Apart from smartphones, Chinese company’s Elephone also manufacture’ action cams. The latest model called the Elephone Explorer Pro is for buyers looking for a cheaper alternative to actions cams from GoPro, which apparently command at a much higher price tag. With so many GoPro-clones available in the market, customers are always on the look out for budget options.
The Elephone Explorer Pro is available via the company’s online store for $49(approx Rs. 3155). Now, this makes it significantly cheaper than GoPro models which currently start at Rs 20,000 But is the Elephone Explorer Pro really a great bargain. We’ll try to find that answer in our review.
Box Contents:
- Waterproof enclosure
- 3M Adhesive Tapes
- Cleaning cloth
- Straps
- Bicycle mount
- Steel Rope
- Ribbon
- Fixing Base
- USB Data Cable
- Helmet Seats
- Adapter
- User Manual
- Warranty Card
Build and Design
It looks rather similar to other action cams in the market, but its overall appearance is quite a pleasant surprise. The red power button in front along with the brushed finish lends a nice finish to it and helps it stand out. It has four button layout, along with inserts for the microUSB, HDMI, and a microSD slot.
That said, it does have its own share of flaws. For instance, I found the buttons to be way too tight which means you’re bound to press them accidentally. Besides, the Elephone Explorer Pro isn’t water-proof and there no flaps to protect the ports from dust. Also, the lens pops out of its ringed enclosure which makes it prone to dust and scratches. To add to your woes, a lens cap is surprisingly not a part of the Explorer Pro’s long list of accessories.
Thankfully, it comes with a robust waterproof casing that’s well-constructed and houses the camera rather well. The latest closure seems secure and keeps the camera’s components safe from dust and water. The Explorer Pro’s design elements work rather well for the price. But the overall build and the quality of accessories is quite a notch below compared to GoPro action cams.
Specs and Features
The company’s claim that the Explorer Pro happens to be a 4K action camera is kind of misleading. As the 4K video seems interpolated for a slightly lower resolution. That said, it has the ability to record at 24fps as opposed to 10fps typically found on other 4K actions cams. Also, the Explorer Pro records at other resolutions. It records at 2560 x 1440 at 30fps, along with the ability to record at 1080p at 60/30fps, 720p at 120fps.
Elsewhere, the image sensor onboard is a 12MP Sony IMX117CQT sensor. Also, it comes with Wi-Fi capabilities along with a feature called Voice Broadcast. Now, this allows the camera to speak commands to you for basic actions such as start and stop. It also warns you in case the battery level is low, or when your memory card is running out of space.
No to forget, the Elephone Explorer Pro also lets you change the field of view. The lens has an adjustable 170 degree, 140 degrees, 110 degrees, as well as a 70-degree field of view. In addition, it also lets you tweak with video and photo settings as you can adjust the white balance, ISO settings, Exposure Value, Color effects, WDR, sharpness, and more.
Even the 2-inch display onboard the Elephone is pretty impressive. It’s bright, crisp, and churns out plenty of details and colors. All in all, you won’t be left disappointed while playing videos or viewing photos on the camera’s display.
Performance
I must say I was rather impressed with the video quality. While videos shot in 4k certainly churn out more detail than in any other mode. Recording at 4k is a good option for in-car usage, as your surrounding environment is packed with plenty of details to gawk at. If you’re going on a road, the Explorer Pro does a neat job of capturing your memories on the road.That said, my favorite was the 1080p setting at 60fps, as the footage came across much smoother with better details. Even still photos shot with Elephone Explorer Pro turned out surprisingly good, as long as it gets the right amount of light.
Elsewhere, the camera’s audio quality is also good. The volume is pretty loud and the device picks the faintest of sounds. I was a having a conversation with a colleague and placed the camera at a relatively good distance away from us. And I was surprised by the Explorer Pro’s sensitivity to pick up the faintest of sounds.
Wrap Up
Overall, the Explorer Pro Action Cam is a great bargain. As long as you’re aware you’re buying a budget action cam, the Elephone Explorer Pro won’t leave you disgruntled. It happens to be decent, easy to use action cam which comes with a plethora of accessories and features. Considering the price, the quality of full HD videos at 60 fps is pretty outstanding. Even photos shot in broad daylight are packed with plenty of details.
That said, pro users such as hikers, cyclists, or mountain climbers who want something durable, with better wide-angle lens shooting and more detailed videos should certainly look elsewhere.
