Aiptek Camcorders

[Ben Prusia]

I was looking at getting an AIPTEK A-HD (720p) camcorder for secondary footage to go along with my other HD camcorder. Best Buy has it now for about $119 but does anybody have any thought about these?

I was pretty impressed with some sample video: http://www.vimeo.com/395828
Bestbuy.com: http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=8472958&type=product&id=1185265539624

 

[Dustin Wilcox]

My thought would be there has to be many reasons why its only $140, first issue I see that in its self deems it useless IMO, a battery life of UP TO 35 minutes. I'm guessing it's next to useless in Low Light, has no stabilization features (which shows in that video you posted) and no zoom. Might be great for some minor temporary uses but for something like storm documentation even as a backup I see it as pretty much useless.

 

[Verne Carlson]

Be aware too that this camcorder only records at 1280 x 720 resolution. True HD is 1440 x 1080. Plus 30 frames per second will look jumpy, with this camera you get what you pay for unfortunately.

 

[fplowman]

I have found Aiptek Camcorders to be among the finest in the world.. lol

Can you tell Im feeling ornery?

 

[Dan Robinson]

My brother has one and the picture is actually not bad for the money. It isn't going to be very useful as a B-camera though, as the footage is not going to mix well with 1080i HDV.

 

[fplowman]

Good point. Dan.. That is one of the more difficult issues of shooting video, making the footage match. This is usually done by using the same camera as the A camera. Trying to match otherwise is difficult if not impossible in post.