Aiptek ActionHD 1080p Video Recorder

[Jim Saueressig]

Rather than hijack the MinoHD Thread with this post I am throwing it out here.

The Aiptek Action HD 1080p camera was brought up in that thread and I ended up picking one up at Wal-mart. I think the low light quality is rather poor and since it will be used in a storm environment for most of us that could be a problem. However I did shoot a bit of tripoded video today for a test. I shot 30 seconds of each setting. The only thing I could find that would be consistent was water running and seagulls flying so I shot it at the spillway.

The thing is so small that a tripod would be needed for many people like myself if you want it steady, there is no image stabilization on this $179 in a store, $150 online HD camera. The video rendered is .MOV. It can accept up to a 32 gig SDHC card. Internal memory is only 90m so you only have about 3 minutes.

If anyone wants a test in another condition I will try my best to get an example for you.

For best results you must click the video then select watch in HD under the video.

CIF (Web Setting) 30 second video - 2.79 meg


DVD 60fps Setting 30 second video - 13 meg


720p 30fps 30 second video - 14.9 meg


720p 60fps 30 second video - 22.1 meg


1080p 30fps 30 second video - 27.8 meg

 

[Chris C Sanner]

I've actually played with one of these...for the price they are ok...but just like everything else cameras, if it's cheap...well it's usually for good reason. The low light video I shot with one was especially bad, but the daylight video was comparable to some consumer cams out there...not bad, but I'd spend the extra $$$ on an HDV cam

 

[Joey Ketcham]

I've actually played with one of these...for the price they are ok...

Just ok? I've got to give these little camera's more credit than that, for the price and size the quality is great. I'm not saying they are as good or better than the professional HDV cam's, but 10 years ago something like this with that good of quality was non-existant.

I'm not comparing them to anything, just saying that these little guys do a great job for the price and size.

 

[cdcollura]

Good day,

I got an Aiptek 720p camera about a year ago for $129. It is basically the size of a pack of cigarettes (maybe slightly larger / fatter).

I also have a Digital Rebel (Canon) and SD / HD camcorders. I use the Aiptek mainly for "quick" shots (always have it in my car - just in case). I also like shooting pictures out airplane windows when flying, so this is small and pocket sized, and shoots to 5 Megapixels in still mode.

I am happy with the "spur of the moment" uses, as well as tapeless recording to the SD card. There are some drawbacks I noticed, however.

The format is .MOV (quicktime) format (I believe th codec is H264). This not compatible with DV / AVI unless you use a convertor (such as Quicktime Pro with the export enabled - about $30). I use this to convert to AVI to edit in Premiere and such.

Second, the video is a bit "jerky" in high-speed shots (like action, falling water, etc). It will not pick up lightning very well and low-light is poor. I do not think it is true 24 or 30 fps, especially in HD and SD modes. CIF might be faster. This is with the 720, not sure about the 1080p model (maybe faster).

Third, the viewfinder is the LCD screen that flips out. The only problem I had with this drawback was when filming convective clouds before landing and the flight attendant telling me to "please shut off my portable electronic device" ;-)

Another idea, being cheap and compact-flash / tapeless, and having video INPUTS to record TO as well, these Aiptek units might make excellent "sacrificial lambs" for video of hurricane chasing and / or in-situ tornado probes!!

 

[Skip Talbot]

Third, the viewfinder is the LCD screen that flips out. ... these Aiptek units might make excellent "sacrificial lambs" for video of hurricane chasing and / or in-situ tornado probes!!

Can you record with the LCD screen closed? If you can't, it will be awkward and more vulnerable to mount in a probe.

 

[cdcollura]

Good day,

Can you record with the LCD screen closed? If you can't, it will be awkward and more vulnerable to mount in a probe.

That is true. I do NOT think you can record with the screen closed - However, that is not what I was thinking when using it in a "probe" or something, but using it as a major component / modified to work in a probe.

There is obviously a small switch for the flip screen. Opening it and turning it around allows it to lie flat against the camera body for viewing. This still can allow the unit in thight spaces / even with a viewing window (lexan or such) over it.

If one is a little more tech-savvy, the unit can be taken apart easily and parts used (like removed the LCD hinge, on/off switch modified, etc).

 

[Jim Saueressig]

I thought about the probe thing as well and if you can modify it to record with the screen off/closed and to turn the auto focus off I think it would work good with the exception of the low light quality problem.

 

[Jim Saueressig]

I had a fellow email me with an answer to the closing the screen part of the above post. I figured I would pass it on. Thanks Adam!

I was recently scanning through google for articles on the Aiptek AHD+ 1080p and I found the stormtrack forums. I was reading through a thread you were posting on and I was going to reply, but I had to register and write an essay on the weather! Since I am not really a weather enthusiast, I figured I would email you instead.

I have the AHD 720p, and it is possible to mod it to record with the LCD screen closed, although the LCD is still on, the panel is closed. I am almost positive you can do it with the 1080p as well. On the 720p's LCD panel, on the left side are a series of buttons with a sticker showing what the buttons are, Forward, Play/Stop, Rewind and a Power Button, underneath the sticker at the top and bottom are screws. I undid those screws and gently pried the panel apart, underneath at the bottom, about right underneath the LCD was a magnet, I pulled it out and voila, I could now close the LCD.

It seems that the cameras use what is called a Hall Effect sensor (senses magnetic fields) to determine when the LCD Panel is open/closed. So now I can close the panel and still record. However, to power off the device, I have to press the power button on the Panel.

You can check out Steves-digicams.com Forums for more talk about Aiptek and other Hybrid Cameras.

Sincerely,

Adam Williams