SJCAM SJ11 Active: 4K Action Camera with Stabilization and Dual Displays

The SJCAM SJ11 Active records 4K video at 30 frames per second and features 6-axis gyro stabilization. It also has two displays, a wide field of view and water protection, making it an option for sports and outdoor footage.

4K video and two codecs

The camera’s listed 4K video resolution is 3860 × 2160 pixels at 30 frames per second. This can capture plenty of detail for everyday sports or travel videos. For fast-moving subjects, however, 30 fps provides fewer frames for slow-motion playback than a higher frame rate.

The camera supports H.264 and H.265 codecs, which compress video as it is saved. The chosen codec affects file sizes and how the footage is processed later. Two built-in displays help with camera control and framing while recording.

Stabilization, wide-angle view and zoom

Six-axis gyro stabilization helps reduce camera shake during movement, such as when cycling or walking. It can make footage smoother, although it will not eliminate every jolt.

The lens has a 154° field of view, capturing a wide scene. This is useful for panoramas and when the camera is mounted on a helmet or bicycle and you want to include the surroundings.

An 8x digital zoom lets you bring a subject closer without moving the camera, although digital magnification comes at the expense of detail.

Microphone and sound

The built-in microphone has ambient noise reduction. This can help limit distracting sounds when recording speech or the surrounding environment, though results depend on the recording conditions.

Dimensions and use in water

The camera measures 62.5 × 41 × 28.8 mm and has a listed weight of 370 g. Its compact dimensions make it easier to carry and mount on a helmet, bicycle or sports equipment.

The camera is rated waterproof to 5 metres without a housing and to 30 metres with a waterproof housing. Check the conditions of use and make sure the camera or housing is properly closed before taking it into water. The two depth limits are not interchangeable.

Wi-Fi and memory card

The SJ11 Active supports Wi-Fi on the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands. Wireless connectivity makes it easier to control the camera, preview footage and transfer recordings to a smartphone or another device. Connection speed and stability also depend on the surroundings and the connected device.

A microSD card slot supports cards of up to 128 GB. Available recording time depends on the video settings and file sizes, so it is worth checking the remaining space during longer shoots.

The SJ11 Active combines a wide field of view, stabilization and two displays in a compact body. When considering it, keep in mind the 30 fps limit for the listed 4K recording mode, the loss of detail with digital zoom and the different waterproof depth limits with and without a housing.