Product Review: AEE MagicCam S51

If there's one thing I can't travel without, it would be my camera because I need it to document my trips. (duh!) However, there are times when a DSLR just ain't fit for the job. 

During my recent month-long solo trip around Southeast Asia, I did activities that required me to use both hands or be in or around water, and using my bulky camera was just not an option. 

Thankfully, the guys at Visiontec Marketing lent me an AEE MagicCam S51 unit for this trip.

(L) The AEE S51 unit with detachable TFT screen (R) AEE with waterproof casing (up to 100m)

I started my trip in Chiang Mai, Thailand where I signed up for a one-day elephant mahout training.

The 'training' involved feeding the elephants, riding them bare-back through the jungle, and bathing them in the river.

Although the package includes a CD containing photos and video of the training, I still wanted to record the experience from a first-person perspective. 

AEE S51 in action with the waterproof casing + head strap

Before we started the activities, I removed the detachable TFT screen from the S51 unit, turned the G-sensor on (auto start/stop function), placed it in the waterproof casing, and finally attached it to the head strap. 

The elephant mahout training was such a wonderful and memorable experience for me, so I was very happy that the S51 captured it perfectly.

Here's a short compilation of the videos during the training; the slow boat ride from Chiang Khong, Thailand to Luang Prabang, Laos; and the trip to Kuang Si Waterfalls (also in Luang Prabang). 

                                   Thailand-Laos 2014 from Kat Torres  Video edited by my nephew, JC Abellar.
Please take note that no color correction/grading was applied during editing. You can watch the HD version on Vimeo.

Aside from outdoor activities, I also worked on some hotel and resort reviews during the trip.

  

With the S51's wide angle lens (and used with a monopod), I was able to get the shots/angles I want especially when in enclosed/small spaces that I wouldn't have captured otherwise with my DSLR.

And yeah, it's perfect for the solo traveler because it's very easy to take selfies. No need to bother other tourists for such triviality. :p

(Clockwise) Petronas Twin Towers as seen from my room at Traders Hotel KL | Selfie at Seminyak Beach, Bali, Indonesia | My bathroom at Villa Maydou, Luang Prabang, Laos | Courtyard by Marriott Seminyak's pool, Bali, Indonesia

AEE App

I'm no technophile, so I really appreciate the straightforward push-button functions on the S51. It's even easier to use with the AEE App.

Simply download the AEE App from the Apple or Play store onto your smartphone or tablet to have real-time control and operation of the S51 through the built-in WiFi. You can then easily download and share/upload your pictures and/or videos to social media.      

Click here to view full tech specs

Admittedly, I was not able to fully exploit the capabilities of this camera. I'm sure it can do so much more. 

Now that I'm starting to find lugging around the DSLR inconvenient, especially on longer trips, I am seriously looking at investing on an action cam like the AEE S51 because it's compact and would be a better companion on the road for a variety of activities.

***

For pricing and other inquiries, please contact Johannes Yu of Visiontec Marketing at 781-6731 or visiontec.inc@gmail.com.

K

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