Polaroid XS100i Wi-Fi Action Camera Review: Affordable Waterproof Camera for the Whole Family

As an upgrade from last year's XS100 model, the Polaroid XS100i has an added Wi-Fi with iOS and Android apps to remotely control the camera, view and share photos, as well as adjust its settings according to your preference. At an attractive price of $179.99, you get the waterproof camera plus tons of its accessories, which are pretty useful for any kind of action-filled activity.

Features and Design

A great strategy for action cam makers like Polaroid to attract buyers is to equip their product with lots of accessories. The camera has a standard, but made of plastic, 1/4-20 tripod mount at the bottom. The mounts included, however, use a quick-connect clip system. The clip screws into the the camera's tripod socket, which then slides and locks into a mount. The package also includes ball-and-socket mounts that can be used on helmets (which is perfect for biking, surfing, or any other activity requiring hands-free operation) and handlebars.

The camera's mounting system is the same for other models such as the Monoprice's MHD action cam and iON's Air Pro, so it's pretty easy to look for a compatible mount, if ever the need arises in the future.

The camera has a compact and bullet-shaped body, measuring 4.3 inches long by 1.7 inches high by 1.7 inches wide (108 by 42 by 42.4 mm) and weighs 4.8 ounces (136 g). Its body doesn't need any waterproof casing (because it already is!), allowing you to dive up to 30 feet (10 meters). Its locking twist-off cap protects the microSDHC slot, the mini-HDMI, and then mini-USB ports from getting sand and water. Being able to use it on all types of environment -- sand, rain, or snow, is one of the reasons why this is a great piece of equipment. There is also a switch for recording in full HD or 720p resolution.

Battery Life

One thing you won't have access to is its battery since it's built-in -- not sure if this is something that matters to the user or not. Battery life is approximately to last about 2.5 hours, though it will unlikely last that long if you're recording at 1080p resolution and with the Wi-Fi turned on. If the camera is going to be used in mixed settings, expect the battery to last between 1.5 - 2.5 hours for straight recording.

How to Use It

Operating the camera is pretty straightforward. For video recordings, just slide the switch located at the top forward, and you will feel the camera vibrate after a few seconds to indicate that it's starting to record. You can also tell if it is by the led indicator above the REC label. If you slide the switch back to its previous position, the camera will vibrate again to notify you that it has stopped recording.

Another button that can be found is the power/shutter release in front of the switch. Making a long press on the switch will turn on the camera, which allows the camera to start recording once you slide the switch forward. If you want to take a photo, simply make a short press on the button. The camera stores small applications on the microSD card (if you have one inserted) for changing settings. Connect the camera either to a Mac or Windows computer, launch the software, and you will be able to select the camera's recording resolutions, including the picture resolution that you want to use.

The software can also be used to turn on and off the camera's auto orientation feature, which automatically rotates your video 180 degrees if you start recording with the camera turned upside down. Take note that it will not rotate in the middle of a recording, unfortunately. The Polaroid action cam can record at 720 or 1080p, each at 30 frames per second; 720p at 60fps; and 960p at 30fps (otherwise known as tall HD). When taking pictures, the camera can take single shots at 3-, 5-, and 16 megapixel (interpolated) resolutions. The shutter release can be set to take a 10fps burst, or time-lapse photos at 5, 10, 30, and 60 seconds. Another cool thing that this action cam can do is that it stores two versions of your recording -- one at full resolution, while the other is a reduced resolution that you can use to easily upload and share online.

The camera's built-in Wi-Fi allows you to directly connect to an iOS or Android device and remotely control the camera, change its settings, or view and downloaded your recordings. You will need to install two separate apps though, one for controlling the camera and the other one for viewing files.

To use the Wi-Fi function, power up the camera, wait for the LED on the back to start blinking, and then go to the wireless network settings on your device. The XS100i should appear as a network. Select it, enter the default password, and it should connect right away. Then go ahead and fire up the app you want to use and you should be all set.

Apps

The Remote app gives you a live feed of what the camera sees, though there will be a delay, so it might take a while if you're using it to tweak the camera's positioning. Expect also a delay if you'll be using the app to start and stop recordings, or take photos.

Meanwhile, the File app allows you to view and download your recordings to your microSDHC card. The app will also let you view both the full and reduced versions of your recordings (photos and videos). Thru the File app, you can view and download them to your device directly from the action cam, and then edit and/or upload it from there.

Video Quality

The overall video quality of the XS100i is good. When video is shot in high speeds or has complex scenes, expect to see the video is lesser quality when viewed in larger sizes and in close proximity; that's why it's always better to view videos at small sizes. The 170-degree angle view lets you see more of your surroundings, though there's an average amount of lens flare observed.

Its 1080p30 video averaged a variable bitrate of 15Mbps, which can be considered as above average for its kind and can produce some sharp and fine details. The curved lens improves the video quality, producing a softer look on the video output. Unfortunately, the action cam doesn't have a image stabilization feature, and with just a little bit of shake, it looks as though the camera is placed on top of a Jell-O.

The XS100i also has a built-in mic, though its audio quality is not that dependable. The sounds seem a bit muffled mixed with some compression artifacts, which is normally the case with fully-waterproof type of cameras. But if you're just going to cover the audio with music or narration, the raw audio output shouldn't be a big deal.

Check out the detailed specifications of the Polaroid XS100i below:

Main Specs:

1 /2.5" CMOS Image Sensor 
F2.8 Fixed Focus Ultra Sharp Glass Lens
Light Sensitivity: >1.4 V/lux-sec
White Balance, ISO, Scene: Auto
Exposure Auto Control: Auto
170 Degree Ultra Wide Angle Lens
File Format: Video- H2.64 MPEG4, PHOTO- JPEG 

HD Resolutions
1080p: 1920x1080p / 30FPS / 16:9
960p: 1280X960P / 30FPS / 4:3
720p:1280x720 / 60FPS (Slow Motion) / 16:9
720p: 1280x720 / 30FPS/ 16:9
Photo: 
Resolutions 16MP, 5MP, 3MP, VGA
Photo Mode: Single / Burst (x10) / Time Lapse (5,10,30,60) 

WiFi: Yes
iOS & Android Apps Available: Yes
IEEE 802.11 b/g/n
Distance:8M+

Micro SD - Up To 32GB 
1200MAH Built In Battery (Approx. 2.5 hrs of Use) 
G-Sensor (Auto Rotation):Yes
Auto Power Off:off/1min/3min
Dual File Recording: Yes
Vibrates:Yes
Anti-Shake:Yes
USB 2.0, HDMI

Windows 7/XP SP3 /Vista and later, Mac 10.4 or above
Size:108*42*42.4mm
Weight:4.8oz

Included In Box:
Camera
HDMI/USB Cable
Mount-Lock + Key
Secure string
Carrying pouch
Helmet + Bike Mount 
Manual

Features:

• With the built in WiFi you will be able Adjust your settings, Remote Control, Share. Professional Sensor With Low-Light Performance. Very light, Just 4.8 oz. Vibrates: Confirms Functions When Visual Confirmation Isn't Practical
• G-Sensor (Auto Rotation) for "which end is up" assurance. Waterproof up to 30'/10m. Distortion-Free Ultra Wide Angle Lens Provides a 170 Degrees of Coverage
• Aerodynamic Design and Shock-Proof Exterior Minimizes Wind Noise. Single Button Record that's Easy and Ready for Action. Video Options: 1080p, 960p, 720p
• Dual File Recording; With Every HD Video an Additional Smaller File is Created For more Efficient Uploading and Sharing. Still Image Options: 16MP, 5MP, 3MP, 1 x or 10x (burst) Shooting Mode + Time Lapse
• Adjustable Frame Rate for 720p Allows Effects Like Slow or Fast Motion Shots-Even in HD. Full Helmet & Handlebar Mounts Included

Verdict

The Polaroid XS100i action cam is great solution for basic action cam video. What's cool about this product is that you don't need to purchase additional housing or accessories in order to maximize the camera's potential. It has just enough shooting options to produce nice-looking movie clips for online sharing. It's easy to use, compact, handy, and its Wi-Fi feature allows you to easily view, download, and share your recordings online. And lastly, with it's affordable price and as one of the lowest priced camera in the field, you won't shed a tear in case it gets broken or lost.

Does your hobby include jumping off a cliff or plane? How about surfing, skiing, biking, or rafting? If your answer is yes, then this is the camera you want.