Is there such a thing as a 720/1080p Camcorder powered by AA's?

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Podcast Bob
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Joined: Jul 30 2008

I'm probably doing various outdoor hiking, sports type trips and need to record them to make some short Hi Def video clips product reviews.

However as I will be away from power for sometime and chargers and all the cables associated with that (I'm carrying everything for a few weeks on end), I could do with a camcorder (or still camera) which records to 16:9 at PAL and powered by AA's which I can pick up easily.

Any suggestions folks?

Thanks

Bob

Graham Risdon
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Joined: Dec 29 2004
Pov Hd

Hi Bob
Try the POV HD minicam. It shoots 1080P / 720P, runs off 4 x AA batteries and is fully waterproof - comes with various mounts as well..

http://www.dogcamsport.co.uk/POV.HD.html

I've had the SD one for a while and have just got the HD version... pretty good results... take plenty of AAs though!

Hope this helps...

johnd
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Joined: Mar 8 2009

I've got a Pentax K-r DSLR and it shoots 720p and can use AA batteries using an optional adaptor (the battery compartment is oversized for this). Strangely the adaptor is optional and costs about £25-30.
Pentax could have supplied this as standard like Sony used to do with a similar unit with their Hi8 camcorders years ago.

steve
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Joined: Apr 8 1999

Almost any SLR that will take video can be fitted with a Battery Grip. Most of those come with two battery trays, one for one or two camera batteries and the other for (usually) 6 x AA batteries.

Here's the one for the Canon 550D:

http://www.warehouseexpress.com/buy-canon-bg-e8-battery-grip-for-eos-550d/p1519471

Steve

Podcast Bob
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Joined: Jul 30 2008

Thanks guys but the options so far appear to be getting more expensive, bigger and heavier, when I'm trying to go simple and ideally lighter.

I've just ordered a Veho Kuzo HD Flip Camcorder, which although lacking in many features, it is small, light, runs off to AA's and I can destroy it without worry.

It does mean I'll have to lock off each shot, (which is fine) and not try and do anything too clever, however if I also carry a small MP3 recorder as I intend to anyway, I can capture stereo sound and sync it up later.

When you are up in the mountains and the weather is shite, the last thing you want to do is get bulky (flip out screen) type gear and fiddle with little buttons. I can keep this attached to the shoulder harness in a plastic bag and then use it as I need to, to set the scene.

I'm also doing a commercial shoot next week with my JVC, and it'll be interesting to leave this locked off somewhere high and use it as cut aways. I have no idea what the features offer, but for £40 and being .mov hi-def compatible I'm sure I can find a use for it.

mooblie
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Joined: Apr 27 2001

Do check that you (and your intended final use) are OK with 30fps (only).

Martin - DVdoctor in moderation. Everyone is entitled to my opinion.

Alan Roberts
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Joined: May 3 1999

Talking of taking cameras up mountains, I recall seeing a picture of an IMAX camera at a little over 20,000 feet on Everest. It was mounted on 2 tripods (one tripod of sufficient strength was too heavy for one Sherpa to carry), and you're worrying about the weight of a camera grip ? ;)

Get my test cards document, and cards for 625, 525, 720 and 1080. Thanks to Gavin Gration for hosting them.
Camera settings documents are held by Daniel Browning and at the EBU
My book, 'Circles of Confusion' is available here.
Also EBU Tech.3335 tells how to test cameras, and R.118 tells how to use the results.

Podcast Bob
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Joined: Jul 30 2008

Yes that may be an issue, however a quick convert in FCP will sort it.

Looking at a few of the products in their range I'm hoping it'll have more options than shown on the limited spec.

I'll let you know

steve
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Joined: Apr 8 1999

It says that the latest firmware does 1080p/25 and 720p50, so you would need to be sure that this fix works because 'a quick convert in FCP' will destroy whatever motion quality you may have. Real frame rate conversion requires software or hardware that does the job properly rather than a bolt-on feature in a commercial editor.

Steve

Podcast Bob
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Joined: Jul 30 2008

Thanks Steve, but can you point me in the direction of that firm wear information you have, as I can't find anything about it anywhere?

Cheers

Bob

steve
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Joined: Apr 8 1999

Yes, it's in the link that Graham Risdon posted above:

http://www.dogcamsport.co.uk/POV.HD.html

in paragraph 8.

Steve

Podcast Bob
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Joined: Jul 30 2008

Thanks for all the feedback and for those who want more info regarding the Veho Kuzo HD Flip Camcorder I can conclude as follows.

Yes it runs off AA's however in 16:9 it only does 30fps and will record for approx 25 mins before the batteries go flat.

In the next resolution down (D1) they will last for 2.5 hours.

Either way good for messing about with and nothing else.

So the search continues ... I am needing fairly urgently a (water resistant if possible) cheap, HD SD Camcorder which has fair battery life for a 2 week hiking trip across Scotland, where I'll be making a series of podcasts.

I will have recharging possibilities every 3 days, but something small light, PAL and FCP friendly would be nice?

Any suggestions from the current selection of offerings appreciated.

NB: I do have my proper gear and a HD camcorder which work well, but they are too heavy and suffer from freezing when the HD gets a little shaken. So it must be lower power drain and SD based.

perproductions
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Joined: Jan 2 2008

What about the Go Pro? Im not sure on the specs and battery situation but worth a look i would of thought..

http://gopro.com/

Dave Jervis
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Joined: Feb 21 2006

Bob, I can see the drawbacks of the Veho Kuzo HD Flip Camcorder, but what is the problem with the dogcam POV HD.... is it just too expensive?
dave

Podcast Bob
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Joined: Jul 30 2008

Yes Dave it is really, sadly.

I've just been chatting to the guys from Action Cameras about the drift HD170 Stealth Cam.

And although it seems to have merit, being PAL and fairly tough, it does have limits, mono audio, specialist mic socket, limited manual controls etc.

Looks sexy as hell though ;-)

By the time you buy the cam, the extra battery, the charger I guess you are looking at £400.

One option would be to obtain a standard HD domestic camcorder and butcher another power lead and make up a AA battery pack from Maplins.

My confusion now is there are so many to choose from in the market, as to which one is best for PAL use. So many seem to be 60fps only, which is odd.