Introduction
Built around a Sony Starvis 2 sensor, the Aicoco onAir is designed to carve out a niche in the action camera market with its extensive range of features and hot-swappable battery.
From Webcams to Action Cameras
Transitioning from webcams to action cameras, Aicoco aims to offer a product that stands out for its versatility. The onAir serves not only as a wireless live stream camera but also as a wireless 4K camera, USB camera, and video recording device. It promises seamless connectivity and streaming without the hassle of cables.
Key Features and Specifications
The onAir camera marks Aicoco’s leap from 1080p and 2K webcams (AI Street Cam series) to a 4K streaming device. However, during testing, the camera was found to become extremely hot after just 20 minutes of 4K usage. Even at 1080p, extended use resulted in noticeable heat, raising concerns about the impact on the camera’s electronics.
Despite these issues, Aicoco has released two firmware updates to address heating problems. The company also produced a video demonstrating the camera’s ability to withstand high temperatures (up to 70°C/158°F), claiming it never overheats. However, the video leaves out details such as the resolution used and the duration of the tests.
Specifications:
- Sensor: 1/1.8” Sony Starvis CMOS 2
- Battery: Hot-swappable with 240 minutes recording time
- Outputs:
- 2 x XLR4 at 14.4V, 12A each
- 1 x XLR3 Selectable 28V, 16A or 48V, 16A
- 1 x 5V, 2A (USB)
- Resolution: 4K 30fps, 1080p 60fps
- Cooling: High-speed micro-fan
- Screen: 2.4″ Color LCD
- Connectivity: Internal Wi-Fi, USB-C, 3.5mm microphone jack
- Protection: IP65-rated weatherproof case
- Additional Features: Firmware updates via USB, built-in fleet management, multi-scene capturing setup
Performance and Use Cases
The onAir excels in wireless streaming, whether in 4K or 1080p, offering seamless live streaming without cables by using a smartphone as the hub. The camera also allows users to save entire live streams to a microSD card for later editing and sharing. It supports simultaneous streaming to multiple platforms like YouTube, Facebook, and Twitch with its “set once and forget” mode. This feature simplifies the process, enabling users to stream to multiple platforms simultaneously.
Versatile Operation Modes
The Aicoco onAir supports four modes of operation:
- Wireless Streaming: Whether in 4K or 1080p, the camera offers seamless live streaming without the need for cumbersome cables, using a smartphone as the hub.
- USB 4K Camera: The onAir can be used as a plug-and-play wired 4K webcam when connected to a PC.
- Video Recording: It can record video at 4K 30fps (or 25fps in PAL countries) or 1080p 60fps stabilized HDR video, in both 16:9 and 9:16 formats.
- Multi-Camera Setup: When used in wireless K mode, the onAir can be paired with multiple cameras for multi-angle and multi-scene switching. This feature is particularly appealing to YouTubers, vloggers, and content creators.
User Experience and App Control
Control of the multi-scene capturing setup is facilitated through a user-friendly app. The app, tested on Android, offers a comprehensive interface showing Wi-Fi status, video previews, and various camera functions. Some features, like microphone capture mode and zoom (2x), can be adjusted during recording. However, the app still requires a full translation to English or other languages, as some operation warnings appear in Chinese.
The camera’s built-in “dual mics matrix” provides good audio quality with omni-stereo, front-mono, and rear-mono options. Microphone settings can be adjusted directly on the camera screen or via the app.
Image Quality and Battery Design
Equipped with a 1/1.8” Sony Starvis CMOS 2 sensor, the onAir delivers good image quality, capturing details effectively even in moderately backlit situations. This makes it a versatile solution for various scenarios, from nature treks and live events to home studio productions.
One standout feature is the hot-swappable battery design. The battery lasts for 240 minutes and can be replaced without interrupting the camera’s operation, thanks to an internal battery that provides continuous power during the swap.
Design and Accessories
The Aicoco onAir comes with a small pouch to protect its lens and screen when not in use. Its rectangular design includes a 180-degree rotating camera, suitable for both scene capturing and vlogging. The body also features connections for an external microphone, USB-C port, and two standard tripod mounts for landscape and portrait capture.
For this review, Aicoco provided the CreatorsYouTube, Facebook, and Twitch with its “set once and forget” mode. This feature simplifies the process, enabling users to stream to multiple platforms simultaneously.
Versatile Operation Modes
The Aicoco onAir supports four modes of operation:
- Wireless Streaming: Whether in 4K or 1080p, the camera offers seamless live streaming without the need for cumbersome cables, using a smartphone as the hub.
- USB 4K Camera: The onAir can be used as a plug-and-play wired 4K webcam when connected to a PC.
- Video Recording: It can record video at 4K 30fps (or 25fps in PAL countries) or 1080p 60fps stabilized HDR video, in both 16:9 and 9:16 formats.
- Multi-Camera Setup: When used in wireless K mode, the onAir can be paired with multiple cameras for multi-angle and multi-scene switching. This feature is particularly appealing to YouTubers, vloggers, and content creators.
User Experience and App Control
Control of the multi-scene capturing setup is facilitated through a user-friendly app. The app, tested on Android, offers a comprehensive interface showing Wi-Fi status, video previews, and various camera functions. Some features, like microphone capture mode and zoom (2x), can be adjusted during recording. However, the app still requires a full translation to English or other languages, as some operation warnings appear in Chinese.
The camera’s built-in “dual mics matrix” provides good audio quality with omni-stereo, front-mono, and rear-mono options. Microphone settings can be adjusted directly on the camera screen or via the app.
Image Quality and Battery Design
Equipped with a 1/1.8” Sony Starvis CMOS 2 sensor, the onAir delivers good image quality, capturing details effectively even in moderately backlit situations. This makes it a versatile solution for various scenarios, from nature treks and live events to home studio productions.
One standout feature is the hot-swappable battery design. The battery lasts for 240 minutes and can be replaced without interrupting the camera’s operation, thanks to an internal battery that provides continuous power during the swap.
Design and Accessories
The Aicoco onAir comes with a small pouch to protect its lens and screen when not in use. Its rectangular design includes a 180-degree rotating camera, suitable for both scene capturing and vlogging. The body also features connections for an external microphone, USB-C port, and two standard tripod mounts for landscape and portrait capture.
For this review, Aicoco provided the Creators Kit, which is likely a practical choice for newcomers who need a comprehensive setup. Priced at $419.00, the kit includes:
- An extra battery and charger, allowing the use of the hot-swappable feature.
- A 64GB Lexar High-Performance 633x microSDXC UHS-I Card.
- An adapter for reading the card on a PC USB port.
- A tripod that doubles as a selfie stick, complete with a removable Bluetooth trigger that can connect to the Aicoco onAir or other Bluetooth devices.
While the tripod is functional, it feels somewhat flimsy and the connection to the camera can be awkward. Given the camera’s capabilities, a sturdier tripod would be a better fit for the Creators Kit.
Conclusion
The Aicoco onAir stands out in the action camera market for its versatility and feature-rich design. Despite some initial concerns about overheating, the camera shows promise with its robust build, multi-functionality, and user-friendly interface. The hot-swappable battery, multi-camera setup capability, and seamless wireless streaming make it a compelling option for content creators, vloggers, and live streamers.
With continuous firmware updates and improvements, Aicoco appears committed to addressing any issues and enhancing the user experience. The onAir’s ability to perform multiple roles—from streaming and recording to serving as a USB webcam—positions it as a versatile tool for a wide range of applications.
