Actual Video: SJCAM 5000 vs Playground Cam200

I finally had the time to take and upload sample videos taken using  SJ5000 and Cam200. Hope the video will help you decide on what affordable action camera to buy. Can't wait to use my SJ5000 to trip to Korea next week. =)

SJ5000 vs Cam200 from Rommel Beciete Gomez on Vimeo.

SJ5000

After my bad experience with Playground’s Cam200, I finally decided to get an SJCAM. As I mentioned in my previous post, I only bought Cam200 because SJCAM was not available in malls. Initially, I only wanted to buy cameras in stores/mall thinking that it offers better “after sale services” but due to bad experience with Playgound, I settled in buying my SJCAM from an online store (https://www.facebook.com/ASUSph). Now, there is a store in Glorietta (near Buffet101) selling SJCAMs.

I only spend P4,870 for the following items:

• SJ5000 wifi (P4,400)
• Extra battery  (P220)
• External charger (P250)

Mall price of SJ5000 is P5,990.

The quality of SJ500 (in terms of box, camera, and accessories) is way better than Cam200.

• SJ5000’s packaging uses materials similar with cellphone boxes. (Cam200 uses only ½ carton and ½ plastic casing)
• SJ5000 includes more mounts/accessories;
• SJ5000’s camera and accessories feels more sturdy. All the mounts are individually wrapped;
• SJ5000 is more affordable than  Cam200 (see computation below);
• SJ5000’s system/settings are more flexible. You can change the ISO, lighting and exposure.

	SJ5000	Playground’s Cam200
Camera	4,400	4,990
Tripod Mount	Included	500
Extra Batter	220	790
External Charger	250	No available external charger
Total Peso Damage	P4,870	P6,280

After computing the Peso damage of both cameras, I realized how much money I wasted buying Cam200. What I learned is that don’t settle for what is available. I’ll be posting comparative videos and photos for SJ5000 and Cam200 soon! For now, enjoy the unboxing pictures! =)

 

 

 

 

affordable action camera, sj5000 sjcam

Additional Review for Playground Cam200

Addendum to Playground Cam200 review: 

The extra battery I bought last 31 July 2015 is not working. I was not able to use it in my Thailand trip last August. It’s literally money down the drain. We returned it to Ambassador late August for replacement or service warranty, but Playground (according to Ambassador) refused to replace or even repair it. The reason that they gave us is that it is the battery that came with the camera and they don’t offer any service warranty for that. When we raised that the camera was only bought late March, less than six month old from date of purchase, they still refuse to repair it. We are really frustrated with the situation because, (1) it took them more than a month to inform us that they won't repair/replace the battery; (2) the batteries don’t have any serial number, thus we cannot determine if their representation is true; and (3) giving them the benefit of a doubt, provided that the battery is the one that came with the camera, I was able to use it for only one trip within four months. I’m a camera enthusiast and took care of Cam200 like I do with all the cameras I own. I even kept it in a dry box and remove the battery from the camera when I’m not using it. I will no longer buy any Playground products due to bad quality and poor service.

Original Review

Finally, I have the time to write/upload my long overdue review on the performance of Playground’s Cam200. Overall performance is fairly decent for its price. Video quality, as expected, is superb but photo quality is a bit disappointing as pictures are somewhat pixelized. Full rants and raves are listed below.

1. The free remote control can only access the camera few feet away probably a meter.
2. Battery runs out fairly quickly particularly if you’re using the wifi to connect your phone as remote control.
3. I bought additional battery from Ambassador Appliance in Makati for my travel next week but I was surprised that it cost P790. I remember a post in facebook (late June) that SRP is only P490. I have no choice but to buy the expensive battery as other accredited/playground carrier stores (memo express and others) in Robinsons Ermita do not sell Playground Cam200 batteries. The battery doesn’t come with a charging station unlike batteries of other affordable action camera.
4. Symagix, phone application to access the camera via wifi, is easy to use.
5. Of course, worry free use because it is affordable and you can replace it anytime.

Camera can't be accessed by the free remote control beyond this point

OR of battery purchased

Amazing captures of Playground Cam200

Tags: PLayground Cam200, Actual Photos, Actual Videos, Review, Affordable Action Camera

Review: Playground's Cam200

Addendum to Playground Cam200 review: 

The extra battery I bought last 31 July 2015 is not working. I was not able to use it in my Thailand trip last August. It’s literally money down the drain. We returned it to Ambassador late August for replacement or service warranty, but Playground (according to Ambassador) refused to replace or even repair it. The reason that they gave us is that it is the battery that came with the camera and they don’t offer any service warranty for that. When we raised that the camera was only bought late March, less than six month old from date of purchase, they still refuse to repair it. We are really frustrated with the situation because, (1) it took them more than a month to inform us that they won't repair/replace the battery; (2) the batteries don’t have any serial number, thus we cannot determine if their representation is true; and (3) giving them the benefit of a doubt, provided that the battery is the one that came with the camera, I was able to use it for only one trip within four months. I’m a camera enthusiast and took care of Cam200 like I do with all the cameras I own. I even kept it in a dry box and remove the battery from the camera when I’m not using it. I will no longer buy any Playground products due to bad quality and poor service.

Original Review
Summer is coming and action cameras are becoming a necessity to capture those vacation moments (extreme or not). After scouring the net for the most affordable action/sports camera, I was torn between SJ4000 (around Php4,500) and GoPro Hero entry level (around Php8,000). Both have amazing reviews and output quality (as uploaded by reviewers). GoPro is still “GoPro” but the limitations of their entry level version will really be an issue for me operationally as it has no remote control capability, battery is attached to the camera body (no option of replacing the battery), no view pane and it is much more expensive than SJ4000. Since I’m neither an adrenaline junkie nor a professional traveler, I decided for the more affordable SJ4000. Unfortunately, after searching in Robinsons Place Ermita and Glorietta, there are no stores offering SJ4000 for sale. Ambassador Appliances in Glorietta offered Playground’s Cam200 in lieu SJ4000. I was hesitant to purchase at first because there are no review available in the internet on Playground’s Cam200. After realizing (around 30 minutes) that I badly want an action camera, I purchased Playground’s Cam200 for P4,990 (cash sale price). For credit card purchase, selling price is P5,250. (Caveat on price changes) Here are the details and pictures of Playground’s Cam200.

The box and feel of the packaging is similar to GoPro Hero4.

The unit itself looks like the SJ400 (based on pictures in the net).

The box includes hard casing, bike mount, remote control, charging cable, another mount with strings attached to it (not sure on how to use it. Probably it’s a helmet mount.), and another piece of casing (black color).The 32gb micro SD is sold separately forP1,990. I’m a bit disappointed that it doesn’t include a tripod mount which is already included in the SJ4000 package (again, based on reviews in the internet).

The camera has three shooting modes which are video, car and photo. Unlike the SJ400 which you could really change the settings, (based on this review à https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xnHDu-oW7_Y) video and photo settings of Cam200 are limited. This is a minor issue for me as I think I can update the camera’s firmware to suit my “settings” needs. Another boohoo for me is the battery is not charging using the cable provided which needs to be connected in a computer’s USB port. I think the battery’s power requirement is much higher than what the USB port is providing. I used my cell phone’s (Samsung) charger to charge Cam200’s battery and it worked.

Cam200’s output is pretty cool (see below). Exposure and color saturation are better than my Agfa Full-HD Eclipse Explorer. It has 1080 video capture with field of view of 170° and frame rate of 60fps. Overall, I’m satisfied with my Cam200. For a 1080 ultra wide wifi enable camera, P4,990 is really cheap. Who am I to complain? Plus, it has a one-year manufacturer’s warranty. I’m excited to use it next week for our Binondo food trip adventure.

Photo taken by Cam200

Side by side video with  5-yr old Agfa Full-HD Eclipse Explorer
I apologize if the videos are not synchronized and are compressed by blogger. 

I noticed that the photo information mentioned that camera maker is sunplus. You may also want to check out reviews of sunplus camera  before buying.

Tags: affordable action camera, affordable sports camera, playground cam200, pinoy product

Home Renovation: Triple-R Builders (long overdue review)

If you are looking for affordable and quality Manila contractor, Triple-R Builder is the one for you. We were able to furnish our condo unit for just P150k (caveat on price increase). The scope of work includes labor and materials for the following:

(1) Double size bed (with drawers);

(2) Single size bed  (with drawers);

(3) Dining table;

(4) Shoe cabinet;

(5) Shower enclosure;

(6) Installation of water heater; (water heater provided by owners)

(7) Bathroom cabinets and mirrors;

(8) Kitchen back splash;

(9) Additional kitchen counter;

(10) Installation of chandeliers (chandelier and lights provided by owner); 

(11) Hanging cabinets and TV rack; and

(12) Wardrobe cabinet.

What is even more amazing than the affordability of Triple-R Builders is the professionalism and kindness of Mr. Rio Raz. He was trust worthy, easy to work with and accommodating. He even helped us to transfer furniture and fixtures from our old condo. Below are some of the pictures of our new home (sorry for the mess. we're still moving in when the photos were taken)

Scope of Work. Designs were taken from pinterest

Simple mosaic type back splash and additional counter

TV Rack and Hanging Cabinet

Dining and Living Area

Bed with pull-out drawers

Wardrobe Cabinet

Shower enclousre

Bathroom cabinets and mirrors

Tags: Affordable Contractor, DMCI Condo, Manila Contractor, Carpentry Works, Condo Renovation,

Soler Adventure: The Hunt for the Perfect Lights

We scouted for lights in Soler this afternoon and it was really fun. There were plenty people, food and vendors in the street.

street pancakes

view from Carriedo Station LRT

  

Going to Quiapo

 Going there (from Vito Cruz):

-          Take the North Bound LRT then alight at Carriedo Station.

-          Soler street is about 500-meter walk from the station (towards Recto St.)

-          For easy reference, please see map below

Below is the list of stores we visited.

MEGA ACCENTS

S-4 G/F Republic Supermarket Bldg

716 Florentino Torres cor. Soler St., Sta. Cruz Manila

simple chandelier for P5000 (may tawad pa)

Also P5000 with tawad

ranges from P800 to P2500 per piece

PROVIDENT LAMPS AND LIGHTING SYSTEM

716 Republic Supermarket Bldg.,

GF Stall 3 Florentino Torres cor. Soller St., Sta. Cruz Manila

Silver 3-tube lights - P4+++ (ask for discount)

6-piece adjustable lights (P4500)

3-way chandelier (P6000) changes color from warm, white to cool white

Square lead light for P4200 (3-way light also. warn, white and cool white)

While looking, this adorable fur ball pops in.

LA LUCE INTERIOR

(We were not able to get calling card)

1505 HOMECARE MARKETING

No. 1505 Soler St., Sta. Cruz Manila

Towel rack double- P2,200

corner glass P1800

individual corner glass P280

GOLDEN JADE LIGHTING & DECO

1507 Soler St. cor Tomas Mapua, Sta. Cruz Manila

TILES AND LIGHTS

Tel no. 708-35-22

musical chandelier P5000

Overall, we loved the sales personnel from PROVIDENT LAMPS AND LIGHTING SYSTEM (not to mention Taz) but GOLDEN JADE LIGHTING & DECO offered more variety. Price ranges from P800 to P200,000. Simple chandeliers and drop lights are priced from P1,500 to P6,000 (3-way lights already). Always ask for discounts. =)

Good thing that Lucky China Town is at the end of the stretch of Soler St to end our day with a nice meal.

traffic going home

 tags: Soler St Manila, Soler Manila, Affordable lights for home, Affordable chandeliers, Living room lights, track lights, dining room lights, lights manila, lights supply, cheap lights manila, lights for condominiums, direction going to Soler St.