YI Action Cam 4k Plus Detailed Review

In additional Action Cam 4k Plus was introduced by YI in April 2017. It belongs to the outdoor and action cams category.

YI is well-known and shouldn’t require further introduction, please see our manufacturer’s page for more digital cameras by YI.

YI Action Cam 4k Plus has environmental sealing and different protection features. Let’s see in the list below:

Also Action Cam 4k Plus’s image sensor has an effective resolution of around 12 megapixel. The resolution is somewhat below average but will be sufficient for most purposes. Photos with this resolution can easily be printed to A3 size.

The YI supports taking images in RAW. RAW images are stored as they come from the sensor, without any in-camera processing or sharpening. Converting to JPEG or other formats takes place on the computer, using software like Adobe Lightroom or YI’s RAW converter. This involves one extra processing step but almost always results in superior image quality. Some filters, like converting to monochrome (black and white) will only yield decent results when used with RAW images.

The Action Cam 4k Plus’s shutter speed varies from 1/4096s to 30s.

The Action Cam 4k Plus’s sensitivity goes from 100 ISO und 6400 ISO, a very useful and practical range.

The Action Cam 4k Plus supports all general exposure modes.

The YI allows spot exposure for the difficult occasion.

The Action Cam 4k Plus doesn’t feature a built-in flash. That is not unsusual in this camera category.

A flash or a trigger for remote flashes can be attached to the YI’s hotshoe.

The Action Cam 4k Plus features a monitor with a diagonal of 56.00mm (2.2 in.) and a resolution of c. 0.20 megapixel. That rather low resolution is no longer state of the art and will make it difficult to evaluate images on the display.

Unfortunately, the Action Cam 4k Plus’s monitor is not articulated. That can make it tricky to frame your subject in some situations, e.g. when taking selfies.

The Action Cam 4k Plus’s monitor can work as a touch screen, just like a smartphone. That can be very useful, for example to pick AF points, but keep in mind that touch screens usually don’t work when wearing gloves.

Display characteristics at a glance:

Action Cam 4k Plus video supported the resolution with 3840 x 2160 pixel.

Also the camera is equipped with an external microphone.

YI Action Cam 4k Plus Video parameters:

The Action Cam 4k Plus has Wi-fi connection. You can transfer photos to a mobile or laptop using wi-fi.

For photo transferring users may use Bluetooth option.

Connect the YI to a monitor or TV set over HDMI.

The YI supports USB 2.0.

Connection parameters:

The Action Cam 4k Plus will only accept Micro SD cards. The YI does not support SD cards.

Memory cards characteristics:

The YI Action Cam 4k Plus works with a Yi AZ16-1 battery. The battery lifetime is a generous 1000 shots. Usually enough for a full day or more.

The battery can be charged over USB while in camera. Very useful, especially on vacation when most people bring a USB charger for their smartphone anyway.

The Action Cam 4k Plus’s battery battery parameters:

The YI Action Cam 4k Plus’s dimensions are 65 x 42 x 30mm³. (2.6″ x 1.7″ x 1.2″). This includes the lens. The camera’s weight is only 113 grams (3.6 oz.), lens included.

Here is front and top view of the Action Cam 4k Plus:

To put the size of the camera in context, here it is next to a typical ID card (c. 86mm x 55mm, about the size of a credit card).

The Action Cam 4k Plus is not much bigger: