SJCam M20 Action Camera Review

Ready for another action camera review? Here we go! Today the SJCam M20 (http://goo.gl/MWEixA) is in the spotlight. You may recall the SJ4000 action camera I reviewed several years back (Still a very capable,but outdated camera). SJCam has been plaqued by many copy-cat cameras, but has continued to make quality action cameras, including their well-received SJ5000. The M20 is an upgraded version of the M10 model, and utilizes a totally different body design than the prior SJ4000-style models. 

Video Review

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Features
This camera is LIGHT, as in only 55g, making it one of the lighter action cameras available. Don't let its small size fool you though-it still packs a punch in terms of specs. It can film at 2K, 1080p (up to 60FPS), 720p (up to 120fps, slow-mo), has burst mode, time lapse photo and time lapse video mode, as well as car and FPV RC modes. The "4K" mode is not worth discussing, as it's only interpolated 4K, not true 4K. It uses the same image sensor, the IMX206, as the GitUp2, another favorite camera of mine

Like many action cameras, the M20 comes with multiple accessories (standard GoPro mounting options), as well as the waterproof case and a instruction manual (actually useful, with decent English translations). It's also available in many different colors; I have the standard black version, but it comes in an array of colors.

Spec list:

16 MP IMX206 sensor
Novatek 96660 chip
G-sensor
Motion detection
166 degree adjustable FOV for wide, normal and narrow
Built-in gyrometer, anti-shake
Feature micro HDMI and micro USB as well as WiFi
1.5 inch live view LCD display
Video resolution: 4K 24fps, 2K 30fps, 1080P 60fps / 30fps, 720P 120fps / 60fps / 30fps, VGA 240fps
Image resolution: 16M (4608 x 3456), 12M (4032 x 3024), 10M (3648 x 2736), 8M (3264 x 2448), 5M (2592 x 1944), 3M (2048 x 1536), 2MHD, VGA (640 x 480), 1.3M (1280 x 960)
Battery: 3.8V 800mAh
Charging time: 3 hours
Working time: 65min (WiFi on) / 75min (WiFi off)
M20 is a 2.5K action camera. 4K is supported via Interpolation.

Performance

The M20 is really easy to use outside, as I discovered on a recent fishing and beach trip. We went to Newport Jetty and did some light rockfishing, which you can see in the review video. The M20 powers on quickly, doesn't burn through battery like my ELE Explorer, and records easily. Menu is very easy to access (I actually prefer the menu layout over the GitUp2, as it's much less "fiddly" and easier to quickly browse through, but without sacrificing multiple different options when needed). The camera also connected and worked with the SJCam M20 app without any problems on my Android phone, allowing for remote control and playback on my phone. Finally, video quality and photo quality is good, but I noticed the video sharpness really suffered after editing it and loading it onto YouTube (which is probably due to my editing program and didn't appear to be an issue with raw footage). The waterproof case snaps onto my GoPro mounts without difficulty. There is a degree of softness to the images that is a little less than the GitUp2 and ELE Pro, but images still look good and sharpness can be increased under the settings. The multiple recording options, including RC FPV capabilities, allow for a lot of possible uses of the camera. The gyroscopic stabilization, while good, isn't as smooth as I would like (it's similar to the ELE Explorer Pro), and could be improved. It's definitely better than a camera without any gyro, but I'm stuck on how smooth the GitUp2's gyro is, and this isn't quite at the same level. Lastly, the unique design and lightweight form factor is really nice; you barely notice wearing it compared to more traditional action cameras.

Video Footage:

Sample Photos (unedited)

Conclusion
SJCam has another winner of a product with the M20 action camera. It is a very good action camera, with quality photos and videos,  awesome unique form factor design, gyro stabilization, lots of useful video and photo modes, a functioning app, and a solid price point. If you are looking for a camera that is a step up from the ultra-affordable models, consider the M20 - it's one I'll be using a lot! You can buy it online through Gearbest here: http://goo.gl/MWEixA
Other Gearbest cams: http://goo.gl/0oHRvj

Video Review: