UW Camera recording options to a DVR, or to video cameras, ect?

[Ed Carlson]

I did notice once reading the manual on-line is that there are 2 versions of it, one with the RCA video IN and one without and just the USB in. You may wish to confirm the model you are going to order has the ability to do the RCA IN.

I'm leaning to this model too. After watching several You Tube unboxing's and reviews and with the corresponding personal recommendations of the HSO staff here...it looks like the smart cost effective answer I would get the most use from.

I will be interested in your feedback once you get it and start tinkering with it.

Thanks,

[Surface Tension]

I might pull the trigger on the Aiptek if I can confirm it has RCA in. I have a feeling it will be 720dpi.

What I like is I'll be able to record from the underwater camera but I'll also be able to record above water too.

[DTro]

The model I was referring to was "Aiptek A-HD+ 1080P High Definition Camcorder"

It can be found for as little as $99 at a couple of places, probably even cheaper at the big auction site.

[Ed Carlson]

That is the price range I'm finding too, even at the local big "K" store.

I also looked that the "Pro" version. After looking closer at the reviews not much was gained and there appeared to be more "Con's" popping up then in the Aiptek A-HD+ 720 or the 1080P versions.

They appear to evolve away from the RCA component video (CV) jack Input as the series go's up.

[Brad B]

I did look at another brand (older mini DV model)that was a return but in sellable condition(at walmart). it had a/v in but it was a usb plug but what was nice about that is even if the camera is a usb port the other end of the cable was rca. hopefully the aiptek would be like that to on the one with usb and the other with rca. I guess worst case if it won't work I would just return it. I believe the place I ordered from has a 15 day return policy. I will have it friday so I will know more then.

[Brad B]

I might pull the trigger on the Aiptek if I can confirm it has RCA in. I have a feeling it will be 720dpi.

What I like is I'll be able to record from the underwater camera but I'll also be able to record above water too.

don't sell your self short with getting a 720. the place I ordered mine from only had a $.04 difference between the 720(99.95) & 1080 (99.99) so I went with the 1080. if it was not against forum policy I would post the name of the place where I ordered from. I can give you more info after friday once it arrives.

[Ed Carlson]

Thanks for the feedback. Would you please e-mail me the link to the site. I may have found it but I would like to compare them.

[email protected]

I am considering this option, the Aiptek A-HD+ 1080p High Definition Camcorder Advanced Kit # AIAHD1080PK2. And also add the remote AIZPTRM for it for another $11. A remote would be handy. I already have a Joby Gorillapod so I'm covered there for a tripod. In this case, I'm leaning this way also due to the deal on the 2 year extended warranty. All added up, you save on stuff you will need anyway..the plan is just a what if..and considering the use I have in mind..."what if's" could easily pop up.

The Aiptek A-HD+ 1080p High Definition Camcorder Advanced Kit. This provides you with the A-HD+, fundamental essentials, and the Sagemax 2-Year Replacement Plan. The accessories in the kit include an 8GB SDHC memory card, an NP-60 lithium-ion battery, a Camera Pouch, a 12V car charger, and a lens cleaning kit. Get started shooting right from day one with all the basics you need and the peace of mind that comes with the Sagemax 2-Year Replacement Plan. $162.50 + $11 for remote..$173.50...free shipping.

[Surface Tension]

I found the Aiptek A-HD+ 1080P High Definition online at Kmart.

I'll go with that one IF if has the Video In.

[Ed Carlson]

OK, I made the leap tonight, went wit the package deal I mentioned above.

Should show up Monday to Wed. I'm eager to get it out and record me some kitty herds on my Vexilar Double Vision.

Oh Joy....new toy!!!!

[walleye44]

Let us know how it worked for you...

[Ed Carlson]

Will do, I'll post a clip once I get them in ready.

[Brad B]

Ed,

I just got mine today. it does have video in but the spot on the camera where the cable hooks up is a jack like they use for headphones. they give you the cable that has the rca plugs on the one end and the headphone type plug on the other. just plug it into the camera and a screen pops up on the camera showing you 3 different options (A/V IN, A/V OUT, Headphones) toogle down to A/V IN and press okay key. I hooked mine up to my marcum and it works good. I think it will be well worth the money. I will be putting it to its first real field test at "Cool Cats" this year. the only thing I see as a negative about this camera is that the battery life is only 70 minutes when in 720 HD mode(1080 would even be less). I think if you go to the D1 60f mode(dvd) or CIF30f(web(such as you tube)) mode battery life would be longer. to get around this I did buy a extra battery and a neat little charger that will charge off 12V DC or 110 V AC(even came with a adapter for europe 240 V). recording time also goes up as you go to D1 60f or CIF30f mode. you also want to get a SDHC card for it. I picked up a 16GB card for mine but will upgrade to a 32GB card later. at 16GB I guess I should get about 480 minutes in D1 60f and 2560 minutes in CIF30f mode. now I just need for "Cool Cats" to get here and for the fish to want to put on a show for me.

[Ed Carlson]

Good info.

First thing I would suggest to you is to rig up a 12 V power port on your camera/sonar.

That way like I have done in the past one can charge 12 utility's in the filed more easily, like your new camera battery charger.

I did see you can't charge and run the camera at the same time..(power & run)..that was a bit of a bummer.

I have been scouting for NP-60 Lithium-Ion Battery Packs. I agree, we will need extra batteries, and high capacity ion batteries. There are a few out there that will greatly extend the run time life.

The NP-60 battery it uses is one widely used in many camcorders and like utility's, not hard to find. Found a wide range of prices while searching for deals. The battery's to look for are the hi-capacity ions..(1000 mAh to 1200 mAh rated)...read the reviews on them...some are junk apparently...watch what you buy.

I ordered the camera remote too (Aiptek AIZPTRM), I'll let you know how that shakes out. I thought it would make things a bit easier and same on battery life.

[Brad B]

yea I looked at that site you sent me. I may have to order some.

so far I love this camera. I had some shows saved on my dish network dvr and took the camera and was able to copy them to the camera then I copied them to my laptop. I love this technology. I am glad I bought this camera. Can't wait to try it out at "Cool Cats".

[Brad B]

I found the Aiptek A-HD+ 1080P High Definition online at Kmart.

I'll go with that one IF if has the Video In.

Frank buy it you will love it. I know I love mine so far.

[Ed Carlson]

I price cheeked the local Battery Stores, Wally World, and a few camera shops here in Fargo/Moorhead for the price on the NP-60 Lithium-Ion Battery Packs. Average is $20 each to as high as $40 each...OUCH!

So the on-line price I found for the NP-60 Lithium-Ion 1200 mAh rated batteries in the 2 pack is a deal. That will be the way I go. Even with shipping they come in at $11 each that way...$12 tops. The Fuji battery has been consistent in high user ratings and reviews, so they appear to me to be the way to go.

[Ed Carlson]

UPS dropped my camera kit today, all looks good. First round of tinkering all looks good...preaty sweet set up. Display works nice, like that it can spin front to back and self wright itself to your position. Menu's are agreeable, no big issues there.

Friday looks like my next day to get out and do some test videos with the Vexilar FS-1000. Trial test videos from the FS-1000 look great. Will post some fish footage when I get them uploaded.

So far, very pleased with it. A worthy investment so far.

[FYGR8]

Can't wait to see the footage your unit produces. I too have a new unit that I will be using over the next couple of days. I would be more than happy to share my clips.....as long as it does not ruffle feathers or break rules.

[Ed Carlson]

First impressions of the Aiptek AIZPTRM remote.

(Shown much larger than actual size. Actual = 3 3/8" H x 1.50" W x 1/8" D)

When in the Video IN Mode and recording not all functions of the remote appear to work, this may be normal? Volume and start/stop works fine. I may be just a bit slow to pick up on all of the tricks yet?

For general use from a tri-pod or elsewhere, the remote works well. Range is good. The UV sensor on the camera is in the front so there is a line of sight issue. Since one would likely only need the remote from that position, that is not a big issue.

Concerns: The Remote is thin, a bit slippery, and small, and has no easy spot for a lanyard to attach. So I may put an adhesive recoil type pin/on lanyard on the back of it. Or maybe a strip of Velcro to secure it to my suit. Maybe a waterproof ID Card holder on a lanyard will work too? I'll sink it for sure if I don't come up with something to keep it safe.

For $11, I would recommend the remote. I'm glad I ordered it.

[Surface Tension]

Thanks for the good info guys.

I'll be ordering mine today.

[Ed Carlson]

I found a good package deal from a company B & H, a quick search it should pop up. I got the 2 year extended warranty with it, the car charger, an extra battery, a case, some video editing software that looks good to me so far, and a camera cleaning kit..see above post. You may wish to compare prices and see if that is a good deal for you, or not?

[Brad B]

Ed,

I got mine from B&H. they are out of New York, NY. I was happy with their site and service. when I ordered I didn't see the pacakage deal so I ordered each item individually. I got everything for around $138.00.

[Ed Carlson]

OK, it may work out about the same anyway, with the 2-year plan?

They shipped promptly, I agree the service was good.

Headed out Friday to tinker, see how it all pans out in the field.

Get me sum...Kitty cam time.

[Ed Carlson]

UW Camera works fine, digital recorder works fine, and the remote preformed well.

Now...me on the other hand, I have an apparent "learning curve" to deal with my new toy...Yup..I messed up.

So some good footage was deleted and it's a Do-Over..."D'OHE!"

OK, round one...Live and lean.

[MinnGuy]

Found an Aiptek HD on e b a y $40. Works great with my Marcum. Converted the video with free ware to watch on my Blackberry. Pretty cool.