AeroTek T03 2K body camera review – Impressive results and specs for under $100

AeroTek isn't necessarily the most well-known brand, but this is a solid play for a spot in our best body cameras guide. That said, it does have two wearable security cameras that have drawn our attention primarily because of their reasonable specs and budget-friendly price tags.

The model I've been testing recently is the AeroTek T03 2K, which, you guessed it, shoots a 2K video resolution. Other features include a 40 MP photo resolution, a two-inch color display, a 3000 mAh battery, and infrared lights for better night vision.

The lack of 4K video, GPS tracking, and dashcam mounting will put more serious security professionals off, but for less than $100 you really do get an impressive set of specs. In fact, if you're new to this world and need an entry-level camera to get started, the T03 2K is well worth a look.

If you're more keen on a discreet wearable for capturing the moments of your life, then you'll be better served by one of the best action cameras or best POV cameras instead. These are compact, cute, and usually a lot better looking than the range of cameras that the T03 2K fits into.

AeroTek T03 2K: Specifications

AeroTek T03 2K: Price & Availability

The AeroTeK T03 2K Body Camera retails at $99.99. If you were interested in similarly specced and priced alternatives, then the BOBLOV KJ23PRO 2K, at $109, is your best bet.

The T03 package includes the camera, a USB charging cable, and a 64 GB MicroSD card. If you'd like more storage, then the slot supports up to a 512 GB MicroSD card, although you'll need to buy this separately.

If you like the camera but require 4K resolution, then AeroTek sells the T05 Mini 4K for $189. This model includes a higher resolution and GPS tracking. Or, if you're looking for a more lifestyle wearable camera, then the Boblov W4 that I reviewed recently is an attractive proposition.

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AeroTek T03 2K: Build and handling

The first things that grabbed me when I unboxed the AeroTek T03 are the nice design accents located on the front face, which are usually absent from most brands of body cams, which look frankly quite utilitarian. AeroTek has opted for a red ring around the lens and a red block right at the bottom. These give the device some much-needed identity and character.

In terms of portability, the T03 is both compact and lightweight. As a result, it is effortless to carry around, either while shooting or transferring files to a computer. The lightweight construction is a positive for portability, but it does leave the unit susceptible to damage, especially when knocked either during a scuffle or when impacted against a solid surface. Rubber padding would help with this.

In terms of mounting, the device ships with a short clip and a longer alternative designed for shoulder mounting. Both supply sufficient grip on clothing, but I do have a couple of issues with their implementation. The first is that the short clip covers a portion of the display and therefore limits visibility. I'm not sure why AeroTek didn't design it so the clip sits slightly higher (although this flaw isn't unique to this brand).

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The second issue is with the long shoulder clip, which can become obstructed by the main body of the camera and become stuck if you're not careful. Again, a small change in the limit of the rotation would solve this. The only additional note for mounting is that there's no dash cam attachment like there is with the AeroTek T05 Mini 4K, but that's no surprise at this price point.

The two-inch color display sits flush with the case around it, and despite no advertised specs on its resolution, it provides enough clarity to review footage on the device. Unfortunately, the lack of zoom capabilities while reviewing video or photos is a little restrictive and disappointing.

The T03 features an IP64 rating, which promises protection against dust and splashes. To test the claim, I sprayed water on all sides of the unit and, after a quick dry-off, found the device continued to perform with no problems at all. The rating is sufficient for any professional providing security at a pub or live music event where drinks might get spilt or thrown.

AeroTek T03 2K: Performance

Operating the device is simple and straightforward thanks to a series of easy-to-press buttons on the left- and right-hand sides as well as underneath the display. Unfortunately, I quickly ran into issues trying to remove the microSD card from the camera. More specifically, I was unable to remove the rubber slot using my fingernail and had to resort to using a single prong of a fork. This was far from ideal and resulted in me scratching the plastic around it.

Once I managed to get the microSD card out of the camera and into my laptop card reader, I downloaded the captured footage without any problems. The 2K footage is clear, vibrant, and relatively free from low-light noise. When the dynamic range of the shot is too wide, the sensor struggles to expose correctly across the entire image. Despite this, the camera generally picked the 'best' objects to expose for. Video footage is more than suitable for evidence capture.

The T03 is also capable of recording nighttime video courtesy of its seven infrared lights. These can be set to work automatically so that you don't have to remember to turn them on manually when the light levels drop. The camera manages to capture reasonable light levels, but the video is both blurry and grainy.

Photos are captured at an 8000 x 6000 px resolution, and even though this is a respectable image size, the sensor just can't handle delivering what's required when it comes to clarity and correct exposure. I took a photo of myself indoors with one side of my face brightly lit and found the output to be severely overexposed, with exposure issues creeping into the mid-tones.

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In addition to video and photo, the T03 is able to capture sound clips, which it does admirably. Audio is recorded with clarity and detail, no matter whether the audio is coming from in front, behind, or even to the side of the device. Audio is recorded in the popular WAV format.

The T03 features a powerful 3000 mAh battery, which provides up to 12 hours of continuous recording. This is sufficient for most work shifts, although you'll have to carry out a full charge after every single one.

AeroTek T03 2K: Overall Verdict

The AeroTek T03 body camera offers a reasonable set of specs given the sub-$100 price tag. Its core function of capturing wide-angle video footage is respectable, especially if you're filming during good lighting conditions. It's also straightforward to operate and lightweight to carry.

But, despite doing a good job with video, AeroTek hasn't been able to deliver the same quality with photo capture. Unfortunately, results are blurry and lacking clarity. Issues continue with nighttime recording, so if you work a lot of night shifts, I wouldn't recommend buying the T03.

Despite these issues alongside a lack of 4K video and GPS tracking, if it's a basic, budget-friendly body cam you're looking for, then the T03 should make anyone's shortlist.

You might also like...

The Boblov M7 is the best for security pick in our best body cam and boasts long-range night vision, a built-in 2-inch display, and siren and light functionality that can act as a panic button.

If you'd like a head-mounted camera instead, then the Ordro EP8 4K is also featured in our best body cam guide. We love its 2-axis gimbal stabilization and 4K recording.

It's well worth checking our guide to the best body cameras, though if your needs tend more toward video quality than long battery life, perhaps check the best action cameras. Don't forget you might even save on your car insurance with one of the best dash cams.