XTU S6 – The Ultimate Action Cam for Every Adventure
More poco known to us, the XTU brand is carving out a strong position for itself in the world of action cameras, offering valid solutions in relation to the low selling price. For you I was able to try the intriguing XTU S6, simple in name but super equipped not only from a hardware but also software point of view. I took it with me on holiday by the sea and used it to capture some bike and scooter rides and I'm ready to talk to you about my experience in this review. Summer is still underway and perhaps many of you want an action cam to immortalize your adventures, then continue reading because XTU S6 is the solution to your needs.
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On offer on Amazon
Full optional unboxing
The first point in favor of this XTU S6 product is the content of the sales package, well made and attractive from a graphic point of view, but above all full optional in terms of accessories inside. In fact, inside the package we find the actual camera inserted in a waterproof case which allows the camera to be immersed up to 40 meters deep. We then find a 64 GB micro SD, a card reader, a cover for the GoPro attachment, the USB cable, a battery, a wireless remote control, a wrist strap for the aforementioned remote control and a large series of hooks to connect the small Action Room for practically everything, spare stickers, cable ties and a cleaning cloth.
The number and type of accessories must not be underestimated, because in the common offers these are considered separately and their price, alone, can even reach a few tens of Euros, which are obviously added to the cost of the video camera, while here it is all included.
Design and construction
The naked camera is covered on the sides in rubber, with rounded corners that look great in your pocket or bag, with two displays, a 1,4″ front one and a 2″ rear one, this of the touch type. Specifically, we have dimensions of 6,5 x 4,3 x 2,5 cm and a weight of 92 grams. There are two microphones, one positioned next to the lens and one on the upper profile, while the speaker to listen to what is recorded is placed above the charging input.
On the side belt, under a silicone flap to protect against splashes of water and dust, there is the Type-C input for charging and data transfer which also allows you to use an external lavalier microphone and then the micro input. HDMI to connect the camera to external monitors. On the other side we find two buttons to move around the menus but which also allow you to enter the settings and activate the WiFi. The micro SD slot is positioned inside the battery compartment which is located on the lower profile where we also find a 4/3 connection for selfie stick. The upper profile instead houses the power button which also serves as entry into the menu and then the confirmation button which, if pressed for a long time, allows you to switch from the rear display to the front one for VLOG recordings.
Autonomy
The life of the 1350 mAh battery is good, basically offering a normal day of shooting, with values ranging from 90 minutes with recordings in 4K 30 fps, 120 minutes in 1080p 60 fps and 150 minutes if we use the 1080p 30 fps resolution. In any case, the battery format is standard and therefore if we want we can buy additional units to significantly increase the general autonomy.
Ready for adventure
I tested the I also tested the operation on a scooter running on uneven terrain and I was really satisfied with the fluidity and stability of the images, which only showed some imperfections with very strong jolts.
The two displays are convenient, especially for those who like to check the details of the shot themselves before taking it, but I must say that in direct sunlight, the front one suffers a bit in brightness. The camera menus and the interface in general are simple, direct and easy to learn, as is the touch screen which was decisive and precise, also offering shortcuts for quick settings by swiping from the main screen. For example, using the touchscreen we can take advantage of a 4X digital zoom.
But the voice control function was really convenient, which through pre-established commands (in English) allows us to start a recording, take a photo etc.. In my tests the commands were always received impeccably. However, there is no shortage of the accompanying app for iOS and Android, which allows you to customize all the settings, immediately share a video on social media, but above all it helps in remote control, although for that there is still a very convenient remote control which is definitely more comfortable if we don't want to have our smartphone in our hands, especially in truly "action" situations, up to 20 meters away.
Also appreciable is the fact that the camera can be immersed up to 40 meters deep, via the protective case, also being able to enable a special "underwater" mode, which enhances the colors of the seabed, ideal if you are a lover of snorkeling. Another tasty way is to use the XTU S6 as a dashcam if used in the car and connected to the cigarette lighter: when the driving mode is activated, when the engine is turned on, it starts and the recording begins. But if necessary we can also use the maximum quality of this XTU S6 as a webcam, simply by connecting it to the PC via the USB cable. Finally, there is no shortage of other recording possibilities such as time lapse, slow motion, night scene but also the possibility of shooting at 20 MP with related shooting modes.
Among the software functions we also have the possibility of inverting the shooting format, i.e. from the classic vertical to the typical one of Instagram/TikTok stories, while if we are afraid of missing the moment, a further gem of the software is the pre-recording mode, which allows you to capture up to 20 seconds earlier than when you pressed the REC button. Finally, note the excellent audio capture by the integrated microphone, a quality that can be increased by using an external lavalier.
Video results
You have already begun to understand how versatile this XTU S6 is, but what quality does it offer us? As mentioned we have the opportunity to record 4K video at 30 fps and take photos at 20 MP with 170° wide-angle vision using the Ambarella H22 CPU with quad-core Cortex-A53/1.2GHz processor, combined with the Sony CMOS sensor 386/1″ IMX3. The EIS stabilization is fourth generation (integrated 6-axis gyroscope) and we have the possibility of enabling WDR but the most important aspects that I want to point out are, as mentioned, the electronic image stabilization, the reduction of external noise and the elimination of distortion, factors that place the video camera on a higher level than the price suggests.
I put this XTU S6 to the test while testing an electric scooter, traveling along sidewalks with terrain that wasn't perfectly up to standard, yet the result obtained was of the highest level, certainly above expectations for a 100 euro camera. about. Overall the colors are realistic without particular distortions or accents on blue/yellow. However, it is possible to calibrate any values such as ISO, sharpness, contrast etc.
On offer on Amazon
Final considerations and price
If we consider the XTU S6 as an Action Camera full of accessories, completely smart and waterproof up to 40 meters at a cost of around 100 euros (you must redeem the discount coupon from the purchase page on Amazon), then this model is really interesting, because it costs at least a third of the most powerful model on the market today, a price/performance factor that absolutely should not be underestimated. Ideal not only for beginners but also for semi-professionals thanks to the dual screen which allows you to vlog but above all to excellent audio capture by the integrated microphone, with the possibility of using external lavaliers and then excellent stabilisation. If we add the many other possibilities of use such as dashcam or webcam, then I would say that the XTU S6 can be considered the best economical action camera of this 2024.
