Best YI Action Cameras in 2020

A modern person with an active life position prefers to spend his free time in motion, often enjoys extreme sports, organizes entertainment leisure. In this regard, there is a need for equipment capable of capturing the bright moments of life associated with the development of the sea depths, the conquest of air spaces, and overcoming ski slopes. The need for such a device may also be due to working moments. The first assistant in solving this issue is an action camera: a small size, low weight, a digital device can be attached to a particular surface, which ensures its installation even in the most inaccessible places.

The pioneer in the world of action cameras is the GoPro brand, which created this concept from scratch. A worthy GoPro alternative is currently Xiaomi's YI, one of the highest quality products after the founder of action cameras, and in most cases at a lower price. A review of popular YI models will be made in this article, which will help pay attention to budget and more expensive options, models for amateur video filming and professional activities.

Basic equipment and additional accessories of YI action cameras

The standard kit includes:

• camera;
• battery device;
• instructional documentation;
• micro USB cable for synchronization and recharging.

It should be noted that due to the lack of built-in memory, you should additionally purchase a high-speed memory card: the recommended standard volume is from 32 to 64 GB (in the first case, shooting is provided within 2.5-3 hours, in the second - about 3.5-5 hours) ...

To protect against moisture (first of all, if the shooting is done in conditions of high humidity or under water), dirt, dust, stones (which is especially important when riding a motorcycle or high-speed bike), you need to get a box. The box will reliably protect the lens and display (which most new models have). At the same time, the thick polycarbonate cover not only performs a protective function, but also allows you to see the image on the display.

There are also boxes with touch-sensitive covers that provide interaction with the display without opening the cover, which is important when performing underwater filming or in adverse weather conditions (rainstorm, sleet). It should be noted that in addition to the standard configuration, it is possible to purchase a camera + box set, this is not always economically justified: it is often more profitable to purchase a camera and buy a box for it separately.

In addition, you will have to spend money if you purchase a protective film (glass) for the display and the box lens in order to prevent their damage due to the ingress of sand, dirt, water drops, scratches and cracks when the device falls.

You may need a spare battery and charger, as well as a tripod and selfie sticks.As for the latter, there is an extended configuration option, in which a selfie stick is attached to the camera. Otherwise, the monopod is sold separately. Since it improves stabilization and safety in general, it is simply necessary to become the owner of this accessory when shooting from a third person. When choosing it, it is important to remember that the structure must be painted, since the bare iron surface of the accessory when moisture gets in (and even more so when immersed in water) will quickly become rusty and acquire a state that is unsuitable for further use.

An additional accessory (optional, but possible) can be a silicone case. Its main purpose is to protect the case and preserve the sound quality inherent for the device (which is not always possible in a box): the case has all the necessary technical holes for the external elements of the camera (for microphones, buttons). When filming on land in order to prevent damage to the camera body and maintain the original sound quality of the device, the use of such an accessory is quite justified.

When shooting from the first person, you can't do without mounts.

A dizzying descent from a hill or overcoming a bike trail will not do without a helmet-mounted camera. Inside, such a mount has a rubberized base to prevent slipping. In addition to the helmet or head mount, there are options for the bicep, chest, which makes it possible to free your hands.

Thus, when buying a camera, a memory card (better - 64 GB) and the necessary (depending on the user's needs) additional accessories are purchased at the same time: for protection from moisture - a box, for shooting from the first person - mounts, for creating images from a third faces - a monopod, as well as tripods, protective films and glasses, additional batteries and chargers to increase the duration of filming.

You will have to pay an average of $ 30 to $ 50 on their purchase.

Remote control

A smartphone acts as a remote control for YI action cameras. The models below have the option to use the YI app. It is free, translated into Russian. Allows you to carry out all the necessary actions in real time: the camera transmits the image to the screen of a smartphone or tablet, makes it possible to move from video to photo, change settings. The gallery function helps you instantly go to the camera's memory card: view images, delete unnecessary ones, select the material that should be dumped to the computer.

Communication is carried out via Wi-Fi. For models without a display, such control is a vital necessity, since otherwise it is not possible to make settings, for models with a display - an alternative option (for someone it is easier to make settings from the smartphone screen than from the camera display).

YI Action Camera Models

Model YI

These inexpensive devices have found their user for a long time. Colors of the plastic case: white, black, green (first version). The control button on the front panel provides switching on, off, switching between photo and video modes. On the top and side panels there are: a shutter button, a microphone, a button for controlling the Wi-Fi module (for working in the application). Indicator lights are located along the side panels and edges of the control button to show you how to charge the camera and use it to shoot videos.

Interface: HDMI, micro USB, memory card slot. A removable battery with a capacity of 990 mAh in summer provides shooting for up to 1.5 hours, in winter frosts (from 0 to - 10 degrees) - the maximum operating time is no more than 40-50 minutes. Matrix - 16 Mp. Aperture - F / 2.8. The ability to shoot video - 2K up to 15 frames per second, Full HD at a resolution of 1080p up to 60 frames per second (you can observe overheating and braking).

The presence of Wi-Fi and Bluetooth modules allow you to remotely control the camera using an application on a smartphone or a proprietary Xiaomi remote control.

In addition to the standard photo and video modes, you can shoot Time-lapse, cyclic video, you can overlay date and time, which allows you to use this unit as a car DVR.

The average price of the model ranges from $ 70-100.

• reliable;
• inexpensive.

• The lack of a display and control from the phone screen, however, for an amateur, this moment is not critical;
• Stabilization is not the model's hobbyhorse, so watching a football match filmed with such a device will not be the best experience;
• The first versions had problems with sound and lens. The sound problem was solved by soldering the microphone, and in the case of the lens, focusing had to be set by rotating the lens. It should be noted that the problem of sound is present in the model, especially under adverse weather conditions (wind, rain).

Such a camera is suitable for a motorcycle, attached to a helmet will serve as a DVR. It can be used to survey the terrain from a quadcopter. It will be a great gift for a child who tries his hand at shooting video and photos. Such a device can be recommended for making family videos and photographs, for those users who take pictures from time to time or just try their hand at video shooting.

Model YI Lite

The model entered the wide market in the fall of 2017. Outwardly similar to the 4K model, which was released a little earlier. It has a touchscreen display, support for 4K shooting up to 20 frames per second, Full HD shooting at a resolution of 1080p up to 60 frames per second, there is built-in electronic stabilization, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth modules for remote control. On the side panel there is a micro USB output, no HDMI output.

On the top panel there are 2 microphones, a speaker, an on / off button and control of the shooting mode. Display - 2 inches, resolution - 320 × 240. On the bottom panel there is a standard mounting thread for a tripod and accessories, a compartment for a battery and a memory card. The 1200 mAh battery makes it possible to extend the shooting process compared to the previous case by about 15 minutes.

Built-in stabilization is good for panoramic shooting. The viewing angle is up to 150 degrees. Shooting in motion is worse.

One button is used for control. After turning on the camera, an available menu appears: it contains settings for shooting time-lapse, slow-motion video, standard photo and video, photo with a timer delay, series of shots, looping video, video + photo (during video shooting, a photo is taken at regular intervals). In the gallery mode, you can view the footage. The implementation of mode settings and general camera settings are available.

The device will cost from $ 150 to $ 170. In this case, the price corresponds to the quality. The device has a number of certain advantages and disadvantages.

• touchscreen;
• removable battery (in order to increase the shooting time, you can use an additional one);
• good quality panoramic shots in daylight.

• such a device will not work well to shoot in a darkened room;
• the available stabilization is also insufficient to obtain a good image when driving fast or other intensive movement.

The device can be called a leader in the production of amateur filming. For fishing, hunting, creating photo and video reviews of sights and fascinating panoramic views on tourist trips, YI Lite is a reliable assistant and friend. But using the model for professional activities is not the best solution.

YI 4K model

In the rating of quality cameras sold, the model takes the first positions. She is the first Xiaomi camera with UHD 4K. The housing in white or black is equipped with an indicator light on the front panel. On the side panel there is a Micro USB output. The top panel contains a speaker, 2 microphones, a recording control button. Display - 2 inches with a resolution of 640 × 360.On the bottom panel there is a traditional screw connection, which provides attachment of photo accessories and a tripod, a battery compartment and a slot for a memory card. Enabling (disabling) is performed by the button on the top panel. The menu is similar to YI Lite: selection of shooting modes and settings of modes, general camera settings.

Matrix 12 Mp, matrix type - CMOS. Aperture - F / 2.8. The viewing angle is 155 degrees. Shooting - 4K up to 30 frames per second, Full HD up to 120 frames per second. Wider settings in terms of sound recording (sound is recorded both in stereo and in noise suppression mode - wind, boxing mode).

In general, the device provides a good quality of shooting, but there are pitfalls: to edit the footage you need a powerful computer, and for full-fledged work or viewing images, the LCD screen of a TV or computer monitor must have a 4K resolution.

Autonomy - 1400 mAh, which will provide 1.5-2 hours of continuous shooting, depending on the season and weather conditions.
The average price is $ 200-250.

• reliability;
• touchscreen;
• in natural light, it provides good quality photos and videos, with a sufficient amount of artificial lighting, it is possible to shoot at an acceptable level both competitions in the gym and transmission in the studio.

• at twilight, graininess may appear, picture quality deterioration.

This representative is a working version, although it can also be used for home video filming. This model can be recommended to people who produce photo and video material on an ongoing basis.

Model YI 4K +

This model is both a complete analogue and a competitor to the Go Pro Hero 5 Black. Appearance - the body is borrowed from 4K, the only difference is that the front panel is made of carbon. Available in black and white. Like 4K, the display has a resolution of 640 × 360; matrix - CMOS, 12 Mp; aperture - F / 2.8. The same elements as in 4K take place: a light indicator, a power button (off, switching between modes), 2 microphones.

The latter are located on the top and side walls of the chambers, which favorably affects sound recording (in the previous version, the microphones were located on top). Left - USB-C output, through which you can display the image on the screen of a TV or monitor, like via HDMI. Bottom - tripod thread, battery compartment, memory card slot.

Based on the name of the model, there are expectations associated with a change in the functionality of this model in comparison with its predecessor. These are: the frame rate is 2 times higher: camera up to 60 FPS, Full HD 1080 p up to 120 FPS; efficient processor of the new generation (more powerful, less subject to heating, consumes less energy); the quality of stabilization has been slightly improved; support for shooting in raf format, voice control (which is typical for top-end Go Pro models); there was a live broadcast function.

The menu is similar to 4K, there is support for the Russian language. An external microphone can be connected.

The price of this representative ranges from 300-350 dollars, which roughly corresponds to the cost of the Go Pro 5 Black, with which the model in question is functionally the same. The model of which company is better to choose is up to the potential buyer, who in this case will be guided by the visual perception of the image or other criteria for choosing a product.

One thing is for sure: for amateur filming, this camera is impractical to use, since many of its functions will not be in demand. 4K + is a working tool designed to provide high quality images and sound with the ability to edit footage, set manual shooting settings, connect an additional microphone. Such a device will be useful for those who create video on a commercial basis.

• more efficient processor;
• improved stabilization;
• high quality picture and sound;
• the ability to conduct live broadcasts.

• high price.

Model YI 360 VP

The basic equipment of this model is supplemented with a tripod. Feature of the appearance is the presence of two lenses located on the front and back sides of the case. Input connectors: HDMI, USB Type-C. Output - HDMI. This unit provides circular photo and video recording. Supports Micro SD card up to 128GB. The device makes a 360 degree view possible. Speed ​​- 30 frames per second, resolution - 5.7K. Aperture - F / 2.0. The device allows for on-line broadcasts using Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.

At the moment, the model can be purchased on aliexpress at a special price of $ 300.

• the ability to create pictures, videos and sound of decent quality;
• the possibility of circular shooting;
• organization of live broadcasts.

• price;
• weight and dimensions.

It is advisable to use in social networks in order to create and post high-quality video material for virtual reality. The product is relevant as a working tool when creating live broadcasts: with its help, you can easily become an Internet star.

Summarizing

There is no doubt that YI has found its consumer. The question of how to choose the best option from the existing brand assortment will have an answer if priorities are set. It is important to determine the purpose of the device, the degree of its use, the available financial capabilities.

For making amateur photos and videos, the YI and YI Lite models are the best helpers. They have a less powerful processor, which reduces the cost of the devices, but for an ordinary layman who is engaged in amateur photography, this is not critical. YI can be used both as a video recorder and as a means of displaying special moments in life.

Since the model is budgetary, you can put it in the hands of your child, who seeks to master the basics of camera art. Pleasant relaxation and great panoramic views will help you capture YI Lite. If the purpose of the camera is to preserve memories of leisure, travel, and significant events in your own life, this option is the most successful: there is no need to overpay for functionality that will not be used.

In the case when shooting is a job, you should take a closer look at the YI 4K and YI 4K + models: they are more expensive, but, having more capabilities, they provide better image and sound quality.

Bloggers and those interested in new technologies will also be in demand for the new YI 360 VR model, which provides a large viewing angle and high image quality: with the existing price-quality ratio, it is a good option for getting decent content.