Monoprice MHD Action Camera App Review Features and Tips

The Monoprice MHD Action Camera App delivers seamless control and real-time preview for your MHD camera, making it easy to capture high-quality footage on the go. With intuitive features like remote recording, photo capture, and instant playback, the app enhances usability whether you’re biking, hiking, or vlogging. Setup is quick, and its stable connection ensures you never miss the perfect shot.

Key Takeaways

• Download the app: Essential for remote control and live preview.
• Stable connection: Ensure strong Wi-Fi to avoid disconnections.
• Adjust settings: Customize resolution and frame rate in-app.
• Use geotagging: Enable location tracking for better photo organization.
• Firmware updates: Regularly check for app and camera updates.
• Battery saving: Turn off Wi-Fi when not using the app.

Why the Monoprice MHD Action Camera App Deserves Your Attention

Let’s be honest: action cameras are fun, but they’re only as good as the app that controls them. If you’ve ever fumbled with a confusing interface or lost precious footage because of a buggy connection, you know how frustrating it can be. That’s why the Monoprice MHD Action Camera App caught my eye. I’ve been testing it for weeks, and I’m here to share what it does well, where it falls short, and how to get the most out of it.

Monoprice has built a solid reputation for offering budget-friendly tech without sacrificing quality, and their MHD action camera is no exception. But the real game-changer? The companion app. It’s not just about remote control—it’s about unlocking the camera’s full potential. Whether you’re a weekend adventurer, a vlogger, or just someone who loves capturing memories, this app aims to make your life easier. Let’s dive into the details and see if it delivers.

Getting Started: Installation and First Impressions

Downloading the App and Pairing Your Camera

Setting up the Monoprice MHD Action Camera App is straightforward—once you know the steps. Here’s what I did:

• Download the app: It’s available on both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. Search for “Monoprice MHD” and grab the official app (there are a few knockoffs, so be careful!).
• Power on your camera: Turn on the MHD action cam and enable Wi-Fi mode. The camera broadcasts its own Wi-Fi network (look for a name like “MHD-XXXX”).
• Connect your phone: Open your phone’s Wi-Fi settings and connect to the camera’s network. The default password is usually “12345678” (check the manual if it’s different).
• Open the app: Launch the Monoprice MHD app, and it should automatically detect the camera. Tap “Connect,” and you’re in!

Pro Tip: If the app doesn’t connect, try restarting both the camera and your phone. Sometimes the Wi-Fi handshake gets finicky, especially if you’ve previously paired the camera with another device.

User Interface: Clean but Slightly Dated

The app’s design is functional but not flashy. It’s clear Monoprice prioritized usability over aesthetics. The home screen shows a live preview from your camera, with large, easy-to-tap buttons for:

• Starting/stopping recordings

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• Taking photos
• Accessing settings
• Viewing saved media

What I like: The buttons are big and spaced out, so you’re less likely to hit the wrong one mid-action (like when you’re skiing down a slope or chasing your dog at the park). But the overall look feels a bit “2015”—think flat icons, minimal animations, and a color scheme that’s more “practical” than “premium.” It’s not a dealbreaker, but it’s not going to win any design awards.

Key Features: What the App Can (and Can’t) Do

Live Preview and Remote Control

The app’s standout feature is the live preview. This lets you see exactly what your camera sees on your phone screen in real time. It’s incredibly useful for framing shots, especially in tricky angles like mounting the camera on a helmet or bike handlebars.

How it works: Once connected, the app streams a low-latency video feed from the camera. The quality isn’t 4K (it’s more like 480p), but it’s smooth enough for quick adjustments. I tested it while biking—my phone in my pocket, camera on the handlebars—and it was easy to check if the shot was level or if my handlebars were in frame.

Limitations: The preview has about a 1-second delay, which isn’t ideal for fast-paced action. Also, the feed occasionally stutters if you’re in a crowded Wi-Fi area (like a festival or sports event). But for most everyday use, it’s reliable.

Photo and Video Capture

You can start/stop recordings and snap photos directly from the app. The controls are responsive, and there’s a handy countdown timer for selfies (3 seconds, by default). I love this for solo adventures—no more running back and forth to hit the camera button.

Example: I used this feature while hiking. I set up the camera on a tripod, walked into frame, and triggered the photo with my phone. No awkward selfie arm or timer fumbling!

Tip: Use the app’s burst mode for action shots. Hold the photo button, and it’ll snap 3-5 photos in quick succession. Great for catching that perfect wave or jump.

Settings and Customization

The app lets you tweak camera settings remotely, including:

• Resolution: Choose from 4K, 1080p, 720p, etc.
• Frame rate: 30fps, 60fps, 120fps (for slow motion)
• Field of view (FOV): Wide, medium, narrow
• Exposure: Adjust brightness for backlit scenes

This is where the app shines. Instead of fiddling with tiny camera buttons, you can fine-tune everything from your phone. I used the exposure slider to fix a sunset shot that was too dark—no need to reshoot!

Caveat: Some settings (like stabilization or white balance) are locked behind the camera’s physical menu. You can’t adjust them in-app, which feels like a missed opportunity.

Media Management: Accessing and Sharing Footage

Viewing and Downloading Files

The app’s Media Gallery lets you browse photos and videos stored on your camera. Tap a file to preview it, then download it to your phone with a single tap. This is way faster than removing the SD card and plugging it into a computer.

How I use it: After a day of kayaking, I’d connect the camera, download the best clips, and delete the rest to free up space. The download speed is decent—about 2-3 seconds per 100MB of video.

Problem: The gallery loads slowly if you have hundreds of files. I once waited 10 seconds to see thumbnails after a 3-day trip. Monoprice should add a “recent files” filter to speed this up.

Sharing to Social Media

Once downloaded, you can share files directly to Instagram, Facebook, or YouTube. The app handles resizing and compression automatically. I tested this with a 4K video—it took 30 seconds to shrink to 1080p for Instagram, which is reasonable.

Tip: Before sharing, check the file size. The app doesn’t warn you if a video is too large for a platform. I accidentally tried to upload a 2GB file to Twitter, which failed (Twitter’s limit is 512MB). Always preview the compressed version first!

Performance and Reliability: The Good, the Bad, and the Glitchy

Wi-Fi Connection Stability

The app connects via Wi-Fi, not Bluetooth, which means you get a faster, more stable link. But Wi-Fi has range limits. The camera’s signal reaches about 30 feet (10 meters) in open areas, but walls or metal objects cut that in half.

Real-world test: I mounted the camera on my kayak’s bow and kept my phone in my pocket. It worked perfectly until I turned around—the signal dropped when the kayak’s fiberglass hull blocked the Wi-Fi. For best results, keep the phone within 15-20 feet and avoid physical barriers.

Battery Drain: A Hidden Cost

Using the app drains both your phone’s battery and the camera’s battery faster. The camera’s Wi-Fi mode is a power hog—I noticed a 20% drop in battery life during a 30-minute live preview session. Your phone’s battery also takes a hit, especially if you’re using the screen constantly.

Solution: Carry a portable charger. I keep a small 5,000mAh battery in my backpack for extended shoots. Also, turn off the camera’s Wi-Fi when not in use—it stays on by default, which wastes battery.

Glitches and Bugs

The app isn’t perfect. Here are the issues I encountered:

• App crashes: Happened twice when switching between camera modes. A simple restart fixed it.
• Preview freezes: Occasionally, the live feed would freeze for 5-10 seconds. Refreshing the connection (turning Wi-Fi off/on) helped.
• File corruption: One 4K video I downloaded had audio sync issues. It’s rare, but always double-check important files.

Monoprice has released updates to address some bugs, but the app still feels like it needs more polish. If you’re relying on it for professional work, have a backup plan (like a secondary camera or manual controls).

Pro Tips: Getting the Most Out of the App

Optimize Your Settings for the Situation

Don’t leave everything on “auto.” Use these presets for common scenarios:

Scenario	Resolution	Frame Rate	FOV	Exposure
Action sports (biking, skiing)	1080p	60fps	Wide	0
Slow motion (waterfalls, jumps)	720p	120fps	Medium	+0.7
Travel vlogging	4K	30fps	Wide	-0.3
Low light (sunset, indoors)	1080p	30fps	Narrow	+1.0

Why this works: 60fps smooths out fast motion, while 120fps lets you slow things down dramatically. The FOV adjustments help avoid distortion (wide) or zoom in on details (narrow). Exposure tweaks prevent blown-out skies or dark shadows.

Use the App as a Remote Monitor

For vloggers or content creators, the live preview is a game-changer. I set up the camera on a tripod, framed my shot, and used my phone as a monitor to check my framing, lighting, and background. No more “wait, was I in the shot?” moments.

Pro move: Enable the app’s grid lines (in settings) to help with composition. The rule of thirds is your friend!

Back Up Your Files Regularly

Don’t rely on the app as your only backup. After downloading files, move them to your phone’s gallery, cloud storage, or a computer. I learned this the hard way when my camera’s SD card failed after a beach trip—luckily, I’d already downloaded the best clips.

Bonus tip: Label your files with dates/locations. The app doesn’t add metadata, so a folder named “Kayak Trip 05-2024” is easier to find than “VID_0032.”

Final Verdict: Is the Monoprice MHD Action Camera App Worth It?

After weeks of testing, I’d say the Monoprice MHD Action Camera App is a solid tool for casual users and hobbyists. It delivers on the basics—live preview, remote control, and easy file sharing—and the price (free!) is hard to beat. But it’s not without flaws. The interface feels dated, the Wi-Fi range is limited, and the occasional bug can be frustrating.

Who should use it?

• Adventure enthusiasts who want quick, remote access to their camera
• Vloggers needing a simple way to frame shots
• Budget-conscious buyers who don’t want to pay for a GoPro

Who might want to look elsewhere?

• Professionals needing rock-solid reliability
• Users who prioritize sleek, modern app design
• Anyone shooting in crowded Wi-Fi areas (like festivals)

At the end of the day, the app does what it promises: it makes your Monoprice MHD camera more versatile and user-friendly. It’s not perfect, but it’s a great example of how a well-designed (if simple) app can elevate a budget gadget. If you’re already using the MHD camera, download the app—you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it. And if you’re shopping for an action camera, the app’s features make Monoprice a compelling choice for the price.

Just remember: no app is a replacement for good technique. Learn your camera’s physical buttons, test your setup before the big moment, and always have a backup plan. Happy shooting!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Monoprice MHD Action Camera App?

The Monoprice MHD Action Camera App is a companion mobile application designed to connect, control, and manage your Monoprice MHD Action Camera wirelessly. It allows users to adjust settings, preview footage, and transfer files directly to their smartphone or tablet.

How do I connect my Monoprice MHD Action Camera to the app?

To connect, ensure your camera is powered on and in Wi-Fi mode. Open the Monoprice MHD Action Camera App, select your device from the available list, and follow the on-screen prompts to establish a secure connection via Wi-Fi.

Can I use the Monoprice MHD Action Camera App to live stream videos?

The app does not support live streaming, but it lets you preview your camera’s view in real time, making framing shots easier. You can start/stop recording and adjust settings remotely using the app interface.

Does the Monoprice MHD Action Camera App support 4K video transfer?

Yes, the app supports transferring 4K video files from your camera to your mobile device, though transfer speed depends on your Wi-Fi connection and device capabilities. Lower-resolution proxies may be used for smoother previews.

Is the Monoprice MHD Action Camera App compatible with both iOS and Android?

Yes, the Monoprice MHD Action Camera App is available on both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store, offering full functionality for iOS and Android devices with updated operating systems.

What are some tips for getting the most out of the Monoprice MHD Action Camera App?

Keep your camera and app firmware updated for optimal performance, and use the app’s grid and level tools for better shot composition. For faster transfers, ensure minimal Wi-Fi interference and close background apps on your phone.