digital recorders
 

Looking for a digital recorder for roll bar mount duty. We have a rarely used miniDV camcorder already, so this new recorder would be dedicated for roll bar use only. Looking for a cam that records to flash memory, specifically would like SD type since our digital cameras and my phone use that type of memory. Would prefer rechargable Li-Ion battery. Also prefer on board mic plus standard mini-jack for optional outboard mic.

I have been narowing down to an aiptek model, potentially the Hi-SpeedHD. However, after seeing JayL's vado hd footage, I am a bit torn.

The vado requires a P4 2.8G with 512mb ram and records 1280x720 30
The aiptek requires a P4 3.2G with 1G ram, 2G recommended, and a vid card with minimum 256mb and records 1280x720 60. I know there are 1080p models available, but I am not interested.

My desktop is a Sony P4 2.4 with I think 512mb system ram and a 512mb video card running XP SP3. So this all might be a moot point.

What kind of cameras are you guys using and what do you think about them?

Two things that suck with the Aiptek are the optics and the image stabilization. The optics are cheap, they lack the quality and amount of glass you're going to find in the more expensive name brand cams, and that makes for a less quality image even though the rez is technically there. And the image stabilization trades the shakes for waves, which still doesn't look like IS (imagine showing a movie on sheet flapping in the wind).

Check out vimeo.com for hi-def video examples from cameras you're shopping.

Rob,
can your knock at aiptek be applied as a nod towards the vado? or do your comments regarding off-brand optics apply to both? I'm looking to get throug this project cheaply, so if it takes crazy money to do this well, then I'm going to get a BluRay player instead.

I've got an Aiptek ISDV2.4 on order, should be here next week. I'll give some opinions then. The plan (since I have no rollbar) is to fabricate a sort of tripod-like device where the two rear legs will mount either in place of the frankeinstein bolts, or in the position of the two flush bots in front of them. The forward leg will clamp onto the cross-brace behind the seats.

For me, having a camera with "cheap" optics was actually a desirable thing- specifically, one with fixed focus and no optical zoom. The reason being that in cameras with movable optics, the glass tends to shake when the camera is exposed to shock & vibration, which of course causes the image to shake as well.

One thing I didn't check on before ordering (which I'll probably regret) was to see if the lens barrel is threaded to accept accessory lenses. Having the ability to mount my 37mm wide-angle on the front would be nice.


That high-speed model looks interesting. I'm not sure that 60fps would be enough for serious high-speed work (you're not gonna be capturing a hummingbird's wings) but it might give you freedom to do some artsy wheel shots with the right mount.

From what I have been told, the Aipteks have an awesome internal recorder but not so awesome lens assembly. I use a bullet cam with an Aiptek recorder, and there is a noticable difference between the bullet cam quality and recording just straight off the Aiptek by itself. I use a setup from DataToys, I love the thing.

Probably should've gone to vimeo myself before posting. This was shot with a 1080 hd aiptek (using an add on wide angle) and it looks way better than my 640x480 model. Though I did notice the audio isn't so sweet- like mine. Actually I figured out that the control joystick on mine rattles and causes audio noise. :doh:
Thunderhill 6/20/08 e36 m3 on Vimeo

and here's one with the older 720 aiptek. This one gives a hint of the wavering IS, but mine is worse, so maybe it's improved on the newer models.
Stohr DSR at Calabogie on Vimeo

That Stohr is bad ass!

I have this one GO-HD - 720P High Definition Camcorder w/ Optical Zoom: Aiptek Shop I'll take a vid for you tomorrow and let you judge for yourself.
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Thanks guys. For the intended purpose, the aipteks look ok to me. :dunno:
I am fairly concerned about not being able to use the video on my 2.4 P4.

Concerned in what way?

My "big" computer at home is also a 2.4Ghz P4, a Prescott I believe, as it's LGA775. It is entirely adequate for video applications. I edited the thermostat video on it using Pinnacle Studio, and I've also run Adobe Premiere from time to time. At the time I had 1GB of RAM, since upgraded to 2.

I've found the minimum requirements printed on these things to be a load of crap in general, particularly where clock rates are quoted. Having the recommended RAM helps, but even a 512MB system could muddle along (albeit very slowly) by paging. I highly recommend running as much memory as your motherboard can support. RAM is cheap as hell these days. You can get Kingston PC3200 (DDR400) 1GB sticks for $26 each at NewEgg.

Whats the best way to edit videos using these cams and where is the best place to host them? I have WMV but I hate the way it compresses all my videos.
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My computer is a Sony PCVRS311. It's about 6 years old or so. I just booted it and it reports to have 504mb installed. I'm pretty confident that it's 2x256mb. I am happy to install the maximum amount of RAM possible. The interewebz state that it uses 184-pin PC2100 DDR333 2.5V DIMM and can handle a max of 1G ram. Should I stop at 2x512mb or is there any benefit to running 2x1G even though it's beyond stated max?

Interesting... The memory configurator at Crucial.com says the PCV-RS300 series will accept up to 2 gig total, which would be 2x 1024. Most of the other sites I look at however don't have a listing for the 311, but say the 310 is limited to 1 gig. However they also say the 310 only came with 256MB, so unless you already upgraded yours once, that doesn't quite fit either.

I hate factory-built PCs...

Best = best? Adobe Premiere, Final Cut Pro, Avid Media Composer, etc.

Best = you already have it? MS Movie Maker. (Or whatever software comes with the camera. They all include something.)

Best = free (or cheap) and yet still pretty capable, but requires more of a learning curve than MS Movie Maker? Avid Free DV (if you can still find a copy.)

Google will turn up a bunch of hits on the matter I'm sure.


The best place to host them? A site that you own or have control over. All of the online hosting services (youtube, jewtube, etc) are all going to apply their own compression, however you can optimize your input video for them.

Video compression is a funny thing. You need it, but there are ways to mitigate the unpleasant effects of it. Lots of tutorials on the subject. Let me google that for you.

Thanks Joe.
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Let me know how that plays for you guys. My PC is to slow to play it right.



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How about this?
DXG-569V HD camcorder available for $169 - Engadget
http://www.dxgtechusa.com/new/products-list.php?pid=38
http://www.radioshack.com/product/in...ductId=3096215

SDHC compatible so you can throw in the largest SD card you can find.

Price and features seem pretty good.

any chance on hosting it somewhere that doesn't FUBAR the quality?

looks nice to me

DXG-569v - Flowing Water on Vimeo

can anyone tell if it has a tripod mount?

I don't know/have anywhere else to host.
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