Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

After having a disappointing experience with the Yi 4K+ due to the poor unusable audio quality (even with good full-range external microphones), I did not have high expectations with the Yi Lite that I received today. Besides the "tinny" and muffled audio of the 4K+, there was audible machine-like noise that was present in every situation using BOTH the internal and external microphone. Fortunately with the Yi Lite, this machine-like noise did not exist. Furthermore, the onboard audio was usable for production, as it sounded more rich and full. The video (in good daylight) is comparable to the Yi 4K+, albeit it records 1080 60P at a lower maximum bit rate (31 mbps versus 60 mbps). I hope in a future firmware update, the maximum bit rates will be increased. My only gripe with this camera is somewhat minor (see update of 9/28/17 below, as this was corrected in a firmware update) - the optional date and time display is located in a distracting location on the video. This is the worst location I have seen in any action camera from China to date. As shown in Photo #3 (Yi Lite), the date and time display is located at somewhat of a high location on the right, making it somewhat of a distraction. Photo #2 shows the 4K+ display in 2 rows (also used in the original Yi). This is not bad, but it is still a potentially noticeable distraction to the viewer. The best location I have seen is in Photo #1 used by both Eken and Gitup - small fonts in a single row on the bottom right-hand corner. I would strongly suggest Xiaomi to simply move the display down to this location so that the it is less of a distraction to the viewer. I use this display when I am filming travel documentaries. I sincerely hope that Xiaomi reads this review and will address these issues in a future firmware update. In conclusion, the Yi Lite design has the foundation to be a winner and is technically a clear upgrade over the original Yi in my initial test ). I will do more "torture" testing later and provide an update to this review. Update 7/28/17 - I conducted a low light torture test at a local karaoke pub comparing this camera to the original Yi. From first impressions, it appeared that at 1080 60P, the original Yi was superior, as shown on the attached video. However, the sound quality went to the new Yi Lite. Overall, this test only indicated that both cameras had their strengths and weaknesses with no clear overall winner (see update of 9/28/17, as the low light issues were addressed). Update 9/15/17 - Thankfully, Yi Technologies cam through on the "unofficial" firmware (as to not yet being available on their website as of this review) firmware and relocated the date and time stamp to the bottom right corner of the screen (see Photo #4). Furthermore, they re-formatted the date to read by month-date-year (commonly used in the US). Great job, guys! I hope this same change will be done to the other Yi models, as well. However, I noticed in this firmware update that they also incorporated a non-switchable auto low light adjustment that lowers frame rates to accommodate low light. This is fine, but I have suggested in an email to Yi Technologies that this should be a switchable menu option (similar to that in the original Yi ). Sometimes, these abrupt change of frame rates while filming may be abrupt, especially when the lighting conditions are not very dim (i.e. indoor room light). In certain filming situations, I would much rather increase the iso speed in the camera and deal with the potential added noise than suddenly change frame rates back and forth (see update of 9/28/17, as Yi Technologies added the switchable auto low light function in the menu options). Update 9/28/17 - I've got to hand it to the reps at Yi Technology (Mr. Adam Ding) for addressing all of my review comments and suggestions on their Yi Lite action camera. Since its release back in early July this year, they have relocated the optional date and time display to a better location on the screen (bottom right corner), reformatted the date to display month-date-year (typically used in the US) instead of year-month-date (typically used in Asia), and added a switchable auto low light setting in the menu options. All of these firmware improvements have made this camera one of the biggest bargains in the action camera industry. Way to go, guys! You just went from a 4-star to a 5-star rating in my review thanks to your super responsiveness to address noted issues. Highly recommended!