I Tested an $88 DC101 4K Camera: Is It Worth It?

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The quick answer

The DC101 4K camera I tested was a little better than I expected for the $87.99 I paid at the time, but I still wouldn't choose it over my smartphone. Its 4K video ran at 15 frames per second and looked choppy. Dropping to 2.7K at 30 fps gave me more natural motion.

I could see it being fun to experiment with, a little like a reusable alternative to a disposable camera. Just don't buy it expecting the numbers on the box to tell the whole story. My observations apply to the particular camera and bundle I tested.

Watch the full test

Watch the full video on YouTube.

What came with the DC101 camera?

The box advertised 4K video, 48-megapixel photos, autofocus, anti-shake and 16x zoom. My listing described the zoom as digital. I was surprised by how much was included for the price I paid.

My box contained a 32GB microSD card, two batteries marked 800mAh, a small USB-C battery charger, a wall adapter and cable, a wrist strap, a lens cap, an HDMI cable and a soft case. The wrist strap even had a quick release. That's a generous set of extras, though bundles can change.

The camera body itself felt extremely light and cheaply made. The textured grip was reasonably comfortable, but the chrome-looking dials on top didn't turn. The flip screen faced forward for framing myself, but it didn't tilt to other angles and wasn't a touchscreen.

4K at 15 fps vs. 2.7K at 30 fps

The biggest catch in my video test was the frame rate. Once I recorded in the 4K setting, the motion looked very choppy, and I found that the mode ran at 15 fps. That's not a mode I would use for normal video.

Switching to 2.7K at 30 fps made the movement look more natural. The camera offers a 4K recording setting, but I would check the footage and frame rate before deciding that label means it will work for the kind of video you want to make.

I also set the camera next to my Sony A7S III for a similarly framed shot. The DC101 looked a little better than I expected on its screen, but the Sony was a much more expensive reference camera, not a direct price comparison. The video lets you see the examples and decide for yourself.

Autofocus, photos and audio

I expected a fixed-focus lens, so I was surprised to see the camera focus and show a box around my face. It also appeared to hunt back and forth while I was in roughly the same spot. I didn't see a face box during the video test, though I couldn't confirm from that alone how face detection behaves in every mode.

The menu offered photo sizes up to a claimed 48 megapixels. I was skeptical that the number would translate to the kind of detail I'd expect from a larger camera sensor. I did not establish the sensor's native resolution in this test, so I wouldn't treat the menu setting as proof of it.

For a quick burst test, I held the shutter down and the camera took three pictures at roughly one per second before stopping. That's a small test of my unit, but it wasn't impressive if you want to capture fast action.

I also plugged in my RØDE Wireless Pro for part of the 2.7K video test. I couldn't find audio settings in the menu, so the video is a useful way to hear that particular setup. I also tried walking with the camera and framing a bright studio light; those clips show the conditions I tried without establishing a formal stabilization or dynamic range measurement.

Is the DC101 worth buying?

If you want an inexpensive camera to play around with and know what the footage looks like, I can see the appeal. The accessories are nice to have, and the result surprised me a little. For my own everyday use, though, I'd use my smartphone instead.

Be careful when comparing listings: generic cameras can be sold under different names, and a similar-looking bundle may not match the one I tested. For more ways to evaluate the claims, read how I spot a questionable camera listing.

Frequently asked questions

Does the DC101 record 4K at 30 fps?

Not in the test shown here. My unit's 4K mode ran at 15 fps; its 2.7K mode ran at 30 fps.

Can you connect an external microphone?

Yes, I plugged a RØDE Wireless Pro into the camera I tested. I didn't find audio settings in its menu, and I can't speak for every similar-looking version.

My verdict

The DC101 was an interesting experiment with a surprisingly complete bundle, but the choppy 4K mode and my preference for a smartphone make it a hard everyday recommendation. For more camera tests, visit Adam Harig on YouTube.