I’m all about running and capturing those epic moments on the go. I’ve been using the DJI Osmo Action 3 for a while now, but I was curious to see if a budget-friendly alternative could keep up with my running adventures.
I’ve got the XTU S6 Action Camera, which at around $99.99/£129.99, is available at the fraction of the price that a more premium offerings (such as a DJI Osmo Action or GoPro) is available for.
If you do get this for yourself, you get loads of accessories right out of the box — a waterproof case, various mounts, micro SD card, a remote control and loads more.
First impressions
The camera feels solid, compact, and it’s definitely geared towards those who want a budget versatile action cam that doesn’t break the bank and that’s definitely shown in its plastic feeling, but don’t judge it on that because it is definitely a good thing when it comes to the weight of this.
The design is sleek and rugged, perfect for outdoor activities like running, hiking, or even swimming, thanks to its waterproof capabilities up to 131 feet when in the case. Unlike a premium action camera (like the DJI Osmo Action 3), which is waterproof without a case on it, the S6 is not waterproof without this case on.
Key Features & Specs
The XTU S6 packs a punch with its 4K/30fps video recording, which is fantastic for capturing smooth, high-quality footage. It also has a 20MP photo resolution, not too shabby for a camera in this price range!
For all my fellow runners out there, the S6’s image stabilisation is a good for this price range. It’s not quite at the level of the DJI Osmo Action 3, but it’s surprisingly good at keeping the footage steady, even during intense runs.
In side by side footage (see Youtube video link for clips), you can see that the XTU S6 holds its own pretty well, especially considering the price difference. The colours are vibrant, and the details are sharp, though the Osmo Action 3 does edge it out in terms of dynamic range and stabilisation.
Ease of Use & Battery Life
One thing I like about the XTU S6 is how user-friendly it is. The 2-inch touchscreen on the back is easy to navigate, generally responsive but can at times be a bit clunky especially when you’re on the move.
Although it does have dual screens, unfortunately only one can be operational at a time, which can be a bit frustrating, as also only the screen at the back is a touchscreen, which means you can only make setting changes on the fly with the back screen, so if you’re using the front screen, and need to make changes you’ve got to press the button the change the screen and then you’re changes.
It’s definitely a feature that you can quickly become frustrated by, particularly, if like me, you’re used to the more premium offerings, where both screens can always be on and are both touchscreens. A feature which is available in XTU’s Max 2 Action camera.
It also supports voice control, which is perfect for hands-free operation during a run.
The XTU S6 has a 1350mAh battery, which gives you about 90 minutes of continuous recording in 4K and up to 150 minutes recording in 1080/30fps. It’s not the longest, but it’s pretty standard for action cameras in this category. And it’s always a good idea to carry a spare battery just in case, which is available to buy from XTU.
Who is this Action Camera For?
If you’re someone who loves outdoor activities, whether it’s running, cycling, swimming, or even vlogging your adventures, this camera is a solid option. It’s especially great if you’re on a budget but still want to capture good quality footage.
It’s perfect for runners (like me), who want a reliable camera without spending a fortune. Sure, it might not replace a premium camera like the DJI Osmo Action 3, but for the price, it’s an impressive piece of gear.
Final Thoughts & Recommendation
So, after putting the XTU S6 through its paces, it’s clear that while it does a lot of things well, there are definitely noticeable differences in picture quality if you’ve used premium action cameras like the DJI Osmo Action 3 or even a newer smartphone like an iPhone. The dynamic range isn’t quite as sharp, and in challenging lighting conditions, you might see some loss in detail or colour accuracy.
If you can overlook that and you’re shooting in good lighting conditions, the XTU S6 performs just fine for most casual uses. For the price point, it’s still a solid choice if you’re looking to document your runs or outdoor activities without spending a ton of money.
So, would I recommend it? Yes — as long as you keep your expectations in check when it comes to video quality.
XTU in their marketing for this camera, sum it up perfectly. This is your ideal first action camera, providing you don’t go straight to premium like I did.
For the right person, especially if you’re on a budget, the XTU S6 can get the job done, and with all of the accessories you get with this, as part of the bundle, which with the premium action camera, you would have to pay additionally for.
But if top-tier footage is a priority, you might want to stick with something like the DJI Osmo Action 3 or your phone.
If you want to see the video version of this article, check out the YouTube link above.