Aiptek A-HD Camera 1
This camera was first referred to me by Chris Rue at BarCamp Birmingham 2.
This is the story of the best $200 I’ve spent on video equipment.
The internal microphone on the camera from the factory is terrible. So, I desoldered it and replaced it with a mic jack. That way I can plug in any type of microphone I need. The one seen in the pictures below is a Sima MZ-1 ($49 from BestBuy – in store, cheaper elsewhere online). It’s an active zoom microphone and I’m definitely pleased with the sound it produces.
Total monetary cost on this setup is ~$200 + tax (not including memory card). You can’t beat that price for the quality and convenience.
In the shot below, the mic is attached to the side of the camera with some hook and loop stuff (Velcro). I removed the shoe mount from the mic so that it would not flop around and make noise. It works great.
The mic jack cord exits through the top of the camera, basically where the OEM mic sat.
Here is a video shot with this setup in so-so lighting. It works much better in the daylight, obviously. Also, keep in mind that this is a true HD (1280×720) file is compressed to 50MB. The point of the matter is, I was sitting in the office and my daughter just started dancing out of the blue. It took me about 15 seconds to get the camera “rolling” in full HD. That’s hard to beat for $200. The other funny thing is, I have a Canon XH-A1 sitting right beside me on the desk and I picked up the AipTek. I would have missed the whole dancing routine had I chosen to record it with the A1.
The Next American Idol from Brit Mansell on Vimeo.
Tags: videography
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