Best YI Action Cameras in 2022

A modern person with an active lifestyle prefers to spend his free time on the move, is often fond of extreme sports, organizes spectacular leisure. In this regard, there is a need for equipment capable of capturing the bright moments of life associated with the development of the sea depths, the conquest of air spaces, overcoming ski slopes. The need for such a device may also be due to working moments. The first assistant in solving this issue is an action camera: a small size, low weight digital device can be attached to a particular surface, which ensures its installation even in the most inaccessible places.

The pioneer in the world of action cameras is the GoPro brand, which created this concept from scratch. A worthy alternative to GoPro is currently Xiaomi's YI product, one of the highest quality products after the product presented by the founder of action cameras, and in most cases at a lower price.An overview of popular YI models will be made in this article, which will help pay attention to budget and more expensive options, models for amateur video filming and professional activities.

Basic equipment and additional accessories of YI action cameras

The standard kit includes:

• camera;
• battery device;
• instructional documentation;
• micro USB cable for synchronization and recharging.

It should be noted that due to the lack of built-in memory, you should additionally purchase a high-speed memory card: the recommended standard amount is from 32 to 64 GB (in the first case, shooting is provided for 2.5-3 hours, in the second - about 3.5-5 hours) .

To protect against moisture (first of all, if shooting is done in high humidity or under water), dirt, dust, stones (which is especially important when riding a motorcycle or speed bike), you need to get a box. The box will reliably protect the lens and display (which most new models have). At the same time, a thick polycarbonate cover performs not only a protective function, but also allows you to see the image on the display.

There are also boxes with touch covers that provide interaction with the display without flipping the cover, which is important when shooting underwater or in adverse weather conditions (rain, sleet).It should be noted that in addition to the standard package, it is possible to purchase a camera + box kit, this is not always economically justified: it is often more profitable to purchase a camera and buy a box separately for it.

You will also have to spend extra money if you purchase a protective film (glass) for the display and lens of the box in order to prevent their damage due to sand, dirt, water drops, scratches and cracks when the device falls.

You may need a spare battery and charger, as well as a tripod and selfie sticks. As for the latter, there is an extended version of the package, in which a selfie stick is attached to the camera. In other cases, the monopod is purchased separately. Since it generally improves stabilization and safety, shooting from a third person perspective is a must. When choosing it, it is important to remember that the design must be painted, since the bare iron surface of the accessory, when wet (and even more so when immersed in water), will quickly become rusty and become unsuitable for further operation.

An additional accessory (optional, but possible) can be a silicone case. Its main purpose is to protect the case and preserve the sound quality inherent in the device (which is not always possible in a box): the case has all the necessary technical holes for the external elements of the camera (for microphones, buttons). When shooting on the ground in order to prevent damage to the camera body and maintain the original sound quality of the device, the use of such an accessory is fully justified.

When shooting from the first person, mounts are indispensable.

A dizzying descent from a hill or overcoming a bike trail will not do without a camera mounted on a helmet. Inside, this mount has a rubberized base to prevent slipping. In addition to mounting on a helmet or head, there are options placed on the biceps, chest, which makes it possible to free your hands.

Thus, when buying a camera, you simultaneously purchase a memory card (64 GB is better) and the necessary (depending on the needs of the user) additional accessories: for protection against moisture - a box, for shooting from the first person - mounts, for creating images from a third faces - a monopod, as well as tripods, protective films and glasses, additional batteries and chargers to increase the duration of filming.

To purchase them, you will have to pay an average of 30 to 50 dollars.

Remote control

The role of the remote control for YI action cameras is performed by a smartphone. In the models below, it is possible to use the YI application. It is free, translated into Russian. Allows you to perform all the necessary actions in real time: the camera transmits an image to the screen of a smartphone or tablet, allows you to switch from video to photo, change settings. The gallery function helps to instantly switch to the camera's memory card: view images, delete unnecessary ones, select material that should be dumped to a computer.

Communication is via Wi-Fi. For models without a display, such control is a vital necessity, since otherwise it is not possible to make settings; for models with a display, it is an alternative option (for some, it is easier to make settings from a smartphone screen than from a camera display).

YI Action Camera Models

Model YI

These inexpensive devices have long found their user. Colors of the plastic body: white, black, green (first version). The control button on the front panel provides turning on, off, switching between photo and video modes. On the top and side panels there are: a shutter button, a microphone, a Wi-Fi module control button (for working in the application). Light indicators are located on the side panels and edges of the control button: they show the processes of charging the camera and using it to shoot video.

Interface: HDMI, micro USB, memory card slot. A removable battery with a capacity of 990 mAh in the summer provides shooting up to 1.5 hours, in winter frosts (from 0 to -10 degrees) - the maximum operating time is no more than 40-50 minutes. Matrix - 16 MP. Aperture - F / 2.8. The ability to shoot video - 2K up to 15 frames per second, Full HD at 1080p resolution up to 60 frames per second (overheating and braking can be observed).

The presence of Wi-Fi and Bluetooth modules allows you to remotely control the camera through an application on a smartphone or a Xiaomi proprietary remote control.

In addition to the standard photo and video modes, you can shoot Time-lapse, loop video, you can overlay the date and time, which allows you to use this unit as a DVR for a car.

The average price of the model ranges from 70-100 dollars.

• reliable;
• inexpensive.

• The lack of a display and control from the phone screen, however, for an amateur, this moment is not critical;
• Stabilization is not the strong point of the model, so watching a football match shot on such a device will not be the most successful;
• The first versions had problems with sound and lens. The sound problem was solved by soldering the microphone, and in the case of a lens, the focus had to be set by rotating the lens. It should be noted that the problem of sound in the model is present, especially under adverse weather conditions (wind, rain).

Such a camera is suitable for a motorcycle, attached to a helmet will serve as a DVR. It can be used to survey the area from a quadrocopter. It will be a great gift for a child who tries his hand at shooting videos and photos. Such a device can be recommended for making family videos and photos, for those users who shoot from time to time or just try their hand at video shooting.

Model YI Lite

The model entered the wide market in the fall of 2017. Outwardly similar to the 4K model, which was released a little earlier. It has a touch screen, support for 4K shooting up to 20 frames per second, Full HD shooting at 1080p resolution up to 60 frames per second, built-in electronic stabilization, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth modules for remote control. There is a micro USB output on the side panel, there is no HDMI output.

On the top panel there are 2 microphones, a speaker, an on-off button and a shooting mode control button. Display - 2 inches, resolution - 320 × 240. On the bottom panel there is a standard mounting thread for a tripod and accessories, a compartment for the battery and memory cards. A 1200 mAh battery makes it possible to extend the shooting process by about 15 minutes compared to the previous case.

Built-in stabilization is well suited for panoramic shooting. The viewing angle is up to 150 degrees. Shooting in motion will get worse.

One button is used for control. After turning on the camera, an available menu appears: contains settings for shooting time-lapse, slow motion video, standard photo and video, photo with a timer delay, series of shots, loop video, video + photo (during video shooting, a photo is taken at certain intervals). In gallery mode, you can view the footage. Mode settings and general camera settings are available.

The device will cost from 150 to 170 dollars. In this case, the price corresponds to the quality. The device has a number of certain advantages and disadvantages.

• touchscreen;
• removable battery (you can use an additional one to increase the shooting time);
• good quality panoramic shots in daylight.

• such a device will not work well in a darkened room;
• the existing stabilization is not enough to get a good image when driving fast or other intensive movement.

The device can be called a leader in the production of amateur filming. For fishing, hunting, creating photo and video reviews of sights and fascinating panoramic views on tourist trips, YI Lite is a reliable assistant and friend. But using the model for professional activities is not the best solution.

Model YI 4K

In the ranking of high-quality cameras sold, the model occupies the first positions. It is the first Xiaomi camera with UHD 4K. The housing in white or black version is equipped with a light indicator on the front panel. On the side panel there is a Micro USB output. The top panel contains a speaker, 2 microphones, a recording control button. The display is 2 inches with a resolution of 640×360.On the bottom panel there is a traditional threaded connection that provides fastening of photo accessories and a tripod, a battery compartment and a slot for a memory card. Switching on (off) is made by the button on the top panel. The menu is similar to YI Lite: selection of shooting modes and mode settings, general camera settings.

Matrix 12 MP, matrix type - CMOS. Aperture - F / 2.8. The viewing angle is 155 degrees. Shooting - 4K up to 30 fps, Full HD up to 120 fps. Wider settings in terms of sound recording (sound is recorded both in stereo and in noise reduction mode - wind, boxing mode).

In general, the device provides good shooting quality, but there are pitfalls: editing the footage will require a powerful computer, and for full-fledged work or viewing images, the LCD screen of a TV or computer monitor must have a resolution of 4K.

Autonomy - 1400 mAh, which will provide 1.5-2 hours of continuous shooting, depending on the season and weather conditions.
The average price is 200-250 dollars.

• reliability;
• touchscreen;
• in natural light, it provides good quality photos and videos, with enough artificial lighting, you can shoot at an acceptable level both competitions in the gym and broadcasts in the studio.

• at dusk, graininess may appear, deterioration of image quality.

This representative is a working option, although it can also be used for home video shooting. This model can be recommended to people who produce photo and video material on an ongoing basis.

Model YI 4K+

This model is both a complete analogue and a competitor of the Go Pro Hero 5 Black.Appearance - the case is borrowed from 4K, the only difference is that the front panel is made of carbon. Available in black and white versions. Like 4K, the display has a resolution of 640x360; matrix - CMOS, 12 MP; aperture - F / 2.8. There are the same elements as in 4K: light indicator, power button (off, switching between modes), 2 microphones.

The latter are located on the top and side walls of the cameras, which favorably affects sound recording (in the previous version, the microphones were located on top). On the left is a USB-C output through which you can display an image on a TV or monitor screen, like via HDMI. Bottom - tripod thread, battery compartment, memory card slot.

Based on the name of the model, there are expectations associated with a change in the functionality of this model compared to its predecessor. There are those: the frame rate is 2 times higher: the camera is up to 60 FPS, Full HD 1080p up to 120 FPS; efficient new generation processor (more powerful, less prone to heat, consumes less energy); slightly improved stabilization quality; there was support for shooting in raf format, voice control (which is typical for top Go Pro models); there is a live streaming feature.

The menu is similar to 4K, there is support for the Russian language. You can connect an external microphone.

The price of this representative ranges from 300-350 dollars, which approximately corresponds to the cost of the Go Pro 5 Black, with which the model in question is functionally the same. The model of which company to choose is better for the potential buyer to decide, who in this case will be guided by the visual perception of the image or other criteria for choosing a product.

One thing is for sure: for amateur filming, this camera is not advisable to use, since many of its functions will not be in demand. 4K+ is a working tool designed to provide high quality images and sound with the ability to edit footage, set manual shooting settings, connect an additional microphone. Such a device will be useful for those who create videos on a commercial basis.

• more efficient processor;
• improved stabilization;
• high quality image and sound;
• possibility of live broadcasts.

• high price.

Model YI 360 VP

The basic equipment of this model is supplemented with a tripod. A feature of the appearance is the presence of two lenses located on the front and rear sides of the case. Input connectors: HDMI, USB Type-C. Output - HDMI. This device provides a circular photo and video shooting. Supports Micro SD card up to 128GB. The device allows a 360 degree view. Speed ​​- 30 frames per second, resolution - 5.7K. Aperture - F / 2.0. The device allows you to conduct on-line broadcasts using Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.

At the moment, the model can be purchased on aliexpress at a special price of $ 300.

• the ability to create pictures, video and sound of decent quality;
• the possibility of circular shooting;
• organization of live broadcasts.

• price;
• weight and dimensions.

It is advisable to use it in social networks in order to create and post high-quality video material for virtual reality.The product is relevant as a working tool for creating live broadcasts: with its help, you can easily become an Internet star.

Summarizing

There is no doubt that YI has found its consumer. The question of how to choose the best option from the available range of the brand will have an answer if priorities are set. It is important to determine the purpose of the device, the degree of its use, the available financial possibilities.

For creating amateur photos and videos, the YI and YI Lite models will be the best assistants. They have a less powerful processor, which reduces the cost of devices, but for an ordinary layman engaged in amateur photography, this is not critical. YI can be used both as a video recorder and as a means of displaying special moments in life.

Since the model is budgetary, it can be given into the hands of your child, who seeks to master the basics of cameramanship. A pleasant stay and magnificent panoramic views will help capture YI Lite. If the purpose of the camera is to keep memories of leisure, trips, significant events in one's own life, this option is the most successful: there is no need to overpay for functionality that will not be used.

In the case when shooting is work, you should look at the YI 4K and YI 4K + models: they are more expensive, but with more features, they provide better image and sound quality.

Bloggers and those who are interested in new technologies will also be in demand with the new YI 360 VR model, which provides a wide viewing angle and high image quality: at the current price-quality ratio, it is a good option for getting decent content.