The Hawkeye Firefly 7S is a brand-new action camera, with gyro stabilization, 2K resolution, and GoPro mountain compatibility. In addition, it's priced insanely low, just $80 at the time of this review. I tested the Firefly 7S courtesy of Gearbest on multiple fishing and outdoor trips, keen on determine how this camera compares to other popular action cameras, like the GitUp 2 or the M20+. Curious? Read on!
Features:
I'm not going to dell on the specs here, other than to point out the important ones that matter to me: Usable filming resolutions include 2.5k at 30fps, and 1080p at 60fps. The camera has a hefty 1050mAh battery, which provided me with several hours of on/off use without a problem. The camera has both an LCD on the back, and a tiny one on the front. The front LCD shows the menu options you are currently on and if you are filming or not. It allow is compatible with a app, the Firefly app, available for free on Google Play (link below). Finally, it comes with a host of accessories, such as a waterproof case, and all the usual mounting options (handlebars, belt clips, etc). Of note, the sensor is the same as used in SJ5000, and is capable of true 12MP photos.
Novatek 96660 chipset with 12 megapixel COMS IMX078 image sensor
120 degree wide angle lens
Video resolution: 2160P / 24fps, 2.5K / 30fps, 1080P / 60fps, 720P / 120fps
Support WiFi real-time playback and preview with 2 inch 640 x 480 high definition LCD screen
Comes with a waterproof housing
Built-in 1050mAh rechargeable Li-ion battery
Performance:
Videos and photos are absolutely fantastic with the Firefly 7S. The video quality, be it in 1080p, or at 2.5K (I haven't used the less functional 24fps 2160p resolution) look sharp, focused, and capture vivid colors well, even in challenging filming environments. In particular, the camera did fine with dark/light contrast situations, unlike the ELE Explorer/ELE Pro. I especially was impressed with the photo quality, as the image sensor is slightly older than the GitUp2s', yet the images were just as detailed, if not more at times. Major props to Hawkeye for squeezing so much power out of this image sensor! Camera buttons were easy to press, the menu is a breeze to navigate, and the wireless app ( link to the Google Play store app) works without a problem (unlike the ELE Pro, and this app is actually from Firefly, unlike GitUp's recommended app). Now, the gyro stabilization feature on the Hawkeye Firefly 7S works, but not as well at the GitUp or the M20+. The GitUps stabilizer offers ultra smooth footage, sometimes causing some warping of the images (usually not noticeable). The 7S attempts to do this, and at times does a decent job, but often has small shutters that aren't corrected very well. I'm not sure if a future firmware upgrade could fix this, although I am hopeful. If this gyro stabilizer was improved, it would catapult the Firefly 7S into the running for the absolute best bargain camera of the year. Otherwise, the camera performed excellently on extended product testing, in a variety of environments: Fishing, hiking, quadcopter flying, bodyboarding, and more. Take a look at the following photos and video footage, as well as the comparison footage.
Sample footage
Comparison footage
Conclusion:
The Hawkeye Firefly 7S is a impressive camera with a one noticeable shortcoming. It has superb video and photo quality, equally at least as my favorite GitUp2 camera, and it's at a far cheaper price point, complete with an actual app that performs as well. The gyro stabilization is it's only real weak point-it simply is a little too jerky for my taste. Using a steadcam style mount might be a way around this. Otherwise, it's on part with my favorite GitUp2 and M20+ action cameras. If you don't care about using electronic image stabilization (gyro) on an action camera, then go for the Firefly 7S-the impressive quality of the images and the amazing price point are hard to pass up!
Buy the Hawkeye Firefly 7S: http://bit.ly/2namkH5
Thank you for sharing your review. I haven't had time to order one from china, but I could still get one for 90usd (tax inc.) with 1 day delivery. M20 costs twice as much, so you helped a lot. Unlike most of the action cameras the still images are good. I also saw in the comment section on youtube that the SJ4000 batteries are identical, so i could get some spares for cheap. Still waiting for my new SD card to test it.
ReplyDeleteOther cameras I checked:
SJCAM SJ5000 X Elite <- 1/3 more expensive, seems almost identical to 7S
Xiaomi Yi <- no screen, no accessories, no gyro, but great image quality
Eken H9 <- very sharp images with less details, no gyro, but 1/3 less expensive