Summer has come, which means that you want new emotions and that they will be remembered for a long time. The Digma DiCam 870 action camera can help with this, as it has a convenient second color screen for shooting control, resulting 4K video quality, and many different mounts. Let’s see what this girl can do.
specs
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matrix – Sony IMX386;
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number of lenses – 6 pieces;
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viewing angle: up to 170 degrees depending on the operating mode;
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image stabilizer – digital;
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maximum resolution – 3840×2160 pix;
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video file type – MOV (H.264);
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main screen – 2″ 320×240;
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front screen – 1.3″;
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maximum supported memory card size is 128 GB;
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interfaces – microUSB, microHDMI, WiFi;
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battery – Li-Ion 900 mAh;
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case material – plastic;
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dimensions – 60*42.5*31mm;
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weight without battery – 67 g.
Packaging and equipment
Cardboard box with a picture of the device, brief specifications and key features. I immediately found it convenient to use the QR code to install the mobile app. It allows you to remotely control the device, view images and perform detailed settings.
The delivery set is quite extensive and includes the main elements that allow the camera to be installed on various surfaces and submerged in water. Also, a cable to connect to a computer.
Additional strips for installation on flat surfaces are installed on the appropriate platform. There are only 3 spares, so if you don’t have enough in the future, you’ll have to buy double-sided tape.
Various fasteners with threaded connections. They allow you to install a camera on a tripod, since it does not have a device of its own.
Mounting on the steering wheel or other round elements. It can be mounted on a scooter or electric bicycle to film various stunts and rides.
The mounting frame is used to rigidly hold an action camera body without a waterproof case.
Soft straps with closures and hook-and-loop closures. For installation, for example, in a person’s hand.
The power and charging cable uses an outdated microUSB connector. The length of the cable is about 0.5 meters, so charging is done close to the source. There are no fast protocols, but it might be time to switch to more up-to-date connectors.
The aqua-box will become a modern and versatile housing to protect the camera from impacts and water damage. When submerged in water, the camera sinks, so if you use it in a pond, fix it firmly to some surface or tie it to an object that will not sink. The case itself is completely transparent, and buttons for control are provided. The box is locked from opening by a rigid latch at the top. I tried the case for immersion in water at home. The water does not win as much in the free state as it does during keystrokes.
The holder fixes the back cover with a silicone seal along the contour. For fixing, it will require some effort and spontaneous opening should not occur. On the back cover there are also sealing strips that press the camera to the front and prevent it from moving inwards.
The basis – a rotary fixator. It can be easily removed and put on another mount.
The action camera looks very presentable. The soft touch coating is pleasant to the touch and does not contribute to slipping from the hands.
At the front, the lens stands out on a square pedestal. On the left side there is an additional screen that allows you to control the moment of shooting. The lens is slightly recessed into the pedestal, so if you accidentally drop it on it, the lenses won’t be damaged.
In the upper part there are two keys: on/off/confirmation of the action and the choice of the operating mode. The buttons have the corresponding inscriptions in English. On the MODE button, you can see the LED indicator that indicates the working mode.
On the right side there are buttons to raise or lower, as well as a hole for the speaker.
A long press of the down button allows you to switch between screens.
Long press the up key to activate the WiFi connection.
On the left side there are connectors for connecting a memory card, microUSB power supply and miniHDMI for displaying an image on a large screen. Right under the microphone. Please hold the camera properly when using it, otherwise this hole may be blocked.
At the bottom is a hinged cover under which is a removable battery. Only one is provided in the kit, so you have to buy an additional one, but unfortunately you will have to charge it through the camera itself.
Mobile app
Install via the QR code on the box or from the instructions. If one or the other is not there, just search for iSmart DV in Google Play Market and install it. After installation, turn on WiFi on the camera and smartphone. We are looking for the right connection DiCam-870-XXXXX. In the program, select add a new device and establish a connection. Identification happens literally in a matter of seconds.
The settings are quite sparse and allow you to change the resolution, format the memory card, select the file duration, the frequency of the light source, the date and time, and the exposure. You can see information about the application here.
From the main window, you can start a video recording, take a photo, or view footage. Including saving a carrier on a cell phone.
Menu
To access the menu, you need to press Mode 3 times. The working modes will change sequentially: video recording, photo and setting menu. The menu is divided into 5 sub-items: Video Viewing, Photo Viewing, Video Settings, Photo Settings, and General System Settings.
And if everything is clear with the first two points, then it is worth understanding the rest of the settings in more detail.
Video settings include 3 sub-pages and 7 lines in total: Resolution, Exposure, Stabilization, Record Cycle, Video Time Lapse, Time Lapse Duration, View Angle, Night Scene, Date Stamp.
As you can see, there are a lot of points and some of them are adapted to record at night. Timelapse is not available in high resolution and this should be noted.
The photo setting partially duplicates the previous video setting.
The most voluminous menu is the action camera’s own settings. Includes 5 pages.
At work
The proven Sony IMX386 matrix, which was previously installed in flagship smartphone models, is responsible for the quality of the image. Daytime shooting is quite adequate and shows good details, which cannot be said in the dark.
4k + stabilization
1080 + 120fps
1080 + 30fps + stabilization
At dusk, you can activate the night mode, while the image is slightly brightened in dark areas
4k
1080 + 120fps
At night, the quality drops significantly. In our latitudes now there are “white nights” and it is quite difficult to achieve total darkness. But still, in cloudy weather, I did. Without external lighting, the image is quite poor. But still, it is clearly noticeable how the image changes depending on the selected resolution and frame rate.
Microphone.
Information about video files with real resolution and frame rate.
The original files can be viewed here.
conclusions
For the money, the Digma DiCam 870 action camera, powered by a Sony IMX386 array, pays for itself. There are dropouts when shooting at night, but without sufficient lighting many arrays of this generation will behave similarly. During the day the video quality is at a good level and the set resolutions and frame rates are quite distinguishable. The Sony IMX386 matrix supports high resolutions up to 4K, but personally, in my opinion, it is better to set a lower resolution in FullHD with a higher frame rate to get more interesting frames than to chase the resolution.
Ease of setup, remote control via a mobile application and fairly good shooting quality make the Digma DiCam 870 action camera compete with many similar devices with unknown matrices.
The abundance of adapters for installation on various surfaces will allow you to use it as a DVR (and the corresponding mode exists in it) or as a camera to capture interesting moments during outdoor activities and not be afraid of damaging the equipment.
The camera just doesn’t skip the second battery, because one isn’t always enough. And you have to charge only on the camera. Although while charging it is possible to record using external power supplies.
The camera can also be purchased on Aliexpress.
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Source: IXBT
