One of the best deals of high definition camcorders out in the market at a reasonably low price can be named as Apitek AHD200. Apitek tweeted its new model to overcome the competition with Sony and other rival manufacturers who compete within themselves in image quality and style of the hanycams. This particular Aiptek model is surprisingly very affordable at half the actual price, and to check whether it is truly a great deal or not, the new model has been given an in-depth go-through.

Design

First Impressions for “The Best camcorder”:
On opening the package, the 1st feature you discover is that it is very light and compact. You will feel thankful when you encounter the Aiptek AHD200′s battery comes completely charged and thus is ready to use. The memory cards in ADH200 format is such as the ones in digital camcorders that record MPEG-2 or MPEG-4 to memory cards, and their encoding schemes need the power to write to the card more quickly than most standard cards that can be handled. The Aiptek AHD200 camcorder records and playbacks still pictures and movie clips by using high capacity SD cards. The SD cards are very well designed to deal with the Aiptek camcorders without any trouble.

Well Laid Out On-Screen Menu System:
The Aiptek AHD200 PocketDV HD camcorder holds graphic icons on to the menu system is laid out well, to make operation easy and quick. There are only few buttons provided, but are sufficient to record a video clip which will also allow you to playback immediately. Under the main body the card is slotted which is moulded to render reasonable comfort to the palm, and bears it as it does in a pistol-grip body form.

Aiptek AHD200 HD Camcorder

2.4 inch LCD Display:
The two sided 2.4″ TFT LCD display has a form factor of rotating type and is of size 61mm. The display is formatted as AVI which is again, a digital video format. Doubtlessly, the screen display is very efficient and a quality built-in camcorder is presented from Aiptek for its customers.

Pistol Shaped Aiptek Camcorder:
The Apitek AHD200′s design is very simple, and it looks like a pistol. The Power On button is placed on the left side of the LCD frame, and once you press it you are up to start the camcorder in a second. It can also be turned on just by riffling out the screen and at the same time can be turned off just by simply closing the screen or pressing the off button next to the screen. The LCD of 2.4 inches has the playback buttons positioned alongside. The menu and mode buttons, a still shutter release and a small joystick are present on the rear of the camcorder and can be operated by the right thumb. A switch on the lens barrel which can be used to shift between portrait/landscapes and macro modes, and the record button is positioned in such a way that it can be sparked with the index finger and they are only other controls present on the camcorder.

Buttons on the Camcorder’s Rear:
Apitek AHD200 camcorder starts and stops recording just by placing finger on the trigger. The buttons placed on the rear end provides you with an advantage of operating them easily and also avoids you from covering the flash with your finger and prevents this problem which is a common one with the pistol form factor.

Aiptek AHD200′s Construction is Tough:
The overall construction of Aiptek AHD200 camcorder is tough, without much of deforming and squeaking, though the rear placed buttons feel like plastic. Whilst thumb level joystick zooming is zippy and demands lot of rehearse for sensible movements, it is also pliable enough and is a play to use it. The joystick is placed in a lighted well that flashes during recording. Even though it is disturbing we can also happy that it is at least providing a visual sign that the camera is in action.

Features

Connectivity-Interface:
An AV/Headphone output socket, which is the cable supplied for connection to analogue TV or recorder, USB 2.0 socket and HD out socket (cables for both also supplied) are located beneath a flap at the bottom rear. A three-pole 3.5mm jack guides to a set of Red, Green and Blue YUV-Component output plugs, in the front of second one. On this model there is no planning for HDMI output. One disappointing fact about HD is the deficiency of HDMI. You will only acquire USB and component outputs. The ultra slim Li-ion rechargeable battery is very easily accessible and simply slides into its room after sliding down through the right side body panel.

Video and Photo Capabilities:
The Advanced Video Codec .MOV H.264 codec is used by High definition recording for its 1280 x 720p compressed HD video. Even though at first glimpse it appears to be AVCHD (as mostly used by other mainstream SDHC, HDD, and DVD HD camcorders), it is not rather the same codec; alternatively, the camera saves its video files to SD media as .MOV files. Between 8 MP (3200 x 2400), 5 MP (2592 x 1944) and 3 MP (2048 x 1536) at 4:3 picture aspect ratios, the JPEG format stills resolutions are selectable. On the other hand it is providing an benefit of being effortlessly moveable and playable in any Quick time-equipped PC, which conforms to the minimal operating specifications. In addition to this, they can be very easily managed in any of the late-models like Apple MAC, since Quick time is intact with Mac OSX.

Principal Advantages of Aiptek ADH200 Camcorder:
Some of the main advantages that Aiptek AHD200 sports are: a very compact camcorder, makes search easy and allows random access to video segments, selectable image-quality levels, including high quality variable-bit-rate recording, instead of recording on a cassette it allows recording both video and still images on a disc and a memory card.

Memory card format and Capacity:
Aiptek AHD200 camcorder supports the memory capacity of 256MB to 32GB SDHC cards.

A voice recorder too:
Another occupying information about the camera is that it can also be employed as a voice recorder, taping voice to WAV format, the unit is made very simple so that it is very easy to strike the record button and it uses the camera’s own microphone to record voice directly into the SD card for later exporting via USB.

CMOS Sensor type:
To bring forth movies and still images and save them to an SD or SDHC card, the AHD200 camcorder uses a 5 mega pixel, 2592 x 1944, CMOS image sensor. A video recording that adapts to the secondary HD specification of 1280×720 pixels, both horizontal or vertical and also proffers Progressive “p” recording to build complete frames instead of two-field interlaced frames. This will prove to be an excellent aid for the technical heeded customers. Though it is not up to the full HD specifications, which is of resolution 1920×1080 pixels, it is even coherent with the AHD200 being utilised by numerous digital TV broadcasters who swash “HD” output – much as mainstream European TV networks, and the reality is that its 720p is a bonus. In accession to CIF specification movies at 352 x 288 pixels, it is also potential to record in the traditional 4:3 ratio standard definition format  of NTSC spec in 720 x 480 pixels. The listed rates such as: 1280 x 720 (720p): up to 30fps, 16:9, 720 x 480 (D1): up to 30fps, 4:3 and 352 x 240 (CIF): up to 30fps, 4:3 are the frame rates of the new device. The resolutions of Aiptek AHD200 camcorders are 8M (3200×2400) – 4:3, 5M (2592×1944) – 4:3 and 3M (2048×1536) – 4:3 respectively.

Ample Options and Exposure Settings:
The white balance preset options are ample enough to deal with most usual lighting positions, following Sunny, Auto, Cloudy, Tungsten, and Fluorescent and however the manual governability is minimal. It offers Normal, Black & White and Classic built-in digital video effects. It is made possible to alter the exposure setting and the audio level setting when making WAV voice recordings by utilising on-screen guides, and by controlling the mini-joystick.

Exposure Compensation and White Balance:
The Aiptek AHD200 does not sport too many features, except the 2x zoom and fixed focus. It takes stills in video mode but not during shooting, it records video clips and plays MP3s. Even though exposure compensation and white balance options are available on the device, they cannot be used while shooting and they can be utilised by entering the menus.

Lengthy Method to Reach Footages:
Aiptek AHD200 provided a grouchy way of reaching to your videos and photos. You cannot directly access to your recorded video. To do so you should press a mode button which takes you to main menu, where you should go to my works which contains stills, videos and voice recordings. There you can access to your footage by pressing another button. The new device also lacks a committed delete switch which also adds to the more button pressing.

Aiptek PocketDV AHD200 Flash Memory Camcorder

Performance

Decent Video and Audio in Default Settings:
It is very simple to use the still camera and camcorder, the only thing you need to perform is to point and shoot. It is possible to shoot exceedingly good video and audio just by setting all the options to default. But it is very significant to remember that due to the compression of CMOS sensor (Aiptek has not promulgated this data) you will notice that the quality of images with less movement are better than those of faster movements.

Very Simple Shifting Among the Modes:
By straight away switching the camcorder on it directly takes you into recording mode, and by simply pressing mode button you will be shifted into Settings menu. In the Settings menu you can select amongst Setting, Camcorder, My Works and Voice Recorder modes. It was also proven that it is useful to be capable of selecting between PAL or NTSC, 50Hz or 60Hz TV-out modes respectively. These options show that Aiptek AHD200 is a flexible and compatible camcorder in terms of operation. The button options are added on to the camcorder with a plan of providing easy operation.

Clear Water Splashing Captured:
The heavy blocky pixilation is outstanding for its clarity in picture; even water splashing can be captured very clearly. It can also be said that the camcorder’s picture electronics fairly deal very well in all the common situations both in outdoors under optimal light and indoors under sensible light levels. As you may expect for this type of camcorders in market, the picture quality falls off importantly in darker situations.

Aiptek AHD200 Camcorder’s Voice Recorder:
Though the onboard microphone endures from the effects of moderate wind bumping it, audio recording is fair for this type of device. If you have the idea of using the recorded voice to be released, you can trust the Aiptek AHD 200′s Voice Recorder. An 11.025 KHz sampling rate at 4 bit stereo obtains the default 88 kbps WAV file as a result. A test conducted for 23 seconds ensued in a 254.1kb test file.

Simplicity in High Definition Filming:
It is not very simple to get high definition filming. But it is made simple on Aiptek AHD200 just by plugging the card, opening the screen and you will find them in your footage. With properly functioning card footage and starting almost in a flash, AHD200 is absolutely executable to start and stop recording in order to save memory.

Capacity OF SD and SDHC Cards:
The video filmed is recorded into SD or SDHC card, as we had mentioned earlier in the features section. The utilisation of obliterable memory is a matter of fear for HD shooters as it may bind the quantity of footage recorded. A Kingston 2GB Ultimate SD Card shoots for an hour, but by using PNY 4GB SDHC card you can handle to double the earlier time. For a wedding, you will require at least one SDHC card and for holidays you need multiple numbers of them.

Image Quality:
Deplorably the image quality is in contrast with the simplicity of use of the camcorder.  The video recorded bears a resolution of 1280 x 720 pixel H.264 video at 30 frames per second. Instead of being described as a spectacular the video, it is fair that we say that it is in middling. Certain amount of motion blur is contributed by panning and there is more amount of compression artefacts than anyone would like. Colour is reproducible and the fixed focus deals well with movement.

During the low light performance you will be able to notice a lot of noise and less detailed picture in dark areas, with high lights drifted out by high contrast light sources.

Editing and Sharing:

A special software on a bundled CD called HD-DV Decoder has also been included in the pack, to alleviate import and editing of clips on Windows/Vista PCs. For a full-screen playback .MOV can be opened in Quick time or it can also be imported into I-movie HD for extra work outs and then export to any PC as you desire. The ability of opening the files in other video applications relies their compatibility to work with AVC H.264 clips. It is worth noting down that Youtube will believe such clips without any trouble, so browsing and watching your movies can be done directly and the whole process is made much easier.

Battery:

The battery of Aiptek AHD200 High Definition Camcorder is selected to compliment its impressive storage capacity. The AHD200 uses the new-generation H-Series Info LITHIUM ION battery having incredible stamina delivering up to 10 hours continuous shooting from a single charge. The power supply of AHD200 is NP-60 1000 mAH Li-Ion battery (3,7V).

Warranty:

Aiptek AHD200 High Definition Camcorder is provided with one year limited warranty for parts and labour.

Verdict:

Barely Aiptek AHD200 Camcorder is a high definition camcorder. Just sticking a HD sticker on every gadget became today’s latest fashion even though it will not satisfy it. The particular new device does not even vie with entry level camcorders of various manufacturers like Sony or Canon in image quality and other features that are not even featured on it. The design of device and way of using the buttons is very simple and affordable. But image quality cannot be said as excellent. However one may worry that image quality is prior to simplicity and affordability. But it can be called as budget high definition camcorder. At the price this camcorder is available; you will find many camcorders from its competitors with a better set of features and picture quality too. If you are on a strict budget and need an affordable camcorder then Aiptek AHD200 is a decent shooter for a casual holiday trip or for a video newcomer.

And on the positive side, the AHD200 provides very decent HD video shots. It is very good in doing animations, motion graphics stuff and also in editing offline jobs. It is better to use the camcorder in DVD mode rather than HD mode because it saves the battery and also the SD card memory. It is a nice, light, handy and portable camcorder which is very easy to carry over belt and also you will be fond of the camcorder turning on just by flipping the screen and you are in recording mode in seconds. Finally, for the question that we had raised in the introduction of the review, the answer is that, though it does not offer you with more than what you pay for, the camcorder justifies its price tag.

Check other Sanyo Camcorder Reviews, Toshiba Camcorder Reviews in our website.

Aiptek AHD200 Compact Size Camcorder – Specification Details

Manufacturer Aiptek International
Model Name Aiptek AHD200
Product type High Definition Camcorder
Dimensions (H x W x D) 73 x 120 x 34 mm
Recording Media Flash Memory
Number of CCDs 1
Sensor Type 5 mega-pixel CMOS sensor
Display Reversible 2.4″ TFT LCD display
Display Form Factor Rotating
Display Size 61 mm
Digital Video Format AVI
Camera Flash Built-in
Webcam Capability Yes
Colour Support Yes
Still Image Format JPEG
Remote Control Infrared
White balance presets Sunny, Cloudy, Fluorescent, Tungsten
Shooting programs Normal, Black & White, Classic
Supported Flash Memory up to 32GB SDHC Memory Card
Video Capture AVC (H264) performs 720p (1280 x 720) high definition
quality at 30fps
Integrated Memory up to 32GB
Screen resolution JPEG 2592 x 1944 pixels
Resolution ratio 4:3 ratio
Digital Still Camera Function Yes
Aperture F/3
Audio Input Type Microphone
Microphone Type Built-in
Recording Media SD Card
Connectivity 2 x USB interface
HDTV YUV-component-out (NTSC / PAL supported)
Operating System Support MS Windows XP, MS Windows 2000,
MS Windows Vista,
Apple Mac OS X 10.3,
Apple Mac OS X 10.4
Peripheral Devices USB port, CD-ROM drive, SVGA monitor
Battery Type Lithium Ion
Included Accessories AC adaptor, USB cable, component cable,
AV cable, hand strap, user’s guide
Wide screen viewing 16:9 video mode (frame rate)
Package Content PocketDV AHD200, Rechargeable Li-Ion Battery,
AC Adapter, USB Cable, Video Component Out Cable,
AV Cable, Remote Control, Hand Strap,
Application Software
Warranty 1 year

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