Is JVC’s Adixxion action camera good enough to beat the GoPro?
posted Wednesday, July 25, 2012 at 1:31 PM EST
We'd imagine there are more than a few concerned conversations taking place at Woodman Labs of late. After several years of near-total dominance for its famed GoPro series in the action camera market, the company suddenly finds itself facing increasingly stiff competition. Last month, consumer electronics giant Sony announced plans to ship an action camera model this fall. Today, we hear news of another model on the way from JVC which looks to offer a strong challenge indeed. (The announcement was actually made at the end of last month, but the press release just popped up on JVC's today.)
 |
|
Like the GoPro, the JVC GC-XA1 Adixxion action camera has an f/2.8 lens. Photo provided by JVC. |
At first glance, the JVC GC-X1--sold under the oh-so-edgy "Adixxion" brandname--might not seem to best the GoPro. Both cameras capture Full HD video at 30 frames per second, and have f/2.8 wide angle lenses. Both can provide a live feed on a tiny LCD panel, or remotely via WiFi. Both can be taken underwater, and they're rugged enough to go anywhere most videographers--even the sporty ones--are likely to take them. And there's not a lot in it in terms of size or weight, either.
On paper, the 11 megapixel GoPro has the edge in still image resolution, and it also offers a higher 960p framerate than does the five megapixel JVC. A lot of the GoPro's features are reliant on external--and sometimes, optional--accessories, though. Where the JVC Adixxion impresses is the fact that it packs all of these features inside the camera body itself.
 |
|
As well as the tripod mount, a variety of optional mount accessories are available. Photo provided by JVC. |
Want a rugged, waterproof camera? Your GoPro will need to be placed in its (included) underwater housing; the Adixxion is shockproof to two meters, waterproof, dustproof, and freezeproof out of the box. (Admittedly, it's only waterproof to five meters, however. The GoPro with housing is waterproof to 60 meters, although without the housing it's not waterproof at all.)
Need a live view feed on which to preview framing, or the ability to review your videos? The JVC Adixxion has a built-in, 1.5-inch LCD panel; GoPro relies on an optional $80 LCD BacPac accessory that adds significantly to the camera's bulk.
If you prefer a video feed streamed to your smartphone, complete with remote control capability, both cameras can offer this, but again the GoPro is reliant on a bulky, $60 Wi-Fi BacPac accessory to do so. The JVC GC-XA1 provides this functionality straight out of the box.
 |
|
The JVC Adixxion includes built-in WiFi connectivity. Photo provided by JVC. |
Even without the LCD or Wi-Fi BacPac accessories, the GoPro tops the scales at 167 grams (5.9 oz.) with its underwater housing fitted. The JVC Adixxion, by contrast, manages to cram all these features into a body that weighs just 126 grams (4.4 oz.), only 30 grams more than the base weight of the GoPro cameras without housing or accessories.
Of course, the camera's bulk and feature set are only one part of the story. GoPro's cameras have become popular in part because--even if they might not rival even entry-level compact cameras--they offer higher image quality than is typical of many offerings in the action camera market. If JVC hit the nail on the head in this area, though, then it will be interesting to see what GoPro can do to answer the challenges of its new rivals, because answer it must if it wants to retain its dominance.
 |
|
The Adixxion is shockproof to two meters, dustproof, and freezeproof. Photo provided by JVC. |
The JVC Adixxion ships from late summer, priced at US$350. That means GoPro still has a slight edge in pricing: an HD Hero Naked plus LCD and Wi-Fi BacPacs comes in at US$340 list.
Press Release
New JVC ADIXXION Camcorder Ready for Action
WAYNE, NJ, June 28, 2012 – A new “action camera” announced today by JVC offers unmatched versatility right out of the box, with standard features that have JVC’s new GC-XA1 ADIXXION camcorder ready to capture the fun in most any situation.
 |
|
The JVC GC-XA1 Adixxion action camera is waterproof to five meters. Photo provided by JVC. |
The new JVC GC-XA1 ADIXXION ups the ante in the action camera category by offering a range of features and capabilities that outpace competing models. Truly pocket-sized and weighing barely a quarter pound, ADIXXION is waterproof to a depth of five meters (16.4 feet), shockproof to withstand a fall from two meters (6.5 feet), dustproof and freeze-proof, all without the need for a separate housing. In addition, ADIXXION includes built-in Wi-Fi, 1.5-inch LCD monitor, image stabilizer and offers full HD 1920×1080/30p and 1280×720/60p recording.
With the introduction of ADIXXION, JVC brings its decades-long expertise in digital imaging to a category that has seen growing popularity recently as more people want to capture their snowboarding, surfing, mountain biking or just about any other activity, whether on the slopes or with the family at the waterpark. What JVC brings to the category is a camera that comes loaded with standard features compared to competing models and one that can tackle a wide range of activities right out of the box, with no need for an optional housing. ADIXXION comes with two mounts – a goggle mount and a flexible mount suitable for a wide range of applications, including use on a helmet or surfboard. A wide range of optional accessories are available, including specialized mounts.
In addition to its water/shock/dust/freeze-proof design – what JVC dubs “Quad Proof” – ADIXXION features a 1.5-inch LCD monitor built into the side of the camera so it’s easy to check footage in the field without the extra weight and bulk of an external monitor. The camera body features a scratch-resistant rubber texture, and there are two standard tripod sockets for easy mounting in a variety of locations. It weighs a mere 0.28 lbs. (126 grams).
Built-in Wi-Fi opens up a range of possibilities, including wireless connection to a smartphone that can be used to monitor the image – great for framing the shot when the camera is mounted on a helmet or other location where the user can’t see the LCD. Wi-Fi also makes it possible to send images live to a PC or mobile hotspot, or transfer data to a PC for sharing via social networks. What’s more, ADIXXION can stream live high definition video in real time to USTREAM without a PC. Android and iOS apps are available for free download, while Wi-Video PC software is supplied with the camera.
Video recording resolutions range from Full HD to WVGA, and all video is recorded as QuickTime-compatible MP4 files that can be easily viewed on computers and smartphones. Digital image stabilization minimizes camera shake, and the camera includes rolling shutter cancellation that corrects the image skewing that can occur with CMOS image sensors. The result is distortion-free images, even during fast-moving scenes.
A built-in HDMI terminal allows easy connection to HDTVs. Other features include ultra-wide lens, time lapse recording at intervals of 1 or 5 seconds, digital 5x zoom, 5 megapixel stills, white balance (auto/manual), exposure (auto), and self-timer functions.
The GC-XA1 comes with a goggle mount, flexible mount, two lens protection covers, a USB cable and battery. A wide variety of optional accessories is available, including roll bar and handle bar mounts.
The JVC GC-XA1 ADIXXION action camera will be available in late summer for $349.95.
About JVC Americas Corp.
Headquartered in Wayne, New Jersey, JVC Americas Corp. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of JVC Kenwood Corporation. JVC Americas distributes a complete line of video and audio equipment for the consumer and professional markets. For further product information, visit JVC’s website.
ADIXXION GC-XA1 Primary Features
-
Quad-Proof Design: 5m Waterproof / 2m Shockproof / Dustproof / Freeze proof
-
Built-in Wi-Fi (smartphone linking, streaming and remote control functions)
-
5M CMOS Sensor
-
Super Wide Lens
-
1.5-inch LCD Monitor
-
5x Digital Zoom
-
Digital Image Stabilizer (DIS)
-
Full HD 1920×1080 30p Recording
-
5 Megapixel Stills
-
SD/SDHC/SDXC Card Slot
-
Time-Lapse REC
-
White Balance (Auto & Manual) / Exposure (Auto)
-
Self-timer
-
HDMI® Terminal (mini)
-
USB Cable provided
-
Wi-Video PC Software provided
Recording modes and approx. recording times for each media
| Mode | FHD | HD960 | HD60 | HD30 | WVGA | |
| Resolution/fps | 1920×1080/30p | 1280×960/30p | 1280×720/60p | 1280×720/30p | 848×480/30p | |
| Bit rate | 15Mbps VBR | 8.9Mbps VBR | 13Mbps VBR | 6.7Mbps VBR | 3.0Mbps VBR | |
| SDXC/SDHC Card | 64GB | 9hr 30min | 16hr | 10hr 50min | 21hr 47hr | 20min |
| 32GB | 4hr 50min | 8hr | 5hr 20min | 10hr 30min | 23hr 40min | |
| 16GB | 2hr 20min | 4hr | 2hr 40min | 5hr 20min | 11hr 50min | |
| 8GB | 1hr 10min | 2hr | 1hr 20min | 2hr 40min | 5hr 50min | |
| 4GB | 35min | 1hr | 40min | 1hr 20min | 3hr | |
Provided Accessories
-
Goggle Mount: Attaches to goggle strap with supplied screws.
-
Flexible Mount: Adheres to flat or curved surface with supplied 3M double-sided tape.
-
Lens Protector x2
-
LCD Protection Film
-
USB Cable
-
Rechargeable Battery
Optional Accessories
-
Roll Bar Mount MT-RB001: Fits pipes from 21mm to 40mm (7/8″ – 1-5/8″) in diameter.
-
Handle Bar Mount MT-HB001: Fits pipes from 21mm to 30mm (7/8″ – 1-3/16″) in diameter.
-
AC Adapter AC-V17UL / AC-V10L: Charges ADIXXION battery from outlet.
-
Float Strap WA-FL001: To help the camera float while in water.
-
Goggle Mount MT-GM001 (same as supplied with camera)
-
Flexible Mount MT-FM001 (same as supplied with camera)
-
Lens Protector GL-LP001 (same as supplied with camera)
-
Battery BN-VH105 (same as supplied with camera)