Pocket Video Recorder at DVinfo.net

James Duffy · October 25th, 2007, 12:44 AM

I use an iRiver iFP-890 to record audio "notes-to-self", and recently I got the idea of recording video "notes-to-self". Quality isn't important -- youtube quality would be acceptable for this purpose so long as audio is clear and intelligible (the iRiver records at 160kbps, and the built-in mic is surprisingly good.). I'd like it to be as small as possible, since the iRiver it will be replacing is as tall and wide as my first two fingers. I'll be carrying this in my pocket at all times. Also, I'm not looking to spend more than $200 (I know they have miniature "spy cams", but they're prohibitively expensive). Anyone know of a device that fits this bill?

Thanks.

Jamie Allan · October 25th, 2007, 02:51 AM

Moon on a stick...

Just use your mobile phone ?

James Duffy · October 25th, 2007, 03:08 AM

The quality of video on camera phones I've seen is absolutely terrible and unusable for anything, mine included.

So far the best option I've found is the Flip Video Ultra: http://www.amazon.com/Video-Ultra-Ca.../dp/B000V1MLBE
It's bigger than I was looking for at 1.2 x 2.2 x 4.2 inches, but I watched some sample clips on youtube and the quality is good for the price. I'd really prefer something smaller if it exists, but I haven't found anything promising yet.

Here's an example clip from the Flip Video Ultra: http://youtube.com/watch?v=ruHpwYtk7ss

Daniel Ross · October 25th, 2007, 03:54 AM

mp4 digital video recorders. Around $150. Not so tiny, but that'll be decent quality. Cell phones are your only other real option from what I can think of.

Brian Boyko · October 25th, 2007, 06:30 AM

Aiptek A-HD for $170 gives you 720p. Other than that, the Flip Video or the RCA Small Wonder will give you good deals. I prefer the Small Wonder because it can be expanded with flash memory.

James Duffy · October 25th, 2007, 12:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brian Boyko

Aiptek A-HD for $170 gives you 720p. Other than that, the Flip Video or the RCA Small Wonder will give you good deals. I prefer the Small Wonder because it can be expanded with flash memory.

The samples I've seen of the Aiptek have completely unusable audio. I'll look into the Small Wonder.

Bob Trimmer · October 25th, 2007, 12:53 PM

Take a look at the Canon TX1 It takes incredible video and excellent stills.
It has 7 megapixles, also will record HD and SD video.It is about the size of a deck of cards. I have one and it is in my pocket every where I go. By the way
It can be used as a audio recorder only, recording stereo. Using a 4mb card
you can get 1hr of video. I'm sold on them. You can see it at B&H.

Bob Trimmer

Brian Boyko · October 25th, 2007, 02:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by James Duffy

The samples I've seen of the Aiptek have completely unusable audio. I'll look into the Small Wonder.

The Small Wonder also has the same problem with audio - you're not going to get good audio except from an external mic jack. Cheapest you can go with that is the Canon ZR800, and that's not exactly a "pocket" recorder.

Oddly enough, you may be able to make do with a combination pocket audio recorder and pocket video recorder, syncing in post.

Heiko Saele · October 26th, 2007, 02:32 AM

I'd look into one of the Canon Powershot still camera models. The A560 can record 640x480, 30fps video to SD card in really good quality. It's not that expensive, around 170 Euro in Europe.
You can look at sample videos here http://www.steves-digicams.com/2007_...0_samples.html

When you throw in a few bucks more for the A570is then you get a really nice 7MP still camera as well. It has an optical image stabilizer, AV, TV and full manual modes - it's pretty good for a pocket sized cam.

*edit* I just saw that the Canon TX1 which Bob recommended might really be the better choice. It seems to have the same 7mp chip with DigicII processor, only it is more optimized for video recording, and it's smaller. BUT it seems to be a lot more expensive...

James Duffy · October 26th, 2007, 02:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bob Trimmer

Take a look at the Canon TX1 It takes incredible video and excellent stills.
It has 7 megapixles, also will record HD and SD video.It is about the size of a deck of cards. I have one and it is in my pocket every where I go. By the way
It can be used as a audio recorder only, recording stereo. Using a 4mb card
you can get 1hr of video. I'm sold on them. You can see it at B&H.

Bob Trimmer

Wow. Well outside my initial price range, but I'm highly considering buying one. Since it's also a 7.1 megapixel still camera, it would be replacing my S2 IS which I could sell to cover part of the cost. I watched some sample videos on youtube and the quality of that thing is amazing for its size. Thanks, I hadn't heard of this camera before.

October 25th, 2007, 12:44 AM	#1
James Duffy Regular Crew Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: DC, USA Posts: 97	Pocket Video Recorder I use an iRiver iFP-890 to record audio "notes-to-self", and recently I got the idea of recording video "notes-to-self". Quality isn't important -- youtube quality would be acceptable for this purpose so long as audio is clear and intelligible (the iRiver records at 160kbps, and the built-in mic is surprisingly good.). I'd like it to be as small as possible, since the iRiver it will be replacing is as tall and wide as my first two fingers. I'll be carrying this in my pocket at all times. Also, I'm not looking to spend more than $200 (I know they have miniature "spy cams", but they're prohibitively expensive). Anyone know of a device that fits this bill? Thanks. __________________ http://duffx.com

October 25th, 2007, 03:08 AM	#3
James Duffy Regular Crew Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: DC, USA Posts: 97	The quality of video on camera phones I've seen is absolutely terrible and unusable for anything, mine included. So far the best option I've found is the Flip Video Ultra: http://www.amazon.com/Video-Ultra-Ca.../dp/B000V1MLBE It's bigger than I was looking for at 1.2 x 2.2 x 4.2 inches, but I watched some sample clips on youtube and the quality is good for the price. I'd really prefer something smaller if it exists, but I haven't found anything promising yet. Here's an example clip from the Flip Video Ultra: http://youtube.com/watch?v=ruHpwYtk7ss __________________ http://duffx.com

October 25th, 2007, 02:51 AM	#2
Jamie Allan Regular Crew Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Notts, UK Posts: 101	Moon on a stick... Just use your mobile phone ?

October 25th, 2007, 03:54 AM	#4
Daniel Ross Major Player Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Marin & Davis, CA, USA Posts: 418	mp4 digital video recorders. Around $150. Not so tiny, but that'll be decent quality. Cell phones are your only other real option from what I can think of.

October 25th, 2007, 06:30 AM	#5
Brian Boyko Major Player Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 773	Aiptek A-HD for $170 gives you 720p. Other than that, the Flip Video or the RCA Small Wonder will give you good deals. I prefer the Small Wonder because it can be expanded with flash memory.

October 25th, 2007, 12:53 PM	#7
Bob Trimmer New Boot Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Medford OR 97504 Posts: 14	Take a look at the Canon TX1 It takes incredible video and excellent stills. It has 7 megapixles, also will record HD and SD video.It is about the size of a deck of cards. I have one and it is in my pocket every where I go. By the way It can be used as a audio recorder only, recording stereo. Using a 4mb card you can get 1hr of video. I'm sold on them. You can see it at B&H. Bob Trimmer

October 26th, 2007, 02:32 AM	#9
Heiko Saele Major Player Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Wurzburg, Germany Posts: 316	I'd look into one of the Canon Powershot still camera models. The A560 can record 640x480, 30fps video to SD card in really good quality. It's not that expensive, around 170 Euro in Europe. You can look at sample videos here http://www.steves-digicams.com/2007_...0_samples.html When you throw in a few bucks more for the A570is then you get a really nice 7MP still camera as well. It has an optical image stabilizer, AV, TV and full manual modes - it's pretty good for a pocket sized cam. edit I just saw that the Canon TX1 which Bob recommended might really be the better choice. It seems to have the same 7mp chip with DigicII processor, only it is more optimized for video recording, and it's smaller. BUT it seems to be a lot more expensive...