One of a new generation of action cameras, the SJCAM comes packed with the latest generation of processor and sensor, instantly proving its pedigree. Metal body, robust design, and large clear screen offer a great deal, but it’s the image quality that really makes this camera an excellent choice.
SJCAM is one of the big action camera manufacturers with a huge selection of cameras. Above all, it’s image quality that has really set them apart from other manufacturers.
SJCAM has consistently pushed the boundaries by balancing components and price. A few years ago, I looked at the SJCAM SJ5000X, an excellent camera especially when it came to the quality of the footage.
However, for a camera that blew most others out of the water when it came to video, it has a few issues with usability and a tricky to clean case.
The SJCAM SJ7 is all new, and I’ll admit that the specs of this small new camera are certainly exciting. The Ambarella processor coupled with the Sony sensor always proves a good mix, so here packed inside a stunning metal outer, it all looks to be coming together.
However, the boost in build quality of the camera is in slight contrast to the older styled waterproof housings.
The specs and build of this camera put it in direct firing line against the fantastic Yi 4K, GoPro Hero4 Black, and Black Hawk 4K.
I’ve omitted the GoPro Hero5 Black and Garmin Virb Ultra 30 as I’m yet to see anything in that league of quality and use.
It’s very easy to get swayed by specifications, especially 4K resolutions. The SJCAM SJ7 Star certainly peaks more than a touch of interest on this front with GoPro Hero5 Black matching native 4k at 30fps and 1080p at 120fps.
The camera has a native resolution of 12 million pixels.
An interesting highlight is the camera has a maximum recording bitrate of 60mbs, that’s extremely high for an action camera and should provide the ability to capture plenty of detail.
The 4K is full 4K and not interpolated like so many other action cameras. Resolutions are the big hit headline feature; however, there’s far more to an action camera than the size of the footage that it produces.
Before we leave resolutions and frame rate behind, it’s worth mentioning that these are made possible by the Ambarella A12S75 processor. The A9 and A12 processors have really pushed image quality, and the A12S is the processor we recently saw in the excellent THIEYE T5e.
This processor is matched with the Sony IMX117 Sensor, which is commonly thought to be used by GoPro.
Having a great sensor and processor combo is only the beginning of the story, and if you don’t match these with a great lens, then any quality gains can be quickly lost.
The camera features a typical fish-eye perspective on the world with a 166º field of view. As ever, the camera shoots stills as well as video at 16 million pixels, and all footage and images can be viewed on the large 2” LCD touch screen.
WiFi is, of course, included, and there is gyro stabilization built-in.
Dimension-wise, it’s a close match to the GoPro Hero4 Black at 60×24.7x41mm, so it will fit and work with many accessories such as the Feiyu G5 stabilizer, and the camera itself weighs in at just 74g without the waterproof housing.
On the side is the mini USB port, HDMI out, and MicroSD card slot; these are flush to the body with no protective covering without the housing.
The camera is powered by a 1050mAh battery which will provide between an hour and two hours of use dependent on usage.
As well as the usual video and photo modes, there are also low light, slow motion, motion detection, white balance, sharpness, color, and loop recording among others.
The camera also arrives well stocked with a variety of accessories including a handlebar mount, sticky mounts, and tripod adapter, ensuring you can get started from the outset.
There’s also a cage and touchscreen back for the housing, which both proved useful during the test.
When the SJCAM SJ7 arrived, there was excitement due to its impressive specs, resolutions, decent screen, and the potential for numerous accessories. However, upon unboxing, there was some dismay at the older style waterproof housing, which features a bolt-on lens and lever clasp with a lock encasing the camera. Although initially disappointing, the design’s functionality, such as the swappable front lens element, provided some consolation, despite the preference for newer housing styles.
The case’s lens design is relatively flat, but it tended to collect dirt and mud, especially during use in the British summer. The camera’s third button, the shutter, is situated on top, surrounded by the lever clasp, making it difficult to access in some situations.
The quality of the case contrasts with its design, offering trustworthy protection for the camera during underwater use or rides, despite its aesthetic drawbacks. The mounts included in the box are of decent quality and worked well, even though they are thinner compared to GoPro’s mounts.
The camera itself, once removed from the housing, reveals a significant quality difference. Its aluminium casing and the tactile feel of its buttons and compartments suggest durability and premium build quality. The camera’s operational features, like the illuminating shutter button and the easy-to-navigate menu system, enhance user experience, deviating from the older, more cumbersome action camera interfaces.
The touchscreen’s responsiveness, although not the most sensitive, proves to be adequate and user-friendly, even with slightly sweaty fingers during active use. The menu system is intuitive, marking a departure from the less user-friendly designs of past action cameras.
The camera’s connectivity options, including WiFi and a dedicated app, offer extended functionality. The app not only allows for comprehensive camera control but also integrates with a community platform, encouraging interaction and sharing among SJCAM users. Although some live view stream interruptions were noted during tests with an iPhone 6, these were not significant enough to detract from the overall positive experience.
Additionally, the camera can be controlled remotely via a watch accessory, providing convenience and ease of use, particularly for actions like taking pictures, shooting in burst mode, and managing WiFi connections.
In conclusion, the SJCAM SJ7 Star’s performance and handling vary significantly between using it within its waterproof housing and without. While the housing presents some usability challenges, particularly with setting navigation and shutter button access, the camera itself offers an excellent user experience, comparable to other high-end models like the Yi 4K and GoPro Hero5 Black.
The SJCAM SJ7 Star produces video quality that is commendable, with its performance tested mainly at 4K at 30fps and 1080p at various frame rates. These settings reveal the camera’s handling of dynamic range, color, tone, detail, and motion.
Dynamic range is challenging for action cameras due to their small sensors and the need to quickly adapt to varying light conditions. The SJCAM SJ7 Star performs well in this regard, particularly at 4K and 1080p 30fps, capturing crisp details and maintaining a balance between shadow and highlight details.
Image quality at lower frame rates is generally good, with occasional chromatic aberrations in high-contrast areas, such as where trees meet the sky. While the camera handles most scenarios well, shooting directly into the sun can produce more lens flare than desired, which may or may not be a welcome effect depending on the user’s preference.
The camera’s color rendition is generally natural, with a tendency to add warmth in bright, contrasty conditions. Overall, the colors appear natural with a slight saturation boost to make them pop.
At 4K and 1080p 30fps, the video detail is impressive, with excellent tonal gradation in static shots. However, as the frame rate increases, there is a noticeable reduction in detail, although the quality remains good.
Comparing the SJCAM SJ7 Star to the GoPro Hero4 Black, both cameras share similar hardware, but the GoPro produces slightly cleaner video, particularly in lower light conditions, where the SJCAM may exhibit slight pixelation.
Motion handling is crucial for action cameras, and the SJCAM SJ7 Star performs well at 1080p 30fps, with diminishing clarity at higher frame rates. When compared to the GoPro Hero4 Black, the SJCAM’s footage shows slight pixelation and lacks the smoothness of the GoPro’s motion rendering.
In summary, the SJCAM SJ7 Star offers good video quality and competes well with other cameras in its category, although it falls short of the more expensive GoPro in terms of video smoothness and low-light performance.
SJCAM SJ7 Star Verdict
I like the SJCAM SJ7. From the outset it feels like a quality piece of kit despite the case.
I don’t like cases with bolt-on style lenses. In the UK they get muddy and then it’s difficult to get them clean. The case really isn’t bad, but the issue with cleaning still remains and I’m still not taken with this style of case.
The lever lock is another issue and again it’s fiddly to use; however, the case is well made and that bolt-on lens did slightly grow on me, not enough to like it but I can tolerate it. Unlike the lever lock.
The camera on the other hand is a complete contrast, it’s nicely design and the metal build gives it a real quality feel. The large buttons, big 2” touch screen and general features really make it a nice package.
The camera is definitely easy to use and the touch screen responsiveness makes it easy to make selections and navigate. The touch screen only works inside the case unlike the Garmin Virb Ultra 30.
The camera also packs in features I haven’t covered in the review which I really liked, such as the ability to easily attach an external power source.
If you’re not satisfied with the SJCAM SJ7 Star as an action camera then it also has a dash cam mode.
When it comes to using the camera out on the trial the camera performed excellently with the direct controls being easy to understand and use.
Connection to the app is always quick and although there’s a slight delay for the live view the connection always proved robust.
It’s all about video quality
Video quality is what these camera are really about and the SJCAM SJ7 Star produces great quality video that does stand out. It’s good but not as good as the GoPro.
The 4K footage resolves plenty of detail, and the colours are well saturated.
Drop the resolution to 1080p and 30fps and again there’s plenty of colour and tone, even increasing the framerate to 60 the camera still produces good quality footage.
At 120fps the footage shows a lack of detail, but this is the same issue when you look at the GoPro’s 120fps footage as well.
What the big difference is between the two is some type of image smoothing that just helps to really push the GoPro’s footage beyond that of the SJCAM.
Taking everything into account the SJCAM SJ7 Star is a good camera at a decent price. The touch screen ease of use and decent quality footage are all major plus points so if you’re looking for good solid performer then the SJCAM SJ7 will do the job.
Should I buy a SJCAM SJ7 Star?
The SJCAM SJ7 Star has a host of features that really make it excel and stand out in a crowded market. The large 2-inch touch screen, ease of use and mass of resolution and frame rate options will appeal to anyone looking for a solid action camera for a variety of sports and activities. It’s also a great one for families with plenty of additional features to keep everyone occupied.