"Experience the action again just as life delivered it, in high definition" is the claim Kitvision makes for this camera, with 4K resolution, a touchscreen, and WiFi built in. It just doesn't deliver on the image quality though.
- Pros: Easy to carry around
- Cons: Image quality is poor
This is going to be a pretty short review, really. The first thing I did with the Venture 4K was to attach it with Blu-Tac to two other cameras we had knocking about – a GoPro Hero4 Session and an Apeman A80 – and shoot a bit of test footage. The result is here:
The main thing you'll notice is that the footage is poor in comparison to the other two. Now the Hero4 Session is a reasonably expensive camera, but the Apeman isn't: you can have one of them for less than half what the Kitvision costs and everything about the footage – clarity, colour balance, stabilisation, sound, sharpness – is easily better than the Venture 4K.
I did contact Kitvision to ask if I'd got a bad one, but I was told that the footage was what they'd expect.
> How to choose the right bike camera
That more or less concludes the review, really. It doesn't much matter if a camera's got WiFi and a touchscreen and a bunch of mounts if the picture isn't any good. Not one I could recommend.
Verdict
Poor image quality, poor sound quality
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road.cc test report
Make and model: Kitvision Venture 4K Action Camera
Size tested: H61 x W46 x D28mm
Tell us what the product is for and who it's aimed at. What do the manufacturers say about it? How does that compare to your own feelings about it?
Kitvision says:
To venture is to dare; to live, discover and collect experiences. Our cameras are small and robust enough to document every adventure without changing the way you explore.
Ultra HD adventure is yours for the taking with the Venture 4K Action Camera; just mount and go; forget you're even recording, freeze the action in 16 megapixels, and share your shots via Wi-Fi.
Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?
From Kitvision:
Native 4K resolution video
Mount it or pocket it, then capture it all in an instant without distraction. The Venture 4K records in Ultra High Definition, with a premium image sensor and 4K resolution at 30 frames per second. Plus, with the included waterproof case the Venture 4K records in UHD to depths of 30 m so there's nothing stopping you from jumping in now and reliving the feeling later. Experience the action again just as life delivered it, in high definition.
Wi-Fi connectivity
The Venture 4K has Wi-Fi built-in giving you wireless connectivity and ultimate control at your fingertips. Use the 'app' to control and play back footage, live stream the action or use your smartphone or tablet for ultimate shot setup and shooting control.
Capture 16 Megapixel photos
Capture the biggest moments; the Venture 4K Action Camera has an impressive 16 megapixel photo mode and 170° ultra-wide angle lens for full capture wherever you go. Mix it up with multiple photo modes, including Burst Mode and Time Lapse, and freeze the action as it happens.
Built-in 1.8 inch Touch Screen LCD
The built-in 1.8' touch screen LCD allows you to find and view your shots or line up the next. Easy touch screen navigation means you can navigate quickly and optimise the settings to match every experience.
Waterproof case
Use the included waterproof case when you're riding the waves, when your adventures take you to depths of 30 m or record from your handlebars on the muddiest trails.
Mounts & accessories
The Venture Action Camera comes with an extensive range of mounts and accessories so you're prepared from the word go. Whatever the action, the Venture range is small and compact so once it's recording you can forget it's there and capture for ultimate high definition playback later.
Features:
Native 4K Ultra High Definition resolution recording | Freeze the action with the 16 megapixel photo mode | Built-in 1.8' touch screen LCD for quick and easy navigation and playback | Wi-Fi connectivity for smartphone control and sharing photos wirelessly | Waterproof to 30m with case for swimming, diving or capturing in rain, snow or mud. | Mounts & accessories included to capture multiple angles
Specifications:
Display: 1.8' touch screen LCD | 170° ultra-wide angle lens | Built-in microphone | Storage: Supports micro SD cards up to 64 GB (not included) class 10 recommended | Battery: Rechargeable Li-ion battery included | Dimensions (mm): H61 x W46 x D28 | Weight: 70 g
Very similar to a lot of other action cams out there, buttons feel more solid than cheaper units.
Video quality is poor, sound quality is poor.
You can buy a camera for less than half the price that's much better.
Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose
Badly.
Tell us what you particularly liked about the product
It's easy to carry around.
Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product
You won't want to watch the videos you shoot.
How does the price compare to that of similar products in the market, including ones recently tested on road.cc?
It's more expensive than similar cameras that are better.
Did you enjoy using the product? No
Would you consider buying the product? No
Would you recommend the product to a friend? No
Use this box to explain your overall score
It's just not good enough.
About the tester
Age: 45
I usually ride: whatever I'm testing... My best bike is: Kinesis Tripster ATR, Merida Scultura
I've been riding for: Over 20 years I ride: Every day I would class myself as: Experienced
I regularly do the following types of riding: road racing, time trialling, cyclo-cross, commuting, touring, club rides, sportives, general fitness riding, fixed/singlespeed, mountain biking, Mountain Bike Bog Snorkelling, track
Dave is a founding father of road.cc and responsible for kicking the server when it breaks. In a previous life he was a graphic designer but he's also a three-time Mountain Bike Bog Snorkelling world champion, and remains unbeaten through the bog. Dave rides all sorts of bikes but tends to prefer metal ones. He's getting old is why.
2 comments
Mighty review. Not for me, ive stuff to do bye.
Made me smile
Rule of thumb. If the manufacturers product webpage does not list the chipset and when googling the camera+chipset draws up a blank, its best to avoid the brand and the camera all together.
The Chipset housed in this camera is probably something like an AllWinner V3 or lesser chip which cannot natively do 4k but does 4k upscaled from 1080p which is an absolute waste of time.
The manufacturer obviously doesnt want you to know what the REAL spec is so you end up falling for their elaborate scam and paying 4 or 5 times the price for something that is normally sold for £30.
Avoid this manufacturer at all costs.