TomTom Bandit Review | 96 Data compared

The TomTom Bandit is a strong first-generation, Twinkie-sized action camera that stands out for its high-utility built-in sensors (GPS, accelerometer, gyro, and barometric altimeter). These sensors integrate with a mobile app to automatically tag "interesting" high-speed, acceleration, or altitude moments, which powers a fast "Shake to Make" feature that compiles automated movie clips. Hardware-wise, it features an innovative, fully waterproof "batt-stick" that combines the battery and MicroSD card with a built-in USB 3.0 plug for direct, cable-free computer charging and fast data transfers. It natively records video up to 2.7K at 30FPS and 4K at a limited 15FPS, while offering a versatile 360° tilt mount and robust IPX7 waterproofing that expands to 50 meters with an optional dive lens accessory. However, the camera comes with several notable drawbacks, particularly regarding image quality and software maturity. The Bandit struggles significantly in poor or low-light conditions, showing a fair bit of graininess at night, poor handling of lighting changes compared to a GoPro, and highly pixelated footage in its 720p slow-motion mode. Physically, it is one of the largest and heaviest units...

The TomTom Bandit action camera delivers strong video performance, offering quality outputs at 1080p (60fps) that adjust smoothly to rapid lighting changes and fast movement. It features separate start and stop buttons alongside a dedicated highlight marker to easily log key moments, and its robust design offers IPX7 waterproofing with only a lens cover needed for submersion. A major highlight is its companion mobile app, which uses integrated sensor data (like GPS, speed, and acceleration) to automatically bundle raw footage into pre-sorted highlight clips when you shake your phone. Additionally, its unique 1900mAh battery functions as a male USB stick that plugs directly into ports for charging, though this design choice prevents quick battery swaps during extended shooting sessions. However, the Bandit has notable drawbacks, primarily its heavy 1900g weight and large form factor compared to rivals like the GoPro Hero4, which caused severe neck strain during a 45-minute helmet-mounted test ride. It lacks a built-in LCD viewfinder, forces a fish-eye distortion on wide-angle still photos, and struggles significantly in low-light environments. The internal microphone also captures intense wind noise,...

The TomTom Bandit is an action camera tailored for adventurers who want to record their experiences without spending hours on video editing. Featuring a cylindrical profile, it includes built-in sensors like GPS and an accelerometer that automatically tag exciting moments based on speed and impact changes. It records video up to 1080p at 60fps, 2.7K at 30fps, and a choppier 4K at 15fps. A standout feature is the unique "batt-stick," an integrated battery and media storage unit that plugs directly into any USB slot to eliminate the need for extra cables. Furthermore, its companion smartphone app provides near-instant live playback and lets users quickly compile ready-to-share stories simply by shaking their mobile device. The camera's primary advantage lies in its ease of use, delivering a revolutionary app experience that radically simplifies the editing pipeline. Additional pros include an intuitive on-camera control system, a sealed design that becomes fully waterproof with an added lens cover, and a GoPro adapter that unlocks a massive ecosystem of mounting choices. On the downside, the camera is noticeably heavy, making it less comfortable for helmet...

The TomTom Bandit is an action camera that directly solves the common user frustration of editing long footage by automatically identifying highlights through its built-in GPS and motion sensors. Its standout feature is a companion mobile application for iOS and Android that generates a completed highlight video simply by shaking a smartphone, allowing for immediate mobile sharing. The camera features a unique, flat rotating clip mounting system that simplifies horizontal alignment and eliminates the need for a bulky external waterproof housing, unless diving deeper than splash protection requires. Additionally, the innovative, cable-free "Batt-Stick" integrates the battery, a microSD slot, and a fast USB 3.0 connector directly into a removable component for streamlined charging and data transfers. Despite its convenient features, the camera has notable drawbacks, particularly regarding image quality and data utility. While full-resolution video up to 2.7K at 30fps is very good, it suffers from overexposure in bright light, purple fringing, soft low-light performance, and visible artifacts. The maximum 4K resolution is effectively unusable at just 15 frames per second, and the camera lacks digital image stabilization. Furthermore, the...

The major pros highlighted in the review include its seamless cable-free design, over 3 hours of HD battery life, an incredibly intuitive user interface with zero learning curve, and the highly efficient automated highlight tagging system. Furthermore, using smartphone Wi-Fi grants users immediate, wireless access to edit, overlay performance metrics, and share video clips without downloading any raw footage first. On the downside, the primary cons are that the unit is heavier than standard action cameras, and it is only splash-proof out of the box. Becoming fully waterproof down to 50 meters requires purchasing a separate, optional $50 USD dive lens cover. Finally, actively keeping the smartphone Wi-Fi connected to preview or manipulate clips will drastically drain the camera's battery life.

The TomTom Bandit action camera stands out as a user-friendly competitor to GoPro, featuring unique hardware design choices that simplify recording and mounting. Its primary advantages include separate start and stop buttons to prevent accidental recordings, a quick-release mounting mechanism that allows for easy 180-degree rotation, and waterproofing up to 40 metres by simply swapping the lens cap without a bulky case. Furthermore, its mobile app eliminates the need for computer editing software by instantly generating video compilations with a simple shake of the smartphone. However, the camera exhibits notable limitations regarding its video performance and frame rates in higher resolutions. While it efficiently shoots standard footage at 1080p at 60 frames per second, its 4K recording capabilities are heavily restricted to a cinematic 15 frames per second. This low frame rate makes the 4K mode impractical for capturing smooth, high-speed sports action, meaning users must compromise on resolution to get fluid motion playback.

The TomTom Bandit action camera is a user-friendly GoPro alternative that stands out for its high-quality video recording and innovative editing ecosystem. The barrel-shaped device houses a 16-megapixel sensor capable of filming full 1080p HD video at up to 60 frames per second, 4K at 15 frames per second, and slow-motion footage. Designed with convenience in mind, it features a built-in "Batt-stick" that pulls apart to reveal an integrated USB stick, eliminating the need for charging cables. Its standout positive feature is a smartphone app that pairs with the camera's built-in sensors (GPS, speed, altitude, and G-force) to automatically tag highlights, allowing users to instantly generate and share edited films without using a computer. Additionally, the unique mounting system allows the camera body to rotate independently for versatile, level shooting setups. Despite its high usability and strong build quality, the review highlights several distinct drawbacks. At 192 grams, the camera is notably heavier than a GoPro, making its weight quite noticeable when mounted to a helmet. While the lens offers impressive clarity, the sensor struggles to adapt to rapidly changing...

The TomTom Bandit action camera is highlighted as a highly intuitive and user-friendly alternative to the GoPro, particularly due to its seamless mobile app integration. A major strength of the device is its instant, low-lag smartphone streaming, allowing users to easily tag favourites, edit footage into quick movies from a sofa, and update firmware without ever needing a computer. It features built-in GPS and sensors that record data like speed, G-force, and altitude to automatically mark highlights. Additionally, the camera boasts exceptional battery life, offering over two and a half hours of solid shooting at 1080p, backed by an efficient automatic sleep mode. Its mounting system is also highly praised for being secure and easily adjustable, even while wearing heavy winter riding gloves. However, the reviewer points out a few distinct disadvantages, with audio quality being the primary drawback. The built-in front microphone picks up considerable wind noise and produces a sharp "rattle" when mounted to a motorbike due to play in the brackets. While a waterproof lens cover can mitigate wind noise and protect the unit up to depths...

The TomTom Bandit action camera stands out for its innovative "in-camera" media server, which allows users to edit and share footage almost instantly through a mobile app without downloading files first. Its standout features include 4K Ultra HD video resolution, 16MP photos, and a unique Batt-Stick that integrates a 1,900mAh battery, microSD card slot, and a USB 3.0 connector for cable-free charging and data transfer. The camera also uses built-in GPS and motion sensors to automatically tag "highlights" based on speed, G-force, and altitude, enabling a "shake-to-edit" feature in the app that generates a ready-to-share movie in seconds. Pros and Cons Cons: While highly functional, the unit can be bulky compared to competitors when the splashproof lens is swapped for the dive lens; and the premium price of £279.99 for the Bike Pack may be a barrier for some users. If you're interested, I can: Compare it to GoPro models from the same era List the full technical specifications Check for current availability or updated models How

The TomTom Bandit action camera stands out for its intuitive design and exceptional battery life, making it a strong competitor in the action cam market. A major benefit is its tubular, low-profile design and a 180-degree rotating mounting bracket that prevents a bulky look on helmets. It includes a convenient GoPro mount adapter. The camera features simple, distinct buttons for power and a sleep mode that saves energy, keeping the battery running all day in freezing conditions. Additionally, the innovative battery stick has a built-in USB plug and memory card slot, removing the need for extra charging cables. However, the camera does have some drawbacks. While the video looks excellent at 2.7K at 30fps, shooting in 4K is limited to a choppy 15fps. The smartphone companion app is noted as being fiddly to use, especially when connecting to the camera, deleting footage, or attempting to edit videos within the application. Furthermore, because the device lacks a traditional viewfinder and flash, the photo quality is mostly reliable for wide-angle panoramic selfies in bright light rather than everyday photography.

The TomTom Bandit action camera stands out for its robust, cylindrical waterproof design up to 40 meters (with a dive lens cover) and an innovative editing ecosystem. Its 1,900mAh "Batt-Stick" dual-functions as a battery and cable-free USB 3.0 microSD card reader, delivering an industry-leading 3 hours of continuous 1080p recording. Performance highlights include exceptional 4K and 2.7K video quality, accurate automatic exposure, a spectacular 4K Night-Lapse mode, and built-in sensors (GPS, G-force, altitude) that automatically tag highlights. These tags seamlessly integrate with a flawless, zero-lag mobile app and PC software that allow users to generate edited movies instantly by simply shaking their smartphone. Despite its strengths, the camera has notable limitations, starting with its 4K video resolution being restricted to an impractical 15 frames per second (FPS), though the 2.7K mode at 30 FPS serves as an excellent alternative. It completely lacks digital or optical image stabilization, causing footage to exhibit typical action camera shakiness. Additionally, weighing 192 grams, it is too heavy for drone mounting, and its top-mounted flush LCD display risks impact damage. The audio is mono, experiences...