ORLANDO, Fla. — I’ve been spending more time using small cameras for the kinds of things where I do not really want to rely on my phone.
That includes scooter rides, walks, outdoor activities and quick clips where I want something lightweight enough to mount, hold or toss in a bag without thinking too hard about it. Phones are great, but they are not always the device I want exposed to bumps, weather, awkward angles or the general chaos that comes with filming outside.
That is why I was interested in trying the XTU S7 Pro. It is a 4K action camera aimed at people who want creator-friendly features without immediately jumping to the most expensive action camera on the market.
What I liked using it for
The first thing I look for in an action camera is whether it feels useful in normal life, not just in an extreme-sports commercial.
For me, the S7 Pro makes sense for scooter rides, outdoor walks, travel clips, family activities and quick point-of-view videos. It is small enough to bring along without making the outing feel like a production, which is probably the biggest reason I would reach for an action camera in the first place.
A dedicated camera also changes how you film. I am more willing to try angles or mounted shots that I would be hesitant to do with my phone. That alone makes it more useful for casual creator footage.
The stabilization is the feature that matters most
When you are filming while moving, stabilization is not a bonus feature. It is the difference between footage people can watch and footage that looks like it was recorded during an earthquake.
The S7 Pro includes Super Stabilization 5.0 and 360-degree horizon correction, according to XTU. Those are the features I care about most for scooter rides and outdoor clips because the camera is constantly dealing with movement, turns, bumps and shifting angles.
No action camera can make every shot perfect, but stabilization is the reason this kind of device makes sense for motion-heavy footage.
Dual screens make it easier to frame shots
The dual-screen setup is also useful.
The rear screen works for normal shooting, while the front screen helps when the camera is pointed back at you. That matters for quick talking clips, travel videos or any moment where you want to know whether you are actually in the frame.
It sounds simple, but it saves time. A front screen makes the camera feel more practical for people who are creating social videos, not just recording trails or sports.
Why I would use this instead of just my phone
The biggest reason is peace of mind.
A phone can shoot excellent video, but it is also expensive, fragile and usually doing a dozen other jobs at the same time. When I am riding, walking outside or filming around water, dirt, gear or movement, I like the idea of using a separate device made for that kind of use.
That does not mean an action camera replaces a phone. It means it gives you another option.
For casual creators, that is the appeal: a camera you can mount, carry or experiment with without making every clip feel precious.
What to check before buying
As with any action camera, buyers should pay attention to the full setup, not just the camera body.
Mounts, battery needs, memory cards, waterproofing and accessories all matter. Depending on how you plan to use it, those extras may be just as important as the camera itself.
That is especially true if you plan to film longer outings or use the camera near water.
The bottom line
The XTU S7 Pro makes the most sense for someone who wants an affordable action camera for everyday outdoor video, scooter rides, travel, casual creator clips or mounted shots.
What I like about it is not that it turns filming into a major production. It is the opposite. It gives you a dedicated camera for moments where using your phone feels inconvenient or risky.
For people who want to experiment with action-camera footage without starting at the top of the price range, the S7 Pro is worth a look.
Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
©2026 Cox Media Group
