Aiptek A-HD+ 1080P High Definition Camcorder (Silver)
by Aiptek Inc.
(Click here)
Customers in the UK,
Buy this product at amazon.co.uk
for British Pounds
Digital Photo Product Details
Manufacturer: Aiptek Inc.Model: A-HD+
Color: Silver
Product features:
- Captures video at up to HD 1080P; records directly from TV, DVD player or VCR
- Accepts up to 32 GB SDHC memory cards for extended recording
- 2.4-inch color LCD screen with 270-degree swiveling ability
- Backed by one-year warranty
- Compact high-definition camcorder with 128MB built-in memory
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Digital Cameras Photo Reviews of Aiptek A-HD+ 1080P High Definition Camcorder (Silver)
Customer Review: AIPTEK A-HD+1080p Review - HD for the Masses
Summary: 3 Stars
UPDATED December 25th. I am a pro-editor and I do not work for Aiptek so you will get an accurate review from me. Keep in mind that it is a well know fact that Aiptek has earned a questionable reputation for false advertising some features, also Aiptek has produced a plethora of models with similar names...some have been plagued with defects (loose batteries, distorted sound), so avoid those older models altogether. This review applies only to the new AIPTEK A-HD+1080p which, so far, appears to be their best model. My camera did not come with a battery charger contrary to what is indicated by the description, the battery included did not last more than one hour. This is what I know based on my brief experience:
Pros: Small and portable fits on your shirt pocket; uses memory cards (not tapes); movies are fully compatible with Macintosh computers (.MOV) excelent playback on a Mac however they still need to be transcoded for iMovie and Final Cut Pro editing. The camera lens has a macro mode. The so called 1080p resolution is surprisingly sharp and not available in any other camera in this price range (so far). It is possible to flip the camera LCD to record yourself. It takes nice stills (see the Cons). And finally, it makes for an unusual recording device (you can record from DVD or TV to the camera Memory Card and later transfer and play the files on your computer (they will not play on your PSP or iPod unless you convert to their respective codecs. You can also record voice memos.
There are certain advantages to owning such a small camera: you are more likely to carry it everywhere and record HD of something unexpected. Also, you can insert the device in unusual places and obtain otherwise impossible footage in HD.
Cons:
Be warned that video footage files created by this camera are not friendly to Windows users. (Mac users are okay). The files are H.264 Quicktime Movies which is a video format popularized by Apple. If you want to edit in true High Definition it is best to use iMovie or FCP on an Intel Mac. The sound is typical of built-in mikes, it records typical omnidirectional audio. There is no volume control except for playback audio. Not surprisingly it has no microphone input for an external mike. This camera is useless for productions which require a lavaliere or a shotgun, such as interviews in crowded or noisy environments (i.e. Conventions)
Beware of the deceptive advertising: the 8 megapixel photos are interpolated and a waste of memory space. What Aiptek calls a "zoom" is actually an "electronic" effect, you shouldn't videotape while zooming in and out using this electronic effect. The zoom button is positioned in such an awkward place that you can not hold the camera steady while zooming anyway. However, you can pause, then zoom, then record. Which brings me to the most important issue, the lack of an image stabilizer, this is hardly a feature I expected to find on this type of camera, nevertheless, it will drive the "pros" insane. An Aiptek will only produce a decent stable image while mounted on a tripod (it has a tripod hole on the bottom).
AIPTEK video files are no more YouTube compatible than any other video, you still have to convert the codec during the uploading process like everyone else.
Conclusion:
This is not the camera to take on your vacation to Hawaii, nor a concert or to video a wedding, for that, you need to get yourself a real camera, else you may run into some serious problems. You may:
1) Run out of memory (AIPTEK claims you can use a maximum memory card of 32GB but most people will probably use 2-8gb)
2) You may accidentally deplete the battery which in turn can not be recharged without a laptop because it works like an iPod (or you can expend more money on an extra battery or a charger).
3) You may discover your sound is not good after your vacation/wedding is over.
4) Poor quality in dim light , like the interior of a Museum or at dusk.
5) You may discover your footage is too shaky because you didn't have a tripod. It looks worse on your HD TV than it does on the camera while recording.
6) You may set the camera accidentally on Macro and everything is out of focus. (Very easy to do)
7) From time to time you may get a "Card Protect" error when you press record, this is a manufacturing error , the camera "thinks" the card' is locked but IT IS NOT LOCKED, hence rendering the card unusable; if you are on vacation and have only one card, you are sheer out of luck. If this happens to you, try wiggling the card in and out. This error message pops up at random.
Not a problem with AIPTEK but with all memory cards is their innate propensity for data corruption, regretfully there is no way to recover HD footage from a corrupt card. This does not happen with videotape because any camcorder would warn you if something goes wrong with the tape mechanism.
My review is harsh but accurate, I don't mean to present this camera in a negative light, it has its usefulness. It is good as a back-up camera and in my personal experience, it is the best camera to carry with you when you are in a dangerous area where things can get stolen or destroyed by accident. If you loose it then you are only out a couple of bucks. Also, it is less less likely to attract theft.
Obviously, most positive reviews here come from rookies who are justifiably excited to see High Definition for the first time and at a price they can afford. So, if you are an HD rookie, this is a nice buy for you. One could say the AIPTEK HD is Hi-Def for the masses.
Description of Aiptek A-HD+ 1080P High Definition Camcorder (Silver)
With the new A-HD+ from Aiptek you get all the great features of the A-HD but now you also get 1080P recording! One-touch recording allows you to capture stunning 1080 P HD video at 30 frames per second with H.264 technology. You can also record 780P HD video at 60 frames per second. Connect to your TV/VCR/DVD player to record video clips, pictures, and audio recordings, and playback directly on the built-in 2.4" color LCD. Take still pictures up to 8MP. 4X Digital Zoom with Fixed Focus and Night Shot. LCD swivels 270° for unlimited video and photo taking. Conveniently charge your new A-HD+ via the USB cable when connected to your PC or use the AC Charger cable included with no need to remove the battery from camera. Connect to your HDTV Component inputs to display your high definition video clips and pictures. Use up to 32GB of SDHC card storage to record longer video before having to upload to your PC. Ships with: Camcorder, Lithium Ion Battery, AC Charger, USB Cable, Component and AV Cable, Lens Cap, Wrist Strap, and User's Guide.Camcorders
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