What is the REMOVU K1 4k Camera and Stabilizer?
REMOVU's new K1 camera is an impressive, handheld, all-in-on 4k camera and 3-axis gimbal stabilizer. It is designed for the vlogger and travel to make it is easy to film stable and cinematic shots on-the-go without having to bring a heavy equipment footprint along the ride.
I'm quite impressed with the camera and while it may not have the same quality as an interchangeable SLR lens camera, like my Canon EOS M3, it is a great camera for on-the-go vlogging, event interviews, POV shots, action shots and broll.
Below I filmed a review of the camera with test footage and answered all the questions you may have!
After you read and watch, if you want get the REMOVU K1 you can get 5% off with my promo code, GAL5 from the REMOVU website.
Important Update❗I mentioned in the video that it took 20 seconds for clips to save. It turns out I was using the wrong speed class of MicroSD card - so this is no longer an issue. The REMOVU K1 requires a MicroSD card UHS-1 U3, which you have to buy separately. I recommend the 64gb SanDisk Extreme UHS-1 U3 MicroSD card and SD card adaptor: https://amzn.to/2GBK018
What's included in the camera?
Included with the camera is the all-on-one 4k gimbal stabilizer, the neoprene carrying pouch, USB charging cable and a rechargeable battery.
What are the camera lens and sensor specs?
It's a wide angle lens, F2.8, FOV 101˚ (D). The lens is not interchangeable.The wide angle makes it great for selfie-mode so you can vlog while you are on the go and not have it be "too up in your face" (see vlogging example in the video above). As for sensor, it has a 1/2.3" CMOS 12MP (SONY IMX377) sensor.
How does it stabilize? What does the footage look like?
It is a 3-axis BLDC motorized gimbal, allowing for tilts, pans and rolls. This built in gimbal allows filmmakers to capture smooth shots while walking running and performing other activities. Here is a review with sample footage in this video.
3-Axis self-stabilizing gimbal
What are the video modes and resolution?
You can capture in the following video modes:
- Video
- Slow Motion Video
- Timelapse Video
There is also shooting modes (See demonstrations of shooting modes in the review video):
- Front Mode, Pan or Follow
- Selfie Mode
You can capture in the following resolutions:
- 4k, (3840x2160) @ 30fps,
- WQHD (2560x 1440) @ 30/60fps . - WQHD is the same as "2k" half resolution of 4k.
- FHD (1920x1080) @ 30/60/120fps
- HD (1280 x 720) @ 30/60/120/240fps
Can it take photos?
Yes, it can take a single shot, 12MP photo. You can also take a burst of continuous photos, time lapse photos, and panorama photos.
Can you put it on a Tripod?
Yes, there is a built-in tripod screw on the bottom of the camera handle that you can attach to a tripod.
Still from video review. I placed the K1 on a Joby Gorilla Pod.
What about memory?
It takes a Micro SD Card. Make sure it is a UHS-1 U3 class card, it can take cards up to 256gb. If you use any micro-SD class lower than UHS-1 U3, you will have issues saving your clips, e.g. long clip save times. I'd recommend getting a few SanDisk Extreme 64gb MicroSD UHS-1 U3 cards and an SD card adaptor that you can use while you are on the go.
MicroSD not included. This 64gb microSD card is $30.40 from Amazon. Click to view.
Get a card reader to import your footage into your computer.
How long can you record at a time?
It can have up to 3 hours of continuous shooting in 4k mode and 4 hours of continuous recording with 1080p FHD with a fully charged battery, WiFI off, and the LCD screen off. To change the recording duration of clips go to Menu > Video Settings > Motion Setting and set a new duration.
How long does the battery last?
It says it can record up to 4 hours of continuous recording, but depending on your LCD screen use and how many times you turn it on and off a fully charged battery can last between 2-4 hours of full battery time. You can buy a separate Li-ion battery for $49.99
Are there any accessories?
Yes you can get a $49.99 accessory pack which includes an external MX-1 Microphone, wind shield, furry wind shield, Lens Cap, Arm strap, lens cleaner and screen protector.
REMOVU K1 Accessory Pack Additional $49.99
Extra REMOVU K1 Smart Li-Ion Rechargeable Battery $49.99
Can you connect it to your phone?
Yes, you can connect the Removu K1 to your smartphone (Android or iOS) using the Wi-Fi Direct Connection from the Removu Menu > Camera Settings. This will give you a live-view of your camera from your phone and remote control of your camera. The great part of the REMOVU K1 though is that there is
My suggested future Improvements?
The K1 can zoom into subjects while zooming by pressing the front toggle button forward while pushing the back button at the same time. But as you zoom in the quality image becomes pixelated. For now, I'd recommend not zooming, but only using the natural state of the camera for vlogging.
Lastly, the way to change clip recording durations should be improved to be more user friendly. I recommend a simple menu that has options for the user to change the default recording to 1 min, 5 min or 30 minute, 60 min or max recording time. The current setup to navigate to the Menu > Video Settings > Motion Settings to change the duration is not very intuitive to the everyday user.