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SJCAM M20 Action Camera Review

SJCAM M20 Unboxing

Here’s the unboxing video of the SJCAM M20:

Initial impressions of the M20 once we removed it from its waterproof housing is that true to SJCAM’s words, the M20 is small and very lightweight. Flipping open the battery compartment at the bottom of the M20 reveals where the 900mAh battery is stored, which takes up approximately a quarter of the volume of the M20, so one must wonder when battery tech advances future editions of SJCAM actions cameras can get even smaller and lighter.

Some previous editions of SJCAM action cameras had waterproof housings that had a lens featured that was screwed in, which had the bonus of being able to interchange lens easily but at the cost of dirt getting into the screw heads. With the housing for the M20, SJCAM has gone back to a more flush finish for the lens, but due to its slightly arched shaped, it may be some time before you can get your hands on different lens and filters that will fit comfortably.

Slightly misleading is the name M20 and many people will see this as just an upgrade to the M10, and rightly so with improved specifications and functions all round, but to do the M20 any justice it really should be considered as a different line of model altogether. Whilst the M10 shape was that of a cube, resembling that of a Polaroid Cube HD, the M20 as mentioned has an arched top on a form factor which is close to their previous SJ5000 but placed on its side. With the M10 the lens was placed fairly centrally on its body, whilst the M20 the lens now lies in the top half. And true to SJCAM’s words, this really is the their smallest action camera to date.

SJCAM M20

Build Quality & Design

First impressions when hands on with the SJCAM M20 was how well built it is, this when compared with previous SJCAM actions cameras that could feel rather plasticky, giving off the impression that they were not all that robust. The M20’s exterior is well designed and the use of materials gives off a genuine premium feel. Even the battery compartment at the bottom of the M20 is of a better design; no more flimsy feel, and locks in securely.

We did have a little apprehension when it came to the new form factor being used, but in a very short space of time the new shape grew on us, and it had its own practical usage; placing the M20 down onto a surface to capture videos or photos, the centrally placed lens give the user a more controlled angle of sight compared to the regular action camera form factor with the lens off-centre.

The 4 buttons (2 at the top and 2 on one side) has a good sturdy feel, but we did find that the top buttons were a little sensitive, when we placed the M2o into the supplied clip holder, it would on occasions accidentally press the record button, and with the back LCD covered by the clip, we were not certain if the M20 had stopped/started recording, until we noticed the LEDs (yellow and blue) at the front which helps indicate when the M20 is switch on, and when it is recording. The buttons on the M20 did take a little time to get used to (looking directly from the front):

  • Top right button – On/off power button & switch mode button
  • Top left button – Record button
  • Top button on the side – Scroll up, Menu and Wifi button
  • Bottom button on the side – Scroll down button

The lens fits reassuringly lower down within its recess, surrounded by a slightly higher rim. This gives the glass lens a little protection from impacts which could scratch/scuff the glass lens.

As with previous generations of SJCAM action cameras a mini-DVI port, mini-USB port and micro SD slot are present. The mini-DVI port can be connected up to a larger display or to a transmitter for FPV drone flying. The mini-USB port is used for both file transfer and charging up on the battery.

The 1.5″ LCD on the back gives the user a clear indication of what he is recording. Its not of the highest resolution but it serves its purpose well, and coupled with the LCD auto sleeping, this saves a lot of battery life.

 

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3 comments

Tablet Express 6 September 2016 at 03:07

This is great, but I found another good camera, it’s AKASO EK7000 4K wifi sports action camera, cheap and good quality, you can go to look at it, then you can do a different review,it will be great.

Reply
webkinzworld3lala 11 November 2016 at 00:32

Should have included a raw sample to review.

Reply
Wing Lui 11 November 2016 at 01:47

Thanks for the feedback. TBH, we were pushed for time with publishing this review so there was a lot we skipped over. We will definitely try to have all the bases covered in future reviews.

Reply

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