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PSA - GoPro alterna...
 

[Closed] PSA - GoPro alternative (sj4000) less than 40 quid!

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Reedspeed. Thanks will try it


 
Posted : 06/01/2015 2:52 pm
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should be called 'sequence' I think.

As in record footage in blocks, eg 3 mins, 5 mins etc? Mine has this and it works well.


 
Posted : 06/01/2015 3:40 pm
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spacemonkey - Member
Might not be as the name on the front doesn't state SJ 4000. I might have read somewhere that only genuine models have SJ 4000 and/or SJ Cam on the front.

Here's the one I bought.

Thats the one I went for. Did you get it from the UK warehouse option?
And how long did it take for delivery?


 
Posted : 06/01/2015 3:51 pm
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Thats the one I went for. Did you get it from the UK warehouse option?
And how long did it take for delivery?

Yes, UK warehouse.

Took 2 or 3 days.


 
Posted : 06/01/2015 3:55 pm
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Cool, that must be what the Royal Mail card is for. I didn't expect it so quickly. Amazon and eBay sellers who say they are UK Based don't always turn out to be.
£66.11 for camera, extra battery and external charger, I used " BGdeals "code for a discount.


 
Posted : 06/01/2015 6:35 pm
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Me1tdown - that is a genuine unit...apparently they have 2 versions...v01 can't take the new firmware update but v02 can but it then loses true 1080p as it does 720 but doubles the something...so you have a genuine item. Mine was the same but now doesn't power up...totally dead...have contacted Accman but no response yet (only been 18 hours so I'm hoping to hear back tomorrow).


 
Posted : 06/01/2015 7:41 pm
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Official site is here - http://www.sjcam.com/en/ - I think it is the Techmoan site that says about the firmware update removing true 1080p.


 
Posted : 06/01/2015 7:43 pm
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It wasn't Techmoan that told me about the firmware update removing the 1080p setting, it was this website - [url= http://actioncamfaq.com/tag/sj4000/ ]http://actioncamfaq.com/tag/sj4000/[/url] -

1. This firmware is for SJ4000 V02 version only. If you don’t know which version you have purchased please check the last two two digits of your firmware version in your camera menu. It should read either V01 or V02. Failing to do so will cause white blank screen. V02 is the old SJ4000 where V01 is the new SJ4000. Very confusing but that is how they did it.

2. If you accidentally installed the wrong version and you are getting white blank screen, you can find the old firmware for camera V01 in this website: http://www.techmoan.com/files-drivers/

3. This new firmware for V01 camera adds 5s,10s,20s for time lapse as “Capture Mode” but removes 3s Option. If you need 3s time lapse, do NOT upgrade.

4. This new firmware version for V01 degrades photo and video quality. The 1080p files is actually 720p, interpolated to 1080p. If you want real 1080p, do not upgrade.


 
Posted : 06/01/2015 11:21 pm
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Had email back about my borked non-wifi version - I was looking at firmware updates but before downloading an update, the device stopped powering up...then after an hour it started making the power on noise, followed about 2 seconds later with a power off noise - no lights on.
I did a bit of 'research' and thought it might be something that could get fixed with a firmware update - so I spent last night updating the the camera with different firmwares - all to no avail apart from one - it now powers on and can cycle through the menu options and record stuff - but the preview screen doesn't show - so I can't see anything.
Contacted AccMart via Amazon and I've to send the unit back.


 
Posted : 07/01/2015 6:16 pm
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I got mine for a UK eBay seller for £59 posted. I ignored some of the cheaper listings as the cameras did not have the SJCAM logo on the front.

Mine is a genuine one, with the right firmware and menu's and I'm well pleased with it. So far I have just used it on the road bike, but by turning off the screen when recording (as suggested by Technmoan) I am getting 90 minutes record time. I have even taught myself basic editing using iMovie and have used that to save the two close passes by a bus the other day, plus the dick in the Jag that pulled out on me waaaay too late.


 
Posted : 07/01/2015 6:29 pm
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Not happy ...mine was bought for my boy for Christmas......switched it on when I got it first everything ok .......now after not even being used properly ...my boy said it won't turn on ....so I try it ..no good ...thought it may be no power ...so start to charge it.......within 5 mins bang the charger goes pop ............. 👿


 
Posted : 07/01/2015 10:06 pm
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Ordered mine 24/11 and still waiting, emailed accmart and they're sending another one so maybe one day...


 
Posted : 07/01/2015 10:17 pm
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Mine, fromm accmart arrived on Monday, was ordered the same day as yours dicky.

Seems to be genuine, quality is good but haven't used it properly yet, just garden tests.


 
Posted : 07/01/2015 10:38 pm
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singlecrack - can you plug camera into USB cable into a computer? More likely to be a 'proper' charge then without the fireworks...


 
Posted : 08/01/2015 12:19 am
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Just to save me trawling through all the previous posts what is the benefit of wifi for this, is it simply to upload without cables?

Thanks


 
Posted : 08/01/2015 5:03 am
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No. The benefit is being able to view what you are recording through an app on your phone, albeit with a bit of lag. I don't think there is anything more to it.


 
Posted : 08/01/2015 5:42 am
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Hmmm, I'm not sure how much use that would get tbh. Is the non wifi the same in all other ways then?


 
Posted : 08/01/2015 8:09 am
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You can change settings and see what is in frame using a phone - so if it is helmet mounted or somewhere else that isn't easy to check (chest mount), then the app is handy.
Non-wifi is the same but appears to have 2 versions of the original. The latest firmware for the Non-wifi also appears to change true 1080p to 'double' 720p.


 
Posted : 08/01/2015 8:18 am
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Just to save me trawling through all the previous posts what is the benefit of wifi for this, is it simply to upload without cables?
Thanks

I have a Contour HD and I have recorded days of filming the ground or front wheel. Being able to look at what the camera can see when it's on my helmet is why I think the wifi to phone will be handy.


 
Posted : 08/01/2015 11:18 am
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mine turned up on xmas eve and after using it on a trip to Winter Wonderlan in Hyde Park and the xmas lights in and around Oxford street last week have to say I'm impressed.

Original charger went straight in the bin (as with all Chinese power supplys where possible) and charges and transfers data nice and quick. Just need to source a 2nd battery now and a pole to stick it on for ease of filming and I'm all set


 
Posted : 08/01/2015 11:55 am
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The wifi is good but the app is very basic. Allows changing of settings and viewing the camera image so works but it isn't a polished looking app. Still handy to have thought to check shots and stuff.


 
Posted : 08/01/2015 12:01 pm
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DickBarton.......I have charged it from computer and it still doesn't turn on ...it's being sent back for a refund hopefully ...I've now bought my boy a £99 GoPro instead


 
Posted : 08/01/2015 6:58 pm
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Ah sorry I thought the plug charger popped and you hadn't tried another source...sending back sounds sensible.


 
Posted : 08/01/2015 7:10 pm
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I know its a bit more expensive has anyone gone for the SJ5000?


 
Posted : 08/01/2015 9:20 pm
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@Orange Lad: [url= http://www.techmoan.com/blog/2014/9/22/at-last-its-the-real-sj4000-wifi-review.html ]probably not.[/url]


 
Posted : 08/01/2015 11:56 pm
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@spacemonkey I meant like this one http://www.sjcam.com/en/home/32-sjcam-sj5000-wifi-action-camera.html

which retains the same case unlike the one in the video on tech moan


 
Posted : 09/01/2015 7:11 pm
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My first "film" too mch cam shake and sometimes a poor angle on the rucksack strap, need to do some adjusting.


 
Posted : 11/01/2015 9:20 am
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Picked up a sj4000 from accmart. Firmware was 20141122v02. After a fair bit of reading it looks as though that firmware isn't currently updatable and the camera needs specifically the original firmware to work. I tried updating with various FW versions but to no avail (also got the double sparkle sound of on and off with black screen). Once i reinstalled the original firmware it came back to life. I have a copy if anyone needs it.

Was hoping to use the timelapse function but this versions doesn't seem to have it and doesn't look like it will be upgradable unfortunately 🙁 unless of course i am mistaken.....


 
Posted : 17/01/2015 12:00 am
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inigomontoya

You need that on ure head mate,it'll stop the wobble,unless you're heads loose !!!...lol


 
Posted : 17/01/2015 12:03 am
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I have the same firmware version mau00149, Shame about the time lapse, wanted to do some footage of my boy building Lego 🙁
Reedspeed, don't like the weight on my helmet, i was happier with this, using the handlebar mount, colours came out much better without HDR. Not sure where the black border around the video has come from though Snowy mtb ride on the Malvern Hills 2015:


 
Posted : 17/01/2015 8:56 am
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Inigomintoya

What editing software are you using ?,I've downloaded the gopro one & don't really like it !.


 
Posted : 17/01/2015 11:15 am
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Windows live movie maker, I had to install a codec to get it to work with the .mov files, and is quite slow initially loading but then is OK for the editing bit, still learning though! Have you got any videos you've done using the gopro software?


 
Posted : 17/01/2015 11:37 am
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I'll try that then ,what's a codec ??. Lol .
No mate,not really,to be honest like yourself,I'm playing around with it,I've had an issue with the sd card,& had to re format it,apparentley it's a common fault with this camera,as great a value as it is,it does have some floors,I keep buying stuff,spare batteries etc, but I'm getting there .

Have you been on techmoan ?,that's informative,& there's a forum too like on here, v helpful !.


 
Posted : 17/01/2015 11:58 am
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Finally had a chance to get out with mine last night and can say that the quality of the night (with lights) footage is very good. Very good value for money..thanks to the OP for the original post 😀


 
Posted : 23/01/2015 12:18 pm
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As a penny pincher, trying out the accmart £38 option on Amazon. Doesn't even say SJ4000 in the product title, but hey - even if it is a fake, how much worse are the fakes than the "real" SJ4000? Will see when it arrives anyway!


 
Posted : 23/01/2015 3:28 pm
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Here's my nightime footage. Please excuse the credits etc as I've never used WMM so just having a play..Only appears to be in 360p 👿


 
Posted : 23/01/2015 4:06 pm
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Should have gone right at the bottom of Mr conker, then left into rose bank, best little steps for jumping down 🙂


 
Posted : 23/01/2015 7:22 pm
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Did the steps.. 🙂


 
Posted : 24/01/2015 8:15 am
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That works better at night than I though it would. Might take mine out next time too 🙂


 
Posted : 24/01/2015 10:13 am
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Has anyone got any recommendations for decent back up batteries - as mine only lasts about 20 mins on a full charge


 
Posted : 26/01/2015 4:30 pm
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I have rubbish runtime on my battery too so have emailed the seller and got an £8 refund. Also need to source a good replacement


 
Posted : 26/01/2015 4:39 pm
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mine only lasts about 20 mins on a full charge

20 minutes! I am getting an hour and a half constant recording on the battery supplied.

I record as much of my training rides as the battery allows, so far I have got two close passes by a bus, a pull out by a Jag and an old guy in a Yaris who nearly took my right arm off when he insisted on overtaking me as I was signalling to turn right.

Best £60 i have ever spent.


 
Posted : 26/01/2015 5:44 pm
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I may drop the seller an email in that case - on the off chance they will either send me a replacement battery or a bit of a refund.

Either way I'm going to look into a couple of spares


 
Posted : 26/01/2015 6:11 pm
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I've bought a couple of spare batteries & a charger !.


 
Posted : 26/01/2015 7:03 pm
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Any links reedspeed?


 
Posted : 26/01/2015 8:02 pm
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