2017 DBPower 4K WiFi Action Camera Touch Screen Accessory Review

The 2017 DBPower 4K WiFi Action Camera Touch Screen Accessory delivers exceptional value with stunning 4K video, intuitive touchscreen control, and seamless wireless connectivity. Compact yet rugged, it excels in outdoor adventures, offering sharp image quality and easy sharing via a dedicated smartphone app—all at an affordable price.

Key Takeaways

• 4K video quality: Capture stunning, ultra-HD footage with ease.
• WiFi connectivity: Instantly share videos via smartphone app.
• Touchscreen interface: Navigate settings quickly and intuitively.
• Wide-angle lens: Record immersive, full-scene action shots.
• Waterproof case: Shoot underwater up to 30 meters deep.
• Long battery life: Record up to 90 minutes continuously.

The Adventure Camera That Almost Got Away

Remember that time you tried to capture your friend doing a backflip off a cliff, only to realize your action camera was too slow to start recording? Or when you fumbled with tiny buttons underwater, missing the perfect shot of a sea turtle swimming by? I’ve been there. And that’s exactly why I was so excited to test the 2017 DBPower 4K WiFi Action Camera Touch Screen Accessory.

This little gadget isn’t just another camera in the crowded action cam market. It’s a solid contender for anyone who wants crisp 4K footage, easy controls, and a touch screen that actually works—without breaking the bank. Whether you’re biking down mountain trails, snorkeling in tropical waters, or just documenting your kid’s first skateboard ollie, this camera promises to keep up. But does it deliver? After weeks of real-world testing—on trails, in pools, and even during a sudden downpour—I’ve got the lowdown.

What’s in the Box? First Impressions & Build Quality

Unboxing the Experience

Let’s start with the unboxing. The DBPower 4K WiFi Action Camera comes in a compact, no-nonsense box. Inside, you’ll find:

• The camera itself (with a built-in touch screen)
• A waterproof case (rated to 30 meters)
• A rechargeable 900mAh battery
• USB charging cable
• Quick start guide
• Basic mounting accessories (handlebar, helmet, and adhesive mounts)
• Lens cleaning cloth

Right off the bat, I appreciated the inclusion of multiple mounts. Most budget cameras skimp here, forcing you to buy extras. Not DBPower. The mounts feel sturdy, and the adhesive pads are surprisingly strong—after a 3-hour mountain bike ride, the camera stayed put on my handlebars with zero wobble.

Design & Durability

The camera is compact, about the size of a matchbox, and weighs just 58 grams without the case. It’s not the lightest on the market, but it’s not bulky either. The front has a 2-inch LCD touch screen, which is a standout feature at this price point. The screen is responsive—no frustrating taps that do nothing. I tested it with wet fingers (after kayaking), and it still worked fine.

The body is made of matte plastic with rubberized grips on the sides. It feels durable but not premium. I dropped it once from waist height onto gravel, and it survived with only a tiny scuff. The waterproof case, however, is the real hero. I took it snorkeling in Hawaii, and after 45 minutes underwater at around 15 meters, not a drop of moisture got in. That’s impressive for a $100 camera.

Pro tip: Always double-check the case’s rubber seal before submerging. A tiny grain of sand can compromise the seal. I learned this the hard way with another camera—now I always wipe the seal clean.

4K Video & Photo Quality: Does It Hold Up?

Video Performance in Real-World Conditions

The big selling point? 4K video at 30fps (frames per second). For context, most budget action cams max out at 1080p. But 4K isn’t just about resolution—it’s about detail. I filmed a sunset over the ocean, and the colors were vibrant, with clear textures in the waves and clouds. The dynamic range (how well it handles light and shadow) isn’t as good as a GoPro, but it’s far better than older 1080p models.

Here’s how it performed in different scenarios:

• Daylight: Crisp, colorful footage. Even in direct sunlight, the camera didn’t blow out the highlights (overexpose bright areas).
• Low light: This is where it struggles. At dusk, footage gets grainy and loses detail. Not unusable, but not great either. Stick to well-lit environments for the best results.
• Fast motion: The 4K/30fps setting is smooth for biking or hiking. But for high-speed activities (like skiing), the 1080p/60fps mode is better—it reduces motion blur.

Example: I filmed a friend doing trail jumps on a mountain bike. In 4K, the footage looked sharp, but the 1080p/60fps version captured the motion more clearly, with less “jello effect” (wobbly footage caused by camera shake).

Photo Capabilities

The camera shoots 16MP stills, which is decent for an action cam. Photos are clear in daylight but lack the depth and detail of a DSLR. That’s expected. What surprised me was the burst mode—you can take 10 photos in one second. I used this to capture my dog chasing a ball, and got a few perfect action shots.

However, the camera lacks a manual mode. You can’t adjust shutter speed, aperture, or ISO. So if you’re into creative photography, you’ll be limited. But for casual snaps during adventures, it’s more than enough.

Tip: Use the “Time-Lapse” mode for sunsets or cloud movements. It’s pre-programmed and easy to set up—just tap the screen, and it automatically takes photos at intervals (e.g., every 5 seconds).

WiFi & Mobile App: Control from Your Phone

Setting Up the WiFi Connection

The DBPower camera has built-in WiFi, which lets you control it via a free app (available for iOS and Android). Setup is simple:

1. Turn on the camera’s WiFi (it acts as a hotspot).
2. Connect your phone to the camera’s network (name and password are in the manual).
3. Open the app, and it connects automatically.

The app is called “DBPower ActionCam,” and it’s… functional. It’s not as polished as GoPro’s app, but it gets the job done. You can:

• Start/stop recording
• Change video/photo settings
• View a live preview of the camera’s feed
• Download footage to your phone

Real-World App Performance

I used the app while filming my brother skateboarding. Instead of running back and forth to start/stop the camera, I just tapped my phone. The live preview is handy—it lets you frame your shot without guessing. But there’s a catch: the WiFi connection has a 10-meter range, and it’s not always stable. In a crowded park, the signal dropped once. Also, the app sometimes freezes when downloading large 4K files. Not a dealbreaker, but annoying.

Workaround: If the app crashes, just turn the camera off and on. It reconnects automatically 80% of the time. For long recording sessions, I kept my phone in my pocket with the app open—this helped maintain the connection.

Remote Control Without a Phone

No phone? No problem. The camera also pairs with a wrist remote (sold separately). It’s a tiny button you wear like a watch. One press starts recording; two presses takes a photo. I didn’t test this, but it’s a great option for divers or skiers who don’t want to fumble with their phone.

Battery Life & Storage: The Practical Side

How Long Does the Battery Last?

The included 900mAh battery lasts about 90 minutes when recording 4K video. That’s decent, but not amazing. Here’s what I found:

• 4K/30fps: ~90 minutes
• 1080p/60fps: ~110 minutes (less processing = less battery drain)
• Photo mode: ~120 minutes (with occasional bursts)

I filmed a 2-hour hike, and the battery died halfway through. Annoying, but fixable. The solution? Buy a second battery. They’re cheap (around $10), and swapping them takes 10 seconds. Pro tip: Always charge both batteries before a trip.

Storage & File Management

The camera uses microSD cards (up to 64GB). It doesn’t come with one, so you’ll need to buy it separately. Here’s a quick guide:

• 16GB card: Holds ~20 minutes of 4K video
• 32GB card: Holds ~40 minutes
• 64GB card: Holds ~80 minutes

I used a 64GB card for a weekend trip, and it was perfect. But remember: 4K files are huge. A 5-minute 4K clip is about 1GB. So if you’re filming for hours, you’ll need multiple cards or a laptop to offload files.

Tip: Format the card in the camera before first use. This reduces the risk of file corruption. Also, use a card with Class 10 or UHS-I speed—slower cards can cause dropped frames in 4K mode.

Accessories & Mounting: What Works (and What Doesn’t)

Included Mounts: A Solid Start

The camera comes with three basic mounts:

• Handlebar mount: Fits bike and motorcycle bars. The rubber grip prevents slipping.
• Helmet mount: The adhesive pad holds well, but I wouldn’t trust it for high-speed activities. Use a strap for extra security.
• Adhesive mount: Great for flat surfaces (e.g., kayak deck). The adhesive is strong—I used it on a surfboard, and it survived 2 hours in saltwater.

All mounts use a standard GoPro-style interface, so you can swap them with aftermarket accessories. That’s a huge plus. I already had a chest mount from my old GoPro, and it worked perfectly with the DBPower camera.

Third-Party Accessories: Expand Your Options

The DBPower camera is compatible with most GoPro accessories. I tested a few:

• Floating hand grip: Keeps the camera afloat if dropped in water. Essential for kayaking.
• Selfie stick: The camera’s wide-angle lens (170°) is great for vlogging.
• Tripod mount: Useful for time-lapse videos. The camera’s small size makes it perfect for travel.

However, not all accessories are created equal. I tried a cheap “universal” suction cup mount from Amazon. It worked on my car window for 5 minutes before falling off. Lesson learned: stick to reputable brands.

Pro tip: For underwater filming, use a red filter (sold separately). It corrects color distortion in blue water. Without it, your footage will look overly blue.

Final Verdict: Should You Buy It?

Let’s be real: the 2017 DBPower 4K WiFi Action Camera Touch Screen Accessory isn’t perfect. The low-light performance could be better. The app isn’t flawless. And the battery life won’t win any awards. But for under $100, it punches way above its weight.

Here’s who should consider it:

• Budget-conscious adventurers: If you want 4K footage without spending $300 on a GoPro, this is a steal.
• Casual vloggers: The touch screen makes framing shots easy, and the wide-angle lens captures everything.
• Water sports enthusiasts: The waterproof case is reliable, and the camera handles splashes like a champ.

And who might want to skip it?

• Professional filmmakers: You’ll miss manual controls and advanced features.
• Night owls: The low-light performance isn’t great. Stick to daylight shoots.
• Long-haul travelers: The 90-minute battery life is limiting for all-day filming.

Final tip: Buy a second battery and a 64GB microSD card. These two add-ons make the camera much more versatile. I also recommend a floating hand grip for water use—it’s saved me from losing the camera more than once.

Bottom line? The DBPower 4K WiFi Action Camera is a solid, affordable option for anyone who wants to capture their adventures in high resolution. It’s not perfect, but it’s reliable, easy to use, and packed with features you’d expect on a camera twice the price. If you’re looking for a no-frills 4K action cam that won’t let you down, this one’s worth a shot.

Data Table: Key Specifications

Feature	Specification
Video Resolution	4K/30fps, 1080p/60fps, 720p/120fps
Photo Resolution	16MP
Screen	2-inch LCD touch screen
WiFi	Yes (with app control)
Battery	900mAh (90 minutes 4K recording)
Waterproof	30m with included case
Storage	MicroSD up to 64GB
Lens	170° wide-angle
Weight	58g (camera only)
Accessories Included	Waterproof case, 3 mounts, USB cable, cleaning cloth

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the 2017 DBPower 4K WiFi Action Camera stand out from other action cameras?

The 2017 DBPower 4K WiFi Action Camera combines 4K Ultra HD video recording, a responsive touch screen, and built-in WiFi for seamless smartphone control. Its budget-friendly price and included accessories (like mounts and a waterproof case) make it a strong contender for beginners and enthusiasts alike.

Does the touch screen on this DBPower 4K action camera work well underwater?

The touch screen functions reliably in most conditions, but underwater performance is limited due to water interference. For underwater filming, physical buttons or the companion app via WiFi are recommended for better control.

Can I use the 2017 DBPower 4K WiFi Action Camera with GoPro mounts?

Yes, this camera is compatible with most GoPro-style mounts and accessories thanks to its standard mounting design. The package includes multiple mounts, but you can easily expand your setup using third-party GoPro accessories.

How long does the battery last on the DBPower 4K WiFi Action Camera?

The included 900mAh battery provides approximately 90 minutes of 1080p recording (or 60 minutes at 4K). Spare batteries are available for purchase, making it easy to extend your filming time.

Is the 2017 DBPower 4K WiFi Action Camera good for vlogging or YouTube?

Absolutely. With crisp 4K resolution, built-in image stabilization, and a wide-angle lens, it captures high-quality footage suitable for vlogging. The WiFi feature allows quick transfers to your phone for editing and uploading.

What accessories come with the 2017 DBPower 4K WiFi Action Camera?

The kit includes a waterproof case (up to 30m), bike mount, helmet mount, clip mount, USB cable, and two batteries. This comprehensive accessory set ensures you can start filming right out of the box.