1st July Random Update
Friday, July 1, 2011 at 8:03PM ACT20 Sample Files
A couple of people have asked for samples of the files from the ACT20 camera to see if these work with their editing package. So I've put a couple of clips - one 7 seconds and one 15 seconds in a dropbox folder (the reason that the audio fades is because my thumb covered the microphone hole).
Right click and save these files to your computer
HD808 #11
The chaps behind the HD808 #11 Micro HD camera got in touch with a nice email.
They explained their company consists of eight stores on ebay
eletoponline365 hxelepro360 digitalele889 beetleonline
power-gps eletech086 internet-shop365 powerdigital898
They have a few new styles of keyfob incorporating the same HD808 innards -but with a larger 100-120 min battery and a 'better quality car charger'
It's clear from their email that they are both the sole manufacturer and reseller of these cameras. That explains why these aren't available anywhere other than eBay.
I replied to them with a list of requests for any future new models…
My list was as follows;
Flashlight/Bullet Camera Shape
Water Resistant/Water Proof Case
Long Battery Life (2hr+)
Fisheye/Wide Angle Lens (120 Degree)
Optional Cycled Recording
……and they responded with
"yes,we're planing to make different shapes in the future,and we're improving this HD camera steps by steps"
So keep your eyes on these people. I really like the h.264 .mov encoding on their HD808 camera….even more so, now that I've used a couple of jerky, stuttering, frame dropping .avi mjpeg cameras.
Chinavaison
I've also been contacted by Chinavaison - a China based wholesale retailer that always seems to be the first to get the latest and greatest gadgets. They asked if I wanted to review something for them……. so of course it's on it's way to me. I won't spoil the surprise, but it's the kind of gadget that would make a really good gift. I'll put a review together when it arrives.
Hopefully this will be the start of a collaboration - I can quite happily browse their site for hours looking for ideas for things to review, so getting the occasional item for free would really help. Co-incidentally, the week before they contacted me through the site, I'd ordered something from them to review. It's currently on my wrist, telling the time (amongst other things…..) review will follow of course.
That Other Upcoming Helmet Camera review
The other helmet camera that I'm reviewing will take me a while - but unfortunately it already seems to have serious frame rate issues, as well as one really unusual problem. It's a shame, because there is a lot to like about it as well. I'm going to give it a fair crack of the whip, before I commit anything to youtube.
One More Thing..
There will however be one new review uploaded this weekend - I just need to get James May or Ringo Star in to do the voiceover....
Reader Comments (12)
I've swapped emails with somebody at beetleonline and they were quite wonderful to deal with. They asked me what options I wanted enabled right at the outset and was even thoughtful enough to ask me about the postal strike situation here in Canada. Still waiting for it to arrive, but if the improvements you've mentioned are true, it seems I will likely be a repeat customer.
The feature list you requested very much parallels what I am looking for as well. I would also like the remote trigger option from the Poseidon for a few dollars more if possible.
I've just bought HD 808 #11 on eBay but only after reading all your excellent reviews. I'm afraid that I asked Eletoponline 360 whether the camera I was buying was the model for which you had given such great reviews. I gave them details of your excellent reviews & your contact details. They replied quickly to confirm that it was & so I bought through eBay.
After getting my head around using it, I expect that I'll be looking at the newer models mentioned in this review.
The improvements you suggest, if at a reasonable price, would be welcomed.
Thanks & please keep up the good work.
Here I am asking for the world, but have you used any of the products sold to use with this? I'm thinking about the backup power supply for one.
Hello techmoan,
About HD808 #11, please add this to the list of requests for any future new models: Maybe just find a means in which we can know that the camera is recording video, maybe like a blinking light every 10 seconds. Cause most of time when recording I'm left hoping that I clicked the correct button and that I'm already recording. There's always that uncertainty and it's bugging me a lot. Thanks for your review mate!
So it was James May! I thought, "hmmm, James May must be from Manchester cause he sounds exactly like this guy"!
Buy the way, reviews are really excellent! I decided to get couple of little key chain HD things for my race bike.
I'm looking forward to see more of the stuff.
Have fun!
I received an email from CPC listing their latest deals. This one was for something that looked identical to the 808 cameras you have used and reviewed. The CPC code is SR0787167 ( Click here for CPC product page). This identified the product as being manufactured by Swann Security (Click here for Swann's mini video series page).
You'll probably recognise some products on that Swann page, but interestingly the 808 they show would appear to be one of the older, lower resolution ones, recording at only 720x480. Seeing your wish list for a bullet style camera, I wondered if any of the other products in that Swann line-up were from the same manufacturer. Perhaps the MDV-450 from Swann has a more up-to-date sibling, with a higher resolution image, etc.
Anyway, I must say that your review makes getting an 808 as an emergency incident recording device to keep in the car. The question that then comes to my mind is: How long can the 808 be left idle, before there is not enough charge left for it to be useful?
An external microphone input would be a good thing. So the mic can be hidden from the passing air and the engine tone of a bike would still be recorded.
@ Nikola - Good suggestion, I'd imagine that we won't be getting anything that we wish for, but hopefully the manufacturers are listening.
Hi Techmoan.
I've just spotted a 1080p 30fps jumbo cam in the ebay shop from one of the sellers listed above:
http://www.ebay.nl/itm/Full-HD-1080-Jumbo-camera-DVR-MP4-Video-Recorder-camcorder-1920x1080-30fps-New-/150736976991?pt=Camcorders_Professional_Video_Cameras&hash=item23189fbc5f#ht_4070wt_1002
Is this legit, and will you review it?
Ps, my Sandisk class 2 card works just as well as my Samsung class 10 plus card for the #11 720p. ;)
@Erwin I think I'll get one in to test it out. I'm surprised that some of the improvements from the 808 #16 have gone though (the single USB wire for charging and data, and looped recording to name two). Thanks for the tip, I wouldn't have spotted it without you telling me about it.
Alright, i'm looking forward to it. :)
Thanks for the tip, I wouldn't have spotted it without you telling me about it.Walkera Hélicoptère RC