The 808 #18 - A Reluctant Review
Sunday, July 1, 2012 at 9:27AM This camera can really be summed up in a few words. It is an 808 #11 camera with AV-Out. Unless you need AV-out you are probably better off getting the #16 camera instead.
I am not going to link to any sellers of this camera. If you do want to buy one…you'll find it on eBay where you will most likely be importing it from China. If you are unable to find it using the eBay search function then I'd recommend also avoiding the camera as perhaps technology isn't your forte.
Links:
Tom Franks Invaluable thread about the 808#18 Cam on the RC Groups Forum
My old articles and videos about the HD 808 Keyring Cameras
A follow up to the 808#11 Article
The 720p Jumbo (#11 With a bigger Battery)
My first 808#16 Review (a pre-production model with a few issues)
The 1080p Jumbo Review (Video includes a comparison with a fully functional 808#16)
Reader Comments (11)
Regarding colour, which one reproduces it closest to what your eyes see? You mentioned the #18 is slightly more saturated and orange-y, but didn't mention which better represents what you see.
9 minutes into the video, you compared sharpness using the text on the ticket stand. I did notice that on the #18 you can at least make out the lengths of the individual words written in small font below "Tickets" whereas all you see on the #16 is a blurred line.
@Asam - The more muted 808#16 is more true to the real colours that are seen with the eye. There is always a bit of difference between the sharpness on each of these fixed focus lens cameras....manufacturing tolerances means this can vary quite a bit. I think you could get a sharper version of either of these cameras...it's really just lucky dip.
So I bought one of these key chain cameras from ebay, they claim on the website that it is a #11. But it has the micro USB port and it came packaged in bubble wrap with the very same booklet that says "AV Out" I however received no AV out cable, just a normal USB type A to micro USB. My question is, did I receive a #18 that was sold as a #11? It was shipped to me with the time/date stamp removed. The camera also has some weird digital clicking the comes across the audio that hopefully ill be able to fix with a simple transistor mod, but that is another story...
@Dime it sure sounds like its the #18. I don't think you can get an #11 now...it's been replaced by the #18. Both the #11 and the #18 pick up annoying buzzes and noises on the audio track when they are near anything electronic.....like a car for example.
Hey Techmoan
i know you are mad on me. but somehow u also konw that this cam is my weak point and i really want to get it. its hurts me when i read this from you "I'd recommend also avoiding the camera as perhaps technology isn't your forte" Definitely you written it for me. You know when you really love some thing and get it easily its doesnt matters but in my case i cannot get it easily and i really matters for me. so plz send me your old and use any of # 808 cam instead of thorwing it in waste bin. i ll happly accept it bcaz it is so valuable for me. i assure you i ll pay for it to you. thanx. & bye
Hello, I was wondering if it is still possible to get the #16 camera somewhere? I was looking for it on eBay, but all I could find, was the #11 and #18 camera. I believe you mentioned your #16 was a pre-production model, so I guess they scrapped that and went for the #18 entirely. The best place to shop for those cameras is htinter.com, I guess, since there are so many fake or mislabeled key chain cameras floating around eBay; it's kinda frustrating and sick!
Fun fact: on htinter.com the key chain cameras are called "keychian camera". Just thought it might be funny.
@Polemon. 808#16 is always available from here, same seller I used and mentioned in the reviews of the #16. http://stores.ebay.co.uk/eletoponline365
New firmware is available for #18 camera which lets to everyone setting up the camera much professional and easier use. Photo about available new settings is here: http://i50.tinypic.com/w7kdhk.jpg
Maybe some people don't like the way by changing the firmware some times on this model but developing engineers are working continuously to make #18 camera functionality better and better. I like to experiment so new changes always make me happy :)
Can it auto start/stop recording when connected to car charger and car engine on/off ?
Mike - watch video again, answers are all there!
I wanted to let you know I picked up the 808 #18 (meant to get the #16) and with newer firmware/setup program it does just what I needed it to do, which is act as a manual car camera (alternate angles) and as a room monitor. Thanks to your reviews and Tom Frank's instructions in updating the firmware and getting the setup program for Windows, I'm having a great experience with it!
At the same time I bought the HD Drive Cam TFT and it's exactly as you described it. Now that these can be had so cheaply, EVERYONE should NEVER drive without a drivecam! I captured a near accident on the first day.
Thanks very much for your enjoyable and helpful reviews.
Right, then. For now, best regards from Iowa!
Danny