The shape is a bit unusual, given that in the sportcam sector we are used to products with a more austere and “cubic” look, but it must be said that the Akaso KeyChain 4K vlog camera has that white look we like, together with a large series of accessories not to be underestimated and an interesting price / performance ratio. We tried it for a few days, despite all the difficulties of this period: here is the result.
Akaso KeyChain 4K vlog camera, the review
A nice project
To be still an Indiegogo project looking for social funding, the new Akaso KeyChain 4K vlog camera by Akaso (a little-known brand in Italy but which has a very well-stocked catalog) looks very good.
In the box there are precisely the video camera (or sportcam as it is called now), the USB-A / USB-C cable for charging, a rod for mounting on the desk or flat, the magnetic clip for mounting on clothes and a rubberized protective coating for the most dangerous tasks.
It is accompanied by a small printed instruction manual, although mostly the App for iOS and Android does everything. Aesthetically, as mentioned, the camera is a small white egg: in the front there are the lens (124 °) and six LEDs for lighting while underneath there are the USB-C connector, the sled for the MicroSD (not included in the package, we used this) and the reset button.
The part of the connectors is protected by a rubber closure for splashes and sand: the review is closed by a rear screw useful for attaching to the floor pedestal.
First connection
The camera is independent as far as shooting is concerned: two side buttons, with blue / yellow LEDs and a haptic feedback that regulate the main activities such as switching on, switching off and start and stop for videos: this allows you to use the camera even without a smartphone, in situations where this is not suitable.
For the first connection to the App, instead, you rely on the internal network of the Akaso KeyChain 4K vlog camera, to which you connect from your smartphone for data access and live streaming. Here, in fact, the App shows here and there a bit of immaturity with mechanisms that, while functioning correctly, do not have the fluency that is expected.
An alternative, but not too much use of the Akaso KeyChain 4K vlog camera: our home gamekeeper wasn't too happy, but after a while he was is adapted
However, we remind you that the product is in pre-order on Indiegogo, not for actual sale, which means that the Akaso guys still have some time for the final checks.
At the moment it doesn't seem possible to transfer videos and photos wirelessly (we used this with the Mac mini): in our tests the videos are recorded in .mov, AAC / H.264, perfectly manageable by QuickTime, while for photos there is is the possibility to use both the more common Jpeg and a more professional RAW (CR2).
It is not a security room, but if necessary it can become one (for short periods)
Technical data
From a technical point of view, the Akaso KeyChain 4K vlog camera offers the ability to record video at resolutions such as 3840 × 2160 (4K) at 30fps, 2.7k60fps, 1080P60fps, 1080P30fps, 720P120fps. 720P60fps in normal speed and 1080P60fps, 720P120fps, 720P60fps in slow motion.
The Time Lapse frequency is 1sec, 3sec, 5sec, 10sec, 30sec up to 1min with variable resolution photos from 5MP to 20MP. The internal battery has an estimated duration varying between 45 and 60 minutes, a factor that we can validate even if on average it is a few minutes less.
Akaso KeyChain 4K vlog camera is also water resistance with IP56 certification (it does not fear splashes or light rain but cannot dive), six-axis EIS 2.0 stabilizer. In particular, the stabilizer works well, even if as we see, it shows limits in some situations such as the car at high speed. In the example below, the video was clearly compressed for publication, but no post production was done.
Very good in photos, where the white balance and especially the lighting work well. In general, the video and photo signal is very good, the colors are vivid and the distortion given by the lens is as expected.
Usage
Although from a technical point of view the Akaso KeyChain 4K vlog camera is a camera and a video camera suitable for everyday use and also sporty, thanks to the ability to stick to clothes and record the user's point of view, it is clear that the extreme lightness, the shape and the accessories broaden the spectrum of use.
Thanks to streaming it can be used to monitor (publicly or privately) a room or a part of it in a discreet way, recording or not. It can be attached to a dress or why not, to the dog's collar to understand how he sees us but also trivially used as a second or third camera in a multiple take when recording a complex process, as well as perfect to be positioned in front of the dashboard. of the car to record its interior or a moving stretch of road.
The cost, particularly interesting also considering the addition of the MicroSD, is suitable both as a gift for a Ntale that will arrive shortly, and for those who may already have an iPhone but want a more streamlined and less important device for shooting on the fly as for those who an iPhone doesn't have it for the same reason. Or for those who have an inexpensive smartphone without a video stabilizer and want something more for their shooting.
1 of 12 
Some examples of photos: the RAW originals have been converted for publication without any intervention 
Considerations
The Akaso KeyChain 4K vlog camera project is intriguing: the ability to easily manage 4K movies and RAW photos puts it in competition with more professional devices even if, in this specific sector, pro and prosumer equipment often merge the bands. market.
An App with ample room for improvement does not cast a bad light on a simple, robust product with a jaunty look to use on the fly when needed, without fear.
Pro:
• Interesting look • 4K video capability • 20 MP photos (also in RAW) • Lightweight and with various accessories
Cons:
• The App can be improved • The autonomy is one hour
Price:
• 84.00 Euro (on Indiegogo)
Akaso KeyChain 4K vlog camera is currently an Indiegogo project and readers can take advantage of the very low price on the official campaign page.
