Eken H9R Review: Budget Action Camera







Hi all! I'm taking a closer look at another Eken action camera, this time the H9R (http://amzn.to/2w94aLR). It's very similar to the previously-reviewed H9, both are budget cameras, but this one offers slightly better 4k filming options. Partnered up to get this little camera reviewed, with an epic hiking trip in the Pacific Northwest as the background to testing it out. 



Specification:

Display: 2'' Screen - the screen is easy to view and it is nice to see what the camera is looking at
Video: 4K 25fps / 2.7K 30fps/ 1080p 60/30fps 720p/120fps (H.264)  
Video Format: MOV, H.264
Photos Format: JPG
Photo Resolution: 12M/8M/5M/4M
Burst Photo: 3 Photos
Time Lapse: 2s/3s/5s/10s/20s/30s/60s
Loop Recording
Super Wide Angle Lens: 170 degree  - The distortion from the wide angle is minimal, but the focus seems to not be completely calibrated. 
Waterproof: Up to 30 meters with waterproof backing on. 
Wi-Fi: 802.11 b/g/n  - The WiFi can be used to connect to the EZ iCam app which seems to work fine, although the audio might not  work on Android devices. 
Multi-Language: English / Traditional Chinese / Italian / Spanish / Portuguese / German / Dutch / French / Czech / Polish / Turkish / Russian / Japanese / Korean / Thai 
Storage: Micro SDHC card (Not included)  
Battery: 1050mAh (1080p30 1.5 hours, 4K 25/1080p60 50 mins)  - Keep in mind that the camera does get fairly warm quickly. 
Input/Output: Micro USB/ HDMI  





Accessories:
Like most action cameras on the market, the Eken H9R comes equipped with mounts and accessories that are compatible with GoPro mounts. The build quality of the mounts feels solid with a good quality of plastic used, as opposed to the flimsy plastic that some other brands might use. The waterproof case and optional open backing are also well-made and easy to handle. The waterproof case keeps the camera waterproof up to 30 meters. The camera also comes with an extra battery which is perfect for weekends away from the city. 




Review video

Performance:
The Eken H9R did great during a rugged backpacking trip in Washington State. A few bumps and tumbles and it still worked fine, and the image quality never changed. It was kept in the waterproof case the entire time, which can be attributed to it keeping its functionality after bouncing along a rocky trail. The buttons are easy to press when it's in the case and the camera performed well throughout the trip. 



Image Quality:
The video quality is good, and the option to film in 4K is a plus, although it's still only 30fps at 4K. The quality at 1080p60 is great and stills from it sometimes look better than images taken in picture mode. With that said, the images taken in picture mode are noisy, not up to par with current action camera photos. They are much similar to the older Eken H9 photos, and not anywhere as good as some of the newer models. No video stabilization is available sadly, another feature that would have been nice. 



Summary:
Overall, the H9R Eken Action Camera performs well in active environments and is on par with many other similarly priced action cameras, though the photos aren't worth mentioning. The stock accessories it comes with work well with it, and although the actual camera feels rather fragile, the protective waterproof case gives one the confidence needed to use it in the backcountry or underwater. Check out the H9R on Amazon here: http://amzn.to/2w94aLR
Coupon code:
Coupon Code: 8W5LP8JB
Coupon Price: $62.99
Reduced by $7

http://amzn.to/2w94aLR Eken N9R link

Also,
More eken cams:
https://www.amazon.com/stores/page/5BCD8F13-3488-4440-BF4B-23269961D04D
EKEN website: https://www.eken.com/

Telescopic Fly Fishing Rod: Bargain Fishing Review


I'm a sucker for a great deal, and when I came across this telescopic fly rod, I couldn't resist!
Amazon link: https://amzn.to/2RP7u8e

Took it out on trout streams, small ponds, and the LA River. Handled small trout and sunfish without any problems. 

Good: Cheap! Collapsible easily into my hiking backpack and my carry-on travel suitcase. I don't have to worry about beating up a pricey, expensive fly fishing rod.

Bad: Action is pretty poor. I can cast it out quite a ways, but it's nowhere as nice as my more expensive fly fishing rods for a nice smooth cast. You definitely have to work at it to get decent range. Of course, this doesn't matter as much in the tiny ponds and creeks I frequent. It's also quite ugly. 

All that in mind, I'm still using this rosewood flying fishing rod. Doesn't cast amazing, but it's sufficient to get the line out there and catch fish. Already snapped the rod tip off during some rough travel (my fault, not the rods), but it was easy to repair with a spair rod tip set I have.



Interested? You can buy this telescopic collapsible fly fishing rod here: http://bit.ly/2vnz0lF

Summer Striper Fishing


Fishing topwater baits for striped bass at local lakes is one of my favorite parts of summer. It's very weather-dependent, but when it's on, it's on.