Action cameras are everywhere and most people used them at some point. Most of us imagine Action cams as a rectangle matchbox shape and yes, most Action cams look like that, except the one I’m going to review today.
Today I’m going to take a look at the OCLU 4K camera.
Oclu is an Arizona-based company, that introduced to the world a very unusual 4k action camera that packs in some interesting features that should get the attention of anyone that is looking for an action camera.
What’s in the Box?
- OCLU action camera
- USB cable
- Quick start guide
- Battery
- stickers
- OcLink mount
- Microfiber Bag
- OCLU stickers
Accessories I have received:
Design, Features, and Functionality
The OCLU 4k camera is a uniquely designed water-resistant action camera.
To be more precise, its IPX7 water-resistant and you’re not obligated to use a water protective case.
OCLU has received six different awards including the iF Design Award, the Red Dot Design Award, and the European Product Design Award.
The OCLU 4k has a full-color screen on top and a small front screen(low energy) screen. Both of the screens are none-touch screens.
Battery & Charging
The OCLU action camera charges its battery with the OcSnap magnetic USB charging cable. I really found this cable to be very convenient and useful. I love that I just place the round magnetic end to the back of the camera and it snaps right on. It’s also convenient that with this magnetic charging cable connected to the camera and your computer you can view the photos and videos that you captured.
In terms of battery life, it’ll film for about 50 minutes if you leave the big screen on. Putting it in sleep mode will double your recording time.
Fly Editing
The OCLU action camera has a very unique process of deleting unwanted footage during live recording with a simple press of a button. Why is it useful? OCLU says, this feature prevents content overload, allowing your best shots easy to be found and accessed.
It’s a very good idea as most of the time we have storage issues and lots of unwanted footage. With the fly editing function, we could cut away the unwanted footage and free valuable space.
Now, keep in mind, there really isn’t an option to review the bad footage later on. You will have to make that edit it right after filming and decide whether to keep or cut that footage.
There are 3 photo resolutions of the OCLU action camera, 12MP, 8MP, and 5MP and 5 Modes you can use, Burst Mode, Continuous Loop Recording Time Lapse, Motion Recording, and MultiPhoto.
It shoots videos at 4K at 30 fps and 1080p at 120 fps for slow-motion.
The 4K image quality is very good and you’re getting very sharp pictures thanks to the 12-megapixel resolution.
On the bottom, we have a built-in 1/4 thread, and usually, you won’t see it built-in on many action cams, a great bonus. You don’t have to attach a separate mount or case while using the OCLU with a tripod.
On the front, we have the OCLU lens, camera’s microphone that is located just on the other end of the lens, and a low energy screen.
There are two more microphones located on either side of the On/Record button.
The video quality was very good, I’m quite impressed with how good it was.
I kept the camera on automatic and most of the time I didn’t change anything and OCLU did a good job. I was surprised in a good way at how the sharpness and contrast looked on the footage.
OCLU action camera other Manual settings are Spot Metering, ISO Limit, and White Balance. The picture quality was just as good as the picture video the video quality although I do understand that most people will use video recordings.
One-Touch Record function was very useful, When you have this feature turned on in the camera settings you will be able to just press the Power/Record button and the camera will turn on and automatically start recording video. after you press the Power/Record button again then the camera will stop recording and automatically turns off.
Camera Settings
In the camera settings in the Switch menu, you can change the audio recording to Stereo, Top, or Front. I like having these independent microphones in these locations because it gives you options to capture audio recordings.
OCLU App
Using the app you can remotely control the camera functions like many other action cams. The app interface is nice and simple and the app can only be viewed in portrait mode, meaning you won’t be able to view it in on full screen. It’s not a big inconvenience and its something you can work with.
Accessories
OCLU provided me with a bunch of accessories and I was very surprised by the high quality they are made of. On top of that, I noticed how detailed they were, even the blots on some of the parts were branded with the OCLU logo. Each accessory was packed in a branded plastic bag( not the original cheap plastic) and it shows a lot (at least to me) about how the brand wants to be seen by his clients.
OcBar
With the help of the OcBar you are able to mount your OCLU to handlebars, poles, or railings or any bar diameters from 9mm to 35mm.
The grip is made from high friction, shock-absorbent silicone that will hold tight, without damaging your kit and could be used with Bikes, Sails, motorcycles.
Specifications:
Weight: 3.46 ounces
Dimensions: (62 x 97 x 18.5)mm – (2.44 x 3.82 x 0.73) Inches
Whats included?
- Handy travel bag
- Right angle adapter
- OcBar bar mount
OcShell
OcShell is an IPX8 waterproof housing, the housing is waterproof to 50 meters or 150 feet. Protects your OCLU and produces crystal clear shots underwater thanks to the rugged waterproof case.
The OcShell repels water droplets from the glass thanks to hydrophobic coating. And overall protections from against impact, grit, and water.
Weight: 3.6 ounces
Dimensions: (85 x 70 x 58)mm – (3.35 x 2.76 x 2.28) Inches
Whats included?
- Handy travel bag
- OcShell Waterproof Case
OcDock
OcDock is a magnetic mount that can be used indoors or outdoors to level and steady your shootings.
Weight: 2.9 ounces
Dimensions: (36 x 29 x 36 ) mm – (1.42 x 1.14 x 1.42) Inches
What’s included?
- OcDock Magnetic mount
OcWrap
OcWrap is a durable and stretchy mount that can easily be attached to your OCLU to handlebars, seat posts, ski poles, etc.
Weight: 2.9 ounces
Dimensions: (37 x 72 x 42) mm – (1.46 x 2.83 x 1.65) Inches
OcGrip
A floating hand grip, slip-resistant and durable in wet conditions.
OcGrip floats vertically and because its vivid green handles its easy to spot above the surface.
It can be used in many envoirmets like Scuba, Surf, Sail, Travel, Snorkel, Snow and basically anything requiring a handle grip.
Weight 3.8 ounces
Dimensions (39 x 220 x 20) mm – (1.54 x 8.66 x 0.79) Inches
What’s included?
1x OcGrip floating grip mount
OcFix
A mount that allows you to quickly and easily mount to smooth surfaces.
Can convert the OCLU into a fully functional dashcam.
Weight 4.0 ounces
Dimensions (74 x 74 x 40) mm – (2.91 x 2.91 x 1.57) Inches
What’s included?
1x OcFix suction mount
1x Travel bag
1x Right angle adapter
1x Extender arm
OcBond
OCLU Adhesive mount to any flat or curved surface. Three mounts in a pack.
Weight 3.0 ounces
Dimension (40 x 52 x 20) mm – (1.57 x 2.05 x 0.79) Inches
What’s included?
- 3x Adhesive mounts
Specifications
- Size: 2.4″ in. x 2.4″ in. x 1.1″ in. (62.5mm x 61.5mm x 28mm).
- 3.6 oz. (101g) with a battery.
- f2.5 150° ultra-wide
- IPX7 water-resistant.
- Records H.264 BP/MP/HP Level 5.1 and MJPEG.
OCLU video resolutions:
4K 16:9 (30,24 fps)
2.7K 16:9 (30,24 fps)
2.7K 16:9 SuperView (30, 24 fps)
2.7K 4:3 (30, 24 fps)
2.5K 16:9 (60, 30, 24 fps)
1080 FHD 16:9 (120, 60, 30, 24 fps)
1080 FHD Superview (60, 30, 24 fps)
720 HD 16:9 (240, 120, 60, 30, 24 fps)
720 HD Superview (120, 30, 24 fps)
My Opinion
The Oclu has a solid and impressive action camera. It’s not designed like the average action camera and that’s what I like about it. The video quality very impressive and you can easily produce a sharp 4K video and solid stills.
I have to mention the amazing build quality, not only the dashcam itself but also the accessories that go with it. I would love to see a 4K setting with 60fps and an option to switch to landscape mode on the OCLU app. Other than that, If you’re looking for new action cam that can be used in many environments thanks to the various accessories and you value quality products, OCLU action camera is something you should definitely consider.
Price: Now 199$, Usually 299$
Oclu Action Cam + Accessories CAN be purchased from :
Oclu Action Camera
Accessories
Disclosure: Oclu Action Cam + accessories were sent to me by Oclu for reviewing.
