We were once again looking for a new action camera that is also suitable for diving. We came across the IceFox Action Cam.
This camera combines an advanced technology with an intelligent design and an extremely high comfort. Included is a wireless 2.4 Ghz remote control, which you can put around your wrist like a watch and control various functions of the Action Cam.
Due to the high 4K resolution and the sophisticated photo sensor it is possible to realize high framing images with an enormously high number of pixels. This technologically advanced camera ensures that you can capture your surroundings in action-packed situations in the best possible way and with the greatest detail.
Technical details
It is equipped with a 16 MP photo sensor that can produce about 24 frames per second during video recording at a resolution of 4K. Furthermore, you can choose to film at 2.7K only but get 30 fps in return.
Here is a small overview of what you can set with this action camera to adjust frame rate, resolution and number of pixels:
- 4K at 24 fps
- 2.7K at 30 fps
- 1080P at 60 fps
- 720P at 120 frames per second (120 fps)
You can also set the following megapixels for photos: 5 MP, 8 MP, 10 MP and 16 MP.
The 170 degree wide angle lens is also very advantageous here. With it you will not miss any important details. The wide angle of the camera lens also guarantees that at dusk or in poor light conditions, there is still enough light to capture objects in a clearly visible way.
Also included in the package are 2 1050 mAh batteries for the action camera. Long charging times are thus put into perspective and the maximum running time can also be extended by any number of batteries, as they can be replaced. Per battery charge the device lasts up to 60 minutes with 4K shots and even up to 90 minutes with 1080P at 30 fps. You can multiply this by two if you take both batteries with you on your adventures.
For the IceFox Action Cam there is also an application available which can be installed on various devices and connected to the camera. The application to be installed is called iSmart DV.
For the coupling between camera and smartphone or tablet, a Wifi signal is available, which has a maximum range of up to 15 meters. How far the Wifi connectivity is sufficient ultimately depends on what objects are located between the ActionCam and the device. Both Android and IOS operating systems are supported.
Alternatively, you can also control the camera using the buttons and follow the menu navigation and the image in real time on the 2 inch LCD display located on the back of the cam.
The package also includes an underwater housing that allows you to dive up to 30 meters without breaking the action camera.
The water protection up to this depth should be sufficient for most divers and snorkelers.
In the menu you have a lot of different setting possibilities concerning the camera. This includes many features that are normally only used by professional photographers and are not typical for an action camera. One feature is the possibility to adjust the exposure time.
This can be especially important for high-quality and well done underwater shots. Other dynamic setting features are also important, such as the ISO value, motion detection, anti-shake function, improved sharpness and white balance. All options are integrated in the camera’s software and can either be actively set or automatically work in the background to produce better photos.
What we find especially great is that the small ActionCam which is enormously cheap, even has a 4x digital zoom. For photos and videos the following modes are also available: Single Shot/Burst/Time-lapse. In the photo mode single shot and continuous shooting / self-timer in the time intervals of 2s / 3s / 5s / 10s / 20s / 30s / 60s are possible.
In order to record sounds in the best possible way, a good microphone is integrated in the IceFox Action Cam. Normally, the sound quality leaves a lot to be desired in action cameras, but it is ok in this model. However, you can’t expect too much from the audio tracks. The audio tracks have a WAV file format and a bit rate of 176 kbps.
The action camera’s compact dimensions are 59 * 41 * 32 mm and it weighs a whole 64 grams including the battery.
The pictures are saved in JPG format. Unfortunately there is no RAW format available as a storage option to be able to edit the pictures even better afterwards. Generated video files are in MOV format. A memory card is unfortunately not included in the scope of delivery. So you need a Micro SDHC memory card of the class up to 64 Gbyte.
According to the manufacturer’s instructions, the memory card should only be changed or inserted when the camera is completely shut down and switched off to prevent possible data loss.
Advantages and disadvantages
In our opinion the biggest advantage of the IceFox Action Cam is the unbeatable price/performance ratio. For not even 50€ you get a technologically very high quality action camera, whose functions and technical features are equal to those of cameras that normally cost at least twice as much.
In the following the biggest positive and negative facts for you collected in an overview.
Advantages:
- Waterproof up to a depth of 30 meters – especially suitable for diving and snorkeling
- High-quality 4K action camera with numerous setting options
- Remote control included, which you can wear on your wrist and control the ActionCam
- Memory cards up to 64 Gbyte usable
- Battery exchangeable – 2 battery packs are included
- High battery life (60-90 minutes per cycle)
- App available – can be controlled via Wifi with a smartphone
- Incredibly detailed shots of action-packed adventure
- Perfect ActionCam with perfect price/performance ratio at an extremely low price
Cons:
- Unfortunately no German user manual included in delivery
- Not so suitable for experienced photographers and videographers
- It can happen that pixel errors occur (rare)
- Rechargeable batteries do not have as many cycles – accordingly, the battery life decreases gradually, so that you have to buy new batteries
Conclusion
Our conclusion short and sweet: If you want to buy a cheap action camera for about 50€ and have the best possible quality, the IceFox camera is the best choice. But there are also clearly better cams.
You also have up to 5 years warranty, so you can always exchange the camera if something doesn’t fit or the ActionCam breaks down, which can happen after a few years of use.
For professionals among you, or very experienced photographers, this camera is probably not so well suited, as this product is not comparable to the GoPro cameras, which are in the 3-digit price range.
These produce much higher quality images, which are noise-free and also have no pixel errors, which can happen with this camera. All in all, the price is still very good and we can warmly recommend the IceFox to you.
Click here for the IceFox Action Cam on Amazon (click here!)*
