The SJCAM C400 takes a different approach to the action-camera market. Instead of simply shrinking down a conventional action camera, it combines a tiny detachable camera with a battery grip that doubles as a larger monitor and wireless controller. The result is a versatile setup aimed at casual vloggers, travelers, and everyday creators.
It records in 4K, features six-axis gyro stabilization, has a rotating touchscreen, and can deliver up to seven hours of claimed battery life with its grip. It also comes with a generous selection of mounting accessories. However, the C400 isn’t without compromises, particularly when you push it beyond casual shooting.
1A Clever 3-in-1 Design
The C400’s biggest attraction is its modular design. The 54g camera can be removed from the battery grip and used independently, making it small enough to carry in a pocket. Attach it to the grip and it becomes a more conventional handheld camera with a 2.29-inch rotating touchscreen.
The C400 is made up of two main pieces: the compact camera and the detachable battery grip. The camera measures 68 × 32 × 25.5mm and weighs just 54g on its own, while the complete setup weighs 189g. The camera has a small touchscreen and a physical multifunction button, with the microSD card slot and USB-C port located on the camera. The grip adds the larger 2.29-inch rotating touchscreen, dedicated power and recording controls, a USB-C charging port and a standard mounting point at the bottom. The camera slides securely into the grip and can be released using the side buckles, making it easy to switch between handheld and standalone use.
SJCAM’s 3-in-1 positioning essentially covers three ways of using the camera: handheld, pocket and remote. The grip can be separated from the camera and used as a wireless controller and monitor, allowing you to preview and control the camera from a distance.
The grip is comfortable to hold, and its physical buttons make starting and stopping recordings straightforward. Rotating the display also powers the camera on or off, which is a neat touch.
The wireless monitor is particularly useful when the camera is mounted somewhere away from you. However, there can be some latency in the wireless preview, so it isn’t always ideal when you need to frame a shot quickly.
SJCAM also gives you a generous selection of accessories with the C400. The box includes the camera and battery grip, waterproof case, frame mount, base mount, base back clip, back clip, adapter, curved and flat mounts, lanyard, USB cable, screw, 3M adhesive stickers and a cleaning cloth. This makes the C400 ready for a variety of mounting options straight out of the box, whether you’re using it handheld, attaching it to clothing or mounting it for POV footage.
