E1 Camera - The New GoPro Killer?

A new Kickstarter project brings a tiny “action-style” camera with a large micro 4/3 sensor, interchangeable lenses and 4K video capabilities. The camera already raised four times the original goal and is making waves all over the net – we had a chance to asked the developer a few questions and we are looking forward to testing the camera later this year.

A new Kickstarter projcet brings a really unique tiny (200 gram) camera with a micro 4/3 16MP sensor capable of shooting 4K video at up to 30p with built in WIFI and BT as well as a built in rear display.

The Tiny E1 – 4K interchangeable lens action camera

The ability to change lenses in the micro 4/3 format is really unique to this camera and opens the door to a lot of very interesting uses and to a level of image quality that was only available in much more expensive and large cameras.

Camera capabilities:

Sensor: Micro 4/3, 16MP CMOS sensor.
Sensativity – ISO 100-25,600.
Video: 4K (4096×2160@24fps / 3840×2160@30fps / 1920×1080@60fps) up to 60Mbit/s @4K (MOV file format).
Sound – 3.5mm input + stereo mic built in.
LCD – 320×240 pixels.
Shutter – 1/8000 seconds.
Storage – Micro SD.
Connectivity – WIFI/BT 4.0, Mini HDMI, 1.4a, Micro USB, 2.0.
Weight – 216 grams (with 2000mAh battery).
Size – 75.2mm x 56.1mm x 50.25mm.

We are very excited to see this camera which already raised 4 times the original goal on Kickstarter (over $160k) with lots more time to go. We feel that there is a real need for such camera and talking to many photographers it seems that this camera might be extremely interesting for a large target audience.

We have been in touch with the creator of the project Jason Zhang who was kind enough to answer some of our questions and also send us the Kickstarter video which we uploaded for you to youtube above.

The E1 on an arm – super small and light

–

We asked Zhang if the unit will be able to be powered using USB and he replied “that the current under 4K recording is too big for USB interface (500mA typically), so we don’t support the USB power”. He did add that they are working on an external battery which users will be able to charge from a USB.
–

We also asked about stills shooting and Zhang answered that the camera will shoot 16MP stills on both Jpeg and RAW/DNG (up to 15 images in a burst) as well as time lapse. Zhang also confirmed that the company is already working on underwater case for the camera.

The current price of the camera on Kickstarter is $600 (but you will need to hurry up).

Make sure you wont miss any Kickstarter photography projects on our dedicated Kickstarter page here on LensVid.

Iddo Genuth

Iddo Genuth is the founder and chief editor of LensVid.com. He has been a technology reporter working for international publications since the late 1990's and covering photography since 2009. Iddo is also a co-founder of a production company specializing in commercial food and product visual content.