Aiptek Pocket DV5800 MPVR Plus 5MP MPEG4 Media Player & Video Recorder
by Aiptek Inc.
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Digital product summary information
Manufacturer: Aiptek Inc.Model: MPVRPlusCB
Product features:
- Built-in 5-megapixel CMOS sensor
- High-compression MPEG-4 video
- Record video from your TV, DVD player, VCR, or any device with RCA outputs
- Built-in SD card slot (SD card not included)
- 4x digital zoom
- Pinnacle Studio HD V14 [OLD VERSION]
- AmazonBasics Camcorder/Camera Bag with Shoulder Strap (Black)
- AmazonBasics SDHC Class 4 32GB Secure Digital Card
- AmazonBasics SDHC Class 10 4 GB Secure Digital Card
Digital camera reviews of Aiptek Pocket DV5800 MPVR Plus 5MP MPEG4 Media Player & Video Recorder
Digital camera Review: Deduct one star due to the audio/video sync issue and lack of external mic jack
Summary: 4 Stars
Okay, this camera is pretty much outdated now that Aiptek and others have come out with their various HD cameras, but I got mine at a deep discount a couple of weeks before Christmas '07, so it was worth it to me.
I already had an Aiptek camera and decided to get this one because each camera has features that the other doesn't. My first one can be used as a webcam, which the mpvr+cb can't. The mpvr, however, has A/V in and can be used as a personal video recorder/player, which is a feature my other Aiptek doesn't have.
I use the older Aiptek mainly as a dashcam in my car, since its shape allows it to sit upright, leaning slightly on the lcd screen. It attaches to the dash with velcro.
I use the MPVR+CB for general video shooting and photo taking, and in places where using/carrying my Mini DV would be difficult. I also use the MPVR to record from other video sources, such as my Mini DV or TV broadcasts, as one might use a TiVo or other DVR. The one downside to this is that the audio and video often end up out of sync when recorded with this camera, so I have to synchronize them myself using video editing software.
Now, if I'd paid several hundred dollars for this camera and it had this issue, I'd return it. But it didn't cost near that much and I bought it knowing it had this issue and that I'd have to deal with it in editing.
I use this camera, and use it often, due to several factors:
1) it's small; it can fit in a pocket, purse or small camera bag
2) it has no moving parts; it records to SD cards. The max I've tried so far is 4 gigs.
3) it's very easy to transfer the video to my computer for editing; no firewire or recording to another digital source like I have to do with my Mini DV.
4) the video and picture quality are decent for what this camera cost.
5) it's got a somewhat usable image stabilizer and slightly less usable night shot mode
It is somewhat limited.
1) Already mentioned the A/V sync problem.
2) It's got a digital zoom only, which means you're not going to get good close-ups of something down the street or high up in a tree. If I need a powerful zoom I go to my Mini DV.
3) The Night Shot mode works by slowing down the shutter, which produces an effect that some people don't like. Probably better to use a flashlight if you're going to shoot in the dark. :)
4) It would be great if it had a place to plug in an external microphone as the built-in mic is somewhat limited in range and power
Not much in the way of manual settings. You can change preset white balance settings (auto, sun, 2 types of indoor lighting, shade) and change exposure settings somewhat. You can choose video quality (QVGA (320x240), VGA (640x480) and D1 (720x480).
I've never used the MP3 player since I have a Sansa and a Nano for playing music/podcasts and I also haven't tried the voice recorder because I have a digital audio recorder for that kind of thing, so I can't comment on those two features.
Overall, I like this camera, even with its faults. I didn't pay what Amazon's charging for it, but if you understand what this camera is(consumer level pocket-sized video camera, digital camera, PVR) and what it isn't (it isn't meant to be a super-duper pro level camera--you're not going to get that at this price point). Before anyone buys a camera or camcorder of any kind they should do some research so they know what to expect. That's exactly what I did and I'm very happy with this camera.
Summary of Aiptek Pocket DV5800 MPVR Plus 5MP MPEG4 Media Player & Video Recorder
Aiptek's DV5800 is a follow-up to Aiptek's popular MPVR camcorder. The DV5800 is a hand-held, multi-functional media player/video recorder that allows you to connect to your TV/VCR/DVD player, record your favorite tv shows, movies, and video clips, and play them back on the swivel-reversible 2.4-inch TFT color LCD screen or on your TV. Record videos at 30 frames per second in MPEG-4 Super VHS quality (640x480 VGA resolution) with image stabilization and sound and take pictures at up to 8-megapixel resolution. On top of all this, it's an MP3 player and voice recorder. This product comes with 16MB of internal memory and has a built-in SD card slot that can hold up to 4GB (card not included). It includes a built-in lithium battery that charges via the provided USB cable or AC cable. Also includes remote control, AV output cable, wrist strap, and ear bud headphones, plus Camera Manager, Muvee AutoProducer, ArcSoft Photo Impression, ArcSoft Media Card Companion, and ArcSoft Media Converter software. Requires Microsoft Windows 98SE/ME/2000/XP/Vista;Direct X 9.0 or above, 256MB of RAM, 64MB video card, and 4x CD-ROM.Camcorders
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