Latest cheapo pocket camcorder: Aiptek/Evergreen DN-HDDV8000 for $170

We've seen a few of these cheap digital camcorders from the likes of Aiptek and Mustek before, but the DN-HDDV8000 (from Aiptek, being marketed in Japan by Evergreen) may be the first one to include a CF slot instead of an SD. That means you can store its cruddy 11fps video on a microdrive, giving you enough space to record about 10 years' worth of grainy, low-res flicks. Look, we can get the appeal of the mini-camcorder look. But seriously, if you want a pocket camcorder and don't want to spring for an Everio, why not just pick up a compact digicam? After all, most recent models have full 30fps VGA video, and you can actually get decent still pics as well. That's more than you'll ever get out of this thing. Selling now for ¥18,858 ($170).

[TZK @ Dec 19th 2005 1:36AM]

"may be the first one to include a CF slot instead of an SD. That means you can store its cruddy 11fps video on a microdrive, giving you enough space to record about 10 years� worth of grainy, low-res flicks."

Thats friggin hilarious! I agree with your idea of a digicam.. I got my Sony S40 just for that purpose. :)

Lost power here in Cambridge, MA a while ago - hows NY doing?

[OddManOut @ Dec 19th 2005 1:36AM]

Agreed. Most $100 digital cameras will give decent video (with sound). Not good enough for professional projects of course, but for catching people at their wost moment, or setting yourself up to get caught cheating on your spouse or significant other they'll do just fine AND provide provide decent still shots too...

[GregGrunge @ Dec 19th 2005 1:36AM]

My fiance has a camera from Aiptek, but I'd rather eat a booger before actually using it or any of the other products they offer.

*didn't say that i would... but that i would rather

[Mike B @ Dec 19th 2005 1:36AM]

I wish someone would put out a video recorder mid-way between the aiptek/mustek junk and the everio. And preferably one that took compact flash so we could use our own cards....like if we wanted to upgrade to a microdrive. What kind of resolution? I don't need DVD quality, but VHS quality would be nice. And 640X480@30fps would be nice too. But 11fps?? LOL. Sure, I like the everio but I just can't justify the cost, whereas a medium-quality video camera w/ fast "on" would be very useful. Oh, and get rid of the "jerkies" too (isn't that just a processor issue if you're doing 30fps??) After the comments on this item, I guess I'll keep waiting.

[wafwaf @ Dec 19th 2005 1:36AM]

Mike B.,

I've been looking for a solid state video camera for a long time. These aipteks are maybe better than video delivered by a mobile phone. But they are just terrible. They do not only have bad video quality, they also eat batteries.
Just buy yourself a casio exilim pro-ex 550. For 500$/500 Euro, it delivers vhs quality video. Look on casio's website for samples.

[OddManOut @ Dec 19th 2005 1:36AM]

Mike B

Is a Sanyo Xacti C5 out of the question ?

http://www.sanyo-dsc.com/english/products/vpc_c5/movies.html
http://www.steves-digicams.com/2005_reviews/c5.html

[Davi @ Dec 19th 2005 1:36AM]

I've got a HDDV8000. It's the kind of camera to make low quality video clips to send your friends and relatives. The only good thing is that it's got a CCD sensor wich allows you to tape in poor light environments.