The Chinese manufacturer Xiaomi has released another hit - Yi Action Camera, which was immediately dubbed the "GoPro killer". The lightweight and very compact action camera is capable of not only shooting video, but also taking high-quality photos. At any time, you can download them via Wi-Fi to your smartphone using a special application. How to work with the Xiaomi Yi camera, read our instructions in Russian.

The appearance of Xiaomi Yi

Procedure for turning on the device

Turning on the camera is very simple - just one press of the button (1). You may hear several beeps in the process.

Around the power key, you can see an indicator light, the main function of which is to signal the current state of your device. If it is lit - the camera is on, if not, then, accordingly, it is disabled.

Additional color indication allows you to determine the current battery level:

• Blue - high level
• Purple - about half of the capacity left
• Red - about 15% of the capacity remains and it's time to recharge the camera.

Turn off the camera

To do this, you must also use the (1) key, while pressing should last about two to three seconds. Immediately before turning off, the camera will signal three times with light and sound.

How to start shooting

Shooting of both photo and video materials is carried out using the button (2) located at the top. In the "photo" mode, the result of clicking on it will be a snapshot, while the process of its creation will be accompanied by two short beeps.

In the "video" mode, pressing this key starts the recording process (accompanied by one short beep), pressing it again stops shooting (in this case, you will hear two short beeps).

Switching between "PHOTO" and "VIDEO" modes

Immediately after turning on, the device goes into the "photo" mode (the default mode can be changed in the settings). The change of the current mode is carried out by quickly pressing the power key (2).

You can determine which of the modes is currently active by looking at the indicator light located next to the above key:

• The indicator is on - "video" mode
• The indicator is off - "photo" mode.

Charging the battery

Attention! Make sure the device is turned off before charging! After that, connect the camera to a source of electrical energy (UMB, electrical outlet or the corresponding port of your PC) using an interface cable USB -> MicroUSB and wait. The charging connectors are located on the back of your camera body under a removable protective cover. It may take 60 to 80 minutes to fully charge the battery.

Accumulator battery

Resetting the camera to factory settings

To cancel all current settings and return the device to its original state, you must simultaneously hold down the shooting, power and Wi-Fi control keys and hold them for five seconds. In addition, you can also perform a reset programmatically through the appropriate section of the menu.

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Editor's Choice

Xiaomi Yi Action Camera (Basic Edition) Review: GoPro's "Killer"

The tech world is abuzz with the Xiaomi Yi Action Camera.

This is the first brainchild in the video camera niche of the Chinese smartphone manufacturer.

The nickname most commonly used in these rumors is GoPro killer, but is that justified?

For a long time, this niche was occupied only by a few proven manufacturers, including Olympus and Sony.

But the time has come for a change. Xiaomi has released their device in this segment.

Camera on a budget

Xiaomi Yi Action Camera is low budget.

By purchasing it, the user gets the opportunity to record video in 2K format and create 16 mega pixel photos.

The inevitable popularity of this copy was preceded by massive advertising, paid press releases and bloggers' publications.

Many noted that for such a brand, the price is simply minimal.

Xiaomi Yi Action Camera is a lightweight camcorder, it records videos in Full HD format with a resolution of 30 and 60 fps.

In addition, it can take 16 megapixel stills.

Its great advantage is its price.

Yi cameras come in two different versions:

• Standard (Basic edition)
• For travelers (Travel)

The only difference between these revisions is that in the Travel package, the user gets very tidy.

It does not creak, does not fall apart, it looks very stylish.

Specifications

• Lens: 16MP CMOS F2.8 155 ° wide angle
• Sensor: Sony Exmor R BSI CMOS 16 million pixels
• Dimensions: 6 x 2.1 x 4.2 cm / 2.36 x 0.83 x 1.65 inches
• Memory: Micro SD, cards up to 64GB supported
• Video system: PAL, NTSC
• Video format: MP4
• Sound: 96KHz 2 channels, 92dBA squelch
• Battery 1010mAh
• Charger: USB when connected to a PC or via the supplied AV adapter
• Modules: Bluetooth 4.0, WiFi
• Photo format: Jpeg
• Selfie Timer: 1-15 sec
• Time interval: 0.5 / 1/2/5/10/30/60 sec

Even at first glance, the performance can be said to be impressive.

And the developer offers all this to his potential buyers for only $ 89

Equipment

Once you open the box with the Xiaomi Yi Action Camera, here's what you get:

• 1x Xiaomi Yi Action Camera
• 1x USB to microUSB cable (used for charging and syncing with a PC)
• 1x 1100 mAh battery

Design

Many adherents of this gadget often refer to the Xiaomi Yi Action Camera as the "Chinese Apple".

Their directors are named as follows. The same pedantry, the same attention to detail.

Parallels are often drawn between the two.

The minimalist approach is visible even in a simple cardboard box.

In an inconspicuous compartment, the USB cable for connecting to and the battery is neatly packed.

When it comes to color choices, the device comes in three colors:

• Green
• White
• Black

It's a shame, but I would like the choice of colors to be more varied.

The brightest among them is green.

White looks simple, it will suit those who prefer minimalism.

But it's worth saying right away that this is a very easily soiled color, so get ready to often wipe your pet.

And connoisseurs of strict forms and classics will certainly choose a black set.

It is quite solid and feels like it is assembled from quality materials both inside and out.

This compares favorably with its cheaper counterparts.

The main disadvantage

The company sacrificed functionality by ditching the LCD screen.

Yes, for many this is a significant drawback, but it is worth noting that such a detail can significantly increase the cost of the camera.

There is now a solution for connecting external LCDs.

In addition, you can connect an external battery, which will double the recording time.

All settings in the camera can only be changed when connected to a computer.

So before you start using it, you need to download it, connect the camera to your PC and configure it.

You can, of course, use the camera anyway, but all the functionality will be unavailable.

Dimensions and weight

The device measures 60.4mm x 21.2mm x 42mm and weighs only 72 grams when fully assembled.

They are slightly heavier than similar camcorders, especially when compared to the SJ4000 and SJCAM M10.

Lens and sensors

Ambarella A7LS is responsible for processing photos, and the user receives a Sony Exmor R BSI CMOS 16 MEGA Pixels sensor and an ST 3-Axis G-sensor.

Buttons and ports

The camera does not have many buttons and ports, you can disassemble them in the first 10-15 minutes.

Buttons, ports and LED indicators

• Front button - Power on / off button. Allows you to turn the camera on or off, and also switch modes.
• The button on the top is the shutter button, when pressed, it will take a photo or start / stop video recording.
• On the side is a button that turns WiFi on / off

• 1/4 ″ Tripod port
• Micro SD card slot
• USB port (charging, PC connection)
• HDMI port (for transferring images and videos to TV)
• Battery clip (press to open the battery compartment)

Indicators

• LED indicators (indicate whether recording is in progress or not. The round indicator changes color as the battery draws down)

Video

The colors look quite natural. The images are decent and much sharper than the video. Even when the camera is turned on directly in the sun, colors do not darken.

A 16-megapixel Sony CMOS sensor ensures you get quality photos even on a bright sunny day.

Many analogs produce a darker image. The Xiaomi Yi Action Camera, on the other hand, has a very natural brightness.

Time-lapse shooting

The camcorder has a time-lapse mode. This parameter can be set via the app.

Basically, it allows your machine to continuously take photos at the interval you set. You can set the time span at 0.5 / 1/2/5/10/30/60 seconds.

For example, you can set the time span to 5 seconds (this is the most common time).

I would like the camera itself to take time-lapse from your photos, but, unfortunately, this option is not provided.

Technically speaking, you can set the indicator to 2 hours (10800 seconds) and set the shooting interval to 10 seconds.

At 1080p 60 fps, you get 18 seconds of time lapse video. It's not as difficult as it sounds, you can see tons of YouTube video tutorials on how to create this kind of video.

Self-timer

Single frame and self-timer are different functions. Time-lapse photography is a constant number of photographs.

The camera will work without interruption for the set interval of time, and the self-timer takes only one photo at a certain period of time.

The timer allows you to set a delay before one single photo.

This is a useful option for group photos, where you can put the Yi Action Camera on the stand and it will automatically take a photo.

Timer can be set for 3, 5, 10 and 15 seconds

Snapshot

Snapshot is probably the least useful feature for any photographer.

With the Snapshot function, you can create a short animation with a funny resolution of 640 x 480/4: 3 / 30p.

If you use the Xiaomi Yi Action Camera, then accessories for it will probably come in handy. These are small and inexpensive but very useful gadgets. Thanks to them, you will open up 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.

You don't have to search in third-party stores - everything is already in the Xiaomi Store

The developer of the popular Yi action camera, the Chinese company Xiaomi, also creates additional devices and accessories. You do not need to turn to third-party manufacturers: hardly any of them are able to 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 select products, thanks to which you use the capabilities of the device to the fullest. Products are grouped in the catalog, provided with short descriptions with a photo and price. To learn more about a product, click on it and go to the corresponding page.

To make the search take even less time, select only those categories that interest you. To do this, use the filter located on the left side of the screen. For you, the Xiaomi Store offers:

• aqua boxes for safe underwater photography;
• batteries and chargers to shoot videos in any conditions and in any area, even far from civilization;
• mounts and holders, including universal clamps and functional tripods, fasteners and adapters for all kinds of situations, animal holders and so on - now you can record absolutely any process on video;
• UV filters, image stabilizers, lighting devices, thanks to which shooting will become more convenient and safer, and the video itself will look better;
• control panels, 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 has not only created one of the most versatile action cameras - it has also made sure that you can pick up everything you need from the range available.

In the catalog you will find accessories that will allow you to film hiking trips and sporting events, cycling or scuba diving. Shoot with 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 guarantees are provided on behalf of the manufacturer

A distinctive feature of the Xiaomi Store: we cooperate directly with the Xiaomi company, which produces gadgets and goods for them. Therefore, we have every reason to guarantee the quality and performance of the products presented. You can also be sure: the products sold here are fully compatible with the device - you will not have any problems using them.

Xiaomi Yi Action Camera Travel is specially designed for all extreme sports enthusiasts and people with an active lifestyle. The parameters of the device allow it to be used in almost any shooting conditions and guarantee bright and memorable videos. In our review, you will find out what this model is capable of and why it is called "GoPro's little killer".

Rich equipment

Despite the modest design of the packaging, which is a gray cardboard box, there is an impressive set inside.

In addition to the camera itself, the user will find a microUSB-USB cable, instructions in Chinese and, most importantly, a proprietary monopod, thanks to which it is possible to create high-quality selfies. The length of the monopod is 71 centimeters, and the presence of the auto-start option significantly expands the possibilities for photographing.

Appearance and design features

The device is striking in its dimensions, because the dimensions are only 21.2x60.4x42 mm, i.e. slightly larger than a regular matchbox. The case is entirely made of durable plastic that can withstand minor mechanical stress.

On the front side there is a wide-angle lens, next to it there is an on / off button, which is also used to select shooting modes. There is an indicator light around the button to show the battery charge level. If blue is on, the battery is 50-100% charged, lilac - 15-49%, red indicates a critical charge level (0-14 percent).

There are two covers on the back. The first hides a 1100 mAh battery underneath, and under the second - a slot for a microSD memory card, microUSB and mini-HDMI connectors. But the screen in the Xiaomi YI Action Camera Travel is absent, since all device control and configuration is carried out through the proprietary application.

On the top edge there is a button for starting / stopping video recording or taking photos. An indicator is placed next to it, which lights up in red during shooting. There is also a microphone on top.

The Wi-Fi power key is located on the left side edge, there is also a status indicator near it.

For attaching additional accessories, including a monopod, a special threaded hole is provided at the bottom. It can be used to mount the camera on a helmet, bicycle, motorcycle, quadcopter and other equipment.

What's inside

Surprisingly, the developers of the Xiaomi company managed to put a solid "stuffing" in a miniature case, which guarantees the receipt of high-quality photo and video files. This:

• 16 megapixel Sony Exmor R BSI CMOS sensor with f / 2.8 aperture. It allows you to receive video in FullHD format at a speed of 60 fps, and if you use a resolution of 960p, the speed indicators are already increasing to 120 fps;
• Ambarella A7LS GPU, considered one of the best microprocessors for image processing tasks;
• 155 ° wide-angle lens with aspherical lens for fantastic panoramic photos;
• Built-in motion filter and 3D noise stabilizer, which are responsible for clear video even in strong shaking conditions.

And with H.264 encoding, every frame is recorded correctly and clearly. Video recording is possible in four modes: normal, while driving, while driving at high speed and at maximum acceleration.

Organization of management

As mentioned above, the YI Action Camera Travel Edition is not equipped with a screen, so the setting is done through a special application for YI action cameras. It is quickly and easily installed on a smartphone. To synchronize with the camera, you need to activate "Wi-Fi" on it, and press the Connect button in the program. All further operations are performed automatically; upon completion, the device settings menu will appear on the display.

After that, the user can not only take photos and shoot videos in real time, but also perform the following actions:

• Determine the quality and standard of the recording;
• Time stamp;
• Select photography modes;
• Back up data;
• Preview, i.e. view the panorama of the upcoming shooting;
• Upload your photos and videos to the Internet, etc.

Main characteristics

Should you buy the YI Action Camera Travel Edition?

With the help of the device, it is possible to create expressive photos, clear and vivid video. The miniature size in combination with the powerful stuffing make the device one of the best in its class, and the possibility of using various accessories, including the aqua box, significantly expands the scope of its application. And one more pleasant bonus - the cost of the product is much lower in comparison with similar models from other manufacturers, while Xiaomi products are in no way inferior to their main competitors in terms of workmanship.

Xiaomi products have always prevailed due to their low price and the ability to successfully copy competitors. The cheapest fitness bracelet on the market, an inexpensive power bank, which at the same time is not ashamed to give to the owner of an expensive flagship, a worthy copy of the iPhone with the price tag of mid-range A-brands - thanks to the combination of its cheapness and unusual Chinese technology, the quality of the company managed to gain its popularity and third place in the list of leading smartphone manufacturers.

Yi Camera continues this pattern. It is half the price of a GoPro Hero, and at the same time it is no worse. For $ 65, you get an action camera with a GoPro design, a 16MP Exmor R sensor from Sony, a 155 ° wide-angle lens, and Full HD 60fps with digital image stabilization and noise reduction. It is also worth noting that Hero, for example, records video at this frame rate only with a set resolution of 720p.

Unsurprisingly, the novelty received the exact same waterproof case for underwater photography as the Hero. The characteristics are the same: 40 meters of guaranteed protection against moisture ingress. The Yi Camera's battery is only 100mAh inferior to that of its competitor.

As a result, the only aspects in which the Yi Camera frankly loses to the GoPro Hero is the accessory park and availability outside of China. Both one and the second drawback is a matter of time. Xiaomi has already announced the release of various mounts, among which it will be possible to find those even for pets, and the opening of an international online store will certainly not be delayed by the management.

Sony X1000V

If Xiaomi Yi Camera is still a competitor to the basic model of the GoPro line of cameras, then the completely fresh Sony X1000V will be an excellent alternative to the top-end Black. 4K shooting, Full HD 120p, professional file formats, high bit rate, burst and time-lapse shooting, waterproof, shockproof and the ability to dive to a depth of 60 meters using a special case are all available in the flagship from Sony.

At the same time, the X1000V will cost you $ 80 cheaper than the GoPro Hero Black, and the combination of the Exmor R matrix with the ultra-wide-angle ZEISS Tessar lens (170 °) and the new high-performance BIONZ X processor will give you a result that is exactly equal to that of GoPro. In addition, a remote control can be purchased as an accessory for the X1000V, which will allow you to control the shooting process from five different action cameras at once. In favor of the eminent competitor, only a wide selection of various accessories plays here.

SJCam SJ5000 Plus

If you don’t have an extra $ 500, but you want to buy a good and cheap action camera that shoots no worse than the top model of the previous generation of GoPro, then you can pay attention to another Chinese competitor. SJCam SJ5000 Plus is a set of 16-megapixel sensor from Panasonic, not very fast, but ultra-wide-angle lens (170 °) and the ability to shoot Full HD 60 fps or 720p at 120 fps. At the same time, the creators of the camera quite successfully managed to apply the theoretical characteristics in practice - the SJ5000 Plus actually writes video well.

You can follow the shooting process from a small TFT-screen located on the back of the camera. The cost of such a gadget will be at the level of the budget Hero ($ 160), while having an impressive package of delivery, as well as a completely identical design.