Many users of the Xiaomi Yi were asking for a screen to get a live view while recording. Now the first 3rd party product popped up:
Similar to the GoPro it is a Backpack which is up on the back of the camera.
There seem to be 2 different models available:
One at Gearbest:
Which comes in a set with a 1,5″ Color TFT display, so it got the same size as the LCD screens on the SJCAMs and the GitUp cameras.
In the set there is also a 2400 mAh battery included, which has the same size as the LCD backpack.
And there is also an underwater case included which can hold the camera with either the LCD or the battery backpack.
This set is branded SupTig.
And another set from Dealsextreme, where it showed up first:
It is a 1.38″ Color TFT LCD, so it is a little smaller than the ones on the SJCAM or GitUp cameras (1,5″)
I’m not quite sure about the functions, as I couldn’t find detailed information. So here’s a description I have found with some conclusions I could draw:
It connects to the Xiaomi Yi with USB and HDMI port. But as the descriptions says: “Please open "AV OUT", if you did not find it, please upgrade your firmware” it indicates that the signal comes via the USB port since A/V out is possible since Firmware 1.0.7.
Furthermore the description says: “This product does not have touch function.” So it is just the live output and you can’t change the settings of the camera.
As the camera with screen is larger in size and won’t fit into the underwater case, you can oder a set with a special case.
There is also a battery backpack, similar to GoPro, available.
These products are branded Pannovo.
Conclusion
I still have to do more research on this. It seems that the SupTig model from gearbest has a slightly larger screen, the battery capacity is stated the same with 2400 mAh.
I hope I can gather more information soon.
Prices:
Gearbest: Set with LCD, battery & case 44.99 USD
coupon code: XYDisplay
There are a lot of action cameras out there, but only a few can shoot 4K videos. Is this a long expected GoPro Hero 4 black competitor shooting 4K?
A new 4K action camera - yes and no. Yes, the camera can do 4K, BUT only at 10fps. (2,7K in 15fps and 1080p at 60fps)
It is still a very interesting camera though, a competitor for the GoPro Hero 4 silver, the SJ5000+ and Xiaomi Yi.
Eken H9 specs:
Image Sensor:
The Eken H9 comes with a 12MP Sunplus sensor.
A 16MP sensor is used in the Xiaomi Yi (Sony) and SJ5000+ (Panasonic), the GoPro Hero 4 black has a 12MP sensor (Sony).
Frame Rates:
4K: 10fps
2,7K: 15fps
1080p: 60/30 fps
720p: 120/60fps
So despite the camera is branded 4K it only can do 10fps. But still it can do 1080p with 60fps like the Xiaomi Yi & SJ5000+. The GoPro Hero 4 black stands out with 4K at 30fps and 1080p at 120fps.
Lens:
The camera has a 170° lens, like most action cameras.
Connectivity & Ports:
Wifi is built in to connect with the app (Android & iOS)
It also offers a HDMI as well as a microUSB port.
Battery:
The Eken H9 features a 1050 mAh battery.
The battery is a little better than Xiaomi’s (1010 mAh) but the largest capacity still has the GoPro Hero 4 (1160 mAh). The SJCAM lacks behind with only 900 mAh
Storage:
microSD (up to 32GB supported)
Display:
2” Screen (320x240 resolution)
So that one is larger than the SJ5000+ 1,5″ screen.
Dimensions & Weight:
59.3 x 24.6 x 41.1 mm; 65g
Accessories:
The Eken H9 comes with a huge pack of accessories:
Price:
Gearbest: 59.99 USD - promocode: EKENH9
Banggood: 75.99 USD
Geekbuying: -
Aliexpress: 77.50 USD (3rd party retailer)
The price is really interesting. It’s lower than the Xiaomi Yi (66 USD) but the Eken H9 offers a 2″ screen and comes with lots of accessories. The SJ5000+ offering a 1,5″ screen is priced 149 USD.
Review:
Here’s my first quick review as I did a comparison of the EKEN H9 and the Xiaomi Yi in 1080p with 60fps!
The image of the EKEN H9 looks very sharp compared to the Xiaomi Yi. The colors are a bit blueish and washed out. Compare the last seconds of the video with the sky. The video of the EKEN looks more shaky as the one of the Xiaomi, the vibrations ore clearly visible. The cameras were mounted on the same baseplate.
The 2″ screen is very nice for handling to frame your shot. The menu structure is also well done and there are lots of settings available, more than on the Xiaomi.
It’s amazing how much accessories there are included, considering the camera is cheaper than the Xiaomi! You’ll get an underwater case, handlebar mount, adhesive mounts, a frame with 1/4″ screws, a 360° clip mount, power socket to USB adapter and many GoPro mount adapters.
That’s just a quick first review, a more detailed one will follow! Stay tuned!
2K Resolution Demo Footage of the Xiaomi Yi camera.
The camera shoots in 2304x1296 whereas YouTube's resolution is 2560x1440, that's why the video has a black frame.
Most 2K footage on YouTube was uploaded from the camera and therefore you can't set YouTube to a higher resolution than 1080p!
Zhiyun just released an updated version of their 3-axis Z1-Rider gimbal, which is a very versatile device to get smooth shots. Find out more:
What’s in the Box?
The 3-axis Z1-Rider2 gimbal is wire connected to a handle that holds the battery. The gimbal requires 2 18350 Li-Po batteries which are included.
You’ll also get a battery charger and a USB-MicroUSB cable which can be used for the charger and to update the firmware of the gimbal.
For mounting the camera on the gimbal you’ll find a bar and screws. The short screws are used to mount a GoPro alone, and the longer ones are needed if you use your GoPro with a LCD backpack. You’ll not only find one set, but a second one as replacement parts.
There is also a short USB cable which can be used to power your GoPro with the batteries of the gimbal. That actually saved my first test shoot, as I forgot my spare batteries for the GoPro at home.
You’ll also find a velcro to fix the handle bar of the Z1-rider.
Mounting Options
That’s what I really like about this gimbal, it has a GoPro mount and a 1/4″ thread at the bottom so you can attach it to any of your GoPro mounts. I’ve used it on a handle bar, wrist strap, monopod and an adhesive mount on top of a helmet so far - very versatile!
If you want to use it handheld - here’s a trick: Use the handle bar mount on the battery grip of the Z1-Rider and you are good to go.
I prefer another way and mount the gimbal on a monopod. That way I control the gimbal with one hand and hold the battery grip in the other hand to adjust the pitch of the camera. It just works like a jib!
How does it work?
On the bottom of the handle bar you’ll find the power button. Next to the 3 buttons on the grip you’ll find a LED indicating the battery status.
The middle button is the mode switch button. When you long press it, you start the gimbal and the camera will level. With the buttons above and below you can tilt the camera.
By short pressing the mode button you can switch from pan following mode to locking mode and back. If you double press it you can switch to pan and pitch following mode.
That’s it basically - very easy to use and makes a great impact, but see yourself in my review video:
In this blogpost I want to sum up all accessories which are available for the Xiaomi Yi camera. This article is constantly updated with new products and price comparisons:
Updated: August 19th
This is about accessories especially for the Xiaomi Yi camera. I wrote another article about "My favorite action camera mounts”, which can be used for the Xiaomi Yi and any other action camera.
Underwater Case (incl. original Xiaomi)
That’s probably the most requested item for the camera. Currently there is a lot of confusion as there are several versions available. I wrote a blogpost about the underwater case including reviews:
>> read more: Underwater Cases Review (incl. video review)
Remote Control (original Xiaomi)
If you want to remote control your camera, but don’t want to use you phone, you can use this remote control from Xiaomi. It’s connected via bluetooth, firmware 1.1.0 or above is required. You can switch between photo and video mode and start recording / take a picture.
Banggood: 13.89 USD
Gearbest: 11.89
Geekbuying: 11.99
Aliexpress: 8.99 USD
also available with the monopod:
Banggood: 33.09 USD
Gearbest: 33.09 USD
Geekbuying: 40.69 USD
Aliexpress: 31.99 USD
>> read more: Remote Control Review (incl. video review)
Floating Grip (original Xiaomi)
The monopod included in the travel edition and remote set can also be bought separately. This just refers to the original one, there are many similar ones available:
Banggood: 16.29 USD
Gearbest: -
Geekbuying: -
Aliexpress: -
Back Doors (original Xiaomi)
Especially the door for USB, HDMI and microSD card is very likely to get lost at some point.Finally you can order them.
Banggood: 2.64 USD
Gearbest: -
Geekbuying: -
Aliexpress: 4.50 USD
Silicon Soft Rubber Case
The rubber case gives you more protection for your camera. I prefer not to use the underwater case as it adds an additional layer over the lens. I ordered a black one also to have a dark cover for my white camera (e.g. on a stage). Available here:
Banggood: 5.99 USD
Gearbest: 1.44 USD
Geekbuying: 2.59 USD
Aliexpress: 5.99 USD
>> read more: blogpost and review about this case (incl. video)
Battery & Charger
As the action cameras usually run out of battery before their storage is full, an extra battery is highly recommended. Double chargers are also available to charge batteries while camera is in use. Available here:
Battery:
Banggood: 5.99 USD
Gearbest: 2.80 USD
Geekbuying: 5.99 USD
Aliexpress: 6.64 USD
Charger:
Banggood: 8.99 USD
Gearbest: 3.43 USD
Geekbuying: 5.99 USD
Aliexpress: 5.52 USD
Lens Cap
If you don’t carry the cam in a bag or don’t use the underwater case you might wanna get one of these caps. It’s cheaper than a new lens when it is damaged. You can also check out a UV filter with cap!
Banggood: 2.99 USD
Gearbest: 0.76 USD
Geekbuying: 0.99 USD
Aliexpress: 1.43 USD
Aluminium Housing
A great product which I also ordered, not only because of protection but because of the sweet GoPro Mount adapter at the bottom. It uses the notch next to the thread for more stability. The adapter can also be used without the frame and has a shorter screw than several other adapters.
Available here:
Banggood: 10.99 USD
Gearbest: 7.49 USD
Geekbuying: 8.99 USD
Aliexpress: 11.04 USD
>> read more: review of the aluminium frame (incl. video)
This aluminium housing is also pretty cool. It gives a bit more protection than the frame. It has the same GoPro mount adapter as the frame. Additionally there is a thread for an UV filter and you can attach a cap.
Banggood: -
Gearbest: 13.38 USD
Geekbuying: -
Aliexpress: 19.99 USD
>> read more: review of the aluminium case (incl. video)
And a third option is available. Also more protection than the frame with an additional clod shoe for accessories such as LED light or optical viewfinder. What a pity that it doesn’t come with the GoPro mount adapter, but here the mount is built in. There is also a thread for a filter.
Aliexpress: 23.70 USD
Banggood: 21.99 USD
FPV - Video out cable
In case you want to use your camera for FPV, here is a cable to transmit the video signal. Available here:
Banggood: 3.11 USD
Gearbest: -
Geekbuying: 1.99 USD
Aliexpress: 3.95 USD
Filter
Be careful which filter adapter you are going to use as vignetting can easily occur. Take a look at my article on this topic:
>> read more: filters and a review Lens Adapters (incl. video)
1/4″ to GoPro Adapter
You sure want to get an adapter to use all the available mounts (which can be used for SJcam or GoPro) with your Xiaomi Yi camera. 1/4″ to GoPro mount adapters are available for under 2 USD.
The one included with the frame can now be bought separately. This one gives more stability as it uses the notch next to the thread.
Available here:
Banggood: -
Gearbest: 3.04 USD
Geekbuying: 5.19 USD
Aliexpress: -
Bag / Case
Be careful when looking for bags as most of them are fitted for GoPros and their accessories (battery size, LCD screen,...)
This seems to be the first one specifically for the Xiaomi Yi and has special holes for camera in case, 2 batteries, SD card Adapter & Monopod as well as space for other accessories.
Banggood: -
Gearbest: -
Geekbuying: 13.89 USD
Aliexpress: 21.99 USD
Gimbals
Finally there are Gimbals available for the Xiaomi Yi camera.
>> read more: I did a special article about them: Xiaomi Yi Gimbals.
Charging
As the Xiaomi Yi as well as the battery charger come without wall socket adapter, you might want to get this device: the BlitzWolf USB Charger offers 5 USB ports with a 5 volt and 2 amps output for each port. It’s available for 19.99 USD at Banggood.
>> find more information and a review here.
Basic Mounts
I would recommend this set, because these are the basic mounts you need for every action camera and it is available for 16.99 USD here: Banggood.
I recently got it from Banggood and was surprised as there were more mounts included than in the description of the website. Take a look at my photo:
These are the basics for mounting the cam, read more about Xiaomi Yi mounting options here: “My favorite action camera mounts”.
to be continued...
Now there are many mounts advertised for the Xiaomi Yi, but you can use them with any action camera as they feature either the 1/4″ screw or the GoPro mount. In many cases the adapter is included. Check them out here.
In this article I will take a look at some filters used in photography as well as some mounting options for the Xiaomi Yi camera:
At first let’s take a look at some filters:
UV Filter
They prevent getting ultraviolet light (UV) from getting through. In photography they are used to reduce the level of ultraviolet light that strikes the recording medium.
Photographic films were sensitive to UV light, which caused haziness and later in color films a bluish hue. A UV filter was used to filtering out shorter ultraviolet wavelengths. Newer photographic film and digital cameras are highly insensitive to UV wavelengths.
UV filters are still used but more as a protection for the lenses' glass due to their low cost and lack of effect on the exposure of the shot. However, UV filters (in particular filters lacking optical coating) may introduce lens flare and have an adverse impact on contrast and sharpness, especially when a strong light source is present!
Polarizing filter
A polarizer filter passes light of a specific polarization and blocks waves of other polarizations. The common types of polarizers are linear polarizers and circular polarizers.
CPL or circular polarizing filters are used in photography to reduce oblique reflections from non-metallic surfaces. Polarizing filters can be rotated to maximise or minimise admission of polarised light.
You can use a CPL to increase contrast when taking a photo of the sky, or reduce reflections in glass or on water surface. They are also used to improve the appearance of vegetation.
Polarizing filters also reduce the light passed through to the sensor, depending on how much of the light is polarized at the filter angle selected. Auto-exposure cameras will adjust for this by widening the aperture, lengthening the shutter, and/or increasing the ISO speed of the camera. In case of the Xiaomi Yi, which has a fixed aperture (f 2.8) it will effect shutter and/or ISO.
ND Filter
In photography, a neutral density filter or ND filter, is a filter that reduces or modifies the intensity of all wavelengths or colors of light equally, giving no changes in hue of color rendition. It can be a colorless (clear) or grey filter.
The purpose is to reduce the amount of light entering the lens which allows you to select combinations of aperture, exposure time and sensor sensitivity which would otherwise produce overexposed pictures. Again a short reminder, the aperture of the Xioami Yi’s lens is fixed (f2.8). But you can us the ND filter to force the camera to do longer exposures. There are also modified firmware versions which show pictures with long exposure at night.
Xiaomi Yi filters and mounts
There are several options to mount those filters on your Xiaomi Yi camera. There are some fixed UV filters which can be put over the lens for protection and there are some mounts with a thread where you can screw the desired filter. I tested two of them a 37mm filter and a 52mm filter:
Video Review
37mm filter
The Xiaomi Yi has a very wide angled lens (170°), so you have to be careful otherwise you’ll get vignetting (dark edges as the filter extends into the picture) This 37mm filter shows a bad result in terms of vignetting when lens rectification (or lens aberration correction) is turned off. If you turn it on in the App you won’t see any problems:
I wouldn’t recommend using this filter, as you can only use it with lens rectification.
52mm filter
So I got myself a larger 52mm diameter adapter and filter. In photo mode it still shows some vignetting, but you’re good in video mode. When you switch on lens rectification (lens aberration correction) you won’t have a problem in both modes.
I’m using this adapter when shooting videos, so I’m fine with this one. I use UV filters to protect the lens. I’ll soon post a video where we were filming with a quad and I wanted to protect the lens from flying gravel. I also use CPL filters when shooting with cars, to get rid of the mirroring in the windshield.
Price:
52mm Set (with ND filter): 4.91 USD (Gearbest.com)
52mm UV filter: 7.61 USD (Gearbest.com)
52mm CPL filter: 12.43 USD (Gearbest.com)
More about Xiaomi Yi:
Xiaomi Yi Review & Manual & App Walkthrough
Xiaomi Yi Accessories & Reviews
Xiaomi Yi Mounts
How to fix the Sound Problem
How to fix the Lens Problem
Xiaomi Yi Price Comparison
Blog Overview
BACK
Remark: I bought the 37mm set; The 52mm set was provided by Gearbest for testing.
I got 2 aluminium frames / cases and tested them and this is a short review, a great tool I think, not only because of the superb GoPro mount adapter:
The GoPro Mount Adapter
Now here’s why I’m excited about these products. It’s the Gopro mount adapter which can be used with or without the frame. As for the black model you have to put a small rubber ring around the bottom of the screw to tighten it, as it came with the blue model. It gives more stability then the other adapters available. I’m always a little worried that they can get loose if there is a high wind pressure and the camera can move. This adapter uses the little notch next to the 1/4″ screw.
The Frame
Video Review
The frame has openings to access every button of the camera - power button, trigger and wifi button. Also every LED is visible: wifi and the 3 status LEDS. There are also openings for speaker and microphone.
You can also open the door to access USB & HDMI port as well as your microSD card. Only the battery door can’t be opened, you have to take the cam out of the frame.
The Case
Video Review
This model has openings to access every button of the camera - power button, trigger and wifi button. Also every LED is visible: wifi and the 3 status LEDS. There are also openings for speaker and microphone.
You can open the door to access USB & HDMI port as well as your microSD card. On this model you can also open the battery door, as the case is flat at the backside and doesn’t surround the camera.
This model also protects the camera’s lens which is a big plus for this model. There is a thread and it comes with a 37mm UV filter, so you can also use a ND or CPL filter. Unfortunately vignetting occurs when lens rectification (lens aberration correction) is not turned on and the filter is in use.
Here a test pic with UV filter on the case:
So I removed the filter and use the case just with the cap as a protection when traveling. In photo mode without lens rectification, you can still see a little dark spot, but you can see that the lens of my camera is shifted a little to the right, as it only occurs on the right side of the frame. The picture of my underwater case looks similar.
Conclusion
So why do I like these tools, except for the mentioned adapter:
I try to avoid the underwater case as often as possible, because it adds another layer over the camera’s lens, often made out of less quality material (depending on the underwater case). I think that the aluminum frame & case provide more protection of the camera, compared to the underwater cases, as all sides and corners of the camera are protected by the aluminum and not plastic. (Except the front side, on the blue model where the lens is exposed.)
I love doing time-lapses. One great accessory to improve them is a panning head for the action camera. let me show you why:
Why using a Panning Head?
I love time-lapses, especially when traveling, as they add more dynamic to the videos. This works out great when doing shots of cities or landscapes. I did a lot of them not only using action cameras, but also with a smartphone or DSLR camera.
But after a while you get a little bored when the camera is always static. A panning head adds additional motion to your videos. Furthermore they are compact and light and therefore comfortably to carry when traveling.
How it works
It basically works like an egg timer. I got a MYRMICA360TL head which I’m going to show in this review. You twist the dial in a clockwise direction and it will turn back anti-clockwise to the minute setting (and angle) desired. The head can turn a max. of 360° within 60 min. On the device you’ll find marks for 15min. (90°), 30min. (180°) and 45min. (270°).
It has a 1/4″ screw on top and a thread at the bottom, so you can mount your Xiaomi Yi directly on the device. You can use a small ball head or GoPro mounts to adjust the angle in hight. With your GoPro or SJCAM you need a 1/4″ adapter, but this way you can easily adjust the angle.
You can mount the head on any tripod with the 1/4″ thread at the bottom.
The loading capacity is max. 3,5kg so you are not limited to your action camera, you can also use a DSLR. Furthermore you can use a smartphone with this device as well.
The best way of demonstration the devices is of course a video, so here’s a video review for you:
Price
The MYRMICA360TL is available for 20.99 USD at Gearbest.
Recommended Accessories:
Tripod with Ballhead and GoPro Adapter
Smartphone Adapter
GoPro Adapter
Conclusion
A pan head is a beneficial, affordable accessory for your action camera, which will help you to achieve better time-lapse videos. A must have if you shoot time-lapses.
SJCAM just released a new camera, the SJ4000+ or SJ4000 plus.
I want to give a short overview and compare it with the (still being the top model) Sj5000+
Which SJCAM models are available?
As this question often arises: the official SJCAM models are: SJ4000, SJ4000+ SJ5000 and SJ5000+. The 4000 & 5000 model are offered with and without wifi; the plus models come with wifi.
There are SJ6000 or even SJ7000 models available for sale, but are not from SJCAM.
Let’s take a look what’s differs the SJ4000+ and SJ5000+
Sensor & Chip:
The SJ4000+ comes with a 4MP OmnisVision OV4689 sensor and a Novatek 96660 chip;
whereas the SJ5000+ holds a 16MP Panasonic sensor and an Ambarella A7LS75 chip.
Recording Format & Frame Rates:
Now that’s very surprising as according to the website the SJ4000+ records up to 2K whereas the largest resolution for the SJ5000+ model is 1080p. Frame rates are the same: max. 60fps in 1080p and 120fps in 720p. The videos are recorded in h264 .mp4 files.
Lens:
Unfortunately I couldn’t get all data for the SJ4000+. Both have a 170° lens; the SJ5000+ lens has a f2,8 aperture, which I expect to be the same for the SJ4000+.
Display:
Both cameras offer a 1,5″ TFT display. But I couldn’t find out if the share the same resolution. The SJ5000+ offers 960x240 dots.
Battery:
Each cam is powered by a 900mAh removable battery.
Connectivity & Ports:
Both models come with wifi and can be connected to an iOS or Android device. They also offer a HDMI and USB port.
Functions:
The shooting modes include: burst mode, timer & time-lapse as well as loop recording and the option to set a time stamp.
Accessories:
As for all SJCAM models they come with a huge accessory pack including: several base plates, bike mount, underwater case, clips, helmet mount and many more; basically all you need for an action camera.
Price:
Banggood: 139.99 USD
Gearbest: 119.99 USD (promo code: SJ4PLUS)
Geekbuying: 149.99 USD
Aliexpress: 129.27 USD (3rd party retailer)
That’s about 20 USD less than the SJ5000+ model (Banggood: 159 USD)
Conclusion
It seems like the only differences between the SJ4000+ and the SJ5000+ are the sensor and the chipset. Surprisingly the Sj4000+ offers a resolution up to 2K which might be available for the SJ5000+ with a newer firmware.
This results in a lower price for the SJ4000+, so if you want to save some $ that might be the right camera for you.
I’ll try to get some more info on the SJ4000+ and will update this article and try to do a review including a video for my YouTube channel. Stay tuned!
Share your thoughts in our brandnew Facebook Group:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/SJcamUserGroup/
Underwater cases for the Xiaomi Yi camera is a hard topic currently as there now seem to be 5 different models available. All of them are shipped, but not from every retailer. Here’s an overview:
Updated: August 10th
My Video Review:
A video review and comparison of the new and old case will follow! be sure to subscribe to my channel.
The original case
Xiaomi recently released a new version of the underwater case. The first edition seemed to have issues with the buttons as the break easily (I didn’t encounter this problem though).
Both have a white cap the 1st version had white plastic buttons, the new one shows aluminium buttons!
The cap covers the whole top section with a hole for the button.
“Yi See Different” is written on the cap.
It is 40m waterproof with protection class IP68.
A GoPro mount adapter with a 1/4″ thread is included.
The case comes in a box which looks like the one from the camera.
new case (left) vs old case (right)
Prices:
Banggood:
old version 28.99 USD (out of stock)
new version white 29.99 USD
new version green 29.99 USD
Geekbuying:
new version 30.99 USD
Gearbest:
new version 25.60 USD
Aliexpress:
This reseller sold and delivered the old original case.
Reviews:
New version:
elProducente (bought at Banggood)
The new original case seems great (like the first version) now the buttons are improved and are made of aluminium, so they won’t break. It has a very good locking mechanism and there isn’t the slightest gap between case and door. Vignetting is also no problem with the new version of the case:
Please note that my camera’s lens is a little shifted to the right showing vignetting in a photo with lens rectification turned off!
Old version:
elProducente (bought at this aliexpress reseller)
The original case seems to be the best one out there. It has the best cap design and locking mechanism of the cases I tested. Quality seems to be very good, no button issues on the one I tested. Vignetting is also no big deal with this case:
(remark: my lens seems to be shifted a little to the right)
Matthias (bought from this aliexpress reseller):
“ -good quality
-case covers yi-cam perfectly
-the buttons are comfortably to press (not so hard as the buttons of the sjcam case)
-well designed (I don't like the green of kingma case)
-the closing mechanism (made of plastic) does its job well “
Rome (bought in China):
photo from Xiaomi in case - lens rectification off
Even though there is a very little vignette in the lower corner, Rome says this is the best of the cases in terms of image quality he tested.
The 60m case
This is the only model which is 60m waterproof!
It has a black cap, similar to the GoPro cases.
The rubber sealing is colored red.
There’s also a video test:
Prices:
Aliexpress: 10.80 USD (in stock)
Gearbest: 9.25 USD (in stock)
Geekbuying: -
Banggood: 21.99 USD (in stock)
Review:
elProducente (bought at this aliexpress reseller):
The quality of the case seems to be very good. There is not the slightest gap between case and door. The cap gets loose if you don’t watch out when opening, but when it is hooked in, it is very tight. Only very little vignetting:
Rome: (bought in China)
photo with camera in case - lens rectification off
Matthias: (bought at aliexpress)
“ +NO vignetting
+good quality plastic
+buttons are very soft to press (more soft than the original xiaomi yi underwatercase)
-The wifi-button is not fitted at the same height position than the other ones (but it makes no difference in usage)
-The closing buckle gets off very easy from the case (only in open position)
In my opinion the best case is the original one from xiaomi. If I would buy again, I would recommend the original. On second position I would choose the 60m underwater case.”
The “pre-order” case
Most of us saw this picture of the underwater case first:
I got a notice that the model has changed and now looks like this:
A little later I got a confirmation Mail that this model is from “another manufacturer” ant not from Xiaomi.
It has a cyan cap and silver buttons. The cap covers the whole top section with a hole for the button (similar to the original one).
A GoPro quickconnector is included.
Prices:
Banggood: 18.99 USD (in stock)
Geekbuying: 18.99 USD (in stock)
Gearbest: -
Aliexpress: 11.67 USD
Reviews:
elProducente (bought at Banggood):
The camera fits well into the case and it is very hard to get it out again. The cap easily detaches from the metal bar which is annoying. I noticed that it is sealed, but there is a larger gap on one side of the case, which could or should be tighter (last photo).
The vignetting is pretty bad when doing photos without lens rectification in 4:3. It is stronger on the right side of the picture. I noticed that the lens on my camera is not centered in the housing, it’s a little more to the left when looking at the camera. I tried using a white wall to make vignetting visible:
Rome (bought in China):
photo with camera in case - lens rectification off
Lukas (ordered at Banggood):
Lukas’ camera seems to have the lens more centered than my one as here is more vignetting seen on both sides.
The KingMa case (+lookalike)
There is a noticeable difference as the lens housing is not round.
This case is from Kingma, same company the first available battery for Xiaomi Yi camera is from. It is also 40m waterproof.
It is available with a green, white or black cap.
There is no hole for the trigger button, the part of the cap is hollow.
There might be some lookalikes as there are some pictures without the KingMa logo on top of the cap.
Prices:
Banggood: 19.60 USD (in stock)
Geekbuying: 18.99 USD (in stock)
Gearbest: 10.63 USD (in stock)
Aliexpress: 12.89 USD (in stock)
Review
Rome (bought in China):
photo with Xiaomi in case - lens rectification off
Here is a picture of the cases he tested. The one I referring to is no 2 from the left. No logo on top.
Simon (bought at aliexpress)
The "rounded” case
I refer to as “rounded model” as the cap is rounded towards the front.
This one is like all the others 40m waterproof.
The cap covers the whole top of the case with a hole for the trigger button. It seems very round on front and back.
It is available in black, green and white; sometimes the lens housing is in the same color as the cap:
Prices:
Banggood: 15.99 USD (in stock)
Geekbuying: 18.99 USD (in stock)
Gearbest: 9.13 USD (in stock)
Aliexpress: 10.47 USD (in stock)
Reviews:
I don’t have any reviews so far. I’ll keep you updated...
Conclusion
This is a very challenging topic where the information changes almost daily. I’ll try my best to collect as much information as possible and keep updating this site constantly.
My favorite is the original case: very good quality and no vignetting.
2nd place for the 60m case. Also very good quality and no vignetting. On the downside, the cap may get loose, but thats not a big deal. A big plus that it is 60m water proof.
The “pre-order” model has some issues: the cap gets loose easily and the is very bothersome. The quality is also pretty poor as there is a gap between case and door, which is covered by the sealing. I dindn’t have a problem when using under water, but it doesn’t look that trustworthy. Vignetting is pretty bad.
I haven’t tested the KingMa Case myself. On the photos you can see vignetting worse than with the original or 60m model.
I also haven’t tested the “rounded” model and have no test results. The lens housing seems to be tight. I curious how vignetting looks like.
If you have any review info or pictures, please send them!
Remark: The prices shown in the comparison are the cheapest ones, as this was a request by users to show the lowest price. The links next to the review refer to the seller where they were bought by me and users. There still could be a change in production or stock to the model you order.
This is a short review of the new Xiaomi Yi remote control also answering:
How to pair remote control and camera?
Will it work while using your phone?
Updated: August 10th
Video Review
I ordered the remote together with the original monopod and it comes in a box similar to the one of the camera.
How to pair Remote Control and Camera
Let’s take a look at the major question: How to pair camera and remote control.
First you have to double click the wifi button on your camera, then press the mode switch button on the remote control. The blue LEDs will flash and you are done.
The LED above the mode switching button, it will light up red when it is not connected and it will change to blue when they are pared.
Once the remote is paired, you don’t have to click the wifi button as the remote is immediately connected with the camera when it is turned on.
In the app settings of the camera you will find “unbind all Bluetooth devices”; there you can unpair them if you want.
Remote Control & Phone
The remote control also works when you have connected a phone and your camera. When selecting modes or hitting the trigger button, the camera follows your commands as well as the app.
Remote Control
It fit’s very well on the original monopod. When you open the flap above the remote you can pull it out. The remote is placed in a rubber case which has two holes on the backside, so you can also mount it on a strap.
On the backside you’ll find the door for the battery and it is powered by a 3 volt, CR1632 battery which was included.
Monopod
The quality of the monopod is also very good. The locking mechanism is easy to operate.
On top it looks like a ball head, but you can just tilt it - Well, you can turn the stick so it is not really necessary and adds more stability.
I really like the 1/4″ thread at the bottom where the strap is mounted. You can take it of and screw the monopod on any other photo equipment. Of course you can use the strap directly on your camera.
Conclusion
I personally would have preferred a smart remote like the one for the GoPros, you basically can only change modes which you have defined with your app in advance, and you’ve got a trigger/record button which comes in handy when you don’t have access to your camera, for example when doing a selfie and you don’t have to switch on your phone all the time.
Prices
Remote control only:
Banggood: 13.89 USD
Gearbest: 11.89 USD
Geekbuying: 11.99 USD
Aliexpress: 12.89 USD
Remote control with monopod:
Banggood: 33.09 USD
Gearbest: 33.09 USD
Geekbuying: 40.69 USD
Aliexpress: 36.58 USD
For current prices check my article: Xiaomi Yi Accessories where I constantly update the prices to give you an overview.
I bought this set at Banggood, so this review refers to what I received.
dededos
prguitarman
2087
vaporwave
titsay