Disclaimer: This product was provided by VicTsing in exchange for an unbiased review.
Pros:
Light weight
Easy to use interface
Does as described
Stabilization of shots
Can use larger than 64 GB microSD Card mentioned
Cons:
Annoying prompt saying "video start." But this can easily be turned off.
Not so great at night shots.
Can be a bit grainy and overexposed
Today I am reviewing the VicTsing 4k action camera, which cost £65.99. The product directly compete with the GoPro Hero3 action cam, which cost £324.
Package Contents:
1x Camera (match box size) 2x Rechargeable batteries 1x Waterproof case …. Lots and lots of accessories for different types to use, like helmet, motorbike, bicycle, etc.
It has a basic user interface which is quite easy to use when you get used to it. According to the manual, the camera uses a Sony IMX117 Exmor R CMOS. It also shoots UHD 4K(2880*2160) in 24fps, QHD 2K (2560*1440) in 30fps, and FHD 1080P in 60fp, etc all the way down to VGA. The still picture resolution is touted to be 20 megapixels.
Here is a sample video of the Swansea University's 2016 Fresher Fair. It was taken in 1080p 60 hertz.
VicTsing camera sample
GoPro Hero3 Sample - From YouTube
As you can see foreground objects are quite clear, but the background ones are a tad blurry. Also, there is an annoying "video start" announcement captured on the start of the video. However, this can easily be turned off under settings. It is labeled as "voice prompt."
Furthermore, VicTsing had informed me that the largest micro SD card this camera can go is 64 GB. Although VictSing said it wouldn't recognize larger sizes, but I was able to use up a 128 GB microSD card.. Also the camera enclosure is a little tricky to open up as you need to lift the hinge a little while pulling on the indicated tab.
Sample from my Xperia Z2 phone
Sample compilation comparing the VictSing Action cam and the Xperia Z5 Premium
Would I recommend to buy this product? Maybe, if you're into action sports. It is certainly cheaper than the GoPro Hero3 it is trying to compete with.
If you already have a phone with a good camera and just want to take casual videos, this would be an unnecessary purchase.
Disclaimer: This product was provided by VicTsing in exchange for an unbiased review. Update: On request to VictTsing I have re-reviewed the wide angle lens. This time I have opted to use the Xperia Z5 Premium for the test. As seen in the photograph below I could certainly see more. However, the original problem with the black rings
As you can see from the reshoot the wide angle lens certainly gives a wider view. But the problem of black rings is still present. Also it seem to me that the picture is less clear with the wide angle shot.
I received the VicTsing 3 in 1 Clip-On Lenses for Mobile Phone from Amazon. I was quite skeptical over whether the product would work or not. After testing it, I got mixed results. The micro and fish eye lens worked quite well but the wide angle lens didn't. I couldn't see a difference between the picture shot with the lense and one without.
Box content: Fish Lens, Micro / Wide Angle Lens, Manual, Clips to hold lens, carrying case
Test shots:
I took the pictures using the well renowned Sony Xperia Z3 running the experimental Android N Beta 3.
First up are the macro shots. The macro and wide angle lenses are combo lens. Unscrewing the wide angle bit gives you the macro lense.
I tried to take the shots using the same distance from the subject, an unappealing orange.
The wide angle shots weren't particularly impressive. I couldn't see a discernible differences in the view captured. And to make matters worse, it added a dark ring to the shot as seen in the wide angle picture above.
The last lens in the package is the fish eye test.
Fish eye lens
This lens certainly give that classic fish eye effect so nothing much to say here.
Conclusions
The lens clips damaged my glass protectors, chipping them slightly. The manual instructed me to "spread" the to fit but I was scared to do that in fear of damaging the clips. In addition, unless you align them properly, you will get a black ring effect around the photos as you can see in the corner of the wide angle shot above. All in all a mix bag. In conclusion, unless you want to take macro shots and fish eye lens, you should stay away. For £8.99 (as of the writing of this blog), you can't go wrong.
Aerospace engineer in training. Swansea University graduate, Cranfield University AVD - Aircraft Design.
Technology evangelist and hobbyist writer.
