Comparison Eken W9 vs Eken H9

The ability of the camera to shoot Full HD (1080p) video.

The standard image size in this standard is 1920x1080. However, in the case of action cameras, this category also includes some other resolutions that are similar in quality, for example, 1440x1080. In general, Full HD provides a very good balance between image quality, the volume of captured files and the processing power requirements for processing them, which makes this standard very popular in modern video equipment — both in cameras and in TV monitors.

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. Technically, 30 fps or even less is enough, but 60 fps is considered the perfect value — at this frame rate, motion blur becomes almost imperceptible and at the same time the size of the captured files remains within reasonable limits. However, there are cameras on the market with a higher frame rate at FullHD resolutions — 90 fps, 100 fps, 120 fps and even 240 fps. This speed is usually used for shooting slow-motion video, but the possibility of such shooting needs to be specified separately.

The ability of the camera to shoot QuadHD video.

This standard includes an extensive set of resolutions — from 1440 to 3456 pixels horizontally and from 1440 to 2160 pixels vertically, with almost two dozen intermediate options. It is a rather specific transitional option between the relatively inexpensive FullHD 1080p and the demanding UltraHD 4K, allowing you to shoot higher resolution video than 1080p without significantly increasing the cost of equipment. Note that pure QuadHD resolutions are rare in TVs and monitors, but modern technologies make it possible to comfortably watch videos of this format on any high-resolution screen.

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. For example, a filming speed of 25 fps or 30 fps approximates the standard frame rate in film and television; such an image is quite viewable, but fast-moving objects in the frame will look blurry. With an increase in speed to 60 fps, this effect becomes almost imperceptible. The highest QuadHD frame rate found in modern action cameras is 120 fps; this frequency is used when shooting slow-motion video (as well as models with a frequency of 100 fps) because at a n...ormal playback speed, 60 fps is enough.

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.

Frame rate supported by the camera when shooting in slow motion.

In general, such shooting is called “high-speed” because it is carried out at an increased frame rate (more than 60 fps). As a result, when played back at normal speed (60 fps and below), the video looks slow hence the name. This kind of slow-motion can be used just for fun, as an artistic technique, and even for scientific purposes — to capture movement that is too fast for the human eye. In any case, the higher the slow-mo frame rate, the more you can slow down the video and the more advanced the camera is in this regard. On the other hand, the higher the frame rate, the more performant the graphics part should be; and this, in turn, affects the price of the device, sometimes quite noticeably.

We also note that slow-mo shooting may be available only at certain resolutions, not always at maximum. These points can be directly specified in the specs of the action camera.

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.

— Photo during video. The ability to take photos directly while recording a video — usually using a separate button. Thus, it is convenient to fix the most significant moments of what is happening. Such photos are much better in quality than "freeze frames" from the captured video.

— Serial photo shoot. This feature allows you to take several pictures at once in a short period (usually it is a fraction of a second). A series of shots increases the chance of capturing a good moment, which can be very important given the specifics of using action cameras.

— One click recording. The ability to quickly turn on the camera for recording — literally at the touch of a button, by the name. Moreover, such a button works even if the device is turned off. However, the recording inevitably starts with some delay; but often this delay is a fraction of a second.

— Online streaming. Ability to stream video to popular services like YouTube and social networks (Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, etc.). Usually, the online streaming function is implemented when the action camera is connected to the Internet via a Wi-Fi network, less often via a wired connection. Communication with the World Wide Web can be held directly or through a smartphone or computer. It will require the use of appropriate software.

— Time lapse. A special mode of operation of the action camera, in which video recording is carried out at a slower frequency is mainly used for filming slow processes. Thus, for example, a long journey or a long sunset can fit into a 3-minute video.

— Auto-rotate. The function of automatic rotation of the captured photos and videos to the position corresponding to the position of the camera. Without this feature, all footage during playback would be displayed strictly in landscape orientation, and footage shot with the camera upside down or upside down would have to be rotated in a photo or video editor. Usually, at the beginning of video recording, auto-rotation is blocked — so that the position of the frame at any time corresponds to the rotation of the camera itself relative to its original position.

— Photo panoramas shooting. The ability to use the camera to take panoramic photos. In traditional action cameras (see "Product type"), such shooting is carried out as follows: the camera takes several separate photos, which are then glued into one image. Regarding panoramic and 360-degree models (see ibid.), it is worth noting that not all such models support shooting in panoramic format, so it is advisable to check the availability of this function separately.

— Key points labels. The ability to add special marks to the footage that indicate key moments. While viewing such videos, you can go directly to the labels — this is easier than manually searching for the right moment. This feature is especially useful when shooting long videos, as well as when numerous individual files. The label, usually, is placed right during the shooting by pressing a special button or by voice command.

— Night shooting. Special mode for recording in low light conditions. The specific implementation of this function may be different: in some models, the sensitivity of the sensor is increased, in others, shooting in the IR range is used. Accordingly, specific features may vary: not every camera with this function can shoot in complete darkness, and these nuances should be clarified separately.

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.

Action camera control. Specified only if this model is equipped with an optional external control device. So in this case we are talking more about the type of remote control.

The remote control itself is convenient, first of all, because reaching directly to the camera can be inconvenient, and sometimes even dangerous. But the types of devices used for this can be as follows:

— Portable remote control. Traditional external control panels that do not have displays. Theoretically, the functionality of such a remote control can be different, but only the most basic functions are usually available — start/stop recording and taking photos; the rest of the possibilities can be controlled traditionally. Such remotes often have a strap for attaching to a hand or a mount for installing such a strap. The absence of a screen, on the one hand, makes them as simple, reliable and autonomous as possible, on the other hand, it limits the functionality.

— Remote screen with remote control. Remote controls complete with their displays. Like simpler devices, without a display, they are usually designed to be mounted on the hand. Therefore, the built-in screens have a very small diagonal — otherwise, it would be simply inconvenient to wear them. Nevertheless, even such a screen turns out to be quite functional and useful. It usually plays the role of an external viewfinder, allowing you to se...e what exactly the camera is recording at the moment — an important feature, given that the action camera's screen (if any) is most often not visible to the user at the time of shooting. Of course, various service information can also be displayed on the remote display.

It is worth noting that many modern action cameras can use a smartphone connected via Wi-Fi as an external display. However, a specialized remote screen is often more convenient due to its compactness, security and convenient attachment to the arm.

The capacity of the battery supplied with the action camera.

All other things being equal, a higher capacity allows the device to last longer on a single charge. However, action cameras can differ markedly in design features and, as a result, in power consumption. Therefore, only models with similar specs can be compared with each other in terms of capacity (and even then quite approximately). To assess the autonomy of the device, it is better to use data on the actual operating time on a charge (this data can be indicated by the manufacturer itself or given in reviews).