New Tachyon XC Micro Helmet Mount Waterproof Video Action Camera Review

The New Tachyon XC Micro Helmet Mount Waterproof Video Action Camera delivers pro-grade 4K footage in a rugged, ultra-compact design—perfect for extreme sports and wet-weather adventures. With advanced image stabilization, a secure low-profile helmet mount, and 100% waterproof housing up to 100 feet, it captures smooth, immersive POV footage in any environment.

Key Takeaways

• Compact & lightweight: Ideal for helmet mounting without added bulk.
• True 4K video: Captures ultra-HD footage in all conditions.
• Waterproof to 30m: Dive deeper without a housing case.
• Secure mount system: Stays fixed during high-speed action.
• Long battery life: Record up to 120 minutes per charge.
• Quick app pairing: Instantly review and share clips via Wi-Fi.

First Impressions: Unboxing the Tachyon XC Micro

Imagine this: You’re standing at the top of a mountain trail, your heart racing, your adrenaline pumping, and you want to capture the descent in stunning detail. You reach for your action camera, but instead of a bulky device, you’re holding something tiny, sleek, and ready to go—the new Tachyon XC Micro Helmet Mount Waterproof Video Action Camera. This little powerhouse promises to deliver high-quality video without weighing you down. After spending some quality time with it, I can confidently say it lives up to the hype—mostly.

The Tachyon XC Micro is a compact, lightweight action camera designed for adventurers, athletes, and content creators who need reliability and versatility. It’s waterproof, mountable, and packed with features that make it a strong contender in the crowded action camera market. But is it the right fit for you? Let’s dive into the details and find out.

Design and Build Quality: Small but Mighty

When I first unboxed the Tachyon XC Micro, I was struck by its size. It’s smaller than a matchbox, and the first thing you notice is how light it feels. This isn’t just a marketing gimmick; the camera weighs just 55 grams, making it one of the lightest action cameras I’ve ever used. But don’t let its size fool you—this camera is built to last.

Materials and Durability

The Tachyon XC Micro is encased in a rugged, matte-finish plastic shell that feels solid in your hand. The buttons are well-placed, easy to press, and have a satisfying click. The camera is rated IP68 waterproof, meaning it can be submerged in up to 30 meters of water for 30 minutes. I tested this by taking it snorkeling in the Caribbean, and it held up perfectly. No fogging, no leaks, and the video quality was crystal clear. This makes it ideal for water sports like surfing, diving, or even just capturing your kids’ pool antics.

One thing I appreciated was the included protective case. It’s not just for looks—it adds an extra layer of durability, especially when you’re mounting the camera to a helmet or bike. The case is also designed to reduce wind noise, which is a big plus for motorcyclists or cyclists who want clear audio.

Mounting Options and Accessories

The Tachyon XC Micro comes with a variety of mounts, but the standout feature is the helmet mount. It’s a simple, low-profile adhesive mount that sticks securely to any helmet surface. I used it on my mountain bike helmet, and it stayed put even during a particularly rough trail ride. The mount is also compatible with most standard GoPro mounts, so if you already have a collection of mounts from other cameras, you’re in luck.

For those who want more flexibility, there are additional mounts available, including a chest strap, a handlebar mount, and a suction cup mount for cars or boats. The chest strap is particularly handy for capturing POV shots, like when I was hiking through a forest. The video had a natural, first-person perspective that felt immersive.

One small gripe: The adhesive on the helmet mount isn’t reusable. Once you stick it, you’re committed. If you want to move it to a different helmet, you’ll need a new mount. It’s not a dealbreaker, but it’s something to keep in mind if you plan on using the camera on multiple helmets.

Video and Image Quality: Capturing the Action

Now, let’s get to the heart of the matter: How does the Tachyon XC Micro perform when it comes to capturing video and photos? The short answer is: really well. The camera records in 4K at 30fps, 1080p at 60fps, and 720p at 120fps for slow-motion footage. The 120fps option is perfect for capturing fast-paced action, like a skateboard trick or a sprint down a mountain trail.

Resolution and Frame Rates

The 4K footage is sharp, with good color accuracy and dynamic range. I tested it in various lighting conditions, from bright sunlight to overcast skies, and the camera handled them all admirably. The 1080p 60fps mode is my personal favorite—it strikes the perfect balance between resolution and smooth motion. The 720p 120fps mode is great for slow-motion shots, but the lower resolution is noticeable if you’re viewing on a large screen.

One thing I noticed is that the camera tends to over-saturate colors slightly. Reds and blues pop more than they do in real life, which can be a plus for social media content but might be less desirable for professional use. It’s a minor quirk, and you can adjust the color profile in post-production if needed.

Stabilization and Low-Light Performance

The Tachyon XC Micro features electronic image stabilization (EIS), which does a decent job of smoothing out shaky footage. I tested it on a bumpy mountain bike ride, and while it wasn’t as smooth as some high-end cameras with gimbals, it was still watchable. The stabilization is most effective at 1080p, so if you’re planning on doing a lot of action shots, that’s the mode I’d recommend.

Low-light performance is a mixed bag. In well-lit environments, the camera performs great, but in darker conditions, the footage gets grainy. I tested it during a sunset hike, and while the colors were beautiful, the shadows were noisy. The camera doesn’t have a night mode, so if you’re planning on shooting in low light, you’ll need to bring additional lighting.

For still photos, the Tachyon XC Micro captures 12MP images. They’re sharp and vibrant, but they lack the depth and detail of higher-end cameras. If you’re using this for casual photography, you’ll be fine, but if you’re looking for professional-quality photos, you might want to look elsewhere.

Audio and Connectivity: Staying Connected

One of the most overlooked aspects of action cameras is audio quality. After all, what’s the point of capturing stunning video if the audio is muffled or distorted? The Tachyon XC Micro has a built-in microphone, but as with most action cameras, it’s not perfect.

Built-in Microphone and Wind Noise

The built-in mic does a decent job in quiet environments, like when you’re hiking or walking. However, in windy conditions, the audio gets drowned out by wind noise. The protective case helps a little, but it’s not a complete solution. If you’re planning on capturing audio in high-wind environments, I’d recommend using an external mic or relying on ambient sound.

One clever feature is the wind noise reduction mode. When enabled, it filters out some of the background noise, making your voice clearer. I tested it while riding my bike, and while it didn’t eliminate the wind completely, it made the audio more usable. It’s not a substitute for an external mic, but it’s a nice touch.

Wi-Fi and App Integration

The Tachyon XC Micro connects to your smartphone via Wi-Fi, and it comes with a dedicated app for iOS and Android. The app is straightforward to use and allows you to control the camera remotely, preview footage, and transfer files. I found the connection to be reliable, but there was a slight delay when previewing video—about 1-2 seconds. It’s not a big deal, but it’s noticeable if you’re trying to frame a shot in real time.

The app also lets you adjust settings like resolution, frame rate, and stabilization. This is handy if you don’t want to fiddle with the camera’s physical buttons. One downside: The app doesn’t have advanced editing features, so you’ll need to rely on third-party apps for post-production.

For those who prefer a more direct connection, the camera has a USB-C port for charging and data transfer. It’s fast and reliable, and I appreciated not having to carry around a proprietary cable.

Battery Life and Storage: Powering Your Adventures

Battery life is a critical factor for any action camera, especially if you’re planning on using it for extended periods. The Tachyon XC Micro comes with a 1200mAh battery, which is decent but not outstanding.

Battery Performance

In real-world use, I got about 90 minutes of continuous 4K recording, which is on par with most mid-range action cameras. If you’re shooting in 1080p, you can stretch that to about 120 minutes. The battery is removable, which is a big plus—you can carry a spare and swap it out when needed. I did this during a multi-day hiking trip, and it saved me from having to recharge every night.

Charging takes about 2 hours via USB-C, which is reasonable. The camera also supports power banks, so you can charge it on the go. I used a 10,000mAh power bank, and it gave me an extra 2 hours of recording time. It’s a lifesaver if you’re out in the wilderness with no access to power outlets.

Storage and File Management

The Tachyon XC Micro uses microSD cards for storage, and it supports up to 256GB. I used a 128GB card, which gave me about 3 hours of 4K footage. That’s plenty for most adventures, but if you’re planning on shooting for longer periods, you’ll need to carry extra cards or offload footage regularly.

One thing I appreciated was the camera’s file management system. It automatically splits long recordings into 10-minute clips, which makes it easier to organize and edit later. The clips are labeled with timestamps, so you can quickly find the footage you need. It’s a small feature, but it makes a big difference when you’re sorting through hours of video.

Another handy feature is the loop recording mode, which continuously records over the oldest footage when the card is full. This is great for security applications, like using the camera as a dash cam. It ensures you never run out of space, but it means you’ll need to save important clips before they get overwritten.

User Experience and Practical Tips: Making the Most of Your Camera

Using the Tachyon XC Micro is a breeze, but there are a few tips and tricks that can help you get the most out of it. Here are some practical insights based on my experience.

Setting Up for Success

Before you head out, make sure you’ve formatted the microSD card. This ensures the camera writes files correctly and avoids potential errors. I learned this the hard way when I got a “card error” message halfway through a hike. A quick format fixed it, but it was a reminder to always prep the card in advance.

Another tip: Adjust the camera’s orientation. The Tachyon XC Micro has a setting that lets you rotate the video 180 degrees, which is handy if you’re mounting it upside down or on the side of a helmet. I used this when I mounted the camera on my bike’s handlebars, and it saved me from having to flip the footage in post.

Maximizing Audio and Video Quality

For better audio, consider using an external mic. I used a small lavalier mic clipped to my collar, and the difference was night and day. The audio was clearer, with less wind noise, and it captured ambient sounds like birds and wind better. If you’re serious about audio, this is a must.

For video, try to keep the lens clean. The Tachyon XC Micro’s lens is protected by the case, but it can still get smudged or dusty. I carry a small microfiber cloth in my camera bag, and it’s saved me from blurry footage more than once. Also, avoid touching the lens with your fingers—oils from your skin can leave streaks.

Creative Uses and Unexpected Applications

One of the things I love about the Tachyon XC Micro is its versatility. I’ve used it for everything from mountain biking to vlogging to capturing time-lapses of sunsets. It’s small enough to fit in your pocket, so you can take it anywhere.

One unexpected use: I mounted it on my dog’s harness to see what he gets up to when I’m not around. The footage was hilarious—he spent most of his time sniffing bushes and chasing squirrels. It’s a fun way to see the world from a different perspective.

For time-lapses, the camera has a built-in intervalometer, but it’s limited to 30-second intervals. This is fine for basic time-lapses, but if you want more control, you’ll need to use the app. I set it to take a photo every 5 seconds and got a smooth time-lapse of a sunset. It’s not as advanced as some dedicated time-lapse cameras, but it’s a nice bonus feature.

Comparison Table: Tachyon XC Micro vs. Competitors

Feature	Tachyon XC Micro	GoPro Hero 11 Black	DJI Osmo Action 3
Resolution	4K at 30fps	5.3K at 60fps	4K at 120fps
Stabilization	EIS (Electronic)	HyperSmooth 5.0	RockSteady 3.0
Battery Life	90 mins (4K)	120 mins (5.3K)	150 mins (4K)
Waterproof	30 meters (IP68)	10 meters (without case)	18 meters (without case)
Weight	55 grams	153 grams	145 grams
Price	$199	$399	$329

Final Thoughts: Is the Tachyon XC Micro Worth It?

After using the Tachyon XC Micro extensively, I can say it’s a solid choice for anyone looking for a lightweight, versatile action camera. It’s not perfect—the audio could be better, and the low-light performance is a bit lacking—but for the price, it delivers excellent value. The new Tachyon XC Micro Helmet Mount Waterproof Video Action Camera excels in durability, ease of use, and portability, making it ideal for adventurers, athletes, and casual users alike.

If you’re on a budget or want a secondary camera to complement your primary gear, the Tachyon XC Micro is a great option. It’s not going to replace a GoPro or DJI Osmo for professional use, but for capturing everyday adventures, it’s more than capable. The waterproofing, mounting options, and battery life make it a reliable companion for any outdoor activity.

My advice? If you’re looking for a no-frills, easy-to-use action camera that won’t break the bank, give the Tachyon XC Micro a try. It might just become your go-to camera for capturing life’s little moments—and some big ones, too. Whether you’re scaling a mountain, riding a bike, or just exploring your backyard, this little camera is ready to roll. And with its compact size and rugged build, you can take it anywhere without a second thought. Happy filming!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Tachyon XC Micro Helmet Mount Waterproof Video Action Camera suitable for extreme sports?

Yes, the Tachyon XC Micro Helmet Mount Waterproof Video Action Camera is designed for extreme sports enthusiasts. Its durable, shockproof build and secure helmet mount ensure stable footage during high-impact activities like mountain biking, skiing, and motocross.

How waterproof is the Tachyon XC Micro Helmet Mount camera?

The camera is fully waterproof up to 30 meters (100 feet) without needing an additional housing case. This makes it ideal for water sports such as surfing, snorkeling, and kayaking.

Can I use the Tachyon XC Micro Helmet Mount with other action cameras?

The mount is specifically designed for the Tachyon XC Micro camera and may not be compatible with other brands. However, it features a universal adapter option that supports some third-party action cameras with similar mounting systems.

What video resolution does the Tachyon XC Micro Helmet Mount Waterproof Video Action Camera support?

The camera records in crisp 4K resolution at 30fps and 1080p at 60fps, delivering high-quality, smooth footage. It also includes electronic image stabilization to reduce shake during fast-paced action.

How long does the battery last on a single charge?

The built-in rechargeable battery provides up to 90 minutes of continuous 4K recording. For longer adventures, consider carrying a portable power bank or spare battery.

Does the Tachyon XC Micro come with mounting accessories?

Yes, the package includes the helmet mount, adhesive pads, a curved mount, and a flat mount for versatile installation. These accessories allow secure attachment to helmets, bikes, or other gear.