Yi 4K - The best action camera ever?
Saturday, July 23, 2016 at 3:02PM In July 2015 I bought the Sony 4K action camera, immediately took it on holiday and shot some footage with the intention of using this in a review. When I returned I decided that I couldn't assemble a proper review as I neither had a 4K TV or a way to edit my 4K footage.
A few months later iMovie was updated to include 4K editing abilities and a couple of months later I bought a 4K TV. So now with all these pieces in place I could finally make that review, the only problem was that I felt that technology had already moved on. Whilst the Sony could record in 4K, everything else about the camera seemed old, compared to even the cheapest budget action HD cameras that I'd reviewed since. It was sluggish to operate, had an old over-complicated operating system, ran hot and would eat through a battery in under an hour. I had plenty of other fun things to look at instead, so again it went back on the shelf.
Fast-forward to a couple of months ago when Yi offer to send me a pre-production version of their new 4K action camera. I was a little reluctant to try a 4K action cam review again, but since I was already shooting most of my video reviews in 4K and I'd had a good experience with the original Yi camera, I decided it was time to give it a go, and I'm very glad I did. The Yi 4K action camera shows how quickly technology can advance in a year. Xiaoyi claim the Yi 4K is the 'Best Action Camera Ever' - and I can't disagree. Whilst there may be a contender out there somewhere, I know that I haven't used a more capable action camera.
In the video below you'll see a demonstration of many of the features of the Yi 4K, presented in 4K, I hope you enjoy it.
If you want to download sample clips - Click Here (please don't try to stream the clips - these have to be downloaded to be viewed in 4K)
If you want to buy the Yi 4K Action Camera please bear in mind that this is a fully tricked out 4K camera - not a budget model and the prices reflect that. Also it's still early days so there aren't many suppliers, your best bet if you aren't in the UK or US is probably to get one from AliExpress - The affliliated links are below.
Purchasing
Reader Comments (36)
Thank you for another great review.
Does this camera have an option to put the camera into a narrow angle mode like you can with the Git2?
With the Git2 you can narrow the field of vision to 120 degrees.
Im a user of YI products. And I can simply say their action cams are stunning. Firmware and updates are no issue. And of course duperb quality.
I recently bought one however the new 4k+ will be out soon so I may be returning this model. I have to say, they did NOT improve the micro usb cover. Same as in your review. Ive had no problem yet though.
An honest review about 4k quality.
Yes, now with the Yi 4k+, you can shoot 4k at 60 fps.
Anw, thanks for the post
I see there is a Yi 4K PLUS out now. Please get your hands on one and do a review.
Great reviews, no silly music, you tell it as it is, keep up the great work!
Does anyone have problems with the battery going flat when the camera is not being used? Also is it normal to lose time/date when removing the battery? My new Xmas gift might be going back!
Cheers