2024 Author: Beatrice Philips | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 05:33
More recently, all camcorders were large, which was their main disadvantage. It was very difficult to transport such a camera, and there was no question of shooting in motion. However, today everything has changed: massive products have been replaced by miniature video cameras called action cameras. They are so compact that they can be attached to a motorcycle helmet.
This article will describe in detail the features and model range of EKEN products
Peculiarities
Action cameras are in great demand among athletes, travelers and users who want to record in extreme conditions, such as underwater
Such cameras are especially popular in cycling , which had a positive effect on online broadcasts. The product is mounted on a cyclist's helmet, therefore, viewers can observe events from the first person, and athletes and operators do not need to do anything for this.
Almost all cameras are equipped with shockproof casing so that the recording will not stop even with strong impacts, for example, when the athlete falls. In addition, many models are protected from water, and if this function is not provided by the manufacturer, then you can always buy separately aqua box which will give the same protection against dust and water.
Please note that the recording quality of the action camera is significantly inferior to professional products … Several years ago, many directors were going to shoot full-length films with them, but the idea was not crowned with success, since due to some peculiarities of shooting, the editors never managed to perform high-quality post-processing of the material.
However, products are often used by drivers as DVR - the mount allows you to do this.
Many users are wondering whether it is worth purchasing such a device for recording weddings and similar celebrations. In this case, experienced experts recommend making your choice in favor of SLR or mirrorless cameras with the ability to record video.
It is worth buying an action camera if the operator does not have time to set up the device for a long time, set ISO, exposure, focus . These products literally in a few seconds go from the off state to the recording mode.
Many will disagree, arguing that an ordinary smartphone is also suitable for recording from the hand - and they will be right, a smartphone will do, however, it requires careful maintenance and, most likely, will not be able to survive the first serious fall.
The lineup
The most popular models of EKEN action cameras will be described below.
EKEN A8
The rating of common models of this brand should be started with this representative. The camera is positioned as budgetary device, so you should take into account that it will not be able to give a high-quality picture.
The manufacturer did not experiment with matrices and installed the usual 12 megapixel CMOS. For little money, buyers get the opportunity to record video no more than 1080p.
When talking about the strengths of the model, first of all they note battery life without recharging: the camera can record up to 2 hours . This is an excellent result for this price category.
The EKEN A8 has a 16: 9 aspect ratio video recording function with a 120 degree viewing angle . In addition, the manufacturer has provided a small 2-inch display, thanks to which the owner can quickly view all the footage. The camera is connected to a computer using a USB cable.
Video recording is done exclusively on SD card , since the built-in memory is not enough for full-fledged video shooting. The model only supports drives of the type microSD … Users are unable to connect cards with faster data transfer rates.
The weight of the product without the cover is only 64 g , thanks to which it is comfortable to feel not only in the hand, but also does not cause discomfort when installed on the head or chest.
Despite the fact that the model was introduced to the market in 2016, it continues to be in great demand to this day.
EKEN H5S Plus
If the budget allows, then experts recommend paying attention to this model. It costs almost 2 times more than the EKEN A8, but it boasts good functionality … The basic kit includes a camera, waterproof case, remote control and tripod mounts.
The model is endowed ergonomic design - it is convenient to hold the camera with one hand, and even a child can figure out the interface.
The manufacturer has provided a touch screen with a wide viewing angle. The product can shoot at a high frame rate per second . There is a processor here, the lens is equipped with optical stabilization.
The model has many positive reviews, but it is worth considering that the menu is translated from Chinese into Russian very poor quality. However, if this is not a significant drawback for you, then you can safely take it.
EKEN V8S
Among all the action cameras listed in the article, this is the most expensive . The model is perfect for fishermen and travelers who want to record their vacation at sea, because the camera shoots well underwater.
Buyers note that if you charge with a cable other than the one sold in the kit, the device gets very hot. In addition, the battery charge indicator is extremely unstable, it can change its values every 5 minutes. But the cons end there.
The model supports Ultra HD 4K 25 fps recording . The basic configuration includes a remote control panel. The angle of view of the lens is 170 degrees. In the presence of an aqua box, the operator will be able to shoot underwater at a depth of 30 meters. Underwater quality is unmatched by any other EKEN camera with the V8S.
EKEN H8 Plus
The main distinguishing feature of the model is the presence of two screens … There is a small one at the front - at 0.95 inches, and at the back - a full-fledged LTPS. The manufacturer did not provide for the multitouch function, so the control is carried out by mechanical buttons located on the device body.
There is a slot for a memory card, USB output for charging, and HDMI for connecting to a computer . It is worth noting that none of the connectors have rubber caps.
The manufacturer installed a 12.4 megapixel IMX 078 matrix from Sony, which has long established itself on the market. U3 class microSD flash drives with a maximum allowable capacity of 64 GB and a speed of up to 90 Mb / s are installed as a removable storage device.
Of the distinctive characteristics are distinguished time-lapse function , therefore, the camera can take multiple photos at a certain time interval. However, you will have to manually assemble videos from a large number of photos; the manufacturer did not provide for such an automatic assembly option.
Unlike its predecessors, this action camera can be fully controlled from a smartphone or tablet , regardless of the operating system, the connection is made using Wi-Fi.
EKEN does not develop software, so users will have to resort to using third-party software . For these purposes, the application is suitable Ez ICam - it is available in both the Play Market and the Apple Store. Thanks to this program, owners will be able to use the action camera as a full-fledged viewfinder, download and view all photo and video material, start and stop recording, and change its mode. However, there can still be malfunctions in the program, the distance between the camera and the phone should not exceed 10 m, otherwise the signal will be weakened or lost.
EKEN H9
The H9 is deservedly recognized as the best action camera by EKEN and continues with the EKEN H9 Plus and H9R . The latter is the most recommended by buyers, so it will be described in detail below.
The design of the EKEN H9R bears many similarities to the legendary GoPro, the product is much cheaper and boasts impressive technical characteristics … The action camera is sold in almost all Chinese online stores, therefore, if you want to save money, then it is recommended to order there, but you should be prepared for the fact that the delivery time is about a month.
In the basic configuration: aqua box, a set of mounts, as well as a remote control for remote control of the device from a distance, or when it is attached, for example, to a helmet.
The model will appeal to users who do not want to configure themselves or do not understand it. The camera automatically sets exposure and white balance . But the inscription "4K" on the case cannot be completely trusted. The technical specifications indicate that the camera model has a resolution of 4 megapixels, and for a full-fledged 4K you need at least 8. Therefore, these are not "honest" 4K, but software interpolation.
Based on the above, experienced operators recommend setting the recording mode to 1080p at 60 frames per second . The direct competitor is the SJ4000 camera, and it shoots at only 30 fps. The operator can monitor the video during recording thanks to the 2-inch display.
Please note that if you need wide-angle video, then this model will not work for you. The EKEN H9 line shoots at 140 degrees, which is more of an advantage than a disadvantage. The fact is that wide-angle models in this price range stretch the image a lot around the edges of the video.
How to choose?
The rules for choosing an action camera are no different from the rules for choosing a regular camcorder and photo camera
- First you need to study the camera model and the type of matrix. And also pay attention to the quality of the lens and the presence of the display.
- Do not forget that if during shooting you get a muddy video with a lot of noise, then post-processing is powerless here, even programs cannot improve the quality.
- If you choose between budget models, then it makes no sense to compare them by viewing angles. Please note that a high-quality wide-angle lens will not be able to fit into this amount, therefore experts recommend taking a camera with a lower angle, but with an emphasis on quality.
- The maximum video recording resolution should not exceed the matrix specifications. Video shooting in this format does not provide any advantages, but the quality is significantly lost and energy consumption increases. If digital stabilization is present, then the resolution should be several times lower.
- In addition to all of the above, the battery life, body material, the presence of a moisture protection function or an aqua box in the kit are of great importance, because the product is designed for shooting in extreme conditions.
How to use?
The big advantage is that the camera box contains detailed instruction on application with a complete analysis of all modes and buttons.
Many people who are just starting their career as a video blogger make the same mistake - they shoot very long videos in one take. However, any blogger can say that a video about 2-3 minutes in length will get a lot more views. In addition, such material will be easier to process in the future in a video editor.
If you do not plan to shoot underwater, then wearing an action camera in an aqubox is not advisable . - this negatively affects the sound quality. The less shaking during recording, the better, as excess noise can easily ruin the entire audio track. If the sound quality is of great importance to you, then experienced experts recommend purchasing external microphone , thanks to which the sound will be written in a separate file.
Many models of action cameras can not only shoot video, but also take pictures , moreover, these photographs will be able to compete with photographs on mirrorless cameras. By trial it was possible to find out that the best shots are obtained when shooting at a distance of 15 to 200 cm.
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