TomTom Bandit: the complete test

Taking advantage of his know-how in his favorite field, namely geolocation, TomTom has provided this sensor and GPS camera, but also by an integrated assembly system. In our test today, dissect this first TomTom test and we will raise the veil on its strengths and weakness.

TomTom Bandit: external construction design

Like Garmin Vibs, TomTom has not followed the path traced by other manufacturers of Cams shares. This is already verified in terms of design, which for Bandit is of the modular cylindrical type. An unusual aspect therefore, which has the merit of advertising, sketches and to adapt to demanding conditions. The TomTom Bandit also shows robustness, which is also felt on its weight of 190 g.

However, this relative heaviness is not particularly annoying. The manufacturer also reached well by providing this camera with a waterproof design, without an additional box. With a seal of up to 40 meters – or even 50 meters depending on the external factors, Bandit TomTom can perfectly adapt to snow or nautical activities.

However, to obtain this level of resistance, you will have to buy and adapt the coverage of the optional lenses, because the one that is supplied with the camera resists only in splashes. In this way, you can swim or navigate without fear. Sold per unit for about € 40, this accessory is directly included in the Premium package, € 70 more expensive than the basic version. If you plan to use the bandit for water sports, we advise you to opt directly for the Premium package, including, in addition to fixing the handlebar, a 360 ° capture accessory.

The fixing system is undoubtedly one of the successes of Bandit TomTom. Very flat, this mechanism is both versatile and intelligent. Special mention: you have the choice between the domestic system or the GoPro system (through the GoPro adapter for this purpose). The advantage here is that you are not limited and you can therefore create a vertical frame and a horizontal structure, knowing that most of the cameras only allows an option between the two.

In terms of ergonomics, we are moderately satisfied by what TomTom Bandit offers. To have the return of the catches, it is necessary to pass through the mobile application, since the small screen arranged above is used only to make the settings. In addition, the distribution of the buttons is quite good and the cylindrical blocing with a bats, containing the interchangeable battery, is practical and equipped with a locking mechanism that guarantees the seal.

Image quality

With TomTom Bandit, benefited from excellent video quality, provided that the brightness is good (neither too strong nor too weak). For this, the manufacturer has incorporated a 16 MP sensor, which allows you to record in 4 k at 15 IP or 30 IP. However, other acquisition methods are available. Depending on your convenience, you can therefore film in 2.7k to 30 IP, Full HD at 60 IP, as well as lower definitions. The concern for the non -compatibility of some televisions in 4K format is therefore resolved and you can also slow down. We particularly appreciated the quality of the Time-Lapse accelerated in 4K.

Unlike some models, including Sony fdr-x1000vr-which we also tested for you -Unfortunately this camera does not have an optical stabilization. This does not prevent the TomTom Bandit compensates vibrations well. The palette of the integrated modes in this camera is also interesting, as is the low distortion of the videos.

Characteristics

With his bandit camera, TomTom has put all his experience in geolocation and multiplied the sensors (speed, rotation, cardiac frequency) inside the device. These are accompanied by a GPS, all that form an effective system, capable of precisely identifying sudden accelerations and other waterfalls. These integrated action sensors have the advantage of simplifying video editing based on the salient points.

As for the assembly, the manufacturer released the great game to simplify your task beyond the line. Already with the data collected by the sensors and GPs and which are displayed in the clips, we manage to quickly and easily identify the strengths. Once connected to the iOS/Android mobile application, not only benefited from a real video return, but you can highlight your director’s talents, thanks to the «Create a story» function. The latter allows you to manually select the sequences with reference parameters or to let the application occupy randomly.

An important point to underline with the band TomTom is its autonomy. The battery included in the bat stick has a capacity of 1900 mAh, making it one of the most lasting cameras on the market. In practice, Bandit is able to record on average 4K Time-Lapse for 45 minutes. This block incorporates a USB 3.0 socket, which not only allows you to easily recharge the battery, but also to transfer the catches more easily to a computer.

Our last review on TomTom Bandit

Despite his recent incursion in the highly congested Cams actions market, TomTom has the merit of having integrated innovations in his bandit which clearly distinguishes him from what is currently underway. These at least daring choices proved to be concluded.

Although TomTom Bandit offers the right video quality, it has the merit of being very long lasting and optimizing the acquisition experience, but also video editing with its numerous action sensors and GPS. However, these healthy skills are contaminated by the lack of accessories in the basic package, above all because the manufacturer is not worthy of reducing the price of this CAM action.

What is really Bandit

With a basic version marketed about 220 euros, the camera of the TomTom brand has easily managed to attract the attention of athletes and outdoors with its many characteristics that leave no one insensitive. What differentiates this model of action from those of other brands? Details.

An innovative design

By adopting a very original look, the TomTom Bandit Sport camera stands out from its competitors from its clean lines. In fact, if most of the action cameras manufacturers opted for a rectangular design for their products, TomTom has bet on a more rounded and more exactly cylindrical form. Everything that is fine, but what does it give in the end? Well, don’t worry. With its lightly embellished white cylindrical shell with red on the edge of the upper side, the device offers an intuitive and simple grip. Therefore, you have four buttons to «navigate» in the menu. Inside the camera, you will find the position of the USB 3.0 connector, micro SD and battery. It is very ingenious on the part of TomTom because it prevents you from having to think about the battery and never forget it.

Image quality

For his first experience in the world of action cam, TomTom has made a good impression by offering us a sports camera with a 16 MP sensor. You certainly have a small idea of ​​the quality of images and videos that you can get with this equipment. In fact, in video mode, you can count on 4K in 15 IPS mode to film the most unforgettable moments of your life. You can also move on to HD Full or 2.7 mode according to your needs. Although it has no integrated stabilizer, the TomTom Bandit surprised us pleasantly with its ability to correct the effects of vibrations and tremors. Another important resource of this photographic action, you will also appreciate its night mode that allows you to take exceptional quality videos in 4K even in the most total darkness.

Other characteristics

In terms of accessories, TomTom offers us a rather minimalist package here which in no way affects the note of this product. We find a GoPro adapter in the package, two self -adhesive fixings and a cache of lenses for protection against sketches. We should therefore think of taking other accessories to be able to fully exploit all the features of this Aboard camera. With a total weight of 190 g, the bandit is not the lightest existing model. However, it compensates quite well in terms of autonomy that can go up to 3 hours of non-stop video recording. The assembly and actions made accessible by the Bandit application are very popular among the faithful followers of social networks.

Strengths:

• 4K video mode
• Excellent battery life
• Simple and intuitive management
• Elegant and elegant design

Weak points:

• Limited number of accessories
• Higher than average weight

Obviously, TomTom Bandit is really the Full HD Sport camera that offers one of the most beautiful finishes on the market. And since the performances have precedence compared to the look, the brand has not browsed the means to offer us high quality equipment in favor of recording video with a good rendering at the nearest pixel. If its weight is not really ideal, its images are still in front of its competing models.