Skip to main content

Cyclops Gear’s CGX2 action camera captures your stunts in Ultra-High Def

Cyclops Gear is known for its camera-embedded sunglasses and goggles, but its newest product isn’t a wearable, but a typical action cam with an uncanny resemblance to a very popular POV camcorder. The CGX2 is the second model in the CGX lineup of Wi-Fi-enabled action cams, and it touts 4K video recording, a 2-inch LCD, lots of included accessories, and a lower price than a similarly spec GoPro.

The CGX2 has a similar boxy form factor to the GoPro’s Hero4 Silver, its direct competitor; in fact, if it wasn’t for the black exterior, repositioned buttons, and Cyclops Gear logo, you could easily mistaken it for a GoPro (heck, even the protective housing looks dead-on).

The camera shoots Full HD 1080 at 60, 50, 30, or 25 frames per second (fps), but it can also do 4K (3,840 x 2,160) at 15 or 12.5 fps, or 2K (2,074 x 1,520) at 30, 25, 24 fps. It takes photos at a max of 12MP, and built-in Wi-Fi lets you pair the camera with an iOS or Android smartphone. The camera has a number of modes such as burst shot, snapshot, high-speed recording, seamless loop, and slow motion.

But, performance wise, it’s not as strong as the Hero4 Silver, which has a variety of video resolutions and other advanced shooting features and custom settings to choose from. The Silver’s LCD also has touch capabilities, which the CGX2 lacks. And while the Silver can shoot 4K at 15 fps as well, GoPro doesn’t market this because 4K at 15 fps isn’t that great. But the upside for the CGX2 is that video downscaled from 4K/2K to Full HD should look better than those from cameras that only shoot Full HD — theoretically.

Cyclops Gear, however, includes several accessories, like a waterproof remote watch that’s handy for controlling the camera when you’re engaged in activity. Also bundled are a 32GB MicroSD card; waterproof case (up to 164 feet); and various mounts and mounting accessories (headband, bike, helmet – nine in total).

If you’re looking for a 4K action camera with many accessories included in the box, and you don’t care about having the advanced features that the Hero4 Silver offers, the CGX2 retails for $300, and it’s available at Bombardier Recreational Products’ (BRP) website and select BRP dealerships.

Editors' Recommendations

Enid Burns
Enid Burns is a freelance writer who has covered consumer electronics, online advertising, mobile, technology electronic…
Arlo ditches the need for a hub with its new Pro 4 and Ultra 2 cameras
The Arlo Pro 4 installed outside.

As the holiday season approaches and the need for improved home security grows, Arlo has added two new options to its home security lineup: The Arlo Pro 4 and the Arlo Ultra 2 spotlight cameras. These cameras not only utilize color night vision, but also have built-in spotlights to pinpoint activity in their field of view and potentially scare away intruders. The new cameras supplement the company's other recent budget offerings and continue to broaden its portfolio.

One feature of note is that both the Arlo Pro 4 and Arlo Ultra 2 cameras are wire-free and don't require dedicated hubs anymore, allowing for more diverse placement. With no need for a hub to connect them to a wireless network, you aren't limited by the proximity of power outlets when placing these cameras.

Read more
GoPro unveils lifestyle gear to go with your action camera
gopro launches lifestyle gear to go with your action camera branded goods

GoPro is expanding its product range to outdoor gear with the launch this week of a range of branded items that includes bags, apparel, and accessories.

Having made its name with action cameras, the California-based company is now hoping to generate some extra income with sales of branded gear aimed at outdoor types.

Read more
GoPro Hero8 Black vs. DJI Osmo Action: Comparing two of the best action cams
GoPro Hero 8 Black

DJI entered the action camera market earlier this year with the Osmo Action, an innovate attempt to take on GoPro's Hero7 Black. It was an impressive first-generation product, but it wasn't long before GoPro came back with the Hero8 Black -- which quickly found its way to the top of our best action cameras list in addition to earning a 9/10 score in our review. While the Hero8 Black is an exceptional action camera, the Osmo Action still stands out in a few ways -- not the least of which is its cheaper price -- and may have some features that make it the better choice for you. Here's how the two stack up.
Design
This is where the DJI Osmo Action really tries to differentiate itself with a front LCD monitor. This helps frame up those walk-and-talk vlogging shots or preview your shot when mounting the camera in such a way that the rear screen is blocked. Additionally, the main LCD on the back of the camera is a wide, 16:9 screen measuring 2.25 inches at a resolution of 640 x 360. That's larger and sharper than GoPro's 2-inch, 480 x 320 screen.

The Hero8's main trick is that it contains a built-in mount so you can ditch the mounting frame that's needed with the Osmo Action (as well as older GoPro cameras). Despite this extra built-in hardware, the Hero8 Black is the lighter of the cameras by a narrow margin, at 4.13 ounces compared to 4.37, and noticeably smaller compared to an Osmo Action in a case. Both cameras are waterproof to about 33 feet.

Read more