Lightdow 4000 HD - Unboxing and initial testing

July 12, 2016|JasonEricAnderson

The video

The first camera I got to put on a plane was a $7, Hobbyking keychain camera. It...wasn't great. (Example one / Example two) But then, neither were my piloting skills. I've wanted something like a GoPro for a while now but I am a cheap thrifty RC flyer and I just couldn't see spending $150-$250 on a GoPro. I started researching all the alternatives and liked the 808 keychain cameras, the Mobius, and the Runcams and I was resigned to those choices for my 'GoPro-alternative'.

Then I stumbled upon these Lightdow (I know nothing about the manufacturer) cameras.

HD 1080p at 30fps (720p at 60 fps)
GoPro style form factor
170 degree wide angle lense
LCD screen on camera for framing, review, controls, etc..
Huge number of options (Image flip/Motion detection/Loop recording/Record on power up/Still image mode/Dashcam mode/etc..)
Comes with two batteries
Comes with water proof case and LOADS of mounts
$42.98!!!

Some sample footage

I have been in deep building mode on another project so I haven't been able to get this camera up in the air but I have shot some test footage and I'm EXTREMELY HAPPY with what I've seen so far. I'm not saying this is as good as a GoPro, and you WILL see differences in the color grading between a GoPro and the Lightdow, the later seems to have a darker contrast setting by default. But for $42.98!!! I feel like this is a great camera to get started with. At this price I would even think that someone who already has a GoPro might want one of these as their "Danger: I want to film something but I'm not willing to risk my GoPro" type of backup camera.

I got my camera five days after ordering on Amazon with standard shipping and that included the 32gb microSD card I had also purchased for $9.99.

Amazon link: Lightdow LD4000 1080p HD Action Cam $42.98 (at time of my purchase)

Amason link: Silicon Power 32GB up to 85MB/s MicroSDHC UHS-1 Class10 $9.99 (at time of my purchase)