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

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For those looking at the rucksack mount above, this is what I've done to mount mine in a similar fashion:

I was careful to line it up before doing it but it works a treat now and is nice and subtle on the commute, the mount barely noticable for me when the camera isn't attached.


 
Posted : 25/11/2014 4:01 pm
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That rucksack idea could be handy.

Noticed with my first attempt on Sunday, using it as a helmet cam, that there was little or no vibration. I guess attaching it to the bars would mean a dramatic upshift in that department, whereas a chesty/rucksack option would be a middle ground?


 
Posted : 25/11/2014 4:53 pm
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^^
That's my thinking, I personally haven't bothered even trying the bar mount, partly because there's not a lot of room with two lights on my CdF bars, that shoulder mount works a treat though.


 
Posted : 26/11/2014 9:10 am
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Well, it works well so far, but I have noticed that, since the flashing to the latest firmware, the button arrangement seems to be a bit weird (i.e. the "up" button does not do up, but the "down" button does). Before the upgrade, all was fine.

Good image quality though, so otherwise happy.


 
Posted : 26/11/2014 10:11 am
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Not received mine yet. ordered on the 4th November, so over 3 weeks now.

I ordered the black one and it says on the Amazon order sold by Buyin-now-uk is this where other peoples have come from?

I ordered it initially from the evo mtb link above.

How long did other peoples take to arrive?

In fact now if you go through Evomtb it now links through to a company called Superstore Electronics £34.02. So is it luck of the draw that you get a fake?


 
Posted : 26/11/2014 9:42 pm
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Mine took about 3 weeks, ordered from evo too. Definitely came from China..


 
Posted : 26/11/2014 9:47 pm
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Update on the Electron Light mount.

To make it easier to get on and off without having to completely undo the screw and have the small silver pivot it threads into drop out, I've trimmed 5mm off the plastic moulding on the screw to expose more thread.

With various packing strips the mount fits well on handlebars, some stems, round frame tubes and seatposts.


 
Posted : 27/11/2014 11:26 am
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Going via evomtb couple of days ago the purchase went through accmart, bit nervous now! Looking at the options it looks like one of the options is fulfilled by Amazon, wish I'd gone through them 😐


 
Posted : 27/11/2014 12:36 pm
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Just ordered mine. 30.52£

What card should I get?


 
Posted : 28/11/2014 1:58 pm
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A class10


 
Posted : 28/11/2014 8:28 pm
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FunkyDunc - Member

Not received mine yet. ordered on the 4th November, so over 3 weeks now.

Same here, so at least it's not just me then, it should be here by the 3rd December so the email said, talk about cutting it fine.


 
Posted : 28/11/2014 8:37 pm
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double post


 
Posted : 28/11/2014 8:39 pm
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[quote=FunkyDunc ]In fact now if you go through Evomtb it now links through to a company called Superstore Electronics £34.02. So is it luck of the draw that you get a fake?

Yep, pretty much (oh and that price is +postage). It looks like the ones accmart are selling are genuine from people's experiences, but the trouble with these is it appears that some suppliers have sold genuine ones and then fakes under the same description so there's no guarantee.

Still not sure why anybody is taking it being on Evomtb as providing any sort of security, given that as I pointed out earlier they're simply fronting for stuff on Amazon marketplace (not just for this camera, but for everything they "sell"). I presume they get some sort of commission for linking through like this.


 
Posted : 28/11/2014 9:14 pm
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Yes they do, they link to the cheapest Amazon seller - hardly the way to guarantee genuine products!


 
Posted : 28/11/2014 9:34 pm
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If you read EvoMTB About us and the footer to their website it says they are an affiliated advertisement program purely designed to get advertisement fees payment from any amazon sales through them!

If anything goes wrong the contact wont be through them but Amazon!

The item EVOMTB list changes on a daily basis dependant on what seller on Amazon has it listed cheaper on that day you buy it (automated I'm sure)

I have ordered one - but went through Amazon as have had good experiences in the past with Amazon supporting lost packages etc.


 
Posted : 28/11/2014 9:39 pm
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Glad I opted for BangGood and not EvoMTB in the end. Had my doubts about them from the start plus I didn't want to wait 5 weeks for delivery. Would like to be proved wrong though and see everyone here receive a genuine unit.


 
Posted : 28/11/2014 9:53 pm
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I think the point is that whether we get genuine items or not has sod all to do with evomtb!


 
Posted : 28/11/2014 10:10 pm
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My Chinese one turned up today, looks good with plenty of kit and a nice feel but now it's gone into hiding until Christmas 😥


 
Posted : 29/11/2014 1:18 pm
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Yay, mine arrived today.


 
Posted : 01/12/2014 2:59 pm
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And mine, in time for trip to CyB this weekend 🙂


 
Posted : 01/12/2014 3:01 pm
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Mines arrived today. Not happy.

NOT in a box. Do I get my money back from Amazon, or do I have to pursue the seller ?


 
Posted : 01/12/2014 9:08 pm
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Was it damaged? Did everything else arrive with it? In the grand scheme of things, purchasing from China for less than £40 - does a box matter? Providing everything is there and undamaged, I wouldn't be complaining as it was a bargain price.

(obviously it does if it was intended as a gift)

...still waiting on mine...


 
Posted : 01/12/2014 9:11 pm
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Mine didn't arrive in a box. Luckily I managed to find a box that it all fitted into (so that it can be wrapped for me for Christmas)... 🙄


 
Posted : 01/12/2014 9:23 pm
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What sort of record times are you guys getting?

I was just about to press the button on an SJ4000 last night when I saw that it has 70 minutes record time. My training rides are 1.5 hours minimum, but I have had so many close shaves in the last couple of weeks I'm thinking a camera would be a good idea.


 
Posted : 02/12/2014 6:59 am
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Just updated the firmware on mine, so I guess it must be a legit bit of kit 🙂

Has anyone found anything that explains what all the different menu options do?

Ta

Edit - Hmm now not convinced, the record button isnt doing anything, but the zoom out button is now working as the 'ok' button 🙁


 
Posted : 03/12/2014 8:29 pm
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I have not updated the firmware on mine, but I think there are 2 versions of this camera, not including the wifi version, so you may have flashed the wrong version.

As for recording time, I get around 1 hour.

If you need more recording time, you can get extra batteries pretty cheaply I think.


 
Posted : 05/12/2014 6:23 am
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Mine was boxed.
Looking at the firmware update I chose to stay with version 1 because of the recording at the top end is claimed to be better on version one.


 
Posted : 05/12/2014 7:58 am
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Not sure what all this cocking about with firmware is meant to achieve? If it ain't broke ect..
Ordered mine from the original link, it took about 3 weeks to arrive. Bought a spare battery from Amazon for not a lot, an alloy bar mount for about 4 quid and took it down some trails. Pretty happy with the results, all in great for the cash. I did break the catch on the waterproof case, rectified with a rubber band.


 
Posted : 05/12/2014 12:37 pm
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Ah would you believe it the USB port on mine has broken off and is now floating around inside the unit.

Googled it, and common issue, people recomend glueing in place. However now mine has snapped off, not too sure if I will be able to solder it back in place...

Firmware - Apparently update had more options. But then I did read that video quality not as good.


 
Posted : 05/12/2014 1:04 pm
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If the USB port has broken, then if you can get it out then it still may be usable.

I remember seeing an external battery charger, and if you get one of these with a 2nd battery you can still use it. It is more of a pain however, as you'll need to take the card out whenever you want to transfer footage.

You could try soldering it, but those pins are pretty small.


 
Posted : 05/12/2014 1:21 pm
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mine turned up a week ago. seems legit, took a good 3-4 weeks to arrive tho.

Anyone know how to turn the screen off during recording?


 
Posted : 05/12/2014 1:43 pm
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Record time on mine in HD is around 40 mins. Haven't tried a lower setting as I want to be in the habit of capturing only relevant trail action but at the best possibly quality.

My Sep firmware is great. Haven't found a link to a newer version so not even sure if there is one.


 
Posted : 05/12/2014 1:52 pm
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jamesoz: which bar mount did you get?

I'm trying my chesty mount next, or maybe the DIY rucksack set up. Still interested in bar mount, but me thinks it'll result in a far more shaky recording - does it?


 
Posted : 05/12/2014 1:54 pm
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Ok here's some footage from a hardtail, I just chose an alloy mount at random from fleabay. There's a lot of bike noise possibly as it could do with some rubber in the clamp and my forks are a bit shonky. Youtube realy kills the quality
[url=


 
Posted : 05/12/2014 2:21 pm
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Anyone know how to turn the screen off during recording?

There's a setting to turn it off after 1 min, 3 mins, 5 mins in the menus.


 
Posted : 05/12/2014 3:37 pm
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Ive managed to solder it back on, the unit charges but it wont connect to the PC. If you ever need to take your own apart, it is quite straight forward, but be warned the plastic that the screws go in to is made of cheese !

Looks like I will have to take the memory card out to download. 🙁

Good news is though that the supplier may be going to replace it, I just hope they dont want this one back.


 
Posted : 05/12/2014 9:52 pm
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I've found that many sellers from China just send a replacement without needing the broken unit returning. At least it charges with the soldered on port, as I've found that if you take the battery out it loses the date and time settings.


 
Posted : 06/12/2014 7:01 am
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Ordered mine from the bay, plus a spare battery, plus a memory card, all from different suppliers.

The camera is currently held up, as MyHermes had a fire at their hub a day or so ago.


 
Posted : 06/12/2014 8:28 am
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apologies for numpty post but there seems to be so many links on on thread for different suppliers.

does anyone have a link to a UK supplier please or is it fine to go with one from China.

Do the Chinese ones come with a UK charger for the battery?

cheers


 
Posted : 06/12/2014 12:25 pm
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Mine came from original link no problems, charge via USB so it's no problem with charging either 😉


 
Posted : 06/12/2014 5:24 pm
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does anyone have a link to a UK supplier please or is it fine to go with one from China.

EvoMTB provide an option to buy what appears to be UK stock (about a 3-5 day turnaround). Costs about £20+ more for delivery.

I opted to get mine from Bang Good's UK warehouse as the overall cost was the same but it was for the wi-fi model. It had the Sep firmware onboard which is newer than several other versions out there too. See my previous posts in this thread for links.


 
Posted : 10/12/2014 9:40 pm
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Camera arrived...appears to be the genuine article, so quite happy with that...also looks like the firmware I have is August 2014, so no need to update that either.

Off to charge it up then I'll strap it to the bike as I go for a pedal today.


 
Posted : 23/12/2014 10:33 am
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Well ordered 6 weeks ago and still nothing for Amazon Chinese seller - was only a Christmas present for me and in no rush for it so not a major concern - just a pain in the a%&e now waiting for Amazon to refund me - which apparently takes 1-2 weeks unless you opt for their gift card!!!


 
Posted : 23/12/2014 9:07 pm
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Recieved after 4 weeks. Works well, good quality video, boxed and with lots of different mounts which I don't have a clue about.


 
Posted : 23/12/2014 9:21 pm
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Santa brought mine today.

One question,
Anybody know how to take a single selfie?


 
Posted : 25/12/2014 11:06 am
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santa brought mine today, obviously didnt come boxed from china. Sadly at work so cant play with it but HUKD have just flagged this as a a cheap class 10 32gb

http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B004Q3C98S


 
Posted : 25/12/2014 3:40 pm
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Well after all my issues and wait it arrived Christmas eve!!!

It's genuine, but no box (no issues here!)

Very happy for £34!!


 
Posted : 25/12/2014 9:24 pm
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and disregard my link thats for an SD not a micro SD 🙄


 
Posted : 25/12/2014 9:36 pm
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Did you manage to sort out the buttons isse FunkDunc? I have the same problem now. I'm guessing that it's not the genuine article then. It still works, just with extra faff.


 
Posted : 28/12/2014 3:09 pm
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I'd recommend Bang Good (doesn't sound great I know) UK warehouse.

Following Spacemonkey's posts I ordered an SJ4000 wifi & spare battery (£67 in total) on Xmas eve - arrived about 10am today! (well camera did - spare battery is coming from China).

Just messed around with it about the house so far but seems really good quality, especially for the price


 
Posted : 29/12/2014 12:01 pm
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I've taken the plunge as per Spacemonkey & Wibble, for £67 posted it's worth a punt before spunking £350 on a GoPro [which I still fancy]


 
Posted : 30/12/2014 4:33 pm
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bargain £7.99 class 10 32Gb microSD card here (no affiliation, just bought one myself)

http://www.mymemory.co.uk/Micro-SDHC/Integral/Integral-32GB-UltimaPro-Micro-SDHC-Card-40MB_s-Including-Adapter---Class-10-

also on cashback sites.


 
Posted : 30/12/2014 5:21 pm
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I might have been drunk when I ordered mine as I got the yellow one! Assume it's fake but seems ok, boxed, etc.


 
Posted : 31/12/2014 5:47 pm
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Ordered a yellow one as it was £4 cheaper and it arrived this morning. Seems legit, checked the menu and it states it's a SJCAM SJ4000. There was no box, just wrapped in foam.


 
Posted : 31/12/2014 8:45 pm
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Mines the Yellow one too. All the way from China, definitely genuine, menus are right, firmware is correct, quality is good - absolutely faultless for the price, it just works!!


 
Posted : 01/01/2015 1:45 pm
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Hmmm, mildly miffed - for some unexpected reason, my camera stopped power up - I'd got my hands on a firmware update, but even before I'd applied that, the camera failed to start up...spent the next half hour making a sort of sparkle noise twice then silence for about 30 seconds then repeat...now it is totally silent - so not even had a chance to try a firmware update.
Plugged in to a USB cable, the red power light is on, but nothing else is showing...utterly dead.
Have contacted the seller via Amazon and I hope a new one will be sent out.


 
Posted : 05/01/2015 10:23 pm
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I think I may have a fake.
Menus are different
My PC doesn't recognise it when plugged in, although I can remove the memory card and view contents that way.
Firmware says Sports Cam 8 2014-09-17 A

Footage seems OK, but its hard to tell inside in a dimly lit room.

Anyone else got that firm ware?


 
Posted : 05/01/2015 11:50 pm
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I've emailed the seller (through Amazon) to advise that I have received a counterfeit. I'll see what they come back with.

To be fair, the camera is still worth £35


 
Posted : 06/01/2015 8:52 am
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My yellow one arrived yesterday too, from AccmartDirect on Amazon, ordered 25/11/2014.

Externally it looks genuine, and the version info says 'SJCAM-SJ4000', although I'm confused by the firmware which is listed as '20140818V01' - and if I google that number I get very few results, so maybe it isn't official firmware? I don't dare try and update it in case it messes things up.

Either way it seems to perform well, a bit grainy indoors in the evening, but very good outside in daylight. I wish it had a time lapse function though.

Now I just have to work out what to use it for! Any ideas?


 
Posted : 06/01/2015 11:37 am
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Here's my model info in case anyone would like to compare:

Model: SJ4000WIFI
Version: W20140928V02
Date: Sep282014
Firm: SJCAM

It also has Capture Mode; Single, 3S Timer, 5S Timer and 10S Timer.


 
Posted : 06/01/2015 12:19 pm
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Might not be as the name on the front doesn't state SJ 4000. I might have read somewhere that only genuine models have SJ 4000 and/or SJ Cam on the front.

Here's the [url= http://www.banggood.com/SJcam-SJ4000-WiFi-Car-DVR-Camera-Sport-DV-Novatek-Waterproof-p-939976.html ]one I bought[/url].


 
Posted : 06/01/2015 1:31 pm
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Has anyone had trouble with the mounts moving .? I've tried to tighten the bolt but it still moves a little and doesn't feel secure .


 
Posted : 06/01/2015 1:34 pm
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Singlecrack

You need to rough up the faces with emery paper !.

Mine did the same &
Someone on here suggested it !.


 
Posted : 06/01/2015 1:40 pm
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Spacemonkey - thanks for the info, although mines not the WiFi version. I think the capture mode refers to a delay before shooting, the setting I want (and don't have) should be called 'sequence' I think.


 
Posted : 06/01/2015 1:46 pm
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Reedspeed. Thanks will try it


 
Posted : 06/01/2015 1:52 pm
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should be called 'sequence' I think.

As in record footage in blocks, eg 3 mins, 5 mins etc? Mine has this and it works well.


 
Posted : 06/01/2015 2:40 pm
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spacemonkey - Member
Might not be as the name on the front doesn't state SJ 4000. I might have read somewhere that only genuine models have SJ 4000 and/or SJ Cam on the front.

Here's the one I bought.

Thats the one I went for. Did you get it from the UK warehouse option?
And how long did it take for delivery?


 
Posted : 06/01/2015 2:51 pm
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Thats the one I went for. Did you get it from the UK warehouse option?
And how long did it take for delivery?

Yes, UK warehouse.

Took 2 or 3 days.


 
Posted : 06/01/2015 2:55 pm
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Cool, that must be what the Royal Mail card is for. I didn't expect it so quickly. Amazon and eBay sellers who say they are UK Based don't always turn out to be.
£66.11 for camera, extra battery and external charger, I used " BGdeals "code for a discount.


 
Posted : 06/01/2015 5:35 pm
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Me1tdown - that is a genuine unit...apparently they have 2 versions...v01 can't take the new firmware update but v02 can but it then loses true 1080p as it does 720 but doubles the something...so you have a genuine item. Mine was the same but now doesn't power up...totally dead...have contacted Accman but no response yet (only been 18 hours so I'm hoping to hear back tomorrow).


 
Posted : 06/01/2015 6:41 pm
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Official site is here - http://www.sjcam.com/en/ - I think it is the Techmoan site that says about the firmware update removing true 1080p.


 
Posted : 06/01/2015 6:43 pm
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It wasn't Techmoan that told me about the firmware update removing the 1080p setting, it was this website - [url= http://actioncamfaq.com/tag/sj4000/ ]http://actioncamfaq.com/tag/sj4000/[/url] -

1. This firmware is for SJ4000 V02 version only. If you don’t know which version you have purchased please check the last two two digits of your firmware version in your camera menu. It should read either V01 or V02. Failing to do so will cause white blank screen. V02 is the old SJ4000 where V01 is the new SJ4000. Very confusing but that is how they did it.

2. If you accidentally installed the wrong version and you are getting white blank screen, you can find the old firmware for camera V01 in this website: http://www.techmoan.com/files-drivers/

3. This new firmware for V01 camera adds 5s,10s,20s for time lapse as “Capture Mode” but removes 3s Option. If you need 3s time lapse, do NOT upgrade.

4. This new firmware version for V01 degrades photo and video quality. The 1080p files is actually 720p, interpolated to 1080p. If you want real 1080p, do not upgrade.


 
Posted : 06/01/2015 10:21 pm
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Had email back about my borked non-wifi version - I was looking at firmware updates but before downloading an update, the device stopped powering up...then after an hour it started making the power on noise, followed about 2 seconds later with a power off noise - no lights on.
I did a bit of 'research' and thought it might be something that could get fixed with a firmware update - so I spent last night updating the the camera with different firmwares - all to no avail apart from one - it now powers on and can cycle through the menu options and record stuff - but the preview screen doesn't show - so I can't see anything.
Contacted AccMart via Amazon and I've to send the unit back.


 
Posted : 07/01/2015 5:16 pm
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I got mine for a UK eBay seller for £59 posted. I ignored some of the cheaper listings as the cameras did not have the SJCAM logo on the front.

Mine is a genuine one, with the right firmware and menu's and I'm well pleased with it. So far I have just used it on the road bike, but by turning off the screen when recording (as suggested by Technmoan) I am getting 90 minutes record time. I have even taught myself basic editing using iMovie and have used that to save the two close passes by a bus the other day, plus the dick in the Jag that pulled out on me waaaay too late.


 
Posted : 07/01/2015 5:29 pm
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Not happy ...mine was bought for my boy for Christmas......switched it on when I got it first everything ok .......now after not even being used properly ...my boy said it won't turn on ....so I try it ..no good ...thought it may be no power ...so start to charge it.......within 5 mins bang the charger goes pop ............. 👿


 
Posted : 07/01/2015 9:06 pm
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Ordered mine 24/11 and still waiting, emailed accmart and they're sending another one so maybe one day...


 
Posted : 07/01/2015 9:17 pm
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Mine, fromm accmart arrived on Monday, was ordered the same day as yours dicky.

Seems to be genuine, quality is good but haven't used it properly yet, just garden tests.


 
Posted : 07/01/2015 9:38 pm
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singlecrack - can you plug camera into USB cable into a computer? More likely to be a 'proper' charge then without the fireworks...


 
Posted : 07/01/2015 11:19 pm
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Just to save me trawling through all the previous posts what is the benefit of wifi for this, is it simply to upload without cables?

Thanks


 
Posted : 08/01/2015 4:03 am
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