SJ7000 Action Camera Review: Bargain-Priced Cam

[2017 update: The SJ7000 is a still a decent camera, but it's been quickly outpaced by many other budget cameras. Consider the excellent Firefly 7S, a very budget-priced action camera with awesome features and fantastic image quality. Check out the review here and video here https://youtu.be/Vv3cAGdYJDI  ]

Recently got my hands on the SJ7000, courtesy of GearBest, a new budget-priced action camera. Got to take it out on a long fishing trip to the Eastern Sierra. Check out the review AND the footage of the awesome fishing trip I had in this part of California!

Overview

The SJ7000 is yet another action camera aiming for the bargain market, with a host of neat features. At first glance, it looks just like the popular SJ4000, which I have also reviewed. In fact, it's basically a clone of it but don't take this as a bad thing! The cases are compatible, batteries, and even actual camera size are virtually identicle. Two main differences: SJ7000 sports a different software and the SJ7000 has a much larger back LCD screen, making viewing photos and adjusting settings much easier. 

SJ4000 on the right, SJ7000 on the left

Accessories

The SJ7000 comes with a ton of accessories. Most action camera come with at least a few extra attachments, but the SJ7000 really piles them in. It's GoPro compatible with it's mounting system, definitely a plus.  You'll find a solid waterproof case (much easier to push the buttons on this one compared to the SJ4000 models), handlebar, belt clip, angle mount, screw mount, 90 degrees mount, charger, zip ties, adhesive pads, extra back door, and more packed into the camera box. Definitely a stellar set of accessories!

Features

This action camera is basically on par with the SJ4000 when it comes to video and photo specs. It uses a Novatek 96655 chipset, films at 1080p 30 fps, 720p 60 fps, and has a really nice auto photo shutter delay (3 sec, 5 sec, 10 sec), all while filming at a delicious 170 degrees (I love the wide angle views that GoPro and other action cameras uses, glad the SJ7000 continues with the wide view). Following is a list of all the features

Lens	170 degrees, wide angle HD
Display	2″ LTPS
Video formats	1080P/30FPS (1920*1080) and 720P/60FPS (1280*720). MOV
Audio	Built-in microphone and speaker
Photo	JPG images with 12MP, 8MP and 5MP resolution
Working modes	Multiple photo shooting modes: Single shot and Snapper. Single Shot/Self-timer 2s/5s/10s/continuous Shooting.
Battery	900mAh battery
Storage	Micro SD memory card slot, supports up to 32GB memory cards
Connectivity	WIFI
Connectors	micro USB and mini HDMI
Waterproof	up to 30 meters with case
FPV	N/A
Other	iOS and Android support
Camera size	59.27 x 41.13 x 29.28mm
Weight	71g
Colors	7 colors: white, black, silver, golden, yellow, pink and blue

Performance

I took the SJ7000 out on a long multi-night hiking and camping trip in the Eastern Sierras. The battery held enough charge for several long hours of on/off filming and shooting. I only had to recharge it once during the trip, and was able to record fishing and hiking at 3 different locations. Camera buttons on the waterproof are really easy to push for on/off recording, and the audible beep helps you know when are actually recording. Finally, the delayed shutter options was great for grabbing some selfies with ease. I didn't the Android wifi option for syncing my phone with the camera, but it was nice knowing it was available if I needed to upload pics online without a traditional PC connection. Video quality turned out quite well, onpar with the SJ4000, maybe even a little better. I did notice the odd blue halo effect that the SJ4000 has appeared in this one as well. The photo quality seemed a little less than the SJ4000 though, strangely (less detail, not as impressive). Audio quality was excellent when out of the case; although I usually don't include too much audio from my fishing trips. Take a look at the following sample footage video from the trip and the photos with it! (All footage unedited/raw without color correction or contrast):

Footage

You'll notice the annoying Date/Timestamp on all the photos. I accidentally left it on, for photos and video. Be sure to turn that off (unless you really like having the timestamp on). The times are incorrect as well, as I didn't adjust it before heading out. 

Summary

The SJ7000 is a solid clone of the SJ4000 (no relation). It doesn't break any new ground compared the SJ4000, but it amazingly cheap right now, at only $59.99 (at GearBest, if the price goes up, try coupon code GBSJ7000 for $61.99), also on Amazon (link). Overall, if you are looking for a affordable action camera, with a solid set of accessories, and reliable video quality, then the SJ7000 is a worthy camera to consider. Just don't hold your breath on the photos, they aren't that great (video is better), Feel free to contact me if you have any questions about the camera, footage, etc.
https://goo.gl/rT1nkE