iON AIR PRO 2 Review - The new one's better, SHOCKING!

iON AIR PRO 2 reviewed, tested and a shoot-out with the iON Air Pro HD original model.
The second generation of the iON Air Pro series is here. With a new 14MP image sensor & super wide 180 degree FOV (field of view) and new ability to attach an external microphone. Ultra-light weight of 130grams/4.6oz and 2.5 hour battery life.

Air Pro reviewed and compared with the GoPro Hero 3 Black edition here;
"GoPro Hero3 Black VS iON Air Pro HD - Action Cam SHOOT-OUT!"

"Aimed at professional and amateur photographers, adventurers, adrenalin junkies and recreational sports enthusiasts alike, this product offers users very clear advantages:
One of the lightest WiFi enabled HD Action camera weighing just 130 grams / 4.6 Ounces. The most ergonomic footprint amongst leading competitors.
No raincoat required - waterproof to 30ft, complete with waterproof microphone to enable high quality audio while offering protection from the elements. This device does not need an additional waterproof outer casing.
No strings attached - Wi-Fi model includes the iON Wi-Fi PODZ™ for real time shoot & share capability.
One finger to the competition - simple to use one touch function allows simultaneous camera start and record all with one finger.
Long life - 1800mAmp battery booster allows camera unit to charge twice without the need for an external power source to provide over 7 hours of battery life.
Wide angle lens - provides ability to record in HD with a field view of up to 170 degree.
HD recording - Up to 1080p video resolution.
14 megapixel stills - that can be sequenced one at a time, three in one second or one photo every 10,20 or 30 seconds to create amazing step photo video.
Free Cloud storage - 8GB of free Cloud storage will be provided with every iON Air Pro™ camera purchase for storage and sharing of video content.

The iON Air Pro™ 2 has the following specifications:
Lens Type: 180º ultra wide angle field of view.
Sensor: 14 Mega pixel CMOS sensor.
Focus Range: 0.5m / 20inches.
Video: 1080p: 1920x1080 pixels (16:9), 25fps PAL / 30fps NTSC. 960p: 1280x960 pixels (4:3), 25fps PAL / 30fps NTSC*. 720p: 1280x720 pixels (16:9), 50fps PAL / 60fps NTSC. 720p: 1280x720 pixels (16:9), 25fps PAL / 30fps NTSC*.
Format: H.264 compression, saved as MPEG4 (.mp4) file. Dual video files for easy sharing.
Photo: 14 mega pixel in JPEG format. Single, burst-shot*, time lapse*.
Audio: Built-in high quality microphone. Microphone Input (for professional external microphones). AAC compression, automatic gain control.
Storage: MicroSD / MicroSDHC with minimum class 6, recommended class 10 up to 32gB (not included). Average recording time: about 4 hours (using 32GB mSD card in 1080p30/720p60).
Connection: USB2.0 (for data connection and battery charging). HDMI - Hi Def Video.
Power: Battery life: approx. 2.5 hrs / 1 hr (w/ Wi-Fi).
Housing: High quality aluminium barrel / rubberised finishing.
Waterproof: Depth up to 10 meters / 30 feet.
Dimensions: 37 x 37 x 108 mm / 1.45" x 1.45" x 4.5".
Weight: 130g / 4.6oz (including WiFi PODZ™).
* Settings can be changed through iON software."

[BluntyTV]

Thanks to the much wider lens, there's a natural reduction in shake, but there's no extra shake reduction technology on board.

[foxkilo]

i just purchased my ion Air Pro 2 HD WiFi an I want to thank You a lot for your two amazing reviews which helped me a lot with my decision!

cheers!

[BluntyTV]

The original iON air Pro HD model had basically identical image performance to a Hero 2, and this is a bit better still (plus, yes, the tank-body is a plus).

[FrikkieBossert]

Just got my Ion 2 and I am very impressed with the above water Quality :) Thanks for this Video

[wcresponder]

Beauty of a review... only thing missing was a price point. cheers.

[MrTommy]

I just picked up the ION Air Pro 2 WiFi at Costco. Pretty good deal at $219.99. It comes with the helmet and bike mount, a suction mount, the WiFi Podz and an 8GB card. I'm in the process of charging up the cam.

I read a lot of negative feedback on the WiFi capabilities and how the software needs REAL help, but I'm taking a chance anyway. Many times it's the lack of RTFM'ing by buyers that cause most of the problems. And, if it DOESN'T work as directed, Costco is great at taking stuff back.

[coreymiddleton]

Just watched this video with the kids so they could understand how the Air Pro 2 worked…after finding the reviews samples you used, here at home 😂

[chrisveddern]

Outstanding- I think my mind's made up. Thank you for posting

[BluntyTV]

I honestly have NO CLUE if it'd survive that. It certainly is pretty damn tough... but in your case I'd probably lean toward the gopro, in the case of a direct hit to the lens, the gopro's plastic case would take the hit - it might chip crack or shatter the lens cover, but leave the cam more likely ok, replace the case... rinse, repeat.
But outside of projectile hits on the lens... for general wear and tear, knocks and impacts, the iON is WAY tougher. Metal beats plastic.

[BluntyTV]

My guess would be an attempt at weight saving. The Hero Black 3 is about 73 grams (without case, mounts etc) while the Air Pro 2 is 130 grams (but then again it doesn't NEED a case or extra mount it's already got a tripod mount in it)...

[fishoverload]

thank you very much, just bought the 2!

[DanielBradshaw]

Hi Blunty, do you think you will ever review any of the polaroid action cams such as the XS100, reviews on amazon aren't that bad, and there price is appealing.

[GarethJ]

Thanks buddy. Top video, I'm sold :)

[BluntyTV]

True... but it's also true of the GoPro, and in fact ANY "weather sealed" camera of any type the instant you expose the mic-port, you compromise the weather sealing.

[CSquared]

Another fantastic recview. I am so done with GoPro and their prices.

[Tahlorn]

Ah, so the scaling is all that helps. A 1/4" oscillation will look more like a 3/16" or such. I like the subtle design of the Ion Air over the GoPro, and the Contour doesn't seem to have as good audio quality or balance. Thanks for the info! Seems I may be stuck with a less ideal look for a better end result.

[xcoloneldirtyx]

outstanding review, thank you so much for your input. You really helped me make a decision.

[officiallolnick]

I had a gopro 3 black and had nothing but issues with it so I sold it. Considering the ION line now.

[BluntyTV]

They should be (eitehr already, or very soon), They currently have the original model

[etdey]

Great review of the original and the version 2 camera. Do you have any comments on how well the rolling shutter artifacts are still present on when shooting at 720p/60fps? I am specifically wondering what aircraft propellers look like. Also, what have you found on the auto-focus performance, such as shooting through a window at distant subjects?