MiJia 4K Action Cam Review
I actually expect a waterproof case or a protective housing to come with every action camera but apparently this isn’t the case for the Mijia 4K.
As of now, there is only 1 official one selling at Gearbest and it does seem to be very well-thought of and good quality.
Body
- Camera Lens
- Front Indicator
- Shutter + Power Button
- Top Indicator
- 1st Microphone
- Speaker
- Micro-USB Cover
- Micro-USB Port
- 2nd Microphone
- 2.4″ Touchscreen
- Battery Cover Lock
- Battery Cover
- 1/4″ Thread Hole
- Battery
- Micro-SD Slot
My first experience upon holding it was that it’s well built and good quality.
Although it has only one button, it is still very convenient to navigate around with the responsive touch screen.

I also found the design to be very ergonomic as it was easy to hold and the shutter button was also very within easy reach.

I also found the design to be very ergonomic as it was easy to hold and the shutter button was also very within easy reach.
It also has a rather appealing matte finish and a unique design too.
Buttons
There is only one button, which is used to switch on/off and as a shutter button. Most of the other operations are either done through the mobile app or the touchscreen.
Light Indicators
There are 2 indicators, one beside the shutter button and the other beside the lens.
Front Indicator: This indicator basically show the battery level and recording status. Charging – Solid Red; Fully Charged – No Light
High Battery Level: Green; Medium Battery Level: Orange; Low Battery: Solid Red
Top Indicator has only 1 function which is to indicate that it is recording.
Recording: Blinking Red; Successful video saved: Rapid Blinking Red
Ports
There are 2 ports.
The Micro-USB port is used to either transfer media to your computer or for charging.
This port is also protected by a door which can be easily slid close or open to access the port.
The other one is the Micro-SD card slot which is under the battery cover, beside the battery.
Mounting
The only way to possibly mount this camera, as of now, is using the ¼: thread tripod bush. This can be mounted onto almost all of the selfie sticks and tripods out there, which makes it convenient and easy to mount.
Navigation
I found the settings are very neatly designed and navigating around is rather straightforward too.
Quick Menu
Settings
There are different settings for each mode and an additional one for the device.
Device Settings
The settings page can be accessed via swiping down and clicking the left rotary icon in the quick menu.
Video Standard
Switch between NTSC (30fps) or PAL (25fps), which is based on the region you live in. Read more about it here.
Switch between NTSC (30fps) or PAL (25fps), which is based on the region you live in. Read more about it here.
SD card
To format or show the storage available.
To format or show the storage available.
Default Mode
To select which mode is selected after the camera powers up
To select which mode is selected after the camera powers up
Beep Volume
Select the volume of the sound when pressing the buttons
Select the volume of the sound when pressing the buttons
LCD Brightness
Adjust Screen Brightness
Adjust Screen Brightness
Rotate
Rotates the image 180° degrees when you mount your cam upside down (e.g. dash cameras)
Rotates the image 180° degrees when you mount your cam upside down (e.g. dash cameras)
Auto Screen Lock
To set the duration before the screen goes off.
To set the duration before the screen goes off.
Auto Power off
To set the duration before the power goes off during standby.
To set the duration before the power goes off during standby.
Wi-Fi Auto On
To set whether WiFi switches on automatically
To set whether WiFi switches on automatically
Bluetooth Pairing
For connecting to bluetooth remote control
For connecting to bluetooth remote control
In Housing Mode
Everything will be controlled using the shutter button. Long Press to select. Short Press to toggle modes.
User Guide
Shows you though the camera & for you to familiarise with the camera
Shows you though the camera & for you to familiarise with the camera
Date & Time
Set the date and time if you switched on the date stamp option. Will be automatically synced to your phone when you connect to the app.
Set the date and time if you switched on the date stamp option. Will be automatically synced to your phone when you connect to the app.
Language
Available Language: English, Traditional & Simplified Chinese
Available Language: English, Traditional & Simplified Chinese
Device Info
Shows you data of your camera, such as model, version, etc
Shows you data of your camera, such as model, version, etc
Camera Default
Resets your Camera, Wi-Fi or Bluetooth settings.
Resets your Camera, Wi-Fi or Bluetooth settings.
Photo Settings
Aspect Ratio
Sets the image resolution 4:3 (2880 x 2160) or 16:9 (3840 x 2160). Only able to take 8MP photos, no other options.
Sets the image resolution 4:3 (2880 x 2160) or 16:9 (3840 x 2160). Only able to take 8MP photos, no other options.
Output Format
Choose between JPG for normal photos or JPG + DNG for RAW photos.
Choose between JPG for normal photos or JPG + DNG for RAW photos.
Lens Distortion
If you switch it on, it decreases the fisheye distortion but at the same time losing some field of view. Example in the image samples section below.
If you switch it on, it decreases the fisheye distortion but at the same time losing some field of view. Example in the image samples section below.
Stamp
Select whether you want time stamp on your recordings. Time can be adjusted through device settings (above).
Select whether you want time stamp on your recordings. Time can be adjusted through device settings (above).
Metering Mode
to select where exposure should be measured (Average, Center, Spot). I found Center the best for all round performance.
to select where exposure should be measured (Average, Center, Spot). I found Center the best for all round performance.
EV (Exposure Value)
Adjusts the exposure. (± 2 EV)
Adjusts the exposure. (± 2 EV)
Shutter
Set the shutter speed or duration of exposure (8s, 4s, 2s, 1s, 1/2s, 1/4s, 1/15s, 1/30s, 1/60s and Auto). Longer exposure takes more light, whereas shorter exposure reduces blur.
Set the shutter speed or duration of exposure (8s, 4s, 2s, 1s, 1/2s, 1/4s, 1/15s, 1/30s, 1/60s and Auto). Longer exposure takes more light, whereas shorter exposure reduces blur.
Color
Different photo filter (Standard, Bright, Artistic, Film and Classic). Example in the samples section below.
Different photo filter (Standard, Bright, Artistic, Film and Classic). Example in the samples section below.
WB (White Balance)
Adjust white balance settings (Incandescent, Sunshine, Cloudy, Underwater or Auto). Example in the samples section below.
Adjust white balance settings (Incandescent, Sunshine, Cloudy, Underwater or Auto). Example in the samples section below.
Video Settings
Resolution
- 4K (3840 x 2160) – 30 fps
- 2.5K (2560 x 1440) – 30fps
- 1080p (1920 x 1080) – 100 / 60 / 30 fps
- 720p (1280 x 720) – 200 fps
Quality
Select the image quality (super fine, fine or normal). Choosing finer will increase data size and quality.
Select the image quality (super fine, fine or normal). Choosing finer will increase data size and quality.
Lens Distortion
If you switch it on, it decreases the fisheye distortion but at the same time losing some field of view. Example in the image samples section below.
If you switch it on, it decreases the fisheye distortion but at the same time losing some field of view. Example in the image samples section below.
EIS (Works up to 1080p 60fps)
If you decide to switch it on, the videos will be less shaky at the expense of a lower field of view, or video wideness (similar to lens distortion).
If you decide to switch it on, the videos will be less shaky at the expense of a lower field of view, or video wideness (similar to lens distortion).
Mic Mute
Turn on/off audio recording.
Turn on/off audio recording.
Stamp
Select whether you want time stamp on your recordings. Time can be adjusted through device settings (above).
Select whether you want time stamp on your recordings. Time can be adjusted through device settings (above).
Metering Mode
to select where exposure should be measured (Average, Center, Spot). I found Center the best for all round performance.
to select where exposure should be measured (Average, Center, Spot). I found Center the best for all round performance.
EV (Exposure Value)
Adjusts the exposure. (± 2 EV)
Adjusts the exposure. (± 2 EV)
WB (White Balance)
Adjust white balance settings (Incandescent, Sunshine, Cloudy, Underwater or Auto). Example in the samples section below.
Adjust white balance settings (Incandescent, Sunshine, Cloudy, Underwater or Auto). Example in the samples section below.
Other Modes’ Settings
Time Lapse Video
Set the interval (0.5s, 1s, 2s, 5s, 10s, 30s or 60s) and the video length (Max, 6s, 8s, 10s, 20s, 30s or 60s, 120s).
Set the interval (0.5s, 1s, 2s, 5s, 10s, 30s or 60s) and the video length (Max, 6s, 8s, 10s, 20s, 30s or 60s, 120s).
Slow Motion
Slow motion mode records the video in a higher frame rate and calibrates the video to play slower
Slow motion mode records the video in a higher frame rate and calibrates the video to play slower
- Slow down by 8x (720p 200fps): Final Output: 720p 25fps
- Slow down by 4x (1080p 100fps): Final Output: 1080p 25fps
- Slow down by 2x (1080p 60fps): Final Output: 1080p 30fps
Record videos in chunks of a preset duration (1/2/5 mins).
When the storage is full, the camera will delete the oldest video clip and start another one so that it will potentially never run out of memory. Hence, if you were to use it for say, car cameras, you would not have to continuously remove and clear your footage manually!
Video + Photo (Works only for 1080p 30/60fps)
Photos will be taken at a set interval (5s, 10s, 30s or 60s), all while a video is being recording.
Timer
You can set the duration of the countdown (3s, 5s, 10s or 15s) before a photo is taken.
You can set the duration of the countdown (3s, 5s, 10s or 15s) before a photo is taken.
Burst
Takes multiple photos quickly all at once and measured in pictures per second (3 P/s, 5P/s, 10P/s, 10P/2s, 10P/3s, 30P/6s.)
Takes multiple photos quickly all at once and measured in pictures per second (3 P/s, 5P/s, 10P/s, 10P/2s, 10P/3s, 30P/6s.)
Time Lapse Photo
In time-lapse photo, the camera will capture photos at a set interval (0.5s, 1s, 2s, 5s, 10s, 30s or 60s). The output will be tons of photos unlike the time-lapse video where output is a video file.
Quality is also better in time-lapse photo but editing and stitching of the photos are required. Click here to learn how.
Shooting Modes
There are a total of 9 shooting modes, which includes everything and I mean everything, that you’ll need! All you need to switch modes is a swipe and a tap.
- Video: Basic Video Recording
- Time-Lapse Video: Automatically creates time-lapse video
- Slow Motion: Automatically creates slowed down video
- Loop Recording: Useful for dash cams where if storage is full, it’ll overwrite oldest clip and continue recording
- Video + Photo: Takes a photo at a set interval, while video is being recorded. Least used mode in my opinion. (Used in comp
- Photo: To take a picture
- Timer – Takes a photo after the set duration
- Burst: Takes multiple photos quickly all at once (max: 10 pics/s)
- Time-Lapse Photo: Shoots photos at a regular set interval, which can be edited into time-lapse later on.
Unique Features
6 Axis Stabilisation EIS
The 6 axis image stabilization is powered by the Bosch BMI160 IMU, which has a 3 Axis Gyro-meter and a 3 Axis Accelerometer, allowing the camera to accurately stabilize the video without much loss in quality.
Stabilisation Samples
Let’s take a look at some samples comparing the image stabilization.
As you can see from the samples above, it works very well and is definitely better than most action cams at this price point!
However, having said that, a small drawback is that the electronic image stabilization only work for video resolution up to 1080p 60fps and wouldn’t work for anything higher.
Image Sensor & Lens
The lens has a f/2.8 aperture and has a field of view of 145˚.
On average, most action cameras have an aperture of about f/3+ and a field of view of about 170˚. Thus, using that as a comparison, the Mijia has a higher aperture which helps it shoot better in low light shooting. At the same time, it has a narrower field of view, which means that it does not record as wide of a video and at the same time lesser fisheye distortion.
What does Aperture and Field Of View mean?
Let me try my best to make this as simple as possible. In action cams, the aperture number is simply the size of the image sensor. The smaller the number after the ‘f/’ is, the bigger the aperture, hence size of image sensor is.
Therefore the bigger the aperture, the more the light will get through, and hence, the better it is at low light environments.
On the other hand, field of view is how wide the video is. It is measured in degrees and 180˚ means it can record everything from the left to right and 90˚ means it can only record half of that.
Image Quality
The Mijia 4K camera is capable of taking 8.3MP photos (3840 x 2160).
I found the image quality is very good and sharp. Colours are also very saturated and accurate.
For it’s price, I think it has one of the best photo quality I have seen and I really like it!
Enjoy the samples below
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Pictures Samples


RAW Vs JPG
This mini action camera also has the ability to shoot ‘RAW’ photos!
If you are new to photography, RAW is a file format that captures all the image data recorded by the image sensor when taking a photo. On the other hand, when shooting in a format like JPEG, image information is compressed and lost, which results in a lower quality when compared to RAW photos!


As you can see, the RAW photo is a more accurate representation of the real place compared to the JPG one!
More samples here if you are interested!
Distortion (On/Off)

Smartphone app – MiHome (IOS/Android)
Connecting

From the camera, switch WiFi on by swiping down to access the quick menu and selecting the WiFi button.
From your phone, connect to the Wi-Fi using the password and SSID shown on the camera.
Main Home Page
The Mijia utilises a generalised app, which is used together by MiJia home appliances.
- Return to connection page
- Settings Page
- Turn On/Off Distortion
- Turn On/Off Grid Lines
- Shooting Modes Selection
- Gallery
- Shutter Button
- Resolution Selection
Despite not having a specialised app, the navigation and connection is seamless and the interface is also very neat.
Like other action cams, you can use the app to remotely control and view the action camera live.
You can also customise the settings remotely. As all of the settings on the app are exactly the same as the settings on the camera, it makes it really easy to be select and adjust.
The only improvement I can ask for is for the capability for live streaming. But I think that the hardware in MiJia is not capable of that.
Battery & Charging
The battery has a capacity of 1450mAh which is larger than other actions cams (most are about 1100mAh), which results in it being able to shoot for a longer time.
Charging time – 103 Mins
Firmware Update
You’ll need to update your camera as there were some bugs like frequent crashing in the earlier versions and the earliest versions did not have a English menu.
After updating, I couldn’t find any bugs or glitches after few days of use and I’d have to say it is very stable and didn’t crash or glitch out even once.
Latest Update: 0.6.9.2576
1. Loop recording enable EIS function: only available for 1080P / 60fps and 1080P / 30fps;
2. Optimize the dynamic display of the upper right corner icons in the preview interface;
3. Optimize underwater white balance;
There are as far as I know, 2 ways to update.
The first method, which I feel is less troublesome would be to use the MiHome smartphone app and directly update from there. Simply follow the instructions to download the update and it will do all the work for you.
The second method is to download the firmware update from the MiFi forum here and copy it to your storage card. You can easily follow the steps on that forum and that’ll require a computer to work.
1. Loop recording enable EIS function: only available for 1080P / 60fps and 1080P / 30fps;
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