GoPro style Action Camera in Aldi

Zascar · 07-06-2016 12:26PM #1

Gopro style action camera, branded National Geographic in Aldi this week €45 https://www.aldi.ie/en/specialbuys/thur-9-june/products-detail-page/ps/p/full-hd-action-camcorder/?pk_campaign=ie_product_newsletter&pk_kwd=2016-06-06_15-11

It looks like one of the Chinese Gopro copies - if anyone knows the SJ4000 that you can buy on ebay. I've heard good thing about these - almost as good as a GoPro for a tiny fraction of the price. I believe all the mounts etc are the same.

Does anyone know any more?

Alanstrainor · 07-06-2016 12:32PM

The SJ4000 was/is a great camera, but it was cloned (clone of a clone...) and there were a lot of fakes going around.

This Aldi one looks like an SJ4000, but it could be a knock off, very hard to tell much from the spec. It's a bit of a minefield trying to source a genuine SJ4000 from SJCAM. I guess for the money, you can't go too far wrong here, but part of me would be wary.

I guess Aldi would have a decent return and warranty policy, which is definitely a plus.

JakeBell · 07-06-2016 12:44PM

There are a couple of footage examples up on Youtube and they look very bad. Even the manufacturer's footage in their sales video looks really bad:

youtube.com/watch?v=enJ6CByCLSA

User Samples:
youtube.com/watch?v=cKsrtVVu5fQ
youtube.com/watch?v=F4SLsg6RUXE

J.pilkington · 07-06-2016 12:51PM

From a few recent threads on aldi / lidl's tech stock it would seem there is better value / quality stuff out there, seems to be the same here

mrcheez · 07-06-2016 01:46PM

JakeBell wrote: »

There are a couple of footage examples up on Youtube and they look very bad. Even the manufacturer's footage in their sales video looks really bad:

youtube.com/watch?v=enJ6CByCLSA

User Samples:
youtube.com/watch?v=cKsrtVVu5fQ
youtube.com/watch?v=F4SLsg6RUXE

As an owner of a genuine SJ4000, those are definitely not from an SJ4000.

Check out the footage around 25:20 on this video for a comparison:
https://youtu.be/uirzCD-qALE?t=1520

dodzy · 07-06-2016 01:50PM

Looking for something for a spanish holiday next week. Paragliding, jet-ski, scuba footage. Would you rate the SJ4000 mrcheez ?

Looking at them on Amazon UK for in and around 55pound delivered. If you were to give it the seal of approval, i'd bite

mrcheez · 07-06-2016 01:55PM

dodzy wrote: »

Looking for something for a spanish holiday next week. Paragliding, jet-ski, scuba footage. Would you rate the SJ4000 mrcheez ?

Looking at them on Amazon UK for in and around 55pound delivered. If you were to give it the seal of approval, i'd bite

Yeah very good. I used mine recently while scuba diving in Japan, and before that used it on my commuting bike for several months. Footage is outstanding, plus (as the scuba dive leader in Japan mentioned) the standard GoPro doesn't have a viewfinder whereas the SJ4000 does, which comes in handy for taking underwater shots.

JakeBell · 07-06-2016 02:05PM

dodzy wrote: »

Looking for something for a spanish holiday next week. Paragliding, jet-ski, scuba footage. Would you rate the SJ4000 mrcheez ?

Looking at them on Amazon UK for in and around 55pound delivered. If you were to give it the seal of approval, i'd bite

If you had a wee bit more to spend the Gitup Git2 is a better camera. But both are decent action cameras.

Zascar · 07-06-2016 02:34PM

So can anyone link to a Real SJ4000 - the reason I want one is I already have an old gopro - but its the first version and the controls etc are terrible, I want something more updated - plus I already have a load of accessories etc which I want to use.

cson · 07-06-2016 03:26PM

In the market for one of these too; was looking at a second hand GoPro on adverts for ~€150 (GoPro+ I think).

Would the SJ be a better bet?

JakeBell · 07-06-2016 03:47PM

If you can spend a bit more (~€100) the Xiaomi Yi or the Git2 will take very good quality shots (the Xiaomi lacks a screen and some need to be opened to improve focus which is a bit of a turn off). I think the SJ4000 is the best of the cheaper models (~€70) models.

I'd imagine the best place to get a genuine model would be on a website like gearbest or banggood.

Here's the difference between one users Git2 (top) and SJ4000 (bottom): youtube.com/watch?v=cphp4wKz0Qg
There are plenty of comparison videos on Youtube.

JakeBell · 07-06-2016 03:50PM

If anyone is looking for more information or discussion on action cameras then here's a useful link: dashcamtalk.com/forum/#action-cameras.164

Corholio · 07-06-2016 03:57PM

Having had both a SJ4000 and a Xiaomi Yi, I just about prefer the Yi. The app for the Yi is fantastic and more than makes up for it not having a screen, it's so small that a screen wouldn't be the best use anyway. The Yi for me handled direct sunshine better than any other camera I used.

JakeBell · 07-06-2016 04:11PM

The Yi gets great reviews but that lack of a screen would be my big negative. The app requires WiFi which uses a lot of battery, though you can say that screens do too to an extent. With either method you are going to be using it to set up the shot. For me, the screen is much handier (you can set it to turn off after a short period) than pulling out my phone and connecting to WiFi.

Also some of the Yi cameras come without having been properly focused. It is fixable but it involves opening up the unit and turning the lens.

If you are getting a Yi get the international version. There have been a few small upgrades which include a better battery.

There's a Yi2 on the way which is a much more expensive unit but it's going to be competing with the new GoPros.

mrcheez · 07-06-2016 04:42PM

JakeBell wrote: »

The Yi gets great reviews but that lack of a screen would be my big negative.

Never heard of the Yi myself, but if using the camera in situations where you couldn't use a phone (scuba diving or jet-skiing etc) and you need to know that the camera is framing the shot correctly the viewfinder would be essential I would think.

Kenny Logins · 07-06-2016 05:44PM

Corholio wrote: »

Having had both a SJ4000 and a Xiaomi Yi, I just about prefer the Yi. The app for the Yi is fantastic and more than makes up for it not having a screen, it's so small that a screen wouldn't be the best use anyway. The Yi for me handled direct sunshine better than any other camera I used.

Same. I had the 5000+ but much prefer the Yi.

Kenny Logins · 07-06-2016 05:45PM

mrcheez wrote: »

Never heard of the Yi myself, but if using the camera in situations where you couldn't use a phone (scuba diving or jet-skiing etc) and you need to know that the camera is framing the shot correctly the viewfinder would be essential I would think.

If you can't frame a wide angle action camera for jet skiing or scuba diving without use of a screen, you've probably got bigger problems to worry about.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8GDZBXZunzM

mrcheez · 07-06-2016 11:13PM

Kenny Logins wrote: »

If you can't frame a wide angle action camera for jet skiing or scuba diving without use of a screen, you've probably got bigger problems to worry about.

Not really, I was taking still shots with the SJ4000 as well as videos and using the viewfinder I was able to determine whether or not the shot managed to capture all the elements I wanted perfectly.

There is a momentary delay after you press the shutter button so the fish I thought I captured in the first shot had half-gone out of the frame by the time the photo was actually taken.

Only using the viewfinder was I able to determine when I got the shot I wanted.

Couldn't really imagine using a non-viewfinder camera at all in such situations.

JakeBell · 08-06-2016 12:14AM

The screen is a no brainer for setting up shots but it is also useful for changing settings. Who wants to be pulling out their phone to change their camera settings?

mrcheez · 08-06-2016 07:12AM

JakeBell wrote: »

The screen is a no brainer for setting up shots but it is also useful for changing settings. Who wants to be pulling out their phone to change their camera settings?

Agreed, changing ISO settings at 30m below the surface was damn handy (not to mention being able to share pics with others mid-dive).

Maybe you could get a mate in the boat above to tweak the settings on the Yi for you while you communicate what you want through some sort of bubble-morse code

dodzy · 08-06-2016 07:59AM

mrcheez wrote: »

Agreed, changing ISO settings at 30m below the surface was damn handy (not to mention being able to share pics with others mid-dive).

Maybe you could get a mate in the boat above to tweak the settings on the Yi for you while you communicate what you want through some sort of bubble-morse code

Trying to track down one on Amazon that does not ship from Asia. Need to move quick to have it by next Friday. If anyone has a link, please post

mrcheez · 08-06-2016 09:16AM

dodzy wrote: »

Trying to track down one on Amazon that does not ship from Asia. Need to move quick to have it by next Friday. If anyone has a link, please post

https://www.amazon.co.uk/SJCAM-Original-Waterproof-Camcorder-Accessories/dp/B01CNVJVBC/

You get it delivered to UK using Prime and then shipped to Ireland using Parcel Wizard.

When you say "next Friday" do you mean in 2 days?? Don't think you will get it that fast but you never know!

EDIT: Alternatively you could get one from adverts.ie (they say its new): http://www.adverts.ie/video-cameras/original-sjcam-sj4000-wifi/10021016

dodzy · 08-06-2016 09:25AM

mrcheez wrote: »

https://www.amazon.co.uk/SJCAM-Original-Waterproof-Camcorder-Accessories/dp/B01CNVJVBC/

You get it delivered to UK using Prime and then shipped to Ireland using Parcel Wizard.

When you say "next Friday" do you mean in 2 days?? Don't think you will get it that fast but you never know!

EDIT: Alternatively you could get one from adverts.ie, although 2nd-hand: http://www.adverts.ie/video-cameras/original-sjcam-sj4000-wifi/10021016

Cheers lad, yep. Seen them both but I want the accessories, well the yoke you put on your head specifically ! It comes with some of the AZ sellers but theyr'e all HK shipped. Dont need it until next Friday, 17th

I'll probably never use it outside of holidays though!

Alanstrainor · 08-06-2016 09:27AM

dodzy wrote: »

Cheers lad, yep. Seen them both but I want the accessories, well the yoke you put on your head specifically ! It comes with some of the AZ sellers but theyr'e all HK shipped. Dont need it until next Friday, 17th I'll probably never use it outside of holidays though!

Next Friday is the 10th.... Friday week is the 17th. Next means next god darn it!

mrcheez · 08-06-2016 09:29AM

dodzy wrote: »

Cheers lad, yep. Seen them both but I want the accessories, well the yoke you put on your head specifically ! It comes with some of the AZ sellers but theyr'e all HK shipped. Dont need it until next Friday, 17th I'll probably never use it outside of holidays though!

They always come with the accessories though.

Check the pics on http://www.adverts.ie/video-cameras/original-sjcam-sj4000-wifi/10021016

d31b0y · 08-06-2016 11:48AM

What about THIS Friday then, Alanstrainor?
It's always been;

This Friday - 'This coming Friday'
Next Friday - 'Friday next week'
Friday week - 'Friday in about two weeks but maybe next Friday but which next Friday though? Don't worry it's too far away to remember anyway'

Corholio · 08-06-2016 11:58AM

mrcheez wrote: »

Agreed, changing ISO settings at 30m below the surface was damn handy (not to mention being able to share pics with others mid-dive).

Maybe you could get a mate in the boat above to tweak the settings on the Yi for you while you communicate what you want through some sort of bubble-morse code

My experience with the Yi wasn't doing either watter skiing or diving so yes the screen may come in handy there, but for other uses of it I found the camera app more than handy to tweak the settings while being able to see what I wanted to film,and I also found the app's settings much quicker to change. It's also handier to be able to upload shots instantaneous depending on what you are using them for.

mrcheez · 08-06-2016 12:18PM

d31b0y wrote: »

What about THIS Friday then, Alanstrainor?
It's always been;

This Friday - 'This coming Friday'
Next Friday - 'Friday next week'
Friday week - 'Friday in about two weeks but maybe next Friday but which next Friday though? Don't worry it's too far away to remember anyway'

I think you're on your own there mate

saying "Friday week" today is definitely Friday 17th for most people

Alanstrainor · 08-06-2016 12:41PM

d31b0y wrote: »

What about THIS Friday then, Alanstrainor?
It's always been;

This Friday - 'This coming Friday'
Next Friday - 'Friday next week'
Friday week - 'Friday in about two weeks but maybe next Friday but which next Friday though? Don't worry it's too far away to remember anyway'

I'll take the bate...

Friday week, means the Friday after next, there is no ambiguity!

People get this wrong all the time, this is the only context I've come across where next doesn't mean next! Does next year mean 2018 so? Next month mean August? Oh but next Friday means the one in two weeks. Ugh.

Anyway, this Aldi cam is rubbish, buy the Yi!

d31b0y · 08-06-2016 12:53PM

Now you are getting it!

(I have this conversation with the missus all the time and I come down on the same side as you. I just wanted to know if I was crazy, or she was

)

dodzy · 08-06-2016 12:54PM

Ah jesus lads, get over the Friday thing. Your time would be far better spent finding me a headstrap !:p

mrcheez · 08-06-2016 01:38PM

dodzy wrote: »

Ah jesus lads, get over the Friday thing. Your time would be far better spent finding me a headstrap !:p

Lazy sod :P

https://www.amazon.co.uk/GoPro-Head-Strap-Quick-Clip/dp/B00F19PYR4

dodzy · 08-06-2016 01:45PM

mrcheez wrote: »

Lazy sod :P

https://www.amazon.co.uk/GoPro-Head-Strap-Quick-Clip/dp/B00F19PYR4

Nah, only messing

Ordered this earlier. Cheers MrC

Sterling Archer · 08-06-2016 07:40PM

So anyone pick one up?

Sir Random · 09-06-2016 03:56PM

Bought one this morning, went for a spin on my motorbike and I'm very disappointed with the picture quality. I did have a Redleaf action cam (lost off bike last week) and there's absolutely no comparison in terms of quality.

The recorded files claim to be 1920x1080, but don't even look like 720 quality, more like a 10 year old phone.

I'll be getting another Redleaf or SJ4000, lesson learned...

Esel · 09-06-2016 04:57PM

Sir Random wrote: »

Bought one this morning, went for a spin on my motorbike and I'm very disappointed with the picture quality. I did have a Redleaf action cam (lost off bike last week) and there's absolutely no comparison in terms of quality.

The recorded files claim to be 1920x1080, but don't even look like 720 quality, more like a 10 year old phone.

I'll be getting another Redleaf or SJ4000, lesson learned...

Bring it back for a refund.

Stylesclash07 · 11-06-2016 04:06PM

I picked one up and set it up in the front of my car today the picture is so bad I cant put it into words

Zascar · 12-06-2016 10:08AM

Sorry to hear that, bring it back and get your money back.

After doing some research this is the one to get: https://www.amazon.co.uk/SJCAM-Original-Waterproof-Camcorder-Accessories/dp/B01CNVJVBC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1465725971&sr=8-1&keywords=sj4000 - will cost about €75 but its the real one not one of the fakes. How to spot the difference between the real vs fake sj4000

Jofspring · 13-06-2016 09:49PM

I was looking at the Aldi camera to pick up for my Honeymoon as I have always wanted a Gopro but couldn't justify the price. I ended up ordering the SJ4000 Wifi last night along with a travel case, pole and 32GB memory card all for 120euro. Looking forward to giving it a go now as I will also use it as a dash cam after the honeymoon.

Diemos · 15-06-2016 07:54AM

Why not buy a second hand GOPRO?

Even the first GOPRO has proper full HD.

mrcheez · 15-06-2016 09:05AM

Diemos wrote: »

Why not buy a second hand GOPRO?

Even the first GOPRO has proper full HD.

No rear display though. Limited usage without that, also no way of reviewing footage-on-the-fly

Zascar · 15-06-2016 09:09AM

I have the original gopro and using it going through the menus etc is a total pain as the screen is tiny with terrible menus etc. I'd rather a decent DJ4000 as I've heard they are just as good as a gopro with some additional features

Jofspring · 15-06-2016 09:14AM

Diemos wrote: »

Why not buy a second hand GOPRO?

Even the first GOPRO has proper full HD.

Even the second hand gopros seem to be expensive, especially if you want the screen and wifi. Also they don't come with many accessories.

Notch000 · 15-06-2016 10:27AM

the go pro entry level hero is only 130E and is a million time better than any of these Aldi or harvery norman yokes. I had a hero 2 for a couple of yrs and find it almost as good, the SJ3000/4000 seem to be a mind fiel of fakes and i was looking at all the review in detail and think the footage out of them is still pretty grainy and colours washed out/

i use the go pro for holiday stuff and at this stage prefer it to my SLR kit that rarly gets used at all now

also
You do not need a view finder on a camera that had a 170deg field of vsion , there also somehting great about going on holidays and waiting till you go home to reivew footage. it like smart phones, there brillkiant but do you need to be checking them every 5 mins
i've have only read good thing s about the xiomi yi, i would get one of those if i wa upgrading

mrcheez · 15-06-2016 12:49PM

Notch000 wrote: »

You do not need a view finder on a camera

Sure you do. Especially for stills photography, and considering you don't use your SLR any longer I imagine you take stills.

You can certainly "best-guess" whether the shot looks ok, but you'd be kicking yourself if you took a shot while on holidays and reviewed it after only to wish you had framed it better at the time. You can always buy a return ticket I guess.

While I was snorkelling with the SJ4000 I dived down holding my breath to take a shot, only to discover it was shaky so I got to retake it a few times until it was perfect and ended up with a shot that's now my Windows wallpaper :pac:
(might frame it too)

Jofspring · 15-06-2016 01:14PM

Notch000 wrote: »

the go pro entry level hero is only 130E and is a million time better than any of these Aldi or harvery norman yokes.

Granted I haven't used it yet but based on reviews online the entry level GoPro is not a million times better than the sj4000, it has no screen, no wi-Fi and you have to buy all the mounts as an after sale. It is also still €50 dearer. You can avoid a fake by shopping around, reading reviews and having some cop on.

For a lot of people I f you buy the sj4000 and it works out and you want to upgrade to something better like the GoPro Hero 4 Silver or the Go Pro Hero 4 black, then that's great. If it ends up gathering dust in the cupboard the at least you haven't invested too much. If you already own gopros then you can always use it as a secondary camera as the mounts are interchangeable.

garv123 · 15-06-2016 10:12PM

Jofspring wrote: »

I was looking at the Aldi camera to pick up for my Honeymoon as I have always wanted a Gopro but couldn't justify the price. I ended up ordering the SJ4000 Wifi last night along with a travel case, pole and 32GB memory card all for 120euro. Looking forward to giving it a go now as I will also use it as a dash cam after the honeymoon.

have you a link?

Jofspring · 15-06-2016 11:04PM

https://www.amazon.co.uk/SJCAM-Original-Waterproof-Camcorder-Accessories/dp/B01CNVJVBC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1465725971&sr=8-1&keywords=sj4000

It's the same link previously posted by Zascar. Bought the other items on Amazon also and picking up spare batteries from adverts as Amazon won't post batteries.

dawidnowak2005 · 18-10-2016 05:04PM

normakelle wrote: »

Can anyone recommend a good action camera for a ten year old who likes to make videos and post them on line. Something inexpensive as this could fall and break within weeks of christmas? looking on amazon uk but getting a bit confused with choice. thanks

I got gitup git 2 its top class go pro knock off, I can recommend it, great video quality

mrcheez · 18-10-2016 05:07PM

normakelle wrote: »

Can anyone recommend a good action camera for a ten year old who likes to make videos and post them on line. Something inexpensive as this could fall and break within weeks of christmas? looking on amazon uk but getting a bit confused with choice. thanks

Bought one of these for my niece (8 year old) and it's survived a few bumps down waterpark slides

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Buyee®-Waterproof-Handsfree-Sports-Camcorder/dp/B00W8UUHPS/

GoPro style Action Camera in Aldi

Comments