Because of my professional background, I always tend to keep up to date with new technologies and I like to try out the latest gadgets that appear on the market. On the other hand, I’m also the type of consumer who doesn’t change his habits easily: once I’ve found something that works for me I tend to stick with it. I’m sure this is a common trait that is shared by many consumers: if you had a good experience with version 1 of a product, there is a very good chance that you will switch to version 2 of the same product without even considering other similar products. While this “stick with what I know” mindset has always served me well in the past, I recently questioned it when BRP (Can-Am) asked me to test the Cyclops Gear CGX2 action camera.
Cyclops Gear introduced the CGX2 into the extremely popular and competitive action camera niche in late November 2015. With the CGX2, Cyclops Gear wanted to offer consumers not only a quality action camera at an affordable price, but also everything they need to record video right out of the box.
For those wondering why I’m using the words “Cyclops Gear CGX2” and “BRP” in association, let me elaborate a bit on that: according to a press release issued by BRP in September 2015, the two companies have entered into a mutual agreement whereby the BRP North American dealer network will distribute the Cyclops Gear CGX2 sport camera.
WHAT’S IN THE BOX
- Action Camera CGX2 4K WI-FI
- 32GB Micro SD Class 10 memory card
- Waterproof case 50m
- Removable Lithium-Ion battery
- Waterproof remote control watch 2.4 Ghz
- 8 different supports
- User manual
The first thing you’ll notice about the CGX2 is that its look and handling will be immediately familiar as it looks like its GoPro counterpart. The CGX2 has a sleek black housing and just like the GoPro its construction is of high quality.
The front of the camera reveals the Wi-Fi indicator, Mode button and 160-degree lens. The back of the camera has a 2-inch LCD screen and power status and charge level indicators.
On the left side of the device are the up/down buttons as well as the HMDI and USB ports. On the right side is located the TF card slot, where the 32GB Micro SD card is inserted.
Finally, the top of the camera consists of the Power / Shutter button and the built-in speaker.
FEATURES
Being able to control the camera remotely is not just a fun gadget to have, it is now a necessity! Having the ability to carry your camera on different parts of your body, your vehicle or anywhere else you feel like while still being able to control the camera remotely is an essential part of being able to capture unique images.
The CGX2 camera offers two ways to achieve this:
- The CGX2’s Wi-Fi wireless technology features allow you to easily pair the camera with an iOS or Android smartphone through a free downloadable app; the app allows the user to control the camera remotely. Not only will this app allow you to see live what the camera is filming, it will also allow you to control its operation and various settings.
- You can also control the camera remotely via the waterproof remote control watch. Simply synchronize the remote control watch to the camera and you can now record or take pictures at the touch of a button.
The CGX2 also offers various popular shooting modes: high-speed recording, fast motion mode, burst mode, slow motion, motion detection, dive mode, reverse and transparent mode. You can easily select these options via the camera’s menu system or via the smartphone app.
VIDEO RESOLUTIONS
Selon l’effet créatif que vous souhaitez atteindre, la CGX2 vous permet de filmer en diverses résolutions. Encore une fois ces options peuvent être modifiées et / ou sélectionnées via le système de menus de l’appareil ou via l’application smartphone.
| Video resolution | FPS (frames per second) |
| 4K | 10 |
| 1440p | 30 |
| 1080p | 25/30/50/60 |
| 720p | 35/60/120 |
| 480p | 240 |
It should be noted that according to the device’s user manual, some video functions are limited when using 4K / 10fps resolution: loop recording, zoom in Wi-Fi connection, accelerated mode and capture function.
FIXED IMAGES
Still images can be captured with the CGX2 in the following resolutions: 12MP, 8MP, 5MP and 3MP. The CGX2 also allows you to capture still images with the burst photo, accelerated photo and capture mode features.
Sample photos – 12MP
Again, it should be noted that all of these options are changeable and/or selectable via the device’s menu system or via the smartphone app.
TEST PHASE
There’s one question we didn’t want to answer during our testing phase: “How does the CGX2 action camera compare against its competitors?” Yes, indeed there is no denying that the CGX2 is comparable in appearance to its GoPro counterpart. However, we don’t want these similarities to influence our testing and recommendations. Our testing was necessary to determine if the CGX2 action camera lives up to Cyclops Gear’s stated goals of providing consumers with a quality action camera at an affordable price.
En gros, nous voulions répondre à la question suivante : “La caméra d’action CGX2 peut-elle capturer des photos et des vidéos qui satisferont les amateurs de motoneige ?” C’est la vraie question, n’est-ce pas ? Lors de nos activités de motoneige, nous évoluons dans des environnements variés et parfois difficiles, nous avons besoin d’une caméra d’action qui saura non seulement capturer nos plus beaux moments d’aventure mais aussi nos plus mémorables poussées d’adrénaline.
We have done some preliminary testing with the CGX2 and so far we are very impressed with the images recorded. On the other hand, it’s too early for us to comment on important factors such as battery performance and life or how the camera performs in some special environments or more severe conditions. However, we have many adventures planned for 2016, so we’ll certainly share our findings with you as our testing period continues throughout the year.
Also be sure to follow us on social media as we will be sharing video clips of our adventures captured with our CGX2 action camera.
CONCLUSION
Our first impressions of the CGX2 action camera are very positive: the shots we’ve captured so far are very impressive. We are also confident that we will be working with a high-quality product that will allow us to capture exceptional images throughout our 2016 testing.
As we said above, we didn’t want to compare the CGX2 to its competitors but we are aware of the advanced features that other devices on the market offer. If you don’t need these advanced features the CGX2 may be for you. In the end, it all comes down to getting features for a price; the CGX2 is available for $349.99 CDN.
If you’re looking for an affordable 4K action camera that has everything you need to record right out of the box, we recommend you check out the CGX2 action camera.
More information on the CGX2 action camera is available at: http://www.cyclopsgear.com. CGX2 action cameras can be purchased through the Can-Am website or through local BRP dealers.
