Oregon Scientific ATC5K Waterproof Action Camera review

The 32MB internal memory will hold up to 47 seconds of VGA video, 1.5 minutes of QVGA video, or 175 VGA still photos if you're in a pinch and forget your SD card. To get the best out of the device, you'll want to pick up an SD memory card (not included). The ATC5K will store up to 120 minutes of VGA video on a 4GB SD card (the largest readable size).

The ATC5K's menu system lets users adjust the capture resolution; preview captured media; delete unwanted files; enable and disable audible button confirmation (beeping); adjust the audio recording level between low, high and off; and set the date and time for file-time stamps.

When connected to a television or monitor using the included RCA cables, the ATC5K can playback stored media or send a live video feed. When connected to a computer via USB, the ATC5K gives the user a choice between displaying the files stored on the device and functioning as a webcam. The webcam function only works on machines running 32-bit versions of Windows, leaving 64-bit users and Mac users out of luck.

Mixed results
The ATC5K seems most stable when used with the included tube grip on, for example, bicycle handlebars. We had difficulty securing the ATC5K in any other configuration without incurring a good deal of vibration and shaking. The ATC5K's bullet shape puts its centre of gravity a few inches in front of the mounting point when using the strap-based attachments, causing the lens to shake considerably.

The ATC5K's construction dictates that this is a device that should be used outdoors and its video capture reinforces this sentiment. In sunlight, the video we captured was crisp and saturated. But, using the ATC5K indoors, at dusk or on an overcast day yielded mixed results, ranging from muddy and poorly exposed to plain dark and unwatchable.

The ATC5K's sensors seem to take a few seconds to adjust to changing light, resulting in 2 to 3 seconds of blown-out, overexposed images when, for example, transitioning from an indoor to an outdoor environment. While using the ATC5K as a webcam, we could see the exposure of the captured image shifting from dark to light as the unit tried to keep up with the changing amounts of light caused by us moving our head about.

Transferring 1GB of video from the device's SD card slot using the integrated USB port took a staggeringly slow 30 minutes, during which the ATC5K needed to be powered using its batteries. You may, therefore, want to invest in an SD card reader to speed up file transfers and save on batteries.

Conclusion
With its colour LCD display, the Oregon Scientific ATC5K Waterproof Action Camera is a very easy device to pick up and start using. Its menus are well-designed and easily navigated, and it's solidly built. The ATC5K isn't perfectly balanced, though, making it difficult to mount in a stable fashion, and more prone to getting caught on obstructions.

The ATC5K wins back points with its webcam and live monitor functions, and the inclusion of an infrared remote control, but loses major points for its poor image exposure and low-light performance. Competing models capture better video, take higher-resolution photos and feature more mounting options. But, if you must have a live LCD viewfinder for your extreme photography, the ATC5K is currently one of the only options.

Additional editing by Charles Kloet