Today we offer you to look at the main competitor of GoPro among budget action cameras - the Xiaomi Yi camera. We will also learn how to set up the camera on Xiaomi and how to control it.
Even before the official launch, this unit made a lot of noise among users, because the manufacturer stated that it would receive the same characteristics as the GoPro, but at a very ridiculous price. Previously, the price was announced at $ 60, which, you see, is very, very tempting.
Almost all Xiaomi camera functions are available for control through special applications on a smartphone, which can be pre-installed via links and Remote Video. While there are not very many of them, however, it is possible that with the update of the firmware of the gadget, its functionality will expand. So far, the program allows you to make settings for photo and video modes, choose the quality of shooting and adjust the operation of the camera itself, as well as choose the possibility of visually displaying the image from the matrix.
In the photo mode in the application, we see the following picture: most of the display was occupied by the area for previewing the image from the camera matrix, and the selected resolution for shooting is written below. At the bottom are the keys for controlling the action camera, and even lower is the status bar with the current battery charge of the phone, the camera and the Wi-Fi signal level. In video mode, the program looks almost the same. In addition, there is a Snapshot mode for creating quick shots at a resolution of 640x480.
Parameters and their meanings
Xiaomi Yi Action Camera is configured through a special application, which we wrote about above, but there is an important point here - the application is only available for Android smartphones, and Apple product owners are still out of work. So, let's look at some of the modes with which I set up the camera. They are divided into several blocks.
- video. This is the mode for video settings. There are such items as Quality (video quality), Resolution (resolution), Time Stamp (display time and date on video), Standart (video standard) and Metering Mode (exposure level measurement);
- Photo. It is logical to assume that this is a mode that adjusts photography. There are such sub-items as: Resolution (also photo resolution), Default Photo Mode (this option allows you to select the default photography mode, for example, you can select normal, self-timer, burst and time lapse). Also available are the functions of displaying the date and time on the photo and Camera Default Start Mode (selecting the mode in which the camera will turn on by default);
- camera. The camera is configured here: Preview (preview), Loop Recording (endless recording or recording in DVR mode), Lens Rectification (turn Fish Eye on / off), Auto turn on WI-Fi with Device (turn on Wi-Fi with the device), Buzzer Volume (sound volume control), as well as much more, such as Wi-Fi settings, LED indicator mode, setting the time and date, and turning off the camera after a certain period of inactivity;
- devices. This block contains complete information about the device, such as model name, serial number, current firmware version, as well as information about the flash card and the possibility of formatting it. In addition, here you can turn on the camera search function if it is lost somewhere nearby (it starts to make sounds) and reset all settings to factory settings.
Conclusion
In general, we briefly got acquainted with the capabilities of the sensational Xioami Yi action camera and found out what each item in the settings means. In general, the camera shows very good results for its price, but the functionality could be expanded. We hope that the manufacturer will take into account the wishes of users and in the new firmware version will present us with new features of such a small and bright unit.
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If you use a Xiaomi Yi action camera, then accessories for it will surely come in handy. These are small and inexpensive, but very useful devices. Thanks to them, you will discover much more possibilities for using the device. Using it will give you even more pleasure, and with the created videos you will surprise not only friends and acquaintances, but the entire Internet.
No need to search in third-party stores - everything is already in Xiaomi Store
The developer of the popular Yi action camera, the Chinese company Xiaomi, also creates additional devices and accessories. There is no need for you to turn to third-party manufacturers: hardly any of them can offer something better than Xiaomi, which created the camera and knows its features thoroughly.
Xiaomi Yi Action Camera Accessories for All Occasions
In this section, you can pick up products, thanks to which you will use the capabilities of the device to the fullest. Products are grouped in the catalog, provided with brief descriptions with photos and prices. To learn more about a product, click on it and go to the corresponding page.
To make your search even faster, select only the categories that interest you. To do this, use the filter, which is located on the left side of the screen. For you, the Xiaomi Store offers:
- aquaboxes for safe underwater shooting;
- batteries and chargers to shoot video in any conditions and in any area, even far from civilization;
- mounts and holders, including universal clamps and functional tripods, mounts and adapters for all kinds of situations, holders for animals and so on - now you can capture absolutely any process on video;
- ultraviolet filters, image stabilizers, lighting devices, thanks to which shooting will become more convenient and safer, and the video itself will look better;
- remote controls, panoramic timers, LCD displays - find out what else your action camera is capable of;
Among other things, ready-made sets of tools, fasteners and other accessories for servicing Xiaomi Yi are offered. The manufacturer not only created one of the most versatile action cameras - he also made sure that you can pick up everything you need from the available range.
In the catalog you will find accessories that will allow you to shoot hiking and sports competitions, cycling or scuba diving. Shoot through the eyes of your growing children or pets, let your imagination run wild, come up with the most incredible angles and ways of shooting.
Quality and compatibility warranties are provided on behalf of the manufacturer
A distinctive feature of the Xiaomi Store is that we cooperate directly with the Xiaomi company, which produces gadgets and products for them. Therefore, we have every reason to guarantee the quality and performance of the presented products. You can also be sure that the products sold here are fully compatible with the device - you will not have any problems using them.
Hello! I recently wrote a review about the Detect x380 quadcopter, but the quadcopter is needed for filming, right? And so it was decided to buy an original action camera that will shoot decently and cost cheaply. And also it should support AV output and have a small weight. As a result, the choice fell on Xiaomi YI Action camera. I was thinking... thinking... what color should I take? I ended up taking both. 
The camera arrived in 16 days, for which thanks to the store, it was sent very quickly.
After unpacking, I liked the camera at first sight, as it is made of high-quality plastic, it was immediately decided to see how it shoots, I went outside and, surprisingly, it shoots well. Both video and sound - which is important. 
The box of the camera is made of thick cardboard; during transportation, such a box is not afraid of any troubles.
The kit included a 1010 mah battery, a USB cable for connecting to a PC, and instructions in Chinese :)
The white camera is undoubtedly beautiful and will suit any style, but the green color is not suitable everywhere, however, Xiaomi does not eat its bread in vain, and well done for giving a choice of colors, unlike the main competitor GoPro.
And here is a selection of photos for comparison, which color is still better, maybe I can help someone decide, I chose white for myself, look at the photo:
Whatever color you choose - in any case, you will not be disappointed, both are super!
The battery compartment in the camera closes very tightly, which allows you to use the action camera for its intended purpose, it is not afraid of shock. The battery, by the way, was tested on a tester, and gave out 825 mah instead of the declared 1010 mah, perhaps because there was only one charge-discharge cycle, and the battery did not have time to accelerate properly.
Unfortunately, there is no display in the camera, but there are as many as 5 LED indicators, with which you can understand what the camera wants, in what mode it works. Also, the speaker is built-in, it did not disappoint, the sound indication is loud. The speaker is at the bottom. And in the upper part of the camera there is a microphone - do not cover it with your finger while shooting :) The camera records sound perfectly. 
All camera control is done by three functional buttons, and the main functions are available in the original xiaomi smartphone application. With which you can see everything that the camera shoots and set most of the parameters, such as TimeLapse, slow motion and others. Choose a photo / video mode and submodes (resolution, shooting frequency, intervals, etc.)
The camera has a Wi-Fi module, but what about without it? :)
There are micro HDMI and Micro USB ports, also under the protective cover there is a slot for a microSD flash card up to 64 GB with a capacity, I tried 64 GB, I pulled it - I'm not sure how 128 GB will work.
Regarding the attachment at the bottom of the camera for a tripod - this is a problem, it does not wind normally on any monopod except for the native one, xiaomi marketing works ... now I have to buy the original button and the original xiaomi stick, on which the camera will be fixed. More details about this in the video.
The camera was not perfect for mounting the quadrocopter suspension, it will be necessary to modify the mount with a file. 
The viewing angle in the xiaomi camera is 155 degrees, which is not bad. It would be better, of course, to set 170 degrees ... but 155 is enough.
The camera shoots in modes = 1296P 30fps, 1296P 25fps, 1080P 60fps, 1080P 48fps, 1080P 30fps, 1080P 24fps.
960P 60fps, 960P 48fps, 720P 120fps, 720P 60fps,
720P 48fps, 480P 240fps.
Tests of camera shooting modes (sound recording in aquabox):
Test 1080p 60 FPS
Test 2k 2560 x 1440 30 FPS
Test 720p 120 FPS (writes in this mode without sound)
Compared to GoPro 4 Black, of course, it’s not so hot, but you can easily fight with GoPro 3, and if you take into account the price of 67 killed raccoons, then it’s not so pitiful to kill it at least during action conditions. And as a maximum we have everything for the minimum money.
It would be nice if Xiaomi put the display in the camera, but in this way the price would be more expensive by about 10 ye, which would bring it to another level of competition, and they decided to stay in the ultra-budget segment by completely occupying it.
The Yi camera is equipped with a 16 megapixel sensor from Sony, which allows it to take photos in resolutions up to 4608 × 3456 - and the photos are high-quality, like on a phone. There were no problems with focusing.
A couple of photos on the camera in 16 mp 4: 3 mode:
Xiaomi YI does not have an image stabilizer, however, when shooting a video in 60 frames, the shaking in the image can be adjusted programmatically on a PC. There is also no night shooting mode (it is only in the export version of the camera that comes in black), but the camera adapts well to low light and changes the exposure with excellent accuracy.
The sound is recorded in two channels, but the microphone is one.
The Xiaomi app for the camera is thought out simply to the smallest detail, from the very entrance to it everything is clear and without any questions. Even a child can handle the controls. It is possible to switch the video / photo mode and change all kinds of settings (more details in the video review).
The application was translated into Russian and localized a long time ago - there are no problems with the software.
TOTAL:
PROS
1) Good recording quality for both video and sound.
2) The price, yes, yes, the camera is ultra budget.
3) Stylish appearance, visible in grass and snow.
3) There are colors from the manufacturer (green, white, black).
4) Lots of accessories on sale
5) A convenient application for a smartphone with which we control the camera
6) Lots of indicator lights
7) Rugged shockproof housing
8) Light weight (only 70 grams)
9) Good processor for the price
MINUSES:
1) No display
2) The battery holds little to say the least (you need to have spare ones)
3) There is nothing in the kit except for a USB cable (conclusion - you have to buy everything in addition)
4) Tripod mount, Xiaomi engineers - have you ever tried to put it on a regular monopod, and not a Xiaomi stick that is sold separately?
5) Gets hot while filming
Xiaomi YI Action camera is the unequivocal HIT of 2015-2016 in the action camera market. It is bought by everyone whose budget does not allow to buy a GoPro, or it will be used in such conditions that it will not be a pity if it dies.
The camera is great for everyone, both for athletes and for ordinary video bloggers for shooting reviews, unpacking, panoramas, TimeLapse and other videos. If you have any questions - ask, I will answer as best I can.
Who cares what the videos from the camera will be when flying on an FPV quadrocopter - subscribe to the channel, wait until I bring all my copters to mind.
Well, the most interesting. Video review of this camera, 22 minutes about the most important.
Thank you all for watching :)
I plan to buy +10 Add to favourites Liked the review +19 +24Privacy Policy
Your privacy is important to us. For this reason, we have developed a Privacy Policy that describes how we use and store your information. Please read our privacy policy and let us know if you have any questions.
Collection and use of personal information
Personal information refers to data that can be used to identify or contact a specific person.
You may be asked to provide your personal information at any time when you contact us.
The following are some examples of the types of personal information we may collect and how we may use such information.
What personal information we collect:
- When you submit an application on the site, we may collect various information, including your name, phone number, email address, etc.
How we use your personal information:
- The personal information we collect allows us to contact you and inform you about unique offers, promotions and other events and upcoming events.
- From time to time, we may use your personal information to send you important notices and communications.
- We may also use personal information for internal purposes, such as conducting audits, data analysis and various research in order to improve the services we provide and provide you with recommendations regarding our services.
- If you enter a prize draw, contest or similar incentive, we may use the information you provide to administer such programs.
Disclosure to third parties
We do not disclose information received from you to third parties.
Exceptions:
- In the event that it is necessary - in accordance with the law, judicial order, in legal proceedings, and / or based on public requests or requests from state bodies in the territory of the Russian Federation - disclose your personal information. We may also disclose information about you if we determine that such disclosure is necessary or appropriate for security, law enforcement, or other public interest purposes.
- In the event of a reorganization, merger or sale, we may transfer the personal information we collect to the relevant third party successor.
Protection of personal information
We take precautions - including administrative, technical and physical - to protect your personal information from loss, theft, and misuse, as well as from unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration and destruction.
Maintaining your privacy at the company level
To ensure that your personal information is secure, we communicate privacy and security practices to our employees and strictly enforce privacy practices.