MINI V8 camera: DJI Action 2 alternative? Hell NO!

The Tisi MINI V8 is a DJI Action 2 size 4K action camera with impressive specifications that weighs less than 60 grams. Its small size attracted my attention because it is easy to install on FPV drones. As the only review found on this unknown camera was made by Tedward from Canada and he gave 5 stars, I decided to test it personally before recommending it to anyone else.

Action cameras were a necessity a few years ago because they were the only compact waterproof, wide-angle, high-resolution cameras on the market and if you wanted the best one you could choose between a GoPro or a… GoPro. In the past few years, the action camera market has expanded greatly and the competition is so big that now is hard to find the right camera for your money. Unfortunately, there are tons of knock-offs and bad products out there, so before you pull the trigger I suggest reading some honest user reviews.

MINI V8 aka DSAK 4K action camera advertised specs

• Similar weight and size as the DJI Action 2 (50*42*35.5mm/58.5g);
• SC2363H CMOS image sensor;
• IP68 rating (waterproof up to 10 meters);
• 1.54 Inches IPS HD color live-view screen;
• 850mAh Polymer Lithium Battery (about 2hours working time);
• Magnetic charging socket;
• 4K (2880×2160) 24fps or 1080P (1920×1080) 60/30fps video formats;
• Car and Motion detection modes;
• Tripod mount.

Tisi MINI V8 Viran camera in-depth review

Disclosure: I received this 4K action camera as part of a product review collaboration with Banggood. Product specs and quality may vary according to the manufacturer’s reliability, so I cannot guarantee that you will get a product that performs exactly the same as seen in my article.

The package was delivered in 3 weeks to my door with all taxes covered (IOSS). The camera is packed in a nice handbag with the following accessories: bicycle stand, helmet mount, 3x adapter brackets, fixed seat, J-seat, 4x straps, wipe clothing, tripod-GoPro adapter, Bluetooth remote controller, and magnetic USB data/charging cable.

At a glance

I was surprised that on this price tag you got tons of accessories and a handy bag. The action camera itself looks toyish compared to a GoPro. It measures just 50*42*35.5mm and weighs 57 grams. By comparison, the DJI Action has a size of 39 x 39 x 22.3mm and 56 grams. Both are waterproof without a case down to 10meters.

On the back, it has a 1.54″ rectangular color live-view display and two status LEDs (power and recording indicator). The magnetic charging port is on the left side of the camera. The concept is great, but the implementation is poor. The magnets are weak and the cable is easily detached. Also, the cable cannot be attached if the camera stays in a normal position -making it difficult to use it as a webcam.

At the bottom of the camera, there is a standard tripod mount that allows being attached to different surfaces using one of the included accessories. The 800mAh lithium polymer battery is inbuilt (cannot be replaced) and allows about 2 hours of continuous usage.

When is connected to your computer via the USB, the camera prompts you to select one of the following modes: file transfer, web camera (720p), or charging.

Control buttons

The Mini V8 camera has two buttons on top (Power and Shutter) and another three (Up, Down, and Settings) on the right side. Navigating through menus is easy even without reading the user manual beforehand.

For remote operation, you can use the wristwatch type Bluetooth controller. For more advanced remote control you can use your phone with GoPlus Cam APP. Via WIFI connection you can display the camera’s real-time video feed, start/stop recording, change working mode, and transfer files.

MINI V8 camera price and options

Pricing for the Tisi MINI V8 will depend on the internal memory you go for – the camera is available for $98.99 with 64GB internal memory and $112.99 for the 128GB version. Both versions can be ordered in orange or green camouflage colors. You can find this camera also under ‘DSAK 4K’ product name in blue color.

Image quality and resolution

From the camera’s menu, you can set the following resolutions: 4K@60fps/24fps, 1080P@60fps/30fps. Of course, I was most curious to test how it performs at 4k@60fps downloading the file but I noticed that the file was captured at FHD@30fps. Next, I switched to 4K@24fps and the output was the same 1920×1080 @ 30fps, actually regardless of what recording format I set, the captured files are always 1920×1080@30fps. Looking over the images sensor’s specs, I found out that the SC2363H is used in cheap 2MP dashcams.

As you can see in the sample footage above, besides fake resolution, the image quality suffers in lack of details and slow response in light-level changes.

For whom is it?

The MINI V8 is definitively not for iPhone users or someone who has ever tested a GoPro camera. Its image quality is so bad that they would feel insulted. Instead, if you don’t have great expectations from image quality and you are looking for an affordable compact multipurpose action camera, the Mini V8 could be a good compromise for you. For only 100 bucks it features built-in memory and comes with tons of mounting accessories including a storage bag. It can be remotely operated via the Bluetooth controller or WiFi phone. Furthermore, it is waterproof up to 10 meters without a dedicated case.