Go Pro Alternative… Why I won't spend $400+

Amazing what a bit of research can dig up.. Go Pro, and its expensive competitors, are facing some stiff competition from below… I've been researching cheaper quality alternatives and they are out there… So I have settled on this one: SJ4000. If you do the research, and view the videos, it looks like a great alternative to the far more expensive Go Pro. I figured all of these gadgets are made in China, so why should I pay more for the Go Pro? This is by no means the only decent cheaper product.. Polaroid actually makes a great product that is as good as a Go Pro.

You can order them directly from the distributor (http://www.foxoffer.com/sj4000-full-...l#.Uy7fBVxgNuY) or get them on e-Bay.

I will be getting mine in the next couple of weeks. It's been ordered and once I get it I will post my own review. But so far, I have not come across anything negative expect from some GoPro owners (who are probably pissed that they could have saved $300+).

I just thought that some of you would be interested in saving some cash.


Here are some reviews and video...

British review: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xnHDu-oW7_Y

Comparison footage from Japan: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3oBP88VKJhE

More comparison footage:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MGL_kYuzykQ

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LDgMdw6xj-Q

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kncHIAzNAfc

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ngoj6RViZT4

Good find, enjoy!

I almost wonder if IS a GP, not uncommon for these Asian companies to sell the plans / parts and have knockoffs made, happens all the time, from sports jerseys, to iPhones, etc. While the specs don't quite go all the way up the line of some models, it sure mirrors (build wise, and quality wise) some GP models.

At that price that is a good deal but it lacks in the frame rate department. Get into some serious action like waterfowling and you'll see the difference that 60+fps in 1080p brings. For the average user this should be a great camera for turkey or deer hunting. I may pick one up when the tax man gives me my refund. Thanks for finding this!

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Originally Posted by RideauOutdoors

At that price that is a good deal but it lacks in the frame rate department. Get into some serious action like waterfowling and you'll see the difference that 60+fps in 1080p brings. For the average user this should be a great camera for turkey or deer hunting. I may pick one up when the tax man gives me my refund. Thanks for finding this!

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I think that for most applications, this is more than enough camera… Once you upload it into your computer's movie maker software (I have i-movie), you can apply slo-mo and other fun stuff…

Would you guys agree that the comparisons on YouTube show a better picture quality? The one from Japan on the ski hills show a yellowish GoPro image and not as clear, IMO.

Polaroid has a great cam too… Tiger Direct sells is for $150 - the Polaroid XS100 Extreme Edition

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Originally Posted by Splaker

Would you guys agree that the comparisons on YouTube show a better picture quality? The one from Japan on the ski hills show a yellowish GoPro image and not as clear, IMO.

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This is not a TRUE comparison, (doing side by sides, etc, on Youtube, as they limit the fps (Frame Rate, to 30 Frames Per Second), So you are not seeing the TRUE video in its RAW, format.

For instance on my Black Edition 3+ I can shoot 1080p superview at 60FPS, that camera you list can shoot 1080p at 30fps, upload both to youtube, and you just lost quality on the GP side, as youtube compresses it.

As well I can shoot in 2k and 4k (the next generation of "high def" above 1080p, While youtube claims they now support 2k, anything over gets downgraded to 2k, or 1080p, so you are not seeing what the GP can really do.

I wont dispute, looks like a great camera for those who do not want to spend the money on a GP, or who do not require/want those higher end features, but that's what you're paying the extra 300 for.

What that camera also doesn't speak to, is it's post processing capabilities, the GoPro can be used in "Protune" mode, which is like taking pictures in "RAW" format on a DSLR Camera, it allows allot more post processing ability, to play with colors, shades, etc, in programs such as Adobe Premiere Pro.

Again obviously all those "extra's" are not required or wanted for everyone, and most may never take advantage of them, but that's what the extra money gets you.

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Originally Posted by TurkeyRookie

This is not a TRUE comparison, (doing side by sides, etc, on Youtube, as they limit the fps (Frame Rate, to 30 Frames Per Second), So you are not seeing the TRUE video in its RAW, format.

For instance on my Black Edition 3+ I can shoot 1080p superview at 60FPS, that camera you list can shoot 1080p at 30fps, upload both to youtube, and you just lost quality on the GP side, as youtube compresses it.

As well I can shoot in 2k and 4k (the next generation of "high def" above 1080p, While youtube claims they now support 2k, anything over gets downgraded to 2k, or 1080p, so you are not seeing what the GP can really do.

I wont dispute, looks like a great camera for those who do not want to spend the money on a GP, or who do not require/want those higher end features, but that's what you're paying the extra 300 for.

What that camera also doesn't speak to, is it's post processing capabilities, the GoPro can be used in "Protune" mode, which is like taking pictures in "RAW" format on a DSLR Camera, it allows allot more post processing ability, to play with colors, shades, etc, in programs such as Adobe Premiere Pro.

Again obviously all those "extra's" are not required or wanted for everyone, and most may never take advantage of them, but that's what the extra money gets you.

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But that's a lot of extra money to dish out. If you're a photography/videography "geek" I can see how little details like that would be important… but if you just want a very decent recording of your hunt, I'll bet the cheaper version will capture a hunt very nicely. The owners of the cams are claiming better quality with the SJ400. There's a marked difference with the transition footage.. the SJ4000 transitions much better from darker to lighter scenes (for example when driving in a tunnel then exiting the tunnel, or going from shade to sunlight and back again)

anyhow, I just thought this would be useful for those of us who don't want to drop $400+ - Hopefully, I can capture a nice turkey hunt this year!

Here's that Polaroid I mentioned earlier… Seems closer to the specs (780 60) to the Go Pro..

$150. Excellent picture quality and reviews...

http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applicatio...28355&csid=_61

I picked up the Sony HDR-AS15 a while back and am very impressed with the video quality. Great battery life, ease of set-up, simple to use, great audio. With a few options which where on sale I was out the door for $235.00. Something to take a look at.

outback

Thanks for the link and the descriptions Splaker! Definitely looks good for the price, can't wait for you to receive, test and review it for us. Currently blocked from youtube so I'm not able to watch the sample videos, does the SJ4000 have sound capabilities? Reviews of the Polaroid state that it does not.

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Originally Posted by Lakon

does the SJ4000 have sound capabilities? Reviews of the Polaroid state that it does not.

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Can answer this one as Splaker is currently offline, yes, it does do audio, however it does not have a "mic" in option, which isn't a big deal, only really used if you have a small mic to wire to yourself for "whispering" to the camera during a hunt, or if you use your camera to vlog (video log)

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Originally Posted by TurkeyRookie

Can answer this one as Splaker is currently offline, yes, it does do audio, however it does not have a "mic" in option, which isn't a big deal, only really used if you have a small mic to wire to yourself for "whispering" to the camera during a hunt, or if you use your camera to vlog (video log)

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Thanks for taking the time to respond and to expain TurkeyRookie! Looks like a good option for me, currently using a Sony waterproof camera on video mode to record my hunts.

In my experience making hunting videos, I'd rather have 4 of these than 1 GoPro. I've seen enough videos of some guy with a camera on his head shooting geese. The videos that I enjoy most feature multiple vantage points.

I also prefer other cams for the shooter perspective b/c the GoPro makes every shot look like a skybust.

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Originally Posted by Lakon

Thanks for the link and the descriptions Splaker! Definitely looks good for the price, can't wait for you to receive, test and review it for us. Currently blocked from youtube so I'm not able to watch the sample videos, does the SJ4000 have sound capabilities? Reviews of the Polaroid state that it does not.

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Excellent sound quality...


Just create new username with different email! OI've been banned before!

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Originally Posted by Dead Ringer

In my experience making hunting videos, I'd rather have 4 of these than 1 GoPro. I've seen enough videos of some guy with a camera on his head shooting geese. The videos that I enjoy most feature multiple vantage points.

I also prefer other cams for the shooter perspective b/c the GoPro makes every shot look like a skybust.

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I can certainly agree with / see your point of view, which is why I bought a couple GoPro's and mounts. The one I am most excited about / main intersted is the dog harness camera sits over her head and thought it make for some neat retrieve footage, Also the advantage to the GoPro with the wireless capability is being able to set it on a steak say off the shooters location and pointed at the spread looking back at the shooters etc, all kinds of different options with the availability to turn it off / on remotely.

As for the last comment and the skybust effect, this is a result of using the GoPro in "superview" mode while it offers a wide viewing angle, it gives the fish eye effect and makes everything seem alot father than it is, this is corrected by reducing viewing angles.

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Originally Posted by Dead Ringer

In my experience making hunting videos, I'd rather have 4 of these than 1 GoPro. I've seen enough videos of some guy with a camera on his head shooting geese. The videos that I enjoy most feature multiple vantage points.

I also prefer other cams for the shooter perspective b/c the GoPro makes every shot look like a skybust.

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Skybust??

Qes qu cest?

Great find. I really want a gopro but i am not willing to pay the price for them. Thanks for the info and the post!

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Originally Posted by TurkeyRookie

As for the last comment and the skybust effect, this is a result of using the GoPro in "superview" mode while it offers a wide viewing angle, it gives the fish eye effect and makes everything seem alot father than it is, this is corrected by reducing viewing angles.

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Splaker, I think you're kidding, but in case not, I was referring specifically to waterfowling footage.

TR, I've heard that the angles are better with the H3 (compared to my H2), but haven't seen evidence of that on YouTube hunting videos yet. Still a lot of really tiny birds getting shot.

As for the wireless, I just let my cameras roll nonstop. On the downside, I end up with about 1+ TB of video and lots of dead air footage to edit out each season. I've had a new desktop computer purpose-built just for getting through all of the footage. On the upside, I catch everything. You never know when that teal is going to come ripping into the dekes. Or better yet, when your buddy is going to fall in the mud.

If you can afford multiple H3s, then sweet. I was getting them half price and it still got too rich for my blood.

I like this one, but it's a one trick pony. You aren't going to use it for anything other than barrel cam. If you have the money to add it to the camera array, then sure. But I can't see myself blowing that much money on a barrel cam.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hd430ul7nhg

All said and done, I spent a lot of money and effort getting footage in 2012. In 2013, I hardly turned the camera on and just relaxed.

No, wasn't kidding! I am not a waterfowl hunter and I don't tend to watch many vids on it… thanks for clarity

I posted in the wrong thread a few minutes ago..lol

I meant to post here about the purchase i just made on the SJ 4000 from FoxOffer Direct. Thanks for all the information here guys! It helped me decide on which camera to choose. Cant wait to receive it and check it out!

With two batteries and car mount and car charger it came to 111.75 USD. Shipping included.

I like the color options you can choose....right down the "silvery" just in case you dont actually want silver you can go with silvery lmao


looks like a good little outfit

Nice looking cam if you want to save some coin. I may be buying a hunting camera in the near future!!

great find, Splaker and thanks for sharing.
I buy a lot of stuff directly from China this days, this is the future :)

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Originally Posted by Splaker

Here's that Polaroid I mentioned earlier… Seems closer to the specs (780 60) to the Go Pro..

$150. Excellent picture quality and reviews...

http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applicatio...28355&csid=_61

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I've had this one for 2 years now and really like it. I just drilled a hole in 2 caps, 1 camo and 1 orange to mount a bolt to the camera through the tripod hole and use when for moose hunting and waterfowl hunting. It's a great little camera. Only draw back is the battery is only good for about 2 hours...

I have a Go pro hero 3+ Black but I think I am going to buy one or 2 for different views. I'll have my GP for main views and use this one for back up/less important views, it aint no GP but for the price its pretty close

I have a Contour Roam 2 I love it shoots great video and it has a pretty solid battery life always seems to always be couple on kijiji 150-200$

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Originally Posted by JeffBondar

I've had this one for 2 years now and really like it. I just drilled a hole in 2 caps, 1 camo and 1 orange to mount a bolt to the camera through the tripod hole and use when for moose hunting and waterfowl hunting. It's a great little camera. Only draw back is the battery is only good for about 2 hours...

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The beauty of the SJ4000 is that you can switch the batteries on it… so, you can buy extra batteries (I order an extra one) and switch them out if you're running low… I think I paid $8 for the extra...

Hoping to post a report on it one I get it….

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Originally Posted by Splaker

The beauty of the SJ4000 is that you can switch the batteries on it… so, you can buy extra batteries (I order an extra one) and switch them out if you're running low… I think I paid $8 for the extra...

Hoping to post a report on it one I get it….

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Splaker,

Is there a model that you are not able to do this on? I ask, because the way your post reads, (whether intentionally, or not) is worded as such that it would indicate, you can't do this on other cameras. Just curious as to which ones?

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Originally Posted by TurkeyRookie

Splaker,

Is there a model that you are not able to do this on? I ask, because the way your post reads, (whether intentionally, or not) is worded as such that it would indicate, you can't do this on other cameras. Just curious as to which ones?

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As splaker mentioned, I can't do it with my polaroid. It's about the only reason I would consider a second camera. Having said that, the camera switches on and off within a few seconds so I tend to use it as needed and battery isn't too much of a concern.

I did try to film a couple of waterfowl hunts but watching a few hours of video and trying to figure out where 30 seconds of shooting footage was is not an enjoyable task...

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Originally Posted by JeffBondar

As splaker mentioned, I can't do it with my polaroid. It's about the only reason I would consider a second camera. Having said that, the camera switches on and off within a few seconds so I tend to use it as needed and battery isn't too much of a concern.

I did try to film a couple of waterfowl hunts but watching a few hours of video and trying to figure out where 30 seconds of shooting footage was is not an enjoyable task...

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Ah thanks Jeff, I just saw the good for 2 hours portion, but I didn't see where it made mention that you couldn't actually change it.

I wonder if the GP batteries and the SJ batteries are interchangable, I have 10 batteries now for my GP's as you can get really good sales on the Digi Power version, can get 2 batts, and wall charger, or charger and a bat, they have all kinds of combo's that come on sale, so I grab them when I see them.

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Originally Posted by JeffBondar

I did try to film a couple of waterfowl hunts but watching a few hours of video and trying to figure out where 30 seconds of shooting footage was is not an enjoyable task...

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I still haven't got through all of the 2012 season footage. About 1TB, with 95% of it being scrap in the end.

Many cameras aren't able to switch battery… I know the polaroid and the Countour aren't capable..

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Originally Posted by vom Dufenshmirtz

great find, Splaker and thanks for sharing.
I buy a lot of stuff directly from China this days, this is the future :)

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Did you pay duty/custom on stuff coming in from CHina bought online? They told me that there is no extra charge… what about other taxes?

Thanks for the info, like you I have looked at the GoPro but no way I'm spending that kind of cash, I could be seduced with thias though. Look forward to your review.

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Originally Posted by DGM999

Thanks for the info, like you I have looked at the GoPro but no way I'm spending that kind of cash, I could be seduced with thias though. Look forward to your review.

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X2...

Did you get the camera yet Splaker? Please keep us posted.

I actually might be importing a bunch of these from China to sell in our Scuba business. If I do I will let everyone know. They will be a little more by the time I land them but you don't have to deal with overseas shipping.

Hey guys, I have been really busy (baby coming!) and so I haven't been able to try it yet...

As soon as I get a chance I will report full review..

My apologies

Considering buying one of these. Wondering if anyone has experience with this foxoffer site?

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Originally Posted by huntinguy

Considering buying one of these. Wondering if anyone has experience with this foxoffer site?

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I do. I bought one. Good service... very responsive.. great little camera

One more question, I see a regular sj4000 and an sjcam sj4000. What is the difference other than a few dollars.

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Originally Posted by huntinguy

One more question, I see a regular sj4000 and an sjcam sj4000. What is the difference other than a few dollars.

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No clue..

SJCAM has Wifi

BTW, LOVING my SJ4000... used mostly for family stuff so far but hoping to mount to my bow for next hunt...

Can anyone tell me if this is the real cam or the spinoff

<a href="http://www.groupon.com/deals/gg-ca-camera-micro-card?p=1&utm_source=pc&utm_medium=email&sid=82268e ca-c0c6-4196-8281-7b347a078f04&division=kitchener-waterloo&user=e48614dcf72452f09c7e14af9fe18bb17f1f 540144a9f90eb21b5e4046366b9c&date=20141120&s=body& c=deal_img&d=deal-page&utm_campaign=82268eca-c0c6-4196-8281-7b347a078f04">

Sorry I tried to make Ia hyperlink but it wouldnt work, can anyone help with this

http://www.groupon.com/deals/gg-ca-c...b347a078f04%22

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Originally Posted by coop

Can anyone tell me if this is the real cam or the spinoff

<a href="http://www.groupon.com/deals/gg-ca-camera-micro-card?p=1&utm_source=pc&utm_medium=email&sid=82268e ca-c0c6-4196-8281-7b347a078f04&division=kitchener-waterloo&user=e48614dcf72452f09c7e14af9fe18bb17f1f 540144a9f90eb21b5e4046366b9c&date=20141120&s=body& c=deal_img&d=deal-page&utm_campaign=82268eca-c0c6-4196-8281-7b347a078f04">

Sorry I tried to make Ia hyperlink but it wouldnt work, can anyone help with this

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Originally Posted by TurkeyRookie

SJCAM has Wifi

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How does the Wifi work? I don't see any remotes available. I'd like a wide angle cam for overhead treestand footage. But definitely don't want to have to reach over my head to turn it on.

A quick Google search (as I have the go pro's not the sj's) shows that there is an app for the smartphone (same as GP) so you can see what the camera sees, turn it off, on, record etc.

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Originally Posted by TurkeyRookie

A quick Google search (as I have the go pro's not the sj's) shows that there is an app for the smartphone (same as GP) so you can see what the camera sees, turn it off, on, record etc.

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Hmmm. Don't like the idea of having to use my phone to turn it on. Sounds like it would take a while to do.