Zeblaze ishot1 Waterproof WiFi HD Action Camera Review @ ModSynergy.com
By: Michael Phrakaysone
The action camera market is highly competitive, particularly in North America where GoPro is the dominant brand. While there are a few other options available, they often come with a hefty price tag, sometimes reaching upwards of $500 USD. Not everyone can afford these top-tier models, and not everyone wants a stripped-down version either.
Recently, I had the opportunity to review the Polaroid CUBE HD action camera, which offered a lower price point at $99 USD. However, it was targeted towards a different crowd and lacked bundled accessories, a waterproof casing, and had a smaller battery due to its miniature size. Despite its limitations, it was still a fun camera to use.
In China, the action camera market is a different story. There are countless action camera manufacturers, with new companies popping up frequently to cater to the massive market of over 1.3 billion people. However, with so many options available, it's difficult to know which cameras truly perform well. Many of them may resemble GoPro cameras but fall short in terms of performance.
Today, I have the pleasure of introducing a Chinese company that has released an inexpensive waterproof action camera without compromising on features. It's called the Zeblaze ishot1, and it is priced at $115 USD (according to the Zeblaze website) on various online Chinese electronic gadget retailers and Amazon.
The Zeblaze ishot1 stands out by offering a plethora of high-end features. It boasts a 170° ultra-wide-angle lens, WiFi connectivity for video recording and photo capture from your iPhone or Android device, a 2.4GHz remote control wristwatch that allows for one-touch video recording or photo capture from a remote location, and it is fully waterproof up to 60 meters without the need for additional housing. Additionally, it features a 1.5" LCD screen for easy viewing, a removable 1050 mAh battery capable of recording up to 120 minutes at 1080p/30fps, and an integrated dual LED flashlight, which is a unique feature not found in most action cameras on the market. Even the most expensive action cameras from renowned brands like GoPro, Sony, Drift Innovation, Contour, JVC, and Polaroid do not have built-in LED flashlights, making the Zeblaze ishot1 all the more remarkable.
Our in-depth review of the Zeblaze ishot1 is one of the longest reviews ever completed on ModSynergy, and I am excited to share its findings with you.
Without further ado, let's dive into this comprehensive review of the Zeblaze ishot1 action camera!
About Zeblaze
Zeblaze operates from Shenzhen, China.
Zeblaze is a company dedicated to the design of Waterproof sport action camera for variety of extreme sports enthusiasts. Our company is a pioneer vendor in the industry, and continually enables customer to better their lifestyle through innovative and functional products. Since it's established, Zeblaze has sustained rapid and steady growth, cooperated with a number of key strategic partners and distributors, and developed a worldwide presence.
Zeblaze mainly focuses and develop in sport camera, providing multi-specific action products on basis of the different condition. If you enjoy your lifestyle and want to record your exciting moment, Zeblaze will offer the best resolution for you to remember the experience.
With Zeblaze sport action cameras, Explore more than deeper.
Editors Note: The description of Zeblaze above is directly from their website. I find it a bit funny that they used the word pioneer and mentioned rapid and steady growth, when they are a new company and have only a single SKU. Just thought I'd point this out because it seems from their company description that they've been in the industry for a number of years, but they clearly haven't. But let's see now what they can offer with their Zeblaze ishot1 Waterproof WiFi HD Action Camera.
Zeblaze ishot1 Product Overview & Features
- Fully Waterproof up to 60 meters without additional housing (IP68)
- 1080p HD sensor (12MP) & 170° ultra wide angle lens
- Supports 802.11b/g/n WiFi Connection: Apple/Android
- 2.4GHz Remote Control Wrist Watch: Remote One-Touch Operation
- Powerful 1050 mAh removable battery: 120 minutes in 1080p/30fps
- Powerful dual LED lights (3-mode; High - Low - SOS Flash
- Micro SD card slot
- Integrated microphone
- LED indicator
- Accessories: Zeblaze ishot1 comes with various mounting accessories & carrying case keeps your camera safe, protected, and organized from any potential outside dangers
First Impressions
Upon receiving the Zeblaze ishot1, I was initially unfamiliar with the brand, so I didn't know what to expect. The packaging, however, made a good first impression. The camera comes in a two-piece box with the Zeblaze logo prominently displayed. The box feels sturdy and well-made, indicating a level of quality.
Opening the box revealed a pleasantly surprising feature—the carrying case. I anticipated a simple and cheap case, but what I found was a premium hard case with excellent materials. The zippers are of good quality, the stitching is well done, and there's an extra loop for attaching it to other objects. The Zeblaze logo adds a touch of style to the case.
Inside the case, there's a foam insert that neatly organizes the main items, along with an upper pouch for additional accessories and the user's manual. At this point, my first impressions were overwhelmingly positive, and I hadn't even seen the camera yet.
The Zeblaze ishot1 sits at the center of the foam insert, protected by another foam layer on top. This level of attention to packaging detail ensures ample protection during shipping. It's evident that Zeblaze cares about the product and wants to convey its value beyond its $115 price point.
Now, let's take a look at what's included in the bundle:
- Zeblaze ishot1 Waterproof WiFi HD Action Camera
- 2.4GHz Remote Control Wrist Watch
- 5V/1A USB Wall Charger
- Micro USB Charge/Data Cable
- Vertical Quick Release Buckle
- Quick Release Buckle
- Handlebar/Seatpost/Pole Mount
- Roll Bar Mount
- Tripod Mount
- Head Strap Mount
- 3M Double Sided Adhesive
- Thumb Screw for mounts
- User's Manual
For $115 USD, the Zeblaze ishot1 offers a generous bundle that includes everything needed to get started. Many competing action cameras either provide fewer accessories or sell them separately. It's worth noting that the ishot1 utilizes GoPro-style mounting hardware, making it compatible with original and aftermarket mounts. If additional mounting hardware is needed, it is readily available online. The bundled accessories feel solid and durable, without a cheap or fragile quality.
However, the user's manual could use improvement. It contains broken English, which can make it difficult to understand at times. While it's possible to decipher the intended meaning in most cases, there were instances where the manual seemed unrelated to the product or confusing. To overcome the language barrier, the manual should have included fewer written instructions and more visual aids such as photos and diagrams. This would have made it easier for international customers to understand the camera's features and functionality. As a result, I had to rely on trial and error to figure out certain aspects of the camera and wristwatch myself.
Visual Overview
The design of the Zeblaze ishot1 is undeniably eye-catching, and it stands out with its unique and fantastic appearance. The overall style is well-executed, and it gives off a premium vibe that surpasses its $115 price tag. Visually, it's hard to imagine how they could have improved upon its design.
One notable feature is the presence of dual LED lights, which are visibly yellowish when not in use. This indicates that they are high-power SMD emitters rather than cheap white LEDs. The lens in front of the LEDs is semi-frosted to diffuse the emitted light. This attention to detail suggests that Zeblaze knows what they're doing.
Another aspect that caught my attention is the front panel material, which differs from the rest of the camera body. Zeblaze opted for a more expensive one-piece aluminum alloy front panel design instead of using plastic throughout. This decision is impressive considering the price point. The entire front panel, from the protruding lens to the back panel with the ishot1 and WiFi symbols, is a single slab of cool-to-the-touch aluminum alloy. To enhance protection and durability, the aluminum piece is powder-coated to withstand harsh environmental conditions.
In terms of dimensions, the Zeblaze ishot1 measures approximately 6.5 x 5.5 x 4.5cm (2.56 x 2.17 x 1.77 inches) at its maximum size, including protruding parts. It is larger than the Polaroid CUBE, which measures 35mm (1.4 inches) in all three dimensions. However, the ishot1 is designed for more extreme action, setting it apart from the CUBE.
Using a digital scale, I measured the weight of the Zeblaze ishot1 with the battery inside and no mounts attached at the bottom. It weighs 116 grams (0.257 lbs), which is relatively lightweight considering it doesn't require an additional housing for waterproofing and features an aluminum alloy front panel. For comparison, a GoPro Hero4 Black with the waterproof housing and battery weighs 151 grams (0.332 lbs) despite lacking an aluminum body.
The construction of the Zeblaze ishot1 involves three different materials. The already mentioned aluminum alloy front panel is complemented by hard matte plastic on the sides of the camera, while the rear door combines hard plastic and soft-touch textured rubber. This combination provides impact protection and ensures a watertight seal for the buttons and LCD on the back. The workmanship appears excellent, with a solid and sturdy feel and no noticeable flex.
One minor drawback is that the black color and rubberized backing can attract lint and dust. Additionally, the matte plastic construction may show visible markings over time. Looking at the front of the camera, we find a large lens that offers a 170° ultra-wide-angle field of view.
The Zeblaze ishot1 records video at a resolution of 1080p at 30fps. During shipping, the lens is covered with a protective blue film, which, once removed, reveals a plastic lens (rather than glass) when tapped on. The front lens is protected by the aluminum alloy front panel, ensuring safety even in accidental drops.
The Zeblaze ishot1 features two LED flashlights positioned above the lens on opposite sides of the camera. These flashlights offer three lighting modes: high, low, and a strobe function labeled as SOS by Zeblaze, although it functions more as a strobe than a true SOS signal. The integrated dual LED lights set the ishot1 apart from other action cameras on the market. They can be effectively used in pitch-black environments, and the strobe function can be handy in emergencies or for creating special lighting effects in filming.
On the right-hand side of the camera, there is a twist-lock cover that protects the micro USB port and micro HDMI output port. Opening and closing this cover requires the use of a coin as it fits tightly and has a rubber seal to ensure waterproofing.
At the very top of the ishot1, we find the Zeblaze logo, a power on/off button, a shutter button, and an unlabeled latch mechanism that provides access to the battery and micro SD card compartment. One minor issue I have with the latch mechanism is that it could have been more clear for users. It would have been helpful if it had a directional arrow, number, or symbol indicating which way and which latch to open. However, you quickly figure out the process and remember it for future use. The latch requires a significant amount of force to close, which gives a sense of assurance that it is tightly sealed.
One drawback of the latch mechanism is that if you're not careful when closing it, the latch can accidentally catch on the rubberized backside trim and rip it off. This is partly because the backside doesn't close freely due to the resistance caused by the rubber O-ring. To prevent this from happening, you need to ensure that the latch locks onto the grooves (prongs) on the backside before applying pressure to close the camera. Sometimes, if not done correctly, the latch can slip off the prong. This process is best done with two hands rather than just one. Improvements could be made in future Zeblaze products by either making the prongs longer or designing the rubber trim to stick out less, thus reducing the likelihood of accidental damage during closure.
Moving to the backside of the Zeblaze ishot1, we find six buttons and two LED indicator lights. Starting from the top left side and going counterclockwise, there is the MODE button, the menu symbol button, a red charge LED indicator, the OK button, the right/down button, a green/blue battery status and memory access LED, the left/up button, and the flashlight button for activating the dual 3-mode LEDs at the front. In the center, there is a 1.5" LCD screen that allows you to see what you're filming.
The design of the ishot1, with the lens in the center, the shutter button at the top, the screen at the back, and the surrounding rubberized backside with buttons, closely resembles that of a regular camera. Holding it in this manner feels ergonomically pleasing, similar to holding a mini digital camera or mini DSLR. The camera can be comfortably held with both hands wrapped around it, providing plenty of grip on the front aluminum panel and rubberized backside. This design allows for a more comfortable two-handed grip compared to cameras with the lens positioned at one corner, which would require holding it single-handedly.
To access the battery and microSD card slot compartment, the latch on top of the ishot1 needs to be undone, allowing the backside to flip downward. When opened, you can see the rubber O-ring surrounding the LCD back panel, which serves as a waterproof seal when closed tightly.
The Zeblaze ishot1 uses a lithium polymer battery with a capacity of 1050mAh. According to Zeblaze, it can record up to 120 minutes of footage in 1080p/30fps mode.
Interestingly, the Zeblaze rechargeable battery resembles the battery used in the old Samsung WB550 digital camera. Upon closer inspection, they are physically identical, have the same polarity, and work interchangeably. The Samsung SLB-10A battery, with the same 1050mAh capacity, can be used as a replacement battery for the Zeblaze ishot1. Aftermarket replacement Samsung SLB-10A batteries can be found on eBay for around $10USD.
The microSD card slot is located behind the battery and below the battery contact prongs. It features a mechanism where a door needs to be slid to unlock and lock into place. While this mechanism can be a bit tedious and has the potential to break if handled roughly, it is recommended to minimize swapping microSD cards regularly to reduce the risk of damage. Ideally, a high-capacity microSD card should be purchased and left permanently in the camera. To insert the card, slide the top cover to the right to open, lift the door, place the microSD card in the designated position, ensuring the contacts on the card align with the contacts on the PCB. Close the door and slide it to the left to lock it into place. The position of the card slot at the edge of the camera may make it slightly challenging to navigate with your fingers.
When the backside is unlatched, the visible LCD flex cable is exposed, so caution should be taken not to accidentally hit or damage it. The 1.5" LCD screen is enclosed behind the back door, and a foam pad ensures that the battery remains secure and everything fits snugly when the camera is closed.
The Zeblaze ishot1 - Any good?
I have had the opportunity to extensively use the Zeblaze ishot1 waterproof WiFi HD action camera with a firmware version of Ver:2.0/20150103 for the entire month of February. Based on my experience and considering its performance, features, and everything that comes with it, I can confidently say that the Zeblaze ishot1 is the best action camera ever featured on ModSynergy.
Let's start with the positives. The value that the Zeblaze ishot1 offers for its price is remarkable. At $115 USD, you get an incredible array of features and capabilities. The camera boasts a unique and stylish design with its aluminum alloy front panel. The 170° ultra-wide-angle lens captures stunning footage, and the built-in WiFi connectivity allows for easy control and sharing via the dedicated Apple and Android app. The inclusion of a 2.4GHz remote control wristwatch adds convenience to the shooting experience. The 1.5" LCD screen provides a clear view of what you're filming, and the integrated dual LED flashlights are incredibly useful in low-light situations. The 1050mAh lithium polymer battery offers a recording time of up to 120 minutes at 1080p/30fps, ensuring you can capture all your adventures. The camera is also waterproof without the need for an extra housing, which is a significant advantage. Additionally, the Zeblaze ishot1 comes with a generous bundle of accessories and mounts, as well as a premium hard carrying case, further adding to its value.
In terms of durability and toughness, the Zeblaze ishot1 impresses. Despite some unfortunate accidents where the camera fell three times from my car windshield, landing on its head (latch side down) in frigid winter temperatures, it remained unscathed. The camera endured these drops, even with the added weight of a 166-gram suction cup, and emerged without any visible damage. This resilience is a testament to the camera's robust construction and build quality.
While the Zeblaze ishot1 offers exceptional performance and value, it's important to consider some downsides. However, the positives far outweigh these minor drawbacks, making the Zeblaze ishot1 the ultimate choice for an action camera in its price range.
Zeblaze ishot1 Software
The Zeblaze app can be found on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store for Android devices. Today we'll look at the Android version.
Even at a price of $115 USD, the Zeblaze ishot1 offers a convenient wireless capability that allows you to connect remotely to the action camera using your smartphone or tablet. The process of setting up the wireless connection is straightforward and easy. Here are the steps to connect wirelessly to the ishot1:
1. Download and install the Zeblaze app on your Android or Apple device.
2. Turn on the WiFi feature on the Zeblaze ishot1 action camera. A WiFi symbol will appear on the LCD screen, along with the SSID (ZeblazeCam) and password, which are displayed on the screen.
3. On your Android or Apple device, go to the wireless settings and connect to the SSID ZeblazeCam. Enter the password (default is 12345678) as shown on the ishot1. Connect to the network.
4. Once connected, the LCD screen on the ishot1 will turn blue, indicating that it is connected to the device.
5. Open the Zeblaze app on your device. You will now see a live video feed from the camera, along with the current resolution settings. That's all there is to it!
The Zeblaze app is user-friendly and provides a range of functions. With the app, you can record videos, take still photos, change in-camera settings, and view the videos and photos taken with the ishot1 directly on your device. You can also download videos and photos from the ishot1 to your device, creating a local copy for easy access.
It's worth noting that the app may contain some Chinese characters in the in-camera settings menu. However, the titles are in English, giving you an idea of what each setting does. The app delivers on its promises and provides a live video feed with a delay of about one second, allowing you to see changes in real-time as you move the camera.
While the app generally performs well, there are a few areas that could be improved. The interface could be clearer, as some symbols or boxes may require trial and error to understand their functions. For example, in playback mode, pressing the down arrow symbol may not always register immediately, leading to confusion. Additionally, the app may crash occasionally, particularly after viewing a video and pressing the back button. However, this can be resolved by using a different video app to view the videos and prevent crashes.
Despite these minor drawbacks, the Zeblaze app fulfills its intended purpose and provides a convenient way to control and interact with the ishot1 action camera wirelessly using your Android or Apple device.
Zeblaze 2.4GHz Wrist Watch
The Zeblaze ishot1 action camera comes with a 2.4GHz wrist watch that allows you to control the camera remotely. This feature is especially useful when the camera is mounted out of reach. Zeblaze claims that the watch can reach the camera at a distance of up to 70 meters, although I cannot personally verify this.
The wrist watch is a simple device with a rubber strap and two buttons, accompanied by a multi-color LED. Unfortunately, the buttons are not labeled with text, only symbols. In real-world testing, it becomes apparent that the buttons have multiple functions, and the mapping is poorly executed.
It's important to note that the wrist watch cannot turn on or turn off the camera. The camera must be powered on for the wrist watch to work. To pair the wrist watch with the ishot1 action camera, follow these steps:
1. Enter the setup menu and navigate to the Remote Control setting.
2. Choose the Remote Match option. A message will appear on the screen, indicating "Wait Remote match," and the LED on the watch will turn solid blue.
3. Press and hold both buttons on the watch simultaneously to pair it with the ishot1 camera. The watch LED will turn purple. Once successful, a message saying "Remote Match OK" will appear on the LCD screen.
At this point, the operation becomes complicated and illogical due to the button mapping on the wrist watch. It seems that Zeblaze has unnecessarily made using the wrist watch more challenging than it needs to be. Unfortunately, there is no option to manually map the keys in the camera settings menu.
The wrist watch only serves two functions: recording videos and taking photos. However, the button mapping is convoluted and counterintuitive. While wearing the watch, the universally recognized symbol for stop recording is represented by a solid square, which corresponds to the upper button below the LED. The symbol for video recording, a solid circle, is represented by the bottom button with a "0" beneath it.
Ideally, pressing the record button should start recording, and pressing the stop button should stop recording. However, the current mapping is frustrating and nonsensical. Here's how the buttons are currently mapped:
- Pressing the solid square button once during video recording mode automatically switches the camera to picture mode and takes a photo.
- In picture mode, pressing the stop button once on the watch actually takes a photo.
- To switch from picture mode to video recording mode, you must hold the stop button on the watch for 3-4 seconds.
- In video recording mode, you must press and hold the stop button on the watch for 3-4 seconds to start video recording.
- To stop video recording, you must press and hold the stop button on the watch for 3-4 seconds.
- To switch from video recording mode to picture mode, you must press the stop button on the watch once.
As you can see, the sequences to take a photo, record video, and switch between the two modes are highly frustrating and unintuitive. Everything is mapped to one button (the top button that appears to be the stop button), rendering the bottom button (the one that appears to be the record symbol button) useless. I cannot comprehend why Zeblaze designed the wrist watch controls in this manner—it makes no logical sense to me. Although the wrist watch does work, it is the most frustrating aspect of the Zeblaze ishot1.
I strongly advise Zeblaze to consider adopting the key mapping image I have created, as it simplifies the process and utilizes all the buttons on the wrist watch. Mapping all the functions to one button, when there are two available, is an impractical and counterproductive design choice.
Picture Quality
The Zeblaze ishot1 action camera advertises that it can capture 12MP still photos, but the true native resolution is actually 5MP. The camera achieves the 12MP resolution by interpolating the 5MP image. In the menu, you can select from three resolution options: 5MP (2592 x 1944), 8MP (3264 x 2448), and 12MP (4032 x 3024).
Within the still photo settings menu, you have the ability to adjust several parameters:
1. Capture Mode: Choose between Single shot, 3-second timer, 10-second timer, or 30-second timer.
2. Resolution: Select the desired resolution for your photos.
3. Sequence: Turn on/off the sequence mode for capturing multiple shots in quick succession.
4. Quality: Choose between Fine, Normal, or Economy quality settings.
5. Sharpness: Adjust the sharpness level of the photos (Strong, Normal, Soft).
6. White Balance: Set the white balance based on the lighting conditions (Auto, Daylight, Cloudy, Tungsten, Fluorescent, Underwater).
7. Color: Select the color mode for your photos (Color, B&W, Sepia).
8. ISO: Adjust the ISO sensitivity level (Auto, 100, 200, 400).
9. Exposure: Control the exposure value (-2.0, -3/2, -1.0, -/1/2, +0.0, +1/2, +1.0, +3/2, +2.0).
10. Quick Review: Set the duration for the quick review of the captured photo (Off, 2 Seconds, 5 Seconds).
When comparing the still photos of the Zeblaze ishot1 with the Polaroid CUBE HD action camera, the photos from the ishot1 are noticeably better. The ishot1 captures photos in a 4:3 aspect ratio, providing a wider vertical field of view compared to the Polaroid CUBE's 16:9 widescreen aspect ratio. Additionally, the ishot1 has a wider field of view with its 170-degree wide-angle lens, compared to the CUBE's 124-degree field of view.
Another notable difference is that the ishot1's photos are less aggressively compressed compared to the CUBE, resulting in larger file sizes. Opting for the interpolated resolutions further increases the file size, but it's recommended to stick with the native 5MP resolution for better detail, color, and reduced blur.
Overall, the Zeblaze ishot1 excels in image quality due to its superior image sensor and lens combination. It captures sharper images from edge to edge, maintains sharpness even when close to objects, offers better dynamic range with fewer blown highlights, and has a wider field of view.
However, the ishot1 does have some drawbacks, including inconsistent white balance and slightly harsh contrast. In these aspects, the Polaroid CUBE performs better. These shortcomings are noticeable not only in still photos but also in video recordings.
The ishot1 often gets the white balance incorrect, tending to produce colder color casts (bluish tint) or excessive yellow casts under different lighting conditions. While this can be bothersome, it doesn't significantly impact the overall performance.
If there were suggestions for Zeblaze to enhance the still photo settings menu, it would be to include options for adjusting color saturation levels, contrast levels, and the ability to select custom Kelvin temperature. Additionally, an HDR mode could be a valuable addition.
Video Quality
In my review of the Polaroid CUBE HD action camera, I highlighted the shortcomings in its video quality, including general softness caused by the lens and low bit rate recording. These factors resulted in compressed video with various issues such as blocky pixels in windy scenes. However, the Zeblaze ishot1 excels in these areas and offers a significant improvement in overall quality. While it's not perfect, firmware updates could further enhance its performance.
The Zeblaze ishot1 records video in H.264 AVC 1080p/30fps with a bit rate of 12.0 Mbps, which is better than the 8 Mbps of the Polaroid CUBE. Higher bit rates capture more detail, resulting in cleaner video with better sharpness, especially in fast-moving scenes. However, increased bit rate also means larger file sizes and potential impact on battery life, so there's always a trade-off to consider.
Compared to the Polaroid CUBE, the Zeblaze ishot1 offers a wider field of view with its ultra-wide-angle lens, providing a broader perspective in videos. While objects and lines at normal to longer distances may exhibit a slight curvature, the fisheye effect is minimal when filming close to objects. I was pleasantly surprised by the less pronounced curvature produced by the ishot1.
One major advantage of the Zeblaze ishot1 is its 1.5" TFT LCD screen, which eliminates the challenges of gauging distance and framing that I experienced with the screenless Polaroid CUBE. The screen's resolution is likely around 480x240 pixels, not the highest quality but perfectly suitable for a small action camera. It could be brighter under sunny conditions, requiring occasional shielding to view the display, but overall, it's a convenient and useful feature, especially considering its affordable price point.
The video quality of the Zeblaze ishot1 is generally good, with impressive sharpness throughout the footage, thanks to its high-quality lens and increased bit rate. In bright lighting conditions, it performs well, delivering fair color rendition, contrast, and brightness. Moreover, it offers a wider field of view compared to the Polaroid CUBE, allowing closer focus on objects without sacrificing clarity. The ishot1 also demonstrates better handling of blown highlights, capturing a higher dynamic range and preserving detail in bright areas.
However, the ishot1 is not without its flaws, albeit minor ones that could be addressed through future firmware updates. The camera exhibits inconsistent white balance and slightly harsh contrast levels, affecting both picture and video quality. The inaccurate white balance selection consistently leans toward a colder (bluish) or warmer (yellow) color cast, impacting color accuracy. While the color rendition is fair, it doesn't always represent reality accurately, lacking the natural vibrancy and saturation found in the Polaroid CUBE's output. Similarly, the out-of-the-box contrast setting is too high, resulting in videos that appear darker and shadows that appear overly black. The increased contrast also affects color rendition, altering the selected shades. In this aspect, the Polaroid CUBE performs better by offering more brightness and balanced shadows.
Moreover, the contrast issue negatively affects the ishot1's performance in low-light conditions, making it darker than necessary. Although exposure compensation can be adjusted, there is no option to modify the contrast, which further hampers low-light performance. As a result, the Zeblaze ishot1 falls behind the Polaroid CUBE in this regard, with the latter offering better performance in low-light settings. I would rate the ishot1's low-light performance as average, while the Polaroid CUBE received an above-average rating in my evaluation.
Surprisingly, the video settings menu of the ishot1 provides fewer customizable options compared to the still photo menu . It only offers exposure compensation and white balance adjustments that directly affect video quality. It would be beneficial to include additional settings such as sharpness, color saturation levels, contrast levels, the ability to select custom Kelvin temperatures, and an HDR mode in the video settings menu.
By adding these four options, Zeblaze could address the issues related to inconsistent white balance, harsh contrast, and color rendition, further improving the video performance of the ishot1.
Miscellaneous Info
One notable feature of the Zeblaze ishot1 is its automatic recording function upon power-on. When you turn on the camera, it immediately starts recording, which can be convenient for car dash cam use. However, it can also be a bit inconvenient since there is no option to disable this feature. Therefore, every time you power on the camera, you have to wait for one second of recording before you can manually stop it by pressing the shutter button. While it offers convenience, it can also be a minor annoyance. It would be beneficial if Zeblaze provided an option to turn off the auto-start recording feature.
Another impressive feature of the ishot1 is the Image Rotation setting available in the on-screen display (OSD). This feature not only rotates the image on the camera's 1.5" TFT LCD screen but also rotates the video file itself. So, if you record with the ishot1 upside down and enable this feature, the recorded video will be played back in the correct orientation on a computer or media player. While it would have been even better if the camera automatically adjusted itself, this option is a convenient workaround. Just remember to enable this setting before recording to ensure proper video orientation.
The dual LED lights on the Zeblaze ishot1 perform admirably in low-light conditions and darkness. They prove to be very useful, especially when capturing footage in challenging lighting situations. The inclusion of these dual LEDs is one of the standout features of this action camera, further enhancing its versatility and performance in various environments.
Sound Quality
One area where the Zeblaze ishot1 outperforms the Polaroid CUBE is in sound recording. The CUBE had a noticeable issue with audio sounding muffled and unclear. In contrast, the ishot1 provides much clearer and less muffled audio quality.
While the ishot1 only records audio in mono rather than stereo, it utilizes PCM format with an audio bit rate of 512kbps at a sampling rate of 32,000 KHz. This ensures a higher quality audio recording compared to the CUBE.
It's worth mentioning that although an external microphone option would have been a desirable addition, unfortunately, the ishot1 does not provide this feature.
Is It Waterproof?
While I didn't have the opportunity to verify the Zeblaze ishot1's waterproof depth rating of 60 meters, I conducted a test by accidentally dropping it into a sink filled with water. I am pleased to report that the camera showcased exceptional waterproofing capabilities. Despite being submerged, no water entered inside the action camera, and it continued to function perfectly. Even when I turned on the dual LED lights and adjusted various settings, there were no adverse effects or water damage. This demonstrates the camera's reliable waterproof design.
Battery Life
Based on my testing, I can confirm that Zeblaze's claim of the ishot1 action camera offering up to 120 minutes of battery life at the highest resolution setting of 1080p/30fps is accurate. During my tests, using both the Zeblaze branded battery and the original Samsung SLB-10A lithium polymer battery, the camera consistently provided similar battery life durations. The results ranged from 1 hour and 54 minutes to 2 hours and 5 minutes, with an average battery life of approximately 1 hour and 57 minutes. These findings align with Zeblaze's stated battery life claim, affirming that the ishot1 indeed delivers a battery life of up to 120 minutes.
Battery Life Testing Results
- Test 1 (Zeblaze battery): 1 hour, 57 minutes
- Test 2 (Zeblaze battery): 1 hour, 56 minutes
- Test 3 (Zeblaze battery): 2 hours, 1 minute
- Test 4 (Zeblaze battery): 1 hour, 58 minutes
- Test 5 (Samsung SLB-10A): 1 hour, 56 minutes
- Test 6 (Samsung SLB-10A): 1 hour, 54 minutes
- Test 7 (Samsung SLB-10A): 2 hour, 5 minutes
Test Images (With Comparison to Polaroid CUBE)
1080p Samples (Uploaded to YouTube)
(Keep in mind the original ishot1 video files are better than what YouTube showcases. YouTube likes to compress video uploads even further to maximize efficiency on their end. Original ishot1 video files are cleaner and don't have blocky pixels you might see on YouTube. Let this be a general idea of what you can expect.)
Where Can I Buy One? And for How Much?
The Zeblaze ishot1 HD Action Camera is currently available on Amazon for a discounted price of $110.99 USD with free shipping. This offer is below the regular price of $115, making it an even more attractive deal. However, please note that there are only 5 units left in stock at this price, so act quickly if you're interested.
Amazon is a preferred platform for many due to its fast and reliable shipping, honest business practices, and excellent return policy. They prioritize customer satisfaction and even refund overcharged duty costs, demonstrating their commitment to fairness. If you decide to purchase the Zeblaze ishot1 HD Action Camera or any other products from Amazon, using the provided Amazon link would greatly support us.
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Conclusion
After thoroughly discussing the shortcomings, it's time to express my overwhelming admiration for the Zeblaze ishot1 waterproof WiFi HD action camera. In all honesty, it stands as the epitome of excellence among the HD action cameras we've tested at ModSynergy. The Zeblaze ishot1 is an absolute must-have for any action camera enthusiast!
This remarkable device offers an unparalleled value proposition. It's truly astonishing that the Zeblaze ishot1 is priced at a mere $115 USD considering the extensive range of features it offers. From the sturdy hard carrying case and the sleek aluminum alloy panel to the overall solid construction, WiFi capabilities, and the inclusion of a 2.4GHz wristwatch (despite minor mapping issues), the ishot1 exudes quality. Not to mention, its exceptional waterproofing, outstanding video performance, and impressive dynamic range make it a force to be reckoned with. As a testament to its durability, I accidentally dropped the camera three times, and it emerged unscathed, proving its robustness.
Given its price point, the Zeblaze ishot1 is simply outstanding, surpassing all expectations. I would be genuinely astonished to discover any other HD action camera that can rival the ishot1 at a comparable price. In fact, the Zeblaze ishot1 boasts features and performance on par with action cameras that are priced $200-250 higher!
At ModSynergy, we grant products either our Recommended Rating or the prestigious Editor's Choice Award Rating. Although we currently lack a specific silver award, I am inclined to bestow it upon the Zeblaze ishot1 based on its current standing.
If Zeblaze can address the concerns I've raised and incorporate the suggested improvements outlined in this review, I will wholeheartedly consider awarding the ishot1 with our esteemed Editor's Choice Award rating. However, even with its current firmware revision of Ver:2.0/20150103, I can confidently and highly recommend the Zeblaze ishot1 Waterproof WiFi HD Action Camera. Well done, Zeblaze!
In light of the recommended fixes, here are the areas that I suggest Zeblaze addresses for the ishot1:
1. Video settings and still photo settings menu should include options for adjusting color saturation levels, contrast levels, and the ability to select custom Kelvin temperatures.
2. Incorporate an HDR mode for enhanced imaging capabilities.
3. Improve the automatic white balance and its presets to achieve better performance.
Additionally, Zeblaze should consider implementing the following:
1. Provide an option to disable the auto-start record feature.
2. Follow the recommended wristwatch key mapping image to enhance ease of control and take full advantage of both buttons.
3. Augment the user manual with more diagrams and photos to mitigate language barriers.
4. Clearly label the latch mechanism flap to ensure users can open it correctly and with ease.
By addressing these suggestions, Zeblaze can elevate the ishot1 to even greater heights, securing its position as an exceptional action camera in the market.
