Yuneec Announces Refreshingly Different Typhoon ActionCam Handheld Gimbal
After the October launch of DJI’s Osmo Handheld stabilization platform it would be hard not to anticipate a similar device from Yuneec which recently raked in a $60M investment from Intel. They do have the means and the need to leap forward and attempt to pose a realistic threat to the dominance of DJI, though today’s press release mentions Yuneec as “the world leader in electric aviation”. If under electric aviation they mean “drones” this clearly isn’t the case, but I guess it’s venial to say something like this in a press release (though I wouldn’t).
At the same time, the new device called Typhoon ActionCam (could have imagined a more yuneec unique name) is actually refreshingly different from the Osmo. It features a handheld grip similar to the remote controllers you would use to control an RC car:
Yuneec Typhoon ActionCam (PRNewsFoto/Yuneec International)
The additional weight – where I assume the batteries are – probably adds some natural balance to your wrist when navigating with the device. According to the announcement the pitch control is placed conveniently where your thumb would naturally rest which is nice, though pretty much a no-brainer. The ActionCam borrows the camera from Yuneec’s Typhoon quadcopter line and has 4K video resolution along with 12 Mpixel still image capability. The 90 minute (up to of course) recording time seems reasonable but what’s odd is that the announcement does not mention any audio recording capability or controlling. I believe the new 4K cameras on the Typhoons do record sound as well, while the older ones do not so I assume that there is some kind of a voice controlling option on the Typhoon ActionCam. According to sources, the ActionCam does work with previous gimbal models from older Typhoon lines so what happens with sound if you use one of those is something we can not determine at this stage.
The announcement – for now at least – lacks the usual “smart” functions like tripod free long exposures and remote control, but we might just find out that this new handheld pretty much does the basics and does it well.
The price point of $549.99 makes it a mere hundred bucks cheaper than the Osmo so Yuneec is not trying to target those with a tighter budget.
Though the announcement from Yuneec was embargoed until now, there are already some video reviews of the Typhoon ActionCam. This one is a quickie from CNET:
If you are interested in the blurb from the Yuneec press release, here it is:
The Typhoon ActionCam combines the impressive CGO3 camera gimbal with a handle for stable ground footage, allowing consumers to record videos and take photos like never before. When using the Typhoon ActionCam, the camera stays level regardless of shaky hands or wobbling and is an ideal tool for capturing life’s moments with unparalleled detail.
The included CGO3 camera boasts impressive 4K resolution, four times higher than HD, 12 megapixel still images and slow motion 1080p/120fps video. The 115-degree field of vision and no-distortion lens are additional features allowing for professional grade content capturing. The Typhoon ActionCam features a run time of up to 90 minutes and is compatible with previous Typhoon camera gimbals.
“The Typhoon ActionCam is designed to extend Yuneec’s advanced camera technology from the sky to the ground. The ergonomic design allows you to take part in the action while capturing ultra-stable footage, rather than recording the action from afar with a tripod,” said Shan Phillips, CEO of Yuneec USA.
The camera pitch controller enables precise camera angle control and is conveniently placed where the thumb naturally sits on the handle. Additionally, the Typhoon ActionCam displays real-time footage from a mobile device of up to 6.4 inches, and is controlled by the easy-to-use CGO3 smartphone app. The CGO3 app allows users to record video, take still shots and operate camera settings conveniently.
The Typhoon ActionCam includes a CGO3 camera, 1400mAh LiPo battery and smart charger. The device will be available on November 10, 2015 for the suggested retail price of $549.99 USD. For more information, visit www.yuneec.com.
About Yuneec International
Founded in 1999, Yuneec is the world leader in electric aviation. With hundreds of patents held, Yuneec’s core technologies power manned aircraft, Typhoon and Tornado drones and its market-leading line of radio controlled aircraft for the hobby market. With offices in North America, Europe and Asia, Yuneec manufactures over one million units a year that are sold under OEM/ODM brands as well as the Typhoon brand of multicopters. The company’s achievements include the introduction of the industry’s first “Ready to Fly” radio controlled electric powered airplane, and the design and manufacture of market-leading radio controlled helicopters and microcopters.
Kennedy Martinez
kennedy@dronethusiast.comKennedy Martinez is a resident writer who joined Dronethusiast at the beginning of 2019. She has years of experience reviewing drones and other tech products. When it comes to flying drones, Kennedy loves the ability to create artistic videos from a unique point of view. Kennedy enjoys researching new drones and other exciting products that are available to consumers which is why she is committed to creating the best buyer's guides for our readers.
Hi,
Can I buy one of these in the UK, do you have the details of an agent here.
Kindest regards,
Graham Anderson
Try here first: http://yuneec.uk Any dealer handling Yuneec copters should soon have it.