Hawkeye Firefly 7S overview

After the big success of the Firefly 6S, Hawkey created this new action cam Firefly 7S, very similar to its predecessor, the main update being the presence of a big 2″ rear screen, that will improve user-friendliness which ultimately translates to it being a better device when used as a proper action camera. There are also minor changes, like the battery size and shape and the USB port, in 7S it is a Micro Usb, not mini Usb like in 6S. It still has an effective Gyro stabylizer, a small front screen for options, Sony IMX078 image sensor and Novatek 96660 chipset.

Available @ Gearbest

Firefly 7s overview

Image Sensor:
It features the Sony IMX078 sensor, the same used in the Firefly 6S and in the SJ5000X. It is a very good sensor, as we said in the sj5000x review. It can reach 2k@30fps resolution, 1080p@60fps and an interpolated 4k@24fps.

Chipset:
It uses the same Novatek 96660 chipset, used also for 6s, sj5000X, Git2, Explorer pro.

Lens:
It features a 120-degree wide-angle lens

Video Resolutions:

• 4K – max. 24fps
• 2K – max. 30fps
• 1080p – max. 60fps
• 720p – max. 120fps

Recording Format:
The videos are recorded in .mp4 files, .h264 codec
Data rate is 25-30 MB/s in 1080p with 60fps.

Photo Resolution & Format:
max. 16MP (5312 x 2988) .jpg upscaled from the 12MP sensor

Display:
The camera features 2 displays, one small front screen for data like mode and resolution, and a big 2″ screen at the rear of the camera, to see what you are recording, to playback pictures and videos, and to easily change options.

Gyro stabilizer:
Gyro image stabilization to stabilize videos electronically to avoid shaky videos. Gyro stabilization of Firefly 6s was very effective, quite like Git2 and SJ5000x, and it is effective also in this cam.

Battery:
The Firefly 7S has a 1050 mAh battery, different from 6s (1600mAh) for capacity and shape.

Storage:
microSD card, up to 32GB supported, class 10 / U1 recommended

Connectivity:
The camera has wifi, so it can be controlled with your phone or tablet using the App (Firefly App for iOS and Android). There is no RC controller or remote control available.

Ports:
7S has a microUSB port and a microHDMI port for HD video output.
A/V output via USB is available; Mic in via USB is not supported.

Dimension & Weight:
5.90 x 2.10 x 4.10 cm, 70g

Available @ Gearbest

Menu options

Time-lapse Video:
You have following interval options: 0.5 / 1 / 3 / 5 / 10 seconds. A video of your time-lapse is created automatically, photo time-lapse (where several photos are saved) is also available.

Cycle Recording:
If you select this option your video will be cut into 5-minute segments. The earliest files will be rewritten when the microSD card is full. This mode enables you to use the camera as a dash cam, in combination with following option:

USB Power Up Auto Record:
The camera will automatically start recording once it is connected to a power source via USB. Also interesting when operating with a drone or gimbal.

WDR (Wide Dynamic Range):
The manufacturer suggests selecting this option when the Firefly 7S is used in cloudy and dark environment. When used in bright sunlight WDR can cause overexposure.

Photo Resolution:
16 MP / 8 MP / 5 MP are available. I usually keep the highest setting. It’s a bit strange the the max. is 16MP when the sensor is just 12MP.

Burst Photo:
The camera will take 11 photos within a second, the rate can’t be changed.

Continuous Photo: (Photo time-lapse)
You can take photos with an interval of 3 / 5 / 10 or 30 seconds and create an time-lapse out of them. 0,5sec is not available in contrast to video time-lapse.

ISO adjustments:
Great that you can select ISO, not all action cameras offer this option. AUTO / 100 / 400 / 1600 can be selected. In the manual there is a notice that you should hold your camera steady when taking photos. This would more likely refer to shutter than ISO.

Sharpness:
3 options are available: High, Medium and Low where Low is suggested to be selected at night. This is to reduce noise. Medium is the suggested standard setting for video and photo.

Color adjustment:
You can select between standard and vivid. If you want to edit your photos and videos in post-production standard is recommended.

Time Stamping:
This option displays date and time in your photos and videos

TV output mode:
You can select PAL or NTSC, which is rather strange as you can’t select 25fps which would be PAL.

Wifi remote:
You can turn on wifi only in the menu, there is no dedicated button compared to many other action cameras.

USB Auto Power-off:
The Firefly 7S will turn off 30 seconds after the USB power supply is cut, which is convenient for usage as dashboard camera or with drones.

Angle Adjustment:
You can select Large or Medium. A smaller angle will reduce image distortion but will also reduce image quality. I guess that a smaller part of the sensor is used and the picture is upscaled to full resolution.

TF card formatting:
Here you can format your microSD card.

Factory default settings:
to reset all your settings made.

Hertz:
You can choose 50Hz or 60Hz to select light frequency and avoid flickering. 60Hz is used in the US, 50 Hz in Europe.

Reduce Fisheye:
If turned on it will reduce the fisheye effect. As there is an option to adjust the angle I think the image will be distorted with software.

Image Stabilization:
Here you can turn on and off the built in gyro for image stabilization.

System Version:
Your current system version is displayed.

Available @ Gearbest

Package Contents:

• 1 x Hawkeye Firefly 7S Action Camera
• 1 x Waterproof Case + Mount + Screw
• 1 x English User Manual
• 1 x 1050mAh Battery
• 1 x Holder
• 1 x J-shaped Mount
• 1 x Tripod Mount + Tripod Mount Adapter
• 1 x Long Connector + Screw
• 2 x Short Connector + Screw
• 1 x Bike Handlebar Seatpost Pole Mount
• 2 x Basic Mount
• 1 x USB Cable
• 1 x Metal Cable Tie
• 4 x Plastic Cable Tie
• 1 x Cleaning Cloth
• 1 x Clip
• 2 x Adhesive
• 2 x Belt
• 1 x Hook and Loop Fastener
• 1 x Pad

Available @ Gearbest

Specifications