Reviewed: Swann Freestyle HD Sports Camera -- The poor man's GoPro

J Everett

Suspension Lift
Founding Member
Location
Houma, LA
A couple of weeks ago, Woot.com had this little HD sports rig for sale for $149. I said to myself, "Self, that's way less expensive than a GoPro. You should check it out."

So, based on no knowledge at all, I pulled the trigger and bought the Swann Freestyle.

For a $149 (which is not a one time price by any means; Amazon, Woot's parent company, sells them for a similar price everyday), you get the camera, rechargable battery pack, water proof case, an assortment of mounts comparable to GoPro's grab bag, a remote, an LCD backpack, USB cable, charger, and composite video cable. It can also output video via HDMI, but the cable is not included. The camera has a small internal storage, and supports microSD cards up to 32GB. It shoots video at 1080p, but only 30 fps, but it shoots 720p at 30 or 60 fps. Best of all, it's compatible with GoPro's extensive array of mounting solutions.
IMG_0252.jpg

Camera and accessories (LCD pack attached to camera)


IMG_0253.jpg

Camera and LCD backpack


IMG_0254.jpg

Camera in waterproof case


IMG_0255.jpg

Demonstrating compatibility with GoPro mounts by attaching it to GoPro Suction Cup Mount


The feature I like best is the remote. Mount the camera to the windshield and trigger record, stop, and snapshots without having the camera within arm's reach.

So far, my impressions are good. Video is OK in 1080p, but everything looks better in 720 @ 60fps. Performance drops off significantly in low light, as I expected. Is it as good as a GoPro? Judging by the multitude of videos I've seen on Youtube, no, no it isn't. Is it a good little camera well worth the price? You bet.

I took it out for a ride to the beach today. Good demonstration of multiple lighting conditions, because of the cloud cover and setting sun. Audio sounds weird because it was in the waterproof case, which dulled the pickup of the music, and the odd rattling is because the mount was vibrating against the rearview mirror, which I was unaware of until I replayed the video.
[video=youtube_share;zpsAuTpLpA0]http://youtu.be/zpsAuTpLpA0?hd=1[/video]
 
Last edited:

drbandkgb

Titan Swapped / SAS'd
Founding Member
Nice little find.. Wish I had a 100 to drop on one.. I'm trying to gather as many cameras as I can..
 

ThePlasticOne

First Fill-Up (of many)
Location
Boston, MA
Woot has these things all the time - when I got mine it was $135 plus $5 shipping. It does what I need it to do (I actually use it in my classroom as well). I'm not a huge fan of the fisheye effect at 1080p but it's reduced at lower res.

Since all cameras universally use 1/4"x20 mounts, it's also compatible with any tripod/clamp. I picked up a number of spring-loaded and screw-type clamps off eBay (one day I'm gonna use a clamp mount on my welding helmet).

Some of my vids:
http://s1076.photobucket.com/user/thexterrance/media/FILE0052_zpsc80427cb.mp4.html?sort=3&o=14

http://s1076.photobucket.com/user/t...2013/FILE0065_zpsef7892fb.mp4.html?sort=3&o=3

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EMirV-VdXxk&feature=youtu.be
 
Top