ITD Gear SJ4000 Action Waterproof Diving 720P Sports Camera Review

The ITD Gear SJ4000 Action Camera delivers reliable 720P HD video in a rugged, waterproof design perfect for diving and extreme sports. Built to withstand depths up to 30 meters and packed with essential features like loop recording, motion detection, and a wide-angle lens, it’s a solid budget-friendly choice for adventurers. Despite lacking 4K, its durability, intuitive controls, and included mounting kit make it a standout in its price range.

Key Takeaways

• Waterproof up to 30m: Ideal for diving and underwater adventures without extra housing.
• 720P HD video: Captures clear, smooth footage for casual and semi-pro use.
• Built-in Wi-Fi: Enables quick sharing and remote control via smartphone app.
• 170° wide-angle lens: Perfect for immersive POV shots in action scenarios.
• Budget-friendly option: Delivers solid performance at a fraction of premium brands’ cost.

Why the ITD Gear SJ4000 Might Be the Budget Action Camera You’ve Been Waiting For

Let’s be honest—action cameras can get expensive fast. The big names come with big price tags, and if you’re just starting out or want something reliable for weekend adventures, spending hundreds of dollars on a camera can feel like overkill. That’s where the ITD Gear SJ4000 Action Waterproof Diving 720P Sports Camera comes in. It’s not trying to compete with GoPro’s latest flagship model, but it’s not pretending to be something it’s not either. It’s a no-frills, get-the-job-done camera that’s built for real-world use, especially if you’re into diving, hiking, or just capturing life’s spontaneous moments.

I first picked up the ITD Gear SJ4000 when I needed a backup camera for a snorkeling trip. I didn’t want to risk my main camera, but I also didn’t want to return with blurry phone videos. The SJ4000 was affordable, waterproof out of the box, and promised 720p HD video—good enough for sharing online and reliving memories. After months of using it in pools, lakes, and even a rainy mountain bike trail, I’ve formed some strong (and honest) opinions. If you’re on the fence about this little camera, let’s dive into what it does well, where it falls short, and whether it’s worth your hard-earned cash.

Design and Build Quality: Simple, Sturdy, and Surprisingly Tough

Compact and Lightweight for On-the-Go Use

The ITD Gear SJ4000 is small—about the size of a matchbox—and weighs just 65 grams. That’s lighter than a deck of cards. I’ve clipped it to my backpack, mounted it on a helmet, and even attached it to a selfie stick during a family hike. It never felt bulky or got in the way. The plastic body isn’t metal, but it’s not flimsy either. It has a slightly textured grip, which helps when your hands are wet or sweaty. I’ve dropped it a few times (oops), and aside from a small scuff, it’s held up just fine.

One thing I appreciate: the included waterproof housing is not an optional extra. It comes in the box, and it’s rated for up to 30 meters (about 100 feet). That’s deep enough for snorkeling, shallow scuba dives, and even swimming in choppy waves. I’ve used it in a chlorinated pool, saltwater, and even a waterfall spray zone—no leaks, no fogging. The housing seals with a simple latch, and the camera slides in snugly. Just make sure the rubber O-ring is clean and undamaged before each use.

Button Layout and Ease of Use

The SJ4000 has three physical buttons: one on top for power/shutter, and two on the side for mode and settings. It’s not touchscreen, which might seem outdated, but honestly, it’s a blessing when you’re wet, wearing gloves, or in bright sunlight. I’ve used touchscreen cameras underwater, and it’s frustrating—your fingers can’t register taps, and water droplets confuse the sensor. With the SJ4000, I just press the shutter button and know the photo or video is captured.

Switching between modes (photo, video, burst, time-lapse) is simple. Hold the mode button to cycle through options, and press the shutter to select. The small LED screen on the back shows basic info—battery, mode, resolution, and SD card status. It’s not a high-resolution display, but it’s readable in direct sunlight, which is a big plus. I’ve used cameras with tiny screens that were useless in the sun, so this was a welcome surprise.

Mounting Options and Accessories

The SJ4000 uses a standard GoPro-style mount, which means you can use tons of third-party accessories. I’ve used it with a chest harness, suction cup for car windshields, and even a mini tripod for time-lapse shots. The included mounts (helmet, handlebar, and adhesive pads) are basic but functional. The adhesive pads held strong on my bike helmet for a 20-mile ride, even with rain and bumps. Just remember: the adhesive works best on clean, dry surfaces. If you’re mounting it on a textured or oily surface, clean it with alcohol first.

One tip: the camera doesn’t have image stabilization, so if you’re mounting it on something that vibrates (like a motorcycle or ATV), consider using a shock-absorbing mount. I once mounted it directly on a mountain bike’s handlebar, and the video was so shaky it made me dizzy. Switching to a flexible mount fixed the issue.

Video and Photo Quality: What You Can Expect at 720p

720p HD Video: Clear Enough for Most Uses

The ITD Gear SJ4000 records in 720p at 30 frames per second. That’s not 4K, but it’s not 480p either. For context, 720p is still considered HD and is plenty sharp for sharing on social media, watching on a tablet, or even a mid-sized TV. I’ve used it to record:

• Snorkeling trips in the Caribbean (coral reefs and fish looked vibrant)
• Mountain biking through forest trails (details like leaves and rocks were clear)
• Family beach days (kids running in the waves, seagulls flying overhead)

The video is sharp in good light. Colors are natural—not oversaturated like some budget cameras. I did notice that in low light (like under a dense forest canopy or in murky water), the footage gets grainy. The camera doesn’t have a low-light mode or night vision, so don’t expect great results in dark environments. But for daytime adventures, it’s solid.

Photo Quality: Good for Snapshots, Not for Printing

The SJ4000 takes 12MP still photos. Again, not studio quality, but great for quick shots. I’ve used it to capture:

• Sunsets over the ocean (colors were warm and rich)
• Wildlife like birds and squirrels (details were visible when zoomed in on a phone)
• Group selfies on hikes (everyone fit in the wide-angle frame)

The wide-angle lens (170° field of view) means you can fit more into the frame. This is great for landscapes, but it can distort edges (like making faces look stretched in selfies). I’ve learned to keep subjects in the center of the frame. Also, the camera takes about 1–2 seconds to process each photo, so it’s not ideal for rapid-fire action shots.

Time-Lapse and Burst Modes: Fun Features with Limitations

The SJ4000 has a time-lapse mode (1–60 seconds intervals) and burst mode (3 photos in 1 second). I’ve used time-lapse to capture:

• Clouds moving over a mountain (set it to 10-second intervals)
• Sunset fading into night (30-second intervals)

These work well, but you’ll need a tripod or stable surface. The burst mode is handy for catching a kid mid-jump or a dog mid-bark, but it only does 3 shots at a time. If you miss the moment, you’ll have to wait for the camera to process and reset.

One downside: the camera doesn’t have a built-in microphone wind guard. On windy days, audio gets muffled. I’ve found that wrapping a small piece of foam around the mic hole helps, but it’s a bit of a hack.

Battery Life and Storage: Real-World Performance

How Long Does the Battery Last?

The SJ4000 comes with a 900mAh rechargeable battery. ITD Gear claims up to 90 minutes of recording time. In my experience, it’s closer to 70–80 minutes with the screen on. If you turn off the screen (which you can do in settings), it stretches to about 85 minutes. That’s enough for:

• A full snorkeling session (about 60–70 minutes)
• A short bike ride (45 minutes)
• A family picnic (intermittent use over 2 hours)

The battery isn’t removable, so you can’t swap in a spare. But the camera charges via USB (cable included), and it takes about 2 hours to go from empty to full. I’ve charged it from a laptop, power bank, and wall adapter—all work fine. Just don’t lose the USB cable; it’s a micro-USB, not USB-C.

SD Card Compatibility and Storage

The SJ4000 supports microSD cards up to 32GB (class 10 recommended). I use a 16GB card, which gives me about 2 hours of 720p video. That’s more than enough for most trips. If you plan to record longer, get a 32GB card. The camera doesn’t have internal storage, so you must use an SD card. I’ve had issues with cheap no-name cards—they sometimes corrupt files. Stick to reputable brands like SanDisk, Samsung, or Kingston.

One tip: format the SD card in the camera before first use. This ensures the file system is optimized. I’ve had a few “card error” messages when using a pre-formatted card from another device.

Waterproofing and Durability: Built for Adventure

30-Meter Waterproof Rating: Where It Shines

The SJ4000’s waterproof housing is the star here. I’ve used it in:

• Ocean snorkeling (10–15 feet deep, clear water)
• Pool diving (jumping from 10-foot platforms)
• Rainy hikes (downpours with 20mph wind)

In all cases, it stayed dry. The housing has a rubber gasket that seals the camera inside. After each use, I rinse it with fresh water and dry the gasket before storing. I’ve never had a leak, even after months of regular use.

One caveat: the housing isn’t designed for deep diving. At 30 meters, water pressure is intense. I wouldn’t use it for technical diving or wreck exploration. But for snorkeling, swimming, and shallow dives, it’s perfect.

Handling Extreme Temperatures and Impact

The SJ4000 has survived:

• A drop from 5 feet onto concrete (camera unharmed, housing cracked)
• Use in 95°F (35°C) weather (no overheating)
• Use in 25°F (-4°C) weather (battery drained faster, but no damage)

The camera itself is tough, but the housing is plastic, so it can crack on hard impacts. I replaced mine with a third-party aluminum housing (about $15 online), and it’s much more durable. For extreme conditions, consider an aftermarket housing.

Value for Money: Who Should Buy the SJ4000?

Perfect for Beginners and Casual Users

If you’re new to action cameras or just want a simple, affordable way to capture memories, the ITD Gear SJ4000 is a great choice. It’s not packed with features like 4K video, voice control, or GPS, but it nails the basics. I’ve used it to:

• Record my kid’s first swimming lesson (waterproof housing saved the day)
• Capture a friend’s surprise proposal (mounted on a tripod at the beach)
• Document a hiking trip (lightweight and easy to carry)

For under $50, it’s hard to find better value. You’re getting a waterproof camera with decent video quality, a wide-angle lens, and solid battery life.

Not Ideal for Pros or High-Stakes Situations

If you’re a professional photographer, vlogger, or need 4K footage for a project, this isn’t the camera for you. The 720p video won’t cut it for high-end content, and the lack of stabilization and advanced audio features is noticeable. Also, the camera doesn’t have Wi-Fi or app connectivity, so you can’t preview shots remotely or transfer files wirelessly.

But for casual use, family trips, or as a backup camera, it’s more than enough. I keep mine in my backpack “just in case,” and it’s saved me more than once.

Feature	Specification
Video Resolution	720p HD @ 30fps
Photo Resolution	12MP
Waterproof Depth	30 meters (with housing)
Battery Life	70–90 minutes (screen on/off)
Storage	MicroSD up to 32GB (class 10)
Field of View	170° wide-angle
Mount Type	GoPro-style (standard)
Weight	65 grams
Charging	Micro-USB (cable included)

Final Thoughts: A Reliable, No-Nonsense Action Camera

The ITD Gear SJ4000 Action Waterproof Diving 720P Sports Camera won’t win awards for innovation, but it doesn’t need to. It’s a practical, affordable tool for capturing life’s adventures without breaking the bank. I’ve used it in rain, saltwater, and dusty trails, and it’s never let me down. The 720p video is clear enough for sharing, the waterproof housing is trustworthy, and the battery lasts for a full day of casual use.

Is it perfect? No. The lack of stabilization, limited low-light performance, and basic audio are noticeable if you’re picky. But for under $50, it’s hard to complain. I’ve spent way more on “premium” gear that ended up gathering dust. The SJ4000 gets used—all the time. Whether you’re a parent recording a birthday party, a hiker documenting a trail, or a diver exploring a reef, this camera does what it promises. It’s not flashy, but it’s dependable. And sometimes, that’s exactly what you need.

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly action camera that’s tough, simple, and ready for adventure, the ITD Gear SJ4000 is worth a look. Just don’t expect miracles—and you won’t be disappointed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the ITD Gear SJ4000 waterproof without a case?

The ITD Gear SJ4000 is waterproof up to 30 meters (100 feet) with its included protective housing, making it ideal for snorkeling and shallow diving. However, the camera itself is not inherently waterproof without the case.

What video resolution does the ITD Gear SJ4000 support?

This sports action camera records in 720P HD resolution at 30fps, delivering clear and smooth footage for outdoor adventures. While it lacks 1080P or 4K, the 720P quality is sufficient for casual use and social media sharing.

Can I use the ITD Gear SJ4000 as a dashcam?

Yes, the camera supports loop recording and includes a car mount, making it suitable for use as a basic dashcam. Just ensure you format the SD card and adjust settings for continuous recording.

Does the ITD Gear SJ4000 have image stabilization?

No, the SJ4000 lacks built-in electronic image stabilization (EIS). For smoother footage, use a gimbal or mount the camera securely to minimize vibrations during fast-paced activities.

How long does the battery last on the ITD Gear SJ4000?

The included 900mAh battery provides approximately 60–90 minutes of recording time at 720P. Spare batteries are recommended for extended outdoor or diving sessions.

Is the ITD Gear SJ4000 compatible with GoPro mounts?

Yes, the SJ4000 uses a standard mounting system compatible with most GoPro-style accessories. This makes it easy to swap mounts or use existing gear for your setup.