Review of the YI Action Camera Basic Edition: an inexpensive pass to the world of action cameras. Xiaomi Yi Action Camera review: stylish and cheap Action camera yi action camera

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Content

A trip to a water park, rides on amusement rides, a parachute jump and a descent from a mountain river - all these events are combined due to extremeness, high speed and a surge of adrenaline. To capture important moments as memories, you will need a functional, lightweight and durable action camera, such as the Xiaomi Action Camera. A regular camera will not cope with this task. Today, the choice of action devices that can be used even to record a video of a regular walk is large.

What is an action camera

Action Camera is a type of digital video camera that is specifically designed for filming while moving and in aggressive environmental conditions. The first devices of this type were developed by GoPro, which opened a new direction in the field of video equipment design. Action cameras have become a must-have for many athletes. The differences from the regular model are fundamental:

Appearance, dimensions, weight. These are the first differences that catch your eye. Action cameras are lightweight and compact in size. During active recreation and dynamics, excess weight on the human body can be decisive. If a regular device for photos and videos weighs about 400-500 g, then an action device should weigh up to 100 g and be almost the size of a matchbox.
Resistant to water and shock. Such a device is made of durable materials – often aluminum-based metals and reinforced plastic. Due to this, the device turns out to be durable and light, especially since this is very important, otherwise action devices would break or fail due to moisture after the first descent from a mountain river. They do not break after falling from a height, which cannot be said about simple models. High-quality cameras have a wide operating temperature range - they are not afraid of water or heat.
Video quality. The standard shooting resolution for conventional video cameras is about 720x576 pixels, although modern models have a better figure. Action cameras are labeled Full HD, i.e. they record in 1920x1080 or 1280x720 pixels - this is the highest requirement for frame resolution. Compared to conventional photo and video cameras, action devices are practically no different in this parameter.
Video recording speed. A regular model has a rate of 25-30 frames/sec. Action devices have an accelerated recording mode, thanks to which the speed increases to 60 frames/sec. This parameter is important for extreme sports enthusiasts who rush at high speed - landscapes change very quickly, and a regular camera is not able to record everything in normal quality: the frames may turn out to be very blurry, and some will be missing altogether.
Viewing angle, lens. Another feature of action cameras (including Xiaomi brands) is a wide viewing angle. Such devices are capable of shooting video with an angle ranging from 90-170 degrees. Such a large parameter is needed to shoot wide frames without so-called “dead” zones. True, it is impossible to achieve their complete absence.
Availability of fastenings. Another distinctive feature is the mount, due to which the device can be attached to a helmet, clothing, bicycle handlebars, or just your hand. Action cameras have also become widespread in motor sports, where they are attached to the windshield using suction cups.

Xiaomi YI action camera review

Xiaomi Inc is a Chinese company that was founded relatively recently - in 2010. Despite this, it is developing rapidly and we can confidently say that Xiaomi has already become a world-famous company that specializes in the production of portable electronic devices and smart technology for daily use. The products offered by Xiaomi are distinguished by good technical characteristics and relatively low cost. In addition to tablets and smartphones, the company also sells digital video cameras.

The modern Xiaomi action camera is a functional, compact and very convenient device that can become indispensable when traveling. Some models have a modular LCD screen, backlit sensor, 3D noise reduction, auto exposure, Wi-Fi support, etc. In addition to the device itself, the package includes instructions, a Micro-USB charging cable, and a battery. You can order the desired model in any specialized online store with delivery by mail. Popular options include Xiaomi YI:

Basic Edition;
Travel Edition;
MiJia 360 Panoramic;
Sport 4K.

Basic Edition

The Xiaomi YI Basic mini camera is compact in size and has high performance. The Ambarella A7LS processor and a high-quality matrix from Sony are responsible for video and photo processing. The wide-angle lens has a 155-degree field of view and is equipped with high-definition aspherical lenses. The camera has four shooting modes: normal, motion, high speed, maximum speed. When shaken or in low light, photos and videos are clear due to a special 3D noise reduction mode, a motion-compensated filtering technique:

name: YI Action Camera Basic Edition;
price: 3990 rub.;
characteristics: storage medium – rewritable Flash memory, maximum video resolution – 1920x1080, photo – 4608x3456, frames/sec. – 60 at 1920x1080/120 at 1280x720, viewing angle – 155°, matrix – CMOS 16 MP, lens focal length – 2.73 mm, aperture – F2.8, recording formats – 480p/720p/1080p, interfaces – Wi-Fi , Bluetooth, USB, HDMI output, memory cards – microSDHC, microSD with a capacity of up to 128 GB, dimensions – 60x42x21 mm, weight – 72 g;
pros: relatively cheap, excellent functionality, powerful processor;
Cons: gets hot (but not much), lacks an LCD screen.

Travel Edition

Another multifunctional version of the Xiaomi YI Action Camera is the Travel Edition with professional capabilities. The device is the ultimate solution for both recreation and tourism. With it, you can capture the highlights of your travels in high, clear 4K resolution. The model is equipped with a built-in three-axis stabilizer and Ambarella A7LS processor, thanks to which you can shoot more photo and video material using less space. Thanks to the professional monopod included, you can shoot from any angle:

name: YI Action Camera Travel Edition;
price: 5890 rub.;
characteristics: viewing angle – 155°, video formats – 720p/960p/480p/1080p, matrix resolution – 16 megapixels, video frame rate (maximum) – 240, photo resolution – up to 4608x3456, interfaces – Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, microUSB, memory cards – microSDHC, microSD, dimensions – 60.4x42x21.2 mm, weight – 72 g;
pros: waterproof, functional, good quality of resulting videos and photos;
Cons: no LCD screen, poor lighting does not take very good pictures.

MiJia 360 Panoramic

Xiaomi MiJia 360 Panoramic Camera is one of the popular options for action cameras with a compact body and a wide viewing angle of 190 degrees. The device has a widescreen video mode. Recording video or photo files is possible on a memory card with a capacity of up to 128 GB - class 10 is recommended. The model can be controlled using a smartphone with iOS/Android OS via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. Using the gadget is made easier by fast charging and a micro-USB connector. Compliance with the IP67 standard provides an excellent level of moisture and dust protection. The kit includes a tripod, USB cable, instructions:

name: Xiaomi MiJia 360 Panoramic Camera;
price: 18900 rub.;
characteristics: viewing angle – 190°, max video resolution – 3456x1728, speed – 30 frames/sec., photo resolution – 3456×1728/6912×3456, matrix type – CMOS 16 MP, sensor – Sony IMX 206, aperture – F2 , degree of protection – IP67, battery life – 75 min., processor – Ambarella A12, memory cards – microSDHC 10 class, microSD, interfaces – Wi-Fi, USB interface, Bluetooth (distance up to 30 m), battery – 1600 mAh, dimensions – 78x67x24 mm, weight – 109 kg;
pros: waterproof, excellent dust protection, versatility, shooting and sound quality;
Cons: expensive, gets very hot, built-in battery, no screen.

Sport 4K

If you love extreme recreation and an active lifestyle, then pay attention to the Xiaomi Yi 4K Sports Action Camera 2. This model is capable of shooting video in Ultra HD quality and taking pictures in photo mode with a resolution of 12 megapixels. The camera has a traditional rectangular design, one side of which is occupied by a touch screen, and on the other there is an attached lens. The case is made of durable plastic that can withstand intense vibrations and significant mechanical stress. The glass surface of the screen is scratch resistant:

name: Xiaomi Yi 4K Sports Action Camera 2;
price: 24,000 rub.;
characteristics: viewing angle – 155°, chipset – Ambarella A9SE75, screen type – LCD, size – 2.19 inches, resolution – 360x640, memory cards – TF 64G class 10 or higher, battery – 1400 mAh, operating time – 120 min., video resolution – 4K (4096x2160), Ultra HD frequency – 30 frames/sec., interfaces – Micro-USB, Fi-Wi, Bluetooth, dimensions – 42x65x21 mm, weight – 95 g;
pluses: durability, functionality, high quality of resulting images, video recordings, there is a display;
cons: high cost, built-in battery.

How to choose a Xiaomi action camera

Dozens of models of action cameras can be found on sale in stores in Moscow, St. Petersburg and other cities of the country, among which Xiaomi brand devices have become especially popular. Some devices have a touch screen with which you can change exposure parameters, white balance, select the format and shooting mode, etc. There are models with a manual telescopic monopod tripod. To avoid making a mistake with your purchase, consider the following criteria:

Recording quality. Many action cameras have Full HD video resolution (1920x1080). The best choice would be a model capable of shooting in a resolution of 3840x2160 - if this is not too important for you when traveling, then it is better not to overpay for more functionality.
Frame frequency. It also affects the quality - the higher this parameter, the clearer the recordings will be. At the maximum resolution of the action camera, incl. and Xiaomi often shoot at 30 fps. It’s good if the device supports 60 and 120 fps modes, but the resolution will decrease.
Viewing angle. The larger it is, the better, but a narrow angle will help you focus on individual details - this is not always required from an action device.
Strength characteristics. It is desirable that the Xiaomi camera you choose has increased strength, shock resistance, as well as water and dust resistance. Most of these properties can be enhanced by a protective cover.
Battery. The battery life of the device depends on its capacity. It is desirable that the camera can shoot for 1.5-2 hours.
Memory card. The more volume the device supports, the better. Additionally, pay attention to the class of the SD card - don’t skimp, choose better than class 10. The capacity must be 32 GB or higher.
Built-in screen. Its presence simplifies the control process, but the camera in this case consumes more energy.
Fastening methods. Some kits are complemented by several mounts, the presence of which is desirable if you are going to install an action device on a bicycle handlebar, helmet, etc.

The Xiaomi Yi Action Camera came to me. This is my first Chinese action camera... And indeed the first camera of this format. Before that, I shot more videos with DSLRs/mirrorless cameras/phones/point-and-shoot cameras. But there was a need and desire to try action cameras and I had a lot of things. One such camera was Xiaomi Yi from a famous Chinese brand.

They gave me this camera for testing. To be honest, I asked for the SJ5000+ because the reviews about it were better at first glance, but they were sent by Xiaomi. Hopefully after some time I will have 1-2 more cameras and I can compare which is better. Looking ahead, I’ll say that I both liked the Xiaomi camera and didn’t.

The Xiaomi Yi Action camera was provided to me by the Chinese online store Banggood. There you can also find a description, technical specifications, price and the ability to order. They usually sell it for $80-90; in Moscow they cost more.

But you can get a camera on Aliexpress. There are a million options with it, for example, this one is sold immediately with a set of mounts, an aquabox, or a bare camera, you can choose.

Lifehack - when shopping on Aliexpress, you can receive cashback up to 11% through (they have a browser plugin and an application for phones). I wrote everything in great detail in mine, what it is and how to use it.

Pros and cons of the Xiaomi Yi camera

Cons and first acquaintance

I'll start from the very beginning, with introductions. I had to spend a couple of hours before I could start using the camera. This is too long! I’m already used to the fact that I turned it on and without instructions everything is intuitive. I remember I bought it right before the flight to Poland, and already at the airport, just taking it out of the package, I started using it. I note that the camera is quite sophisticated, but everything is clear. And here is a small box with a couple of buttons, and first, please spend 2 hours on the Internet.

When you turn on the camera, for some reason it turns out to be in photo mode, although it’s a video camera! That is, I press and press the shutter button, and the camera takes pictures. Not logical. Moreover, if I switch to video mode and turn off the camera, it does not remember it and when turned on it again ends up in photo mode. Yes, there is a setting for which mode the camera will turn on, but how to change it is below.
Camera settings can only be changed through an application on a smartphone, which is not available on Google Play. The Android version must be from 4.1 and the phone processor is not Intel (I’m not sure about the processor, but I came across such information). UPDATE. The application is already available on Google Play.
There is no screen, even for the menu.
The indicators are illogical and I didn't immediately understand how everything worked.
After turning on the camera, the main indicator lights up and a signal sounds. However, this does not mean that the camera is ready for use. We have to wait another 10-15 seconds. Why couldn’t a signal be used to indicate this particular moment? UPDATE. After updating the firmware, the camera turns on in a few seconds and the indicators now blink more clearly.
The camera gets very hot when you transfer photos and videos from it.
The camera is very sensitive to the cable, only the 3rd one worked for me. UPDATE. You just need to transfer it from a flash drive through a card reader.
The cover covering the USB, flash drive and HDMI connector is quite small and easy to lose. I would make it with attachment to the body.
Poor delivery set: only camera, battery, USB cable. The Travel version also has a monopod.
Not every third-party monopod will fit, because the hole for the screw is very short, you can’t tighten the screw all the way and the camera dangles. The solution is to make a rubber washer and place it on the monopod screw. On the other hand, it’s convenient that at least the thread is standard.
Some specimens have lost focus - sharply only close up, a dull sound - as if someone had plugged the microphone hole with their finger (and this is without a box!), and there is a problem of self-discharge when turned off. There are solutions, but they are non-trivial; I’ll talk about them below. The only problem I have is bad sound.

Camera pros and second impressions

Dimensions. I decided to write this point, although all action cameras are very small. It’s just that now I don’t want to shoot a video with something bulky.
Video. It takes good pictures, I liked the quality. But I have nothing to compare with, only the Sony a6000 and Canon 7d, with which it is not at all correct to compare. In general, the quality for the blog is definitely enough for me.
Low price. It costs around $70-90, plus or minus, the green one is a little more expensive. And now, as I said, you can buy it for $70.
Through the adapter you can use GoPro accessories.
Working hours. In 1080p 25fps mode it will work for about 1 hour 50 minutes.

I will add my impressions after the main issues have been resolved. Shooting with an action camera is very cool! What a delight! It’s really convenient that you can put it in a regular pocket and then quickly take it out at any time. In an outstretched hand you don’t feel it at all; it’s not like holding a DSLR when your hand gets tired after a few minutes. It’s convenient that there are few buttons, you won’t accidentally press anything while you’re twisting it, turning it and moving it from hand to hand while shooting (that’s why I don’t like shooting video with a smartphone).

I won’t talk about the quality of photos and videos. There are a lot of examples on the Internet, in every review, whether in text or on YouTube, it’s not difficult to find. As I already said, I’m satisfied with the video quality, the only thing missing is a stabilizer, it shakes when moving. The quality of the photo is not particularly concerning, because there is a separate camera and a smartphone. Below are some photos and a short video.

Photo

Photo without any processing. The article displays resizes, and by clicking on the resize, the original will open in a pop-up Lightbox, from where you can download and view it. Well, or download it directly from the link (each photo links to the original).

Video

The first part of the video was shot on a Xiaomi Yi Action camera, the second part on a Sony a6000 camera. I specially inserted a piece of video where I didn’t do anything with the sound, so that its volume and quality were clear.

Xiaomi Yi Camera Features

The disadvantages I have listed can be considered features. Moreover, for one it is just minus-minus, for another it is nonsense, not worth attention. You probably already understand my opinion, so excuse me, I will tell you through the prism of my vision. For those who pick up a camera for the first time, I hope it will be useful, because most of the information from forums is omitted from reviews.

Camera control

The camera controls, as far as I can tell, are pretty basic. There are two buttons: the first is On/Off and also Photo/Video, and the second is the shutter release for video or photo. The camera turns on with a short press, switches to Photo/Video with a second short press on the same button, and turns off with a long press. The shutter button also works as standard, for video mode: one press - Start, a second press - Stop; for photo mode: press = photo.

Around the camera power button there is a ring light indicator, the color of which indicates the battery charge level: blue 50-100%, purple 15-49%, red 1-14%.

But the indication of modes can be confusing. Near the shutter button there is a red LED responsible for the mode. How do I know the algorithm of the indicator? It is like this: if the indicator is not lit, then this is photo mode, if it is lit, then video mode, if it blinks continuously, then video recording is in progress. It seems like nothing complicated, but all my life I thought that a red light was on that meant a video recording, so I didn’t immediately understand how everything worked. Perhaps this is the same principle in all action cameras.

Further. The indication of the photography process is also a little confusing at first; I would only indicate the shutter release itself. The Xiaomi camera has a double indication: you press the button (squeak), after a while the shutter is released (squeak+blinking). “Some time” could be 1-2 seconds.

Camera settings can be changed via smartphone

All camera settings can only be changed through smartphone applications. Including that same ill-fated “Photo” mode when you turn on the camera. I don't think this is a very convenient solution. Not only do you have to always have your phone with you, but you also become connected to the phone, which is why the camera ceases to be an independent device. What if you don’t have a smartphone, it’s broken, it’s dead? At least they could switch video recording modes, just one more button with cyclic switching. In addition, if I, for example, want to give the camera to another person to use, then I will have to install the application on his phone too. What if there is no Internet?

But okay, this is nitpicking, although I came to the conclusion that it would be more convenient for me to have a menu right in the camera. In general, I liked using the application, everything works without problems and the functionality is good. It’s convenient that you can put the camera somewhere, connect your phone and see what’s in the frame.

Connecting to a computer

The next nuance, which I also already listed as a disadvantage, is sensitivity to the quality of the USB cable. And so much so that you can throw out the original cord from the kit. It’s funny, I checked 3 cables and only one was liked by the camera (every other time), but they are all working and through them I can easily transfer something to a smartphone. With the rest, when connected to a MacBook, the camera was either not visible at all, or was hanging tightly so that I had to remove the battery. Judging by the forum, everything is the same on Windows, but it all depends on the specific instance, some do not have such problems. Both on Windows and Mac OX, the camera is detected as a flash drive.

Thus, you need a card reader for microSD or a card reader for SD and an adapter from microSD to SD. This is the option I now use. You can also see photos and videos by transferring them to your smartphone using the application.

Firmware

The firmware can be downloaded from the official website or installed through the application. But you need to know your serial number, which is located under the battery on the camera. The fact is that the camera has 6 revisions, and depending on them, the firmware is different. If the firmware is from a different revision, then you can get a bricked camera. That is why it is better to download on the website only by serial number.

Problem solving

I won’t go into detail, but you and I are lucky; solutions to many problems have already been found, since the camera has been on sale for several months now and the craftsmen are not asleep. As I understand, the components in the camera (microphone, lens) are from different manufacturers, and therefore everything depends on the specific instance, some are lucky, others are not. It also happens that the focus is off, but the sound is good, or the focus is excellent, but the sound is dull.

Bad focus. Most often the problem occurs with black lenses. You need to disassemble the camera and rotate the lens (instructions one and two). It may not all work out right away.
Quiet sound. To improve it a little, you need to disassemble the camera and remove the cloth from the microphone. But in any case, you shouldn’t expect anything special from the sound, only if the microphone is completely re-soldered. Search YouTube for video instructions.
Self-discharge when switched off. It is necessary to disassemble and insert the dielectric under the board ( Video instruction).
The camera records video in chunks of 15-30 seconds, interrupting and losing part of the video. The solution is to replace the flash drive with a better and faster one. I have this problem, but it shows up at the end of the flash drive (when it’s almost finished), so I gave it up.

Conclusion

Xiaomi Yi didn’t make a very good impression because of its mistakes: I was sorting through USB cables to connect to a computer, downloading different versions of applications from the forum, googling about the operation of indicators, making an elastic band for a monopod. In general, I spent the whole evening on all these ordeals, instead of going out into the street and starting filming. In principle, you can get used to almost all the shortcomings (considering the price of the device), they are not critical. Even linking the camera to a smartphone doesn’t bother you later, because you don’t need to change settings often, you set the mode (for example, 1080p 30fps) and use it in most cases.

Therefore, the main disadvantage is the technical problems of the camera (focus, sound, self-discharge). Yes, sometimes they can also be solved, but getting into the camera is not a very civilized approach, it seems to me. My copy has bad sound (focus is fine), but now I don’t have a screwdriver on hand in China and don’t have time to look for it, so I can’t fix it, I’ll only do it when I return to Moscow.

As long as I have a Xiaomi Yi camera, I’ll use it for a while, just to understand whether I need an action camera and what I need from it (for now I know for sure, I need the sound louder, but maybe the level will be enough after the bug is fixed). Then maybe I’ll buy myself something like the Sony HDR-AS100V, it’s also inexpensive, and everything is fine with sound and focus, there’s a screen for changing settings, and there’s a stabilizer, albeit an electronic one.

Which camera should you choose for travel?

I still have a question. Are there cameras of similar sizes but better quality? Let it be more, let it be only with moisture protection (just from rain, not for diving), let it be with fewer fastenings, let it be with an electronic stub, but record normal sound and video?

Many people argue that you shouldn’t demand much from the Action Camera format, because why would you need to record normal sound when you’re snowboarding down a mountain, you’ll still add music. Why do you need a super-duper video if it's mostly selfies and not professional landscape photography or Timelapses. I agree, everything is correct. An action camera is needed primarily for extreme sports enthusiasts.

But what about NOT extreme travelers who don’t want to carry a DSLR/mirrorless camera with them, and for whom it would be more convenient to film themselves and everything around them with a small box, commenting on everything that happens during the trip?