The action camera, also known as a sports camera, is an apparatus designed for lovers of active sports and recreation, as well as for nature lovers. Do you have a hobby that requires frequent outdoor activities such as fishing, hunting, tennis, cycling, even skydiving? If the answer to this question is yes, then the action camera is what is required.
For example, I love fishing and snowboarding, and I also like to look at especially good moments for long evenings, indulge in memories and make plans for the future. Therefore, sooner or later, an understanding came of the need to purchase a special camera.
An action camera is a convenience: fixed it on the head or chest and you're done. A remote control is a wonderful addition, so that during the bite you do not have to frantically search for a button on your head. As a result, I thought about buying a sports camera, I decided to test the X-Ride Ultra HD. I will tell you about my impressions.
Key Specifications
Characteristic | Value |
Shooting angle | 170 degrees |
Format | NTSC |
Optical zoom | is absent |
Built-in microphone and speaker | there is |
Focal length | 2.8 mm |
Camera matrix | 4 megapixels |
Matrix type | CMOS |
Maximum movie resolution | 2560?1080 |
Maximum Video Frequency | 60 frames per second |
Memory card | up to 64 GB |
Wifi module | there is |
Display | TFT, color two inch |
Battery capacity | 1050 mAh |
Battery Continuous Recording Time | 147 minutes / 99 minutes Wi-Fi |
USB version | 2.0 |
Well, the average price is more than acceptable - from 12 thousand rubles. For it you get not only an alternative to expensive GoPro, but also many additional accessories that may never be useful, but let them be.
Appearance and equipment
- Remote control.
- A waterproof case, several types of mounts (to a bicycle, universal - a wide tape that can be attached to a helmet, and a bunch of buckles) and two USB cables.
The camera itself, quite small - 6 by 4.5 cm, 2.5 cm thick, and weighs 81 grams.
The button for shooting is large, convenient to press.
The camera has a hole for the tripod below, but, in my opinion, it is not too deep, apparently, you will have to use a gasket. But for the adapters in the kit, it fits perfectly.
By the way, all mounts and accessories, according to the manufacturer, are compatible with mounts for GoPro cameras, however, in practice, one of the latches inserted into the GoPro platform is very backlash.
The remote control is on a rubber fastening strap with a display, which is very convenient - you can track what exactly and with what angle the camera shoots. The remote has its own buttons for adjusting settings.
For the sake of interest, I tested at what distance the camera catches teams, it turned out to be about 20 meters. A video broadcast goes to the remote control at a distance of up to 100 meters, if between these two "points" there are no barriers and Wi-Fi networks. The remote control, by the way, is not completely waterproof - it will still endure rain, but immersion in stormy waters is unlikely, and it makes no sense to test it in an aqueous environment, the radio does not work there. But the camera itself can immerse in these very waters in its waterproof box. Funny effect when shooting: the box acts like a membrane, increasing the volume of all sounds. It was especially good and clear that I took boxing in my hand.
You do not have to bother with setting the white balance, the automatic one is quite suitable. At night, he shoots objects that are lit normally. Battery capacity - a little more than two hours of continuous shooting (exactly 147 minutes, according to the manufacturer).
X-Ride Ultra HD can also be used as a camera. Frame size - up to 5312 by 2988. Another camera can be used as a DVR powered by USB.
Software
The camera has an HDMI port, it can stream video directly to a computer. There is also a wireless adapter, but it only works in conjunction with the included remote control. That is, you do not have control from mobile and other newfangled stuff. In fact, there are several questions to the camera firmware, for example, why is the video quality a little worse than GoPro if the same chip is used? Or, where does the noise on the audio track come from when in reality the shooting took place in silence.
Output
The main question that you should ask yourself before buying an action camera is what do you plan to shoot? If you do not want to overpay for GoPro, then take X-Ride Ultra HD and you will not be mistaken. This small camera is not enough stars from the sky, but it has a good viewing angle, it’s easy to navigate and the video is of acceptable quality, and more is not really needed for household shooting. In addition, it is lightweight and can be easily fixed on a vehicle or on its own headgear. For racing drivers or those who are going to ride on a very shaky surface, the X-Ride Ultra HD is not suitable, because the picture will be unstable.
The main advantage of this camera is its price. Compared to more famous brands, you get not one device, but a bunch of additional accessories, including a very convenient remote control with a screen, the presence of which saves both nerves and time on the hand. You can find out exactly how the subject is located in the frame.
The X-Ride Ultra HD action camera for review and testing is provided by the manufacturer of XRide Electronics.