Comparison Axnen H9 4K vs Eken H9

The degree of dust and water protection of the protective case supplied with the camera.

Protected case will save your camera from dust, water, temperature changes, shocks, etc. The specific degree of protection is indicated according to the international IP (Ingress Protection Rating) system, according to which each device is assigned a code of the form IPXX, where X is replaced by specific numbers. The first of them characterizes the protection against the penetration of foreign objects (from 0 to 6, where 0 is no protection). Usually, in boxes for action cameras, this indicator does not go below 5, because otherwise the container would have too large gaps, and its use simply would not make sense. Level 5 provides dust resistance — dust can get inside the case, but in small quantities that do not affect the device inside. Level 6 corresponds to complete imperviousness to dust.

The second digit is protection against liquid ingress (from 0 to 8, where 0 is no protection). Usually, the minimum level of protection against water is 6.

6 — protection against short-term immersion (for example, falling into a sea wave);
7 — protection against temporary immersion under water (up to 30 minutes) to a shallow depth (up to 1 metre), without continuous operation in immersed mode;
8 — protection against immersion to a depth of more than 1 metre for a time of more than 30 m, with the possibility of continu...ous operation underwater. The specific level of protection of level 8 can be quite impressive — up to the possibility of diving to several tens of metres.

Note that protective cases for action cameras can be sold separately. Therefore, if the capabilities of the complete container do not suit you, there may be a more secure case on the market. On the other hand, in general, it is still more convenient to buy such an accessory immediately with a camera — so as not to waste time and effort on choosing the right protective case.

The ability of the camera to shoot Ultra HD 4K video.

This format covers several resolutions in which the horizontal frame size is approximately 4K pixels. The most popular in action cameras is 3840x2160 (twice the FullHD frame on each side), but there are other options — for example, 3840x1920, corresponding to an aspect ratio of 2:1. In general, 4K is a kind of successor to Full HD: among HD standards that surpass Full HD, UltraHD is the most popular, in particular, many advanced TVs are produced with 3840x2160 screens. On the other hand, this format is quite demanding in terms of processing power and memory, so it is relatively rare in action cameras, mainly among premium models.

Another important parameter given in this paragraph is the frame rate. The higher it is, the smoother the movement in the frame will be, and the details in dynamic scenes will be visible clearly. However, in UltraHD mode, most modern action cameras produce a very low frame rate — most often 30 fps, and in some models 24 fps or even 15 fps. This video is quite viewable, but fast movement in the frame may look blurry. There are cameras capable of shooting UltraHD at a solid speed of 60 fps — the blurring effect during such shooting is almost imperceptible. However, such a model cost is high.

For models with several lenses, as a rule, this parameter is indicated for each lens.

Most often (unless otherwise indicated), the specifications indicate the field of view by the diagonal of the frame; in some ultra-wide-angle lenses it can exceed 180°. A special case is made up of lenses for which a 360° view is declared: this means that the optics cover the entire hemisphere in front of it. Such lenses are found in panoramic and 360-degree cameras (see “Product type”).

In general, the field of view primarily determines what area of the scene is being captured into the frame. Accordingly, the wider it is, the more space the camera captures, and the lower the likelihood that something that is happening will be off-screen. On the other hand, it is worth considering that a strong increase in the field of view leads to distortions of the “picture”, especially at the edges, as well as, to a decrease in the size of visible objects and a decrease in detail. Detailed recommendations regarding choosing a camera based on this parameter can be found in special sources.

The presence of a digital (electronic) stabilization system in the camera design.

Any stabilization is intended to compensate for small juddering of the image that occurs due to the instability of the hold in the hands, vibrations from the motor or road roughness (when used in transport), etc. Digital stabilization is carried out as follows: a reserve area is allocated along the edges of the sensor, which under normal conditions does not participate in the formation of the final image. If the device is being shaken, the camera electronics select certain parts of the image from the reserve and build the image in such a way that in the end, it remains stable.

Compared to other methods of stabilization, digital systems are extremely simple and reliable. Moreover, they are inexpensive and have almost no effect on the weight, dimensions, and price of the camera. At the same time, with this method of stabilization, the effective area of the image sensor is reduced, which can adversely affect the image quality and the amount of noise on it.

Additional information regarding the sensor installed in the lens. This item can specify both the diagonal size (in inches) and the sensor model, and sometimes both parameters at once. Anyway, such data is provided only if the device is equipped with a high-class image sensor. With the model, everything is quite simple: knowing the name of the sensor, you can find detailed data on it.

The diagonal of the image sensor is traditionally indicated in fractions of an inch — accordingly, for example, a 1/2.3" sensor will be larger than 1/2.6". Larger sensors are considered more advanced, as they allow for better image quality at the same resolution. This is because due to the larger sensor area, each pixel is also larger and receives more light, which improves sensitivity and reduces noise. Of course, the actual image quality will also depend on several other parameters, but in general, a larger sensor size usually means a more advanced camera.

The maximum resolution at which the action camera can take photos. Specified in pixels horizontally and vertically.

This parameter is directly related to the resolution of the image sensor(see above): the total number of pixels in the photo, usually, corresponds to the number of pixels in the sensor. For example, a photo resolution of 4608x3456 corresponds to a sensor of 15925248 pixels, or approximately 16 megapixels. If the number of pixels in the photo is greater than the claimed resolution of the sensor, then the manufacturer uses software tricks that allow you to improve the photo resolution to a higher one than originally. This reduces the cost of devices but also affects the quality of images.

Theoretically, high-resolution images can provide good detail, but in fact, much depends on the specs of the sensor (primarily physical size) and image processing features.

— Diagonal. The larger the screen, the more convenient it is to watch (and also to control if the display is touch-sensitive). On the other hand, the diagonal of the built-in display directly affects the size of the case, and action cameras should be quite compact. Thus, there are practically no screens larger than 2.5" in modern action cameras.

— Resolution. Theoretically, the higher the resolution, the clearer and better image the screen produces. On the other hand, displays in action cameras are designed mainly for menu operation and footage preview — and for these purposes, especially high resolutions are not needed. For models with two screens, the rear display is considered the main display.

— Touch screen. Display equipped with a sensor and responsive to touch like in smartphones/tablets. Control through such a display is simpler and more intuitive than using buttons, rotary knobs, etc. On the other hand, for more or less convenient control, the touch screen must be quite large, which affects the dimensions of the entire camera.

— Front screen. The presence in the camera of a screen mounted on the front panel, next to the lens. Other displays may not be present at all; in such cases, the diagonal, resolution and other parameters are given for the front screen.

It is worth noting that most often the simplest black...-and-white displays are installed on the front panel, suitable only for text and basic graphic information. However, even on such a screen, you can display a wide variety of service data: the current mode of operation (photo, video, standby), the resolution used, the shooting time, the amount of free space on the drive, etc. But more advanced displays are not used as front displays: a full-colour screen is needed only for taking a selfie, and for this you can use a remote display with a remote control(see "Control") or a smartphone connected to the camera.

— Protective case. A special container that provides additional protection against dust, moisture, shock, extreme temperatures and other similar “troubles”. The specific degree of protection in each case must be specified separately. In order not to interfere with the shooting, the box is made of transparent materials. In addition, we note that some cameras can only be mounted on mounts in a protective case (or in a mounting frame — see below), since the camera body may not have mounts for this.

— Curved mount(helmet). A mount designed to mount the camera on a helmet or other curved surface. The design of such a mount is based on a curved platform with an adhesive layer or hook-and-loop, the shape of which approximately corresponds to the shape of the surface of the helmet. Such a fixture can provide a more secure hold than the classic flat platform (see below).

— Flat mount. One of the basic and simplest mounts used to fix an action camera on almost any uniform surface: snowboard, skateboard, car hood, etc. It is a small flat platform, on one side of which the camera is attached, while the other is fixed on the desired surface (using hook-and-loop, special glue, etc.). Note that flat mounts are often used for mounting on a helmet. However, there is a separate type of mount for this, with a curved platform (see above).

— 3-axis mount. It differs from other types of mounting in the presence of three movable nodes that allow you to rotate the camera at an angle of up to 90 degrees in three axes. This allows you to choose the most interesting or successful shooting angle — on the side of the helmet, for example. Such options are usually compatible with many other mounts, so they can be used in conjunction with a handlebar, curved mount, etc.

— Bicycle/moto handlebar. Mount for installing the camera on a small pipe, such as the handlebars of a bicycle or motorcycle. Usually, it looks like a clamp, and the size of the fastening can be adjusted within a fairly wide range, adjusting it to pipes of different diameters.

— Suction cup(on glass). Camera mount, fixed in the right place with a suction cup. Allows you to install the device on flat and slightly curved surfaces. At the same time, note that such fasteners are not held as securely as flat or curved ones (see the relevant paragraphs). On the other hand, the suction cup is easy to attach and remove and leaves no marks. Therefore, mounts of this type are mainly used for installation on car glass when the camera works as a DVR.

— Clamp (clip). The clip-pin mount is quite versatile since it allows you to hang the camera on almost any suitable piece of equipment (backpack strap, unloading belt, belt, etc.). But at the same time, it is not very suitable for extreme shooting due to the relatively low reliability.

— Head mount. A device for fixing the camera on the head — usually on the forehead, like a headlamp. In addition to being hands-free, this placement has another advantage: the camera lens faces the same direction as the user. In this case, the mount itself is usually a system of elastic straps and is designed to be worn directly on the head, in contrast to the curved platform for the helmet. However, in some models, the possibility of putting on a helmet is also allowed.

— Chest mount. This mount is a system of elastic straps that allows you to fix the camera on the user's chest, shooting a little lower than the "eyeball". Like the head mount (see above), it easily adapts to the desired size.

— Mounting frame. A device designed to mount the camera on various mounts — helmet-mounted, on the handlebar, etc. The camera body itself often does not have mounts for such fixing, which is why you have to use additional equipment. Note that a similar function is often performed by a protective case(see above); the mounting frame, in contrast, provides almost no protection. However, in the frame, the camera body remains as open as possible. This provides additional features — in particular, it allows you to connect various cables and effectively use the built-in microphone, which is not possible with many protective cases.

— Monopod(selfie stick). It is a rod, usually folding, and sometimes adjustable in length; on one end of the rod is a mount for the camera and on the other — a handle for holding in your hand. By the name, such a monopod is intended mainly for filming itself — thanks to the length of the rod, the camera can be held at a convenient distance for this. However, other applications are also possible: for example, with the help of a monopod, you can “look” quite far over the edge of a cliff or around a corner. The main disadvantage of such a device is that one hand is constantly busy.

In addition to those mentioned above, other types of mounts may be included in the delivery package — for example, for musical instruments (for a guitar neck, a drum kit bar, etc.), for a surfboard, etc.

The largest memory card capacity supported by the camera model.

This limitation is due to two points. First, the larger the drive, the more computing power is required to use it. Secondly, each type of memory card has its maximum capacity. For example, the capacity of an SD HC card cannot exceed 32 GB, larger drives already belong to the SD XC standard, and if it is not supported, the maximum card capacity cannot exceed 32 GB.

It is strongly not recommended to exceed the maximum allowable capacity: even if the card is recognized by the device, its normal operation is not guaranteed.