I really wanted to give this little camera a great review, and while at first it was touch-and-go, in the end I found myself able to write one.

At this tiny price just a little competence goes a long way—I don't expect across the board brilliance—but despite being a very sympathetic reviewer things initially looked lackluster. The first images I took indoors were grainy and a far cry from the results I'd expect from a hefty (claimed) 44 megapixel sensor. But I'm pleased to say that the first video clip knocked my socks off, and both video and audio (recorded by a tiny microphone on top of the camera) had that batting-over-its-weight-class effect I was hoping for.

Of course with the most basic cellphone now capable of the same thing you might ask what's the advantage of this camera, and the answer is that you may encounter a situation where not jeopardizing a cellphone would be desirable, like embedding the camera in a foam rubber ball and tossing it off a cliff (just a thought). The device's seeming frivolity may encourage creativity, as you can hardly take yourself too seriously using a thing priced less than many toys.

Why was the still performance disappointing? I don't know. If I make further tests and find a way to get better results with this function, that's gravy, but if the device can do even one thing surprisingly well at the asking price of two fast food meals and a shake it's worth it. Features include a tripod socket, a memory card slot, and an old-fashioned USB micro connector rather than type-C (probably one reason it's so inexpensive). Recommended for experimentive people of all ages.