyone been using the wifi with an Android device? Reviews on Play Store make out it's pretty cack.

Delivery on those EvoMTB versions (via Amazon) is 5 weeks else pay £26 for 3-4 days.

I picked up a go pro chesty mount second hand For peanuts off a mate, eBay perhaps?

I take it that the Novatek and the Efine as seen on Amazon are copies?

The novatek on this thread isn't a copy, it's the genuine sjcam one. Not sure what you mean by efine?

OK, was going to go for one, but then went through the basket / checkout process. Am I really the first to notice that EvoMTB isn't actually a shop front at all, simply fronting for other people's Amazon shops (I presume they get some sort of kickback)? If you try buying different things they're "selling", you actually end up buying from different people on Amazon. In the case of the SJ4000 it appears to be a company called accmart for the yellow and black ones (though the silver one is from a different company called 99digitals, hence the difference in price)
http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00JA0LQAE/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=AXA2QK0H4UA9Y
http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00JA0LQ2C/ref=ox_sc_act_title_2?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=AXA2QK0H4UA9Y
http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00NJNC7RY/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A2FCWVJ5NMRNRU

This would also explain the shipping time, as if you check the "Offers for this product" http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/offer-listing/B00JA0LQAE/ref=dp_olp_new?ie=UTF8&condition=new it says that Accmart is shipping from Hong Kong, so you could (and should) be liable to pay VAT on the import, and you're likely to have little to no protection or opportunity to return if you have a problem as it won't be covered under distance selling.

Maybe still a decent deal, but actually no more reassuring than anything else shipped direct from China or HK with an Amazon shopfront.

Hmmmmm. Still waiting for mine from EvoMTB.

It's not coming from EvoMTB

Hmmmmm. Still waiting for the one I ordered [i]via[/i] EvoMTB. </pedant version>

so you could (and should) be liable to pay VAT on the import, and you're likely to have little to no protection or opportunity to return if you have a problem as it won't be covered under distance selling.

Just in case anyone is interested, I didn't pay any import duty on mine, I'm willing to take a gamble on any problems at the price. There's a surprising amount of info online if any problems do crop up, so I'd have a fighting chance of fixing any problems.

Now if you'll excuse me, I'm off to look for trouble on my commute. 😉

Does the SJ4000 (wifi version, if that makes a difference) charge off a laptop/PC or normal USB charger plug? Or does it require the official charger? Ta

Lidl are doing £80 wifi enabled HD action cam on Thursday. Waterproof to 60m so perfect for the coming winter then...

I'm not overly bothered about who is taking my money, at that price for what appears to be a genuine product, it's worth purchasing. I've got a couple of links, and I'm trying to track down an outline of what the latest firmware includes so that when it arrives and I update the firmware then I'll have an idea of what is new.

I use iMovie or Ableton.

Mine arrived today, I haven't had a chance to play with it get but comparing it to my existing one it looks like the real deal.

Not got mine yet. Ordered through Evo mtb, not so worried as the despatch email did say it could take up to the 27th, but I want to play with it......

Ordered the [url= http://www.banggood.com/SJcam-SJ4000-WiFi-Car-DVR-Camera-Sport-DV-Novatek-Waterproof-p-939976.html ]wifi version through Bang Good ([/url]ooh er) yesterday. Chose shipping from UK warehouse which means 1-3 days delivery but unfortunately no battery charger ... hence my question a couple of days ago.

I'm hoping this means the missing bit is just the plug (as maybe they only have overseas versions) and not what looks like the battery cradle thingy. Have loads of normal USB plugs lying around, so can anyone confirm if the battery charges in this way or needs a specific cradle (that may not be in the UK package)? I asked the question of BG on Sunday and received a reply last night stating I should buy a USB plug - but I'm not 100% convinced.

Ta

Yeah, it charges via USB cable, there's no cradle needed, the charging circuit is in the camera. The only thing you'll need to check is that the voltage of the wall adaptor you use matches. Off the top of my head I think that it's 5v but can't confirm as I'm not with the unit at the moment.

Hmm, didn't think about the voltage being an issue. Is that why people have reported the battery won't charge when connected to a laptop/PC etc?

Re cradle, I thought one of these was necessary to charging? Maybe not - perhs it just speeds up the charging process?

[img] [/img]

Hmm, didn't think about the voltage being an issue. Is that why people have reported the battery won't charge when connected to a laptop/PC etc?

Yup.

perhs it just speeds up the charging process?

Nope. Another chance to charge you a few quid, innit.

Mine has charged no problem, weather plugged into a cheapy USB wall adaptor, or one of many laptops. It can take longer to charge if your charger doesn't supply enough current, but it will charge regardless. The included USB cable isn't bad either, I've used others and they work also.

Also my one from the evomtb link came with a US mains to USB adaptor, along with a travel adaptor for the UK, so you should have everything you need apart from a micro SD card.

Excellent. My SJ4000 has now shipped (from within UK) so hopefully I'll receive it in time for filming some trails on Sunday. Forgot to order the chesty mount and micro SD card so ta for the reminder.

What SD card are people using for these? I've got one on the way so need to get a card for it..
Thanks

Mine just arrived. There's a hell of a lot of bits that come with it. Unfortunately it's a Chrimbo present so can't use it yet 🙁

Anyone bought one of the Lidl versions? I work for them and have put one aside for if I decide to, just not sure whether to now I know I can get the sj4000 one for half the price!

Mine's turned up in the post today as well. From the look of it, it's a genuine one. Now, I had planned on going out on the bike this weekend, but was wavering slightly (what with it being cold and wet and all). This might make me a bit more determined.

Or I could go out on the kayak for a paddle.

Bit of [url= http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2090990&page=13 ]technical review video here[/url] if anyone's interested.

Forgot to order the bloody SD card again = ggrhrrhhrhrhhgghh. Don't fancy trying a "slow" 10mps high street jobby so looks like waiting for Amazon shipment for Monday. Arse biscuits.

[url= http://www.techfunology.com/electronics/digital-cameras/memory-cards/micro-sd/best-micro-sd-cards-of-2014-for-photography-action-cams-and-videocameras/ ]Comparison of micro SD card performances[/url] specific to filming/photography.

Looking through the article above I'm wondering if the reason that some footage (including Go Pros etc) looks a bit sh1t is because of the quality/speed of the SD card? I assume some won't function at HD and some will just be downright sh1t for even 720?

Yep mine arrived as well today. Looks great, will be trying it out this weekend.

As above, no end of bits with it and i reckon i'll get a chest mount and one of those silly stick things as well. woo hoo can't wait.......

willard/ads678 - when did you order your one? Just trying to work out how accurate the ETA is - 27th Nov-16th December!

Harumph! Mines not here yet. Working from home tomorrow, fingers crossed.

Mine arrived today having been ordered on the 29th August.
Small padded envelope, lots of goodies inside 😀

I ordered mine the day this thread started.

Mine arrived yeterday.
First impressions:
The camera seems to work well. I had a 2GB SD card kicking around from a phone that died and that gives me 15 minutes recording time for now.
I had to find longer screws for the mounting hardware to make any of them work on a bike.
I now ordered one of these mounts for the new Electron F650 light. Gopro (and SJ4000) compatible, £14.99 from any bike shop with a Madison account. At 35mm diameter it will need packing out for most handlebars but will clamp snugly on a lot of stems.

[img] [/img]

The locking mechanism on the waterproof case is a little delicate. I managed to break the small tab off it in a moment of hamfistedness. Now fixed though.

I think I ordered mine at the same time as the thread started, so it took nearly a month to get here. A month of impatient waiting, nail chewing and restlessness for shiny new toy.

Think mine was about 2.5 weeks from ordering.

Cool thanks, so another 10 days at least...

Ordered mine on Wed and received it today. Looks pretty damn genuine too. Loads of gubbins in the box. Currently charging + SanDisk Extreme Plus card arriving tomorrow = hoping to give it a run out on the trails on Sunday 🙂

What colour did you order?

Black (wifi version). Got a second battery as well. About £80 all in.

I got the yellow one. It's identifying itself as j1455 on the computer. Is this the right one?

I now ordered one of these mounts for the new Electron F650 light. Gopro (and SJ4000) compatible, £14.99 from any bike shop with a Madison account. At 35mm diameter it will need packing out for most handlebars but will clamp snugly on a lot of stems.

Thanks for that recomendation. Just what I was looking for.

Do we know which version of the firmware comes with the units? Do we need to install a newer firmware version? (I've found 3 locations with firmware but no idea if it needs it or which one it may need)...just getting things prepped so when it arrives I can set it all up!

I like that bar mount but it looks like it has a screw to mount it.
I wonder if there is an equivalent which has a quick release mount like the great Lumicycle light mounts

The mount will just attach direct to the waterproof housing. You could prob try to attach a tripod mount type thing to it?

mlke. The mount is hinged opposite the screw and the lower half is slotted where the screw passes through so the screw can be pivotted out of the way when the tension has been released. The body is alloy. rather than black plastic, the photo doesn't make that obvious.

That sounds just the job Mostly B. I think I'll invest in one.
The next thing I'll end up spending cash on is to upgrade the memory card (thingee whatever they're called)

So my youngest is after a Go-Pro for Christmas, this seems like a viable alternative. Are the ones available via EvoMTB OK then..?

Not impressed so far.

Everything seems legit but 2 problems:

1. General consensus is to format the SD card to exFAT (to go beyond 4Gb max capacity), but when I do this the SJ4000 says "Memory Error". So I've gone with the in-camera format option which I've heard is the equivalent of FAT32, so it now records fine but might well limit storage to 4Gb. Still testing so haven't got that far yet. Giving it the benefit of the doubt for now as I'm running new newer firmware (28th Sep 2014) so maybe it will max out the 32Gb.

2. The "up" and "down" buttons on the waterproof case don't physically touch the camera buttons, therefore they may as well not be there. Have been trying to free them up but the still seem a good mm or more away from making contact.

Anyone has similar issues?

Big M: I got mine from [url= http://www.banggood.com/SJcam-SJ4000-WiFi-Car-DVR-Camera-Sport-DV-Novatek-Waterproof-p-939976.html ]Bang Good[/url] - ordered this week and delivered within a couple of days. UK Warehouse and on first impressions completely original. Niggled by a couple of things as per post above.

Black wifi version with extra battery 1-3 day delivery £80 ish.

Well I got mine from evomtb (black) delivery was just over 2 weeks and I am more than happy with it, it's a genuine one and I am now tempted to order another for filming from multiple angles.

Would I be daft not to buy a new Go-pro Hero for £67.50 (100% authentic, just staff discount)
Have always fancied playing around with an action camera, but been hesitant about buying a "cheap" one

Tested the card and all is working well, ie have recorded 10Gb of video with a bunch of photos too. I think the new firmware has got rid of the original problem where the in-camera formatting capped storage at 4Gb. Bottom line: just format the card inside the camera and you're good to go.

Only thing to resolve now is getting the up(and wifi)/down buttons to work properly via the waterproof cover.

thanks for the advice, cheers.

I can use the up and down buttons when in the case on mine. You have to be be pretty firm, but they do work.

Wukfit-
I'd say yes get one, if I could have got a GoPro for that money I probably would of. Having said that, now I have the sj4000 I'd not bother evn if I managed to get it that cheap, I'd sooner get 2 of these lol. However if I had never tried these then, yes I'd have jumped on a 67 quid GoPro

Been looking around and there seems to be a lot of fakes about.
Anyone looked at a Denver ac5000W?
Found some online for less than £90 with free 32gb SD card.

Kebg, the ones from evomtb seem to be genuine from what everyone has said and my own experience.

Knot seen the Denver, but if it's priced at £90 then the obvious thing to do would be to go gopro4 instead surely?

Right, first impressions from today's 3hr ride ...

[b]Pros[/b]

- HD quality is much better than expected. Really bloody good in fact.
- Sound is similarly a lot better. Trail noise and speech etc all perfectly audible.
- The integrated card formatting option is bang on (not sure if this applies only to Sep firmware upgrade onwards?). No need to use a PC/Mac and faff around with FAT32 vs exFAT.

[b]Cons[/b]

- Battery lasts about 45 mins on HD. Not necessarily bad - more a case of getting in the habit of stopping/starting recording when necessary as opposed to recording 15 min climbs.
- Swapping batteries in sh1tty wet weather means condensation getting in the case - not sure how best to deal with that when in a rush.
- Mounting on a helmet makes said helmet "nod" forward every so often. On-the-fly adjusting often required, usually when you really want both hands on the bars. It also means you have to take more care to avoid low-hanging branches etc.
- Not having an appropriate bar mount (out of the box) is a bit pants, but I reckon sourcing the (Madison) one mentioned above will improve the whole usability experience.
- Can't believe how slow we all looked in the footage 🙂 I know the trails were sketchy and in most parts more technical than usual, but even so, we look damn laboured!

So in summary, [b]the cons aren't really an issue[/b] once I 1) make better use of recording time, 2) find a spot on bar mount, and 3) ride faster! Those, coupled with the excellent output really [b]make the SJ4000 a no-brainer[/b] for those wanting a wifi action camera (with various additional mounts and spare batteries etc) for IRO £100.

Am also aware of how hosts like YouTube/Facebook lessen the quality of recordings, which in my mind doesn't do justice to the quality available. Maybe something like a Vimeo Pro account would improve that side of things (for those that have one or want to spend the cash).

Would I be daft not to buy a new Go-pro Hero for £67.50 (100% authentic, just staff discount)

I'd still get the SJ4000. It compares favourably to higher-range Go Pro models, the £100 Hero is just a low quality camera with a Go Pro badge and hefty mark-up.

Is anyone using an SJ4000 with one of these mounts?

[img] [/img]
[url= http://www.premier-ink.co.uk/photographic/general-accessories/peak-design-capture-20-camera-clip-system-with-pov-kit-p-8134.html ]Link[/url]

I reckon it could be a good alternative to my helmet mounted Contour when commuting.

That looks like a good mount, however it would need to come right up onto the shoulder nearly to film when leaning forward ect. However that's also a hefty price tag imo just for a mount! Think il stick to the chest mount even if it does mean an extra thing to put on

Drift do a [url= http://www.actioncameras.co.uk/drift-shoulder-mount ]shoulder mount[/url] - There may be a mount with the SJ4000 that allows it to be mounted on a standard 1/4" mount - if not, the previous link I gave with a box of mounts for the SJ4000 comes with a standard tripod mount that could be used.

Unless it makes me look like Predator, I'm not keen on a shoulder mount.

Oh, and Spacemonkey, do you have a link to the place with the new firmware at all?

What is the latest firmware?

Hmm, not sure what the latest is. Mine shipped with the Sept update.

Techmoan is normally a good source for such info but even his [url= http://www.techmoan.com/files-drivers/ ]file driver page is out of date.[/url]

I'll have another look in a bit.

EDIT: if you can bring yourselves to visit a BMW forum page then check out [url= http://forum.bmw5.co.uk/topic/103263-sj4000-action-camera-firmware-update/ ]this link the Aug update.[/url]

A few other sites have links but IMO I wouldn't download from them.

My camera turned up on Friday, first play at home seems good. Charger went bang the first time I plugged it in though so don't leave it unattended. It just takes a normal micro USB so replacement chargers are easy.

I'm well impressed with mine, can't fault it for the money.

I've just been using my phone charger so no dodgy Chinese fireworks.