Exdreme HD 1080P budget GoPro alternative

**Tracker** · 10-13-2012, 11:09 PM

So, I've been hankering for a GoPro, but just couldn't go the full monty given the ultimate cost with all the mounting options.
Wandering the dark alleys of Googleland, I happened upon this (Google tip. Want to find what other people are comparing to a product you're considering, just type in Google search item vs, e.g GoPro vs

Anyways, so I happened across the Exdremem HD from Chinavision
It bills itself as a waterproof sports camcorder.

I ordered it on Sept 25 and got it on Oct 5. Beware Chinese holidays. Otherwise, I'd say it was fairly quick; most reviews indicated about 5 days for shipping. Camera was $130 and USPS Air Mail, Registered was $22.

Packed well

Everything you see here is standard.

PROS:

Price
What's nice is all the accessories and mounting options that come with the camera.
It also uses a very standard Fuji NP-120 rechargeable camera battery, good for about 3.5-4 hrs recording time.
LCD display screen

CONS:

No separate case so if you smash it, you've smashed the camera.
The internal mic picks up every vibration through the case. Testing the external mic jack, but that opens the back and defeats the waterproofness.
Buttons are difficult to manipulate even with the thinnest of gloves.
Not always easy to tell what mode you're in and if it's recording.

I'll come back and post up some initial video Sunday or Monday

An extensive YouTube review

Xdreme 1080p Action Camera Review - YouTube

This guy did a speaker jack mod. I may go down this road, depending on how my testing of the existing ext jack works. I like the fact that with some RTV, you could make the external jack mod option a waterproof option.

xdreme 1080p action camera sound modification. GSX1400. - YouTube

Duke · 10-13-2012, 11:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tracker

I'll come back and post up some initial video Sunday or Monday

I am curious to hear what you think about it, and see the image quality coming from it.

Have you set up yourself Vimeo page yet?

Johnf3 · 10-14-2012, 10:10 AM

Looks like a helmet camera from the 1970's. That thing is huge. Maybe for 13 dollars but not 130.

**Tracker** · 10-14-2012, 01:07 PM

GoPro Hero size and weight from their website:
Size & Weight
Dimensions (H x W x D): 1.6” x 2.4” x 1.2” (42mm x 60mm x 30mm)
Weight: 3.3oz (94g) incl. battery, 5.9oz (167g) incl. housing

Hero2
3.9 x 3.9 x 9.6 inches and weighing in at 27.2 ounces. (from gadgeteer website; couldn't find it on gopro's site)

Exdreme HD size and weight
Dimensions(mm): 104 (L) x 58 (W) x 50 (D)
4.04" x 2.28" x 1.97"
my weight measure
183g with battery
145g without battery

Facing profile 2.4x1.6 vs 2.28x1.97

I'm not trying to sell it over the GoPro, just trying to give some helpful info in case somebody else is weighing the 2.

Tattoogunman · 10-14-2012, 02:04 PM

For $199 or so, you could have gotten the new Sony Action Cam - comes standard with a bunch of stuff the GoPro doesn't like the waterproof casing, some mounts, etc. I bought a Chinese knockoff once..........once (in voice of Johnny Dangerously bad guy). Never again - learned my lesson the hard way. You can also pick up GoPro set ups off of Craigslist dirt cheap (I've been looking). There was a guy on there a few weeks ago who was selling a two camera setup with a box full of mounts, brackets, etc. for under $200. I'm broke though, so I feel your pain

Fast68back · 10-14-2012, 03:46 PM

I saw this the other day at the new big lots in grapevine. I could not find ANYTHING online about it...

DFW_Warrior · 10-14-2012, 04:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tattoogunman

For $199 or so, you could have gotten the new Sony Action Cam - comes standard with a bunch of stuff the GoPro doesn't like the waterproof casing, some mounts, etc.

The Hero2 wasn't out when I was buying, but I bought the Hero (still 1080p hd) for $179, no tax and free shipping. It came with a waterproof case, a crap ton of mounts, and anything else I needed to have to get it up and running.

For the extra $25 I would still choose the GoPro over a China cam, and I still refuse to buy a Sony product ever since my television and home theater debacle.

poser · 10-14-2012, 04:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DFW_Warrior

The Hero2 wasn't out when I was buying, but I bought the Hero (still 1080p hd) for $179, no tax and free shipping. It came with a waterproof case, a crap ton of mounts, and anything else I needed to have to get it up and running.

For the extra $25 I would still choose the GoPro over a China cam, and I still refuse to buy a Sony product ever since my television and home theater debacle.

Yeah I don't think you can buy the gopro with out all the stuff they add with it

The features of the hero2 have me wanting to upgrade. The wifi feature is pretty cool

**Tracker** · 10-14-2012, 09:31 PM

The Sony looks interesting, but the round "bottom" seems like a big issue.
Probably should have shopped GoPro used; just not a big fan of used electronics/optics.
DFW_Warrior's find at $179, free shipping and no tax would have been a good deal. Bill, have you bought any other accessories for it since then? The GoPro definitely has some caveats, too.

My rating as of today of the Exdreme 1.5 stars out of 5.
The sound really is the big negative on this. I'd be OK with the external mic jack if it was external to the waterproof door.
Leaning towards returning it.

Tattoogunman · 10-15-2012, 06:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fast68back

I saw this the other day at the new big lots in grapevine. I could not find ANYTHING online about it...

No kidding, I couldn't find anything on that thing either

I actually saw one at Target in the toy isle the other day for like $20. Obviously meant for kids, but for the price I was tempted to get it to see how it works. My daughter wants a camera anyway, so I can always give it to her after I'm done

I know there are quite a few small Go Pro type camera systems on the market now, but the prices are hit or miss. I think the biggest complaint that I've gotten from people about Go Pro is that they don't record much (with regards to video time recorded). I haven't used one, but had planned on getting one when (and if) I get my bike.

poser · 10-15-2012, 07:21 AM

As far as recording time, if you tone down the resolution, you can get a lot more record time out of your battery ad memory card.
There's 5 record modes and the top, full 1080p HD (wide screen), is a bit of a hog. You can also record in 960p full screen, 720p widescreen 60 fps, 720p widescreen 30 fps (this is the one I use) and WVGA or something like that.
Most folks don't really need to record in full 1080p, not to mention it takes for ever to load an render.
I also like the still picture modes, though I don't use them often.

**Thrasherg** · 10-15-2012, 09:30 AM

I do the same thing as Jason (poser), I run in 720dpi and 30fps, the picture quality is fine for me and on a 2gb card I can get about 4 hours of recording, usually the battery dies before I have filled the memory card. My biggest issue with the go-pro is that once its mounted on your helmet, it's very difficult to know if its recording and what mode it is in.. If you remove your helmet and then look directly at the camera it's easy, but I don't want to have to keep taking my helmet on and off. I try to see the camera in my mirror to see what it's doing and it's very difficult, the flashing red light on the camera is very difficult to see innbright conditions!! Great camera, just a bit awkward to use..

Gary

**Tracker** · 10-15-2012, 10:30 AM

this is quick & dirty footage. don't watch if you get motion sickness easily

there's sections with handlebar mount, head strap mount, kayak suction mount and helmet top strap mount along with and external mic tests.

https://docs.google.com/open?id=0B2_...Xc1MjVidUo0WVE

It would seem a lot of the quality ultimate is all about the mount. How good, stable, isolated you can mount the camera. I guess a gyro gimbal is out of the question for my helmet setup

Tattoogunman · 10-15-2012, 11:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Thrasherg

I do the same thing as Jason (poser), I run in 720dpi and 30fps, the picture quality is fine for me and on a 2gb card I can get about 4 hours of recording, usually the battery dies before I have filled the memory card. My biggest issue with the go-pro is that once its mounted on your helmet, it's very difficult to know if its recording and what mode it is in.. If you remove your helmet and then look directly at the camera it's easy, but I don't want to have to keep taking my helmet on and off. I try to see the camera in my mirror to see what it's doing and it's very difficult, the flashing red light on the camera is very difficult to see innbright conditions!! Great camera, just a bit awkward to use..

Gary

Don't they have a wifi version or something that links up to your smartphone so you can see what's being filmed? Thought I had read or saw something about that someplace. I know that Sony one that I mentioned was making a big deal about the fact that it has wifi built in or something. I really wasn't going to get hard and heavy into researching them until my money shows up.

poser · 10-15-2012, 11:29 AM

The new version has the wifi and you can get a remote for it. I have the first HD version, but I would love to play with one that has wifi.

Tattoogunman · 10-15-2012, 11:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by poser

The new version has the wifi and you can get a remote for it. I have the first HD version, but I would love to play with one that has wifi.

OK, that's what I thought. I know when I looked at an online review for that Sony one they were showing the GoPro with some extra pack installed or something. The Sony has it built in, so you don't need anything extra, etc. I think the consensus was that the GoPro had slightly better video quality over the Sony and I don't think the Sony records sound (which is kind of dumb). Oh well......

poser · 10-15-2012, 11:47 AM

IIRC The version I have you can get an LCD screen "back pack" for aiming or whatever, but the back cover of the case will not close with it.

**1TallTXn** · 10-15-2012, 12:23 PM

The Wifi is an add-on back pack. Supports both the HD2 and the HD.
They've released the iPhone/iPad apps. Android "coming soon."

They have an extended battery and a LCD screen that go on the back as well.
You're limited to only one backpack at a time.

poser · 10-15-2012, 12:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1TallTXn

The Wifi is an add-on back pack. Supports both the HD2 and the HD.
They've released the iPhone/iPad apps. Android "coming soon."

They have an extended battery and a LCD screen that go on the back as well.
You're limited to only one backpack at a time.

Wait? I can get the wifi backpack for my current one?

**1TallTXn** · 10-15-2012, 03:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by poser

Wait? I can get the wifi backpack for my current one?

Presuming you have the GoPro Hero HD or the Hero HD2, yes, they accept the BacPac (R) accessories.

Quote:

Originally Posted by GoPro

The Wi-Fi BacPac is compatible with the Original HD HERO and HD HERO2 cameras.

Source Link

10-14-2012, 10:10 AM	#3
Johnf3 Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: West Texas Posts: 326	Re: Exdreme HD 1080P budget GoPro alternative Looks like a helmet camera from the 1970's. That thing is huge. Maybe for 13 dollars but not 130. __________________ 2006 950 Adventure S 2010 Husaberg FX 450

10-14-2012, 01:07 PM	#4
Tracker Forum Supporter Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Mooresville, NC Posts: 7,691	Re: Exdreme HD 1080P budget GoPro alternative GoPro Hero size and weight from their website: Size & Weight Dimensions (H x W x D): 1.6” x 2.4” x 1.2” (42mm x 60mm x 30mm) Weight: 3.3oz (94g) incl. battery, 5.9oz (167g) incl. housing Hero2 3.9 x 3.9 x 9.6 inches and weighing in at 27.2 ounces. (from gadgeteer website; couldn't find it on gopro's site) Exdreme HD size and weight Dimensions(mm): 104 (L) x 58 (W) x 50 (D) 4.04" x 2.28" x 1.97" my weight measure 183g with battery 145g without battery Facing profile 2.4x1.6 vs 2.28x1.97 I'm not trying to sell it over the GoPro, just trying to give some helpful info in case somebody else is weighing the 2. __________________ Help somebody help themselves TX expat "Necessity is the excuse for every infringement of human freedom. It is the argument of the tyrant and the creed of the slave." - William Pitt "Sometimes I lie awake at night, and I ask, "Where have I gone wrong?" Then a voice says to me, "This is going to take more than one night."" - Charles M. Schulz Zenfolio.com referral code KDY-PV7-2MU Outdoor Gear Deals here Last edited by Tracker; 10-14-2012 at 01:16 PM.

10-14-2012, 02:04 PM	#5
Tattoogunman Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Plano Posts: 222	Re: Exdreme HD 1080P budget GoPro alternative For $199 or so, you could have gotten the new Sony Action Cam - comes standard with a bunch of stuff the GoPro doesn't like the waterproof casing, some mounts, etc. I bought a Chinese knockoff once..........once (in voice of Johnny Dangerously bad guy). Never again - learned my lesson the hard way. You can also pick up GoPro set ups off of Craigslist dirt cheap (I've been looking). There was a guy on there a few weeks ago who was selling a two camera setup with a box full of mounts, brackets, etc. for under $200. I'm broke though, so I feel your pain __________________ The ideas expressed on this site are solely the opinions of the author and do not necessarily represent the opinions of others - that's why it's called an opinion.

10-14-2012, 03:46 PM	#6
Fast68back Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Euless Posts: 150	I saw this the other day at the new big lots in grapevine. I could not find ANYTHING online about it... __________________ '87 K75 '03 R1100s

10-14-2012, 09:31 PM	#9
Tracker Forum Supporter Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Mooresville, NC Posts: 7,691	Re: Exdreme HD 1080P budget GoPro alternative The Sony looks interesting, but the round "bottom" seems like a big issue. Probably should have shopped GoPro used; just not a big fan of used electronics/optics. DFW_Warrior's find at $179, free shipping and no tax would have been a good deal. Bill, have you bought any other accessories for it since then? The GoPro definitely has some caveats, too. My rating as of today of the Exdreme 1.5 stars out of 5. The sound really is the big negative on this. I'd be OK with the external mic jack if it was external to the waterproof door. Leaning towards returning it. __________________ Help somebody help themselves TX expat "Necessity is the excuse for every infringement of human freedom. It is the argument of the tyrant and the creed of the slave." - William Pitt "Sometimes I lie awake at night, and I ask, "Where have I gone wrong?" Then a voice says to me, "This is going to take more than one night."" - Charles M. Schulz Zenfolio.com referral code KDY-PV7-2MU Outdoor Gear Deals here Last edited by Tracker; 10-14-2012 at 09:36 PM.

10-15-2012, 07:21 AM	#11
poser Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: old katy Posts: 9,586	As far as recording time, if you tone down the resolution, you can get a lot more record time out of your battery ad memory card. There's 5 record modes and the top, full 1080p HD (wide screen), is a bit of a hog. You can also record in 960p full screen, 720p widescreen 60 fps, 720p widescreen 30 fps (this is the one I use) and WVGA or something like that. Most folks don't really need to record in full 1080p, not to mention it takes for ever to load an render. I also like the still picture modes, though I don't use them often. __________________ Jason Katy, TX (in "old katy" some say there's a difference) http://thebohacpage.smugmug.com/ "If it was illegal, there'd be a sign telling us NOT to do it." "I can't always tell if he [Jason] is joking, or if his judgment really is that bad." - my father-in-law 2006 KTM 250 SX-F 2004 Yamaha yz250f - in boxes (some assembly required ) I've got a soft spot/addiction for basket cases, projects, and lost causes.

10-15-2012, 09:30 AM	#12
Thrasherg Forum Supporter Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Seattle, Washington Posts: 1,948	Re: Exdreme HD 1080P budget GoPro alternative I do the same thing as Jason (poser), I run in 720dpi and 30fps, the picture quality is fine for me and on a 2gb card I can get about 4 hours of recording, usually the battery dies before I have filled the memory card. My biggest issue with the go-pro is that once its mounted on your helmet, it's very difficult to know if its recording and what mode it is in.. If you remove your helmet and then look directly at the camera it's easy, but I don't want to have to keep taking my helmet on and off. I try to see the camera in my mirror to see what it's doing and it's very difficult, the flashing red light on the camera is very difficult to see innbright conditions!! Great camera, just a bit awkward to use.. Gary __________________ 03 GL1800 Goldwing (Mine) 04 VT750 Aero (Wife's) 06 CRF450X (Mine) 05 CRF450X (for visitors - 2 off!!) 05 CRF230F (Wife's) 00 XR200 (Daughter #2) 06 CRF150 (Daughter #1) 08 R6 frame with highly modified RG500 engine (ongoing project!).

10-15-2012, 10:30 AM	#13
Tracker Forum Supporter Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Mooresville, NC Posts: 7,691	Re: Exdreme HD 1080P budget GoPro alternative this is quick & dirty footage. don't watch if you get motion sickness easily there's sections with handlebar mount, head strap mount, kayak suction mount and helmet top strap mount along with and external mic tests. https://docs.google.com/open?id=0B2_...Xc1MjVidUo0WVE It would seem a lot of the quality ultimate is all about the mount. How good, stable, isolated you can mount the camera. I guess a gyro gimbal is out of the question for my helmet setup __________________ Help somebody help themselves TX expat "Necessity is the excuse for every infringement of human freedom. It is the argument of the tyrant and the creed of the slave." - William Pitt "Sometimes I lie awake at night, and I ask, "Where have I gone wrong?" Then a voice says to me, "This is going to take more than one night."" - Charles M. Schulz Zenfolio.com referral code KDY-PV7-2MU Outdoor Gear Deals here Last edited by Tracker; 10-15-2012 at 10:35 AM.

10-15-2012, 11:29 AM	#15
poser Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: old katy Posts: 9,586	The new version has the wifi and you can get a remote for it. I have the first HD version, but I would love to play with one that has wifi. __________________ Jason Katy, TX (in "old katy" some say there's a difference) http://thebohacpage.smugmug.com/ "If it was illegal, there'd be a sign telling us NOT to do it." "I can't always tell if he [Jason] is joking, or if his judgment really is that bad." - my father-in-law 2006 KTM 250 SX-F 2004 Yamaha yz250f - in boxes (some assembly required ) I've got a soft spot/addiction for basket cases, projects, and lost causes.

10-15-2012, 11:47 AM	#17
poser Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: old katy Posts: 9,586	IIRC The version I have you can get an LCD screen "back pack" for aiming or whatever, but the back cover of the case will not close with it. __________________ Jason Katy, TX (in "old katy" some say there's a difference) http://thebohacpage.smugmug.com/ "If it was illegal, there'd be a sign telling us NOT to do it." "I can't always tell if he [Jason] is joking, or if his judgment really is that bad." - my father-in-law 2006 KTM 250 SX-F 2004 Yamaha yz250f - in boxes (some assembly required ) I've got a soft spot/addiction for basket cases, projects, and lost causes.

10-15-2012, 12:23 PM	#18
1TallTXn Skinny guy on a bike Forum Supporter Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Cleburne, TX Posts: 10,420	Re: Exdreme HD 1080P budget GoPro alternative The Wifi is an add-on back pack. Supports both the HD2 and the HD. They've released the iPhone/iPad apps. Android "coming soon." They have an extended battery and a LCD screen that go on the back as well. You're limited to only one backpack at a time. __________________ Nathan Burleson Mafia Hitman 2002 VFR800STi \| 1982 XR200R \| 1983 GL1100 Aspencade \| 1985 GL1200 Aspencade -Earl IBA# 31895 -------- "They who can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety." - Benjamin Franklin "...what is the militia? It is the whole people, except a few public officials." - George Mason 1788

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