ZEROTECH roll cap cam
3 axes gimbal
With the so-called Rollcap Cam, the manufacturer "ZEROTECH", which is primarily known for drones, is taking a new approach and is announcing for the first time an action cam that uses a 3-axis gimbal for image stabilization. Visually, the Rollcap Cam is very reminiscent of the gimbal and camera combination of a DJI Mavic Pro with a “slush ice cup” as a housing. In contrast to the commonly used electronic image stabilization (EIS) and optical image stabilization (OIS), a mechanical 3-axis gimbal compensates even strong vibrations in the best possible way. ZEROTECH even says that the stabilization accuracy is +-0.03° and surpasses many handheld gimbals!
4K camera
The actual camera consists of a 1/3.06" CMOS with an effective 13 megapixel resolution and a 20mm F2.4 lens with a 96° wide angle. ZEROTECH has so far remained silent about the image processor used. Video recordings are recorded with a maximum 4K resolution at 30 images per Second recorded, which is why it can be assumed that it is not the current Ambarella H2 image processor (see YI 4K +) has been used. At lower resolutions, such as 1080p, you can get up to 60 pictures-per-second, and 720p can even shoot up to 120 pictures-per-second.
Compact and long-lasting battery
The Rollcap Cam weighs a full 210g and is therefore twice as heavy as conventional action cams. The best way to compare the weight is with the weight of a larger smartphone. In September 2016, the cam was announced with a 945 mAh battery. To what extent this information is still correct, ZEROTECH is currently silent. A recording time of up to 130 minutes should, however, be possible. It is not yet known what resolution this value represents. What is known, however, is that the battery is replaceable.
Conclusion
A major flaw of all action cams that have been released so far is the image stabilization. There are already action cams that have motion compensation under control thanks to electronic image stabilization, but this usually also involves image cropping and a reduction in the frame rate. Image stabilization by means of a 3-axis gimbal is currently the most effective way of compensating for movements and at the same time maintaining the full range of functions of the camera. How well ZEROTECH actually implemented this mechanical image stabilization remains to be seen. However, the specifications published so far suggest a very interesting action cam. Until the Rollcap Cam goes on sale, it will initially be financed through Inediegogo. The retail price is $ 549. Indiegogo Backers can get the cam for $ 490.
Product page of the manufacturer: https://www.rollcap-cam.com
