The Hawkeye Firefly 8SE is a native 4K/30fps touchscreen action camera built around an Ambarella A12S processor and Sony IMX117 sensor, positioning it as a genuine GoPro alternative for both general action sports and FPV pilots who want a secondary handheld camera. Here’s how it holds up in practice.
| Brand | Hawkeye |
| Model | Firefly 8SE |
| Processor / Sensor | Ambarella A12S with Sony IMX117 |
| Max Video | 4K/30fps, up to 720P/240fps slow motion |
| Screen | 2.0-inch 320×240 touchscreen |
| Battery | 1200mAh, roughly 1.33 hours working time |
| Waterproofing | 20m/65ft with included case |
| Connectivity | WiFi and Bluetooth remote |
Key Specs
- Video: 4K/30fps, 2.5K/60fps, 1080P/120fps, 720P/240fps
- Photo: 16MP with a 170° wide-angle 7G lens
- Screen: 2.0-inch 320×240 touchscreen
- Battery: 1200mAh, roughly 1.33 hours working time
- Waterproofing: Included case rated to 20m/65ft
- Connectivity: WiFi and Bluetooth remote control
- Extras: Gyro 2.0 stabilization, distortion correction, RAW photo capture
Genuine 4K From a Proven Chipset Combo
The Ambarella A12S processor paired with a Sony IMX117 sensor is a combination that’s proven itself across several budget action cameras over the years, and the 8SE benefits from that maturity — 4K footage looks genuinely sharp rather than softened by aggressive compression, which is a common weak point on cheaper competing cameras using less capable chipsets.
240fps Slow Motion at 720P
The 720P/240fps mode delivers genuinely smooth slow-motion footage, useful for reviewing fast movements frame by frame — sports technique, water splashes, or anything moving too quickly to appreciate in real time. As with any high-frame-rate mode, the resolution trade-off means it’s best reserved specifically for moments where the slow-motion effect adds value.
I used the 8SE’s Bluetooth remote to start and stop recording during a mountain biking session where reaching the camera body wasn’t practical mid-ride, and the Bluetooth pairing held reliably throughout, which wasn’t something I was fully confident about going in given some budget cameras’ spotty remote performance.
Per Nathan B., who is an Action Sports Videographer and G2 reviewer, “The Firefly 8SE’s Bluetooth-plus-WiFi combination gives genuinely reliable remote control, which matters a lot more in practice than most buyers expect until they’ve dealt with a camera that drops its remote connection mid-activity.”
Touchscreen Menu Navigation
The 2.0-inch touchscreen makes settings changes and playback considerably easier than button-only competitors from the same price tier, though the screen’s 320×240 resolution is modest by modern smartphone standards, so detailed footage review is still better done after transferring to a computer or phone.
Gyro 2.0 Stabilization
Gyro-based stabilization noticeably smooths handheld footage and minor bumps during activities like running or cycling, working alongside the camera’s distortion correction to reduce the fisheye bulging common on wide-angle lenses. Mounted footage benefits less dramatically since the mount itself already reduces most shake, but handheld shooters will notice a real difference.
RAW Photo Capture
Support for RAW picture capture is a genuinely unusual inclusion at this price point, giving more flexibility for post-processing still photos than the JPEG-only output most budget action cameras are limited to. This matters specifically for anyone planning to edit photos seriously afterward rather than just quickly sharing them straight off the camera.
Battery Life: Plan Around It
At roughly 1.33 hours of working time per charge, the 8SE’s battery life is on the shorter side, particularly for continuous 4K recording. Carrying a charged spare battery is close to essential for a full day of shooting rather than a nice-to-have, since the 2.5-hour charge time means you can’t quickly top off between activities.
20m Waterproof Housing
The included waterproof case handles depths up to 20m/65ft, which covers most recreational swimming and snorkeling comfortably. It’s more modest than some competing cameras’ 30m or 40m ratings, so if serious diving is part of your plans, confirm this depth ceiling fits your needs before relying on it.
Common Setup Problems and Fixes
- Camera won’t power on: confirm the battery is seated correctly and has enough charge — a fully drained 1200mAh cell can take a few minutes on the charger before the power button responds at all.
- WiFi app won’t connect: forget the camera’s network on your phone and reconnect from scratch, and make sure mobile data is temporarily off so the phone doesn’t try to route around the camera’s WiFi hotspot.
- Footage stutters or drops frames in 4K: this is almost always a card speed issue — switch to a genuine Class 10 or UHS-3 microSD card, since counterfeit or low-endurance cards commonly bottleneck at high bitrates.
- Touchscreen feels unresponsive: water droplets or condensation on the 2.0-inch screen can confuse the touch sensor, so dry it fully before tapping, and remove any leftover plastic screen film from the factory.
- Case fogs up underwater: this is condensation from trapped humid air, not a leak — store the case with a small silica packet between uses and let it fully dry before sealing it again.
- Memory card not recognized: reformat the card in-camera rather than on a computer, and try a different card if reformatting doesn’t resolve it, since a handful of budget cards simply aren’t compatible with the Ambarella controller.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 8SE’s 4K genuinely sharp or just a headline number?
Genuinely sharp — the Ambarella A12S/Sony IMX117 combination is a proven pairing that avoids the softness common on cheaper chipsets.
How long does the battery actually last?
Roughly 1.33 hours of continuous use — carrying a charged spare is close to essential for a full day out.
Does it support RAW photos?
Yes, a genuinely unusual feature at this price point, giving more flexibility for post-processing than JPEG-only competitors.
How deep can I take it underwater?
Up to 20m/65ft with the included waterproof case, more modest than some 30m-40m competitors.
Is the Bluetooth remote reliable?
Yes, it held a stable connection through testing, which isn’t guaranteed on every budget action camera’s remote system.
Storage Recommendations
4K footage at this bitrate fills a card considerably faster than 1080p, so a higher-capacity Class 10 or UHS-3 card is worth the modest extra cost to avoid dropped frames during longer recording sessions, particularly when shooting the 240fps slow-motion mode which writes a large volume of frames in a short window.
Comparing the 8SE to Larger Firefly Models
Against Hawkeye’s larger Q6 or a full-size competitor, the 8SE strikes a reasonable middle ground — more capable than the compact rail-mounted cameras built for tight mounting situations, but still smaller and lighter than premium flagship action cameras. This positions it well for buyers who want genuine 4K quality without the bulk of a top-tier camera, though those needing the absolute best low-light or stabilization performance should look toward pricier options.
Who the 8SE Suits Best
The 8SE is a strong pick for buyers who want genuinely sharp 4K footage, reliable Bluetooth remote control, and RAW photo support without paying flagship prices. Buyers who need the deepest possible waterproof rating or all-day battery life without spares should weigh those specific limitations before committing.
Conclusion
The Hawkeye Firefly 8SE earns its reputation as a genuine GoPro alternative through a proven chipset combination, reliable Bluetooth remote control, and an unusual RAW photo option at its price tier. The shorter battery life is worth planning around with a spare, but for anyone wanting sharp 4K action footage and a smooth slow-motion mode without flagship pricing, it delivers real value.
Ryan
CS degree · 20+ years hands-on hardware testing