I bought this not expecting much and not having seen any reviews on the Web or in print. The product is a couple of months old to market. There's some misinformation floating around out there -here are a few clarifications and highlights of the product from my week's worth of testing. First, it does indeed shoot at a 16:9 aspect ratio even as the video resolution is 1440x1080p -you just need to be sure and apply an "anamorphic" pixel ratio (i.e., not square/1:1). Also, it is a fixed focus camera: The benefit is that there's no noisy/slow auto-focusing mechanism, but the con (as with all fixed focus camcorders) is that low light performance suffers somewhat, while close-in subjects go out of focus (though there is a manual macro switch on this product). Big pluses include the fact that it's charged via a super-standard mini-USB connector, and accepts up to a 32gb SDHC card. There is a tripod mounting hole but no electronic or mechanical image stabilization, no optical zoom, and no external microphone/audio in port.In short, this makes for a great "second-unit" camcorder in cases where you don't want to rough around with your primary HD camcorder, or where you want to strap this onto a skateboard and the like without worrying about lost investment. It's wise to take the native H.264 files that are wrapped in .mov format and convert them to .avi or MPEG-2 .mpg files for further processing/editing/burning, as most systems will stutter trying to decode the native video files at 1080p/30 fps on-the-fly (i.e., even high-end video cards do not necessarily include hardware acceleration for files in this specific format). Although users appear to be especially enamored of the product's 1440x720p/60 fps non-interlaced mode, I'm not convinced that their bias is based on the benefit of double the frames-per-second, instead of the mere shortcomings of their system's hardware playback at 1080p/30 fps.
UPDATE: The following wide-angle lens attachment works perfectly with this camcorder, and I'm tempted to use it full-time as it not only widens your field of view, but in the process mildly reduces the inherent shake of your footage by "pulling back" a little farther.
Sunpak CAM-2110 MagMount 0.5x Wide-Angle Conversion Lens (Large)
But luckily, I have done the homework for you
Here are some things you might want to know:
-The CMOS is 5MP native (resolution: 2592 x 1944)
don't bother with the 8MP it just 'blows up' the image (interpolation)
-The lens, even though the image quality is excellent, is the weak point of this camera. Its a fixed focus without any optical zoom. Theres only digital zoom which decreases the quality the farther its zoomed in, but not too badly.
The 2 focus modes,
Normal: From 30cm to infinity. Best for general purpose video recording. Nothing is really out of focus unless its too close to the camera. Though the image can be slow to clarify on certain patterns such as grass.
Macro: For close-ups. Objects/people look alot clearer/better when focused on than with the normal focus mode, and everything in the background is blurred. But you have to be sure the camera is the perfect distance away from the object so that its in focus.
On the camera, the top setting with the mountain/stick figure is normal focus mode and the lower setting with the flower shape is macro. There are also wide angle lenses available that fit this camera.
-The battery
Battery life for me is very good, but depends on your recording mode, screen brightness etc. Charge to 100% before turning it on (should take atleast 2-3 hours). Also sometimes the light seems to change randomly to show that its charged when its still charging. Theres a defect where the battery is loose inside and rattles around/loses contact with the terminals that make it turn off. Just improvise and put a piece of paper/cardboard below the battery to keep it from being loose.
-The screen is good quality, hard to see in bright daylight. No dead pixels. Camera turns on when you fold out the screen. There are controls on the side for video playback but I haven't had to use any besides 'power'.
-The mic is okay for me, but it tends to record the person behind the camera rather than whats in front.
-Records from AV-IN at 720 x 480 NTSC 29.97FPS
the quality is decent when I record from a satellite receiver (take advantage of this with pay-per-view). When played back on SDTV it looks nearly exactly as the original broadcast besides for some obvious static at the very top of the screen. Format: H264 @ 2.12mbits/sec Audio: AAC stereo 48.000khz BTW you can't do composite-in.
-has TV-OUT with AV-out and Composite-out
You can do everything with TV-out activated that you can do normally, record vids/take pics/change settings. Video and picture quality is terrific, and they load instantly. If you lose 1 of the AV cables, they're the same except for the colors.
-works with my sandisk 4gb Ultra II SDHC memory card
make sure your memory card is 'high speed' or else it probably can't write data fast enough to keep up with the higher quality recording modes. I believe the memory limit is 32gb.
-recording modes:
1080p: 29.97FPS Data rate: 7.58mbits/sec at 1920x1080
720p 60f: 59.94FPS Data rate: 6.04mbits/sec at 1280x720
720p 30f: 29.97FPS Data rate: 4.10mbits/sec at 1280x720
'DVD quality': 59.94FPS Data rate: 3.57mbits/sec at 854x480
'CIF': 29.97FPS Data rate: 750.86kbits/sec at 320x240
All except 'CIF' are 16:9 aspect ratio (widescreen)
Image quality is a bit grainy if the room is dark, though you can adjust white balance/exposure settings to fix this. I would say the best overall setting is 720p 60FPS. Theres no stabilization but its really stupid to complain that the footage is 'shaky' when all you have to do is hold your arm more steady/hold it with 2 hands. After all the camera captures exactly what it sees and its lightweight. Theres a tripod mount too.
-tips for playback
The version of quicktime included on the CD is an old version that plays choppy on even the fastest computer. The best way to play back your vids in my opinion is to first:
1. Rename the file from .MOV to .HDMOV
2. Play the file with Windows Media Player
doing it this way uses the graphics card (GPU) to help play the video, instead of just the CPU. 60fps is more intensive than 1080p at 30fps. If you get an error about codecs, look up on google 'k-lite codec pack'.
Now the biggest problem everyone has is that the format of the videos (.MOV) is incompatible/doesn't work right with alot of editing software. Most people convert the video to another format which decreases the quality and takes forever. Are you ready for a simple solution that will prevent you hours of frustration?
The actual video captured is encoded to H.264 codec with AAC audio, the .MOV is just a container file. AVI, MP4, MKV and lots of others can hold H.264 video. So all you have to do is...
Rename FILE.MOV to FILE.MP4
easy as that...now the file should work in sony vegas and any other editing software that supports H264, and also play back fine with supporting media players. To rename on a PC: Tools->Folder Options->View->Hide extensions for known file types (uncheck the box)
(when importing to vegas 8.0 you have to keep trying to drag the file over the window until an outline appears or it will crash, only release the mouse if an outline appears. Keep trying with new codecs if it crashes/won't work, its glitchy)
Buy Aiptek A-HD+ 1080P High Definition Camcorder (Silver) Now
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.
Read Best Reviews of Aiptek A-HD+ 1080P High Definition Camcorder (Silver) Here
Just got this camera today and after charging the battery, I have been in the back yard taking HD movies! I can tell you that this camera is better than my Hitachi DVD camcorder that cost me $475 dollars a few years ago. The Aiptek video quality is excellent. I can't believe this sells for $150. I hook the camera to my Windows XP computer using the included USB cable and drag the files to my desk top and put them in a program called ConvertXtoDVD. Convert X takes the .mov files from my computer and converts them to .vob files and automatically burns them to DVD! I like the 720@60 frames per second setting on the Aiptek A-HD+ Camcorder. The picture on my pioneer plasma is the best I have had to date in home movies, totally 16:9 wide screen and fills the screen. Still much experiementing with this camera. I did much research before I bought, Amazon feedback is always a great way to research and the $130 dollar model (HD-720) has audio problems. I have detected no audio problems with this model. I'm selling my hitachi DVD camcorder on Ebay! Burning the movie files to DVD is a snap using ConvertX to DVD. I just have to find a program that will cleaning play the files on my computer. The Nero 7 I am using to play the movies on my computer is a bit shakey. NO problem, I'm sure since they are recorded as .mov files, Quicktime player should work fine. I will also experiement with VLC player. By the way, Aiptek recommends a Pentium 4 to work the movie files. I'm using a 1.5mhz laptop and burning them to DVD with no problems, I also can convert them to .VOB files and edit them with all sorts of programs. I'm using a 1 GB SD card , which fits neatly in the camera handle and I'm getting 22 minutes of video at 720/60fps. So I will upgrade to a 2gb and almost get a hour of video, which is plenty for me. Another thought, the battery is slightly loose in the handle, not serious, but I read on youtube that you should place a thin piece of velcro or tape at the bottom of the battery to push it closer to the battery contacts. Speaking of youtube, I would suggest you go there and search the Aiptek A-HD+ to see all the great videos this great camera can take. Since the camera doesn't have video stablization and its so light, you must take caution to hold it steady. No big deal for me.. And one last comment, the pictures that this camcorder takes are not bad! I'm stil testing but compared to my old Hitachi DVD camcorder the still pics are much better. You have a selection of a 3meg, 5meg or 8meg still picture. Still experimenting and loving it. I will add more on this review as I learn more tricks...sorry to ramble on...love this camcorder!UPDATE: 8-29-2009
Still using this camcorder. I updated the SD card to a 8gb card, which the camera says will give 4.5hrs of video at 720p and 2.5hrs at 1080P. I doubt the battery would last that long! I also found that I can take 1080p HD videos, they play great on the latest windows 7 operating system on my laptop using the windows media player!! Before this I had to use a program M player and that would only play the 720p files.
UPDATE: 5-27-2010
Still using this camcorder. Its so easy to operate, very light, I just slip it in my pocket and go. I've never run out of battery. I simply charge it before each use. I bring it to all our family outings. I am using a program called "AVS VIDEO EDITOR" to join all the camera's .MOV movie files to one large file and instead of burning them to a DVD. I am keeping them in a hard drive and play them on the WD Live HD player. Very Cool. I do not use this camcorder for picture taking. I must of dropped it several times with out a problem. Recently, my wife and I watched our granddaughter for a week. I took videos of her each day, without charging the battery and it lasted all week. Very happy with this product.
Want Aiptek A-HD+ 1080P High Definition Camcorder (Silver) Discount?
OK, here is the low down on these sub $200 digital camcorders, ie flip mino and aiptek. the flip wins in the size and ease of use department, the aiptek in picture quality and features.the aiptek looks like other camcorders like the sanyo exacti line, but the aiptek is an all plastic deal. yes, you get what you pay for! however, for the price (the a-hd 1080p price varies between 149-170) you do get amazing hd video quality. no, it does not compare to a $1000 sony hd camcorder, but when used in broad daylight the quality is really pretty impressive. worth the purchase price for sure.
where all cheap camcorders fail is in the low light (indoors, evening) department, video will look graiiny und ugly. the aiptek only has a digital zoom. my advice, do not use it, especially while filming, as the device does not have image stabilization. also, better to avoid panning as some tv's will show a combing effect.
but within these limitations the ability to shoot 1080, 720p and dv quality at this price point is amazing !
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