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Swann Bolt HD Review | 96 Data compared

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  • Avg. price: ~£95
  • Video resolution: 1080p
  • Battery life: ?
  • Waterproof depth: 0 m
  • Electronic image stabilization: no
  • Maximum 4K frame rate: ?

Swann Bolt HD review. Compare 96 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among action cameras and if it is worth buying.

5.3

Overall score

What it is: An overall evaluation of the action camera's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.

When it matters: When you need a quick reference to identify the best action cameras on the market.

Score components:

80.0%

5.3

Technical Score

20.0%

?

User score

Good
5.3

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the action camera's technical performance, covering eight key areas: video quality, image quality, stabilization, ruggedness, waterproofing, mounting options, connectivity, battery, and design.

When it matters: When you want to compare action cameras based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

30.0%

4.0

Video

22.0%

6.1

Photo

14.0%

4.8

Ruggedness & Storage

13.0%

5.4

Battery

11.0%

4.6

Connectivity & Audio

10.0%

8.8

Display & Design

Good
?

User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the action camera.

When it matters: When real-world owner satisfaction and review volume matter to your decision.

Score components:

70.0%

?

User reviews

30.0%

?

Popularity

  • 3.7
    Motorcycle riding

    Score components:

    35.0%

    1.0

    Electronic image stabilization

    30.0%

    5.4

    Video resolution

    20.0%

    ?

    Battery life

    15.0%

    1.0

    Waterproof depth

  • 2.4
    Skiing

    Score components:

    30.0%

    1.0

    Electronic image stabilization

    25.0%

    1.0

    Horizon leveling

    25.0%

    1.0

    Waterproof depth

    20.0%

    ?

    Minimum operating temperature

  • 3.1
    Low light

    Score components:

    35.0%

    1.0

    HDR mode

    30.0%

    ?

    Sensor size

    20.0%

    1.0

    Color depth

    15.0%

    1.0

    Electronic image stabilization

  • 5.6
    Long videos

    Score components:

    50.0%

    ?

    Battery life

    20.0%

    1.0

    Removable battery

    15.0%

    1.0

    Fast charging

    15.0%

    ?

    Charging time

  • No image
No image

Best prices in UK

    N/A~ £95

Best rankings

?

Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).
All: ranking among all products in the database.

Verdict

The Swann Bolt HD is a rugged mini action camera capable of recording Full HD 1080p video at 30 fps and capturing 12MP still images. Key features include a built-in laser pointer for accurate shot targeting, a detachable 1.5-inch LCD screen for live preview, integrated stereo microphones, and expandable microSD storage up to 32GB. Its primary advantages are its native waterproof design capable of submerging up to 32 feet (10 meters) without an external housing, a flexible viewing lens (110° in 1080p and 135° in 720p), and an included multi-bracket mounting kit. However, its notable drawbacks include a relatively brief battery runtime of just 1.5 hours per charge via its 600 mAh battery, a lack of modern high-framerate options, and an aging mini-HDMI and mini-USB connectivity framework.

Technical Specifications of Swann Bolt HD

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the action camera's technical performance, covering eight key areas: video quality, image quality, stabilization, ruggedness, waterproofing, mounting options, connectivity, battery, and design.

When it matters: When you want to compare action cameras based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

30.0%

?

Video

22.0%

?

Photo

14.0%

?

Ruggedness & Storage

13.0%

?

Battery

11.0%

?

Connectivity & Audio

10.0%

?

Display & Design

5.3
Swann Bolt HD has a technical score of 5.29 points, which is lower than 79.5% of action cameras.
User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the action camera.

When it matters: When real-world owner satisfaction and review volume matter to your decision.

Score components:

70.0%

0.0

User reviews

30.0%

1.0

Popularity

?
Popularity
What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the action camera.
When it matters: When you want to see which action cameras attract the most buyer attention and review activity.
1.0
Swann Bolt HD has a popularity of 1 points, which is lower than 83.7% of products in this category.
Ratio quality/price

What it is: An indicator that combines the action camera's overall rating with its cost.

When it matters: When you want to know how much overall quality you get for the price.

Score components:

60.0%

5.3

Overall score

40.0%

10

Price

6.7
Swann Bolt HD has a quality-to-price ratio of 6.7 points, which is lower than 74.7% of products in this category.
Video resolution
What it is: The listed recording format states maximum capture resolution and frame rate.
When it matters: When video quality matters for your footage.

Importance: HIGH

1080p
Swann Bolt HD records video at 1080p, which is lower than that of 69.9% of action cameras.
Maximum 4K frame rate
What it is: Indicates the highest frame rate available when recording at 4K resolution.
When it matters: When you want detailed footage and still need enough frame rate for action or mild slow motion.

Importance: HIGH

?
Maximum 1080p frame rate
What it is: Indicates the highest frame rate available when recording at 1080p resolution.
When it matters: When you want smoother slow motion or fast-action playback while staying at 1080p resolution.

Importance: MEDIUM

30 fps
Swann Bolt HD has a maximum 1080p frame rate of 30 fps, which is lower than that of 77.1% of action cameras and equal to that of 21.6% of action cameras.
Video bitrate
What it is: The amount of video data recorded per second, which affects file size and potential recording quality.
When it matters: When you compare potential video quality and want fewer compression artifacts in demanding scenes.

Importance: HIGH

?
Video codecs
What it is: The video compression formats the camera can use when recording, affecting compatibility, efficiency, and workflow.
When it matters: When compatibility, editing performance, and file efficiency matter in the way you handle video.

Importance: LOW

H.264
Swann Bolt HD supports the following video codecs: H.264. Its codec support is more advanced than that of 2.4% of action cameras.
Show more
Main camera megapixels
What it is: The resolution of the primary rear camera sensor, measured in millions of pixels (MP). Higher megapixels can capture more detail.
When it matters: When you want to capture high-resolution images that can be cropped or printed large.

Importance: HIGH

12 MP
Swann Bolt HD has a main camera resolution of 12 MP, which is higher than that of 24.6% of action cameras and equal to that of 30.3% of action cameras.
Sensor size
What it is: The sensor format value describes the physical light-collecting area.
When it matters: When you shoot in more difficult lighting.

Importance: HIGH

?
Main camera aperture
What it is: The size of the lens opening (f-stop) that controls light entry. A lower f-number indicates a wider aperture, allowing better low-light shots.
When it matters: When you want better low-light performance or a natural background blur effect.

Importance: HIGH

?
Photo resolution
What it is: The maximum resolution of still photos captured by the camera, measured in megapixels.
When it matters: When you want more detail for cropping, large displays, or prints; higher photo resolution provides more pixels when image quality is otherwise comparable.

Importance: LOW

12 MP
Swann Bolt HD captures photos at 12 MP, which is higher than 24.3% of action cameras and equal to 35% of action cameras.
Field of view
What it is: The field-of-view angle shows how wide the camera can capture in one frame.
When it matters: When you want a wider or tighter look from the camera.

Importance: MEDIUM

135 °
Swann Bolt HD has a field of view of 135 °, which is narrower than that of 80.9% of action cameras.
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Built-in display
What it is: Whether the action camera has its own built-in screen for framing, playback, or settings.
When it matters: When you want to frame shots, review clips, or change settings directly on the camera.

Importance: LOW

?
Screen size
What it is: The physical diagonal measurement of the display area, usually expressed in inches.
When it matters: When you want a bigger on-camera screen for framing, playback, or reading menus more easily.

Importance: MEDIUM

?
Touchscreen
What it is: Indicates that the display acts as an input device, recognizing touch gestures.
When it matters: When you interact with your device using intuitive taps and gestures.

Importance: LOW

?
Secondary screen
What it is: Indicates whether the camera includes an additional display separate from the main screen.
When it matters: When you vlog, frame yourself often, or need status info visible without rotating the camera.

Importance: LOW

?
Secondary screen resolution
What it is: States the pixel resolution of the additional display used for status information or framing.
When it matters: When you depend on the front or extra display for framing and want a clearer preview.

Importance: LOW

N/A
Show more
Wi-Fi connectivity
What it is: The ability to connect to wireless local area networks for internet access and local networking.
When it matters: When you want to save mobile data and connect to home or public networks.

Importance: LOW

?
Wi-Fi version
What it is: The specific generation of Wi-Fi standards supported (e.g., Wi-Fi 6, Wi-Fi 7), determining maximum speed and efficiency.
When it matters: When you have a high-speed router and want faster downloads with less congestion.

Importance: LOW

?
Bluetooth version
What it is: The Bluetooth version the action camera supports for wireless accessories and companion-device pairing.
When it matters: When you want to pair the camera with wireless accessories or a companion device reliably.

Importance: LOW

N/A
GPS
What it is: Support for the Global Positioning System to determine the device's precise location.
When it matters: When you need accurate navigation for driving, walking, or exploring new places.

Importance: LOW

no
Swann Bolt HD does not support GPS. 13.9% of action cameras include GPS functionality.
USB Type-C
What it is: A modern, reversible connector used for charging, data transfer, and sometimes audio or video output.
When it matters: When you want a reversible cable that handles charging, data, and accessories universally.

Importance: LOW

no
Swann Bolt HD does not include USB Type-C. 42.4% of action cameras use USB-C.
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Battery life
What it is: The typical endurance the watch can deliver on a full charge under the stated usage pattern.
When it matters: When you do not want to charge the watch too often.

Importance: HIGH

?
Battery power
What it is: The battery capacity, usually measured in milliampere-hours (mAh).
When it matters: When you do not want to charge the watch too often.

Importance: MEDIUM

600 mAh
Swann Bolt HD has a battery capacity of 600 mAh, which is lower than that of 91.7% of action cameras and equal to that of 0.6% of action cameras.
Charging time
What it is: The time the battery needs to recharge fully under supported conditions.
When it matters: When you want shorter breaks between charges.

Importance: MEDIUM

?
Fast charging
What it is: Whether the camera supports faster-than-standard charging to reduce downtime between shoots.
When it matters: When you need to recharge quickly between shooting sessions, travel stops, or battery swaps.

Importance: LOW

no
Swann Bolt HD does not support fast charging. 19.4% of action cameras support fast charging.
Wireless charging
What it is: Whether the camera itself can charge wirelessly on a compatible charging surface or dock.
When it matters: When you want to top up the camera without plugging in a cable every time.

Importance: LOW

no
Swann Bolt HD does not support wireless charging. 0.6% of action cameras support wireless charging.
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Waterproof depth
What it is: The maximum depth of water the device is certified to withstand for a specific duration.
When it matters: When you film while swimming, snorkeling, or in heavy water exposure and need to know the camera's native underwater limit.

Importance: HIGH

0 m
Swann Bolt HD is not rated for underwater use. 51.2% of cameras have a native waterproof depth rating.
10 with housing/case.
IP rating
What it is: A standardized protection code that shows how well the action camera resists dust and water ingress.
When it matters: When you shoot in rain, snow, dust, or around water and want to know how well the camera is sealed.

Importance: MEDIUM

?
Maximum operating temperature
What it is: The highest ambient temperature at which the watch is rated to operate normally.
When it matters: When you use the watch in heat, cold, or at high altitude.

Importance: LOW

?
Minimum operating temperature
What it is: The lowest ambient temperature at which the watch is rated to operate normally.
When it matters: When you use the watch in heat, cold, or at high altitude.

Importance: LOW

?
External memory slot
What it is: A slot for expandable storage such as a memory card, if the watch provides one.
When it matters: When you want more room for apps, music, or offline data.

Importance: LOW

yes
Swann Bolt HD includes an external memory slot. This feature is present on 95.2% of action cameras.
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Swann Bolt HD vs the average action camera

  • Included remote control
    Swann Bolt HD offers better remote control support than the average action camera (included vs accessory).
    What it is: Whether the camera includes a dedicated remote control, supports one as an optional accessory, or does not support one.
    When it matters: When you want to start recording or trigger shots from a distance without touching the camera.

    Importance: LOW

    Swann Bolt HD offers better remote control support than the average action camera (included vs accessory).included vs accessory
  • Has HDMI output
    Swann Bolt HD supports HDMI output, the average action camera does not. 43.4% of action cameras support video-out features.
    Built-in Mini HDMI port.
    What it is: Whether the camera can output video to an external monitor or recorder over HDMI.
    When it matters: When you want live monitoring, external capture, or a direct feed to another display.

    Importance: LOW

    Swann Bolt HD supports HDMI output, the average action camera does not. 43.4% of action cameras support video-out features.
  • 27.5 mm narrower
    Swann Bolt HD is narrower than the average action camera (32.5 mm vs 60 mm). The average action camera has a width of 60 mm.
    What it is: The horizontal dimension of the device when held in portrait orientation.
    When it matters: When you want the camera body to fit better in mounts, pockets, or tight spaces.

    Importance: LOW

    Swann Bolt HD is narrower than the average action camera (32.5 mm vs 60 mm). The average action camera has a width of 60 mm.32.5 mm vs 60 mm
  • 12.5 mm shorter
    Swann Bolt HD is shorter than the average action camera (32.5 mm vs 45 mm). The average action camera has a height of 45 mm.
    What it is: The vertical size of the action camera body.
    When it matters: When you want the camera body to fit better in mounts, cases, or compact carry setups.

    Importance: LOW

    Swann Bolt HD is shorter than the average action camera (32.5 mm vs 45 mm). The average action camera has a height of 45 mm.32.5 mm vs 45 mm
  • Supports voice commands
    Swann Bolt HD supports voice commands, the average action camera does not. 30.5% of action cameras include voice command functionality.
    What it is: Whether the camera supports spoken voice commands for hands-free control.
    When it matters: When you want to start recording or change modes without taking your hands off the activity.

    Importance: LOW

    Swann Bolt HD supports voice commands, the average action camera does not. 30.5% of action cameras include voice command functionality.
  • 2.63x cheaper
    Swann Bolt HD is cheaper than the average action camera (£95 vs £250).
    Swann Bolt HD is cheaper than the average action camera (£95 vs £250).£95 vs £250
  • 27.5 mm narrower
    Swann Bolt HD is narrower than the average action camera (32.5 mm vs 60 mm). The average action camera has a width of 60 mm.
  • 12.5 mm shorter
    Swann Bolt HD is shorter than the average action camera (32.5 mm vs 45 mm). The average action camera has a height of 45 mm.
  • Included remote control
    Swann Bolt HD offers better remote control support than the average action camera (included vs accessory).
  • Has HDMI output
    Swann Bolt HD supports HDMI output, the average action camera does not. 43.4% of action cameras support video-out features.
  • Supports voice commands
    Swann Bolt HD supports voice commands, the average action camera does not. 30.5% of action cameras include voice command functionality.

Total
Overall
Display & Design
Connectivity & Audio
  • Lower video resolution
    Swann Bolt HD records at 1080p, a lower video resolution than the average action camera (5.3K).
  • No electronic stabilization
    Swann Bolt HD does not support electronic stabilization, the average action camera does. 64.7% of action cameras support electronic image stabilization.
  • 2 fps lower slow-motion frame rate
    Swann Bolt HD has a lower slow-motion frame rate than the average action camera (0 fps vs 120 fps). The average action camera reaches 120 fps for slow motion.
  • 30 fps lower 1080p frame rate
    Swann Bolt HD has a lower 1080p frame rate than the average action camera (30 fps vs 60 fps). The average action camera reaches 60 fps at 1080p.
  • Fixed field of view
    Swann Bolt HD does not offer an adjustable field of view, the average action camera does. 56.1% of action cameras offer an adjustable field of view.
  • 31 ° narrower field of view
    Swann Bolt HD has a lower field of view than the average action camera (135 ° vs 166 °). The average action camera offers a field of view of 166 °.
  • No manual exposure control
    Swann Bolt HD does not support manual exposure, the average action camera does. 66.1% of action cameras include this feature.
  • 5 older release date
    Swann Bolt HD is older than the average action camera (2013 vs 2018). The average action camera was released in 2018.
    Released in January 2013.
  • No smartphone remote control
    Swann Bolt HD does not support smartphone remote control, the average action camera does. 91.6% of action cameras support smartphone remote control.
    Uses hardware remote control instead of smartphone app control.
  • 600 mAh less battery capacity
    Swann Bolt HD has a lower battery capacity than the average action camera (600 mAh vs 1200 mAh). The average action camera has a battery capacity of 1200 mAh.
  • No removable battery
    Swann Bolt HD does not have a removable battery, while the average action camera does.
  • 1 m shallower waterproof depth
    Swann Bolt HD has a lower waterproof depth rating than the average action camera (0 m vs 1 m). The average action camera has a waterproof depth rating of 1 m.
    10 with housing/case.
  • 96 GB smaller microSD limit
    Swann Bolt HD has a lower maximum microSD capacity than the average action camera (32 GB vs 128 GB). The average action camera supports microSD cards up to 128 GB.
  • Lower video resolution
    Swann Bolt HD records at 1080p, a lower video resolution than the average action camera (5.3K).
    What it is: The listed recording format states maximum capture resolution and frame rate.
    When it matters: When video quality matters for your footage.

    Importance: HIGH

    Swann Bolt HD records at 1080p, a lower video resolution than the average action camera (5.3K).1080p vs 5.3K
  • No electronic stabilization
    Swann Bolt HD does not support electronic stabilization, the average action camera does. 64.7% of action cameras support electronic image stabilization.
    What it is: Shows whether the camera uses digital motion correction to make handheld video look steadier.
    When it matters: When you shoot handheld, mounted, or in motion and want smoother footage without external gear.

    Importance: HIGH

    Swann Bolt HD does not support electronic stabilization, the average action camera does. 64.7% of action cameras support electronic image stabilization.
  • 600 mAh less battery capacity
    Swann Bolt HD has a lower battery capacity than the average action camera (600 mAh vs 1200 mAh). The average action camera has a battery capacity of 1200 mAh.
    What it is: The battery capacity, usually measured in milliampere-hours (mAh).
    When it matters: When you do not want to charge the watch too often.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Swann Bolt HD has a lower battery capacity than the average action camera (600 mAh vs 1200 mAh). The average action camera has a battery capacity of 1200 mAh.600 mAh vs 1200 mAh
  • Fixed field of view
    Swann Bolt HD does not offer an adjustable field of view, the average action camera does. 56.1% of action cameras offer an adjustable field of view.
    What it is: Lets you switch between narrower and wider capture angles to match the scene or reduce distortion.
    When it matters: When you switch between immersive wide shots and tighter framing for travel clips or bike footage.

    Importance: LOW

    Swann Bolt HD does not offer an adjustable field of view, the average action camera does. 56.1% of action cameras offer an adjustable field of view.
  • 31 ° narrower field of view
    Swann Bolt HD has a lower field of view than the average action camera (135 ° vs 166 °). The average action camera offers a field of view of 166 °.
    What it is: The field-of-view angle shows how wide the camera can capture in one frame.
    When it matters: When you want a wider or tighter look from the camera.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Swann Bolt HD has a lower field of view than the average action camera (135 ° vs 166 °). The average action camera offers a field of view of 166 °.135 ° vs 166 °
  • No smartphone remote control
    Swann Bolt HD does not support smartphone remote control, the average action camera does. 91.6% of action cameras support smartphone remote control.
    Uses hardware remote control instead of smartphone app control.
    What it is: Whether the action camera can be controlled remotely from a companion app on a mobile device.
    When it matters: When you shoot remotely, transfer files on location, or want to control the camera without touching it.

    Importance: LOW

    Swann Bolt HD does not support smartphone remote control, the average action camera does. 91.6% of action cameras support smartphone remote control.
  • 2 fps lower slow-motion frame rate
    Swann Bolt HD has a lower slow-motion frame rate than the average action camera (0 fps vs 120 fps). The average action camera reaches 120 fps for slow motion.
    What it is: The highest native frame rate the camera can record for slow-motion playback.
    When it matters: When you want smoother slow motion and more detail in fast action; a higher native frame rate allows slower playback.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Swann Bolt HD has a lower slow-motion frame rate than the average action camera (0 fps vs 120 fps). The average action camera reaches 120 fps for slow motion.0 fps vs 120 fps
  • No manual exposure control
    Swann Bolt HD does not support manual exposure, the average action camera does. 66.1% of action cameras include this feature.
    What it is: Gives the user control over the overall brightness of the image by adjusting exposure compensation values.
    When it matters: When the automatic settings make the image too bright or too dark for your taste.

    Importance: LOW

    Swann Bolt HD does not support manual exposure, the average action camera does. 66.1% of action cameras include this feature.
Total
Overall
Video
Photo
Display & Design
Connectivity & Audio
Battery
Ruggedness & Storage

Graphic comparison of Swann Bolt HD and

Attribute category
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Third-party reviews

What customers like about Swann Bolt HD?

  • Affordable entry-level pricing compared to leading brands like GoPro
  • Innovative laser-pointer sight for easy aiming without using a screen
  • Waterproof housing capable of being submerged up to 32 feet
  • Versatile mounting options that are compatible with GoPro accessories
  • Crisp 12-megapixel static photo capture capabilities
  • Smooth 60 frames per second recording mode at 720p resolution
  • Simple user layout requiring no complicated setup configuration

What customers dislike about Swann Bolt HD?

  • Noticeable drop-off in video quality during low-light conditions
  • Inferior video recording smoothness at 1080p, which tops out at 30 fps
  • Degraded audio performance and muffled pickup when enclosed inside the waterproof housing
  • Small 600 mAh internal battery capacity limits standalone recording time
  • Shallower maximum diving depth limit than previous iterations
  • Narrower 135-degree viewing lens compared to alternative action camera options
  • Absence of an adjustable field of view

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