CONCLUSION

   Due to extreme workload we’ve placed action camera reviews far at the rear of our reviews so the V8S by EKEN is actually the very first native 4k camera model to reach our lab and thus we had very high expectations from it. Because of that when we started using it we weren’t very impressed by its image quality yes even at 4k resolution. Now we don’t know if this is due to the Ambarella A12S75 processor not being at the top of the “food chain” currently or because of the Panasonic CMOS sensor which uses upscaling to reach 4k (from its native 1080p resolution) but for whatever reason the V8S image quality is far from perfect (bitrate is not a problem since our clips went as high as 72400kbps). We did compare it to several 1080p models and it’s indeed better in most cases but certainly not what we’d expect from a native 4k action camera. As for battery life EKEN claims the V8S can run for 50 minutes before the 1050mAh lithium-ion battery runs out of juice but we never made it over 40 while recording at 4k. Also we need to point out that the enclosure of the V8S runs very hot while recording at 4k so we do suggest using it in places where it’s not very hot.

   As I type these lines you can get your very own V8S Native 4k Action Camera for just USD95.99/82.74Euros directly from Banggood (by using the EKEN20%3 discount coupon) a price tag which is not really set high for a native 4k model. Still with the brand new V9S model just USD7/6Euros away from the V8S we don’t see how that’s the best possible option for consumers. True we’ve yet to check the V9S out (and it doesn’t come with a front 0.96 inch status screen) but our guess is that EKEN further improved the V8S. That being said the V8S offers a good price/performance ratio and although it may not be the best 4k action camera in the market today it’s still certainly worth checking out.

PROS

- Size & Design
- Good Image Quality (Native 4k)
- Built In 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi
- Bundle (Waterproof Housing / Tripod / Mounts)
- Android/iOS App
- Price (With Discount)

CONS

- Heat Buildup
- Battery Life (Roughly 40 Minutes)
- Tiny Price Gap With The New V9S