SJCAM SJ30 8K Dual-Lens Action Camera Review: Can It Compete with the Big Boys?

I enjoy testing small cameras to see whether they can replace or augment my iPhone for capturing video content. Most of the time, I rely solely on my iPhone, but other times I want a dedicated camera. I’ve reviewed many SJCAM cameras over the years, and while they are well-made and easy to use, they haven’t been quite good enough to earn a permanent spot in my camera toolbox. When the offer to review the new SJCAM SJ30 8K Dual-Lens Action Camera came in, I was curious enough to accept. Will this one be the best SJCAM yet? Let’s find out.

What Is It?

The SJCAM SJ30 is a small 8K dual-lens action camera with a non-removable battery that charges via USB-C.

What’s Included?

SJCAM SJ30 Charging Combo

You can buy the SJCAM SJ30 action camera in two versions: Standard Combo and Charging Combo. I was sent the Charging Combo along with some additional optional accessories. The main difference between the two packages is that the Charging Combo comes with the power handle, a coiled USB-C cable, and a drawstring pouch.

• SJCAM SJ30 camera
• Vertical-Horizontal frame
• Power handle
• USB-C to USB-C coiled cable
• Thumbscrew
• USB cable
• Microphone productive cover
• Microphone detachable Wind Guard x2
• Magnetic mount
• Polishing cloth
• Various mounting adapters
• 64Gb microSD card
• Drawstring pouch
• SJCAM stickers
• Manual

Optional Accessories

SJCAM Retractable Selfie Stick

• Retractable selfie stick ($29.90)

SJCAM Wireless Microphone

• SJCAM Wireless Microphone ($14.90)
• 2 Wind Filters
• USB-C charging cable
• Drawstring pouch
• Instructions

Tech Specs

I’m just going to list some of the SJCAM SJ30’s basic specs below. If you want the full specs, please visit the SJCAM SJ30’s product page on SJCAM’s site.

Standard Recording (Max Resolution): 8K (16:9) 20fps
Photo Resolution (Max Resolution): 48M-8640×4864
Lens: FOV: 140°
Aperture: f/2.8(Day), f/1.8(Night)
ISO Range: 100-3200
Stabilization Algorithm: SteadyMotion 2.0
Video Format: MP4
Photo Format: JPG
Waterproof: Up to 16ft(5m) without Waterproof Case / Up to 98ft(30m) with Waterproof Case
Battery Capacity: 2000mAh + 4200mAh
Weight: 162g
Dimensions: 74x52x38mm

Design and Features

The SJCAM SJ30 8K action camera looks like many other action cameras on the market. It has a black case with red highlights. The face/front of the camera has 2 forward-facing lenses. The top lens is the daylight lens and the bottom one is for night shooting. Above the SJCAM logo, there’s an indicator light that lets you and others know that the camera is in use. There’s also a removable microphone cover in the bottom left corner.

The top surface of the camera has a large shutter button, microphone, and speaker. The bottom has slots for the magnetic mounting clip. One side of the SJCAM SJ30 has the power button (which doubles as a lens switcher when the camera is powered on); the opposite side has a protective door covering the USB-C charging port and microSD card slot.

This door features a sealing plug that will protect the ports if the camera is submerged in water. You can remove the protective door to make it easier to use the powered selfie stick.

I prefer not to remove the door because I know that I’d lose it.

On the back of the camera, you’ll find the 2.51-inch flip-up touch display.

The flip-up display is a nice feature if you want to see yourself while filming a selfie video or snapping a photo.

Navigating the screens and settings on the touchscreen display with finger taps and swipes is neither new nor difficult. The screen is bright and readable in direct sunlight.

Setup and App

To start using the SJCAM SJ30 action camera, charge the battery with the included USB-C cable, insert the microSD card, and begin capturing video. But you can also install the SJCAM app on your phone for some convenient features.

Once installed, you can access the camera settings that you can customize through the app instead of navigating through the smaller display on the camera itself. You can also access the videos and photos saved on the camera, right through the app on your phone. Another feature worth noting is that you can record the camera feed through the app, too. That means you can live view and start/stop video capture through the app.

See the SJCAM SJ30 8K Dual-lens Action Camera in Action

The SJCAM SJ30 has a maximum video capture resolution of 8K at 20 fps. It’s disappointing that they didn’t include an 8K 30fps mode to make the footage a little smoother. It’s also important to note that when you use the 8K 20fps mode, you don’t get any image stabilization. I’m including an 8K clip, but I did all the rest of my testing using 6K 30 fps and 4K 30 fps modes, with and without image stabilization enabled.

I have several small cameras in my video toolbox. My current favorite is the Insta360 GO Ultra. I know it’s really not fair to compare a $450.00 camera to a $260.00 camera, but I’m going to do it anyway because I’m mean like that. 🙂 I mainly wanted to compare image stabilization between the two cameras at 4K 30ps (the Insta360 GO Ultra maxes out at 4K), so I took both cameras to a nearby park for a two-fisted walk.

Check out the video below where I show 8K, 6K, and 4K footage along with stabilization, horizon lock, the wireless microphone, night lens, and more.

Issues Discovered

If you managed to watch the entire video above, you’ll see that I discovered a few issues.

1. 8K/20FPS video is jittery
2. 8K/20FPS does not allow for any type of image stabilization
3. Wireless microphone had some choppy issues when walking about 15-20 feet from the camera
4. Wireless microphone also had some video/audio syncing issues
5. SJCAM SJ30 tends to blow out highlights when it’s very sunny – compared to an Insta360 GO Ultra

Final Thoughts

The SJCAM SJ30 is a well-made action camera with a surprisingly complete kit. Including both a microSD card and a selfie stick with a built-in battery adds real value, especially for anyone who wants to start shooting immediately without buying extra accessories.

Unfortunately, several important performance issues make it difficult to recommend. The wireless microphone’s audio and video synchronization problems are a serious concern for creators, while the headline 8K mode is compromised by the lack of image stabilization and the absence of a 30FPS option. On top of that, exposure can become unreliable in very bright outdoor conditions.

The SJ30 has some appealing hardware and thoughtful bundle extras, but its video limitations outweigh those positives. Unless SJCAM can address these issues through firmware updates, most buyers will likely be better served by a more proven action camera like my Insta360 GO Ultra.

The SJCAM SJ30 8K Dual-lens Action Camera (Charging Combo) retails for $289.00; it is available directly from the manufacturer and other retailers, including Amazon.

Source: Manufacturer-supplied review sample.

What I Like: Easy to use; Kit includes a selfie stick with a built-in battery; microSD card is included

What Needs Improvement: I wish there were an 8K 30fps mode instead of an 8K 20fps mode; 8K mode doesn’t have a stabilization option; Exposure tends to get blown out in bright sun