Agie
Well-Known Member
- Joined
- Aug 19, 2016
- Messages
- 1,775
- Reaction score
- 881
- Location
- Perth, Australia
- Country
- Australia
- Dash Cam
- 70mai S500, A229 Pro, VS1, Nexus 4 Pro, S1 Pro, A119 v3v2v1
UPDATE (10/03/2017): GearBest is currently having a promotional sale on the ThiEYE T5e. You can purchase the discounted camera from here: http://www.gearbest.com/promotion-best-action-camera-special-1106.html
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This time something a little different from me, using a 4K action camera as a dash camera, which is something I haven't done before. Let's find out how this stacks up in my full review of the ThiEYE T5e 4K action cam. Thankyou to @GearBest for providing a review sample. You can purchase the ThiEYE T5e directly from here: Released late 2016.
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Specifications: Sony IMX117 sensor w/170 degree field of view (same sensor as in GoPro Hero 3/4), Ambarella A12LS75 chipset, 2 inch TFT LCD display. 4K (3840x2160) video recorded at 30fps with varying bitrates, 2K at up to 60fps, full HD at up to 120fps and HD at up to 240fps. Audio bitrate is constant at 128KBps (mono at 48KHz). There are a plethora of video resolutions, including 2.5K and SuperView, which includes more vision at the top and bottom of the frame, also at varying bitrates. Note: this review has sample footage recorded at 4K, 30fps with SuperView disabled, in SuperFine mode with a bitrate of 60MBps.
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Box Contents: ThiEYE T5e action camera, anti-static wiping cloth, multi-language user guide, microUSB cable, waterproof case (up to 60m in depth), bike mount, spare adhesive mounts, swivel action mount and securing pin, 1100mAh battery with identical spare included.
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Firmware Version: TI/UN5-170211-V5.0 (initially upgraded from the 12 January 2017 firmware in-box) - will update review accordingly if new changes brought about by new firmware.
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The final verdict: After testing this action camera extensively, I'm very impressed. The level of detail afforded by the 4K footage, coupled with the reliable chipset and Sony sensor on board makes this a must-buy. Well done to ThiEYE for coupling high quality components into a small and attractively designed package, with high level firmware and customer support.
Unboxing video:
The ThiEYE T5e records in true 4K, unlike other cheaper action cameras that may employ tricks such as interpolation or frame doubling to give the impression that it is recording in 4K. The Sony IMX117 sensor is a tried and true quantity, and the new Ambarella A12LS75 chipset handles its tasks with ease. The camera records dash camera footage by enabling the Auto DVR feature in the menu options, which records in two minute loops.
My nitpickings:
Close-up photos of the ThiEYE T5e 4K Action Camera:
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This time something a little different from me, using a 4K action camera as a dash camera, which is something I haven't done before. Let's find out how this stacks up in my full review of the ThiEYE T5e 4K action cam. Thankyou to @GearBest for providing a review sample. You can purchase the ThiEYE T5e directly from here: Released late 2016.
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Specifications: Sony IMX117 sensor w/170 degree field of view (same sensor as in GoPro Hero 3/4), Ambarella A12LS75 chipset, 2 inch TFT LCD display. 4K (3840x2160) video recorded at 30fps with varying bitrates, 2K at up to 60fps, full HD at up to 120fps and HD at up to 240fps. Audio bitrate is constant at 128KBps (mono at 48KHz). There are a plethora of video resolutions, including 2.5K and SuperView, which includes more vision at the top and bottom of the frame, also at varying bitrates. Note: this review has sample footage recorded at 4K, 30fps with SuperView disabled, in SuperFine mode with a bitrate of 60MBps.
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Box Contents: ThiEYE T5e action camera, anti-static wiping cloth, multi-language user guide, microUSB cable, waterproof case (up to 60m in depth), bike mount, spare adhesive mounts, swivel action mount and securing pin, 1100mAh battery with identical spare included.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Firmware Version: TI/UN5-170211-V5.0 (initially upgraded from the 12 January 2017 firmware in-box) - will update review accordingly if new changes brought about by new firmware.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The final verdict: After testing this action camera extensively, I'm very impressed. The level of detail afforded by the 4K footage, coupled with the reliable chipset and Sony sensor on board makes this a must-buy. Well done to ThiEYE for coupling high quality components into a small and attractively designed package, with high level firmware and customer support.
Unboxing video:
The ThiEYE T5e records in true 4K, unlike other cheaper action cameras that may employ tricks such as interpolation or frame doubling to give the impression that it is recording in 4K. The Sony IMX117 sensor is a tried and true quantity, and the new Ambarella A12LS75 chipset handles its tasks with ease. The camera records dash camera footage by enabling the Auto DVR feature in the menu options, which records in two minute loops.
My nitpickings:
- Wi-Fi app has some connection issues and can be flaky in operation at times.
- Does run a little hot in operation, and the design could have had some thermal dissipation elements better implemented.
- Would have liked to see an image rotation mode in the menu and a 1/4 inch standard tripod mount on the top of the camera, but understandable given design and sensor constraints.
- Audio recorded is fantastic (even though it is in mono), with great clarity and having the ability to adjust the sensitivity is a massive boon.
- Lots and lots of menu options which gives granular control to any situation. These menu options will be more than enough for 99% of users. The menu is fast and fluid.
- Button layout on the camera is logical and honestly, the lack of a touchscreen does not matter at all.
- Retail packaging is impeccable, with foam padding and a slick svelte boxing. Low weight and sleek profile of the camera make it very attractive in the hand, while maintaining the driver's privacy.
- Recorded footage is amazing. Colours are crisp and the level of detail at 4K makes recognition of licence plates and other details much easier. There is hardly any discernable artefacting or sharpening of edges.
- Night-time footage is as usual constrained by the sensor itself, but does well to take in a lot of light and keep distance objects in focus and readable, without much grain to the image. Top choice by ThiEYE in going with a Sony sensor here.
Close-up photos of the ThiEYE T5e 4K Action Camera:
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