Yi 4K Action Camera Zwart Met Waterdichte Case Review

The Yi 4K Action Camera Zwart delivers stunning 4K video and smooth stabilization at a budget-friendly price, making it a top contender in the action cam market. Included with a rugged, waterproof case, it’s ready for underwater adventures down to 40 meters without extra housing. Compact, intuitive, and packed with pro features, it’s ideal for thrill-seekers who want high-quality footage without breaking the bank.

Key Takeaways

• 4K video quality: Captures sharp, vibrant footage in all lighting conditions.
• Waterproof case: Enables dives up to 40m without damage.
• Long battery life: Records 120 minutes of 4K video per charge.
• Intuitive touchscreen: Easy navigation and settings adjustments on the go.
• Versatile mounting: Compatible with most action cam accessories for flexibility.
• Wi-Fi and app support: Seamless sharing and remote control via smartphone.

Yi 4K Action Camera Zwart Met Waterdichte Case Review: Is It Still Worth It in 2024?

Let’s be honest—finding the perfect action camera isn’t easy. You want crisp 4K video, rock-solid stabilization, and a camera that won’t die when you hit the surf. That’s why I was excited to test the Yi 4K Action Camera Zwart met waterdichte case. I’ve spent weeks with it, from mountain biking in the Dutch dunes to snorkeling in shallow coastal waters, and I’ve got a lot to say.

This isn’t just another “it’s good for the price” review. I’ve compared it to my old GoPro, borrowed a friend’s DJI Osmo Action, and even used it side-by-side with my iPhone 14 Pro. What I found? The Yi 4K Action Camera isn’t perfect, but it’s a surprisingly strong contender—especially if you’re on a budget. And yes, that waterdichte case (waterproof case) is a game-changer. Let’s dive in.

Unboxing & First Impressions: What You Get

What’s in the Box?

When you open the Yi 4K Action Camera Zwart met waterdichte case box, you’re greeted with:

• The Yi 4K Action Camera (black, sleek, and surprisingly lightweight)
• Waterdichte case (rated IP68, up to 40 meters)
• Rechargeable 1400mAh battery
• USB-C charging cable
• Quick-release mounting bracket
• User manual (in Dutch, English, and German)
• Two adhesive mounts (one curved, one flat)

No SD card, which is standard, but I wish they included a small one—just to get started. The waterdichte case feels solid. Not “military-grade” heavy, but it’s got a reassuring click when you close it. The buttons on the case are responsive, and the lens cover is scratch-resistant.

Design & Build Quality

The camera itself is compact—about the size of a matchbox—and weighs just 98 grams. The matte black finish resists fingerprints, and the rubberized side grips make it easy to hold. The touchscreen (2.2 inches) is bright enough to see in sunlight, though it’s not as vibrant as a smartphone screen. The waterdichte case adds a bit of bulk, but it’s still comfortable to hold or mount.

One thing I loved: the case has a built-in lens protector. No more worrying about sand or salt spray scratching the front. The only downside? The case makes the touchscreen less responsive. You’ll need to press a bit harder to swipe or tap.

Video & Photo Quality: Does It Deliver on 4K?

4K Performance: Crisp, but Not Flawless

The Yi 4K Action Camera shoots 4K video at 30fps (frames per second), 2.7K at 60fps, and 1080p at up to 120fps for slow motion. I tested all three, and here’s the breakdown:

• 4K/30fps: The footage is sharp, with good color accuracy. I shot a sunset walk on the beach, and the sky gradients looked natural—no banding or over-saturation.
• 2.7K/60fps: This is my go-to setting. It balances resolution and smoothness. I used it for mountain biking, and the motion looked fluid, even when I hit bumps.
• 1080p/120fps: Slow-motion is fun, but the image is softer. It’s fine for casual use (like my dog chasing a ball), but not for professional edits.

The camera uses a Sony IMX377 sensor, which is the same one in the GoPro Hero 5. That’s a good sign—it’s a proven performer. But the Yi’s software processing isn’t quite as polished. In high-contrast scenes (like a bright sky over a dark forest), the camera struggles a bit with dynamic range. The sky gets blown out, or the shadows get crushed.

Photo Mode: 12MP, But Not a DSLR

The Yi 4K Action Camera takes 12MP photos. They’re fine for social media or quick snaps, but don’t expect DSLR quality. I compared a photo from the Yi to my iPhone 14 Pro, and the iPhone won—sharper details, better low-light performance. That said, the Yi’s photos are good enough for most adventures. I took a shot of a seagull mid-flight, and it looked great on my Instagram feed.

Tip: Use the “Burst Mode” for action shots. It shoots 10 frames per second, which is perfect for catching fast-moving subjects (like my friend jumping off a dock).

Low Light & Night Performance

This is where the Yi 4K Action Camera struggles. In dim light (like a campfire at dusk), the video gets noisy. The camera boosts the ISO too much, and you end up with grainy footage. It’s usable for casual clips, but not for anything serious. For night shots, stick to well-lit areas or use an external light.

Stabilization & Audio: Smooth, But Noisy

Electronic Image Stabilization (EIS): Good, Not Great

The Yi 4K Action Camera has built-in EIS, which is software-based. It’s not as smooth as GoPro’s HyperSmooth or DJI’s RockSteady, but it’s decent. I tested it on a bumpy bike ride, and the footage was watchable—no nausea-inducing jitters. But if you’re doing extreme sports (like downhill mountain biking or skydiving), you’ll notice some wobble.

Pro tip: Use the “High” EIS setting for 1080p video. It crops the frame a bit, but the stabilization is much better. For 4K, stick with “Standard”—the crop is too severe.

Audio Quality: The Weakest Link

The built-in mic is… okay. It picks up your voice fine in quiet environments, but in windy or loud places (like a concert or a busy street), it’s terrible. The wind noise is overwhelming, and voices get muffled. The waterdichte case makes it worse—the mic is muffled, and you lose a lot of clarity.

Solution: Use an external mic. The Yi 4K Action Camera has a USB-C port, so you can plug in a lavalier mic (like the Rode Wireless GO II). I tried it at a beach party, and the audio was crystal clear. If you’re vlogging or doing interviews, this is a must.

Battery Life & Connectivity: Real-World Performance

How Long Does the Battery Last?

The Yi 4K Action Camera comes with a 1400mAh battery. Here’s what I found:

• 4K/30fps: ~60 minutes (with screen on, Wi-Fi off)
• 1080p/60fps: ~90 minutes (same conditions)
• Standby (screen off): ~3 hours

That’s average for an action camera. The battery life drops if you use Wi-Fi or the screen a lot. I recommend carrying a spare battery (sold separately) for longer shoots. The battery charges via USB-C in about 2 hours—fast enough for a mid-day recharge.

One nice feature: the camera has a “Battery Save” mode. It dims the screen and disables Wi-Fi after 3 minutes of inactivity. It’s not a game-changer, but it helps.

Wi-Fi, App, & Remote Control

The Yi 4K Action Camera connects to your phone via Wi-Fi (2.4GHz only). The Yi Action app (iOS and Android) lets you:

• Live preview the camera’s view
• Start/stop recording
• Change settings (resolution, stabilization, etc.)
• Download and share videos

The app works, but it’s not perfect. The connection can be laggy, especially in crowded Wi-Fi areas (like a festival). I had to reconnect it a few times. The live preview is useful for framing shots, but the delay (about 1 second) makes it hard to use for fast action.

The camera also supports a remote control (sold separately). I didn’t test it, but it’s handy for selfies or group shots.

Waterproof Case & Durability: Built for Adventure

How Waterproof Is the Waterdichte Case?

The waterdichte case is rated IP68, which means it’s dustproof and waterproof up to 40 meters. I tested it in three scenarios:

• Snorkeling (1-2 meters): No issues. The case held up, and the buttons worked fine. I shot a video of fish near the shore, and it looked great.
• Kayaking (splashing water): No leaks. The case is sealed tight, and the lens stayed clear.
• Rain (heavy downpour): The camera survived, but the touchscreen was unresponsive. I had to use the physical buttons.

The case is a must for water sports. Without it, the camera is only splash-proof (IPX7). The case also protects the lens from scratches and impacts. I dropped it once (from about 1 meter), and the case took the hit—no damage to the camera.

Durability & Longevity

The Yi 4K Action Camera feels sturdy. The buttons are clicky, and the ports (USB-C and microSD) are well-protected. I’ve used it for weeks, and it’s held up well. But I’ve heard from other users that the battery door can wear out over time. Mine is still tight, but it’s something to watch.

The waterdichte case is durable, but the rubber seals need maintenance. After saltwater use, rinse it with fresh water and dry it thoroughly. If the seals get damaged, the case won’t be waterproof.

Value for Money: Is the Yi 4K Action Camera Zwart Worth It?

How Does It Compare to GoPro & DJI?

Here’s a quick comparison with the GoPro Hero 11 Black and DJI Osmo Action 4:

Feature	Yi 4K Action Camera Zwart	GoPro Hero 11 Black	DJI Osmo Action 4
Price (2024)	€180-220	€450-500	€380-420
4K Video	30fps	60fps (with stabilization)	60fps (with stabilization)
Stabilization	EIS (good)	HyperSmooth 5.0 (excellent)	RockSteady 3.0 (excellent)
Waterproof (without case)	IPX7 (1m)	10m	18m
Battery Life (4K)	60 min	90 min	120 min
App Quality	Decent	Excellent	Excellent

The Yi 4K Action Camera is much cheaper, but it’s not as advanced. If you’re a casual user—hiking, biking, snorkeling—it’s a great choice. If you’re a pro or do extreme sports, the GoPro or DJI is worth the extra money.

Who Should Buy It?

The Yi 4K Action Camera Zwart met waterdichte case is perfect for:

• Beginners who want 4K on a budget
• Travelers who need a rugged, waterproof camera
• Parents recording kids’ sports (soccer, skateboarding, etc.)
• Content creators who don’t need pro-grade stabilization

It’s not ideal for:

• Professional videographers
• Low-light or night filming
• Extreme sports with heavy vibrations

Final verdict? If you want a reliable, affordable action camera with a solid waterproof case, the Yi 4K is a smart buy. It’s not perfect, but it’s a great value for the price.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Yi 4K Action Camera Zwart Met Waterdichte Case truly waterproof without additional housing?

The included waterdichte case is rated for depths up to 40 meters, making the camera fully waterproof for snorkeling, swimming, and shallow diving. However, the camera body itself (without the case) is only splash-resistant, not submersible.

How does the Yi 4K Action Camera compare to GoPro in image quality?

The Yi 4K delivers sharp 4K/30fps video and 12MP photos, rivaling mid-range GoPro models in daylight. However, dynamic range and low-light performance are slightly inferior to higher-end GoPro Hero models.

Can I use the Yi 4K camera with the waterdichte case for vlogging?

Yes, the waterdichte case has a touchscreen-friendly back panel, allowing full menu control. Note that audio quality is muffled when the case is sealed, so it’s best for outdoor or underwater vlogging.

Does the Yi 4K support live streaming or webcam functionality?

No, the Yi 4K Action Camera Zwart lacks built-in live streaming or USB webcam mode. It’s designed primarily for recording footage to microSD cards for later use.

What accessories are included with the Yi 4K Action Camera Zwart set?

The package includes the 4K camera, waterproof case (waterdichte case), 1x battery, USB-C cable, and basic mounts. Additional accessories like extra batteries or adhesive mounts are sold separately.

How long does the battery last when recording 4K video?

The 1400mAh battery provides about 120 minutes of 4K/30fps recording. Battery life drops to ~70 minutes when using 4K/60fps or electronic stabilization, so carrying spares is recommended.