TomTom Bandit 4k Action Video Camera: Review

TomTom Bandit is the company’s debut camcorder in the world of action camera. As it would be logical to imagine, when you enter a new market, it is not everyone who puts the sticks between the wheels to the industry leader. However, if you call TomTom International BV, you can make the necessary exceptions.

After the success of TomTom Runner and Multisport Cardio, the worldwide leader in navigation products, traffic information and maps directly challenges GoPro. With the launch of this new bullet camera is TomTom Bandit 4k Action Video Camera, TomTom is certainly not unprepared to challenge the fierce competition. Smartphones become more and more overwhelmed when shooting in particular climatic situations or in sports.

And here in the last few years, the action camera market has undergone a boom with entry into the field of many new manufacturers.

The Dutch company offers consumers new cutting-edge features that no doubt distinguishes this TomTom Bandit from a generic product. Some features even aim to overwhelm the market, becoming the next benchmark in the industry.

But how does the TomTom Bandit act now when it comes down to the field, on the track, or somewhere everywhere it seems to us? To get an idea, you just have to keep reading the review with all the details of this TomTom Bandit.

TomTom Bandit – Introduction

TomTom Bandit is the Amsterdam brand’s proposal for a high-end audience in the sports cameras segment. The fine finish, the ability to resume up to a resolution of 4K and the dedicated software compartment emphasize it in every way.

Of course, this is not the only reason to support this purchase. If you want to know all the reasons why you buy a TomTom Bandit, expect to read the review I’ve prepared for you. You are about to discover all the features of one of the best action cameras currently on the market.


The design

TomTom Bandit aims to be recognized from its unconventional shapes over most of the market. It’s a bullet camera, a bullet-like video camera. The shape is immediately dynamic and compact, but slightly heavier than the competition.

The weight gain is mainly due to the battery. It’s one of the side effects to be able to guarantee Bandit’s battery autonomy above market standards. The battery module is fully removable from the body.

In point, we see the built-in USB 3.0 connector, useful for recharging or transferring data when connected to the appropriate port. In the battery, you can also find the micro SD slot, housed in the top of the body.

TomTom BanditThe bullet camera is equipped with another extractable component. The lens protector can be unscrewed and replaced in case of accidental scratches. In this case, you will have to take a little more attention when you close it, given the greater delicacy at the front.

It is important to make sure you have hooked it properly to ensure complete camera impermeability. Another point of strength can be found in versatility when the Bandit is mounted on a selfie stick. The hook allows rotating the 180 degree machine.

All this gives you the ability to change the stick position without first having to reassemble your camcorder. The only flaw remains in the attachment that is proprietary, which does not allow the use of non-original accessories.

Do not worry: you will find everything you need inside the original camera packaging. I find that this configuration favors the practical side especially for those who want to make a daily and immersive use of this action camera.


Competition with GoPro

Along with its ease of use, the Bandit battery life raises the question of the absolute purchase of a competition camera. TomTom Bandit seems to have been created to fight directly against GoPro Hero. By comparing the two models directly, there are many aspects to which you prefer the Dutch camera.

First of all, autonomy is twice as high as GoPro. Do not forget even the available Megapixels (5 versus 16 of the TomTom Bandit), WiFi connectivity and other sensors in favor of the Bandit. GoPro Hero, on the other hand, allows you to change settings such as white balance, ISO, and manual gain. However, these are quite negligible options for those who prefer ease of use without a PC.


Technical Specifications

  • Camera dimensions are 94 x 38 x 52 mm.
  • The size of the display is 22 x 25 mm.
  • The weight of the Pro Version is 190g.
  • The sensor is 16 Megapixel with a focal aperture of 2.4.
  • The 3.7V lithium-ion removable battery has a capacity of 1,900 mAh.

The lens is wide-angle, seen and considered the type of shots for which camcorders of this kind are used. In addition to the microphone, GPS sensors, gyroscopes, pressure gauges and accelerometers have been integrated.

The quality of the videos : TomTom Bandit is optimized for a type of shooting that fits smoothly to any environmental condition.

Not only will you be able to resume it in the rain, but even underwater, as the car body lining is totally waterproof. The width of the wide-angle lens aperture is able to capture a high amount of light.

TomTom Bandit will not abandon you even when you want to resume on the darkest and darkest days. TomTom Bandit is able to take video up to the resolution of Ultra HD. Regarding video recording in the 4K frames per second, they only decrease to 15.

The highest shooting quality lets you shoot at just 15 fps. However, you can choose to choose between a Full HD resolution and a 4K maximum resolution. The 2.7K setting guarantees a more balanced output between video quality and fluidity. A great compromise between quality and size.

If you want to be satisfied with standard quality in Full HD resolution, you can choose between 30 or 60 frames per second. The minimum quality allowed is the standard HD, allowing you to take up to 120 images per second.

Another important factor when going to do your footage is the size of the file. To maintain its reasonable size you should keep the maximum resolution set to 60fps Full HD.


Functionality and Use

It seems obvious that the entire TomTom Bandit user experience revolves around a single concept: simplicity of use. The ignition is automated by a red button with a black star queued at the entire body.

Once switched on, there is nothing to do with the lack of colors in the black-and-white monochrome tone. The small LCD monitor is also readable in full summer light since the reading will not be disturbed by unpleasant reflections.

Navigation in the menu is handled via a directional pad located just below the screen. Navigation between the options is really very simple and well-optimized in terms of speed. By scrolling through the full list of camera options, you can access various modes of use.

You will find the entries: photo, video, slow motion, time lapse or cinematic. This last mode will allow you to set the 4K shooting. You can also view some useful information about the camera.

An indicator will show the residual battery level, while another will keep track of the remaining memory to store files. Among other things, there are indications regarding the GPS and the firmware version.

In any section of the menu, you will find, just press and hold the button to start recording. A bad note can be made for the hardness of the keys. Species when you want to film in precarious conditions, it may not be too quick to stop the shot at the first attempt. Always verify that your camera has been stopped. I’m sure that with some practice and wear this problem will also be resolved by itself.

Available connections : TomTom Bandit supports direct connection with other devices. You can wirelessly connect a smartphone to use the dedicated software available for iOS and Android.

Bandit synchronization is not limited to cell phones and other compatible cameras. The Bandit pushes more into the. By using a dedicated Tom Tom port, you can attach a heart rate sensor under the power button.

The free Android and iOS Bandit app : Both Android and iOS have their own stores of a free TomTom Bandit action camera management app. The Wi-Fi will allow us to connect with the dedicated app, thus giving ample space to our mobility.

You will be able to pair the two devices by entering a password that was communicated to the first attempt to connect. Once the smartphone is connected, the action camera display will indicate the success of the operation.

At this point, your smartphone display can be used as a shotgun viewfinder. Everything that stands in front of the goal of this mini video camera will also be displayed in real time on the paired smartphone. The smartphone thus becomes the main camera control center, you can keep track of battery information and residual memory.

You can also start and pause recording, as well as change the shooting mode or video resolution. The coupling then provides exclusive functions. Under ” Library “. You will find the list of recorded videos and still stored in the camera.

The catalog is indexed using the salient moments. You can now choose whether to share a video online using the dedicated share button. You will also be able to import the material you want on your mobile phone.

Video Editing Without a Computer : One of the strengths of the Bandit is the smart annotation of the highlights. The on-board software will keep in mind those record segments that are being made. A shortcut that will prove to be very useful in facilitating the production and video-editing process. The voice within the app called ” Create a Story ” is dedicated to video editing.

You can select your favorite clips from the catalog and import them into the project. It is also possible to intervene on the audio of the final video, adding a track to your choice or keeping the original one. Among the permitted effects, you can choose to show the data recorded by the sensors of gravity, speed, rotation, acceleration and altitude in the final video.


TomTom Bandit – Package Contents

TomTom Bandit is sold in four different versions. Given the really minimal price difference, I would opt for the full optional model called Premium Pack. This choice will guarantee a better body impermeability of the body. If you buy TomTom Bandit in Premium Pack, the package will include:

  • TomTom Bandit Camcorder
  • Remote control
  • Handlebar support
  • Splash proof lens cover
  • Support for a 360° view
  • Power cord
  • 1900mAh Batt-Stick
  • Waterproof lens cover
  • 2 substrates for base surfaces (2 × 2)
  • GoPro Adapter

Unfortunately, Micro SD is not included, which is essential to start resuming. It is advisable to purchase one with a capacity of at least 64GB, given the weight of the files that will be generated.

Remember to choose a model that belongs strictly to Class 10 or UHS Class 1. Only then can you be sure to run the TomTom Bandit at full speed and paired with the smartphone. If you do not have one yet, you can try to take a look at this Samsung micro SD card.


Conclusions

You are faced with an action camera characterized by an embarrassing ease of use and rather performance. It is possible to manage the entire process of creating and sharing a video without ever having access to a computer.

An alternative alternative to GoPro, especially for those who had never had a chance to handle an action camera. In case, you want a wider choice, you can always refer to the list of best action cameras, always updated.

TomTom Bandit 4k Action Video Camera
  • 4k HD video camera provides the highest resolution action footage
  • Long battery life allows for 3h of nonstop filming with cable free batt stick
  • Sport Action camera contains built in sensors to monitor speed, g force, altitude,...

Product prices and availability are subject to change. Any price and availablility information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of any products.

90%
Awesome

Our Opinion

TomTom Bandit is to be promoted with full marks, demonstrating a valid purchase even for those who demanded appreciable results without any particular technical expertise.

  • Overall
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