Aiptek IS-DV2.4

Hi there everyone, here's my review for the Aiptek IS-DV2.4 digital camcorder.
This little thing is GREAT! Was going to go for a sleeker, skinnier HD Memorex camcorder, but when for this one instead. (I don't think I need the HD much anyway.) Plus, I needed a tripod socket!

Anyways, here's the bottom line: this camcorder is a GREAT buy for anyone looking to capture a family/friend outing, and/or for small-time video blogging.

I like the quality of the videos, especially the D1 resolution. My previous Kodak Z8612is had VGA quality videos, and those were crystal clear, so the D1 resolution was a REAL treat.

*****VIDEO QUALITY:*****

*Quick Review*
- Video Qualities in order of size/quality:

*HD Video (1080i or 720p) - The BEST possible video formats available
Videos are recorded/played back in 1920x1080 Pixels and 1280x720 Pixels.

*D1 Video (this camcorder)- Best possible quality available on this camcorder.
*** This format IS available on this camcorder!***
Videos are recorded/played back in 720x480 Pixels.

*VGA Video(most dig. cameras)- Usual Standard Quality Video on most digital
cameras.
Videos are recorded/played back in 640x480 Pixels

*QVGA Video - This is the most basic video format available on this camcorder.
Videos are recorded/played back in 320x240 Pixels.

This camcorder had 3 video formats/resolutions available:

1st. D-1(a.k.a NTSC)
2nd. VGA
3rd. QVGA

I found the video recording/playback VERY clear and quite acceptable. Digital image stabilization IS available, but I still recommend using a tripod when recording. This camcorder does quite poorly in dim light, and the LED movie lights are nearly useless. I did thorough tests in a pitch black room using the LED lights, night shot mode, Black & White Color mode, and max exposure to get visibility of up to 10 feet.

- This camcorder does well in bright, natural/artificial light.
- You have to pan SLOWLY in order to avoid the slanty wobble if you pan too fast.

*****DIGITAL CAMERA/PICTURE QUALITY:*****
I found that the digital camera is quite decent too! It's SUPER clear! It's amazing! 8mp Pictures ARE available- though the sensor is only 3mp capable.
I recommend ONLY using the 3mp OR 5mp resolutions when taking pictures.

***** MP3 PLAYER QUALITY:*****
The mp3 player feature IS fairly handy, BUT I assume everyone already has a MORE decent mp3 if not mp4 player. So I won't go into this one.

***** AUDIO/VOICE RECORDING QUALITY *****
The voice recorder feature is quite handy, and the sound quality is great.
It IS possible to pick up even fairly far away conversations with it.
Comes quite handy when recording lectures in class, it still picks up my professor's voice even when I sit in the back (it's a small classroom, there's only roughly 50 people in my class.)

Pros:
- Solid (though plastic) overall construction
- GREAT Video and Picture resolutions
- Uses AA batteries, which are readily available
- Takes SD and SDHC memory cards
- Built-in Flash for somewhat better pictures
- Built-in LED lights for dim situations
- Acceptable Macro Lens Focusing
- MP3 Player
- Built-In Speaker
- Can be used as external hard disk/memory card
- Can be used as webcam

Cons:
- Quite Horrible in Dim light/situations
- Unable to handle quick panning = slanting buildings, etc.
- LED movie lights BARELY work- only good up to 2-3 feet
- Eats up AA batteries fairly quickly
- No OPTICAL ZOOM availible
- Menu(s)are kind of hard to navigate

Thanks everyone!
-DNebab2890