Yi 4K - 'Best Action Camera Ever' ? (in 4K)

A look at the Xiaoyi 4K Action camera - a camera that claims to be the "Best Action Camera Ever. Period." CLICK 'SHOW MORE' to see all info ...
You can buy this camera at one of the following links:

AMAZON

The Official Yi Stores on Amazon also stock accessories:

You can download my sample video clips and stills here:

Patreon Supporters sometimes get to see videos early - while I'm working on editing and uploading samples and writing the blog entry.

FAQs

Q) Do you have any stabilised video?
It also shows the other resolutions I didn't test in my video and demonstrates the image stabilisation.
I would always recommend watching more than one review before spending this amount of money on a camera.

Q) Would stabilisation remove the vibrations you get when you mount a camera on a bike's handlebars
A) No - I've used the best in-camera stabilisation (on the Sony Action cams)- and it can't fix this problem. Handlebar vibrations are too quick and too severe.

Q) Can it record and charge at the same time?
A) Yes - this is a standard feature for all action cams I've tested.

Q Can the screen be turned off during recording.
A) Yes.

Q) Does the camera get hot?
A) No.

Q) How did I mount the camera to my pocket?

Q) Can you record and stream over wifi at the same time?
A) Yes (this is pretty much a standard feature for wifi connected cameras)...but as you can see in the video, there is significant lag.

Q) Can you output over HDMI/Composite?
A) I don't have the appropriate cables, however it says that you can "Preview and play back videos and photos on your TV via the optional cable". on the Specifications page here:

Q) Battery Life in other modes
A) Roughly the same as in 4K - e.g. 1080p60, WiFi off, Screen Off - battery life = 2hrs 2mins

Q) - More like a weird situation I seem to be in where a number of people insist on 'informing' me that to digitally stabilise 4K video you would need a sensor larger than 4K....

*A FEW COMMON FEATURES ON ACTION CAMS*
EVERY HD ACTION CAMERA I'VE EVER TESTED - will charge off USB, will power and record at the same time, charges over USB, charges from a standard 5V 2.1amp USB power supply, can be powered from a USB battery power pack....this is standard.

------AFFLIATED LINKS/ADVERTISING NOTICE-------
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When you click on links to various merchants posted here and make a purchase, this can result in me earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network & Amazon.
I am a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to AMAZON Sites (including, but not limited to Amazon US/UK/DE/ES/FR/NL/IT/CAN)

[Techmoan]

I've had a few (angry) comments from people asking why this "Budget" camera costs so much. That's because it *Is Not A Budget Camera* and it never claims to be.
This camera claims to be "the best action camera ever, period". There's nothing in that statement referring to a restricted budget.

[Techmoan]

It also shows the other resolutions I didn't test in my video and demonstrates the image stabilisation.
I would always recommend watching more than one review before spending this amount of money on a camera.

[AdiSneakerFreak]

Perfect Sunday morning viewing, tea, toast and Techmoan !

[Techmoan]

Comments have gone a bit weird - so I'm ducking out of them now. Off to make my next video that hopefully won't be as disruptive.

[UKAirscape]

Thank you for answering the PAL framerates question which people often overlook (but some of us want to know). Loved the puppets at the end as usual. Cheers.

[MayContainVennom]

Been watching you for roughly 5 years at this point, still really enjoying your channel and seeing all the improvments you've made to your channel since then. Just wanted to say thanks for the years of entertainment :)

[Techmoan]

I didn’t think anyone would be interested in spending money on a 4K camera then using the non-4K modes, so as the EIS was only available in these lower res modes I didn’t take time to test it out.

[hyree]

Thank you. I love your in-depth reviews. No nonsensical fancy cinematography, no sugarcoating. Have so far purchased the SJ4000 Wifi and the Yi 4k, but not before having watched your videos in full first, so I knew exactly what I'd be getting. Keep em coming!

[williamhayden]

+Techmoan congratulations on yet another great video and getting the attention of product manufacturers. I think that speaks to the quality of your videos and the amount of research and in-depth product demonstrations you perform. I like your honestly and keeping true to your opinions. Thanks and take care.

[bazahaza]

Your Muppet sketches are getting better, they always give me a chuckle. I think they deserve their own channel.

[Alexandra-Rex]

About the part when you talked about recording in 4K, even if you're just going to upload 1080p of your videos, recording in 4K/UHD makes that look better, and it gives you the option to stabilize in post if needed, or just crop in for things, so recording in 4K is recommended even if you're not going to upload 4K.

[fotoamgamgfoto]

I hope it will have standard M12p0.5 lens mount so I can replace the wide angle lens with f4.35 as I did on my Yi and Git2 and Mobius cams

[TheBrokenLife]

Who else thought the muppet wife hit a little too close to home?

A show of hands, please.

[superalien]

i'm still using this camera and it's amazing after all these years !

[Kifter]

Another great video! I'm not even one for looking at reviews of items normally unless I'm looking to buy, but I just love the way your videos are put together and presented!

[AJBtheSuede]

Quite simply the best action/dash camera reviewer. Ever.
Thank you! :)

[cromulence]

Shake will always be a problem and I imagine it's exacerbated by the lightness of the camera, but it absolutely amazes me that we can get this level of quality on a cheap, tiny, consumer camera. Absolutely nuts!

And as always, your videos are fantastic! Good stuff! Cheers :)

[utriderzero]

Come for the review but stay for the puppets.

[zchuss]

as usual brilliant video and covered every possible question... you have a pleasing voice that makes it very watchable... as usual... top review and very impressed with all your hard work.

[smithers]

As normal a very comprehensive and good review well done