The $64 Yi Action Camera Might Give GoPro a Run for its Money
This camera is going to drop the price of action-cameras significantly.
Every now and then, a revolutionary product hits the market and changes the way the video world is structured. Historic examples include the Canon 5D Mark ii, the Blackmagic Cinema Camera, and more recently, the Sony A7S.
However, when it comes to action cameras, it’s really been all about GoPro. Sure, you’ll be able to find other action camera alternatives out there, but GoPro is to the action camera market what Kleenex is to the tissue industry. However, a recent announcement may make GoPro a little less dominant in the action camera market. Behold: The Yi Action Camera.
The camera, created by Chinese camera manufacturer Xiaomi, bears a striking resemblance to the GoPro. Its specs are almost identical to the GoPro Hero 3+ Silver, a camera that retails for $299. The new Yi Action Camera retails for about $64, making it about 5x cheaper than its GoPro equivalent.
The Yi Action Camera features 1080p video at 60fps and it can take up to 16MP images at up to 7 frames per second. Max card storage is around 64GB with a 155 degree field of view, which is the equivalent of a 4mm lens on a full frame sensor. The camera is also waterproof to a depth of 40 feet, and it weighs a mere 72g, compared to the 111g GoPro.
The Camera is also controllable from a smartphone via built-in WiFi capabilities. Users have the option of purchasing a variety of mounts, ranging from a selfie stick to perhaps the greatest rig ever created – the cat rig (see the image above!)
Yi Action Camera Specs
| Resolution | Full 1080p |
| Frames per Second> | Up to 60fps |
| Stills | 16MP |
| Stills FPS | 7 fps |
| Weight | 72g (.16 lbs) |
| Memory | 64gb |
| Field of View | 155° (4mm equivalent) |
| Water Resistance | Up to 40ft |
Yi Action Camera Test Footage
Pricing and Availability
Unfortunately the Yi Action Camera isn’t available in the United States yet, but it’s safe to say that due to high demand, we’ll likely see the Yi Action Camera very soon. It is currently retailing for $64 in China.
To learn more about the Yi Action Cam, check out a few of these resources:
- Chinese Company Launches a $64 Competitor to the GoPro Hero with Beefier Specs – PetaPixel
- Chinese Company Xiaomi Releases a $64 GoPro Competitor – NewsShooter
- Xiaomi Introduces A GoPro-Style Action Camera That Costs Just $64 – Tech Crunch
What do you think of the Yi Action Camera? Will it be serious competition for GoPro? Anybody have family in China that can pick a few of these up for us!? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
