Aiptek Launches $300 Priced HD Video Camera

Aiptek, a company best known for its budget devices, is touting its new palm-sized camcorder that leaves that old standard definition behind and goes straight for HD. It might not be the dazzling 1080p, but after all, how many budget palm-sized HD video cameras have you seen?

The device is called GO-HD and it boasts a resolution of 720p, that's 1280x720 pixels, 16:9 aspect ratio and 30 frames per second. The video material is compressed with the H.264 codec, which allows for 4 hours of HD video clips to be recorded on an 8GB High Capacity SD.

Other features include a 3x Optical Zoom with Auto-Focus, one touch recording, a 270 degree Swivel-and reversible 2.4" TFT Color LCD Display.

Personally, I have nothing against AIPTEK, but their so-called Night Shot feature, "which enhances image quality in dark or low light settings (up to 4 feet) by utilizing built-in LED lights", is not something you'd want to use. I mean, you CAN use it, but just don't show the footage to anybody!

As most camcorders, the GO-HD is also able to work as a digital camera, the 5MP CMOS sensor allowing for still images to be recorded.

But the best part of the GO-HD camcorder is the $300 price tag, which makes it extremely affordable. However, if you think you don't need HD and you expect some underwater activities, you might want to take a look at the Sanyo Xacti E1, the first waterproof camcorder. This one won't record HD content, but it will compress SD content with the same H.264 codec. Unfortunately, it's $200 more expensive than the GO-HD.

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