The ThiEYE T5e is recently released Chinese manufactured action camera. The T5e is one of the growing number of true 4K UHDTV cameras capable of recording 3840 x 2160p. (Note that many action cameras on the market indicate they record at 4K but many do not deliver on this claim. Our member Mtz has created a detailed thread in our forum on cameras that don’t deliver on this promise).
To deliver 4k video, the T5e uses impressive components even though it is one of the lowest priced 4K cameras currently available.. The camera is based on the Ambarella A12LS75 processor and Sony IMX117 CMOS Sensor. When recording at 4K (2160p), the video quality is excellent during the day and good at night. Bit rate is 76Mpbs when recording at 4K. The level of detail at this resolution is excellent during the daytime.
While many of the other 4K cameras on the market come with touchscreens, the ThiEYE T5e has a traditional 2″ screen. This helps keeps costs down. The T5e does come with with WiFi and supported with a free Android and iOS app (make sure you download the ThiEYE HD app not the ThiEYE app). Form factor is similar to the Go Pro rectangular shape with dimensions of 57 x 39 x 27 mm. The T5 comes with two 1100mAh batteries however owners have indicated battery life is not the greatest.
Unlike many action cameras which are missing features to allow for dash cam use, the ThiEYE T5e is designed to be used as a dash cam. The camera comes with loop recording, auto start / stop, a mount and the all black color makes it more discreet than most action cameras.
Note on 4K cameras
The biggest drawback is the hardware required to view and edit 4K videos. To edit and play 4K videos, you will need:
- A integrated or discrete graphics solution that supports 4K external displays
- Monitor that is capable of playing back 4K video
- Fast CPU and lots of ram (the more the better, especially for editing)
We would like to thank our member Agie who created a detailed review of the T5e on our forum.
Known problems
This is a new camera and there haven’t been many problems reported yet.
Sample Videos
Day Video
Night Video
Should I Purchase?
The ThiEYE T5e 4K is one of the most affordable true 4K (2160p) cameras available today. For a no frills 4K camera, it is good value for the money if you don’t need a touchscreen. Video quality is quite good as well. A nice feature is that it can be easily used as a dash cam since it has auto start / stop and loop recording. Many other action cameras omit these features.
Overall if you have adequate hardware to watch and edit videos, the ThiEYE T5e is a good camera for the money and well worth consideration. See what other owners of this camera have to say in our ThiEYE Forum.
Firmware
WARNING! MAKING CHANGES TO YOUR FIRMWARE ARE PERFORMED AT YOUR OWN RISK. WE ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY DAMAGE TO YOUR DASH CAM AS A RESULT OF THESE INSTRUCTIONS.
Firmware Update Instructions
Firmware update instructions are included in the downloadable rar files. For further information on performing a firmware update check out this thread in our forum.
Latest Firmware
Previous Firmware
- T5&T5e-firmware-upgrade_170211.rar
- T5&T5e-firmware-upgrade_170112.rar
- T5&T5e-firmware-upgrade_161206.rar
Specifications
Data Sheet No specs match that search. Hardware Layout ScoresTechnical Specs
Spec ThiEYE T5e Brand ThiEYE Model T5e Channels 1 Channel Setup Front Form Factor Hanging Release Date Dec 2016 Country China Warranty 12 months Spec ThiEYE T5e Processor Ambarella A12LS75 Video Format MP4 Compression H.264 Screen Size 2" Touchscreen No Mount Adhesive Power Supply 5V Battery Type 1100mAh Spec ThiEYE T5e Parking Mode No Wi-Fi Yes GPS No Apps Android, iOS Cloud Connectivity No Voice Commands No Spec ThiEYE T5e SD Card Type MicroSD Max Card Size 64GB Swivel Yes Error Notification No Camera Units
CMOS Sony IMX117 Max Resolution 3840 x 2160p (4K) FPS 30 Bitrate 76.0 Mbps Viewing Angle 170° Dimensions 61 x 42 x 23 HDR No Ratings
Published: April 3, 2017