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Overall, this is a great product. The camera is very easy to use and I was very impressed by the quality of the photos and videos from such an inexpensive camera. The only flaw I've found is that taking multiple photos when using the flash is a bit slow since the flash takes a few seconds to recharge.
I had the Aiptek MPVR before which I loved, but it also didn't do so well indoors. After the mod, it's an amazing camcorder. P.S. So I was looking for a cheap and small camcorder to record short films in HD, and possibly post on youtube. The external mic mod adds a small (half an index finger) sized mic on top of the camcorder, whereas the internal mic mod changed nothing. If you decide to Mod, I claim no responsibility if your camcorder gets messed up, and it is YOUR sole responsibility. I chose to do both before then i could add any mic externally (because it has a hot-swap jack) but the internal mic mod is fine on it's own (the external is better though ;D ) Sorry if i confused you with all that
The video quality outside is superb, but is mediocre outside (as expected). The sound is too crackly and annoying. Overall, it's a great buy after the Mod, but before so, I wouldn't recommend it. The sound, however, was way worse than what I expected, and was very annoying. The files are quicktime files, which can be converted with free programs online (not sure if it comes with software, cause I had a great video converter by kyotosoft) I've recently started using Adobe Premier pro, which readily accepts the files as is (which is awesome).
I searched around and found this Aiptek model, and found that the main problem people had with it was the sound and indoor shots, but I found a good price online for a open box one and got it. The only downside is that it has no image stabilization, but i ALWAYS use a tripod, so no worries there for me ;D Inside, you might need some extra lighitng, but outside it's got pretty amazing footage. I have never Moded anything before, but decided to give it a shot (because of the cheap price I got it for). With that in mind, I got the camcorder and started to test it out. It was too bad for me to bare it, so I began searching online, and found that there was a mod to attach an external microphone, and replace the internal one.
In low ambient noise area's it works great. The camera works great. Dollar for Dollar though, the camera is worth it. But if the sound is to loud the mic goes out and the sound becomes pure static. The video quality is spectacular. My only issues are the 2x zoom limitation (which i knew that going in so I can't complain) and the audio isn't the greatest.
It's my kids play camera now, what a waste of money:) its a little awkward, but the video is alright, and if the audio weren't so terrible, I'd keep on using it.
The Aiptek fits in a shirt pocket and the batteries last through 3- 2GB SD cards.The quality is what you get for a 100$ dollar camera but that's okay if you know this going in. The big players wont have to worry about this camera drawing away a lot of revenue. The battery problem was solved which left me needing to cover the memory questions. I liked the camera so much I gave it to my son and bought me a new one.I use an iMac to edit video for publishing and the Aiptek works smoothly with both Final Cut and iMovie. Aiptek A-HD 720P 8MP CMOS High Definition CamcorderAiptek A-HD 720P 8MP CMOS High Definition Camcorder This is the second model from this manufacture I have bought.
I sometimes open files right off the camera using QuickTime Pro and edit the simple movie with that software. This all happened preceding a vacation to Cancun. No problems.This is a great pocket-sized camera for what it was designed for. I am not chucking my Canon. I do a lot of ATV riding and this will record 10 times better that my helmet cam. All cameras capture is light.
I bought the first one before Christmas at a Walgreens for $90 with a $20 mail-in rebate. I was ready. This one does fine if the lighting is good, not too much or too little light and you will be pleased with results.I have shot video off my Grizzly 700 with web quality video and then post it on my blog for other like trail riders to view. I found a second battery, from a cell phone supply store, a 110 charger, that is a stand-a-lone, plus one more option; a 12 volt car charger. The end results are similar to a high end camera phone. This little Aiptek does not replace the superior Canon but I will use it 5:1 because of the bulk.
I wanted to make sure I had plenty of SD cards and the prices are reasonable for the no-name brands. All of this set me back less than 150$.I own a very good Canon mini dv that is comparable to the GL-2 that I love to shoot.
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