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Sjcam SJ20 specifications and in-depth review

Sjcam SJ20

Manufacturer: Sjcam

The Sjcam SJ20 is an action camera built around a dual-lens configuration that gives shooters flexibility in how they capture their surroundings. It carries a 20MP main camera paired with a back-illuminated CMOS sensor, and the body includes both a primary display and a secondary screen, making framing and playback straightforward from either angle. At 370g and 30mm thick, the camera has a solid presence, and its waterproof rating to 5 meters means it can handle wet conditions without additional housing.

On the video side, the SJ20 records at 2160 x 30fps with a wide 154° field of view, and it supports slow-motion recording, timelapse, a 24p cinema mode, and continuous autofocus with AF tracking during video capture. Phase-detection autofocus is available for video as well. Connectivity options include Wi-Fi, USB Type-C, and remote smartphone control with compatibility for both Android and iOS, while live streaming is supported natively. The 1850mAh removable battery offers up to three hours of use and can be swapped out in the field, with a battery level indicator keeping usage visible at all times.

Pros
  • The removable and rechargeable 1850 mAh battery allows spare batteries to be swapped in the field, extending shooting sessions beyond the 3-hour limit
  • Dual-lens main camera with an adjustable field of view gives more flexibility in framing compared to fixed single-lens setups
  • Phase-detection autofocus, continuous autofocus, and AF tracking work together to keep subjects in focus during video recording without manual adjustment
  • Built-in gyroscope aids in stabilization sensing, which is relevant for action-oriented shooting situations
  • Native live streaming support removes the need for third-party software to broadcast footage directly
  • Waterproof to 5 meters without additional housing, making it usable in rain, shallow water, and wet outdoor environments
Cons
  • No external memory slot means storage cannot be expanded, and with 0GB of internal storage, the camera is entirely dependent on whatever media solution is built into the recording system
  • No 3.5mm audio jack rules out connecting an external microphone for improved audio capture
  • Only a single built-in microphone limits audio quality in demanding recording environments
  • No flash is available for still photography in low-light situations
  • The camera weighs 370g, which is relatively heavy for an action camera and may affect comfort during extended wear or mounting
Who is this for?

The Sjcam SJ20 suits users who need a rugged action camera for outdoor and water-adjacent activities, given its 5-meter waterproof rating without additional housing. The dual-lens setup with an adjustable field of view, combined with phase-detection autofocus and AF tracking, makes it a practical choice for anyone capturing fast-moving subjects or dynamic scenes. Users who shoot extended sessions in the field will also benefit from the removable battery system, which allows for quick swaps rather than waiting for a recharge, alongside native live streaming support for those who broadcast content directly from their shoots.

Who is this NOT for?

Users who rely on external microphones for high-quality audio recording will find the SJ20 limiting, as it lacks a 3.5mm jack and offers only a single built-in microphone. The absence of an external memory slot and zero internal storage creates a dependency on whatever recording media the system supports, making it a poor fit for those who need flexible or expandable storage options. At 370g, the camera is also less suitable for users who require a lightweight wearable setup for prolonged activity, such as helmet or body mounting over extended periods where weight becomes a meaningful factor.

Design:

has a touch screen ✕
has an external memory slot ✕
Has a display ✓
internal storage 0GB
screen size 2.29"
Has a secondary screen ✓
waterproof depth rating 5 m
Has a flip-out screen ✕
has a gyroscope ✓
volume 116.325 cm³
weight 370 g
thickness 30 mm
width 70.5 mm
height 55 mm

The Sjcam SJ20 has a compact physical footprint, measuring 70.5mm wide, 55mm tall, and 30mm thick, with a total volume of 116.325 cm³ and a weight of 370g. It features a 2.29″ primary display alongside a secondary screen, offering two viewing angles without any flip-out mechanism or touch input. The camera does not include an external memory slot and ships with no internal storage, so external recording media is required. A built-in gyroscope handles motion sensing, and the body carries a waterproof rating down to 5 meters, making it usable in wet or shallow-water environments without additional protection.

Connectivity & Features:

release date January 2024
Is compatible with Android ✓
Is compatible with iOS ✓
has first-party support for live streaming ✓
Has USB Type-C ✓
supports Wi-Fi ✓
supports a remote smartphone ✓

The Sjcam SJ20 connects via USB Type-C and supports Wi-Fi, enabling wireless communication with both Android and iOS devices through remote smartphone control. It includes first-party live streaming support, allowing footage to be broadcast directly without relying on third-party workarounds.

Battery:

Battery life 3 hours
battery power 1850 mAh
has a removable battery ✓
has a rechargeable battery ✓
has a battery level indicator ✓

The Sjcam SJ20 is powered by a 1850 mAh removable and rechargeable battery that provides up to 3 hours of use. Since the battery can be swapped out, carrying a spare is straightforward for extended shoots. A built-in battery level indicator keeps remaining charge visible at a glance.

Audio:

number of microphones 1
has a socket for a 3.5 mm audio jack ✕

The Sjcam SJ20 includes a single built-in microphone for audio capture and does not feature a 3.5mm headset jack, meaning external microphones cannot be connected via a standard audio port.

Optics:

megapixels (main camera) 20 MP
has an adjustable field of view ✓
wide aperture (main camera) 2f
Has a dual-lens (or multi-lens) main camera ✓
has a BSI sensor ✓
has a CMOS sensor ✓
has a flash ✕
has manual shutter speed ✓
has manual white balance ✓

The Sjcam SJ20 uses a dual-lens main camera with a 20MP resolution, backed by a back-illuminated CMOS sensor that aids light capture at the hardware level. The main camera has a wide aperture of f/2, and the field of view is adjustable rather than fixed. Manual controls include both shutter speed and white balance, giving the shooter direct input over exposure and color. The camera does not include a flash.

Videography:

video recording (main camera) 2160 x 30 fps
field of view 154°
Has timelapse function ✓
supports slow-motion video recording ✓
Has phase-detection autofocus for videos ✓
has continuous autofocus when recording movies ✓
has a 24p cinema mode ✓
has AF tracking ✓
has a video light ✕

The Sjcam SJ20 records video at 2160p and 30fps with a wide 154° field of view, and it supports slow-motion recording, timelapse, and a 24p cinema mode for varied shooting styles. Autofocus during video is handled through phase-detection, continuous autofocus, and AF tracking, keeping subjects sharp without manual intervention. The camera does not include a video light.

Miscellaneous:

widest aperture at maximum focal length 1.3f

At maximum focal length, the Sjcam SJ20 reaches a widest aperture of f/1.3, allowing a notable amount of light through the lens at the far end of its zoom range.

Final Verdict

The Sjcam SJ20 is a capable action camera that brings together a dual-lens system, 4K recording, and a 154° field of view in a waterproof body built for active outdoor use. Its removable battery and native live streaming support set it apart for users who shoot on the go and need practical field-ready features rather than studio-oriented ones. The absence of external audio input and expandable storage do place real constraints on more demanding workflows, but for users focused on capturing fast-moving scenes in challenging environments, the SJ20's feature set aligns well with those specific needs. It is a straightforward, functionally focused action camera that delivers where its intended use cases demand most.