Xiaomi Yi Action Camera - Full Review with Sample Footage

[@Techmoan]

UPDATE MAY 2015: Whilst the Stills & Auto-Exposure are excellent - I’ve had second thoughts about the video sharpness. After watching the footage I recorded on my motorcycle - objects at a distance look a little soft to me. I suggest you download some samples and make up your own mind.

[@xarmyscum]

Hi 😜👋 have you managed to acquire a waterproof case for this camera and is there a review pending?? Many thx Si 😈

[@Techmoan]

bob builder No and I'm not planning on now - I don't need to use one on my bike with my new mounting method, and I never do any water based activities.

[@andyl9700]

Techmoan It's been noted all over the web that Xiaomi's focus is off when leaving the factory. Opening the front of the case and adjusting the focus manually yields a much sharper image. It is extremely easy to do, and doesn't make it a deal breaker for me or most people.

[@AndyRCchannel]

Techmoan I dont see this with mine. Im using it on a gimbal for my quadcopter and its image is perfect. maybe i got lucky for once! it definitely out performs my mobius

[@UnlimitedVertical]

Andy L Mine had the focus problem as well. While not a deal breaker for me I will not recommend it until they fix the QC issues (focus and audio). There are too many people with these problems.

[@b-h-t]

One of the best Action Cam reviews I've seen so far. All the real situation footage + the useful hints about functions (e.g. that you show how that HDMI output looks and so on) really helps to make a buying decision.

[@Techmoan]

@Joao Geraldes All the LEDs can be tuned off (which makes the operation pretty confusing).

[@IroNicknv]

I can't download sample clips. Could you download it on googledrive or something else?!

[@Techmoan]

Andrey Viktorovich The samples are working fine for other people, so the problem is at your end. Usual suggestions apply - use the Chrome Browser, don't be impatient...wait a minute for the page to load. Other sites have restrictions with bandwidth and my samples have been automatically deleted, I've used lots of different paid file sharing sites and spent hundreds of pounds doing it - nothing has worked other than Dumptruck.

[@IroNicknv]

Techmoan I've been waiting of download five hours until now, and I've used Google Chrome. Maybe it is sanctions against Russia in the action =) Thanks for your answer and thanks for this video!

[@copyninja3820]

Techmoan you should update the firmware. It works better.

[@gavinzhou3987]

Techmoan How to cooperate, my friend? We plan to promote xiaoyi waterproof shell, my skpye: zhou6744, let us discuss, thank you

[@rayj4362]

We've come a long way now with action camera innovation. Action 2 from DJI is gorgeous.

[@JK_cookie00]

A lot of new features now on newer models. DJI action 2 hits the sweet spot for me

[@Scoon83]

I've seen a few of your reviews now and I have to say they're all great. I think you do the most thorough, but at the same time most succinct reviews on youtube. Please keep it up!

[@ig33ku]

Was waiting for this review. It was worth the wait in gold. :P

[@Raptor50aus]

I have a Gopro 4 black and silver and I just got the Xiaomi this week and wow its great. Just been using as a dashcam today in Perth WA with very bright sunny weather and works excellent. Got it for $99 delivered from Banggood

[@Landrew0]

I figured out why I subscribed to this channel; it's the quality of the content and the production.

[@nellysmith9191]

What have 95 people managed to find to deserve a thumbs down? This is an excellent review video one of the very few I have watched in full.

[@Vokalplus]

Thank you, very informative

[@toysareforboys1]

OMG you are AMAZING! Thanks so much for testing. Can't wait to receive mine so I can test it out on my motorcycle during track days! Finally I can shoot in 60fps!!! I just bought a bunch of expensive professional audio gear so hopefully I can record good audio at the same time :)

[@Brownbrady]

Awesome. Very detailed and informative. The quality looks good but I wished the angle was wider though. Thanks for the review!

[@toysareforboys1]

BrownBrady How much wider do you need? Isn't it 150 degree??? That's crazy wide. Most of his shots were in the no fisheye mode which narrows the FoV quite a bit.

[@Brownbrady]

toysareforboys Oh I missed that part. 150 degrees is definitely wider than my 135 degree action cam (Liquid Image EGO). Thanks for clarifying.

[@doubledoubleandfries]

toysareforboys I believe he said there's no "mic-in" to the camera.

[@toysareforboys1]

doubledoubleandfries Sorry, my post was a bit misleading. Some of the professional audio gear I bought included a ROLAND-R-05 digital recorder. I would never EVER use ANY action camera to record audio, even with an external mic :)

[@Techmoan]

My sample clips are here: goo.gl/kFT98U

[@Fifty32]

is it possible to upload somewhere sample please? I need to recover video from this camera, and need good sample (I have only one video file, which was filmed on track recording by dashcam-camera was not mine)

[@3dplanet100]

Great video. I like the way you presented this video. You are not showing off, screaming, nor annoying music. Other reviewers loves to show off, screaming, with annoying music, ect. that instead of a reviewer looks like a comedian, and that's so annoying. Thanks for your good video.

[@tomrutz1]

13:36, my hometown! thats why i like techmoan. Proper Northerner who gives good advice no bullshit. not like some people on youtube who sound over excited like there making a childrens show

[@HDFoxra]

Holy crap! The legit sample clips, when ya download em, look freaking AMAZING.... way better than what i've seen from GoPros!

[@ilyasovich]

Image quality is impressive for the price!!!!! and I loved too much the image correction on the fly, maybe I will buy it!

[@davidloisvidal]

So I was going to record some footage around Manchester and you now just showed me exactly how it looks to record this precise city with this precise camera

[@turbosix]

thanks for the review. i wanted a backup to my gp3black to take on vacation and you answered every question i had.

[@22joek]

i freaked out when you started driving, thought you drove on the wrong side then i remembered you are form UK :D very nice video thanks

[@strengthandbulkMadness]

Theres a new action camera out called The Hummingbird HD Tube camera. Might be good.

[@agencialt9633]

xiaomi always make solid stuff, and that price, omg. if they could add all those features and make it a tiny bit more expensive, that would be delightful.

[@MrTheAgge]

Are you reviewing the new xiaomi yi 2 4K ?

[@FransLundquist]

Got one of these, and as you say, its a great little toy. And interesting enough, that little lid covering the ports and SD-card got lost. And I haven't had the thing for more than an hour. Impressive! :)

[@SarimBawla]

OMG! Manchester! I Love Manchester! Spent a summer there, greatest place on earth.

[@andy-the-gardener]

really. you havnt been many places, which is highly commendable considering pointless travel by humans (and any any other kind) is causing a rapid spike in earths temps that will kill most life on earth.

[@LanceChee]

Greetings from Malaysia; avid fan of your channel - bought the SJ1000 previously solely because of your review. Just got myself a Xiaomi Yi with HEROGear 40m dive case because your review, again! Btw, upon powering up with the app connected; there's a new firmware! After the update, the front POWER RING blinks when it's recording! Woo hoo!

[@ccccc382]

thanks i have been waiting for this

[@furulevi]

Very good image quality! Superb light sensitivity, like a DSLR :)

[@yourloveisdivine]

Should i buy it for youtube video making in room atmosphere ?

[@makaw2006]

I have just bought my yi. This review helped me to decide, I find this review accurate and to the point, I couldn't be happier with my decision. Video quality is really good, metering is good and mostly seamless, colors are accurate, not oversaturated but still there, and not sure if other cameras have it but lens correction mode works great for me, I leave it on all the time, I can even use this as a regular tourist video camera as my Fuji makes much worse videos most of the time. This killed gopro for me...

[@gowthamprudhvivgp]

you sound like samwell tarly from the game of thrones #awesome

[@DrPadoflas]

On point

[@TheM750]

Awesome! Been looking forward to the review on this! Love that it has the built-in tripod mount, that's often missing from so many 'higher end' cameras.

[@MartinBlass]

Perfect review... Mine is arriving today and I am really looking forward!

[@MartinBlass]

I am pleasantly surprised. The build quality seems very nice. Control over the wifi and phone works well. And the picture quality is very good. It copes well with changing light conditions. And the sound quality is surprising for such a small camera (suffers from wind noise though). I placed 2 videos on my channel so have a look... I am still waiting for the waterproof case.

[@Funkroza]

Martin Blass Would you tell me what's the App? I looked in the Play Store and found some Sportwatch and Smartphone things, then I connected it via the Yi's WiFi and, well, all I got was no signal. Where do I get the App from?

[@Funkroza]

Martin Blass Wait, I think I found a link

[@Funkroza]

Martin Blass Nope, nevermind. Where can I get the App from? The link from Techmoan.com took a while to download, and after installing it says "App not installed"

[@Funkroza]

Funkroza If anyone reads my comment, this is what worked for my Android 5.1 mega.co.nz/#!HQRUBKJJ!_8UECUdMGxpVnJbekmO-JzFeI9mAwPMVTieYxhnRnrQ

[@steaz]

this video answered so many questions I had about the product and was really in depth with the testing and information. Thanks!

[@gebiena10]

looks super, but it seems mine does not have that quality..... monday morning product? thanxx for the ,always, super reviews!

[@rizwan1983]

Great review as usual. Even if I'm not in the market for anything you review I still quite enjoy watching. The 20 minutes are never wasted. Might I suggest a "top 10 action cameras for your money" topic for a future video?

[@SomethingRandomInc]

You can upload 60p to KZbin

[@Techmoan]

Something Random Inc. oh come on...

[@pylbetajv]

Techmoan the video looks a bit blocky;)

[@SomethingRandomInc]

Techmoan What XD

[@ribaaz]

pylbetajv hope you're joking :)

[@Marco-dr5ho]

Techmoan What do you mean? :)

[@johnwongtw1]

Hoorah! I just requested for this last week! Thanks Techmoan!

[@victorsinclair1115]

"Nobody wants to see your stupid videos" 😝😖 hilarious, I love your sense of humor. Thanks for the great review

[@RevEwwEr]

Mine arrived today. Thanks Mat, I wasn't looking for another cam but your review talked me into picking up this one. (The price drop on banggood didn't hurt things either ;) ) I get to work on her tomorrow and see if she has the focus bug some others have out of the box.

[@yourloveisdivine]

u should put indian link too

[@theclowntheclown9407]

Banggood are the official store for shipping to India. Just change the country and currency at the top of the product page: www.banggood.com/Xiaomi-Original-2_7-Inch-165-Degree-1296P-Car-Recorder-Support-ADAS-p-1016478.html?p=JQ26191551677201504Z&

[@thekingofsuccess9130]

Entertainment TV who gives a SHIT about india

[@bendover-bz4bc]

Darren Emir your country is being ruled by Indian hahaha mofos.

[@franhdez4711]

Thank you for these sample clips. Just what you need to evaluate the product!

[@pchris5391]

The icons on the screen of the camera look exactly like my G90 dashcam. I saw that when u plugged it in your tv. I dont know if it is just a firmware coincidence or they also share some of the hardware, but the videos are decent, you get just what you ve paid for. Thanks for another great review

[@danjackson3672]

I've watched your reviews for ages and now just found out you're in Warrington like me (the multi-storey video gave it away). Fancy that.

[@Techmoan]

Dan Jackson I'm do visit Warrington from time to time, but I live a few miles away. I was scoping out the record shop in preparation for Recordstore day. Unfortunately it looks like I won't be able to go there now, but I'll try and send the missus.

[@letsgocamping88]

Finally a budget action can that knows how to deal with varying light levels!

[@st08121982]

The video and image quality is solid , no arguments there . I wish they made it in black , white is a bit conspicuous . Waiting for the water proof case . Thanks for the review .

[@AIRGAMING]

Best budget Action Camera Ever! Can you do a comparison between Xiaomi Yi Action Camera And Sj4000

[@HARDHOUSESCOUSE]

***** Mine cost me a total of ₤60.10 + a small mount adapter after 5% first time buyers discount from Geekbuying.com . Just under 3 weeks delivery time from purchase to door via Singapore post service - Changi airfreight ..

[@boutwouters9324]

DX Here is a 50% discount link for the Xiaomi Yi, only 60$ for this camera!!! Cheaper you won't find it:) link: www.gearbest.com/action-cameras/pp_153557.html?vip=43406

[@ajayonline]

Arnoud vd horst Thank you very much for the link!

[@floxshuilee1760]

DX Trust me. SJ is much better. Be careful when you buy a SJ4000, it has SJ-Cam logo on the front.

[@richarduninstallman2551]

11:21 Reminded me of the scene in Total Recall when arnold was passing through the X-Ray screen. You can see Techmoan holding his gadget in front of him lol. Anway some of the best quality video ive seen from these cams. Great review.

[@VK4GHZ]

Thanks for the excellent review. Very thorough and has helped me make my mind up to get some for my mini quadcopters. I appreciate the effort you put into producing these videos.

[@IRMacGuyver]

So I can't find this listed on Amazon. the link only shows accessories but no cameras for sale.

[@samcarr732]

You should do a comparison video of this vs the SJ500 +. When is the waterproof case and the app for iPhone coming out?

[@NytRoj]

I guess Iphone owners are too rich to buy this cheap chinese product! Lol!

[@lacrossetechnology8467]

hi is this the same dimensions of the GoPro? just we have a brushless 3-axis gimbal so wondering if it will fit?

[@GreatWhite7]

Can you only change the settings by using a phone? The camera itself has no screen so I would guess you need to do it that way.

[@MrStubbs8157]

One of the main reasons you buy a gopro IS the image stabilisation, which is the essential point for me personally. Rest is okay and is definetly a great quality for the money.

[@vnomik]

I can't find the official app anymore. is there any other app that could cooperate with that camera? thank you for your content!

[@TimoOnline]

For what is the g-sensor??? G-Sensor is listed in all the specs. Will there be image stabilization within a future firmware update?

[@huntress44]

I know this is an old video but great review. My friend is lending this to me and I'm not really expecting much. I'm surprised to see these quality videos and photos and I can live with those inconveniences

[@antoniodaccordio9736]

This Xiaomi Yi camera is unreal for the cost! The picture quality is perfect. Hope it will serve me well in my journey to Rome! Very nice purchase from Qwy.io. Price was incredible!

[@subsonicreviews1835]

Hi, you said that you also have the SJ5000+ . if you had to choose, witch one would be better ? Also can you use the SJ`s AV cable for FPV ?

[@michaellee5084]

why does it break up the recorded files in multiple pieces ? on playback, there some twitches on moving objects at times ? are they normal in these action cams ? this is my first action cam so...thanks

[@katau]

What action camera do you think is best for shooting in a club (low light/flashing lights,needs to shoot over 1.5 hours )?

[@albanofernandes4361]

Hi I cannot download a camera app on my I phone 6 can somebody help me will be a big help thanks

[@samsen3965]

Seems Yi has removed its previously provided App for Action Camera. Just can't understand why!!! If anyone can help with an alternative or a cash site where the old app can be found, I'll be grateful too.

[@elyserva7903]

Working just fine on my iPhone S. It won’t work on my Huawei Y7a, unfortunately!

[@Joshleesmallin]

Longevity wise how well do you think this camera would hold up compared to a gopro?

[@neljearserrao3425]

Does the z23L version have IR filter ? What is it exactly ? I want to buy this. I read a comment elsewhere that it does not have an IR filter.

[@ShenRC]

Hi I own the polaroid cube and was wondering if this cam is better video quality I know my cube is only 30fps. also is it possible to use the app to adjust this camera from a lap top or smart TV? THANKS

[@Techmoan]

shenlonco yes the video quality is better than the Cube, however the cube isn't bad at all, so it's probable most people wouldn't notice the difference in 1080p30. I think there might now be some desktop Yi apps, a quick search in Google will point you in the right direction.

[@ShenRC]

Techmoan thanks I do a lot of RC videos and was thinking the 720 60fps would make things look clearer at slow motion than my cube at the 30fps... Is this can actually 60fps?THANKS

[@ShenRC]

Hi I asked about this cam before but I seen your go pro hero review do you thing the go pro hero is much better? using 60fps to video faster moving objects will the heroes 720P be clearer than the Xiaomi models 1080 or 720 at 60fps? THANKS

[@Techmoan]

shenlonco I'd recommend downloading some of my sample clips so you can see which camera's video you prefer.

[@ShenRC]

Techmoan I don't know looks like the Xiaomi beats the hero after looking at the files off your site.

[@ShenRC]

Cawfee Dawgg well if you look at the video from both cams off Techmoan site the hero entry models video don't look as good.

[@ShenRC]

Cawfee Dawgg don't know about that some guy's on my quad copter forms crashed with them on there quads and they all say the camera takes a beating.plus xiaomi keeps updating the camera with downloadable up dates all the time improving it and there are even guy's who hacked it with some downloadable files to improve it also.It just always is getting better than from out of the box.

[@anonymous134y]

Cawfee Dawgg not one amazon review is saying any of your issues... trolling maybe? Not to mention the 1st gen Go Pro from 2009 with a old 5mp CMOS sensor vs Yi action camera has a new 16mp Sony Exmor R BSI CMOS. Gopro: 1080p 30fps/760 60fps vs Yi 1080p 60fps/720 120fps It's comparable to a GoPro Hero 3 Black/silver which are around 300-500$ online. It's almost a no brainer since it's almost impossible to get the first gen gopro for under 100$ used.

[@danielk4282]

There is a software update for the camera. I think they watched your review and made a couple of changes. The photos are now taken almost instantly when you push the button. Also the front LED ring flashes once when a photo is taken and continually flashes while recording. There's also a few new options in the settings through the app after the update.

[@Techmoan]

Daniel Kumar Thanks...looks like I'll have to try the updated firmware - some of those new features do ring a bell.

[@TechWizz]

Techmoan Would love to hear your feedback.

[@jerrardthompson3449]

With it having bluetooth 4.0 can it connect to wireless audio device like the Sena 20s to record audio with video or it doesn't work like that?

[@Val_kyriee]

I just checked the detailed description for the product and it claims to have image stabilisation. Yet in this video you say there isnt. So the product description on Amazon is misleading?

[@meghasuman2330]

Please tell me the name of Application of android phone to use this

[@kkp4297]

HEY TECHMOAN What is the angle of view in lens rectified mode? If you put it in the corner of the room, can you see the left and right corners of the room?

[@MahipalYadavmahii]

Do this thing has car mode like SJ Cam 4000(when camera is turned on it automatically starts recording in loop recording mode)???

[@erick563996]

Which one do you think has better image quality. The gopro hero 3 Silver or this one?

[@tod4y]

Hello and thanks! Do I understand it well that you can ONLY change the settings via a wifi device? No setup file on the card or something? This seems to be quite impractical as I myself, for example, dont have any wifi device. Otherwise I would really consider purchasing this piece...

[@roslee7]

Do u need a wifi connection to connect the xiomi yi to the phone? Then if im outdoor without wifi?

[@himynameisveeee]

@10:24 is the internal mic of the cam? or are you using an external/mod one? thanks in advance :)

[@jflobeatbox]

Which one would you recommend the sj4000 the dbpower ex5000 or the Yi action camera?

[@talamascadude]

Hello Sir, pardon for my noob question. I do know that this Yi action cam does not have LCD and most of its feature are configurable using the app from the smart phone via the Wifi. Does this mean that Wifi requires internet connection to let me control or change some settings via the app? I got the device as a gift though I do not have it yet and I was curious on how I may deal with it if I am on a place that do not have data (internet) coverage on my smartphone and I need to take control of it via the app. Please help shed some light on it. Thank you in advance.

[@pedroserapio8075]

Nice review. I'm just curios about one thing. Can this camera output image thru HDMI without any OSD information? Clean image? Thank you.

[@IRMacGuyver]

You have this suggested as a good dash cam but I can't even find it listed for sale anymore. Do you have an update with a newer camera?

[@soob8750]

do we need to have the app or we can just record it form the camera and export it into yr pc?

[@youniles]

thanks for that video buy i have a question ,when you are using the video out with the cable to the back is there a delay in video when the cam is recording i can see there is a delay when you are using the WiFi but with the cable in the back when its recording ??? Plz

[@hamradiotime]

Really impressed with this little camera review! Thank you!

[@gyeomusic]

4:49 hi sir, according to official yi camera website.. the 10 sec low resolution shot is for 'quick sharing' purposes. where the users could snap a quick short video and upload to social media such as wechat, weibo, xiaomi chat..

[@punkreeperful]

hi waterproof cases are available for yi now i suggest you get the one with 60meter deep ,with the red outline and also theres a shutter remote available how reliable it is in taking video and pictures as well as switching modes. hope you can update review this camera soon. and if you record for 720 120fps auto low light on, would the video still be jerky? you did mention update when waterproof case are available using it while you bike

[@punkreeperful]

punkreeperful and also comparison of the wide angle for yi, sj4000 and go pro standard and superview.

[@punkreeperful]

punkreeperful the blur you might be seeing must be a lense focus problem, theres an easy fix video in youtube

[@JohnDough1776]

I think for the price range of this camera. It's pretty damn impressive. Also, Great Review!!!

[@prinzzandy]

Thank you for the review. Can i change the settings with iphone / ipad or does it only support android os?

[@diptotripura3379]

Good review, covers everything. I actually wanted to know if this had any image stabilization and the exact weight of this camera. This video had every little information that I needed to know. Thank you for this wonderful review...

[@kwiatech]

Thanks for the reviews. Which would you choose to use on a motorcycle? Yi or SVC200. I'm thinking of these models. I would be grateful for your help. Regards

[@Techmoan]

Marcin Kwiatkowski You'll have to decide for yourself, everyone places the importance of features in a different order. Choose the things that are important to you from the following list then take pick the most appropriate device for you; LCD Screen, Car DVR Mode, Mic In, Image Quality, Price, Shape, Mounts, Sound Quality, Waterproof Case.

[@kwiatech]

Techmoan Thanks. And when it comes to just about image (video) quality? Sorry for my bad English :)

[@saybrj]

is there anyway to put the camera into timelapse video mode without using the app? I see that it can be configured to take timelapse pictures in the app and then started from the camera, but so far, the only way I can see to take a timelapse video is to start it by using the app.

[@FenderRealm]

Is the lens diameter the same as GoPro? Will aftermarket filters like LayerLens PolarPro etc fit?

[@CPTcakester117]

I bought an sj 5000 recently and love it, do you think that is better or this

[@WTCheatShaming]

Which of your reviewed action cameras would you recommend for a drone? Seems like the Xian, SJ4000 and the gopro are the best but the first two being the cheapest.

[@sonebg91]

Is there a waterproof case for this camera? And in your opinion what is the best cheap action cam?

[@jorisvandenbroeck6235]

which would you pick, the cheap gopro hero or this one? the yi seems to deliver better video quality, but the mounting options are (still) limited, and no waterproof case..

[@Techmoan]

Joris van den broeck I bought both.

[@YBStark]

Hi, some part of the video footage seem flatten and having no fisheye effect. I wonder if you flatten the video or it is a feature available in the Action Cam?

[@okok-dx6of]

Everytime i record a videowith only the 1080 50p 16:8 resolution and i go to preview it(i use the program called "Yi action") it says :"The video preview file was no found, playing directly may fail, please download and edit it. If still continue?)'' If i play it directly the video freezes after 2 seconds and if i download it plays regulary but it only records the sound and shows a black screen. By the way this problem only happens with the 1080p 16:8 res and i dont want to change it because it looks great.PLEASE HELP

[@aidilteper]

Great review of this action cam. Can I know how do use give continuos power to this camera? Do you plug in the usb when the camera is on/recording?

[@ridaali4601]

do this camera have active noise cancellation feature while recording like iPhone and Samsung have

[@abhijeetgyal]

amazingly through review! thanks a ton, that's a lot of effort there!