Home Reviews ,,,,, Cyber Layman tries the Andoer AN 1 action cam, with a square shape and a slightly retro flavor, with excellent performance, and some prominent elements, such as the large touch screen. He has many arrows in his bow, but also something to scold when he goes underwater
Aesthetics
Let's start with aesthetics. The action cameras have, more or less, all the same shape and size. Yet this Andoer AN1 has something different. Rather than being stretched horizontally, like most similar cams, this one has a square shape, which gives it a slight vintage look. Overall it is very beautiful to look at, both in the black color on test, and in the other white one available on Amazon. On the front only the large lens stands out, while on the upper part the shutter button. On one side, hidden by a flap, there are MicroSD, Mini HDMI and, unfortunately, a MiniUSB inputs. The latter format, actually somewhat outdated, requires the user to carry an additional cable for charging the device, when a very common MicroUSB input would have allowed the use of the cable of any Android smartphone. In any case, the MiniUSB cable is included in the package.
Speaking of the contents of the latter, Andoer includes a myriad of accessories, including supports for helmets and bikes, as well as numerous other accessories such as cleaning cloths and zip ties to attach it anywhere. A second battery is not included in the bundle.
On the back there is a large 2.31-inch display, with LCD technology, which allows you to navigate the camera interface in a precise, comfortable and intuitive way. This is an added value for action cameras in this price range. Always responsive, it allows you to explore the numerous menus available, which otherwise would have been inconvenient to manage from the physical keys on the sides of the room. Obviously, when inserted inside the underwater case, this functionality is lost, being able to manage the entire camera from the keys present on the plastic of the diving suit.
Although the camera allows you to record videos in 4K and 2K, Andoer AN 1 performs at its best when the resolution is set to 1080p at 60 FPS. In the video test below you can see the difference between the first part, shot at Full HD resolution and the second shot in 2 and 4K, which although of excellent quality, offers obvious lag. In short, those who want a camera to shoot in Ultra HD will have to head towards more expensive shores, while Andoer AN1 offers quality performance for Full HD. In short, Novatek 96660 chipset and Sony IMX078 sensor with 170 ° wide-angle lens, do their duty.
As the video above shows, the camera manages to offer a rather satisfactory quality, in relation to the price. The colors are very saturated and bright, a feature that could annoy, because it makes the colors not too natural, but which is actually appreciated very much. The image is bright, bright and overall absolutely enjoyable.
As far as the photographic department is concerned, AN1 does not behave badly at all. Obviously the quality is not very high, but absolutely in line, and perhaps a little more, compared to all the action cameras on this low price range. It cannot in any way replace a mid-range smartphone, but in good light conditions you can get a shot, all in all sufficient.
Underwater use
The sales bundle, as already mentioned, is full of accessories. It also includes an underwater case, which is why there seems to be no reason not to test it in the water. Andoer AN1 is certified, at least according to the manufacturer's data sheet, for dives up to 30 meters. In a first descent into the depths of the sea we were able to take it with us up to about 27 meters, without apparent problems. Unfortunately, however, at a second descent, just 10 meters deep, the water began to undermine the plastic diving suit, especially at the side buttons. Needless to say, the photos just below are the last we were able to take with the device.
A small misadventure that could ruin the dives of some divers intent on resuming the sea depths. We don't know if anything went wrong with our diving suit, but the advice is not to immerse the action cam so deep. Evidently the first descent to almost 30 meters brought the plastic to such a critical point that it cracked in the second dive.
Conclusions
Andoer AN1 is a camera with a good value for money and that really deserves it, as long as you stay in the maximum resolution of 1080p at 60 FPS. The advice is to pay attention to go down to 30 meters deep, but otherwise an excellent device with many arrows in its bow: a bundle full of accessories and touch screens on all.
On Amazon it is available in different black and white colors. You can buy it directly at this address at 85.98 euros.
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